By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
- The 2022 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series is Presented by TOYOTA of SANTA FE
The lineup for the 20022 Summer Concert Series is complete. The BEST Free Summer Concert Series in the state returns every Friday night May 20 through Aug. 26 and is presented by Toyota of Santa Fe and produced by Sancre Productions and Los Alamos County.
“The Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) and Sancre Productions are excited for the 2022 Summer Concert Series, it is full of genres ranging from Folk to Rock, Jazz to Latino, and R&B to Soul,” CSD’s Katherine Hudspeth said. “We have several tribute bands that we are excited to bring to Los Alamos, such as George Michael Reborn, on July 1, and The Wildflowers Tom Petty Tribute Band on Aug. 5. We are also every excited to announce that the 90’s Alt Rock Legends, Sister Hazel, is performing at the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series on June 24. CSD and Sancre Productions wanted this year to be awesome, to make up for lost time over the past two years due to COVID-19, and I think we have delivered a lineup that everyone can get excited about.”
Powered by New Mexico businesses, this year’s concert lineup features internationally touring tribute bands covering artists like Tom Petty, Tim McGraw, George Michael and Fleetwood Mac. The nationally touring concert headliners include Kat Wright, Shamarr Allen, Ariel Posen and James Carothers. Local fan favorites are Nosotros, Los Blue Ventures, Sim Balkey … and of course the always popular Igor & The Red Elvises.
“The summer concerts are a beloved tradition, and following the pandemic, we are honored to once again convene families, friends and neighbors to an unprecedented concert series this summer,” Sancre spokesperson Monica Griego said.
Hosted at Ashley Pond Park, each concert includes a Craft Beer and Cocktail Garden offered by The Long Pour and Boese Brothers Brewpub.
Official concert series partners include:
- The Hampton Inn & Suites – Official Hotel Partner;
- Coca-Cola Bottling Co of Santa Fe – Official Drink Partner; and
- Hutton Broadcasting – Official Media Partner radio; and
- Los Alamos Daily Post – Official Media Partner newspaper.
The Los Alamos Summer Concert Series website features concert sponsors, artist websites, Facebook pages, YouTube videos, and photos. Catch up with all latest news and announcements at: www.losalamossummerconcertseries.com.
2022 Lineup:
Opening Night May 20: Nosotros & Concepto Tambor
The Series kicks off May 20 with the nine-piece Latino powerhouse, Nosotros with an opening performance by Brazilian grooves band Concepto Tambor. Opening Night is sponsored by the three Los Alamos Credit Unions: Del Norte Credit Union, Zia Credit Union, and Los Alamos Schools Credit Union. Guest performer Raul Pacheco, lead vocalist and guitarist from Latin Grammy award winning band, Ozomatli, joins Nosotros for this Special Opening Night performance. Come early to receive free Salsa dance lessons and demonstrations. Hear their songs at: www.NosotrosMusic.net.
May 27 James Carothers Concert
Nashville honky-tonk crooner, James Carothers, is known best for his stone-country originals and spot-on impressions of several of country music’s greatest icons. In 2015, James left a technician job at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and moved to Tennessee to pursue a country music career. James blessed the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series in 2019 and absolutely rocked the Pond. Taking time to return home to perform in the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, James Carothers takes the stage May 27 before he resumes touring nationally with County legend Alan Jackson.
June 3: Kat Wright Celebrates ChamberFest
On June 3, the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce celebrates ChamberFest with the Los Alamos debut of the sultry and dynamic soulful jazz and R&B songs of Kat Wright. Described as, “a young Bonnie Raitt meets Amy Winehouse”. Jazz aficionados won’t want to miss out on Kat Wright performing her soulful renditions of original and familiar cover songs. Her voice is gritty and delicate, powerful but highly emotive. To learn more about Kat Wright, visit www.KatWright.com.
June 10: Vegas McGraw
Presenting a powerful show that thrills and captivates audiences everywhere. This Tim McGraw tribute performed by Nashville recording artist and Las Vegas Entertainer Adam D. Tucker accurately recreates the music and mystique of country music ICON Tim McGraw. Adam and his talented crew have opened for 42 National Acts all over the United States, such as: Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Tracy Lawrence, etc.
June 17: Sweet Lilies Concert
The Sweet Lillies’ music is, first and foremost, heartfelt and collaborative. Those defining traits are given life by the trio of musicians who make up the Lillies, Julie Gussaroff, Becca Bisque and Dustin Rohleder, who have combined their individual strengths together to deliver powerful narratives of life in song. With their acoustic string-band lineup of guitar, viola and upright bass given flight by ethereal, vocal harmonies that float like a dream.
June 24: Sister Hazel – 90’s Alt Rock legends
Originating from Gainesville, Fla., Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You”, topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. Since then, the band has become firmly established not only in rock and alternative music, but now in country with four back-to-back Billboard Top Country Albums Chart entries along with making their debut on the most revered stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry.
July 1: George Michael Reborn
This show is a must see! With his live vocals (no lip-syncing here), Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George in the 80’s and 90’s … getting the crowd on the dance floor for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and prompting standing ovations for his performance of “Careless Whisper”. He even gets the fans involved! Robert is a spot-on George Michael lookalike, with the vocal range, dance moves, crowd interaction and charisma that will leave you cheering for an encore. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re listening to the real deal.
July 8: Shamarr Allen Kicks Off ScienceFest Week
On July 8 Enterprise Bank & Trust and ScienceFest 2022 team up to kick off to kick off the week-long ScienceFest activities with the return of Shamarr Allen – the world’s best Trumpeter. Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. It’s a Mardi-Gras dance party celebrating ScienceFest. Learn more about Shamarr Allen at www.ShamarrAllen.com.
July 15: Igor & The Red ELvises
Evolving over the years, Igor’s music has been labeled “Siberian Surf Rock”, which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that force his audience to dance. Over the past 20 years, the Red Elvises have constantly toured all over the world, bringing the party with their fun and exotic costumes, oversized instruments and uncanny musical talent. Enterprise Bank & Trust and Los Alamos ScienceFest have teamed up to bring Los Alamos fan favorite, Igor & The Red Elvises, to Ashley Pond July 15 in celebration of the 2022 Discovery Day the following Saturday July 16.
July 22: Los Blue Ventures
On July 22, N3B sponsors the Los Alamos debut performance of Northern New Mexico’s most beloved Hispano family band, Los Blue Ventures. Consisting of multiple generations of the Sanchez family, Los Blue Ventures bring Hispano Dance Hall music to Los Alamos for the first time ever. Known as “Los Meros Meros” or The Real Deal – they’re bringing the soul of the Southwest to Ashley Pond with distinctly Northern New Mexico flavor.
July 29: Ariel Posen
Rolling Stone has dubbed him “a modern-day guitar hero”, Music Radar listed him as a fan voted top 10 rock guitarist of the Year. Ariel Posen’s music occupies the space between genres. It’s a rootsy sound that nods to his influences — heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop.
Aug. 5: The Wildflowers – Tom Petty Tribute Band
A celebration of professional associations, employee federations, and labor unions sponsored by the Los Alamos Federation of School Educators and the New Mexico Federation of Labor. The Wildflowers sound just like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers in their prime and have the energy and musicianship to bring down the house with every performance. Presenting a stunningly accurate tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Wildflowers band has successfully toured the country for more than seven years performing at festivals, night clubs, and major concert venues.
Aug. 12: Sim Balkey Kicks Off Rodeo Weekend
The 2022 Rodeo weekend Kicks off with the Aug. 12 Sim Balkey concert sponsored by Performance Maintenance, Inc. Sim Balkey, New Mexico’s rising star, is a musical genius when it comes to telling stories through melody and lyric. Drawing vocal inspiration from the likes of Justin Moore and Gary Allen, he’s created his own sound, putting a modern twist on traditional country music. One of the most requested artists in the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, Sim is LANL employee by day and County singer hometown hero by night. Find out more about Sim www.SimBalkey.com.
Aug. 19: Rumours – the ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
Rumours has meticulously put together a show that spares no detail. Recreating the band’s legendary persona, in all its youthful glory from 1975-1987. From period accurate equipment and costumes to spot on characterizations and musical performances, Rumours takes you back to a time when music was still an unbridled cultural experience and bands weren’t afraid to put on a show. Relive the rock and roll magic with Rumours. This tribute show regularly sells out Amphitheatre shows nationally and is a true musical delight.
Aug. 26: The Jauntee
The Jauntee wraps up the 2022 Summer Concert Series with almost a decade’s worth of touring experience; appearances at major festivals such as Peach Fest, Catskill Chill, and Resonance; and 36 states toured with stops at national touring staples such as Brooklyn Bowl, Georgia Theatre and the Paradise Rock Club. The Jauntee makes each night an exciting prospect of a new shared experience with bust-outs, fresh jamming, poignant covers, and accessible songwriting.