"River & Brews" Blues Fest

We sure did have a good time at the "River & Brews" Blues Fest this weekend. I think we're all pretty pleased with the attendance for the first year (over 400 people), and I know we're happy with the music. Johnny Mack made the trip up to Red River a little early to join in the open mic Friday night at the Lift House. He played with Red River favorites Jeff Fagan and Fritz Davis, along with a few other blues aficionados that wanted to join in. It was a packed crowd and everyone really seemed to enjoy the Lift House as Red River's newest music venue! Tijerina, Albuquerque Blues Connection, Johnny Mack, and Bugs Henderson all played on the outdoor stage Saturday on the face of the mountain. Santa Fe Brewing Company was well represented, as was West Texas BBQ (pulled pork sandwiches... YUM!). There were a few unpleasant wind gusts later in the afternoon, but the rain held off and everyone had a great time. Later that night some of the more hard core blues fans made it out to the Bull o' the Woods Saloon for an encore performance from the Albuquerque Blues Connection. They are definitely a favorite and we hope to see them back again this summer!

Now we're preparing for the Fine Art & Wine Festival this weekend. Black Mesa Winery, Santa Fe Vineyards, Tularosa Vineyards, Ponderosa Valley Vineyards, Falcon Meadery & Winery, Wines of the San Juan, and St. Clair Vineyards will all be here this year, as will some of the most talented artists, photographers, and potters in the southwest. Gabrielle Louise, and incredible vocalist and musician from Colorado, will be performing at the festival on Saturday, and we'll have Philip Brooks, one of our fabulous Red River musicians, playing Saturday & Sunday. Hope you can make it!