TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK
How many other times will you be able to say you watched “America’s Hottest Accordion?”
That’s the title zydeco musician Dwayne Dopsie was given years ago in a competition held by the American Accordion Association — one that he still holds onto proudly. The Grammynominated Louisiana native will be performing in the Railyard on Saturday as part of AMP’s summer concert series.
Dopsie was born into the world of zydeco, south Louisiana regional music that grew from Creole culture. His father, the late Rockin’ Dopsie Sr., was also a famous accordion player/singer. Today, the younger Dopsie performs internationally with his Zydeco Hellraisers. The group’s 2017 album, “Top of the Mountain,” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Album. The free concert is 7 p.m. Saturday in the Railyard Plaza. On Sunday, July 7, the band will also perform at the ABQ Accordion Fest at Rio Bravo Brewing Company, 1912 2nd St., from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $20, or $10 for kids 12-17. Children under 12 are free with an adult.
NEW LA EMI SERIES: Last summer, flamenco phenom La Emi (real name Emmy Grimm) headlined her first season at Santa Fe’s Benitez Cabaret. Her second three-month series premieres this week, starting Wednesday, with shows going until Sept. 1.
Alongside Grimm, who studied flamenco under the cabaret’s namesake Maria Benitez, other featured performers include dancer Nevarez y Jose Encinias, guitarist Kambiz Pakan, and singers Manuel Tañe and Vicente Griego.
The Benitez Cabaret is at the Lodge at Santa Fe, 750 N. St. Francis Drive. Shows are Wednesday-Sunday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are between $20-$50, and can be purchased online at hhandr.com/ flamenco; by phone at 505-988-1234 or 505-660-9122; or at the Lensic Box Office. Group discounts are available for purchases of five or more tickets.
HAIL, HAIL ROCK AND ROLL: Edition ONE Gallery is paying tribute to Woodstock’s 50th anniversary with an exhibition reliving the “3 Days of Peace and Music.” The gallery has shots of superstars at the iconic 1969 music festival, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Santana, as well as candid moments among the 400,000 festivalgoers.
Gallery owner Pilar Law will also display historic artifacts, such as an original ticket, a program, posters, and a pot and cleaver used in the Hog Farm’s Free Kitchen, where the collective served food. A handful of Woodstock photographers will be featured, including Santa Fe’s Lisa Law and Baron Wolman. Lisa Law, Pilar’s mother, is a renowned photographer known for documenting the counterculture era. Wolman was the chief photographer of Rolling Stone in the late ’60s. “Hail, Hail Rock ‘n Roll: Happy 50th Woodstock!” opens Friday at Edition ONE, 728 Canyon Road, with a reception from 5-8 p.m. It will remain up until August 9.
SELENA TRIBUTE: The life and career of Selena Quintanilla was tragically cut short almost 25 years ago. But tribute artist Karla Perez keeps the Queen of Tejano Music’s songs alive through concerts, as she takes on the role of the beloved Latin music icon. “Selena, The Premier Tribute” is coming to Santa Fe Friday night at Pojoaque’s Buffalo Thunder and Casino. Dressed in some of Selena’s most iconic outfits, the Mexico native who is based in Phoenix performs the late singer’s greatest hits. The concert is 8 p.m. Friday at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino, 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, about 20 minutes north of town. Tickets are $25 and available at hiltonbuffalothunder.com.