Four Freshmen in Concert at Spencer Theater 6/10

In 1948, four young men created a sound that forever changed the way vocal jazz harmony was heard and performed. The Four Freshmen made their timeless mark by spreading their four voices through a complex range of five chords while also playing instruments, individually switching off and improvising - jazz style. With captivating renditions of "Mood Indigo," "Graduation Day," 'Poinciana" and "Angel Eyes," the group quickly saw their name advance as fans grooved on their lush falsettos and swelling tempos, an appeal that made scores of "Freshmen Fanatics" for eternity.

The Four Freshmen's utterly unique sound strongly influenced other vocal groups including Manhattan Transfer, Take 6 and The Beach Boys, and their lengthy albums allowed for their lush falsetto and swelling harmonies to flow into conceptual works - yet another first in the vocal jazz scene.

Now an astounding 60 years later and with more than two dozen hit albums to their credit, The Four Freshmen show they are forever fresh - with a few new faces - but also with their trademark sound of precise vocal unity and instrumental flare. The boys share those talents in concert at Spencer Theater on Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m., Excellent seats start at just $39. Call 575.336.4800 or visit www.spencertheater.com for tickets. A pre-show BBQ beef brisket ($20) is available at 6 p.m. The night's concert is sponsored in-part by Karen & Bill Armstrong.

Next up:

• "Taste of the Spencer" Fundraiser Saturday, June 17 at 6 p.m. ($65, all inclusive). Hearty evening of hors d'eourves (carving stations, et al), fine wines, and the live & silent auction of trips, antiques, vehicles, art, jewelry, tools, sporting packages, fine clothing, collectibles and more. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. Elegant fun!

• Reckless Kelly Friday, June 23 ($39-$59) Red Dirt, Texas country with original songs, introspective melodies and dynamic musicianship. The award-winning band of five is steeped in the Austin vibe. Sponsored in-part by Fusion Medical Spa. Chile Chicken Enchiladas & Rellenos Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

July Pops With A Sizzling Array On Stage:

• The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest Saturday, July 1 at 8 p.m. free; (reserved ticket required; presently waitlist only). Sponsored in-part by Susanne O'Malley & Tom Neudauer. Pecan Smoked Pork Rib Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• All HANDS ON DECK! Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $69). Based on Bob Hope's 1942 USO war time tour for troops, this charismatic revue features a cast of singers, dancers, entertainers and a 9-piece orchestra: Chattanooga Choo-Choo, I'm In The mood For Love, Don't Fence Me In, Thanks For The Memory, and more. Sponsored in-part by First National Bank. Southern Fried Chicken Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Missoula Children's Theatre's "The Tortoise Versus The Hare" Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m. ($10 for children, $18 adults). Approximately 50 to 60 children, ages 6-17, needed for the musical's various parts. Auditions: Monday, July 10 at 9 a.m. No experience necessary. Weeklong theatre workshop is free. For information, call 575.336.4800. Sponsored by Ruidoso Ford.

• 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Saturday, July 22 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $59). The best of the best in the world, the champion of this challenging quadrennial international piano competition shines in Spencer spotlights just a month after winning the Gold. Sponsored in-part by Lynda & Grady Shropshire. Lemon Piccata White Fish Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Shining A New Light On The Arts Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $59) An original juxtaposition of dramatic movement, classical singing and vigorous dance starring an international cast of singers and dancers (including Jackie Spencer's granddaughter Natalie Bancroft, the production's lead vocalist and artistic director), with music accompaniment by the Las Cruces Chamber Ensemble. Shrimp & Chicken Kebabs Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Crystal Gayle Saturday, August 5 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $89). The Grammy and CMA award winner showcases her crystalline vocals in her classic hits: Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, Cry Me A River, You, I Still Miss Someone, Don't Come Home a Drinking (With Lovin' on Your Mind) and more. Sponsored by Kay Bird, Sandy Erwin, Shirley Reed, Linda & Michael Stinson. Grilled Thin-Cut Pork Chops Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• The Lettermen Saturday, August 12 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $79). These pop harmony sensations claim 9 gold albums and scores of top singles: "The Way You Look Tonight," "Theme From A Summer Place," "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," and more.

Sponsored in-part by Rainmakers Golf Community. Austin Blue Smoked Pork Loin Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone Saturday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $89) British '60's pop-rock sensations: I'm Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter, I'm Henry VIII. Sponsored in-part by Rosemary & Rolla Hinkle III and Rainmakers. Angus Beef Green Chile Meatloaf Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Thursday & Friday, August 24 & 25 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $79). Country & Bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs, a 14-time Grammy Award winner, appears with his sizzling hot band Kentucky Thunder on mandolin, guitars, up-right bass, banjo, fiddles and beautifully blended vocals. Sponsored by the R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation.

• The Everly Brothers Experience featuring The Zmed Brothers

Saturday, September 2 at 8 p.m. ($39 & $69). Together with their band, the Zmed brothers create a genuine and youthful Everly Brothers Experience in spot-on performance of pivotal tunes: All I Have To Do Is Dream, Till I Kissed you, Wake Up Little Susie, Bye Bye Love, and more. Sponsored in-part by Beth & Frank Sayner. Baked Red Bird Chicken Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

The Spencer Theater is at 108 Spencer Road, Airport Highway 220, Alto, NM. Business hours are 9 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For tickets or information call the box office at (575) 336-4800 or toll free at 888.818.7872. Visit www.spencertheater.com.

Summer Season 2017 is sponsored in part by The Hugh Bancroft Jr. Foundation, Eleganté Lodge & Suites, KOBR Channel 8, MTD Media, Walton Stations of New Mexico with additional season support from, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso Ford-Lincoln, R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, Su Casa Magazine, Rainmakers Golf & Lifestyle Community, Comcast Spotlight, KEDU 102.3 FM Big Oldies, Burt Broadcasting, Carlsbad Radio, Majestic Communications, Ruidoso.net, and First National Bank of Ruidoso.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of midtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer's celebrated features. The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage. The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. Four permanent installations of Chihuly hand-blown glass further adorns the hall. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art. Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Donations are accepted!

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