Residents of eastern New Mexico are certainly proud of their area’s ties to legendary singer Buddy Holly, whose work with the Norman Petty Studios are celebrated on a consistent basis.
Where is it?
The Buddy Holly Center is located in Lubbock, about 105 miles from the Clovis/Portales area. From either city, drive to Muleshoe, then continue east on US 84. When you reach Lubbock, take exits to 19th St. Look for Ave. G and turn right.
What is going on at the center?
Beginning today, the center will feature the Texas Singer Songwriter exhibit. According to www.buddyhollycenter.org, the event is a traveling exhibit by photographer Gary Goldberg featuring photos of various Texas singers and songwriters. The special exhibit will run through Sept. 29.
The Buddy Holly Center also features 2,500 square feet of gallery space dedicated to the presentation of changing contemporary visual arts programs.
The Texas Musicians Hall of Fame gallery features changing exhibitions and programs on the music and music history of Texas and West Texas.
Buddy Holly: Backstage will be featured through Sept. 15. The in-house exhibition features items on Buddy Holly during his musical career with an emphasis on his life on and off the stage.
What is there besides those events?
Holly fans might want to visit The Buddy Holly Gallery, located in the center. According to the center’s Web site (www.buddyhollycenter.org), it features a permanent exhibition on the life and music of Buddy Holly. Artifacts owned by the city as well as other items that are on loan are presented in the exhibition. Included in the display are Buddy Holly’s Fender Stratocaster guitar, a songbook used by Holly and the Crickets, clothing, photographs, recording contracts, tour itineraries, Holly’s glasses, homework assignments and report cards.
Hours and admission:
The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens, $2 for students with a valid ID, and free for children under 12. Museum memberships are also available, ranging from $15 to $2,500, that allow free museum entry and other benefits.
Information:
Call the center at (806) 767-2686 or visit www.buddyhollycenter.org.
