Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats will be coming to Socorro’s historic plaza for the 2022 SocorroFest in September. Photo courtesy of Lee Rocker.

After a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19, SocorroFest is back and on track to be the most exciting yet.

This year’s event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday Sept. 16 and 17 with music and plenty of other activities as well.

A tentative schedule is already set with two stages: One on the plaza and the second at the Capitol Bar.

An internationally known musician will headline the event, organized by the City of Socorro, New Mexico Tech’s Performing Arts Series, City Councilor Deborah Dean, Capitol Bar owner Joanna DeBrine and a variety of individuals.

Anchored by Socorro’s amazing array of bands in a variety of genres, there will also be a spirits tent, art and food vendors, non-profit booths, car show, e-Sports demos, a 3:3 basketball tourney, and more. The dates were especially selected to coincide with NMT’s Parent and Families Weekend.

Saturday evening will bring none other than Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats to the gazebo at the historical plaza. Rocker is co-founder of the Grammy-nominated Stray Cats with 23 gold and platinum records.

They were music video pioneers of MTV. Their hits include “Stray Cat Strut,” “Sexy and Seventeen” and “Rock This Town.”

“From the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” … and touring with the Rolling Stones, Lee Rocker has seen and done it all,” says his website. Other notables with whom he has played include George Harrison, Ringo Star, Willie Nelson and John Fogerty.

Gwen Roath, NMT Performing Arts Series