TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK
Hats off to the Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha, which performs at the Railyard Plaza Saturday night. The foursome is known for the tall, furry hats they wear during shows, including at major festivals like Bonnaroo. They’ve also produced an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Though the members of DakhaBrakha say their music originates from the traditional Ukranian folk tradition, they use instruments and styles from places like Asia and Africa to create a unique, unexpected sound for each song.
The free performance, part of the Levvit AMP summer concert series, kicks off at 7 p.m. with Cloacas. The Santa Febased group says it creates “imagined folk music of a fictional country.”
PLAYING IN THE MUD: Kids won’t get in trouble for playing in the mud this Saturday while the Railyard Park celebrates International Mud Day for the second time. As a way to promote technology-free play, kids can jump into the park’s man-made mud pile to make whatever mud-based creations they want. The event is free and the pit will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Railyard recommends bringing a towel and wearing clothes that you’re OK with getting dirty.
BLOCK PARTY: Creative businesses along Baca Street will be opening their doors for the inaugural Baca Railyard District Block Party today.
The event, co-hosted by several businesses in the Arts and Design Center — including Circle Antiques, Santa Fe Modern and Molecule Design Store — is an effort to get Santa Fe better acquainted with what the district has to offer. The stores replaced the area’s former warehouses and other industrial structures.
The Baca area of the Railyard begins on Railfan Road. Visitors can walk through and speak with the owners, and take a look at what they have to offer; some of the businesses will have special offerings and projects happening.
The event is free and the businesses will be open to roam among from 5-8 p.m.
CHILL OUT: Those who come to Meow Wolf tonight will get a dose of relaxation before and while immersing themselves in diverse music styles.
Before a concert that includes artists Porangui, AMANI and Liquid Bloom, local yoga teacher Emily Branden will kick things off with an 8-9 p.m. class — an appropriate prelude to the music of Porangui, who describes himself as a “healer,” as well as a musician. His Brazilian roots inspire his soothing sounds, with soft string and woodwind instruments.
AMANI, a solo artist who also tours worldwide with the electronic group Desert Dwellers, has more upbeat, electric-based music, but should keep people in the Zen mood. He’ll be followed by one of AMANI’s other projects, Liquid Bloom, whose soft vocals and instrumentation are said to pair well with meditation.
Tickets are either $15 online or $20 at the door and can be found at meowwolf.com.