'Laser Spectacular' and 'Red Dirt Country' visit Clovis

The annual Clovis Music Festival kicks off a three-night run Thursday with a “Spectacular” show. That’s what it’s called: the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular.

“Pink Floyd music is off the charts. Nobody has ever duplicated them. The show name is probably exactly what it’s going to be -- spectacular,” said Robyn Snowberger, chair of the festival’s executive board.

Snowberger said all three nights feature acts for the entire family.

The Laser Spectacular begins at 7 p.m. Thursday. Micky and The Motorcars open for Kip Moore starting at 7 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Bowling for Soup comes out at 7 p.m., followed by the Gin Blossoms.

“This is something different here in Clovis,” said Kim Tipton, events coordinator for the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

“These acts usually play in major cities.”

Tipton credited Events Center General Manger K.C. Messick for finding Thursday’s headliner. Messick described it as a “pretty awesome laser light show.”

Messick also had high praise for Friday’s opening act.

“Micky and The Motorcars are Red Dirt Country. They’re pretty awesome, great guys, put on a heck of a show,” Messick said.

Messick said the band is from Idaho “but they’re based out of Austin, Texas now.”

Tipton described Moore as a “multi-platinum singer songwriter.”

“People like Moore don’t show up in Clovis everyday,” Tipton said.

Snowberger expects Moore to “draw a big crowd.”

“He really plays to Red Dirt Country fans,” Snowberger said.

Some of Moore’s hit singles are “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck,” “She’s Mine,” “Hearts Desire,” “Hey Old Lover,” and “If I was Your Lover.”

Tipton has been to a Bowling for Soup concert.

“It was in Lubbock. I loved it. It was a great show, so I’m really excited to see what they do here,” Tipton said.

Messick said Bowling for Soup is one of those bands you see live “that sounds totally different than what you hear on the radio.”

“I’ve heard nothing but exceptional ratings on their live show,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a good crowd. We have people coming from all over to see them.”

Bowling for Soup’s hit singles include “Ohio (Come Back to Texas),” “Almost,” and “1985.”

“As for Gin Blossoms and Bowling for Soup, even my 19 and 20-year- old grandchildren know who these groups are. Tik Tok has done much to revitalize their careers,” Snowberger said.

Messick described Gin Blossoms as “that late ’90s early 2000s ‘cool rock.’”

“It’s the music they were playing on the radio when I was in high school. It’s the kind of music we really haven’t had here before,” Messick said.

Some of Gin Blossoms hit songs are “Found Out About You,” “Til I Hear it From You,” and “Follow you Down.”

Tipton said the festival’s acts are chosen by committee and budget.

“I don’t know if people really understand how much it costs to bring acts here. Not only do we have to pay them, but we have to pay for everything behind the scenes: Hotel rooms, required riders on their contracts, meals and more,” Tipton said.

“When we put on events we hope the community will support it.

When area residents support local events we can bring larger acts in following year.”

Snowberger said tickets are available at the Chamber and online at clovismusicfestival.com . Tickets are also available at the Chamber office at 105 E. Grand Ave. and at the Events Center box office.

Prices range from $45 to $65 each night.

Snowberger reminded festival-goers of the closure of the Prince Street overpass.

“Be sure to use the Norris Street crossing or Hull Street overpass to get to the events center,” she said.