Odessa Arts

Land and Likeness Art Gallery Reception
2026-03-05 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

First Friday ODTX!
2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-01 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-02 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.

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

Community Art Day
2026-04-11 13:30 - 15:30 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Come celebrate the opening of the Art Bridges exhibition Home, Love, and Loss, with hands-on art stations and community partners. Free, and all ages are welcome!

Junior Intensive by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-01 09:00 - 2026-06-11 12:00 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 10-12. Age cutoff date is May 15, 2026.
June 1-11
Mondays – Thursdays 9am-12pm
$500 (or $250/week)
Full amount due on May 1.
MFB’s Junior Intensive is a two-week immersive dance experience designed to strengthen technique and artistry. Perfect for dancers new to intensives, this program begins with daily ballet classes and expands into a variety of styles, conditioning and stretching sessions, variations, and “focus” classes dedicated to mastering pirouettes, jumps. With consistent training and expert guidance, dancers will build strength, improve flexibility, and develop injury-prevention habits—all while discovering new possibilities in dance. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a supportive environment that encourages confidence and friendships, making the experience both fun and rewarding. This intensive not only accelerates growth but also lays the foundation for future intensives and performance opportunities, opening doors to exciting possibilities in their dance journey.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
Boys: White T-Shirt, Black Shorts, Ballet Slippers.
ATTN: COMPANY & JUNIOR COMPANY DANCERS
You MUST take at least 2 weeks of training over the summer. This is for your safety, as regular class attendance is the #1 way to prevent injury. Failure to comply will jeopardize Company placement. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Prince & Princess Camp: Session 1 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-01 09:30 - 2026-06-04 11:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 3-4 by May 15, 2026. Must be potty trained.
SESSION 1
Mon. June 1 – Thurs. June 4
9:30-11:30am

SESSION 2
Mon. June 15 – Thurs. June 18
9:30-11:30am

SESSION 3
Mon. June 22 – Thurs. June 25
9:30-11:30am

$155/session
Full amount due at registration.
Our most popular camp incorporates basic ballet, creative movement, crafts, and story-time. Coordination, rhythm, and ballet class discipline are emphasized throughout the camp while creating the opportunity for your dancer to express themselves through dance.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, Socks, Ballet Slippers. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
Boys: White T-Shirt, Black Shorts, Ballet Slippers.

Summer Intensive by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-01 10:00 - 2026-06-12 17:00 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 12+ and younger dancers who have 1+ year of En Pointe training. Age cutoff date is May 15, 2025.
June 1-12
Mondays – Thursdays 1:00-5:00pm
Fridays 10am-12pm
$600 (or $300/week)
Full amount due on May 1.
MFB’s Summer Intensive is a three week intensive dance experience designed for continued development of students’ technique and artistry. Attendees will enjoy classes of various styles, some taught by world class guest teachers.
JUNE 1-5 FEATURED GUEST TEACHER: MAIQUI MANOSA

Maiqui Manosa is an internationally acclaimed ballet artist, coach, and stager whose distinguished career spans performance, teaching, and staging for major companies worldwide.
Originally from the Philippines, Maiqui began her professional journey with Philippine Ballet Theatre before joining Atlanta Ballet, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer. During her tenure, she captivated audiences in iconic roles such as Kitri in Don Quixote, Giselle in Giselle, and leading parts in Balanchine masterpieces including Serenade (as The Dark Angel), Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, and Prodigal Son (as The Siren).
Maiqui’s artistry has been recognized through numerous invitations to stage and coach productions for companies such as Kansas City Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Ballet Hawaii, where she is a sought-after faculty member for their prestigious Summer Intensive. She is widely respected for her ability to bring narrative depth and musicality to every performance.
Her contributions to the art form have earned her accolades as a Val Caniparoli Stager and a trusted collaborator for works that demand both technical precision and dramatic interpretation.

JUNE 8-12 FEATURED GUEST TEACHER: KARISSA SKIBA

Karisa Skiba began her ballet training at Central Wisconsin School of Ballet with Madam Karkar, whose mentorship inspired her pursuit of a professional career. She later received a scholarship to study in New York City with the Joffrey Ballet Academy before continuing her training at Monona Academy of Dance in Madison. Karisa earned scholarships with Wisconsin Dance Ensemble, Milwaukee Ballet, and Boston Ballet, and trained with many renowned teachers.
At age 19, she joined Milwaukee Ballet, where she performed for 13 years, also appearing with Chautauqua Ballet and as a guest artist throughout the Midwest.
After relocating to the Washington, DC area, Karisa earned her Classical Power Pilates Comprehensive Certification in New York City with Bob Liekens. She has since combined her expertise in dance and Pilates to guide dancers and clients toward health, wellness, and professional success. Her teaching experience includes Milwaukee Ballet School, the University of Wisconsin, and coaching elite dancers for YAGP and the World Ballet Competition.
While living in Tanzania, she founded Ballet with Karisa, a ballet curriculum for young dancers. She currently teaches at Skye Ballet Center in Herndon, VA, while running a thriving Pilates business.

Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
Boys: White T-Shirt, Black Shorts, Ballet Slippers.
ATTN: COMPANY & JUNIOR COMPANY DANCERS
You MUST take at least 2 weeks of training over the summer. This is for your safety, as regular class attendance is the #1 way to prevent injury. Failure to comply will jeopardize Company placement. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Let's Dance Camp: Session 1 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-01 13:30 - 2026-06-04 15:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 8-9 by May 15, 2026.

SESSION 1
Mon. June 1 – Thurs. June 4
1:30-3:30pm

SESSION 2
Mon. June 8 – Thurs. June 11
1:30-3:30pm

$155/session
Full amount due at registration.
The perfect camp for your young dancer to strengthen, improve, even advance their skills! The everyday classes enable them to develop coordination, strength, and mobility nearly twice as fast as they would during the school year! They’ll make grande jetes forward in their ballet education; and they’ll finish proud, excited, and ready for their next steps. Ballet technique, coordination, rhythm, and ballet class discipline are emphasized throughout the camp while creating the opportunity for your dancer to express themselves through dance!
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
Boys: White T-Shirt, Black Shorts, Ballet Slippers.

Ballet Camp: Sleeping Beauty by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-08 09:30 - 2026-06-11 11:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 5-7 by May 15, 2026.

SLEEPING BEAUTY
Mon. June 8 – Thurs. June 11
9:30-11:30am

SWAN LAKE
Mon. June 15 – Thurs. June 18
1:00-3:00pm

THE NUTCRACKER
Mon. June 22 – Thurs. June 25
1:00-3:00pm

$155/session
Full amount due at registration.
Our ballet camps incorporate the choreography, music, and history of some of the world’s most famous ballets! It’s a great introduction to the art of story-telling through dance. Ballet technique, coordination, rhythm, and ballet class discipline are emphasized throughout the camp while creating the opportunity for your dancer to express themselves through dance!
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
Boys: White T-Shirt, Black Shorts, Ballet Slippers.

Let's Dance Camp: Session 2 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-08 13:30 - 2026-06-11 15:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Prince & Princess Camp: Session 2 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-15 09:30 - 2026-06-18 11:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Ballet Camp: Swan Lake by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-15 13:00 - 2026-06-18 15:00 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Beginning Pointe Workshop
2026-06-20 13:00 - 2026-06-30 16:00 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers beginning En Pointe training.
July 20-30
Mondays – Thursdays 1:00-4:00pm
$500
Registration closes May 1, Full amount due July 1.
MFB’s Beginning Pointe Workshop is designed to give dancers the knowledge, strength, and confidence needed for a safe and successful transition to pointe. They’ll begin with a ballet class, and then move on to foundational pointe exercises at the barre and center that build stability and alignment, helping prevent injury and promote long-term success. They’ll also sew their shoes and learn about proper shoe care. Dancers that are beginning En Pointe training are strongly encouraged to attend. Dancers moving up to En Pointe training will be notified by March 6.
Dress Code: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers, Pointe Shoes. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
ATTN: COMPANY & JUNIOR COMPANY DANCERS
You MUST take at least 2 weeks of training over the summer. This is for your safety, as regular class attendance is the #1 way to prevent injury. Failure to comply will jeopardize Company placement. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Prince & Princess Camp: Session 3 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-22 09:30 - 2026-06-25 11:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Ballet Camp: The Nutcracker by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-06-22 13:00 - 2026-06-25 15:00 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Pre-Season Classes: Session 1 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-07-20 15:30 - 2026-07-23 17:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
For dancers ages 12+ and younger dancers who have 1+ year of En Pointe training.
Age cutoff date is May 15, 2026.

SESSION 1
Mon. July 20 – Thurs. July 23
3:30-5:30pm

SESSION 2
Mon. July 27 – Thurs. July 30
3:30-5:30pm

$120/session
Full amount due at registration.
Regular dance class attendance isn’t just good for improving your technique. It’s also the #1 way to avoid injury! Register for Summer Classes today to maintain your strength and flexibility while protecting your body during the summer break.
Dress Code: Leotard, Tights, Ballet Slippers, Pointe Shoes. Hair must be worn in a ballet bun.
ATTN: COMPANY & JUNIOR COMPANY DANCERS
You MUST take at least 2 weeks of training over the summer. This is for your safety, as regular class attendance is the #1 way to prevent injury. Failure to comply will jeopardize Company placement. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Pre-Season Classes: Session 2 by Midland Festival Ballet
2026-07-27 15:30 - 2026-07-30 17:30 | Midland Festival Ballet, 4410 N Midkiff Rd suite c-1, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
