2023 Performers
Kathy Kallick Band
Hot bluegrass and cool originals describes the groups powerful mixture of original and classic music. “A true heroine in the pantheon of female vocalists in bluegrass, Kathy Kallick's deeply soulful voice, magnificent delivery, and compelling musical styles shows she's one of the greatest bluegrass vocalists of her generation — or any other." David J. McCarty, Bluegrass Unlimited. Led by one of the music’s extraordinary composers and vocalists, the Kathy Kallick Band has nearly as much fun as the audience when performing, and their presentation — ranging from electrifying to humorous to bittersweet to soulful — is always inclusive and satisfying.
Bruce Molsky
Described as an “absolute master”, Grammy nominated fiddler Bruce Molsky’s authentic and personal interpretations of music from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe make a concert venue feel like an intimate front porch setting. As the “Visiting Scholar in the American Roots Music Program” at Berklee College of Music, he is the go-to guy for the next generation of roots musicians
“Performing and teaching traditional music are the biggest things in my world. Being a musician informs everything I do in my life.”
Beausoleil
avec Michael Doucet
Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet – Playing Louisiana French music that is “honest to the bone”, the renowned Cajun sextet, is a two time Grammy winning Louisiana group. Playing together since 1975, members learned from experienced Cajun musicians and while the music has changed and become more modern, the style is still very much alive.
High Desert Rangers
Four talented musicians – Bob Gray, mandolin; Billy Moore, banjo; Zeke Severson, bass; and David Thom, guitar – bring fun and high energy to their traditional bluegrass music performances.
Oscar Butler
A prolific and passionate performing songwriter, Oscar’s shows are a delight. His witty life observations, clean finger-style guitar playing, and songwriting tips draw in audiences and leave them smiling – a true entertainer.
Bayou Seco
Bayou Seco's brand of Southwestern Chilegumbo–Cajun two-steps, waltzes, polkas and rancheras, chotis's, meringues and huapangos, and perhaps a broom dance - is cross-cultural and multi-lingual, transcending labels. Bayou Seco's roots are in the deep south and southwest, but their branches reach far across the world. Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie, the heart of this group, have been going strong since 1980.
ATC String Band
Traditional American folk music that is played by students from the Academy for Technology & Classics in Santa Fe. The group is taught and led by award-winning music teacher and musician Erik Carlson.
Lone Piñon
Lone Piñon plays music of the Rio Grande Valley from Northern Veracruz to Southern Colorado. Their repertoire spans different genres, encompassing high lonesome two-part harmonies and music played with the fire of traditional people. Band members are Jordan Wax, Tanya Nuñez, Santiago Romero, and Karina Wilson.
Lightning Boy Foundation
Native Media Network: “The hoop is symbolic of ”the never-ending circle of life.” Throughout the summer, people gather around the Santa Fe Plaza to watch in awe as members of the Lightning Boy Foundation perform the Hoop Dance, weaving stories of how all life is connected. Founded in honor of “Lightning Boy” Valentino Tzigiwhaeno Rivera, a young talented hoop dancer who died from a spinal cord and brain injury sustained in a car accident, the Hoop Dance is a healing art form and young artists tell the story with native costumes and a multitude of sacred hoops that weave life tales through the use of symbols.
Sweet Nell Too
"Four ultra-talented guys who have penned tunes that sound as though they were written many years ago." Pete Smith, Sounds Country
Band members Tom Adler, Jim Mullany, Gary Ashkin and Rob Pine will perform tunes from their very popular record album Sweet Nell, recorded in Rio en Medio, New Mexico. They will perform other original tunes and a selection of tunes and songs in the Appalachian old time music tradition. Band members reside in Albuquerque, the East Mountain area and Santa Fe, New Mexico. They regularly perform in combinations of musician friends who share their love for Appalachian style Old Time music.
Robert Shlaer
Although only playing the pipes since 2010, Robert has been involved with music for decades. He plays the Great Highland bagpipes as a solo piper and with the Order of the Thistle Pipes and Drums.
Bill Evans
As an internationally recognized five-string banjo life force, Bill brings a passion to all things banjo. He successfully bridges traditional and contemporary sounds and playing techniques, creating a new music that is firmly within the bluegrass tradition but draws upon his broad knowledge of classical, jazz, and world music.
Mariachi Sonidos del Monte
Led by Santiago Romero, these eight talented musicians are the premier mariachis in Santa Fe. The group offers distinctive instrumentation and a varied repertoire, singing the songs of the origins of mariachi – machismo, love, betrayal, death, politics, and heroes.
Higher Ground Bluegrass
Higher Ground Bluegrass – Celebrating 25 years as a bluegrass band, Higher Ground includes a combination of traditional, authentic, and progressive styles of bluegrass. They strive to create material that adds something new and dynamic to what would typically be a traditional sound – extending boundaries and making it their own unique sound!
Steve Cormier
A retired history teacher, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and actor, Steve’s performances share stories of his cowboy days – a lifestyle that still captures his imagination.