Remember those times eons ago, when you could go out into public, and listen to real people playing music in front of you, as other people — strangers even — would do the same and you’d all feel a sense of togetherness as you all enjoyed the rhythm together?
Well, those times seem to be back. Live music is a thing again, and a number of venues in the area are filling up their schedules to try and salvage the rest of the summer.
The iAM Music Institute in currently planning on holding its iAM Music Fest 2020 Concert Series. The last two thirds of it anyway. Part I would have occurred on June 27 at 11th Street Station, featuring Elder Grown, PJ Moon & the Swappers, Space Between Shadows, and Profetic Calaveras. But it was planned to be held just a smidge too early.
No worries, though. At least for now, parts II and III are still on. Part II is a three part event, split across two days. There will be a kickoff party from 5:30 to 9:30 on Friday, July 17 at The Nugget Bar. It’ll feature Cassidy Bacon, Funk Express, Profetic Calavera, and Ghost Tapes for $10 per person.
Then, Saturday, July 18 will feature two sets by J-Calvin, Ghost Tapes, and Alex Blocker at Buckley Park. The first set, from 4 to 6 p.m., costs $15 to $20 per person (it’s all based on buying areas of the park that seat specific numbers of people). The second set, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. is $25 to $35.
Part III of their festival is coming on Aug. 22, in theory, featuring the Stillhouse Junkies, High Country Hustle, Let Them Roar, Foxfeather, and The Funk Express at 11th Street Station.
In addition to that show, 11th Street also has consistent music on the docket, with artists including Dave Mensch on July 16, Devin Scott on July 18, DJ Spark Madden on Aug. 7, and Stephen Sellers/Bad Goat on Aug. 14.
Prefer to get your live music near a large body of water? The Navajo Lake Marina is hosting a bunch of events. Artists include: Mark Smith on July 18, Aug. 8, and Sept. 5; Jose Villarreal on July 25 and Aug. 14; Terri Lynn Davis on Aug. 2; and Rob Webster on Aug. 23.
Meanwhile, if you think music best listened to with a glass of vino in hand, Wines of the San Juan in Blanco, New Mexico, has a bunch of events. Their Sunday Music in the Shade series features: Zia Chicks on July 19, Robin Davis Duo on July 26, Mark Smith on Aug. 2, Pete Giulianai Duo on Aug. 9, Jose Villarreal on Aug. 16, Willow Blue Duo on Aug. 23, Devil’s Dram on Aug. 30, Charlie Stacey on Sept. 6, Jack Ellis on Sept. 13, and Fetz X-Tet on Sept. 20. They’re also having the Wine & Shine Classic Car Show on Aug. 16 and the Harvest Wine Festival on Sept. 26 and 27.
Naturally, most of these venue are probably enforcing all of the things we’ve gotten use to this year – social distancing, mask-wearing – and even if they’re not, you should probably do it anyway. Lets not have a fall that matches last spring.
Nick Gonzales
