‘NEW TRADITION’
Southwest Pickers Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival moving to Edgewood after 4 decades in Santa Fe
After four decades, it’s time for a change.
This year, the organizers for the Southwest Pickers Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival are trying something different — logistically.
After more than 30 years in Santa Fe, the annual event has moved to Edgewood — specifically, the Wildlife West Nature Park.
“Logistically, it’s going to be different,” says Tony Mora, talent coordinator for the festival. “We are offering some of the best in bluegrass and old-time music.”
Mora says the move from Santa Fe to Edgewood was brought on because of money.
“It’s too expensive for our small nonprofit to put on this festival in Santa Fe,” he says. “We love the venue but couldn’t afford it anymore. We’re looking forward to having it at Wildlife West. This brings an entirely new aspect to the festival.”
Mora notes that with previous festivals, there was a focus on bringing in “big” names within the genres.
This year, the focus is on local and regional musicians, and it runs only one day, as opposed to nearly four days in the past.
“Our festival is small, and it gives the audience the opportunity to meet the musicians,” he says. “There are plenty of jam sessions as well as workshops taught by many of the performers. It’s a different type of festival, because we’re about building the community.”
Mora says at this year’s festival there will also be cash prizes for the
instrument and band contests.
First place will win $500 cash, as well as a recording session in Albuquerque.
“They will also win a main stage performance at next year’s festival,” he says. “And the winner will get a showcase at Red River’s bluegrass festival. We’re trying to attract as much local talent as we can.”
This year’s festival will feature Higher Ground Bluegrass.
Based in northern New Mexico, Higher Ground Bluegrass was founded in 1998. The band plays original, contemporary and traditional music informed by the American traditions of folk, bluegrass, country, and rock ’n’ roll.
Sharing top billing at this year’s festival are old-time/bluegrass favorites the Adobe Brothers.
The band began playing in 1979. The quartet started playing in restaurants and bars in northern New Mexico and moved up to playing concerts, street fairs and music festivals throughout the Southwest.
It is known for its old-time fiddle music, bluegrass and folk music of North America, but this has expanded to Western swing, Celtic, blues, and whatever else might be fun to play.
Rounding out the festival acts are the Virginia Creepers, the New Mexico Contra Dance Band, Boxwood Consort, and Liz Stevens & Mike Gallagher; affectionately known as The North Valley Tune Tanglers.
Mora says there will also be free camping available for eventgoers.
“There’s something for everyone at this festival,” he says. “We’re trying to start a new tradition.”