Aspencade Music & Arts Festival

09/27/2024

Are you ready to dance?!
Tonight at the Motherlode we’ve got TWO killer acts that are guaranteed to keep you on your toes!
Catch and tonight at the Motherlode!

09/26/2024

Let's get it started!

We've got two Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees lined up for you tonight at the Motherlode! Tonight's show will be a seated listening room experience with Bruce Robison and Gary Nicholson, two legends of Texas music. Online sales will be open until 12:00 pm today. Tickets also available at the door while supplies last.

If you've already purchased tickets online, we'll have your wristbands for you at the door tonight. Check your email inboxes, we've also sent a detailed need-to-know to you all this morning. 🤠

See you tonight! 🎶

🎟️ : https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Visit Red River, NM
Gary Nicholson
Bruce Robison

09/25/2024

Artist Spotlight - Levi Platero Band
Saturday, September 28th, Brandenburg Park

Steeped in musical lessons as far back as teaching himself guitar at nine years old from a launchpad of the three Kings and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Platero’s leads and songwriting reflect a lifetime absorbing music. On “Work Hours,” Platero’s guitar work and songwriting style bring a breath of fresh air to a time-worn topic and make it new.

"I’m a Navajo bluesman who grew up in a Gospel circuit, I have this huge cultural background I’m very proud of but, at the end of the day, I’m also a blues guy and I’m trying to fit in. Trying to bring all those diverse influences and different styles of music I love into a blues context." – Levi Platero

Platero is from the Navajo Nation in the Southwest region of the United States. With his family band The Plateros they emerged on the music scene in 2004 as a blues rock power trio compared to the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Los Lonely Boys and ZZ Top. After a decade of touring the US with his family band, and a 1-year run as a member of Indigenous, Levi decided it was time to get back to his own music as a solo artist.

He then recruited a new band, began touring, and released a self titled EP featuring the single “Take Me Back” which went on to win the 2016 NAMA (Native American Music Award) for Best Blues. Levi Platero is a great example of a guitar player with the gift of guitar playing intuition of a much more experienced player. His quiet nature is unleashed in a style that mixes a spectrum of Texas blues and vintage rock to modern guitar heroes such as Eric Johnson and Steve Vai. With a captivating live show he ranges from flurries of guitar acrobatics all the way down to soulful expressiveness.

🎟️ : https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

🤠 Support Levi Platero at leviplatero.com 🤠

09/25/2024

Check this out!

I’m having these shirts made just for the Red River NM fest Aspencade Music & Arts Festival in the colors of the NM Flag. They are going to be available in black also. I love New Mexico and I am very honored to be a part of this remarkable festival in such a historic and beautiful town this Saturday ❤️

09/25/2024

🤠Schedule of live music for this weekend at Aspencade Music and Arts Festival 2024🤠

NOTE:

Thursday night: seated listening room setup
Friday and Saturday nights: open dance floor!

🎟️ https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Online ticket sales close at 8:00 pm MDT. Tickets may also be purchased at the park gate or Motherlode door each evening, while supplies last.

09/24/2024

Artist Spotlight - Mozzy Dee
Saturday, September 28th, Brandenburg Park

Hailing from her hometown of El Paso, “El Chuco”, Texas, Mozzy Dee is representative of her roots. Her Latina heritage, her family, and her passion for every music genre that influenced her as a child is what drives her.

As a child, she grew up watching Judy Garland with her abuelitos on TCM, wanting dearly to sing on Broadway. Her passion filtered into music theater in high school and college at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she took music theater classes and performed in a pedagogy recital. Her dreams continued as she won karaoke competitions and sang in dinner theater plays. Finally, she was able to put her words to lyrics and aided by friends of hers - The Shadowmen in Albuquerque, NM- she recorded her first few singles at Hot Damn Records owned by Jeremy McDonald.

As relationships faltered and the group dismantled, Mozzy Dee strived on. Friends Luke Metz and Eddie Clendening helped her write her debut album, “Orale!”. Recorded at Lawless Noise and Vision, the recording studio pitched the album to Rum Bar Records and was an instant hit! Mozzy Dee became a Rum Bar Records artist!

The album earned many accolades, including making Mozzy Dee a two-time nominee for the esteemed Ameripolitan Awards held by honky-tonk legend Dale Watson. After both nominations in 2023 and 2024, she is now the 2024 Ameripolitan Award winner for Rockabilly Female of the Year!

Mozzy Dee is sure to continue living up to the legacy of the Ameripolitan Awards that embraces community, up and coming artists, and endless support for roots music! She is now working on going on tour in March with Thee Stillnites in Arizona, will be performing at various showcases during Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, and more! Mozzy Dee is so grateful to those that helped her get where she is today!

🎟️ Get Tickets! 🎟️
https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

🤠 Support Mozzy Dee at mozzydeemusic.com 🤠

09/19/2024

Artist Spotlight - Gary Nicholson
Thursday 9/26, Motherlode Saloon

Gary Nicholson is a number-one hit
songwriter, two time Grammy-winning producer,
recording artist, and world-traveling performer. He
was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall
of Fame in 2022, and the Texas Heritage
Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2011. There are over
seven hundred recordings of his songs in various
genres including country, rock, blues, folk,
bluegrass, and pop by Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt,
Chris Stapelton, BB King, Garth Brooks, Vince
Gill, John Prine, Fleetwood Mac, Buddy Guy,
Stevie Nicks, Waylon Jennings, Robert Plant,
George Jones, Guy Clark, Keb Mo, Emmylou
Harris, Billy Joe Shaver, Marty Stuart, Kenny
Chesney, Delbert McClinton, The Dixie
Chicks, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, The
Mavericks, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, Brad
Paisley, Michael McDonald, Joe Bonamassa, Del
McCoury, and the list goes on.

In addition to his two Grammy-winning
records with Delbert McClinton, he has produced
records for Billy Joe Shaver, Marcia Ball, The
Judds, Wynonna, Pam Tillis, T Graham Brown,
Chris Knight, Seth Walker, and many others. As a
guitarist he has played live and recorded with Guy
Clark, Billy Joe Shaver, Asleep at the Wheel,
Bobby Bare, Joe Ely, and extensively with Delbert
McClinton - participating in Delbert’s Sandy
Beaches Cruise for twenty-seven years.
His songs have been included in many major
motion pictures and television: the song “Falling
and Flying" is featured in the Oscar-winning film
“Crazy Heart” performed by Jeff Bridges. Recent
songwriting credits include the co-written title of
Ringo Starr’s release “Give More Love”, the
Grammy-winning title song of Buddy Guy’s “The
Blues is Alive And Well”, and a tribute to Merle
Haggard recorded by Willie Nelson, “He Won’t Ever Be Gone”.
“Worry B Gone” is featured on Chris Stapleton’s recent release.

🎟️ Tickets! 🎟️
aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

🤠 Support Gary Nicholson at garynicholsonmusic.com 🤠

09/13/2024

Artist Spotlight - Mark Edgar Stuart
Saturday, September 28th, Brandenburg Park

Originally hailing from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mark's been a fixture on the Memphis music scene for a good while now, where he’s known as a producer, curator, sideman, and even a bit of a musical wizard.

From sharing the stage with some big names to carving out his own niche as a singer-songwriter, he's done it all, impressing folks from David Letterman to Billy Bob Thornton. John Prine even admiringly referred to him as the “Remote Control Guy” when they met, a nod of approval for one of Stuart’s signature songs.

Inspired by the likes of Prine, Roger Miller, Levon Helm and all the Hank Jr. and Zappa records his big brother left lying around, Mark's songwriting is a blend of humor, heartache, and musical versatility. Praised by critics at Garden & Gun, NPR, No Depression, and Paste Magazine, Stuart’s a quick-witted and empathetic artist whose easygoing style belies a depth and occasional darkness.

His latest album Never Far Behind is a mix of heavy and lighthearted, exploring new territory while still keeping that signature Mark Edgar Stuart vibe. It’s a testament to his musical evolution and the profound connections he's forged along the way. Rooted in friendship, this new song collection blossoms in collaboration with album producer, Will Sexton, a luminary in the Austin music scene and musical savant famed for his eccentricities as a multi-instrumentalist.

Born out of impromptu recording sessions that delivered dynamic results, Never Far Behind reflects Stuart's penchant for crafting songs ranging from soulful ballads to folky rock n’ roll anthems. Exploring love, loss, and the march of time, Stuart's lyrics delve into the depths of the human experience with honesty and vulnerability.

If you want to talk to Mark about this album, you’ll have to interrupt him working on the next one. He's already seeking out new collaborations, exploring unexpected sounds, and pushing himself to grow as an artist. Because Mark Edgar Stuart is always on the path to someplace new, and the music is never far behind.

🎟️🎟️🎟️: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

09/10/2024

Artist Spotlight - Sundance Head

Sundance Head , son of the legendary Roy Head, has carved his own indelible mark on the music world. A winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Sundance has captured the hearts of many with his powerful voice and authentic storytelling. His success is evident with several number one songs on Texas radio, showcasing his deep connection with fans and his undeniable talent.

Sundance has released four full-length albums, one of which was produced by the esteemed Dean Dillon. His latest album, “Starting Again,” takes listeners on a profound musical journey filled with love and loss, encapsulating the raw emotions of real-life experiences. Every song Sundance writes is a reflection of his personal journey, drawing from the vibrant tapestry of his upbringing.

Growing up in a musical family, Sundance was surrounded by musicians and carneys, an environment that profoundly influenced his artistic development. Despite facing early hardships, such as the tragic loss of his brother in a car accident and witnessing his father’s once-promising career wane, Sundance learned to channel his feelings into his music. These experiences have shaped his ability to translate emotions into the art of language and music, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

Sundance’s journey has not been without its struggles. His path to sobriety has been a beacon of light, illuminating his spirit and further enriching his artistry. His story and songwriting continue to evolve, each new chapter bringing greater depth and authenticity to his work. Sundance’s soaring vocals and heartfelt soul are a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of music.

As an artist, Sundance Head stands as a shining example of perseverance and passion, continually captivating audiences with his compelling narrative and powerful performances.

🎟: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

08/05/2024

📣Here’s the full lineup for Aspencade 2024!

🎟️3-Day Passes are extremely limited for this special event! Get yours now before they’re gone!

🎟️👉aspencadefestival.com

07/31/2024

Artist Spotlight - Bruce Robison

In regard to the Lone Star State’s finest tunesmiths, Bruce Robison lands at the top of the heap. His songwriting turned the heads of some of the industry’s biggest artists and took them to the top of the charts (The Chicks’ No. 1 version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” George Strait’s recording of “Wrapped” and the beautiful Tim McGraw / Faith Hill rendition of “Angry All The Time,” to name a few). While those achievements might be considered the pinnacle of a songwriting career to some, Robison has never been one to rest on his laurels. He is always creating.

In 2016, Bruce turned his focus toward his other passion project, The Next Waltz, a “virtual social house” of music, videos and interviews spotlighting the artists and songs that make up the pedigree of this generation’s cream of the crop. In his studio - The Bunker - located just outside of Austin, Robison hosts and records an evolving array of artists who share in his commitment to continue the tradition of collaborative creativity. Everything in Bruce’s studio is recorded on analog tape “with no digital shenanigans – just like back when music was good.” With a list of musician credits that could easily be mistaken for a hall-of-fame roll call, Robison delivers a truly organic listening experience that includes “happy accidents and all kinds of things that just feel real.

🎶 Bruce Robison kicks off Aspencade as the first of two intimate listening room sets at the Motherlode Saloon on Thursday, September 26th.

Get your tickets now for this exclusive special event!
🎟️: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Support Bruce Robison at brucerobison.com 🤠

07/24/2024

🔥JUST ADDED!🔥
Tony Kamel & Kym Warner
Saturday, September 28th at Brandenburg Park

Tony Kamel (Wood & Wire) and Kym Warner (The Greencards, Robert Earl Keen) have formed a musical duo after a decade-long friendship and shared musical experiences.

Both GRAMMY nominated, multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, Tony and Kym have had success with their previous bands The Greencards and Wood & Wire.

The Austin TX based duo is receiving high praise for their unique compelling vocal and instrumental arrangements and strong original compositions rooted in the Americana genre with roots heavily planted in bluegrass and the acoustic forms.

Instrumentation of acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, along with bouzouki, electric mandocaster and harmonica create a tight-knit, lush yet edgy, high lonesome yet smooth, old time yet fresh sound drawing on influence from John Hartford to Mark Knopfler.

Their touring history includes Telluride Bluegrass Fest, Merle Fest, Red Rocks, The Ryman, Lollapolooza, Austin City Limits and Carnegie Hall.

Get your tickets now and join us for this wonderful weekend !
https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

07/11/2024

Artist Spotlight - Caleb Caudle

Just as the marbled salamanders emerge from under damp logs and leaves, the mushrooms—smooth, pearlescent ones and spongy morels—turn on like night lights glowing in the dark, and the long-horned beetles and regal moths begin buzzing. The fiddlehead ferns and trout lilies curl inward, a copperhead slowly swerves, and a fox steps into the moonlight looking
for prey. It is here, in that restless middle of the night, under cover of darkness, where Caleb Caudle’s sixth studio LP Sweet Critters is nestled.

Through sometimes shadowy arrangements that creep and lurk, Caudle continues to mine both the brightest and murkiest corners of his imagination, finding that purest of points where tenderness and grit collide, inspired by musical heroes like Buddy Miller and Guy Clark, and mentors like Elizabeth Cook and John Paul White. It was White who Caudle tapped to produce
Sweet Critters, along with Ben Tanner, at the duo’s Florence, Alabama studio Sun Drop Sound.
“I was very excited to work with Caleb on this record. Iʼve been a fan for years and count him as
a friend,” White says of working with Caudle. “Heʼs a stellar songwriter, so I knew heʼd bring the goods. And he did.” The album features Allison Russell, Aoife OʼDonovan, John Paul White, and Caudleʼs own touring band.

These songs are a showcase of Caudle’s singular command of language. He sees the world through a hyperreal lens wholly unique to him, one that renders dank humidity “horsefly heat,” a moody sky “cast iron skillet” dark, or a loved one’s “wind chime of a smile.” For Caudle, details are the last frontier in a world where thousands of new songs are created every day. As such, he weaves his intricate tales of redemption, sacrifice, forgiveness, and loss with the colorful
threads of living, breathing characters and all the rich idiosyncrasies and ephemera that fill out
their worlds.

🎟️: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Support Caleb Caudle at calebcaudle.com 🤠

06/28/2024

Artist Spotlight - Summer Dean

Summer Dean Music puts on a hell of a show. Armed with three albums, constant tours, and a hot five-piece band behind her, Summer struts onto every stage with the confidence and vulnerability of a songstress that has cemented her place among the top-rank Texas tunesmiths. Her live show takes the concertgoer on a ride of original songs bleeding bravado, vulnerability, and a novelist’s eye for detail. Whether with her full band or all by herself, listeners and watchers are treated to an authentic, funny, and honest storyteller performing her way into legendary status. Recently named Texas Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year, Summer has performed with an array of country aces, including Colter Wall, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Hayes Carll, Silverada (Mike and the Moonpies), and Charley Crockett.
There is indeed a rawness and a reality to Dean’s songs which sets her apart as a songwriter of real substance. It’s no wonder Texas legends like Bruce Robison wanted to produce her album based on the strength of Dean’s simple iPhone-recorded demos, calling her work “bracing.”

Her candor is palpable in every syllable and sound of the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s new record, The Biggest Life, a profound, vivid document of the songwriter’s might. I’m very proud of myself and this record,” Dean says. “It’s the most real and vulnerable I’ve ever been with my writing.”

Dean says Robison’s stamp of approval was “incredibly validating.” “His credentials as a writer gave me the confidence I needed to make this kind of album — completely analog, unfiltered and organic,” she says.

That’s precisely what Summer Dean gives you on The Biggest Life: A handmade album, teeming with unadorned, universal truths, written and performed by a consequential artist whose singular perspective on the world may just profoundly alter yours.

Summer Dean headlines the Motherlode Saloon on Friday, September 27th as part of the Aspencade Music & Arts Festival 2024 lineup in Red River, NM!

🎟: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Red River, NM
MOTHERLODE SALOON, RED RIVER, NM

06/06/2024

JUST ADDED: Hooks & The Huckleberries will play the Brandenburg Park stage on Friday, September 27th as part of Aspencade 2024!

Get your tickets before they're gone: https://www.aspencadefestival.com/event-details/aspencade-2024

Hooks & The Huckleberries

10/06/2023

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Many thanks to everyone who attended, our sponsors, the amazing musicians, and the talented artisan vendors for an unforgettable Aspencade 2023! We hope everyone had a wonderful festival weekend here in beautiful Red River and look forward to seeing you all next year! We will post dates for Aspencade 2024 soon, so keep an eye out!



MOTHERLODE SALOON, RED RIVER, NM
Andi Truan Barkis photography

09/30/2023

Days 1 & 2 of Aspencade 2023 were unforgettable! Loving the fall weather and incredible music! We hope to see you today and enjoy the rest of this amazing festival weekend in beautiful Red River!



MOTHERLODE SALOON, RED RIVER, NM

09/29/2023

When you’re a scrappy operation in a little mountain town, need to hustle some gear between venues, and your fly rod is in the way…