On a lighter note: Music series in Old Town, zoo, botanical garden keep things lively

Rozanna M. Martinez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

Jun. 20—The sounds of summer return to the gazebo in Old Town.

Summertime in Old Town 2024 kicked off earlier this month and runs through the end of July in the historic Old Town Plaza, located at 200 North Plaza St. NW. Eventgoers can enjoy free entertainment from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Bree Ortiz, the city's community events manager, encourages eventgoers to arrive early to shop, eat and enjoy the merchants and restaurants throughout Old Town.

The city sponsors the event each year. The series features music from various genres including New Mexican, jazz, soul, blues, rock, country and flamenco. The June schedule continues with blues by Big K and Blue Train on Friday, June 21; New Mexico Rockabilly by the Silver Sky Blues Band on Saturday, June 22; rock and jazz by the Turquoise Blues Band on Sunday, June 23; American blues and funk by Chris Dracup: Funk of the West on June 28; reggae by Reviva on June 29; and jazz by Flambeaux on June 30.

The July music series starts with flamenco performed by Spanish Broom on July 5. It continues with jazz standards by Entourage Jazz on July 6; variety music by Tropicalia on July 7; New Mexican and folk music by Lone Piñon on July 12; traditional Latin by Divino on July 13; blues and alternative country by Levi Dean & The Mesa Rats on July 14. The music continues throughout July and wraps up on July 28 with Latin music by Lasotras. A complete schedule can be found at cabq.gov/artsculture/historic-old-town/summertime-in-old-town.

Eventgoers are welcome to bring chairs, blankets or a picnic to enjoy while listening to local musicians. The city will provide some seating in front of the gazebo.

More music can be enjoyed this summer at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, and the ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th St. SW.

Attendees will be able to relax on the grass and take in the sounds of some local entertainers during Garden Music at the Botanic Garden. Shows are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The music series launched on June 20 and continues with jazz and rhythm and blues by Tracey Whitney on Thursday, June 27; contemporary salsa by Calle 66 on July 18; and American funk and blues by Chris Dracup: Funk of the West on Aug. 1. The Shark Reef Cafe will be open for attendees to grab a bite to eat, and a variety of bars will be located around the garden that will be open for attendees to experience.

Garden Music tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and youth ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and younger enter for free. New Mexico BioPark Society members receive 50% off with valid identification. Tickets and information are available at cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/events/garden-music.

Zoo Music will feature a variety of performers through the end of July. The music series started on June 7 and continues with southern country and bluegrass by Clay Street Unit on Friday, June 21; rock and blues by Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves on July 12; and ragtime jazz and rock by Blair Crimmins & The Hookers on July 26. Performances are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The zoo will also be open for attendees to visit the animal exhibits.

Zoo Music tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for seniors and youth ages 3 to 12, and free for children ages 2 and younger. New Mexico BioPark Society members receive 50% off the ticket price. Tickets and information are available at cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/events/zoo-music.