Wu-Tang’s GZA to Headline Free Burque Live Concert on Central
ALBUQUERQUE – The amps are turning up for Burque Live, Downtown Albuquerque’s live music and entertainment series, as big-name artists are joining the lineup in just year two of the program.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, the celebration will take over downtown Route 66 with a free concert headlined by Wu-Tang Clan founding member, GZA. On Saturday, September 16th, he will be performing with a full, live band, The Phunky Nomads. Additional artists and further details will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be from 5pm to 10pm with Central Ave closed from 5th Street to 8th Street.
Tickets are free with registration and can be found at https://burquelivedowntown.eventbrite.com.
“Burque Live infuses our downtown core with live music and entertainment for Albuquerque families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We are putting Albuquerque on the map as a destination for all kinds of live music as we continue to make our downtown a safe, fun place for locals and visitors.”
As part of his visit to Albuquerque, GZA will also be hosting a free chess tournament for local kids in partnership with Learners Chess Academy at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Registration for this tournament can be found here or at LearnersChess.org.
"Chess is a game that has something to teach kids from all backgrounds and this event will help us reach a wide range of kids who are new to the game,” said Victor Francisco Lopez, founder of Learners Chess. “Learners Chess is excited to work with the City of Albuquerque and a legendary advocate for chess and our youth!”
Burque Live is also announcing a series of Downtown Block Parties. These events are planned and programmed in coordination with the local businesses in each neighborhood to celebrate the unique features each has to offer our city. Albuquerque residents are invited to experience music, food and shopping in these special Downtown areas.
Saturday August 26th: 2nd Street (between Lead and Coal) Block Party
Wednesday September 20th: EDo Walkable Wednesday Shop and Stroll
Saturday September 23rd: 7th and Central Block Party
Burque Live is also partnering with many local downtown venues to offer additional entertainment such as movie nights and weekday performances, along with the continuation of live music each weekend all across the downtown area. More events will continue to be announced.
“Albuquerque's downtown is full of committed businesses putting in hard work on the front lines of restoring the promise of what this area can be for our city," said Gina Riccobono, Owner of Flyby Provisions on 2nd Street between Lead and Coal. "The Burque Live program highlights and supports all of this great work with fun and engaging events that show off our amazing culture and spirit. From live music to movie nights, it's great to be partnering on so many interesting things to do downtown."
"Timing is everything, and Burque Live is the right program at the right time in the right place,” said Dennis Gromelski, President and Executive Director of FUSION. “This curated programming is adding energy to the local scene, on ALL days of the week. It is providing the organic entertainment component that complements the ongoing commercial development and housing starts that make our vibrant downtown a great place to work, live and play."
The current Burque Live schedule and event details are available online and will continue to be updated throughout the series. Burque Live is presented by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency in partnership with Cumulus Radio and the One Albuquerque Fund.