Courtesy/LPAS
Lensic Performing Arts Center News:
The Lensic Performing Arts Center introduces its newest education program this October: the Rural Arts Initiative. For the Initiative’s first iteration, the Lensic is presenting free workshops and performances with Las Cafeteras in Pecos, Ranchos de Taos, Taos, Las Vegas, El Rito, and Ojo Caliente, as well as Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
While the Lensic has established itself as one of the largest arts education providers in the state, working primarily with students in Santa Fe, the Rural Arts Initiative marks the first time the Lensic is bringing its in-person performing arts education programs to Pecos, Ranchos de Taos, Las Vegas, El Rito, and Ojo Caliente. The program will host six student matinees and three community workshops in partnership with Working Classroom, Las Cumbres Community Services, and Highlands University.
In addition to the in-school programs and community workshops, the Lensic will also present two free community concerts by Las Cafeteras as part of the initiative: Oct. 24 in Taos at DALEEE KTAOS and Oct. 25 in Las Vegas at Serf Historic Theatre. These free community concerts for all ages will present Vivan Los Muertos, a celebration of the rich traditions, folklore, and art of Día de los Muertos. Vivan Los Muertos features music, dance, poetry, and costumes from their full-stage production Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead Show. Audiences are encouraged to register for tickets at lensic.org.
East Los Angeles band Las Cafeteras remix roots music as modern-day troubadours. Their music mixes Afro-Mexican, Son jarocho, americana, rock, soul, and hip-hop. In addition to their concert performances, Las Cafeteras host workshops and education programs.
While not part of the Rural Arts Initiative, Las Cafeteras’ full-stage musical, Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead Show, will be presented in ticketed concerts at the KiMo Theatre on October 19 and the Lensic on Oct. 28. Tickets for Albuquerque are available here, and tickets for Santa Fe are available here.
The Lensic serves approximately 13,000 K-12 students annually with free arts education programs that engage and inspire, support school curriculum, encourage creativity and creative thinking, introduce careers, and provide hands-on training. We reach students with limited access to the arts, including those from low-income families, at-risk youth, and students with autism/developmental delays. Learn more about the Lensic’s arts education programs here.