ALAMOSA — The San Luis Valley ranks at the top for unique, authentic experiences that have been largely untouched by the overwhelming corporate and commercial influence common to most other travel destinations in the Colorado mountains. It truly never ceases to amaze those who visit just how many undiscovered treasures can be found in exploring the Valley.

But there is one often “unsung” (no pun intended) venue that stands out among the rest, bringing extraordinary, truly world-renowned talent to the stage that simply isn’t found very often in “small towns” like Alamosa.

That venue is, of course, Society Hall, and, in a very rare move for this group, they are asking for help from the public.

To say that Society Hall has not succumbed to placing commercial success above all else is an understatement.

“Staffed” by just a handful of volunteers who donate their time and talent at every show, Society Hall continues to bring award-winning, Grammy nominated singer-songwriters to their stage who are well known in enclaves throughout the southwest and across the country with havens of devoted fans in parts of Europe.

The price of the tickets - $20 – never changes and, for those who can’t make it in person for whatever reason, shows are always live on Facebook and YouTube.

What is most extraordinary is that Society Hall rarely – if ever – has to reach out to talent to book a show.

Time and time again, performers reach out to Society Hall because the venue is known in the music world for offering an experience that is extremely rare for performers these days: an intimate, historic venue with great acoustics (aided by handmade quilts that hang on the wall) and an audience of people who come to listen and respond with genuine delight at the music they hear.

At some point in just about every show, the person on stage will express their gratitude to the people who are listening, adding what a wonderful experience it is to be where they are that night.  

Devotion to community has been one of the Hall’s trademarks, reflected in their standard tagline “Where community comes to celebrate!”  But there’s another not-widely-known way that commitment to community is evident, and that’s in the board’s decision to not take Society Hall off the tax rolls.

While non-profits in Colorado are generally excused from paying property taxes, the board at Society Hall opted to not take advantage of that benefit, preferring instead to support the community that supports them.

However, Society Hall is now asking for the public’s support.

While undeniably beautiful, the Society Hall building is 103 years old. The steps have been in need of repair for quite some time and, as audiences grow in size and the venue is used for other things like play productions, it was decided that there needed to be some renovations made to accommodate.

“Our board has been talking for quite some time about enclosing our front porch,” writes board chairperson Ruthie Brown. “We felt we needed more mingling and visiting room and this seemed like a great solution. We also needed to do considerable maintenance on the front porch, so why not do it all?”

Board members, including Brown, Don Richmond and others, met with architect Ron McClure and Bob Van Iwaarden (VIB Builders) over 6 months ago, and the bid was $100,000 – a bid that was in line with bids from two other construction companies but, nonetheless, a bit of a shocker for people who haven’t been involved in construction for a while.

The architecture of the historic building with its pillars on a porch elevated above the street is truly beautiful, and the group is devoted to preserving that beauty.

A 2-foot stucco wall will be built between the pillars. Above the wall will be beautiful windows with opening sections on the bottom of every window. The porch (currently exposed) will be enclosed without sacrificing that feeling of being open to the street and trusses supporting the porch are being added. The front wall will have new stucco with ‘SOCIETY HALL’ and the address on the wall.

All the work is being done by local businesses.

“Bob (VanIwaarden, VIB Builders) and his grandsons are working on leveling the porch,” Brown writes, “and getting ready for the awesome tile from Highland Cabinets. Valley Electric will be doing the lighting and additional outlets, as needed.”

SLV Federal Bank has made it clear they are willing to loan whatever might be needed. But the board would like that loan to be as small as possible, and they’ve been quietly fundraising for several months. They’re falling short of their goal.

“We would absolutely love to raise $50,000.00 before we go for the loan,” Brown says. “Twenty dollars or five hundred at a time. It all adds up.”

There are also tax benefits for those who donate. For donations of $100.00 or more, Enterprize Zone credits are available, which allow donations to be taken off taxes due to the state. Brown can provide more specific details. She can be reached at 719-580-7838.

Monthly donations are also helpful, if that makes giving “to the cause” more doable. Donors can also use Venmo @SocietyHall. Checks are also welcome, either dropped off at the Green Spot at 700 State Avenue in Alamosa or mailed to Society Hall P.O.Box 1885 Alamosa, CO 81101.

“It’s been a beautiful thing how Society Hall has been supported by the community but with very little outside money,” Don Richmond told the Valley Courier. “We appreciate all the support we’ve already had for this construction project renovating the Society Hall space. We hope all of you that have enjoyed concerts at Society Hall can help us with this effort.”