Seasonal shift
Musical offerings near and not-so-far to ease the back-to-school slog
by Jon E. Lynch
Even as a kiddo, I dug going back to school. That is not to say I didn’t enjoy my summers – oh, I did – but growing up in the oppressive humidity of the Midwest, I always looked forward to autumn and cooler, more temperate weather. And truth be told, I was one of those who genuinely enjoyed the routines of the academic environment. It was usually a slog as many transitions can be, but it was a welcome one.
By the time this goes to print, students in all the surrounding counties will have returned to the classroom, with Fort Lewis College not far behind. It tends to take me a solid five to seven weeks to navigate back into the rhythm of the school year and the influx of bodies and vehicles on the mesa, but it’s generally welcome. One of the more easily embraced transitions is the ever-so-slight drop in tourist energy in town. It mostly seems like a non-existent shift now – but maybe I’m just hopeful. Huzzah for hope!
I was discussing this with a friend while patronizing a small business in town (support your local ski/skate shops) where the friend worked. Perhaps I’m more comfortable with winter visitors; they tend to be a more specific, conscientious sort. This particular, name-withheld-for-anonymity-store-keep seemed to concur, but that seasonal changeover is much further off. We’ve got some fall to enjoy first.
Being brained the way I am, the seasonal shift whets my appetite for the slew of some-certain, some-rumored forthcoming record releases (more on that in coming months) and the tours/live music that tend to coincide. The closest metropolitan area(s) in our neighboring state to the south tend to be a hub and crossroad for nationally touring acts. I can’t stress this enough: take the time and effort to see live music in New Mexico. There are a handful of venues in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque worth the drive, and they run the gamut from intimate dive-type bars to large-scale seated spaces.
In downtown Albuquerque, on Central alone, you’re within walking distance to a half-dozen venues. One such, Sister Bar, isn’t just a helluva spot to play pinball, it draws several top-tier bands to its stage. The room holds just under 400, so you get up close and personal to the artists and, on a packed night, fellow concertgoers. Osees, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Holy Wave, and Wolves in the Throne Room are all playing the month of October. Just down the road at the Sunshine Theater, you can see Boris/the Melvins, Melt Banana or Baroness/Primitive Man/Midwife – and none of these coincide with any of the Sister events.
If guitars and heavier-leaning music isn’t your bag, look into the El Rey, Kiva Auditorium or The Launchpad for something that is.
Santa Fe also has options for live music, though I miss the days of the VFW, Corazon and Santa Fe Brewing (still hosting some, just not many). The Railyard has a smattering of live, local music most weekends. Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery is a great new-ish space with a diverse offering: Pato Banton, Black Joe Lewis, Mapache and Bombino(!!!) are all playing in the next two months.
Meow Wolf is a heavy draw – bands want to play that room – but tickets sellout FAST. For those planning on heading down for Yo La Tengo, the show’s been cancelled but will be rescheduled for early 2024. Bully, Matt & Kim, and Youth Lagoon are but a few playing soon.
The Santa Fe Opera has a couple worthwhile gigs with Lyle Lovett and the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra (Sun., Sept. 3); Sylvan Esso (Sat., Sept. 9); and Modest Mouse (Thurs., Sept. 21).
Don’t sleep on music here in our own back yard, either. Bay Area hip-hop legends Souls of Mischief will grace Animas City Theatre this Thurs., Aug. 24, (fresh off a sold-out Meow Wolf show the night before), celebrating the 30th anniversary of their breakout album “93 ‘til Infinity.” This is not one to miss. I just hope you read it here/bought your tickets in time.
Over in Pagosa, the Four Corners Folk Fest returns to Reservoir Hill on Sept. 1-3 with an impressive lineup including Bruce Cockburn, Gangstagrass and Jim Lauderdale.
I hear Tico Time has a couple festivals left this summer, too, with the Sunfire Festival – “a galactic-inspired and indigenous-infused event” – happening this weekend, Aug. 25-28, and the sober Serenity Festival on Sept. 15-18.
The Hive and 11th St. Station have been hosting music all summer with little signs of slowing . Check their websites for the most current happenings.
San Juan Brewfest takes place in Buckley Park on Friday night and Saturday, with the rootstomp music of Cousin Curtiss on Friday night and one of my local favorites, The Crags, opening for Longmont-based jam band The Buzz on Saturday.
For those of you sticking around Labor Day Weekend, I highly recommend the triple bill of Neighborhood Skeletons, Acid Wrench and Townies at Anarchy Brewing on Sat., Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. Townies are “pretty damn good for a band from Trinidad, Colorado” fresh off the release of their latest EP “Revolver.” Full disclosure: this is an event “presented by KDUR,” but we’re in no way benefitting from it fiscally, and I’d be there even if there weren’t a few tangential ties to the gig. I like loud, female-fronted rock and roll, and you’re getting it in tandem with Acid Wrench opening. So, go. Support local bands in your town, all the time. It’ll be an all-out gas.
If I’m wrong, you can let me know after. Or, if you prefer to hide behind a keyboard (you know who you are), email me, along with questions, comments and gripes – especially the gripes – at: KDUR_PD@fortlewis.edu. ?
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