2020 News Articles

Click the links below to take you to the article you want to read and discover news from 2020!

• Special guest Kenny Maines Performs at Wallace Theater

• Texas Downtown Association selects Wallace Theater as finalist for President’s Award

• The Wallace Theater hosts 3rd Annual Theater Camp

• Wallace Theatre offering optional summer camps

• Wallace Theater brings families together, hosts second video challenge

• Wallace Theater partners with TTU to present “Yonder” April 16-18

• Photo worthy moments

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Levelland & Hockley County News-Press

By DeeLaine Ruiz

The Wallace Theater was excited to welcome back West Texas legend Kenny Maines, for his second appearance Saturday, September 19. Maines’ was invited to be the first entertainer to perform at the Top of the Wallace, once the loft renovations were completed in September 2015.

Saturday evening, Maines entertained an audience of 52 as the first performer to play in the Wallace’s auditorium, after much renovation had been completed and room made for entertaining. “I’m definitely excited to be back in the Wallace again,” said Maines. “I am honored, once again, to be the first to perform in the auditorium.”

Maines has been performing since he was seven-years-old, along with his four brothers, following in his father’s footsteps. Being the son of Edith and James Maines and the nephew of Raymond and Wayne, the three who formed the original Maines Brothers Band in the late 1950’s, allowed the “Little Maines Boys” up on stage to entertain during their intermissions. “That’s really how we all got started,” said Maines. “You weren’t a Maines unless you were playing an instrument.”

Maines shared how he started out playing the electric bass guitar and he can play the harmonica, but singing is his gift. “I sing because I want to, but I play because I have to,” he said. In high school, Maines participated in all the high school sports for Roosevelt High School. Since the school was so small, it was mandatory for all students to participate in all the sports. “I never took band in school so I never learned how to read music,” said Maines. “I play strictly by ear and really enjoy writing songs.”

Maines shared how he gets some of his best lines and titles for his songs from the craziest places; some have actually come from the Reader’s Digest Quotable Quotes. Some of Maines’ favorite American singer/songwriters who have made an impact on his life include Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Roger Miller and George Jones. At the age of 13, Maines and his brothers met George Jones while he was playing at a small festival in Houston. “I was amazed, that at 13 years old that I was actually taller than George Jones,” said Maines with a chuckle. “He was a really short, little guy but a really big entertainer.”

The Maines Brothers were honored to share the stage with many bands such as Alabama, Ronnie Milsap, Reba McEntire, The Judds, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. Hook, Barbara Mandrell and Johnny Cash. “Johnny Cash was the only entertainer that made me too nervous to meet,” said Maines. “His presence was so huge, I was sweating just thinking about how to just shake his hand.” Maines really enjoys the talent that has originated from Lubbock and the West Texas area like Mac Davis and Buddy Holly and others such as Roger Miller, Keith Whitley, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Carlos Santana. “I have always been amazed at Stevie Ray Vaughan and Carlos Santana’s musical talents,” said Maines. “Those two know how to make their guitars ‘sing’ like a songbird; so impressive.”

Maines and his brothers performed together until 2005, it was then Kenny decided to go solo. “We still enjoy getting together every two years for a band reunion,” said Maines. “We are actually planning our next reunion this upcoming spring.” Maines entertained the Wallace audience with humorous stories of his lifetime experiences and several original songs from his albums titled Kenny Maines, Out of Control and his most recent, The Magic Train, produced in 2013. He closed his performance with an encore song, “I’d Rather Be Dancing,” by special request.

“The Wallace is about people, community and experience,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director of the Wallace Theater. “Saturday night was a perfect example of the dream and vision of the Wallace becoming a reality. I think everyone in the audience could feel they were part of something very special that night. Kenny is an incredible entertainer, musician and a wonderful person. It was an honor to have him on our stage.”

Maines is the proud husband of Sharon Maines, KCBD news anchor of Lubbock, since 1980. The two will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this October. Most people know them as Kenny and Sharon, but their three granddaughters, Tatum,11, Eden, 9, and one and a half year old, Zoe, know them as “Papaw” and “Nana.” They are the daughters of Brian Maines of Lubbock and Jeremy and Katie Maines of Lafayette, California. “It’s such a sweet sound to hear your grandchild call you by your special name,” said Maines. “I am so very blessed to be in this stage of my life. I whole-heartedly enjoy being a grandparent.”

Maines can be found playing two or three times a week at Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co., located at 1807 Buddy Holly Avenue in Lubbock and at the English Newsom Cellars at CapRock Winery and Event Center. He is also available for private house and business gatherings. Maines’ CDs are available for purchase at the Wallace Theater for $10. All proceeds will be applied to the Wallace Theater.

Sunday, September 13, 2020 - Levelland & Hockley County News Press

The Wallace Theater of Levelland was recently selected as a finalist for the Texas Downtown Association (TDA), President’s Award Category of “Best Downtown Partner.” Finalists for the 2020 President’s Awards Program were recently announced in Austin.

For over 30 years the awards program, sponsored by TDA, has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. For almost 30 years, the Wallace sat vacant until community leaders came together inspired by the formation of Levelland as a Texas Main Street Community, with a passion to see downtown Levelland flourish once again. The Wallace exists to “create experiences that entertain, inspire and empower” in the heart of downtown Levelland. Through a variety of events, including art shows and art walks, outdoor movies, live theater productions, murder mystery dinner events, comedy shows and concerts it partners with Levelland Main Street, neighboring businesses and community leaders to increase the vitality of downtown Levelland.

“The Wallace is honored to be considered for this award, to represent Levelland, and we are thankful for the opportunities we have to partner with Levelland Main Street,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director of the Wallace Theater. “We love hosting events that create memorable experiences and provide opportunities for people to enjoy and support our beautiful downtown.”

“We are thrilled and honored that the Wallace Theater has been selected as a finalist for this award,” says Jody Drennan, Levelland Main Street Program Board President. “The Wallace is an iconic building for downtown Levelland and their work the past few years to breathe life back into what was once a beloved treasure in our community has been a catapult to the momentum of continued downtown revitalization. Main Street could not exist without partnerships and the Wallace Theater is a great example of the kind of partnerships we hope to continue to cultivate all over the community.”

One hundred and four entries were submitted in 11 different categories from communities across the state. Due to the number of entries, the entries were divided up into two categories, design and achievement, with separate judging panels for each group. The judges for achievement entries were: A. J Fawyer, Verdunity; P.A. Geddie, County Line Magazine; Lynda Humble; and Julie Kunkle, Open Sky Media, Inc.

Winners will be announced virtually, on the TDA Facebook page, in a series of award announcement videos as follows: --Design awards will be released at 12 p.m. Tuesday, October 27; --Achievement awards will be released at 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 28; and --People Specialty awards for individuals will be released at 12 p.m. Thursday, October 29.

The award announcements will lead to the kick-off of the virtual 2020 Texas Downtown Conference to be held November 9-12. For more information about the President’s awards, conference, or other programs of the TDA, please visit www.texasdowntown.org. Applications for the 2021 awards program will open in the spring. TDA was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020 - Levelland & Hockley County NEw Press

The third annual Wallace Theater Camp was held Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 25, with final performance held June 25, with 34 students attending. Guest teachers were invited to help the students learn about the aspects of theater including: character development, set design, acting, directing, technical theatre, costume design and theater specialties. “Theater camp was fun! Students learned from guest teachers and excelled in their knowledge of theatre,” said Alycyn Keeling, Wallace Theater Executive Director. “The Wallace is thrilled that we are able to offer a nine-day camp for students. Thank you to our scholarship donors, directors, volunteers, and counselors for making it a huge success.” Garret Milton shared information on play-writing, Ian Olson gave instructions on set design, Kelsey Blotter shared her expertise on costume design, Zach Daily coached on directing, Lydia Reed shared expertise on acting, April Lange trained in technical theater and Tom Laney worked on puppetry and musical theater specialties. Guest teachers and staff chose daily awards for the students that excelled during the teaching sessions. Participants who were award winners include:

–The Excellence in Character award winners were Andye Garcia and Jayden Howard in Garret Milton’s class;

–The Outstanding Costume Design award winners were Kelsey Blotter and Chloe Soler in Taylor Howard’s class;

–The Scenic Designer award winners were Dave Pormanes and Ian Olson in Corey Pormanes’ class;

–The Excellence in Stage Pictures award winners were Stellan Sanders and Zach Daily from Watson Evans’ class;

–The Excellence in Acting award winners were Lizzie Corley and Makayla Pittman from Lydia Reed’s class;

–The Color Your World award winners were Adanise Mendez and Emma Pugh in April Langehennig’s class; and

– The Excellence in Puppetry award winners were Arianna Foster and Moises Medrano received from Alycyn Keeling, Wallace Theater executive director and Cory Lawson, Wallace Theater camp director.

“The Wallace Theatre Camp was a wonderful success. Kids from all over West Texas came together and formed friendships and experiences that will stick with them long after the Summer ends,” said Cory Lawson, camp director. “These campers had the opportunity to work alongside of professional theatre artists everyday, learning new skills (social and practical) that will benefit them now and into the future.”

The camp created the Spirit of the Wallace award for students who exemplified traits that will help them excel in theater including passion, creativity and the willingness to learn all aspects of theater.

The recipients of the Spirit of the Wallace award were Dylan Popelka and Dave Pormanes, chosen by camp directors Cory Lawson and Randal Ramirez. “Theatre Camp was an amazing experience this summer! It was great to see these kids come together from all across the South Plains area and work together,” said Randal Ramirez, camp director. “I was so impressed by the hard work and dedication of each camper!”

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - Levelland and Hockley County News Press

The Wallace Theater is offering in-person and online options for upcoming summer camps. “We are so excited about summer and have just been hoping and praying we could do it,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director at the Wallace Theater. “Most important to us is making sure that we create opportunities for kids to have a great experience and happy summer memories.”

The Wallace Theater will host two themed camps this summer, Theater Camp and STEAM Camp. Both camps have options for different aged campers. In June, the Wallace will host the Wallace Theater Camp. The camp will be a camp that takes place over the course of two weeks between June 15 and June 25 at the Wallace Theater. “This year we’re moving to a nine-day camp,” Keeling said. “It’s longer than we’ve done the past couple years and it gives kids more of an opportunity to learn a larger set of skills.” In addition to learning about acting, Keeling said campers will have an opportunity to learn more about the “behind the scenes” jobs involved in theater, such as set and costume design. “It gives kids a wider variety and looks into different aspects of theater skills throughout this whole camp,” Keeling said. Keeling said local artists will play a role in this year’s theater camp, teaching kids about the broader array of theater skills, including set and costume design.

The camp will again be led by Cory Lawson, a PhD student studying theater at Texas Tech University. Lawson will be joined in leading the camp by Randal Ramirez, theater teacher at Sundown ISD. The camp will end with a final performance held on June 25. The camp is available for children as young as seven years old and older. To apply, go online wallacetheater.com/summeractivites. For more information, parents can call (806) 789-9097 or email info@wallacetheater.com.

The Wallace’s STEAM Camp has two dates for different aged campers. The first camp will be held July 6 through July 10 for third through fifth graders. The second camp will be held July 13 through July 17 for sixth through eighth graders. Both camps will be held at the Wallace Theater from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. STEAM, Keeling says stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, all of which campers will be introduced to throughout the STEAM camps. “As we watched the schools have to close and provide virtual options, we wanted to provide something for kids that they would have a great opportunity to learn and have a lot of doing that,” Keeling said. Keeling believed this was the perfect opportunity for the Wallace Theater to step in and provide an educational way for kids to have fun this summer. “The Wallace could provide an educational opportunity to keep kids involved in things they would have learned at school,” Keeling said. “Also to reinforce what they’ve done virtually maybe the past few weeks.”

The Wallace Theater is partnering with Texas Tech University’s Whitacre School of Engineering to provide the curriculum for campers. Every day, campers will face a new challenge that requires thinking through a solution and producing the solution with materials provided. Keeling said students will learn why buildings are built the way they are, as well as how buildings are built to sustain things such as earthquakes. Students will also learn how to build a bridge that can sustain weight, and will also learn about different types of animals living in different ecosystems. Keeling said staff at the Wallace Theater agreed it was important to have options for those wishing to participate in summer camps. “That gives the opportunity for kids to join even if they don’t live here in Levelland,” Keeling said. “And again, it’s meeting people where they are. Some are not quite ready to come join a group of people but we’ll let them join virtually.” For the in-person campers, Keeling said the Wallace Theater and staff will be following all the recommended safety and health protocols.

“We’re making sure it’s a great opportunity for everyone,” Keeling said. Students who choose to go the virtual route can pick up their materials at the beginning of the camp week, or there is a possibility kits can be mailed to the students who don’t live in Levelland. Keeling said there are 29 scholarship opportunities available for students who are craving an educational and engaging experience this summer. “Scholarships are available on our website and we also have a nomination form if anyone knows of a deserving kid who would enjoy one of these camps,” Keeling said. Those interested in scholarship opportunities can go online to wallacetheater.com/ summeractivities, or email info@wallacetheater.com or call (806) 789-9097.

Sunday, May 24, 2020 - Levelland & Hockley County News Press

With schools out, businesses closed and entertainment venues lifeless, the Wallace Theater couldn’t stand to watch the creative lights go out in Levelland residents and instead challenged them to recreate their favorite movie scenes in the midst of a statewide lock down.

The Wallace Theater hosted the first video challenge in the fall, but instead of waiting to host a second video challenge, staff decided if there was ever a time to get the creative ball rolling, it was now. The contest opened on March 26 with entries due by April 26. Online voting was available between April 29 and May 16. Last Sunday, May 17, the theater hosted a special awards ceremony with one family at a time and social distancing standards in place. “We hosted the video challenge to give people something they could do together while staying safe at home,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director at the Wallace Theater. “And, as an opportunity to support the Wallace while we could not host in-person events.”

The challenge drew interest from young and seasoned residents of Levelland. There were 10 entries into the challenge, with families recreating scenes from movies such as Toy Story 3 to Dirty Harry. “It gave people an opportunity to be more creative and have fun making memories with their family,” Keeling said. People were encouraged to vote on their favorite video through the Wallace Theater’s website. In order to vote, a minimal donation to the Wallace Theater was requested.

The entries were split up into categories: Pre-K/Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Out of High School. In the Pre-K/Elementary category, Avi Villarreal and Mila Colon’s video of a scene from “Toy Story 3" was the winner of the People’s Choice Award and Sweetest Video. Their video raised $344 for the Wallace Theater.

Morgan and Clara Campbell’s video of a scene from “Tangled” was the winner of Best Ensemble Cast. Their video raised $240 for the Wallace Theater. Andrew Passmore’s video of a scene from “Top Gun” was the winner of Best One-Liner and Most Adorable. His video raised $160 for the Wallace Theater. Kiley Seaton’s video of a scene from “Frozen 2" won the Best Raw Talent Award. Her video raised $120 for the Wallace Theater. Augie Riojas’ video of a scene from “Rookie of the Year” was the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award and Best Recreation. His video raised $230. In the Middle School category, Zoie Torrez’ video of a scene from “The Grinch” was the winner of the Judge’s Choice Award, People’s Choice Award, and Best Make-Up. Her video raised $110. In the High School category, Lizzie Corley’s video of a scene from “Ferris Bueller” won the People’s Choice Award, Judge’s Choice Award and Best Overall Video. Her video raised $310. In the Out of High School Category, Denver Bruner’s video of a scene from “Dirty Harry” won the People’s Choice Award, Best Monologue and the Judge’s Choice Award. His video raised $295 for the Wallace Theater. Brent Partain’s video of a scene from “White Christman” was the winner of the Most Daring Award. His video raised $155 for the Wallace Theater. KLVT’s video of a scene from “Lego Movie,” won Best Costumes and Most Ambitious. Their video raised $140 for the Wallace Theater.

Keeling said the funds raised from the video challenge will be used for operating expenses at the theater, as well as to help the theater in offering virtual options for upcoming events. “We will use the funds for continued operating expenses and for us to be able to create more opportunities for people to have experiences here at the Wallace Theater,” Keeling said. “Or, virtually as we are starting to look at how we’re setting up our programs to make sure we have an in-person option and virtual options so we can meet people where they are.” At the awards ceremony Sunday, the families and contestants were able to watch their homemade videos on the big screen inside the Wallace Theater auditorium.

For some of the younger children, Keeling said it was their first time being inside the theater’s auditorium. She said that was a fun experience, too. “Some of them really liked seeing it on the big screen,” Keeling said. “For the younger ones, it was almost like a whole new experience for them. For some, it was the first time for them to be inside the auditorium. They walked in, looked around and said how cool it was.” Keeling said the best part of hosting the video challenge was seeing how engaged families and individuals became in the entire process. “The most rewarding aspect for the Wallace was seeing how proud the contestants were of their final product and hearing how much they enjoyed making the videos,” Keeling said. “Thank you to everyone who participated, everyone who donated, and everyone who enjoyed watching the videos online.”

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - Levelland and Hockley County NEws Press

The Wallace Theater and the Vernacular Music Center of Texas Tech University are partnering to present “Yonder” April 16 through April 18.

“Yonder” is site-specific, immersive theater, in which the audience themselves help to complete the tale. Inspired by the Wallace Theater itself, the show tells the story of how a group of musicians from “the mysterious nation of Bassanda” find themselves, marooned and wandering across time and place between 1912 New Orleans, 1928 Levelland, and points farther afield, and of their shared struggle to find a way home.

The show was conceived by professors Christopher Smith and Roger Landes, of TTU’s Vernacular Music Center. Theatrical direction is by Dr. Bill Gelber, an Associate Professor and Director of Theatre in the School of Theatre and Dance, and movement direction is by Anne Wharton, a PhD student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The cast comprises students, friends, and alumni of TTU, and the show was written around them; indeed, the actors themselves are credited as coauthors of their shared story. The show features three acts, with a prologue and postlude, with the story culminating in a concert of music and dance by the Carnivale Icognito Band as portrayed by The Elegant Savages Orchestra, dancers, and cast.

“The show is unique in that it is site-specific, meaning it has been inspired by and designed for the Wallace Theater in Levelland, using the historical features of the buildings and also the surroundings of the downtown area,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director of the Wallace. “The show is filled with adventure, improvisation, costume, magic, and secret hidden clues! The show invites audience members to further participate, throughout the building, following those characters and events each finds most intriguing. It is never the same story twice!” Patrons who purchase tickets early also receive special mailings containing clues that will help them in their journey, during the performances, to discover the mystery of “Yonder.” “We are thrilled to partner with the incredible talent, creativity and skill of the students and faculty at Texas Tech University School of Music and Theatre and Dance,” said Keeling.

“This will be a show of the highest quality and something unlike anything else ever done in the area. We are honored to provide this experience for our patrons.” Dr Smith comments, “the VMC has always sought to create new learning and teaching opportunities through the making of unique participatory events: we believe very much in performance as a center for campus and community revitalization. As teachers, we believe in the process of learning by- doing, and we seek always to place our students’ artistic growth at the center of such projects. We are immensely excited to partner with the Wallace in this way; in fact, it’s our own belief that, far from imposing our vision from outside, the building itself has ‘told us’ the story that it wants to be told.”

School edition performances will also be hosted. The Wallace will be reaching out to area schools. Teachers and administrators are also welcome to reach out to sign up to attend a performance. The Vernacular Music Center and The Wallace Theater hosted two preview parties in January and February for supporters, with more preview events to come, and have already sold out opening night.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held on Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, at the Wallace Theater, 823 Houston Street, Levelland. Ticket options include: —VIP pack includes four tickets for $100 ($25 per person). Only available for purchase until March 5. The VIP pack includes a $5 discount, a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or concession beverage of your choice; —General admission will be $30 per ticket; —Cheers Shuttle package includes $55 for two tickets or $30 for one. Cheers Shuttle of Lubbock will provide round-trip transportation for attendees from Lubbock each night. To register, please visit https:// cheerslubbock.com/; and —Student discount will be $15 per person. Student must show student ID at the door. Use code TTUSPC. Tickets are available at WallaceTheater.com/Events.