By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – For 35 years, Music Under the Stars has brought live music, dancing and community gatherings to the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater. This summer, the long-running concert series returns with a lineup featuring salsa, jazz, blues and Latin music, continuing a tradition that organizers say has endured by responding to what audiences want.
Presented by Outpost Performance Space and the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, the series runs June 12 through Aug. 28. Friday evenings feature the popular Salsa y Más concerts, while Saturdays focus on jazz and blues performances. The season opens June 12 with Albuquerque salsa favorites Son Como Son, followed by the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra Swing Dance featuring vocalist Hillary Smith on June 13.
Mia Maes, executive director of the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, explains that the organization’s success comes from listening to the community. “I think it is as simple as giving the community what they want,” says Maes. “We listen to what they are asking for.”
Among this year’s performances, Maes says she is particularly excited about an expanded blues lineup. The June 20 program, Evolution of the Blues, will explore the history and development of blues music through performances and storytelling.
“That will be a very interesting show,” says Maes. “It’s really just explaining and expressing how blues has come to be in this country.”
The season also includes performances by Nosotros, Son Habana, Flor de Toloache, Orrin Evans Trio, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and many other local, regional and national artists. Several concerts highlight New Mexico musicians alongside internationally recognized performers.
Producing an outdoor concert series, however, comes with challenges.
“The very first thing that comes to mind is, because it is an outdoor venue, Mother Nature is in charge,” says Maes. While concerts continue in the rain, city policies require organizers to suspend performances if lightning is present. This year, organizers have also moved start times to 7:30 p.m. to help audiences and performers avoid the hottest part of the evening.
Beyond entertainment, Maes explains that the series serves a broader mission.
“The Jazz Workshop and Outpost really works to celebrate the local talent,” says Maes, adding that the organization strives to support musicians with fair compensation. Revenue generated through the concert series also supports educational programming.
“The revenue that we generate from this concert series goes to support our many programs throughout the year,” says Maes. “Most of them are youth education.”
Children under 12 are admitted free, and membership discounts are available for adults. For Maes, creating a welcoming atmosphere remains a priority. “We have created what we feel is a family-friendly environment,” says Maes.
Music Under the Stars begins June 12 at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater and continues through Aug. 28, offering Albuquerque residents another summer of music beneath the city’s evening skies. For more information on Music Under the Stars, please visit the Outpost website (outpostspace.org).