First Spencer Wine & Brew Festival Set for Today

Celebrating the vast grape growing and wine producing industry in southern New Mexico, as well as the state's booming microbrews, the Spencer unveils the first Spencer Wine & Brew Festival at the theater on Saturday, July 5 from 2 p.m.- 9 p.m. Various wineries and breweries will provide pours at booths set throughout the hall and arts & crafts vendors will also be on site, as will a selection of edibles including gourmet sliders & sides, fruit & cheese plates will be available for purchase. Live jazz music performed by the sizzling ensemble Straight Up Jazz of Albuquerque, and Spanish guitar with area favorite Tomás Vigil, also sets the mood for a day of popping good fun.

Event tickets are just $20 in advance, $25 the day of the festival, and are available at the Spencer Theater Box Office. Call 575.336.4800 or visit spencertheater.com for tickets and information.

Patrons attending the festival will be gifted a souvenir tasting glass upon entering the hall. Thereafter, the space is yours to roam! Wine booths will be located on both levels of the Crystal Lobby, in the Founders Room and on the theater's 5,000 square-foot state-of-the-art performance stage. Various artists will also be displaying their arts & crafts in and around the wine & beer booths, as will the slider sandwiches, fruit and cheeses and other food items, and the live music will keep the rhythm throughout.

Next up at the Spencer:

Missoula Children's Theatre's "Blackbeard The Pirate" - Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. ($10 for children, $18 adults). Approximately 50 children, ages 6-16, will be needed for the musical's various parts. Auditions set for Monday, July 7 at 9 a.m. No experience necessary. Weeklong theatre workshop is free; sponsored by Ruidoso Ford. For information, call 575.336.4800.

Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers - Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). Original piano pumpin' rhythms with inspired swagger honoring the performance traditions of Lipinsky's heroes Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley. Together with Lance (the star of the hit Tony-winning musical "Million Dollar Quartet"), this explosive "retro revival" concert includes the rockabilly Lovers on drums, bass and guitar. Pre-show pot roast lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Ottmar Liebert - Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). This Platinum selling guitarist, who created the genre of nouveau flamenco with his sizzling, sensuous tune Barcelona Nights, is a true icon among contemporary guitarists. His multi-instrumental acoustic band Luna Negra joins him. His concert is preceded by a 5 p.m. Master's Class. RSVP for the class (limited to first 50) when purchasing a show ticket.

Spencer Speakeasy Party: A Roaring '20s Dinner & Dance - Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. ($110). Costumes are optional at this Flapper party, but dressing á la mode makes for a whole lot of fun! Enjoy a scrumptious steak and lobster dinner on stage, speakeasy drinks, and dancing to the big band jazz of The Capones, a septet of horns and percussion together with sultry female vocals.

Lee Greenwood - Saturday, August 2 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76) This award-winning "God Bless The USA" singer/songwriter also won distinction for 19 Top Ten country hits like "I.O.U." "Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands" and "Somebody's Gonna Love You." Sponsored by Kay Bird & Sandy Erwin.

The Shirelles starring Beverly Lee - Saturday August 9 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76). The sweet harmonies and sassy spirit of this historic vocal group shines forth in Doo Wop, Rhythm & Blues and smooth uptown Soul hits like "Dedicated To The One I Love," "Mama Said," "Soldier Boy," and "Sha La La." Starring group original Beverly Lee, The Shirelles are sponsored by Lynn & Bruce Morgan.

Don McLean - Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Legendary singer & songwriter of "American Pie," "Vincent," and "Castles In The Air," Don McLean is a true American troubadour, a master of "spirituality in rhythm and verse." He's joined by his multi-instrumental band for a night of folk-rock anthems.

Pat Green, Texas Country - Thursday, August 21 & Friday, August 22 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). The Grammy-nominated hit maker, whose tunes "Wave On Wave" & "Take Me Out Dancing" is an ace songwriter with upbeat vocal stylings and a bit of Rock and Blues in his Country mix. Green will be joined at the Spencer by his five man band. Sponsored by The R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation.

Brass Transit, The Music of Chicago - Saturday, August 30 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Featuring a world-class horn section, rocking rhythm section and sky-high vocals, Brass Transit takes us to a more freewheeling era with the many Jazz-Rock hits of Chicago with classics like "Saturday In The Park," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" and "Wishing You Were Here." Brass Transit features some of Canada's most-in-demand musicians and the group won endorsement by Chicago for its true sound and integrity. Enjoy their soaring vocals and spot-on instrumentals with multiple woodwinds, bass and drums.

For more season information and show, event & buffet tickets, please visit www.spencertheater.com or call 575.336.4800.

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 (575) 336-4800 or toll free at 888.818.7872.

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