ShareTaos Plaza LiveHome Annual Events The 2024 Taos Plaza Live concert series returns to the historic Taos Plaza Gazebo from June 27 to August 8, featuring free live music every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The series showcases local New Mexican bands and is free and open to the public. The event is alcohol-free and attendees are advised to be cautious due to nearby road construction. Concerts are scheduled weekly, except for July 4 and July 18. For more details, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s Taos Plaza Live page.
ShareTaos Hometown 4th of July Celebration with FruitionHome Annual Events THIS IS A FREE EVENT! w/ Fruition, Last To Know, Chris Arellano Band, and PH8 and the Bees & Locusts July 4, 2024 • 5:00 pm • Kit Carson Park DOORS 4:00pm • ALL AGES RAIN or SHINE • BAGS SUBJECT TO SEARCH • LAWN AND LOW PROFILE CAMPING STYLE CHAIRS WELCOME • BLANKETS WELCOME • FREE WATER REFILL STATIONS (Bring your own reusable bottles) • FOOD VENDORS BUT PICNICS & COOLERS WELCOME • ADA AREA WITH CHAIRS AVAILABLE NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED FRUITION Fruition’s three-part harmonies and impromptu performances captivated crowds on street corners and in campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest initially, but their 15-year journey has seen them emerge as a singular force in Americana on some of the nation’s biggest stages. Channeling the delicate, playful, and honest focus on songcraft and vocal harmony of groups like the Beatles and CSNY, the band continues to create timeless and genuine folk, roots, and rock ‘n roll. Distinguished by three accomplished songwriters and a rhythm section that serves each song with a finely tuned attention to detail and aesthetic, Fruition manages to consistently release a body of work that is both uniquely their own and instantly familiar. 2024 will see them release a brand new studio album, while preparing a second album for 2025 and a full complement of festival and headline touring. LAST TO KNOW Last to Know is: Scott Barady on percussion, Howie Roemer on keyboards, Randy Morris on drums and vocals, Curt West on bass, Dan Irion on mandolin and vocals, and Tom Pryor on guitar, pedal steel, and vocals. Last to Know is a six-piece band blending the heartiest world rhythms with jam-band passion, while muddying the lines between Americana roots music, disco, funk and bluegrass. LTK has shared the bill with Hot Buttered Rum String Band, The Motet, Buckwheat Zydeco, Culture, The Vince Herman Trio, The Skatalites, and Leftover Salmon. They have played the Main Stage at the annual Taos Solar Music Festival – a stage graced by Los Lobos, Michael Franti and Spearhead, String Cheese Incident, Richard Thompson, New Monsoon, Michelle Shocked, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Harry Belafonte, and Leo Kottke, among others. The band has performed at several other festivals including Silverton Jamboree, Crestone Music Festival, Alibi Spring Crawl in downtown Albuquerque, the Santa Fe Thirsty Ear Festival, and the Dreamtime Festival. Based in Taos, New Mexico, Last to Know has been together, writing and performing since 1999. LTK is discofunkgrass. CHRIS ARELLANO BAND Chris Arellano’s deeply personal Americana weaves together the Norteno music of his Northern New Mexico upbringing with alternative country and blues influences for a signature style that he calls “Nuevo Americana.” Fused with song and story, Spanish and English, his transcendent lyrics move listeners with emotion and passion. To understand Chris’ unique musical perspective and sound, it’s best to start with his early influences growing up in Costilla, New Mexico. When Chris was 8, he joined the family band playing the drums. His father, Jake, was the singer/songwriter, guitarist, and band leader. His mother, Henrietta, was a vocalist, and his 11-year-old brother Rodney played bass. The family played music together throughout Northern New Mexico and Colorado until the loss of his father Jake when Chris was 12. During the sad period following his father’s death, Chris immersed himself in his father’s instrument of choice, the guitar, and his love affair with stringed instruments began. After high school, Chris headed to Los Angeles to study at Musicians Institute (GIT). At the age of 20, he was the winner of the Nashville Spotlight talent contest, which allowed him to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Chris and his brother Rodney traveled to Nashville together and decided to visit the Bluebird Cafe. Due to a last-minute cancellation, they landed a spot to perform. The response was fantastic, and they were asked to play there regularly. They moved to Nashville and formed the band Drifters Wind. The band soon caught the attention of Sony producer Blake Chancey and James Stroud, the President and Producer of DreamWorks. James Stroud signed the band to a recording developmental deal. Through the DreamWorks relationship, the band wrote and recorded with some of Nashville’s top session writers and musicians, but the Drifters Wind recording project was never released. Chris’ ability to play multiple stringed instruments kept him busy as a Nashville session musician and producer. In 1996, Chris and drummer Kenny Cox of Drifters Wind auditioned and ended up touring with Steve Forbert’s Warner Bros. release of “Rocking Horse Head” tour, playing on premier stages across the country and appearing on television in New York City. In 2001, Chris moved to Oregon and opened Musicafe Rock School, where he found a passion for teaching music, working with students of all ages. Chris is a highly sought-after music instructor in the Pacific Northwest, and in 2012, he began a yearly summer music camp in his New Mexico hometown. Chris enjoys giving back to his community through volunteerism, teaching songwriting, instrumentation, and recording classes through the local school district. Chris continues to write music that speaks to him and tells stories from along the way. Maybe something you will hear live somewhere in a town near you! PH8 AND THE BEES & LOCUSTS A full band with a rapper at the forefront isn’t a common sight, but Ph8 w/ The Bees & Locusts is just that. They describe their sound as organic hip hop crossed with soul, funk, influenced by traditional native rhythms. Their original compositions, and renditions of various classic hit songs, fill the air with energy and take the listener on a personal musical journey to the unexpected. The majority of their set is designed for any and every human to dance to, groove to, and let loose. This indigenous led group hails from the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Cody Mirabal aka “Ph8”, the poet and orchestrator, assembled the band back in 2022. The name, The Bees & Locusts, represents the duality and balance we all experience within ourselves, creation and destruction, light and dark. The collective consists of frontman Cody Mirabal, bassist Damon Young, drummer Jonah Romero, vocalists Solomon Goot & Naomi Gomez, guitarist Sarah Martinez, keyboardist Gabriel Lincoln, and percussionist Kevin Francisco. All the band members come from different musical backgrounds, genres, and cultures ranging from classical Spanish guitar to social powwow music blending and creating a unique sound and experience not quite heard or seen before. Ph8 w/ The Bees & Locusts are currently recording new singles for release and are actively scheduling shows both locally and nationally at music venues, bars, and festivals. THE BAND Lead Vocal – Cody Mirabal Drums – Jonah Romero Guitar – Sarah Martinez Bass – Damon Young Vocals – Solomon Goot & Naomi Gomez
ShareRed River’s Mayfest in the MountainsHome Annual Events The Town of Red River invites you, your loved ones, and friends to join us for Mayfest in the Mountains, a transformative event replacing the traditional Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally. This celebration embraces family-friendly activities and pays tribute to veterans through cultural engagements. Activities include a Wall of Honor Display, Plein Air Competition, Outdoor Recreation Workshops, Family-Friendly Games, NM Game & Fish Department Exhibit, and Live Music performances by local talents. With a focus on community engagement, all offerings are locally sourced, and the event will span multiple venues across town. Come experience the beauty of the mountains and honor our veterans this Memorial Day weekend.
ShareTaos Chamber Music Group – Holiday Season FestivalHome Annual Events For over 30 years the Taos Chamber Music Group has presented concert series that have earned it a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. A highlight of the season is the Holiday Season Festival which features a virtuoso piano recital and a program of chamber music favorites. Performances take place at the Harwood Museum of Art, where TCMG is the Resident Chamber Music Group, in the Arthur Bell Auditorium, an acoustically rich and appealing gem of a hall. This annual event has become a treasured part of the magical holiday season in Taos. For more information visit taoschambermusicgroup.org
ShareWorld Pro Ski Tour World ChampionshipsHome Annual Events Taos Ski Valley will host the World Pro Ski Tour World Championships. This prestigious event is the country’s foremost professional alpine race tour where athletes race side-by-side in a single-elimination format. Professional skiers, World Cup athletes, and Olympians from around the world will begin the Tour in January in Colorado. Thousands of spectators, competitors, and sponsors are expected to attend, showcasing Taos’ world-renowned terrain on international television.
ShareTaos Freeride CompetitionsHome Annual Events The Taos Adult Freeride Competition is back! TAOS Ski Valley is excited to host a 2* Freeride Competition and the 4* Qualifier Finals in conjunction with the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association and the Freeride World Tour. The 2* Taos Freeride Competition will be held as a 1-day competition on March 4, 2024. Weather day is scheduled for March 5, 2024. The 4* Taos Freeride Competition will be held on March 6 – 7, 2024. Weather day is scheduled for March 8, 2024. This premiere big-mountain event is New Mexico’s largest and most prestigious ski and snowboard competition. Athletes from around the globe descend on TAOS Ski Valley to test themselves against the resort’s famed steeps, chasing the top podium spot and trying to get one step closer to making the Freeride World Tour. There will be terrain closures for the event. Exact terrain TBD.
ShareSan Geronimo DayHome Annual Events The Annual San Geronimo Feast Day is September 30th. Visitors are welcome to come and share in the day of family, friends, and feast. Traditionally, a trade fair for visitors near and far. As part of our traditions and customs we have our footraces in the morning, open to the public at 8 am, your more than welcome to observe the morning festivities. Through out the day an open market will be accessible to take home wares from an array of visiting vendors. The afternoon will be filled with laughter as the Koshare (for lack of written term in the Tiwa or Sacred clowns for lack of term in English) greet the community for the remainder of the day (1 pm – 5 pm, approximately). Please be mindful this day is a sacred day and all elements of the Taos Pueblo community are to be respected. Due to the sacredness of the day there are NO RECORDING DEVICES of any kind are allowed. Cell phones, cameras, drones, etc. are not allowed and will be confiscated. Thank you for your respect and we hope you leave with the memory of the day and share experience through your words with family and friends.
ShareHalloween Community EventHome Annual Events The Town of Taos Community Events, Taos Plaza Merchants, Teresina Lane Merchants, Juan Largo Lane Merchants, John Dunn Shops and Bent Street Merchants are hosting a huge Children’s Halloween event for children of all ages and their families. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, the ghoulish fun will be spilled out from the Taos Plaza over to Teresina Lane, to Juan Largo Lane, slithering its way to the John Dunn Shops and Bent Street. The event will provide the children of Taos with a fun, safe, and supervised Halloween event. Merchants from all around the Taos Historic District (Taos Plaza, Teresina Lane, Juan Largo Lane, John Dunn Shops and Bent Street) will be handing out treats to trick-or-treaters. Local businesses, organizations and church groups will provide decorated “trunks” full of treats for trick-or-treating and various carnival games with prizes. For more information contact Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or at [email protected].
ShareTaos School of Music & Chamber Music FestivalHome Annual Events The Taos School of Music and Chamber Music Festival has been declared by NPR to be “One of the most prestigious and intimate of summer music schools in the country.” Each summer since 1963, nineteen elite Young Artists from around the world come to Taos to study chamber music for eight weeks with famed string quartets. Both faculty and Young Artists present weekly electrifying chamber music concerts in Taos and Taos Ski Valley. Taos School of Music alumni can be found in major orchestras and preeminent chamber music ensembles throughout the world. Be among the first to hear the next generation of great artists. Visit the Taos School of Music website for a complete schedule of events.
ShareTaos Studio TourHome Annual Events The Taos Studio Tour is a great excuse to wander the relaxed back roads of the famously funky and beautiful mountain town of Taos, New Mexico, as you guide yourself from studio to studio and perhaps even discover an inspiring work of art for that empty spot on your bedroom wall. By attending the tour, you not only get to see a wide range of art by independent artists; you also have the fun of seeing the real Taos beyond the plaza or ski valley. Studio visits are from 10am – 5pm. An opening reception will be held the Thursday before the event. Find out more about the Taos Studio Tour at their website.
ShareBen Myers Ridge-A-ThonHome Annual Events The Ben Myers Ridge-A-Thon at Taos Ski Valley embodies the idea of coming together to work hard and have fun to provide health related services and support for members of our community in need. Each year Ridge-A-Thon participants and donors help encourage donations for the Emergency Medicines Fund at Taos Community Foundation, which funds grants in the area of health and basic needs in Taos and Western Colfax Counties. Ridge-A-Thon is a breath-taking snow sports event at Taos Ski Valley. Participants lap the hike-to terrain over two days, or take just a single hike. For those who can’t or don’t ski/board/hike you have the opportunity to design another TSV mountain pursuit, (with advance approval of TSV) to serve as your “Ridge Challenge”.
ShareLas PosadasHome Annual Events One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a multi day celebration of religious observance. The ritual has been a tradition in Mexico for over 400 years. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach the scriptures to a largely illiterate population in Europe as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or accommodation” and Las Posadas is a traditional play enacted 9 days before Christmas telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that baby Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Taos Las Posadas is celebrated throughout the county. It is a time to come together for nine days and nights of devotion to purification, meditation and getting in touch with the holiness of the season. The Posaditas go to different houses each night and are sent away, until the ninth night, when they are finally given posada (shelter). People along the route decorate their home entrances with farolitos to light the way and cook traditional foods like Tamales and biscochitos which are given to the posadistas. As part of the ceremony prayer is recited for the posadistas and community joining in the celebrations. Besides the Posadas organized by local churches, it is also organized in private homes. To find out the Las Posadas locations contact San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. Call (575) 758-2754. 2023 San Francisco de Asis Church Schedule December 15 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 16 – 5:00 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 17 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 18 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 19 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 20 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 21 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 22 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 23 – 5:00 pm at Talpa Capilla December 24 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am at San Francisco de Asis Church (Sunday Obligatioin) December 24 – 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass at San Francisco de Asis Church (Fulfills Christmas Obligation not Sundays) December 25 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am Christmas Day at San Francisco de Asis Church (Holy Day of Obligation) Where: 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, NMCall: 575-758-2754More Information: [email protected]