MAY 31
Eliza Gilkyson. The Taos-based folk artist has recorded more than 25 albums, including last year’s Home, in her career. “She’s just a stupendous singer-songwriter,” says Neal Copperman, executive director of AMP Concerts, which brings musical events to the state. “Her songs are eloquent stories.” Song Pick: “World Keeps on Singing.” South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, 7:30 p.m.
JUNE 6 & 7
Christopher Paul Stelling. The Atlanta singer-songwriter, who has toured with Mavis Staples and Ben Harper, recently released a new double album, Forgotten but Not Gone & Few and Far Between. “He had an NPR Tiny Desk Concert some years ago that I was really impressed by,” Copperman says. Song Pick: “All and Everything.” The Kitchen Sink, Santa Fe, 7:30 p.m.; Fusion (The Cell), Albuquerque, 8 p.m.
JUNE 8
Jesse Dayton. His highly acclaimed collaboration with Samantha Fish, Death Wish Blues, earned a Grammy nomination last year. “He’s this weird, iconoclastic outlaw country blues singer,” Copperman says. Song Pick: “Baby’s Long Gone.” Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, Santa Fe, 7:30 p.m.
JUNE 15
William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. The long-haired baritone sang with the legendary group from 1965 to 1987 and again since 1995. “They do a lot of the Oak Ridge Boys songs,” says Renee Puckett, marketing director at The Liberty Inc., in Roswell. “But they also do country gospel.” Song Pick: “I Still Miss Someone.” The Liberty Inc., Roswell, 8 p.m.
JUNE 22
Joe Jackson Solo and the Music of Max Champion. The English singer-songwriter does a solo set and then joins a nine-piece band in tribute to 19th-century British music hall tunes. “Joe is such a chameleon,” Copperman says. “He reinvents himself every time he records a new album.” Song Pick: “Think of the Show!—A Thespian’s Lament.” Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, 8 p.m.
JUNE 22
Bourbon Fest, featuring William Clark Green and Cory Morrow. Green, a country singer from Lubbock, Texas, headlines the Ruidoso festival. “He’s an up-and-coming country artist,” Puckett says, “leaning a little bit towards Red Dirt [music].” Song Pick: “She Likes the Beatles,” William Clark Green. Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, Ruidoso, 5 p.m.
JULY 3
The Avett Brothers with Iron & Wine. “The Avett Brothers are a band that I have wanted to present in Taos for a very, very long time,” says Jamie Lenfestey, director of Lensic 360, which creates concert opportunities in northern New Mexico. The folk-rockers dropped a new self-titled album in May. “There are certain artists that fit that Taos vibe, and the Avett Brothers in Taos has a certain magic to it.” Song Pick: “Country Kid,” the Avett Brothers. Kit Carson Park, Taos, 7:30 p.m.
JULY 6
Midland. Fronted by vocalist Mark Wystrach, the country trio sold out two nights when Albuquerque’s Revel Entertainment venue opened in 2020. “They’re one of the hotter up-and-coming bands in country music right now,” Lenfestey says. Song Pick: “Bury Me in Blue Jeans.” Kit Carson Park, Taos, 7 p.m.
JULY 26
Ziggy Marley. After producing last year’s musical biopic Bob Marley: One Love, the reggae veteran plays the second-to-last show of his summer Circle of Peace tour at Isleta Amphitheater. Song Pick: “Circle of Peace (Live).” Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, 8 p.m.
JULY 27
The Highwaymen Show. A powerful cast of musicians performs the hits of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash in character. “It’s basically four tributes in one,” says Flickinger Center program director Michael Gutierrez. Song Pick: “Sunday Morning Coming Down—Live at Nassau Coliseum,” the Highwaymen. Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, Alamogordo, 7 p.m.
AUGUST 15
Wailing Souls with Iriebellion. Founded in the 1960s, the classic Jamaican reggae pop band pairs up with the Taos six-piece roots-influenced reggae band for this show on the mesa. “They’ve worked with everybody over the years,” Copperman says of Wailing Souls. Song Pick: “Move On,” Wailing Souls. Taos Mesa Brewing Amphitheater, El Prado, 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 24
Dwight Yoakam with the Mavericks. “Dwight Yoakam is just one of the great country icons of all time,” Lenfestey says. The Mavericks, who released an all-Spanish album in 2020, have a new album out this May, Moon & Stars, which was partially recorded at Frogville Studios, in Santa Fe. “The Mavericks have blown up to be one of New Mexico’s favorite bands.” Song Pick: “Pretty Horses,” Dwight Yoakam. Kit Carson Park, Taos, 7 p.m.
Read more: Break out your dancing shoes for these concert series.
Can’t attend every show? Our Spotify playlist keeps you company by the pool or on the road. nmmag.us/summersongs24