My first ... concert

We asked area residents about their first music concerts. This is what they said:

• Stella Watson, 59, Tucumcari Ranch Supply:

"My first concert was in Las Cruces at the Pan American Center. We saved our money for two months so we could go see Neil Diamond. It was great."

• Patty Nelson, 45, employee at Security Finance:

"My first concert was when I saw ZZ Top in Las Cruces at the Pan American Center. The lazer light show was the greatest. I was 18 years old."

• Dody Nunez, 43, employee at Tucumcari Ranch Supply:

"My first concert was in Las Cruces at the Pan American Center. I went to see George Strait. The concert was great and so were all the girls that were there."

• Milissa Arellano, 39, employee at Security Finance:

"My first concert was in Albuquerque. I went to see Mayhem. All the different rock bands was exciting and the huge crowd that was there."

• Brenda McKinney, 68, co-owner Route 66 Smoke Shop:

"My first concert was in Albuquerque. I went to see Garth Brooks. It was a great concert. I went about 15 years ago."

• Sherri Muncy, 49, employee at Family Chiropractic:

"My first concert was Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. It was in Las Cruces ... in 1978. We went early to get good seats and were walking around where the bus was at and they gave us a tour of their bus. During the concert the Gatlins mentioned my name. I was so excited."

• Patti Fuentes, 45, employee at Route 66 Smoke Shop:

"My first concert was in Albuquerque where my twin brother and I went to see Kiss. That was back in the '80s. We are both huge fans and the concert was awesome."

• T.J. Riddle, 55, retired:

"My first concert was in 1981. I went to see Don Williams. My son Terry was a month old and had been in the hospital since he was born. I took a break to go to the concert and the first song that he sang was "Miracles." My son was a miracle."

• Daphne Marquez, 49, employee at Route 66 Smoke Shop:

"My first concert was two years ago. I went to see George Strait while I was in Utah."