Center offers trip to the musical past

Encouraging interaction between artists and the community is the objective behind Lubbock’s Buddy Holly Center.

At the center visitors can see the largest Buddy Holly memorabilia collection anywhere as well as the continuously changing visual arts exhibitions.

“The mission of the Buddy Holly Center is to be a catalyst for the advancement of music and the arts,” according to the Web site http://www.buddyhollycenter.org.

The center offers an unique experience and educational opportunity to learn about contemporary music and art, according to Education and Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Crockett. On Thursday nights during the summer the center hosts a concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring local and area musicians, and always has various artwork on display.

Georgina Hernandez, Buddy Holly Center administrative assistant, said because of the facility’s location, not only can visitors enjoy the center, but alsa a night of entertainment in Lubbock’s nearby historic Depot District.

“The Depot actually turns into a big bar at night sorta like Austin’s Six Street. It provides a whole night full of entertainment,” Hernandez said.

Patrons from as far away as Australia and Europe have traveled to the center and Crockett said even those who didn’t listen to his music are still fascinated with their experience at the center.

“A lot of people seem to be really shocked that we have so much to see and do in such a small space and at the quality of what we offer here,” Crockett said. “We always have new visual exhibitions and fresh new music to hear.”