Get ready to step back in time to classic America of the 1940s-1970s next month with the New Mexico Performing Arts Society’s Sights and Sounds of Route 66: A Centennial Celebration performance, held at a mystery location in Albuquerque!

On Oct. 10, society musicians, in partnership with Visit Albuquerque, will present a cocktail hour program of selections from the Great American Songbook in a setting that will transport you to the “Age of Optimism.”

“NMPAS is taking part in the Route 66 Centennial celebrations by presenting two events in Albuquerque this season: The Great American Songbook at a mystery location on Oct. 10 and Broadway Classics at Garcia Salón de Automobilia on May 8,” NMPAS Music Director Franz Vote says. “In partnership with Visit Albuquerque, NMPAS artists will present a diverse selection of jazz and popular tunes from The Great American Songbook. Experience America at its most optimistic as you accompany NMPAS on a drive along Route 66 of the 1940s-70s.”

The program will include a compilation of classics hits made famous by some of the greatest jazz and pop musicians of the time: Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Billy Strayhorn, and more.

Featured artists and repertoire include Vote (conductor), Kat Bowman (piano), and:
Jennifer Kuchar (soprano) — Moon River, Quiet Night of Stars, Round Midnight, Lush Life, How High the Moon, Blue Skies
Melody Gallagher (soprano) — La Vie en Rose, What is This Thing Called Love, Stormy Weather, Fly Me to the Moon
Darci Balkcom (alto) — Goodnight My Someone, Paper Moon, Autumn Leaves, L.O.V.E., Aren’t You Glad You’re You
Greg Gallagher (tenor) — I’ve Got You Under My Skin, It’s a Grand Night for Singing, O What a Beautiful Morning, Over the Rainbow
Marshal Hollingsworth (bass) — I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Stardust, Embraceable You, Just Friends

Tickets range in price from $20 to $45 and are available for purchase online at nmpas.org/tickets, by calling Hold My Ticket at 877-466-3404 or at the door. The mystery location will be posted online and on our social media before the concert for those who decide to attend closer to the date. Check out nmpas.org for event updates, or follow us on social media.