New concert series planned after dances, Ceremonial
Last November, the Gallup City Council heard a presentation from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce about potentially shortening the season for the Summer Nightly Indian Dances in 2020.
This proposal came after the financial results showed a drop-off in visitors and revenue after the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial started in the first part of August.
Tourism and Marketing Manager Jennifer Lazarz presented the contract to the council during their Feb. 18 meeting. The contract states the upcoming dance season will run for 75 days starting May 25 and will cost $55,000 in Lodgers Tax funds.
Dist. 4 Councilor Fran Palochak mentioned how the item was previously tabled during a December meeting because the council wanted a clearer picture of how far the attendance dropped after the Ceremonial, and how some of the Ceremonial activities hindered the attendance as well.
“There were some problems with getting access to the dance area with our Native Arts Market [in place],” she said. “That made it difficult for some folks to get over there. I think it is appropriate to shorten [the season].”
The shortened dance season is based on the first Levitt-Amp Gallup Music Series, which will begin immediately after the Ceremonial. The Levitt-Amp website states this series will “celebrate Gallup’s rich cultural diversity, bringing together all those who call Gallup home to build a positive and inclusive community identity, while fostering civic pride.”
The city will apply the cost savings from the dance season to the Levitt-Amp series.
Kara Smith, executive director of Gallup Main Street Arts and Cultural District, said the current plan for the Levitt-Amp series is to start at the end of July, take a week off for the Ceremonial, and then run the rest of the series through early October.
Smith also said the city does have a backup schedule for the concert series in place should there be any inclement weather that could affect the performances.
The contract for a shortened Nightly Indian Dances season was approved with a 4-0 vote.
By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent
