Staff Report /

Roberto Alvarado Switala is a violist and violinist who began his musical education at the age of 6. He made his debut on NPR's "From the Top" in 2006 and also appeared on PBS's “From the Top: Live at Carnegie Hall.” In 2007, he won 1st prize at the National SPHINX Competition, which led to solo performances with various symphony orchestras, including those in Florida, Nashville, and Fort Worth.

Robert is an active chamber and orchestral musician. He has performed as a guest artist at several events, including the Juliani Chamber Series and the Kennedy Center Chamber Players. He has held positions in the El Paso and Las Cruces symphonies and has served as a substitute musician for orchestras such as the Minnesota and Chicago Sinfonietta. Currently, he is the Assistant Principal Viola for SPHINX Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and plays as section viola for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.

Listeners can hear him and other musicians at the "Autumn Sketches" concert on November 23rd. For more information, visit [Indianapolis Chamber's concert page](https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/autumn-sketches-vaughan-williams-mozart-and-leonid-sirotkin/).

Source: Indianapolis Chamber

Source Type: Arts

Source Location: Indianapolis

Las Cruces, NM

20 Fugitives Arrested in Coordinated New Mexico Operation

New Mexico authorities arrested 20 fugitives for serious crimes.

Roadrunner Food Bank Hosts Las Cruces Drive-Thru Distribution

Roadrunner Food Bank hosts drive-thru food distribution event in Las Cruces, NM on October 11.

Roadrunner Food Bank to hold pop-up drive-thru in Las Cruces

Las Cruces, N.M. — Roadrunner Food Bank will hold a produce pop-up drive-thru distribution on Saturday, Feb. 21, starting at 9 a.m. at Real Life Church, 1040 El Paseo Road, with food distributed until it runs out.

Roadrunner Food Bank, Raising Cane's fundraiser in Albuquerque, Las Cruces

Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque announced a fundraiser with Raising Cane’s at participating Las Cruces and Albuquerque locations on three Mondays in April—April 13, 20 and 27—from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—with 15% of net sales donated to Roadrunner Food Bank; customers can mention the fundraiser in person or use the code RCFUND96 for online orders.

Las Cruces Tattoo Artist Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A 42-year-old tattoo artist, Billy J. Porter, was arrested by New Mexico State Police on April 10, 2026, on four counts of criminal sexual penetration, one count of criminal sexual contact and one count of selling or giving alcohol to a minor after a 19-year-old customer alleged sexual abuse at Porter House Ink and Tattoo, and investigators executed a search warrant at the shop before Porter was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Albuquerque's Roadrunner Food Bank Recognized by LC Hispanic Chamber

Albuquerque, N.M.—Roadrunner Food Bank said it is grateful for recognition from the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber for its community support, with two staffers honored: Efrain Trigueras, vice president of operations for Southern New Mexico and Mexico, for leadership and his two-year Las Cruces anniversary, and Leticia Garcia, Community Advocacy Manager, for service to Las Cruces.

Pie'd Piper Promotes Double Up Pepperoni Deal

Pie'd Piper Pizzeria promotes pepperoni pizza Double Up Deal at various locations.

NM State Police hosts "Her Call to Serve" seminar.

NM Police host career seminar "Her Call to Serve" in Las Cruces.

State Police Hosts “She Serves” Women’s Seminar

State Police seminar engages women in law enforcement; January 14, Las Cruces.