Local entertainment on tap

The curtains are opening and instruments are tuning up this fall in Clovis and Portales.

As is tradition, Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University are both offering performing arts series open to the public.

At Eastern New Mexico University, so many performances of various kinds will be taking place between now and the holiday season that the university promotes it all in one fell sweep. The Fine Arts Calendar of Events features 19 shows or exhibits in a wide range of performance types.

This week, two ENMU theatre majors are showcasing one-act plays they developed over the summer. The plays, one each from seniors Samantha Fields and Amber Glasgow, will take place through Sept. 27 at the University Theatre Center.

“They’re about 40 minutes in length. We wanted them to write plays in one act, and we did not dictate their subject matter — that was up to them,” said Janeice Scarbrough, chairwoman of the Theatre and Dance Department. “I think they’re great. I think they’ve done a lot of work. The first time I heard both (plays) was in the summer, and they have both changed immensely since them.”

Also on tap from the theatre department is “Crimes of the Heart,” a production that will take place in October, and a Musical Theatre Revue on Oct. 2-3, which Scarbrough said will highlight ENMU’s 75th anniversary by showcasing 1930s material.

The Art Department was also active this week with a ceramic exhibit at Runnels Gallery, located inside Eastern’s Golden Library.

Pieces from art teachers at colleges throughout New Mexico are on display, and the week will wrap up with a reception Sept. 25 and ceramics workshops Sept. 26.

Three more exhibits from ENMU arts students are scheduled for the remainder of the semester.

ENMU’s music students and faculty members will stage a variety of recitals throughout the fall, but it’s the bigger group performances that generally garner more attention.

Now, while many Eastern students are involved in marching band activities, many of the same musicians are rehearsing for a Wind Symphony concert on Oct. 4. Also on the agenda is a Big Band Dance on Nov. 14, a University Brass Choir concert on Nov. 17 and the annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 4.

“The large ensemble concerts are very exciting and involve almost everyone,” Seifert said. “There’s something for everyone on that calendar.”

CCC is planning its ninth year of bringing the world to Clovis. The college’s Cultural Arts Series begins with a concert Saturday commemorating the Beatles.

Cultural Art Director Christy Mendoza said she looks for variety when scheduling acts for the series.

“We say we’re bringing the world to you so we want to bring a little bit of everything,” Mendoza said.

The schedule includes dance events, swing, mariachi, Broadway, opera, classical and other genres of music.

Mendoza said the series is a gift from the college to the community. She said local sponsors and season ticket holders make the series possible.

“The series fills a need and a void that we have out here,” Mendoza said. “Unless you can drive off to Albuquerque or Lubbock or wherever, you won’t be able to see the things we’re bringing here. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the big things they have in bigger cities.”

The opening event is Yesterday — A Tribute to the Beatles. The show recreates the historic performances of the Beatles from the early years to the Sergeant Pepper era and on.