ALBUQUERQUE, NM – It’s Thursday, it’s warm out and your mind is already checked into weekend mode. Before you get too set on a happy hour spot, consider catching a concert or two. Albuquerque is full of them this weekend.


Tonight, Isleta Amphitheater welcomes national act, Tim McGraw

alongside country crooner Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. The show, part of McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom Tour, starts at 7pm and tickets are still available at the box office. Pack a blanket to enjoy the concert from the lawn seats. On the other side of town catch Bob Farrell & Brushfire at the County Line’s Giant Thursday Night Outdoor Music Series.


Country not your thing? No problem. The Summer Nights Concert Series kicks off tonight at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden with New Mexico favorite (and Albuquerque native) Wagogo

. Tickets are inexpensive and you can bring your own lawn chair and picnic (no glass or alcohol). There are also food and beverages available for sale. This band is not to miss. Doors open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7pm.

The Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque continues through Saturday, with many great workshops and performances still in store. The event is considered to be one of the most important and longest standing flamenco events outside of Spain. Visit www.ffi26.org for a complete schedule of events.

Friday night means Latin rock at the ABQ BioPark’s Zoo Music Concert Series. Austin band, Del Castillo, will be performing at the zoo’s amphitheater – gates open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7:30. Make a night of it and say hello to the new zoo babies.

Across town at the Sandia Resort & Casino, a benefit concert for New Day will be held featuring the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Eric McFadden. Proceeds from the concert help benefit the over 8,000 homeless youth in our community. Show starts at 7pm on Friday and tickets start at $22.50 + fees.

A sampling of other weekend concerts:

- Salsa Under the Stars at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History featuring Ivon Ulibarri y Café Mocha, on Friday, June 14. Doors open at 6:30pm, concert starts at 7pm

- Party on the Patio at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center featuring Chava and Paid My Dues Rhythms and Blues on Friday, June 14 and Baracutanga on Saturday, June 15. Happy hour specials from 5-6pm, concerts run from 6-9:30pm. $7 admission includes all you can eat horno baked pizza.

- Jazz and Blues Under the Stars highlighting Women’s Voices: Timeless Standards on Saturday, June 15. Doors open at 6:30pm, concert starts at 7pm.

There’s lot more going on this weekend around Albuquerque – so get up, get out and get your groove on at one of these music events. For more information on things to do this weekend, visit www.ItsATrip.org/events.