Ask any musician about the year 2020 and you’ll get a groan, one of those “Don’t ask!” looks or an expletive worthy of deletion. With bars, clubs and live performance venues shuttered by health restrictions, musicians found themselves with no place to ply their trade before living, breathing, applauding crowds. Creative people will always, however, find inventive ways to deal with any problems which become challenges.
Michael Martin Murphey’s “Lone Cowboy Hour” has become a Facebook classic concert series for the past year. Murph will be live and in-person and celebrating ten seasons of Rockin’ 3M Chuckwagon Shows at the former Bitter Creek Guest Ranch, located on Bitter Creek Road. With 30 shows scheduled from June 24 to September 11, 2021 promises to be a great summer by the lake!
The Motherlode Live Online Concert Series, hosted by Red River favorite Michael Hearne this past winter, originated from the stage of the Motherlode Saloon. Talented performers such as Red River’s own Mike Addington, Bill Hearne, The Rifters, Chris Arellano and Ray Wylie Hubbard were featured in concert.
With things opening up a bit, Michael will be on the road again and has already announced that Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance is set for September 9-11, in Taos. Last year saw a virtual Barn Dance. Don’t be surprised when Michael makes an appearance or two in Red River this summer
It will be a Happy Birthday celebration for Red River City on July 3 and Ray Wylie Hubbard will be hosting a party at the Motherlode Saloon. Hubbard’s days at The Outpost in the swingin’ 60s with Three Faces West will no doubt spark a song or two.
One of the great attractions at Bobcat Pass Cowboy Evenings for the past 30 years has been live western music. Performers like Lynn Anderson, Mentor Williams, Michael Martin Murphey, Dulcimer Dan Arterburn, Michael Smith, Fritz Davis and Jeff Fagan have sung the songs of America. Syd Masters, two-time New Mexico Music Awards Vocalist of the Year and writer of the Official New Mexico State Cowboy Song “Under New Mexico Skies”, will be entertaining to accompany true western hospitality.
The Music On Top live concert series at the Red River Ski & Summer Area will return to weekends on the deck of The Tip Restaurant.
Red River Brewing Company has a new lighted outdoor stage for some fine live acoustic music.
