Wildlife West MUSIC festivals

[2008 Music Festival Lineup] [2007 Festival Photo Retrospective] [Other Past Performances]

In addition to our other special events, Wildlife West produces an annual music festival! Wildlife West's concert series began as a series of smaller events, and these events have been consolidated into one large, multifaceted event to be held on the first weekend of August every year, bringing you the best of bluegrass, traditional western, world music, and other genres. Wildlife West's covered amphitheater and indoor "bean barn" venues provide shade and shelter, and plenty of seating. Our music festivals include workshops, contests, open jams, and other events, providing entertainment and fun for musicians and visitors alike! All our music festivals allow plenty of time to fully enjoy the zoo and other Park features. Bob Gray of Hot Club of Santa Fe calls Wildlife West "the best outdoor venue for bluegrass in New Mexico," and Syd Masters says Wildlife West is "the best outdoor venue in the State!" Come see for yourself!

Wildlife West is just 20 minutes east of Albuquerque, and parking is always free! Free weekend camping (dry camping) is provided. Children under 12 free are admitted free. No alcohol or open fires are permitted at the festivals. Need lodging for your visit to the festival? Check out our list of hotels and motels in nearby Moriarty, NM.

Wildlife West Music Festivals - 2008 Festival a Smash hit

Thanks to our community, which came through for us after the Town of Edgewood unexpectedly pulled its financial support for the event, our 2008 Music Festival was a grand success. The headliners for our 2008 Music Festival included the Byron Berline Band and April Verch. Other bands included the Boulder Acoustic Society, the Trillium Marimba Ensemble, Jubalation, the Adobe Brothers, Next Chapter, The Muddy River String Band, Eric Carlson & Mystery Ship, Cross Country, and Holy Water & Whiskey.

We look forward to another outstanding festival next year. In the meantime, check out our slide show highlighting some of the performers from this year's event!

The Byron Berline Band

April Verch

New Adobe Brothers

Boulder Acoustic Society

Jubal's Kids

Wildlife West Bluegrass Festivals - 2007 Season

Our 2007 festival season was a spectacular success. Last year's lineup included two festivals, one in June and one in August. Our 2008 schedule will include one music festival, to be held the first weekend of August (August 1-3) 2008. Wildlife West also hosts a variety of other events; for further information on our entire event schedule, consult our Events and Entertainment page. The images below show just a few of the many outstanding moments from our festivals this year. Scroll down to take a look at the photos and check out the lineup for both festivals. We surpassed record attendance with our August festival, and are already planning ahead for next season - and of course, there's more bluegrass at the Fall Harvest Festival!

THE AUGUST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL WAS A SMASH HIT!

Our two main stages featured the Claire Lynch Band, Sweet Sunny South, Nob Hillbillies, Daybreak Express, Coyote Crossing, Cedar Hill, Duke City Swampcoolers, Mystic Lizard, and the Squash Blossom Boys.

OUR JUNE FESTIVAL WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

Our first major bluegrass festival of the season was a major success! We had concerts, food, contests, and jam sessions at locations throughout the park. Performers at our main stages on Saturday included Bruce & Friends, Jubal’s Kids, Placitas Mt Band, Bill Hearne Trio, BG Odyssey, Swing Grass, Long Road Home, and Alan Munde & the Gazette.

Sunday performers. included Daybreak Express, Cedar Hill, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers , Coyote Crossing, and Chris Jones & the Night Drivers.

Other Past Performances

Nationally recognized performers such as Claire Lynch Band, Sweet Sunny South, Alan Munde & the Gazette, Bill Hearne Trio, John McCutcheon, Karl Shiflet and Big Country Show, the Byron Berline Band, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Shawn Camp, and the Lynne Morris Band have appeared at many of Wildlife West's music festivals along with New Mexico favorites like Elliot's Ramblers, Raising Cane, Hot Club of Santa Fe, and Syd Masters and the Swing Riders.

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