Get ready to be dazzled as the Lensic Performing Arts Center unveils its thrilling lineup for the 2025 season! This beloved venue, a staple of Santa Fe’s arts scene, promises a fantastic selection of performances that will captivate audiences all year long. From live music and dance to theater, family shows, and comedy acts, this season features an impressive roster of talent.
Highlights include performances by the legendary Gillian Welch, the iconic Yo-Yo Ma, and the acclaimed Robert Cray Band. Check out the schedule below to discover who will be taking the stage!
About the Lensic Performing Arts Center
The Lensic Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a historic venue that serves as a cultural landmark for the community. Built in 1931 as a vaudeville stage and movie palace, the Lensic has undergone significant renovations and reopened in 2001 as a nonprofit, community-supported organization dedicated to high-quality arts experiences for all.
Home to nearly 200 events each year, the Lensic provides a stage for Santa Fe’s performance groups while also welcoming touring artists from around the country and beyond. The venue’s programming includes its original Lensic Presents series, showcasing world-class artists across various genres.
Additionally, the Lensic is committed to arts education, reaching over 15,000 students annually through its life-enriching programs.
Lensic Presents 2025 Performance Schedule
Drumroll, please! Here’s the unveiling of the 2025 lineup featuring an array of captivating performances, insightful lectures, comedic acts, and more that promise to evoke laughter, tears, and wonder this season at the Lensic.
Twyla Tharp Dance 60th Anniversary
Tuesday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:30 p.m.
Join the 60th anniversary tour of Twyla Tharp‘s dance career featuring “Diabelli Variations,” inspired by Beethoven’s iconic work, and a new interpretation of Philip Glass’s “Aguas da Amazonia.”
International Guitar Night 25th Anniversary
Thursday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.
The Lensic hosts the 25th anniversary of International Guitar Night, featuring four exceptional guitarists from around the globe: Lulo Reinhardt, Sönke Meinen, Niwel Tsumbu, and Alexandra Whittingham.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Join the extraordinary Gillian Welch, a defining voice in modern acoustic music, alongside her talented partner, David Rawlings. With over 25 years of captivating performances, this dynamic duo promises an unforgettable musical experience that will resonate long after the final note.
Isidore String Quartet
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
The Isidore String Quartet will perform an exciting program that includes Mozart’s Quartet in C Major, Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution, and Mendelssohn’s Quartet No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 44, No. 3.
Sonia De Los Santos: Música
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
Sonia De Los Santos presents “Música,” a bilingual performance designed for families and children that promises to get everyone moving with lively Latin American rhythms. This engaging show invites you to join in on a delightful musical adventure.
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz icon Branford Marsalis makes a highly anticipated return to the Lensic for an unforgettable evening of captivating music.
The Robert Cray Band
Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
The Robert Cray Band will deliver a captivating performance, showcasing the acclaimed musician’s unique blend of blues, soul, and rock.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Saturday, March 8, 7 p.m.
In a lively and imaginative reinterpretation of Oscar Wilde’s renowned comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, Max Webster takes the helm as director for this captivating broadcast from the National Theatre.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Tuesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo captivates audiences around the globe with their heartwarming vocal harmonies, distinctive dance styles, and delightful interactions on stage.
BENISE — 25 Years of Passion!
Friday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Benise presents a captivating musical journey, featuring his Spanish guitar along with a talented ensemble of musicians and intricately choreographed dancers.
The Met: Live in HD | Fidelio
Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m.
Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen makes her return to the Met in a production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, following a series of remarkable performances.
Spring Orchestra Concert
Saturday, March 15, 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
The Spring Orchestra Concert presented by Santa Fe Pro Musica showcases an array of compositions, including works by Mendelssohn, Mezaki, Raven Chacon, Jacobsen, and others.
Lúnasa
Monday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Lúnasa takes the stage to honor St. Patrick’s Day, bringing together the beloved sounds of Santa Fe and showcasing the talent of one of the finest acoustic Celtic bands in the world.
Robert Earl Keen
Friday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.
With a career spanning over thirty years, Robert Earl Keen has established himself as a prominent figure in the Americana music scene. His dedication to crafting exceptional music and performing it live has solidified his status as a legendary and innovative artist.
Shakey Graves: And The War Came — 10th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.
Shakey Graves is set to perform a special two-night engagement at the Lensic as part of the 10th Anniversary Tour for his album And The War Came.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Tuesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Old Crow Medicine Show has established itself as a cherished presence in the American music scene, creating music that pays tribute to historical traditions while inspiring fresh generations of fans.
Joshua Bell & Larisa Martínez: Voice and the Violin
Sunday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.
Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez, a husband-and-wife duo, take the stage for a captivating performance that spans a diverse range of repertoire, including classical art songs, operatic pieces, musical theatre, and works by renowned Puerto Rican and Spanish composers.
Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure!
Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m.
Doktor Kaboom brings the excitement of science to life with “Under Pressure!” This entertaining show captivates audiences of all ages through thrilling scientific experiments, spontaneous humor, and a dynamic comedic flair. Witness the wonders of the Scientific Method like never before!
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
In a special event, Yo-Yo Ma presents an evening of music that has influenced his perspective on life. He reflects on how this music has informed his views on human nature, art, and the quest for meaning. This unique combination of music and dialogue invites attendees to contemplate the purpose of music and its potential to lead us toward hope.
Orquesta Akokán
Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from Havana, the Grammy-nominated Orquesta Akokán brings the vibrant energy of the Cuban mambo revolution from the 1940s and ‘50s to life while elevating its rhythms to new levels. Infused with a deep sense of soul and exceptional songwriting, the ensemble showcases some of the island’s most talented instrumentalists, as noted by The New York Times.
Graham Nash – More Songs and Stories
Tuesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
Graham Nash takes the stage alongside Todd Caldwell, Adam Minkoff, and Zach Djanikian, sharing beloved songs and stories from his impressive 60-year career.
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company, a highly regarded and influential modern dance ensemble, has been reshaping and advancing the art of modern dance since its founding in 1954.
The Met: Live in HD | Le Nozze di Figaro
Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.
The Met: Live in HD presents Le Nozze di Figaro, with conductor Joana Mallwitz making her Met debut, leading a remarkable cast in Mozart’s beloved comic opera.
Steel Pulse
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Steel Pulse returns at a pivotal time, bringing a message of unity and resilience while inspiring audiences to strive for greater ideals and reject false narratives.
The Jayhawks
Friday, May 9, 7:30 PM
With nearly 40 years of experience and 11 albums to their name, The Jayhawks have reached remarkable heights, captivating audiences and earning accolades from critics and fellow musicians alike through their unforgettable live performances.
The War and Treaty
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m.
Established in 2014 by the married couple Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War and Treaty has quickly gained recognition as one of the most exciting new talents in the American music scene.
The Met: Live in HD | Salome
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead the orchestra in a performance of Strauss’s one-act tragedy Salome, marking the company’s first new staging of this piece in two decades.
Ryan Adams: Heartbreaker ‘25 World Tour
Wednesday, May 21, 7:30 p.m.
Ryan Adams, a seven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, is acclaimed as “one of rock’s most gifted songwriters.”
Dope Lemon
Wednesday, May 28, 7:30 p.m.
Since the release of the highly praised album Honey Bones in 2016, Dope Lemon — led by the renowned Australian artist Angus Stone — has developed a reputation for blending soothing, relaxed rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics.
Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
Thursday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.
With more than two decades of experience in comedy, Tom Papa is a renowned comedian, actor, author, and host.
The Met: Live in HD | Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m.
The 2024–25 Live in HD season at the Metropolitan Opera concludes with a live broadcast of Rossini’s lively comedy Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
The 2025 Carnival of Curiosities – The Lensic’s Spectacular Annual Gala
Saturday, June 14, 5:30 p.m.
This 2025 Lensic gala serves as the primary fundraiser for the Lensic’s extensive education initiatives, benefiting more than 13,000 students each year. Attend for an unforgettable evening on the Lensic stage!
Punch Brothers
Tuesday, June 17, 7:30 p.m.
The talented quintet Punch Brothers is known for expanding the limits of acoustic music, earning widespread critical praise. Recently, they have been working on their new musical variety show, “The Energy Curfew Music Hour,” with the first season available on Audible and various podcast platforms.
The Swell Season
Monday, September 15, 7:30 p.m.
The Swell Season is returning. After a series of sold-out performances in March 2022 and a more extensive U.S. tour in August 2023, the duo is back with new music. What began as a studio effort to produce a few singles for their tour has transformed into a complete album, aptly named Forward.
Lucius
Wednesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.
Indie band Lucius, created by lead vocalists and songwriters Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, is celebrated for their rich harmonies and distinctive pop-noir musical style.
Lensic Ticket Information
Ready to snag tickets for an exciting season at the Lensic? Swing by the box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or drop in on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. For evening shows, the box office remains open until showtime. On Sundays, it is open from noon right up until the show begins.
Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 505-988-1234, or in person at the Community Box Office at 211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Be sure to get your tickets soon — many of these incredible performances are sure to sell fast!
Watch Lensic Live Performances in Santa Fe Today
The Lensic is an integral part of the Santa Fe arts scene, offering a lineup that celebrates creativity and community. Come see a show today!
This article was posted by Jess
