Outpost seeks $5.2 million to renovate Yale Street venue

The Outpost Performance Space at 210 Yale SE in Southeast Albuquerque has launched a campaign to raise $5.2 million. The organization intends to use the funds to renovate its current building, pay off the mortgage, and establish an endowment fund.

Executive Director Tom Guralnick said the group hopes to secure the $2.8 million allocated for renovations by April. Once that amount is raised, work will begin on the site. Guralnick expects the construction to take nine months to complete. During that period, classes and shows will move to other venues, though he has not identified those locations yet.

The renovations will create separate spaces for performances and teaching. Currently, the Outpost cannot host concerts on weekdays because of its class schedule. It also cannot offer weekend classes because of concert bookings. Guralnick noted that many artists and collaborators have asked to present concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. He said separate spaces would allow for more community offerings and increased income.

Beyond the physical upgrades, the campaign will pay off the building mortgage. It will also build an endowment to help find a new leader when Guralnick retires. He is 75 years old. Guralnick said the endowment will help ensure the organization continues after his departure.

Guralnick founded the Outpost in 1988. The group originally operated in an old print shop in Nob Hill. It later moved to its current Yale Street location. That building previously housed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a secretarial school, a martial arts studio, and a recording studio. Since 1988, the Outpost has sponsored more than 3,000 events.

The nonprofit hosts world-renowned artists and provides classes for local musicians. On Oct. 19, co-instructor and musician Rodney Bowe led a session. Alto saxophonist Scott LaFon soloed on Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “How Insensitive” while a rhythm section accompanied him. Bowe told the class that the song is a love song and must be played quietly. He instructed the musicians to blend in and listen to one another so no single instrument became louder than the others.

LaFon said he enjoys the class because it prepares him for jam sessions in town. Guralnick said these classes allow musicians of all levels to learn together and share trade secrets. In addition to its Yale Street location, the Outpost hosts adult education classes at the New Mexico Jazz Workshop building on Lomas Boulevard. It also runs the Empowerment through Music Program in the South Valley and the Roots of Jazz series at APS elementary schools.