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New Mexico’s Emmy Award-winning TV show Bands of Enchantment is back for a fourth season and will be filming in Downtown Albuquerque Sept. 12-15 at the KiMo Theatre — smack dab in the middle of a beloved hotspot for the Burque music scene.
Bands of Enchantment showcases some of Albuquerque’s most popular rock, hip-hop, indie, country and folk groups. Season 4 features a slew of bands representing the most popular musical genres of 2024. Many of Burque’s finest who were selected this season to appear on the show tap into multiple styles and influences during each performance — both on the local stage and the international screen.
Dust City Opera is a multi-instrumental ensemble including trombone and accordion that expertly blends electronic folk and alt-rock. Their music tells a story tinged with sadness, joy, a bit of crazy, and even the supernatural. Songs like “Alien Summer” sound like they could have been written on a spaceship or in ancient Egypt. Maybe both.
Indie singer-songwriter Kevin Herig’s tunes might make some listeners feel relaxed, some might feel like jumping up and dancing and others might begin contemplating life choices. It’s extremely likely that his soft voice and soothing acoustic guitar riffs — reminiscent of Paul Simon — will make you smile.
Willajay’s voice is pleasant and poppy at times, but her band throws elements of hip-hop, jazz, and EDM in the mix. The subject matter is both pretty and gritty, just like Willajay’s commanding vocal performance and stage presence.
The Jacob Shije Trio plays old-school rock n’ roll, and does it with authenticity, but Shije, originally from the Santa Clara Pueblo, is a versatile singer and guitar player whose musical repertoire spans ages. The band seamlessly draws from old influences to perform songs that would get feet moving in any era, and performs them with modern swag.
“We’re excited to welcome Bands of Enchantment back to downtown Albuquerque,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “This show not only brings joy to our community, but also showcases our unique city to an international audience.”
National acts featured on season 4 include Philadelphia’s soulful pop artist Zinadelphia, Grammy-nominated AfroCuban funk and hip-hop musician Cimafunk, Austin blues and country band Uncle Lucius, Toronto’s disco and R&B sensation The Free Label, and a surprise band.
The show gives exposure to local on-screen talent, employs local crews behind the scenes and offers training to a new crop of future New Mexican film workers.
Executive Producer Vince Chavez said, “We’re proud that our production staff is predominantly made up of New Mexico residents. This season, we’re continuing our commitment to the community by offering paid internships to high school, college, and post-college students.”
Tickets to the Season 4 live filmings and concerts are available at linktr.ee/bandsofenchantmentofenchantment.