In conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month, students of all ages will have a chance to experience the Song of Pueblo.

A multi-media, live concert performance encapsulating 300 years of local and regional history, Song of Pueblo will be performed on Oct 16 at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center's theater. The show will begin at 9 a.m. and, if demand warrants it, a second performance will take place at 10:30 a.m.

"Although the show is primarily for third-graders, it's open to all students," said Juan Espinosa, Song of Pueblo's artistic director. "At this point, we have about 200 students preregistered and we can accommodate as many as 800.

"For those students unable to afford the $5 admission fee, we have a scholarship fund. And we are asking local businesses and organizations to help subsidize students who are unable to pay. If schools need help with the cost of buses, we have a little fund that may help to defray the transportation costs."

During its regular September meeting, the Pueblo City Schools (D60) board of education received an overview of the upcoming performance from Espinosa and his wife Deborah, the show's producer.

Premiering in 2008, Song of Pueblo has entertained and informed thousands of patrons of all ages. Five professional musicians � under the direction of Alan Polivka � perform the original music of Californian Daniel Valdez, with each song's historical context enhanced by images of local landmarks, historical photos of people and places and narration that ties it all together.

"When people see the show, they learn our region's history," Deborah Espinosa told the board. "They leave with an appreciation and respect for all that people have experienced and most importantly, they leave with a new sense of pride.

"The performance pays tribute to Pueblo's diversity as no other program or event does."

The numbers, sung by Felicia Gallegos, a product of D60, highlight Spanish exploration of the region, the El Pueblo Trading Post, fandangos, the Flood of 1921, the Sand Creek massacre and more.

To enhance the educational aspect of the performance, the Espinosas will make available to third-grade teachers a standards-based social studies and literacy curriculum. This, Deborah Espinosa said, contributes to the "innovative collaboration between Pueblo City Schools and the community. Our children will learn through the performing arts. And children tho know their local history are more likely to take pride and ownership of their community."

Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund may send a check to Song of Pueblo, P.O. Box 8762, Pueblo CO 81008.

For more information, Juan Espinoza may be contacted at 369-4101.

jpompia@chieftain.com