Symphony in Albuquerque

Hershey Theatre

The Hershey Theatre, conceived in 1933 by noted philanthropist and chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, stands as an opulent tribute to the performing arts. Taking architectural cues from Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the foyer’s towering arches gleam with golden paint and crystal chandeliers. The blue-and-gold mosaic that leads to the main seating area is the masterwork of two German artists who spent two years on its construction. Once inside the theater, audiences might think they’ve stepped onto the streets of Venice thanks to the atmospheric ceiling, stonework facades, and gondoliers paddling them to their seats. ####Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Music has permeated the 800 manicured acres where the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has stood since 1969, when farmer Max Yasgur agreed to let love, peace, and harmony grow wild at the very first Woodstock festival. These days, the renowned outdoor venue and cultural center continues to attract the biggest acts in music to its pavilion stage. The open-air design ensures ample ventilation on the natural sloping lawn, and a roof protects up to 15,000 fans from inclement weather and the prying eyes of Cessna pilots.

On September 19, 1927, KiMo Theatre opened by hosting an overflow crowd for an evening of performances by local Native Americans. The show proved an apt premiere for the Pueblo Deco-style space, which was designed with a unique blending of Art Deco flourishes and Native American motifs. The theme carried through to the smallest details—the ceiling beams were textured to look like logs, and even the air vents mimicked Navajo rugs. Amid these intricate trappings, the theater showcased movies, vaudeville shows, and performances by luminaries such as Gloria Swanson and Ginger Rogers.

The KiMo Theatre retains its luster today, thanks to a meticulous restoration and standing on the National Register of Historic Places. The original decor has been updated with a few new touches, such as the chandeliers shaped like Native American funerary canoes that hang above the auditorium. The onstage entertainment still encompasses an engaging mix of new and classic films, dance and theatrical performances, live concerts, and visual art shows featuring tap-dancing paintings.