Pikes Peak Opera League to Host 'Buckaroo BBQ' to Support Education Programs

Pikes Peak Opera League announces a special fundraising event for the whole family, "Buckaroo BBQ" to help support Opera Theatre of the Rockies' fifteenth summer Vocal Arts Festival and Young Artists Intensive Training Program. The League is most excited to be hosting a family-fun event this year to kick off the renowned Festival. And it is sure to please people of all ages. The "Buckaroo BBQ" is set for Friday evening, July 8, 2016starting at 5 pm at Gold Hill Mesa, on south Raven Mine Drive off Lower Gold Camp Road. At 5:00 PM, there will be an Old West dress-up photo booth. Games for kids and adults will be ongoing throughout the evening. They include a rattle snake toss (no worries, they're not real), "balls in the bucket" and "ducks in the water" for the young 'uns and some craft projects as well. There's a "most unusual cowboy hat contest" for both children and adults. Prepare your hat at home or decorate it at the crafts table. Adults can take a chance at the "wine pull."

At 6:00 PM, there will be a special "horse-opera" puppet show. A scrumptious BBQ dinner will be served at around 6:30 pm. Wine and beer will be available. A special western music performance to follow dinner. Weather permitting, most activities will be held outside with some lawn tents provided. The Opera League has hosted a kick-off event for the Vocal Arts Festival for several years now, but this is the first time that it is a true family fun night. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, July 5 by sending a check made out to Pikes Peak Opera League (PPOL) c/o Nancy Daly, 1016 Saturn Drive, Colorado Springs Co 80905, or by calling 719-635-7087. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for students. Children 10 & under are free. No family package will exceed $75.

The Vocal Arts Festival and Young Artists Intensive Training Program is held at Colorado College and is set this year from July 10-24. Singers, ranging in age from middle school through post-college/young professionals, come from across Colorado and the US to receive professional vocal coaching and training in dance, movement and acting from expert faculty. They gain much-needed stage experience, performing three scenes concerts that are open to the public. This year the dates on Sunday, July 17 at 3 PM; Wednesday, July 20 at 7 pm and Sunday, July 24 at 3 PM. All three scenes concerts feature Festival participants along with guest artists in excerpts from opera and musical theater and are held at Packard Hall, Colorado College. For Vocal Arts Festival tickets, visit www.operatheatreoftherockies.org or call Opera Theatre's ticket line, 719-646-3127. Tickets range in cost from $10 for students to $50 for a Vocal Arts Premium Pass.

This is the 37th anniversary year for Pikes Peak Opera League in Colorado Springs. It is an active and strong organization that supports the art form of opera in Southern Colorado. Its mission is to support singers in opera and musical theater. It also presents a Young Voice Competition for young high school singers each spring.

League meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month except January, July and August at 9:30 AM, rotating at three different city locations. A performance of opera-related music is presented by professional artists at every meeting, and other fundraising events held year-round. The members pay $40 annual dues and enjoy many social occasions, special events and wonderful concerts. The organizations' volunteers are dedicated and energized. If you are interested in joining the League, please call its president, Nancy Daly at 719-635-7087.