Odessa Arts

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
2025-11-19 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Tchaikovsky’s timeless score sets the stage for a Christmas your family will never forget. Get tickets today!

Art Talk
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Join us for an engaging evening at the Ellen Noël Art Museum’s Art Talk! This event is a wonderful opportunity for art enthusiasts to come together and delve into the mysteries of a particular painting as they enhance their visual literacy skills. Gather with friends and fellow art lovers as we interpret, comprehend, and appreciate the art in ways that advance thinking, decision-making, communication and learning.
Art Talk is all about exploring different perspectives and sparking lively conversation. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious, share your thoughts and insights in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We go through a three question process that allows visitors to share their perceptions while viewing a piece of art from our Permanent Collection.
Come be a part of Art Talk at the Ellen Noël Art Museum and experience art in a whole new way. We can’t wait to see you there!

MidAtlantic Men
2025-11-20 19:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Please note for all events we have a clear bag policy with a size limit of 12x6x12″ or a non-clear bag/wallet with a size limit of 8x3x5″. This policy includes diaper bags.
Introducing the MidAtlantic Men a mesmerizing trio who’ve dazzled audiences on Broadway stages with their captivating vocals and magnetic charm. Comprising two endearing Americans and one witty Brit, they’ve set out on a musical quest to settle a timeless debate: which side of the pond, Britain or the US, truly has the superior tunes? Dive into an auditory adventure as they bring iconic hits from legends like Elvis, The Beatles, Madonna, and Queen to life, seamlessly weaving in classics from Elton John, Billy Joel, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and more. As they blend their voices in harmonious perfection, their playful banter and delightful humor have left audiences around the world entertained and enthralled. The MidAtlantic Men finally settle the score…. who does it better?”
This group have toured the planet and first met on the stages of London and Broadway where they continue to delight crowds when they aren’t together as MidAtlantic Men. Notable credits like Les Miserables, American Idiot, Dear Evan Hansen, Sweeney Todd and Billy Elliot to name just a few. The trio also have the unique honor of having performed concerts on every continent, including Antarctica. Currently, they all reside in NYC and, despite their different accents, have formed a bond over their love of performing. Not only are they singers in the MidAtlantic Men, but they are “multi-hyphenates” in their own right with talents ranging from voiceovers (the voice of Burger King and Covergirl), film acting (Billions, Nurse Jackie), composing original off-Broadway musicals (I Love My Family But…), writing and comedy (UCB

Odessa Shakespeare Festival
2025-11-21 19:00 - 20:30 | The Globe of the Great Southwest, 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Texas Shakespeare Festival returns to Odessa Nov 17–21 with daily student shows. Email hello@odessaarts.org to attend. Public shows: Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits on Nov 21 & Julius Caesar on Nov 22. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
2025 Odessa Shakespeare Festival – Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits
Join us for a memorable evening at the Odessa Shakespeare Festival – Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits! Immerse yourself in the timeless words and captivating stories of the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7 PM, we invite you to gather at the enchanting 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX 79761. Get ready to be transported to a world of love, tragedy, and comedy as we present some of Shakespeare’s most beloved works.
From the passionate romance of Romeo and Juliet to the hilarious antics of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this event promises to be a celebration of Shakespeare’s greatest hits. Our talented cast will bring these iconic characters to life, delivering performances that will leave you mesmerized.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Shakespeare or new to his works, this event is perfect for all. Join us as we pay tribute to the Bard’s enduring legacy and revel in the beauty of his language and storytelling.
Grab your friends and family, and mark your calendars for the Odessa Shakespeare Festival – Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits. We look forward to seeing you there!

Joe Bonamassa
2025-11-21 20:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Joe Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers. His enthusiastic shows are one of the biggest parts of his career, and a favorite for music lovers worldwide. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and cited by Guitar World Magazine as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians, the set list for this show will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favorites. By exceeding his own vertiginously high artistic goals, Bonamassa has shattered all expectations with 28 number 1 Billboard Blues Albums (more than any other artist in history). Bonamassa’s career in the music industry has built steadily over the years and is only gaining more momentum.

Watch the music video for Shake This Ground from Joe’s upcoming studio album, Breakthrough available soon at jbonamassa.com.

Odessa Shakespeare Festival- Julius Caesar
2025-11-22 19:00 - 20:30 | The Globe of the Great Southwest, 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Experience Julius Caesar like never before as the Texas Shakespeare Festival brings this gripping political tragedy to life at the historic Globe Theatre at Odessa College.
A highlight of the 2025 Odessa Shakespeare Festival, this live performance takes place in a venue unlike any other—a faithful replica of William Shakespeare’s original 1599 Globe Theatre.
Set in ancient Rome, Julius Caesar explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal as senators plot to assassinate Caesar to save the republic, only to unleash chaos and civil war. The play’s iconic lines, moral complexity, and dramatic intensity remain strikingly relevant today. This is a rare opportunity to witness professional Shakespearean theatre in an authentic setting that evokes the experience of 16th-century London.
This is your chance to see one of the Bard’s most powerful works performed by some of Texas’s finest classical actors, live and on stage, where Shakespeare himself would feel right at home.

The Nutcracker
2025-12-20 14:00, 2025-12-20 19:30, 2025-12-21 14:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Epic battles, lands made of sweets, living toys and even fairies, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
Since 1994, Midland Festival Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker has been a culmination of the community’s effort and talent. While MFB facilitates the production, the cast is comprised of over a hundred students from dance studios all over West Texas. (Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Greenwood, even Big Spring!) The principal roles are filled by dancers from premiere professional ballet companies across the country, a treat for both the students and the audience. (Guests TBA.) Live orchestral accompaniment, provided by the West Texas Symphony, takes the performance to another level.
Experience the magic and make Midland Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker part of your holiday plans!

Dungeons & Dragons Club
2026-01-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Ector County Library

Teacher Tuesdays
2026-01-13 16:00 - 22:00 | Homemade Wines, 400 N. Texas Avenue, Odessa, 79761, United States

Land and Likeness Art Exhibit
2026-01-20 09:00 - 2026-04-09 18:00 | Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery, 4901 E. Univsersity Blvd, Odessa, 79762, United States
Land and Likeness With Logos

Now up in the gallery, Land and Likeness!

Land and Likeness brings together four artists from the Permian Basin.
UTPB Alum Catherine Allen, Odessa College Art instructor Daniel Sorensen, Midland College Art instructor Michael Hubbard, and rancher/painter Alice Leese.

This exhibition examines each artist’s engagement with landscape and portraiture, addressing the physical geography of the region alongside the psychological dimensions of identity.

It will be up until April 9th with a reception on March 5th from 5 – 7 PM.

Visiting hours:
Monday – Friday
9 am – 6 pm

Saturday
2 pm – 5 pm

Theatre Network of Texas College Paid Internship Program
2026-01-21 - 2026-01-30 | Online, TX, United States
DESCRIPTION
Theatre Network of Texas, Inc (TNT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the theatres and artists of Texas and the communities they serve. TNT, with the support of the the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation, sponsors college internships to address the needs of theatres and students in the discipline of live theatre.
GOAL
The goal of the program is to expose students to the theatre profession by:

providing firsthand experience working with and in theatres;
giving an overview of current issues in the profession;
facilitating job opportunities through contacts made in the Texas theatre community.

ELIGIBILITY

Must have graduated / completed high school course work and received high school diploma.
Completed Sophomore year of college after high school graduation. (Advanced placement and completion of college courses while still enrolled in high school does NOT qualify as completion.)
Majoring in any aspect of theatre i.e. education, administration, etc.
Graduate Students are eligible
Students of every race, religion, gender, ethnic and economic background and sexual preference are eligible to apply.
Must be a member of TNT at the Student ($20) level at the time of application
Must be available to attend TEXFest in Odessa for interviews – March 11 – 15, 2026
Must be a resident of Texas or attend a Texas university with a Texas address
Must have a drivers license and reliable transportation
Must be available for orientation, the internship and the debriefing from May 15, 2026 – July 27, 2026

Applicants must submit all application attachments (Transcript, Resumé, Letter of Recommendation, Essay) to be considered.
PERIOD AND SITES OF INTERNSHIP
Ten weeks beginning with orientation – May 15, 2026 and finishing with a debriefing on July 27, 2026 both in Fort Worth, Texas (THESE ARE IN PERSON AND NOT OPTIONAL.) Following orientation, interns will have five week residencies at two different theatres culminating in a debriefing. Please note: the host theatre chooses the intern they want, as opposed to the intern choosing the theatre.
Interns will get the opportunity to learn about administrative, artistic and technical aspects of working in theatre. Each theatre determines what work interns will do. Past interns have worked backstage and in administrative offices, helped with summer theatre camps, performed in shows, constructed costumes, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PERFORMANCE INTERNSHIP.
COMPENSATION
Selected interns will receive $3,000 for the ten weeks. Lodging will be provided by the host theatres during the residencies. Lodging could consist of an apartment, a room in someone’s home, a dorm room, etc.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Depending on the theatres chosen for placements, the residencies may include artistic, technical and administrative experiences and duties. The focus of the internship is determined by the individual theatres. Interns will be mentored during their placements by the heads of the divisions in which they work. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PERFORMANCE-BASED INTERNSHIP.
Some previous placements have included: Theatre Three, Shakespeare Dallas, Dallas Summer Musicals, Dallas Children’s Theater, Kitchen Dog Theater, Amarillo Little Theatre, Stage West, Hip Pocket Theatre, Theatre Arlington, S.T.A.G.E. Bulverde, WaterTower Theatre, Unity Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, ACE Theatre, Stages Repertory Theatre, The Alley Theatre, The Point Theatre, Hill Country Community Theatre, Temple Civic Theatre, Plaza Theatre Company, ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Baytown Little Theater, Rover Dramawerks, Fredericksburg Theater Company, Vive Les Artes, Playhouse 2000 and Beaumont Community Players.
TERMS OF INTERNSHIP / REQUIREMENTS

Interns must have a valid drivers license. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to / from interviews, orientation, placement and debriefing.
Interns must be available for travel throughout the period.
Interns must be able to commit to the completion of the ten week program. Exceptions may be made with advance notice.
Interns must have demonstrated communication skills.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed by TNT staff and Executive Director. Interviews will take place in March at TEXFest 2026.
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

TNT Membership at the Student Level – $20
Application Form
Most current college transcript (official copy or web PDF copy)
Letter of recommendation from a college professor in the student’s field of study
Complete resumé of work/experience/roles/teaching experience/technical experience, etc.
500 word essay on why you would make a good candidate for this internship.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications and attachments should be emailed / postmarked no later than Friday, January 30, 2026, and sent to:
preston@texastheatres.org with Subject Title: First Initial.Last Name Internship Application – i.e.: J.Doe Internship Application
Or mailed to:
Multicultural Initiatives Internship
Theatre Network of Texas, Inc.
P.O. Box 470672
Fort Worth, TX 76147
Attachments may be sent separately from application, but all materials must be in by the January deadline. Applications and/or attachments postmarked or emailed after January 30 will not be accepted.
Questions should be addressed to
Preston Isham, Programs Manager, at the above address, by email at preston@texastheatres.org.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance for interview by early-February 2026.

Thank you to our generous sponsor
The Multicultural Initiatives Summer Paid Theatre Internship program is generously underwritten by a grant from the Jack K. Ayre Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation.

First Friday ODTX!
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Odessa, 79761, United States
First Friday ODTX is a monthly gathering every first Friday of the month for residents and visitors of downtown Odessa. Each month, the streets are lively and colorful with music, games, and delicious food. There are unbeatable deals from local businesses and exciting opportunities to collect amazing giveaways. The event is open to all ages and caters to everyone’s interests. For music lovers, there are live performances by local bands and artists, while foodies can indulge in a diverse range of street eats. Downtown shops and eateries will offer special promotions. First Friday ODTX event brings vibrancy and community spirit to downtown Odessa, making it the perfect place to spend a Friday evening.

Valentine Making Workshop - Community Art Day
2026-02-07 13:30 - 15:30 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Event by Ellen Noel Art Museum

4909 E University Blvd, 79762

Duration: 2 hr

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

Our FREE Valentine Making Workshop community art day is almost here! Drop by the Museum from 1:30-3:30 and create handmade valentines using printmaking and collage techniques.
Enjoy visits and activities from our special community partners, including ECISD Early Childhood and Social Studies departments, and more. Free for all ages!

Night at the Museum: Cut-Out Couture
2026-02-12 08:00 - 17:00 | TX
Each event has something different to offer for Museum Members, including art activities, lessons, exclusive tours, programs, family and friends nights, and more!
Create fashion-forward paper dolls inspired by Halston: Inventing American Fashion and enjoy a tour of the exhibition.

Basin PBS Palentine
2026-02-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Basin PBS Studio, 203 N Main, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Be a Pal! Celebrate Pal-entine’s Day with Basin PBS Education!
Saturday February 14 from 11am – 12:30pm
at Basin PBS, 203 N. Main St, Midland

Have a heart and be a part of our Pal-entine’s Celebration! Families are invited to a
fun-filled Saturday featuring:

• a PBS KIDS episode screening,
• sweet treats,
• and hands-on arts and crafts

All centered on kindness, friendship, and togetherness.
A perfect way to share the love with your favorite pals!

Scan the QR code above to say “I’m in!”

Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour
2026-02-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Ages 12 and up recommended.

Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences for more than two decades with his sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling. Known for his unapologetic, rule-defying style, his material draws from his personal life, time in the military and the everyday absurdities that connect people across backgrounds. With a fanbase that has grown by the millions in recent months and continues to surge across social media, Owen’s reach has cemented his place as one of the most in-demand touring comedians today.
Beyond stand-up, Owen has appeared in a wide range of feature films including BACK ON THE STRIP with Tiffany Haddish and Wesley Snipes, MEET THE BLACKS and its sequel THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR, THINK LIKE A MAN and THINK LIKE A MAN TOO, RIDE ALONG with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, LITTLE MAN opposite the Wayans Brothers, and DADDY DAY CARE with Eddie Murphy. He is also widely recognized for his scene-stealing role as “Bearcat” in the MGM film COLLEGE.
On television, Owen starred in his own BET series THE GARY OWEN SHOW and co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series UPLOAD WITH SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. After meeting Tyler Perry on THE TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW, he was cast in the recurring role of Zach the barber on the TBS comedy series TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE.
Owen continues to write, produce and perform his own groundbreaking comedy specials, including BLACK FAMOUS, #DOIN’ WHAT I DO, I GOT MY ASSOCIATES, I AGREE WITH MYSELF, TRUE STORY, URBAN LEGEND, and BREAKIN’ OUT THE PARK. Most recently, he recorded two specials back-to-back—BROKEN FAMILY and GARY OWEN…NO S, released this past spring on YouTube.
In addition to his on-stage and on-screen work, Owen hosts his own podcast, #GETSOME WITH GARY OWEN, and has appeared on numerous others, including FLAGRANT PODCAST, TIGERBELLY, YOUR MOM’S HOUSE with Tom Segura & Christina P., CLUB SHAY SHAY and WE PLAYIN’ SPADES PODCAST with Nick Cannon, among others.
Following a wave of record-breaking, sold-out performances at comedy clubs across the country, he recently announced his first major North American theater tour, NO HARD FEELINGS, which kicks off in early 2026.

Drum Tao
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional “Wadaiko” (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair. Seen by 10 million spectators across the globe, DRUM TAO shows feature vibrant costumes, dramatic synchronized drumming and movement with a variety of traditional Japanese instruments including flutes and harps alongside the massive taiko drums. They have captivated audiences worldwide – selling out shows in 26 countries – garnering critical acclaim and accolades along the way.

Portraiture Workshop with artist Carol Fairlie
2026-02-28 13:30 - 16:30 | The Midland Palette Club Art Center, 907 W. Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Portraiture Workshop 02/28/26

In this workshop you will learn Carol Fairlie’s approach to drawing portraits using pencil and optionally, pastels.
February 28, 2026 from 1:30-4:30 pm at Midland Palette Club, 907 W. Wadley
SUPPLY LIST:
A sketch pad, 9×12 or larger, spiral-bound bound is easiest Ebony or 4B pencil
Blending stub (tortillion) or Chamois
Optional: set of pastels with double primary colors (ie: warm & cool) and white
Any other supplies you would like. *email address required at checkout for receipt.

NEEDTOBREATHE: The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour With Special Guest Tall Heights
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Despite a 20-year history filled with accolades, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE approached their latest studio album with a renewed mindset — a band still feeling they have something to prove. Over the years, they’ve carved out a distinctive space across multiple genres, blending modern rock, purpose-driven soul, and pop appeal into a rare and impressive track record. With five Number One albums spanning the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and other charts, over three billion career streams, and multi-platinum hits like “Brother”, “Who Am I,” and “Let’s Stay Home Tonight,” NEEDTOBREATHE has captivated audiences worldwide. Their music reflects two decades of masterful songwriting and musicianship, exploring life’s profound emotions and experiences. Working with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, the band’s latest offering “Momma Loves Me” featuring The Red Clay Strays, continues this journey, diving into themes of personal struggle, redemption and resilience.

Land and Likeness Art Gallery Reception
2026-03-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery, 4901 E. Univsersity Blvd, Odessa, 79762, United States

Chicago LIVE in Concert
2026-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard magazine’s Top 125 Artists of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.
Chicago’s debut album Chicago Transit Authority was inducted into The National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2025. The Registry archives audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Chicago IX: Chicago’s Greatest Hits, the band released Chicago IX: Greatest Hits Expanded, in August 2025.
In 2024, Chicago released Chicago at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C. (9/16/1971), a 26-track live collection recorded at the historic venue. The show covers all three studio albums from their 1969 debut to 1971 and more than two hours of live music by Robert Lamm (keyboard, vocals), Terry Kath (guitar, vocals), Peter Cetera (vocals, bass), Danny Seraphine (drums), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds, vocals).
Chicago released Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits, a new collection combining songs from all three of its beloved Christmas albums, in 2023 via Warner Music Group/Rhino.
Chicago released their 38th studio album, Born for This Moment, in 2022, which included the hit single “If This Is Goodbye.”
In fall of 2022, Gravitas Ventures released Chicago’s documentary The Last Band on Stage directed by Peter Curtis Pardini and narrated by the band’s longtime friend and actor Joe Mantegna. On March 14, 2020, Chicago is the last band playing in the U.S. as COVID lockdowns begin and The Last Band on Stage tells the incredible story of how the 58-year-old band survived a pandemic that stopped the world in its tracks.
“We’re excited to be bringing The Last Band on Stage to audiences worldwide. This funny and informative documentary offers an inside look at how the legendary band Chicago were able to produce content even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gravitas Ventures’ acquisition coordinator, Mackenzie Maguire.
Chicago received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording. A special award ceremony and tribute concert celebrating the honorees was held in 2020.
Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was their first nomination. They’ve been eligible since 1994. A long time coming!
Chicago’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. Chicago managed to fuse pop, rock and jazz together perfectly in this double album.
Robert Lamm and James Pankow have become inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. These legendary songwriters wrote mega-hits such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” “Make Me Smile,” and many others.
The International Trombone Association presented its 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award to James Pankow. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes people who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to the trombone profession over a long career.
Chicago’s lifetime achievements include two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, 11 No. 1 singles and five gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 38 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 48 gold and platinum awards.
Chicago have toured every year since the beginning — they’ve never missed a year. The original three band members are Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, and James Pankow on trombone. The band lineup also includes Wally Reyes Jr. on drums, Tony Obrohta on guitar, Loren Gold on keyboards and vocals, Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Neil Donell on vocals, Eric Baines on bass, Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion, Carlos Murguia on keyboards and vocals and Nick Lane on trombone.
From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen of ever-classic songs, this band’s concerts are celebrations. 2025 marks the band’s 58th consecutive year of touring!
Chicago continue to be true ambassadors for their beloved hometown, carrying the city’s name with pride and dignity around the world.

TEXFEST 2026
2026-03-12 - 2026-03-14 | The Globe of the Great Southwest, 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Registration for TEXFest 2026 is open! Lock in on our price of $200 for TNT Members or $240 for Non Members by registering now!

Registration for TEXFest 2026 includes –

PERFORMANCES – Theatres across the state bring one acts to be adjudicated by theatre professionals.
WORKSHOPS – Workshops to help you run your theatre from theatre folk across the state. Submit your request to present a workshop to our Programs Manager – Preston Isham – preston@texastheatres.org
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS – Discussing issues relevant to the current climate.
NETWORKING – Theatrical vendors available to help you navigate the many options in running your business.
STATE AWARDS – Nominate someone from your theatre who you think deserves state wide recognition
COMPETITIONS – Submit your set/prop/promotional designs from shows within the last 18 months
LUNCH MEETINGS – Quad and Annual Membership meeting to discuss issues involving your area.
LIVE AUCTIONS – Help the TNT Endowment, Operating costs and Internship by participating in the ongoing auctions throughout the festival
And so much more!

Learn more about TEXFest 2026 at www.texastheatres.org/texfest-2026

SEE YOU IN ODESSA!

Family Craft Night: Suncatchers
2026-03-17 16:30 - 18:00 | Ector County Library
March 17 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Bring the family to make your very own suncatcher to hang where the light can strike the pretty colors and add a rainbow of light to the room.
Traigan a toda la familia para crear su propio atrapasoles y colgarlo donde la luz pueda incidir sobre sus bonitos colores, añadiendo así un arcoíris de luz a la habitación.

Fast and Easy Mini Pastels with artist Nancy Kirk
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Midland Palette Club Art Center, 907 W. Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Artist Nancy Kirk will lead you through creating two 4 x 6 mini pastel paintings with a watercolor underpainting. All supplies will be provided in a kit you take home. Kit includes, watercolors, pastels, blending tool, etc. Workshop will be at Midland Palette Club, 907 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 6 -8 pm

Little Joe Y La Familia
2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
The traditional Tex-Mex style of norteño was fused by Little Joe (born Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez) with influences of country music, blues, and rock to create the up tempo hybrid known as “Tejano.” Together with his band, Little Joe Y La Familia, his music has reached far beyond the Texas and Mexico borders and has been one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands in the music industry. Little Joe has been entertaining more than 50 years and has been described as the “KING OF THE BROWN SOUND”.
Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez “Little Joe” was born to Salvador “La Cotorra” Hernandez and Amelia DeLeon Hernandez in a three wall dirt floor car garage in Temple, Texas on a cold stormy night on October 17,1940. The seventh of 13 children, Little Joe began playing music in 1953 with his cousin David Coronado’s band, David Coronado & the Latinaires. Two years later, he performed his first paid gig with the band at a high-school sock hop in Cameron, Texas. In 1958, Little Joe made his recording debut with the song “Safari,” released by Torrero Records in Corpus Christi, Texas. The following year, Little Joe’s brother Jesse joined the band on bass and vocals. When Coronado left shortly afterwards, Little Joe assumed leadership of the group. Throughout the early ’60s, Little Joe led the band through a series of recordings on small independent labels. He underwent a personal transformation after Jesse died in an automobile accident in 1964. Determined to achieve commercial success, he altered his musical approach to include more rock and blues influences.
Songs of the Polka King, Vol. 1 In 1968, Little Joe formed two labels of his own: Buena Suerte for recordings in Spanish, and Good Luck for recordings in English. He later added a third label, Leona Records. His musical approach shifted again in 1970. After performing in the San Francisco Bay Area, he became enchanted by “Latinismo” and changed the name of his band again. In 1985, Little Joe y la Familia signed their first major-label recording deal with WEA International. Two years later, Little Joe formed his fourth label — Redneck — and released the double live album 25th Silver Anniversary. After releasing two albums for WEA, Little Joe switched to Sony International, where he remained until 1983, when he launched his fifth label, Tejano Discos. His first release on the label, “Que Paso,” earned him his third Grammy nomination. In 1996, Little Joe performed on the Frankie Yankovic album Songs of the Polka King, Vol.1, singing a duet with Yankovic of “Just Because/Si Porque.” Little Joe has appeared in two films: Proposition 187, a Deadly Law and Down for the Barrio.
Fifty Years…and over 50 albums later, Joe continues to tour the world, trailblazing, looking forward to new challenges, breaking down cultural and musical barriers and innovating his musical style. As always, Joe strives to bring many people together to make a more peaceful and harmonious world.

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Styx LIVE in Concert
2026-03-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Creating and recording new music is often considered the lifeblood of any band—an ethos AOR torchbearers Styx continue to embody with the release of Circling From Above, the 18th studio album in their formidable catalog. Spanning 13 tracks, the album navigates the complexities of the human experience through the intersecting lenses of technology and nature.
The album, the band’s third in eight years, delivers a 41-minute, end-to-end listening experience that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating. A masterclass in storytelling, it blends signature Styx hallmarks with bold steps forward—building on the creative momentum of recent releases The Mission(2017) and Crash of the Crown(2021).

3-Day Workshop-Landscapes in Watercolor with Award Winning Artist Tim Oliver
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-03-25 16:00 | The Midland Palette Club Art Center, 907 W. Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Lubbock Artist, Tim Oliver, will guide you in exploring the amazing medium of watercolor in landscapes. The workshop will be geared toward the beginning to intermediate painter. Advanced painters will also enjoy the workshop and be excited to see new and different approaches. Earlybird price of $275 through January 31. February 1 price goes to $325. This Premier 3 day Workshop will be held March 23-25, 2026, approximately 9am- 4pm each day at the Midland Palette Club, 907 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX 79705
