2024 Jams and Sing Alongs

Old Time

The Central Avenue String Band is mostly an old-time string band but they can turn some bluegrass and country as well. This local band, made up of Braden Frieder, banjo; Jason Sewell, fiddle; Tom Giambra, guitar; and David Debonis, bass will lead a delightful traditional music jam.

Bluegrass

The Duke City Swampcoolers (DCS) are a bluegrass band from Albuquerque, New Mexico otherwise known as the "Duke City". The band has been playing for more than twenty years. The Swampcoolers named themselves after the trustworthy old evaporative air coolers that everyone uses in their homes in the dry desert southwest. Those things run day and night trying to cool the house down and they do have breakdowns which can also be a high-speed bluegrass barn burner. The band consists of an eclectic mix of professional people including among others a doctor, a former teacher, a pharmacist, a master historic home restorer, and a fellow who does something nuclear. The band officially formed in 2003. Members of the band currently include Anthony Smith on guitar, Bill DuFault on mandolin, Jon Bryan on banjo and ukulele, Kevin Cooper on bass, Grey Howell on the fiddle, and Gerry Szostak on dobro. CD’s include “It Ain’t the Years”, “Drained and Unplugged”, and “Cooler Heads Prevail”. They are currently working on a fourth project. Most of the songs on the discs are originals. Musical influences range from swing to blues to folk to hard driving old time bluegrass. Over the years, the band has played in many regional festivals and local venues. They have also played at large private events in Albuquerque and other locales.

Americana

ABQ Skeleton Crew is a 7 member band which features luscious harmonies and an eclectic repertoire of tunes. We draw from old to modern folk traditions, with a sprinkling of folksy pop songs, pop/classic rock with a growing number of originals added to the mix. From Istanbul (not Constantinople) to John Ryans Polka, we offer a wide range of instrumental combinations and vocal harmonic arrangements....we are all singers! Come kick up your heels and soothe your soul with "the Crew".

Members of the band are:

• Claire Gentry - keyboard, accordian, melodian, vocals
• Chris Carlson - fiddle, vocals
• Kaye Summerhays - ukelele, percussion, vocals
• Tim Mac Alpine - bass, percussion, vocals
• Leah Burkhardt - guitar, mandolin, percussion, vocals
• Josh Benjamin - guitar, resonator, vocals
• Carolyn Ansell - ukelele, banjo, dulcimer, vocals

To listen to April Verch and Cody Walters is to be immersed in tradition. To watch them perform is to be transported. Be it regional Canadian roots, American old-time, 50’s Country, Scandinavian folk music, or something original that sounds as though it’s been around for a century—the one common thread is their love and reverence for the music and traditions that have been passed down to them.

Husband and wife duo April Verch & Cody Walters is a true partnership of kindred musical spirits, each a world-class musician in their own right. Combining their unique backgrounds from Verch’s native Ottawa Valley and Walters’ heartland roots in Kansas, their music showcases endless creativity and versatility—transitioning effortlessly from traditional Ottawa Valley step dancing and fiddle tunes, to old-time fiddle-banjo duets with tight-knit vocal harmonies, to innovative sandpaper foot percussion, all contrasted against Verch’s sweet soprano voice.

Verch and Walters began playing together in 2007 when Walters joined the April Verch Band as their bassist. Initially formed as a pickup band centered around Verch’s own fiddle and dance stylings in 2000, the band grew and blossomed into an established trio of world-class musicians, spanning several musical traditions and backgrounds, yet all united in their mission to share the music they love. Together they have traveled to four continents, performed in fourteen countries, and played everywhere from tiny pubs and dusty festival workshops all the way to legendary stages such as the Kennedy Center and the Ryman Auditorium. In 2018—fittingly amidst their ever-busy tour schedule—April and Cody were married.

With the release of their debut duo album Passages and Partings (March 24, 2023,) the collection of 16 songs and tunes adds a new tributary to their musical cannon, and one that Verch and Walters feel, is really starting to blossom. The duo’s diverse repertoire and unbridled passion come to life on stage with a presence that is versatile, robust, and masterfully executed. Audiences remark at their sincerity in sharing stories between tunes. Verch’s delicate voice, energetic footwork, sand paper foot percussion and stunning playing (sometimes combined all at once!) are jaw-dropping. Walters’ melodic banjo stylings, solid rhythm guitar accompaniment and tasteful vocal harmonies are at once understated and brilliant, dueting with Verch’s skills in glorious harmony. Their ability to preserve the authentic folk traditions of the past and reintroduce them into the musical landscape of the present is a testament to their masterful musicianship and widespread appeal.

Even now, after more than two decades leading her own band and with 14 albums in her name (two of which were nominated for JUNO Awards, among other honors), and 3 albums with other collaborations, there is nothing that fulfills Verch or gives her more joy than playing and sharing her music with the world. “It’s like the reward for everything else,” she says. Together, she and Walters are exemplary tradition-bearing performers: never forgetting the roots of the music, that connection to the people out there in the audience or on the dance floor, to the community sparked by a good song. “It’s about joining together to celebrate everyday life, through music. We’re all in this together.” And so together they press onward: diving deep into musical tradition, bringing people together and forging connections, and sharing their insight and genuine love for the music they play so well.

Celtic

Driven by a passion for exploring the colors and complexities of Irish music, The Consequences are a new Irish traditional band founded by Lexie Boatright (concertina & harp), Jake James (fiddle), Cara Wildman (bodhrán & dance), and Ryan Ward (piano & piano accordion). Award-winning soloists in their own right, the quartet comes together to create a dynamic and enthralling sound with a combination of traditional and original tunes.

Bluegrass & more

Drawing from a deep well of musical experience the Boys have a unique string band perspective. Contorting the sound into a New Mexican Wild-grass like nothing else on the scene… Structured around strong lyrical content, powerful melodies, and a musical bond that only a band of true brothers can create.

Tucked in the Mountains of Northern New Mexico the Foggy Memory Boys combine the unique skills of New Mexico State Mandolin Champion and master luthier Jacob Hagerty on mandolin, Andy Yeomans on acoustic guitar and vocals, The Undertaker Uncle Willie Hunton on dobro, singer-songwriter extraordinaire Zephaniah Stringfield on Gretsch guitar and vocals, and Matt Mallwitz on bass fiddle.

There’s magic in these ancient tunes, and they come to life when we gather and play them together. Bring your instrument and a familiar tune to share; we’ll play at a pace that’s agreeable to all. At https://robhuffman.com/tunes/ you’ll find sheet music for some suggested tunes

Bruce Thomson started playing bluegrass and old time music in college after playing in concert bands through high school and college. He has played extensively throughout the southwest in old time, bluegrass and celtic/New England dance groups. He writes a regular column for the New Mexico FolkMADS and Tucson Friends of Traditional Music and Dance Society, and has written for the Old Time Herald upon occasion.

Wandering the Burren explores the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Brittany, and Spain. Its six members include Rebecca Keeshan and Harlow Pinson on whistle and flute and sometimes banjo; Barbara Herrington on fiddle; and Doug Cowen playing concertina, flute, and bodhran; all bolstered by Mike Maulsby’s inspired guitar chords.