Starship to open music festival

This year’s Clovis Music Festival is combining the same classic Clovis sound with a newer twist for the younger generations.

Using the theme of “We Built this City on Rock ‘N’ Roll,” the festival will welcome the band Starship as an opening act Sept. 9, according to a schedule of events.

“We’re hoping to attract a whole other age of rock and rollers,” said Ernie Kos, director of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

Starship is best known for its 1980’s hit songs “We Built This City” and “Sara.”

Kos said the traditional music festival early rock roots will be present as well.

Tickets have already started selling, Kos said, explaining, “there seems to be kind of an early buzz.”

“I don’t know if we’ve ever started selling tickets in April ever before that’s pretty exciting this early.”

Kos said the festival will also partner with the Desert Cruisers for a vintage car show and High Plains Harley-Davidson will host its “Rockin Motorcycle Rally”.

Performers for this year’s festival, Sept. 9 to 11, are expected to include Kevin Mont-gomery and Johnny Rogers, the Blackwater Band, Brian Hyland, The Coasters and Bobby Vee.

“Clovis (New Mexico), is a city proud of its musical heritage and the Clovis Music Festival is excited to expand its horizons in 2010 with a show that covers three decades of classic American rock ‘n roll,” a press release said.

“With 10 platinum and gold records to their credit spanning more than 20 years Starship's show is a guaranteed good time for all ages,” the release stated.

The festival is an annual tradition, celebrating the music of Buddy Holly and others who recorded at Clovis’ Norman Petty Music Studio.

Nightly concerts will be held at the Curry County Events Center, with $20 admission.

Tickets or information: www.clovisnm.org