Cris Williamson
Singer-songwriter and political activist Cris Williamson was one of the first outwardly lesbian performers in popular music. Her 1975 folk rock album The Changer and the Changed became one of the best-selling independent albums of all time, and in 2017 it was listed as number 123 by NPR on their list of the greatest albums ever recorded by women. She has even become an unlikely hero in the hip hop world, having been sampled on a number of rap songs. On Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. the feminist icon will headline a concert at the South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway Blvd. SE). Tickets run $33 to $44 and can be purchased in advance at artsandculture.cabq.gov/4955/8653.
Festival Sefardi 16
New Mexico’s only annual celebration of the unique history and culture of the “Hidden Jews in the Southwest” enters its 16th year. Sephardic Jews are the descendants of Jewish people who arrived in New Mexico in the late 16th century fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural and religious influence of this diasporic group is felt throughout our region to this day. Head to Nahalat Shalom (3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW) Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18 for an enlightening and entertaining selection of music, dance, poetry, art, workshops, delicious food, and talks by scholars about the complex intercultural dynamics that continue to “weave the fabric of New Mexico’s cultural tapestry.” An $80 suggested donation gets you a full weekend pass. A $54 donation gets you into all the events on Sunday, while a $20 ticket allows you into a number of individual musical events. For a full list of concerts, lectures and events, go to nahalatshalom.org/festival-sefard-2025.
Boots in the Park
Country music fans are in for a treat this weekend with Boots in the Park, two days’ worth of musical superstars performing live at Balloon Fiesta Park (5500 Balloon Fiesta Parkway). Cody Johnson is the Saturday, May 17 headliner, and Luke Combs is the Sunday, May 18 headliner. Other performers include Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Ian Munsick and other chart toppers. In addition to the music, there will be line dancing, drone shows, corn hole tournaments, a car show, merch vendors, plus plenty of food and drink throughout the day. Tickets run $225 for two-day general admission or $449 for two-day VIP. For complete info, go to bootsinthepark.com.