SALA News:
The highly anticipated Oppenheimer Festival is rapidly approaching, set to commence Thursday, July 20. This extraordinary event, organized by the SALA Los Alamos Event Center, will immerse attendees in the remarkable life and contributions of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
With time running short, the SALA team is working tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for festival-goers. The Oppenheimer Festival is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and collaborators, who share our passion for celebrating Oppenheimer’s legacy.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CenturyBank, whose support has played a vital role in the renovation of the Hill Theater. Thanks to their contribution, we now have an extraordinary space to host our exhibits and provide an immersive experience for attendees.
We are also grateful to Compa for their sponsorship of the documentaries showcased during the festival. Their support enables us to offer these enlightening films to the public free of charge, allowing more people to engage with Oppenheimer’s story.
The festival will feature an exceptional lineup of performances by renowned artists and musicians. Audiences will be treated to captivating melodies from Los Alamos Big Band, Caitlin Kimball (Cello player), Pianist Xander Mancino, Emmy Tisdel – violinist, DALA swing dancers, Local Swing Dancers, Hill Stompers, Barber Shop Quartet and Ragtime Kitties: Liv Orovich – fiddle and trombone, Amanda Sanchez – trumpet and washboard, Teri Gorshing – saxophone and spoons, Nayeli Navarro – accordion and ukulele, Suzanne Birrell – bass, Liz Wilds – fiddle.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore artist exhibits and vendors showcasing unique creations. Highlights include furniture from the movie, a replica of the atomic bomb Fat Man, mesmerizing projection-mapping displays, and captivating video exhibits in the lobby and hall. Notable artists Karen Wray, Brenda Fleming, Rachel Pearson and Margarita Ryan will share their exceptional talents with festival-goers.
Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse offerings from esteemed food vendors, including Senor Tortas, Boutique Desserts, Bathtub, Fresh Cotton Candy and Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
Throughout the festival, thought-provoking documentaries will be shown, including “The Moment in Time: The Manhattan Project,” “To End All War: Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb,” and “Alamogordo, Center of the World, Trinity 1945.” These documentaries provide valuable insights into the historical context and significance of Oppenheimer’s work.
At the Social Center, a series of engaging events will take place. “Reel Reflections” invites audiences to join Larry Sheffield and Nancy Bartlit for insightful discussions surrounding the movie “Oppenheimer”. “Behind the Scenes” offers a unique opportunity to learn about the collaborative efforts in filming Oppenheimer in Los Alamos, featuring Leslie Linke, Todd Nichols, Kaity Burke, Liz Martineau and Kris Hollis. “Beyond the Screen” will delve into topics such as “The Decision to Drop the Bomb” with John Ruminer and Nancy Bartlit, Manhattan Project spies with Kristin Hollis, and the nuanced relationship between Lewis Strauss and J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Fifty (Well, Maybe Two) Shades of Grey” by Jack Shlachter.
“We are thrilled to present the Oppenheimer Festival, a tribute to the extraordinary life and achievements of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” SALA owner Allan Saenz said. “We invite attendees to explore the captivating performances, exhibits, and discussions, and to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Oppenheimer.”
For the latest updates and information on the Oppenheimer Festival, visit: https://sala.losalamos.com/oppenheimer-festival/#Schedule
