Bands of Enchantment Back for an Encore

Emmy Award-winning TV series Bands of Enchantment: Albuquerque Sessions returns September 16-19 for its biggest season yet, bringing national and local artists to the KiMo Theatre before hitting the streets for a free music festival on Central. 

Presented by Elkhorn Media together with the City of Albuquerque, the four-day event highlights the talent and energy that make Albuquerque a music destination. The free shows give audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Season 6. 

Opening night includes psychedelic cumbia and punk-rock group Tropa Magica along with local acts Savings and Sisterbaby. Day two brings a genre-bending lineup featuring Dallas-based Tiny Desk Contest winner Cure for Paranoia, electric guitar powerhouse Emi Grace, and Albuquerque’s own CLARQ. Night three features Oklahoma’s Jason Scott & The High Heat alongside Albuquerque’s Metamorfos and Turquoise Steel, with sounds ranging from Americana and country-rock to psychedelic world fusion, blues, soul, and Southwest storytelling. 

Doors open at 6 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m. The tapings are free to attend. 

“Good music belongs in a great setting like the KiMo,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This event brings people downtown, gives local artists a bigger stage, and shows the world another side of Albuquerque.”

On Saturday, September 19, the party moves outside for a free all-ages music festival from 4 to 11 p.m. Spanning Central between Fourth and Sixth, the festival will feature two outdoor stages, multiple downtown venues, more than 50 bands and DJs, local vendors, classic cars, family activities and live filming of the Season 6 finale.

The festival’s main stage will feature New Orleans funk legends Galactic with Jelly Joseph, Grammy-winning hip-hop trio Digable Planets, Grammy-winning blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and New Mexico guitarist Levi Platero. The 505 Stage will spotlight Albuquerque artists including Red Light Cameras, Thursday Marks Fall, Vibestrong, Prism Bitch, Def-i and Sweet Roll; while satellite stages at local downtown venues will add even more live music throughout the area.

"Each season we strive to create something bigger than the year before," said Creator and Executive Producer of Bands of Enchantment Ken C. Peterson. "What began as a television series has evolved into an international music festival and cultural celebration. By bringing together award-winning artists, incredible local musicians, and thousands of music fans in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, we're not only creating unforgettable experiences but showcasing Albuquerque and New Mexico to audiences around the world."

 The celebration reflects the City’s commitment to creating free opportunities to experience the arts, supporting local artists, and maximizing Albuquerque’s cultural destinations. 

For full lineup and event information, visit the Bands of Enchantment event page.

Bands of Enchantment: Albuquerque Sessions is an Emmy Award-winning music television series developed and produced by Elkhorn Entertainment. The series showcases emerging and established artists through live cinematic performances filmed in Albuquerque and shares the city’s distinctive music culture with audiences beyond New Mexico.