Music festival begins

The Clovis Music Festival official T-shirts say “Rave On” and visitors have begun arriving in anticipation of having a “raving” good time.

According to Ernie Kos, Chamber of Commerce executive director, the artists slated to perform during the event began arriving in Clovis Wednesday. “It is very exciting,” Kos said.

Kos said international guests are booked to arrive on Thursday and Friday. “Visitors who didn’t pre-book hotel rooms are having to be directed to the surrounding areas,” Kos said. “Several will be going to Portales.” Local hotel personnel confirmed they expect to be at full capacity through the weekend.

The festival will kick off with a VIP reception at the Norman Petty Studios hosted by Southwest Cheese. The reception is by invitation only.

According to a Chamber of Commerce press release, the NorVaJak Studios will be open to the public Sept. 8-11. Tours are usually on an appointment basis only, but this time open tours will take place during the festival at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.

Schedule

Friday

• 10 a.m. — tour of the 7th St. Norman Petty Studios

• 10 a.m. — meet kids at Mesa Elementary

• 1-2 p.m. — tour and history of Mesa Theater, followed by tour and history of Lyceum theater

• 2 p.m. — tour of the 7th St. Norman Petty Studios

• 6-7:30 p.m. — VIP reception at Clovis Chamber of Commerce

• 8 p.m. — John Mueller’s Winterdance Party Tour at Marshall Auditorium

Saturday

• 10 a.m. — tour of the 7th St. Norman Petty Studios

• 1-3 p.m. — fanfare at La Quinta, Prince St.

• 2 p.m. — tour of the 7th St. Norman Petty Studios

• 7 p.m. — concert featuring Sonny West, The Fireballs and The Crickets at Marshall auditorium

Sunday

• 9:30 a.m. — tour of the 7th St. Norman Petty Studios

• 10 a.m. — Gospel service in the Norman Petty Studios garden