Centennial Concert Series

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Where

Description

The Route 66 Visitor Center is turning up the volume in celebration of 100 years of the Mother Road with the Centennial Concert Series, presented by the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.

Join the celebration every Saturday from April 11 through May 30, noon to 4 pm, for live performances by some of New Mexico’s most celebrated musicians. Enjoy the sounds of local talent, grab a bite from local food trucks, and sip on a drink from Tractor Brewing Company.

While visiting, explore Centennial Roots, a striking photographic exhibit that captures the landscapes, cultures, and traditions shaped alongside Route 66 in New Mexico.

Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, May 9 – New Mexico Traditional Spanish

• 12 p.m. – Little Ralph Paiz
• 1 p.m. – Tripple X with Luis Smoothie Soto
• 2:30 p.m. – Red Wine Band with David Nunez

Food and Drink Options

Come hungry and enjoy a variety of local flavors available for purchase. Visit the Umami Moto food truck for Asian-inspired eats, try a Korean burrito or snack on kimchi fries. Love birria? Red Taco Shop food truck will be serving up birria tacos, quesadillas, and more. Sip on a refreshing cold beer from Tractor Brewing Company.

Performers

Little Ralph Paiz

A trailblazer in the New Mexico music scene, particularly known for his mastery of polkas. A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Governor’s Musical Treasure Award honoree (2006) are just a few of Little Ralph Paiz many accolades. Seventy years later, this musical marvel continues to impress. Little Ralph Paiz was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2024.

Tripple X with Luis Smoothie Soto

Tripple X is a horn-driven powerhouse from New Mexico and has become one of the region’s go-to bands. As recording artists, they continue to earn well-deserved statewide airplay while staying true to their roots, regularly returning to the venues and communities where they got their start.

For this special performance, Tripple X will be joined by New Mexico music legend Luis “Smoothie” Soto, creating a reunion that brings their early musical connection full circle. A longtime staple in the music scene, Smoothie is known for his work as both a featured horn player and a key part of horn sections on countless live performances and studio recordings. His unmistakable sound has been heard for decades, even when audiences may not realize it.

A member of the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Smoothie’s presence on stage always commands attention.

Red Wine Band with David Nunez

Red Wine, established in 1982, was founded with a vision to bring people together through music across cultures. Known for their versatility, the band performs a wide range of styles including R&B, Tejano, funk, country, and oldies. They first built their following performing at local church fiestas and have since grown into a staple of the New Mexico music scene, earning consistent airplay and a loyal fan base.

The band has worked with 16-time Grammy Award winner Gilbert Velasquez, whose guidance helped shape their sound and originality. A standout member is guitarist David Nunez, a New Mexico Music Hall of Fame inductee (2008), recognized for his exceptional musicianship, powerful vocals, and decades-long impact on the regional and national music scene.

For more information on New Mexico Music Hall of Fame visit: New Mexico Music Hall of Fame

For the full Centennial Concert Series schedule visit: Route 66 Visitor Center — City of Albuquerque

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