Ben Folds, Margarita Festival among this week's entertainment

Ben Folds on tour, visits Amarillo Aug. 8

Ben Folds brings his Paper Airplane Request Tour to Amarillo on Thursday, Aug. 8. The show is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

Emmy-nominated, multi-platinum selling music artist Ben Folds announced the return of his popular “Paper Airplane Request Tour,” as he performed solo shows across the US starting May 30. What initially began years ago as a request for songs as encores will once again be a central element in Folds’ shows when he engages audiences to make their song requests via paper airplanes. “It’s the purest, most low-tech form of engagement that creates a special bond with my audiences,” Folds said.

"Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation," a concert announcement notes. The singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums and collaborative records. Folds, whose most recent album is titled “What Matters Most,” has been in studio in recent months working on his first holiday album targeted for release later this year.

Tickets can be purchased online at panhandletickets.com, in person at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex box office, by phone (806) 378-3096, and participating area United Supermarkets.

AMoA hosts free Family Day on Aug. 10

Join the Amarillo Museum of Art for an afternoon of fun for the whole family on Family Day, Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come celebrate community, art, and summer with both indoor and outdoor activities such as live music by Mike Fuller, yard games, face painting, and hands-on art activities. Inspired by artworks from the AMoA’s summer exhibition, art activities will include screen printing a Cadillac Ranch inspired tote bag and a Swoon inspired collage among others. Outdoor activities will also include events from our partners, Little Bee’s Playhouse and The Beatnik Photo Camper as well as additional hands on art making.

Free disposable cameras will be provided to the first 200 attendees and families will enjoy a gallery hunt through the museum with prizes. In addition to the free Family Day events, lunch and snow cones will be available for purchase from The Brunch Truck and Kona Ice.

The museum is located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).

Amarillo Margarita Festival to be held at Starlight Ranch

The Amarillo Margarita Festival is set to take place 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Starlight Ranch. Along with the chance to sample 10+ margaritas from all around the Texas Panhandle, attendees can also enjoy lucha libre wrestling, taco trucks, face painting, music by a Foo Fighters tribute, a chihuahua beauty pageant and more.

For more information and tickets, visit starlightranch.com or follow them on Facebook.

Candlelight Concerts to offer performances in Amarillo Aug. 8, Oct. 30

Amarillo audiences can enjoy live instrumental music by candlelight - as in thousands of candles - during four upcoming performances in Amarillo.

Candlelight Concerts invites a broader audience that might have never considered a classical music concert before to connect with the most iconic pieces of the greatest composers and listen to the top hits of well-known artists in a different way.

First up is Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More, to be staged at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Amarillo Little Theatre. Then at 8:30 p.m., the music turns to Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at the ALT venue. On Oct. 30, Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics will be offered at 6 p.m. at Amarillo Little Theatre, followed by Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings, at 8:30 p.m.

Candlelight Concerts are "a series of original music concerts created by Fever aimed at democratizing the access to classical music," a news release states. "This innovative format represents a unique live musical experience through a varied offer of programs to meet all tastes, played by local musicians, in emblematic venues, with the space and performers illuminated by thousands of candles."

Tickets can be purchased online at https://feverup.com/en/amarillo.

ALT presents 'The Drowning Girls' starting Aug. 11

Amarillo Little Theatre will host its latest production, "The Drowning Girls," Aug. 15-25 at the ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle.

"The Drowning Girls" brings true crime to the stage where the playwrights have beautifully balanced the dark content of the story with a strong sense of humor. At the turn of the 20th century, Bessie, Alice and Margaret have two things in common: they are married to George Joseph Smith, and they are dead. Surfacing from the bathtubs they were drowned in, the three breathless brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. Reflecting on the misconceptions of love, married life and the not-so-happily ever after, "The Drowning Girls" is full of rich images, a myriad of characters, a quirky sense of humor and lyrical language.

ALT's cast includes Ashley Fithen as Bessie, Gemma Harris as Margaret and Zoë Parrish as Alice. This award winning drama is being directed by Jo Smith with Carla Fristoe serving as assistant to the director. This production is rated PG-13 (13+).

The Ovation Series Talk Back Event, immediately follows the Sunday, Aug. 18 performance. The box office opens to the public on Monday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. Show times are Thursday, Aug. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17 and Aug. 23-24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 18 and 25 at 2:30 p.m. To reserve tickets by phone, call (806) 355-9991 or go online to www.tickets.amarillolittletheatre.org .

AMoA exhibits continue through part of August

Multiple ongoing exhibits at the Amarillo Museum of Art will be closing this month. Two exhibtions, "Photography is Art" and "SWOON," are set to run through Aug. 11. "Cadillac Ranch at 50" is set to be on display through Aug. 25 at the museum, located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College.

"Photography is Art" was originally organized by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art with objects from its expansive photography collection. The artworks tell a story of American photographers’ efforts, from the late nineteenth century on, to explore and proclaim photography’s artfulness. "SWOON" features the work of Caledonia Curry, a Brooklyn-based artist who took to the streets of New York while attending the Pratt Institute of Art in 1999. "Cadillac Ranch at 50" features Wyatt McSpadden's photography chronicling the evolution of the Amarillo landmark, which was originally a unique art installation by the Ant Farm art collective.

Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).

Cinergy offering special events, deals, more in August

Cinergy Entertainment Group has shared its August lineup of special events, promotions, and deals that audiences won't want to miss.

Upcoming movies and programming events include free movie tickets for teachers Aug. 5-9, the last showing for Cinergy’s Kids Summer Series on Aug. 8, a Slasher Series feature night Aug. 17 for "Alien: Romulus" with trivia and swag, an Inspirational Film Series on Aug. 23 for "The Forge" and a sensory-friendly screening of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" on Aug. 24.

The game of the month is bowling. On Aug. 10, National Bowling Day, Elite Plus Members will get free bowling shoes. Movie premieres include (Aug. 9) "Borderlands," "Fire Inside" and "It Ends With Us"; (Aug. 16) "Aliens: Romulus"; (Aug. 23) "The Forge," "Blink Twice," and "The Crow" and (Aug. 30) "Afraid." Movies, dates, and titles vary by location, so be sure to check your local theater schedule at https://www.cinergy.com/specials.

Starlight Ranch hosting concerts, tribute band, festivals throughout its season

The Starlight Ranch Event Center, located at 1415 Sunrise Dr., has a full lineup of concerts and festivals in the works as summer transitions into the fall months. Among performers and events listed on their website are a Linkin Park tribute band (In The End - Aug. 23), the toadies (Aug. 31), Neal McCoy (Oct. 4), Shane Smith and the Saints (Oct. 11), the rescheduled Calf Fry Festival (Oct. 12), Paul Wall with special guest Chalie Boy (Oct. 25), Wade Bowen (Oct. 26), and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website, https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/ , follow them on Facebook or call 806-372-6000.

Amarillo Foam Fest to blast off Aug. 24

Get ready to coll off with the Amarillo Foam Fest on Aug. 24 at the Starlight Ranch Event Center. Sponsored by 806 Foam Parties, the fun and family friendly party for kiddos of all ages will feature mountains of foam, bouncy houses, face painters, DJs, food trucks from around the Texas Panhandle and more.

Tickets start at $10 and are on sale online at https://tinyurl.com/FoamFestSL .

2024 Friends of Fogelberg concert to be held Sept. 6

Tickets went on sale Friday for the 2024 Friends of Fogelberg benefit concert. Friends of Fogelberg XIV: Dan & Rockin' The 70s is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at panhandletickets.com, any participating United Supermarkets location and the Civic Center Box Office.

Friends of Fogelberg is a tribute concert in Amarillo, Texas to honor the late musician, Dan Fogelberg, who lost his life to prostate cancer in 2007. This year's concert will be co-hosted by Doppler Dave Oliver, Stephen Cost, and Dr. David Wilhelm of Amarillo Urology. Amarillo natives Jim Wilson and Billy Stull will be featured as special guests.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation. A free prostate cancer screening for men ages 45 and older will be offered 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 7 at Amarillo Urology Associates, 1900 Medi Park Dr.

Celebrate America at Hodgetown with fireworks, food, and fun Sept. 7

Celebrate America and salute veterans at Hodgetown from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, with fireworks, food, music and fun.

The Amarillo Symphony will be performing a selection of patriotic classics, film scores, previews of the Symphony’s 2024-25 season, beloved American favorites and a grand finale with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display that will light up the night sky.

VIP Tables are available on a limited basis; call the Amarillo Symphony office at 806-376-8782. Hospitality options include Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information, call 806-803-7762 or email groups@sodpoodles.com.

Magic of Motown to take the stage in Civic Center Sept. 7

Moxie Presents The Magic of Motown will begin its Amarillo show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium.

The Motowners show is a tribute to the many artists and songs from the Motown years. Attendees can expect to hear hits by the Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit panhandletickets.com .

True Story Art Show to be on exhibit Sept. 12 at Starlight Ranch

Join Family Support Services for the Freedom in the 806 Coalition True Story Art Show at Starlight Ranch, set for 7-9 p.m. Sept. 12.

The art exhibit aims bring awareness to human trafficking, and the event will feature art as well as speakers, music, food trucks and more. The nonprofit organization is currently accepting art submissions from all skill levels, novice to professional. For questions, contact Azelin Roberts at azroberts@fss-ama.org or Kimber Thompson at klthompson1978@gmail.com.

Live Dead and Brothers to perform in Amarillo Sept. 20

Live Dead and Brothers is set to take the audience through the golden era of psychedelic blues and the seeds of the ‘jam band’ scene on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Comprised of actual and legacy members from the extended Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers families, the ensemble is set to revive the timeless magic of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The lineup features Les Dudek from The Allman Brothers, original Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten, Berry Duane Oakley from The Allman Betts Band, Mark Karan from Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Scott Guberman from Phil Lesh & Friends, and Pete Lavezzoli from Oteil & Friends. Together, these accomplished musicians recreate the magic of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band’s co-billed concerts during the period of 1969 to 1973.

Live Dead and Brothers invites fans, both old and new, to come together and relive the vibrant, transformative spirit of the 60s and 70s. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers or discovering their magic for the first time, this is a live music experience that transcends generations.

Tickets can be purchased online at panhandletickets.com, in person at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex box office, by phone (806) 378-3096, and participating area United Supermarkets.

Hoodoo Mural Festival to fill downtown with art, live music Sept. 28

Take in music and art as it unfolds during the annual Hoodoo Mural Festival, set for Sept. 28 in downtown Amarillo. Festivities for the fifth-year celebration begin at 3 p.m. at 501 S. Polk St. This year's headliners are DRAMA and Drew Merritt.

The outdoor festival celebrates the completion of an urban beautification project each fall created in partnership between local business owners and mural artists from across the U.S., while hosting music performances by talented acts from Amarillo and beyond.

The extensive lineup includes, on the music side, Sir Woman, The Texas Gentlemen, Pedal Steel Noah, West Texas Exiles, Sober, DJ Cassandra, Ri Wolf, Chill Son, DJ Roro, Tia Marie and Bomb City Sounds. On the mural art side, among other featured artists are Hiero, Lauren Ys, Medianeras, Osiris Rain, Koco Collab, Uloang, Sam Lao, Matt Tumlinson, Malcolm Byers and Eric Karberling.

Other Hoodoo participants include Jadeisms, Gabrielle Bivins, Murphy, Irving Perez, Blank Spaces, Nikki Casias, Spicy Haele, Kamden Slough and Zoey Nelson, as well as more music by Curtscendo, Sleepyboi, DJ Gemini, Mix Master Mark, DJ Lowp.

Those 10 and younger get in free; VIP and general admission tickets are on sale now. The event is presented by the Hoodoo Art Foundation. For more information, visit https://www.hoodoomural.com/ .

Cottonwood Faire set for Oct. 12-13 in Thompson Park

Friends and family can enjoy merriment of the medieval kind in Amarillo in October. The Cottonwood Faire Renaissance festival returns to Thompson Park on Oct. 12 and 13, presented by Fandom Events.

Festivities include food and drink, vendors, games, costumes and cosplay, a Strongman Competition, a royal court, theater, dancing and musical performances, live action roleplay and much more. Look for the full schedule to be posted online in early October. Cottonwood Faire is located on the west side of the lake behind Wonderland, directly south of the dog park, according to its website, and the only entrance/exit will be the Castle Gate. Other entrances will be blocked off during the event. Parking will be available at Wonderland Park and the pool, with a courtesy shuttle available for those who need assistance.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, as well as booths, food truck spots and a link to volunteer forms, visit https://www.cottonwoodfaire.com/ .

Amarillo Symphony presents 'Symphony Spooktacular' concert for all ages Oct. 25

Get ready for a bewitching evening of music as the Amarillo Symphony joins forces with the WTAMU Orchestra and choirs from WTAMU and Canyon High School for "Symphony Spooktacular," a family-friendly Halloween concert on Friday, Oct. 25. Two performances will be held at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, at 6 and 8 p.m.

Thrill to hauntingly beautiful melodies from iconic soundtracks like "Harry Potter," "Skyrim," and "Halo," as well as other Halloween classics. The concert will also feature WTAMU student soloist Justin Williamson, recipient of the Eric Barry Vocal Competition. Come dressed in your most creative and spooky costumes and enjoy an immersive experience for the whole family. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (806) 376-8782.

Wrangler Women of Influence: Long Live Cowgirls! on display at AQHA through Nov. 23

The exhibition, Wrangler Women of Influence: Long Live Cowgirls!, is on display now through Nov. 23 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, located at 2601 East I-40 in Amarillo.

The exhibit is open each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is included in museum admission, which is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors age 55 and older, $5 for children ages 6-18 and $5 for veterans.

Sunset Marketown being held Saturdays at Arts in the Sunset

Arts in the Sunset is debuting a new summer market this year. Sunset Marketown hosts more than 50 local artisans and artists booths, selling a variety of handmade items including soap, baked goods, skincare products, paintings, pottery, and more.

Sunset Marketown will be open every from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the AJ Swope Performance Plaza. The market will continue every Saturday until Sept. 28. This market will run alongside the Golden Spread Farmers Market, which also takes place at Arts in the Sunset.

The Arts at WT subscription drive opens, with 6 exclusive events offered

CANYON — Memberships are available now for West Texas A&M University’s exclusive society of arts supporters. Now in its 15th year, The Arts at WT: A Subscription Series offers special access to the best that WT’s Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities has to offer.

Membership is $300 for two, which offers exclusive admission to six concerts, dance recitals, lectures and art exhibitions throughout the year, as well as access to private receptions, cocktail buffets and more. Individual memberships are $150. Subscriptions help provide funds for four endowed scholarships, for special events and for various purchases of equipment and supplies.

For information or to subscribe, visit The Arts at WT website or call 806-651-2777.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Ben Folds, Margarita Festival among this week's entertainment