Let's face it. Albuquerque doesn't have the high-flying nightlife of New York or L.A., but the El Rey Theatre and Puccini's Golden West Saloon are doing their part to help keep the people of the city entertained.
Their grand re-opening, from Jan. 16 through Feb. 28, presents a nearly endless barrage of acts parading through the venue.
Puccini's Golden West Saloon and the El Rey Theatre, both in the historic Puccini Building at 7th Street and Central Avenue, have had their share of tenants ,but are now back under their original ownership.
The historic Puccini Building was built in 1929 for Luigi Puccini, cousin of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini. Puccini named the Golden West Saloon after his cousin's opera "The Girl of the Golden West."
In 1941, architect Joseph B. Burwinkle combined the Golden West's storefront to the El Rey Theatre.
Kathy Zimmer, the granddaughter of Luigi Puccini, manages and owns the El Rey Theatre. She moved back to Albuquerque from L.A. two years ago to restore the business to its original prestige.
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"It was such a disaster then that I didn't feel right about doing a grand re-opening," she said. "I didn't want anybody to see it."
Though they've both been in use, she is now ready to unveil the businesses.
The restoration is happening in three phases, and phase one has just been completed, Zimmer said. The El Rey's lobby has been partially restored, returning to its claim of being the only display of Mediterranean architecture in a New Mexico theater. The arched doorways and entrances , along with the brightly painted walls make this theater unique.
The neon marquee has also been restored to its original brilliance with help from a federal grant. Mayor Martin Chavez will be holding a dedication ceremony for this historic sign on Jan. 30 as part of the grand re-opening festivities.
Along with the sign dedication, many other acts will kick off the reopening of this long-standing landmark. Tricklock's International Theatre Festival, Brewfest, the South Austin Jug Band, classical musician David Schepps and blues legend Bo Diddley are just some of the entertainment to look forward to during this month-and-a-half-long gala.
"We've tried to book bands and entertainment of people that have been our friends," Zimmer said. "People that have been good to us."
So rest your fears, Albuquerque-ites, boredom has a temporary cure at the El Rey Theatre and Golden West Saloon - at least until the end of February.
The What, When and Where
What: El Rey Theatre and Puccini's
Golden West Grand Re-Opening
When: Jan. 16- Feb. 28
Price: Varies
Where: El Rey Theatre and Puccini's
Golden West
620 Central Ave. SW
Tickets and info: 242-2353
