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Family Fourth: Socorro celebrates Independence Day with concerts and fun for all ages
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It is double the fun this Independence Day in Socorro.
The city has celebratory events planned for Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4 at its Rodeo and Sports Complex, 1 Rodeo Drive.
Country star Neil McCoy will headline the annual Fourth of July celebration on July 3. McCoy is known for his chart-topping hits “No Doubt About It,” “Wink,” and “You Gotta Love That.”
“Being able to bring joy to other people is the best part of performing at concert venues across the country,” McCoy said in a statement. “We make people smile and laugh and just have a really good time.”
McCoy’s unwavering patriotism is part of his daily routine. He recites the Pledge of Allegiance live on his Facebook page every morning, according to a city of Socorro news release. McCoy has also participated in 17 USO Tours entertaining troops around the globe.
McCoy is an east Texas native, who continues to give back to his community. He founded the East Texas Angel Network, which has raised more than $12 million to help children who are living with a terminal or life-threatening disease in east Texas, according to the news release.
McCoy will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be onsite. Tickets for the show are $40 for bleacher seating, $55 for box seats, and $70 for floor seats. Tickets are available at socorronm.org.
The celebration continues on Thursday, July 4, with free music, fun activities, and a fireworks display. Free waterslides at the Imagination Playground will keep children cool and entertained from 1 to 5 p.m.
Food vendors and a beer garden will be part of the event. Picnic areas also will be available. Personal fireworks, alcohol, and pets will not be allowed at the event. Only clear bags with personal belongings will be allowed.
The Socorro Community Band, led by Dr. Eileen Comstock, brings together musicians of all ages who share a love of music. The band will perform from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
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Tori & The Murillos, is a family band that has played festive music for years. It will perform from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Fuzzy Logic, which plays a variety of pop, ’90s music, and contemporary tunes, will play from 2 to 3 p.m. The Et Alia Belly Dance Troupe, led by choreographer Julie Johnson, will perform from 3 to 3:20 p.m.
The state’s beloved musician, Al Hurricane Jr., will perform a blend of New Mexico music, Latin, and rock from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hurricane Jr. said he does not prepare a list of songs that he is going to perform prior to a show. He prefers taking audience requests and allows the set list to take its course.
“We just never have a set list,” he said. “We started seeing people start coming up and they ask, ‘Can you do this song?’ (I say) ‘Okay,’ so it’s a lot of fun.”
Hurricane Jr., is the son of the legendary Al Hurricane, who is known as the “Godfather of New Mexico music.” Hurricane Jr. said he enjoys performing his late father’s songs and other favorites during his live performances.
“There’s so many songs, so many favorites,” he said. “I like singing ‘La Bamba.’ Of course, ‘Flor de las Flores.’ I love singing a lot of my dad’s songs also. Those are for sure at the top of the list.”
The Nathaniel Krantz Band will follow Hurricane Jr. and perform a variety of traditional and modern country music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Suavecito, which hails from Socorro, will perform a range of music genres including Tejano, cumbia, and Norteño, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
“(Suavecito’s) musical style features lively accordion riffs, rhythmic bass lines and compelling vocal harmonies,” according to the news release. “The musicians’ repertoire includes a variety of New Mexico Spanish, country and classic rock, making their performances both nostalgic and fresh... Suavecito’s vibrant energy and ability to connect with audiences have earned them a loyal following throughout the region.”
The festivities conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks, sponsored by New Mexico Tech’s Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, will be accompanied by music performed by guitarist Rob Lopez, who is known for his hard rock and roll sound, according to the news release.
