Yolanda Martinez, an award-winning Native American drummer, composer, and singer, kicks off the Rio Grande Theatre’s New Mexico Heritage Series on Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. The New Mexico Heritage Series is sponsored by Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces and their parent company, Heritage Hotels and Resorts. On October 7, this New Mexico native and Las Cruces resident, along with special guest vocalist Denny Guerrero, will entertain and educate the audience with a Native Drums program as well as a set of Yolanda’s contemporary work. The auditorium doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
A Native American Music Award-winning artist, including Best Female Artist in 2004, Martinez traces her heritage to her Apache, Comanche, and Hispanic ancestors. Martinez conducts drum-making workshops, drumming circles, women’s circles, and concerts nationally and internationally. She composes and performs a variety of genres of music, including traditional, country, Latin, and jazz. She has been a singer since she was a child and began making drums as an adult almost 30 years ago.
Martinez is also a two-time winner of the ISMA (Indian Summer Music Award). She has eight recordings and is a “Master Drum-Maker,” a title bestowed by the Native American tribes.
Martinez says attendees can expect, “A good performance. A good time. They’ll feel great when they leave. They’ll learn about my heritage and traditions.”
More information about Martinez can be found at her website, yolandadrums.com.
The show is included for those who have purchased the New Mexico Heritage Series. Individual tickets are $17 for the main floor and $12 for the balcony; reserved seating, all fees included. Tickets may be purchased online at www.riograndetheatre.com or at the Doña Ana Arts Council office on the second floor of the theatre, 211 N. Main Street, during business hours. The walk up ticket price at the door the evening of the performance is $5 additional over the advance price.
The historic Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main Street, Las Cruces, NM, and is managed by the Doña Ana Arts Council. The theatre box office and Doña Ana Arts Council office is on the second floor of the theatre. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to show time. For more information, go to www.riograndetheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.