NMSU’s former Special Events Director helped Keith Urban through “ACTS” program

Country superstar, Keith Urban, makes his way to Las Cruces this fall as part of his upcoming “ripCORD” tour.

ABC-7 has learned the musician has special ties the former Special Events Director at NMSU: Barbara Hubbard.

Hubbard is the founder of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase, or “ACTS,” a program dedicated to discovering fresh, new talent on college campuses.

It creates a bridge between an artist’s dreams to reality by giving them a shot at national exposure through hands-on experiences.

The program has been around for 50 years, helping some of the music industry’s top producers and artists.

Hubbard says Urban was able to make his way from Nashville to Los Angeles years ago through the ACTS program, where Urban was awarded $900 to complete a songwriting workshop.

Hubbard said she has spoken numerous times with the four-time Grammy winner and former American Idol Judge. She is looking forward to Urban’s upcoming stop in Las Cruces.

“It’s just great that they’re gonna give us an opportunity to help our local musicians by letting it emphasize the ACTS program by doing and giving to local musicians to open for Keith so that’s the principal we’ve been doing for close to 50 years,” Hubbard said.

The Las Cruces concert will take place on October 18th, tickets go on sale August 19th.