Joe West & the Santa Fe Revue kicks off the weekend of family fun with an old-fashioned country barn dance on Friday at 7 p.m. in a historic pinto bean barn. Bring your dancing boots and dance to this country-rock band.
On Saturday, bands change each hour, starting at 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Headliner band, Lisa Haley & the Zydekats are one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Cajun/Zydeco band. This Grammy-nominated fiddler, dancer, vocalist and songwriter, along with Gigi Rabe, the “accordion diva,” serve up Louisiana Bayou, French Celtic R & B and Jazz rhythms that speaks to all ages. The Blue Canyon Boys, winners of the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition in 2008, have reached a high level of perfection with dynamic instrumentation and exhilarating vocal harmonies. Returning to Wildlife West is the famed country singer/songwriter, Chuck Pyle, who is known for his Zen cowboy mystique, virtuoso guitar and sly Will Rogers like wit.
On Sunday, gospel performers, Swamp Coolers, take the stage at 11 a.m., followed by the headliner bands Lisa Haley & the Zydekats, Blue Canyon Boys and Chuck Pyle Folk. See www.wildlifewest.org for a complete list of performers and times they will perform each day.
A variety of tasty food and an amazing juggler for the kids add to the festivities. Throughout the weekend, visitors can stroll around the wildlife zoo and experience wildlife up close in their natural habitat, including endangered Mexican wolves, cougars, black bear, javelina, hawks, crested caracaras and more. It's fun for the entire family - children under 12 are free.
Don’t miss this incredible line-up of musicians in a beautiful high desert setting. Just 25 minutes east of Albuquerque, off Interstate-40 in Edgewood. The festival is made possible in part by the New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information go to www.wildlifewest.org or contact Wildlife West at 505-281-7655 or toll free 877-981-9453.
What: 11th Annual Wildlife Music Festival
When: Friday, July 19 - Sunday 21, 2013
Friday, 7 p.m., Country Barn Dance with Joe West & the Santa Fe Revue
Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Bands change hourly on 2 stages, see www.wildlifewest.org for schedule
Sunday, 11 a.m. Gospel; then headlines bands perform until 4 p.m.
Where: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 North Frontage Road, Edgewood, 25 minutes east of Albuquerque off I-40, take exit 187 and follow the signs.
Cost: Barn dance $10, Saturday $25, Sunday $15, weekend pass $35. Children under 12 admitted free. Purchase tickets at the door.