For the love of the Black Box

Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main St. in downtown Las Cruces, will host three live musical performances in August and September featuring, “beautiful acoustic music you can hear without the distractions you might find in a bar or a coffee house or even at the Pan American Center,” said event organizer and local musician, songwriter and playwright Chris Sanders. “Whether from Las Cruces or elsewhere, all these artists could take the stage anywhere in the world,” she said.

The “For the Love of the Black Box Acoustic Music Series” includes these performances:

• 7p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18: Craig Winston, of Denver, who Sanders described as “an outstanding classical guitarist,” will perform in a program that includes works by Antonio Lauro and J.S. Bach, along with Las Cruces musician and storyteller Randy Granger, whose music was recently featured in the Ken Burns film “The American Buffalo.” Visit craigwinston.net and randygranger.net.

• 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27: Bob Hull and Chris Sanders, “long-time musical compadres," whose performance will include “stunning guitar and great tunes,” Sanders said. “Nationally known and locally beloved guitar and mandolin virtuosos Tim May of Nashville and Steve Smith of Las Cruces will be featured,” she said. Visit desertnight.com.

• 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13: Singer/songwriter Bree Gordon, a “phenomenal chanteuse from Chicago," Sanders said. Also performing, “Room to Roam,” comprised of Bob Hull, Laura Humphreys and Kelly Hoskins. “This trio is a Las Cruces treasure,” Sanders said. Topping the program are bluegrass and country touring artists from Illinois Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin, whose music will include “award-winning and incomparable songwriting, guitar playing and fiddling,” she said. Visit breegordon.com and wilmaring.com.

Black Box Theatre owners Ceil and Peter Herman “have a commitment to theatre that is really a gift to our community,” Sanders said. BBT “provides that kind of intimate theatre experience that is still state-of-the-art. It’s the beauty of the space, and the best place in town for this series. Our greatest need is connection, something music and theatre provide."

The concert series is “such a nice blend of musicians who have remarkable musical careers,” Sanders said. “The concerts are a great way to highlight members of our community and visitors from across the country and turn people on to some artists who are new to them.”

Tickets are $20 per concert. While tickets will be available at the door, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling BBT at 575-523-1223 after Aug. 9. Seats will be reserved with a credit card, but payment will be made at the door. A portion of each ticket sale will benefit Mesilla Valley Community of Hope’s "Tents to Rents" fundraising campaign. Visit tentstorents.org and mvcommunityofhope.org.