Concerts, events, restaurant openings ahead for the coming year

Concerts, events, restaurant openings ahead for the coming year

By Lorena Sanchez

lsanchez@lcsun-news.com @lsanchez865 on Twitter

Posted: 01/02/2014 12:10:56 PM MST

2014 is looking to be a great year, already. There are some great acts coming to New Mexico and El Paso and some new restaurants coming and residents get to reap the rewards. Here are just a few things to look forward to this year:

ONE DIRECTION HITS THE BORDERLAND

One Direction gained fame after finishing third in the hit British televised singing competition 'The X Factor.' The five young men made a huge impression on millions of fans and rose to fame quickly after the show ended. According to the official One Direction website, the group has hit it big since debuting in 2010 with their debut album, 'Up All Night,' reaching No. 1 in 15 countries and topping the UK charts at No. 1 with their single, 'What Makes You Beautiful.' They are the first group to debut at No. 1 in USA with a debut album and have sold out concerts around the world. The group hits the borderland for a stop on their 'Where We Are Tour 2014' Sept. 19 at the Sun Bowl Stadium, in El Paso. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and range in price from $60 to $100 plus fees.

COUNTRY KICKOFF TO 2014

2013 welcomed a slew of top and up-and-coming country artists to the area. It looks like 2014 will be no exception. Kicking off 2014 are two country concerts at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Gary Allen is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 17 and Chris Young will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets for both shows are available now. Graham Central Station welcomed several up-and-coming country acts to Las Cruces in 2013 and looks to keep on bringing the talent with performances from Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers Jan. 25 as they make a stop on their 'Hold My Beer and Watch This 2014 Tour.'

Construction on Whiskey Dick's is moving along. The location, off East Union Avenue is another promising sign that Las Cruces can reign in the country fans. Whiskey Dick's is a country nightclub serving as another venue for promising country talent, drinks and a great night out.

AND THEN THERE'S THE COUNTRY MUSIC FEST

The Charlie Daniels Band and Cassadee Pope will headline Las Cruces' second annual Country Music Festival. The event is scheduled for April 24-27, 2014 on Main Street.

Pope returns to Las Cruces after opening in October for Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry. The Charlie Daniels band has more than 50 years of experience in country music.

The four-day country music fest will include live music, songwriters workshop, artist meet and greets, contests, a brunch and fashion show featuring acoustic performances by featured artists and more. A weekend pass for the event, which includes access to all concerts, the song-writer's workshop and brunch, is $55 per person with a discount for service men and women and their families. Day passes are $20 per person each day. This year's festival will be held in conjunction with the New Mexico State University Inter-Collegiate Rodeo. Visit lccountryfest.com, for more information.

WARPED TOUR 2014

Although young fans in Las Cruces are still feeling the sting of not being able welcome the 2014 Vans Warped Tour to the area next year, all hope is not lost. The tour is still set to make a New Mexico stop, just a little further north. Only a three-hour trip away, Warped Tour 2014 will stop in Albuquerque on June 17 at the Isleta Amphitheater. Gates open at 11 a.m. Air Dubai, For Today, Saves The Day, Tear Out The Heart, The Ghost Inside and others will perform on the tour. More acts will be announced in the coming days.

JEFF DUNHAM RETURNS TO LAS CRUCES

Comedian Jeff Dunham returns to the Pan Am, bringing with him a much needed does of laughter. Dunham is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. March 13. Tickets are available now through all Ticketmaster outlets.

To make his return that much sweeter, Dunham recently partnered with the New Mexico Lottery upon learning that the proceeds benefit college scholarships in the state.

THERE'S A LOT OF NEW DINING OPTIONS COMING

Rounding out our list of things to come in 2014, are a few restaurants to look forward to trying.

K-BOB'S Steakhouse is slated to open in 2014. With construction already far along on its location off South Valley Drive, residents have one more dining option to look forward to. K-BOB's menu includes appetizers, salads, steaks, burgers, seafood, homestyle favorites, local favorites and more.

Five Guys burgers and Fries is also set to open in 2014. Although the menu may seem simple, serving up burgers, sandwiches, fries and hot dogs, 'custom' is a great way to describe this dining experience. Five Guys will be located off Telshor Boulevard.

The Sun-News is also hearing rumblings of several more restaurants preparing for a 2014 debut including a second Jimmy John's and Sweet Cece's locations. There is also a second The Game Sports Bar and Grill planned for the coming year. More than five years after opening near the University, The Game 2 has already found its sweet spot off US Highway 70 and will feature a rooftop dining and events.

Wing Daddy's Sauce House, offering over-the-top burgers, wings, ribs and more, is also slated to open in 2014.

Follow me on Twitter at @lsanchez865, and 'Like' Pulse on Facebook at facebook.com/lascrucespulse.