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 16 – New Mex/Tejano

• 12 p.m. – Little Ralph Paiz
• 1 p.m. – Sorela
• 1:45 p.m. – Stefani Montiel
• 2:30 p.m. – Los Texmaniacs Max Baca & Josh Baca

Food and Drink Options

Come hungry and enjoy a variety of local flavors available for purchase. Visit Latin Flavor food truck for their famous empanadas and sweet plantains, or grab a hotdog and a tasty Frito pie from Word of Mouth. Take a moment to refresh with a 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.

Sorela

Sorela, the sister duo of D’ette and D’anna, have been performing most of their lives, blending their Albuquerque roots with early influences from Las Vegas show business. They first gained attention after winning a church talent contest, which led to steady performances across New Mexico. In 1997, under the name D’Girlz, they earned major regional airplay with their bilingual mix of R&B, pop, and Latin rhythms. As they matured, they adopted the name Sorela, inspired by their Italian heritage, and released an award‑winning debut album that brought statewide recognition. Their versatility and harmonies led to national exposure on A Prairie Home Companion and collaborations with major artists. Today, Sorela remains one of New Mexico’s most celebrated musical duos.

They were inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

Stefani Montiel

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she proudly carries her New Mexico roots with her. At just eight years old, she recorded her first full album, "Angel Baby," and by nine she was already earning regional radio airplay with three standout tracks.

Throughout school she pursued Choir, Theater, Cheer, and Dance, since she began dance classes at age three. After high school, her family made a pivotal move to San Antonio, Texas, the heart of Tejano music, believing in her undeniable musical promise. The move paid off. Stefani quickly rose to stardom with major record deals, national and international tours, Grammy nominations, chart‑topping hits across multiple countries, and an extraordinary discography. And the best part—there’s still more to come.

In 2022, Stefani Montiel was proudly inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.

Los Tex Maniacs

Max Baca and Los Texmaniacs are widely recognized as the past, present, and future of conjunto music. Their Grammy‑winning sound blends Tex‑Mex conjunto with Texas rock, blues, and R&B, driven by Max Baca’s legendary bajo sexto and Josh Baca’s standout accordion work. The group’s deep roots include touring and recording with icons such as Flaco Jiménez, Los Super Seven, and even the Rolling Stones. Their 2010 Grammy win and 2019 Smithsonian Folkways nomination solidified their place as leaders in Texas roots music. Their latest album, Corazones and Canciones, celebrates the heart and history of Mexican‑American music across generations. Whether on intimate stages or major festivals, Los Texmaniacs continue to entertain, educate, and keep conjunto music thriving.

Max Baca and Los Texmaniacs were inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

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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