Great music, dancing people and a really good time are what’s scheduled for May in Las Cruces. Put on your best “boogie down” attire and head to Destination Downtown – the Rio Grande Theatre and Las Cruces Plaza – for fun film and musical entertainment. Whether you like bluesy rock-n-roll or homestyle country, Destination Downtown is ready to make you move.

Feelin’ Blue? Terrific! The Blues Brothers and Blues Spectacular Await

On Friday, May 18^th, the Rio Grande Theatre will feature the 1980’s classic, “Blues Brothers,” starring Saturday Night Live stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as siblings Jake and Elwood. The iconic movie is as well-known for its stars as it is for its rockin’ soundtrack.

The music continues on Saturday, May 19^th,  at the Las Cruces Plaza during the amazing [Blues Spectacular]. The show features national recording artists Ruben V, The Bel Airs, and Tracy Nelson.

Ruben V has released eight solo albums and continues to amaze audiences as an outstanding guitarist and soulful vocalist. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Ruben has shared the stage with many blues legends.

Fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars, with Michael Cherry on drums, the Bel Airs play a danceable mix with an authentic, but eclectic, bluesy-country-soul-and-rock-n-roll sound, influenced by Wilson Picket, Slim Harpo, Howlin’ Wolf, and Johnny Cash.

Tracy Nelson first received acclaim as part of a San Francisco-based band, “Mother Earth,” where she was frequently seen at the world-famous Fillmore, sharing the stage with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Eric Burdon. She continues to be a major force in today’s blues music. In addition to a longstanding and successful singing career, her songs have been re-recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, and Cyndi Lauper.

Test your ‘two-step’ at Urban Cowboy & welcome back Las Cruces’ Country Music Stars at the “Homeward Bound” Tour, May 31^st and June 2^nd

There’s nothing hotter than John Travolta doing a mean two-step or four of Las Cruces’ very own coming home for one big show. On May 31^st, the Rio Grande Theatre will feature, “Urban Cowboy.” Starring John Travolta and Debra Winger, the 1980s film was a major box-office success, making mechanical bull-riding a national obsession.

On June 2^nd, the Las Cruces Plaza will come alive with “Homeward Bound”, featuring Alyssa Newton, Bri Bagwell and Josh Grider, homegrown country music stars who have risen to illustrious careers.

Alyssa Newton is a bright young artist just completing her sophomore year at Nashville’s Belmont University. In 2017, Alyssa Newton released her first single, “Somebody Like You.”

Bri Bagwell continues to reign as the Queen of Austin. She has been voted for the 6^th consecutive year as the [Top Female Vocalist in Texas Country]. She has gained a following throughout the country, as she grows and builds her successful career.

In the past decade, Josh Grider has recorded eight CDs, toured the country and abroad, and started a family. His newest release, titled “Good People,” has received high acclaim. Like Bri Bagwell, Josh is based in the Austin area and builds his fan base by writing great music and constantly touring.

There are many more plans for downtown Las Cruces. In the next few months, Destination Downtown will have a new microbrewery, a comic store that will also sell ice cream, more restaurants, and entertainment establishments. If you haven’t been to downtown Las Cruces recently, now is the time to experience “Destination Downtown”.