D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
May 2008
It's Good to be Blue
When it comes to celebrating summer's start with live music, Silver City's got it made in the shade, May 23-25.
The 13th Annual Silver City Blues Festival — Grant County's largest outdoor festival event and the town's annual summer kick-off with music and food, sun and fun — hits town Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25. This year's Mimbres Arts Council extravaganza features "legacy performer" Marie Knight and headliners Sherman Robertson and John Mooney.
The festival begins on Friday night, May 23, with "Guitar Slim" in concert at the Buffalo Dance Hall, 8-12 p.m. The Blues Fest then continues with two full days of free top-notch blues performances in Gough Park — showcasing musical acts that range from talented local performers to national names. Lovers of the blues, live music in general or folks just looking to welcome summer should bring their lawn chairs or blankets to make the most of this annual celebration. (Don't forget the sunscreen!)
In true outdoor festival style, the event will have a full food court with everything from the ubiquitous turkey legs to grilled corn on the cob and snow cones. Plus more than 50 arts and crafts vendors and artisans will sell their wares.
Saturday, May 24, is a full day of electric blues, from 1-10 p.m., starting with Silver City's own Edie and the Silver Blue Roots, then heading into 45- to 90-minute sets by the Albuquerque Blues Connection, Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room Allstars, Zac Harmon and headliner Sherman Robertson. Serious boogie-ers can then bop down to the Buffalo Dance Hall for the Post Jam Session with the day's performers, 10 p.m.-1a.m. (tickets $10).
Sunday, May 25, is a full day of acoustic blues, from 12:30-7:15 p.m., with Alex Maryol, the Jen Exten Trio with Pat Dutton & Pat Chase, Chris Dracup and Tommy Elskes with Alex Moralez, and "legacy performer" Marie Knight, wrapping up with blues legend and festival headliner John Mooney.
As always, alcohol will be sold and consumed in the beer garden, adjacent to the park and rigged for sound, so those bending an elbow won't miss a moment of the music. Donations of non-perishable food for Harvest for the Hungry are welcome at the MRAC collection table, and shuttle buses are available for those who wish to leave their car at home. Local businesses, galleries and restaurants add to the downtown excitement with extended hours, a special Arts Walk and many gallery openings.