Farmington Civic Center Marks 50 Years With Free Concert, Retro Party

The Farmington Civic Center turns 50 this April, and Cultural Affairs director Christa Chapman is marking the half-century with a free concert featuring four local acts on April 10 and a $15 costume-party throwback to the decade the building first opened its doors.

The free showcase runs the night of April 10, with doors at 7 p.m. and the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. at 200 W Arrington St. The lineup brings together violinist Abigail Baker, Celtic duo Ga Greine, jazz and fusion group Three Views of a Secret, and Caliente Chorus, which will perform Broadway and Americana selections. Scott Michlin and Devin Neeley will share emcee duties. Concessions will be available, and Clancy's will operate a cash bar.

Two Saturdays later, the "Groovy Since 1976" party takes the same stage from 6 to 10 p.m. on April 25. The $15-admission event includes a 1970s costume contest and games, with Clancy's again running a cash bar for the night.

Chapman framed the venue as "our community's stage for 50 years" and said both events are designed to draw back anyone who has passed through its doors across five decades. "Whether you saw your first performance here in the '70s or a musical that made you jump out of your seat for an ovation last year, we want you to come back and celebrate the legacy we've built together," she said.

Since opening in 1976, the Civic Center has hosted touring acts, local productions, community gatherings and regional events, making it a cultural anchor for Farmington and the Four Corners region. Cultural Affairs staff assembled the showcase lineup to reflect the breadth of programming the venue has presented over its history, from Celtic folk to jazz fusion to Broadway.

Tickets for the April 25 party are available at the Civic Center box office and at farmingtonshows.com.