Summer can’t possibly be winding down, can it? It’s still a hundred degrees out there. And yet Walreens has already started putting out Halloween decorations. Say it ain’t so! How is it already “back to school” time, a phrase that still puts dread in the hearts of those of us who are too old to worry about school anymore? Ah, well. Enjoy it while you can. Let’s all spend this week going to concerts and pretending it’s still the carefree height of Summer. There are some great live music shows going on this week: from bluegrass to country to rock. Here are some highlights. And if you’re looking for more, dig into The Paper.’s weekly calendar of events.
Uncle Fest 2025 (Saturday 8, Live Music)
“Uncle” James W. Brown was born in Pueblo, Colo. He moved to ABQ in 1999 and became deeply involved in the local bluegrass community. He played in many groups and combos over the years and helped countless aspiring artists learn guitar, mandolin, ukelele, electric and acoustic upright bass. Sadly, his last performance was the Album Drop show last fall with the Stray Dawgs. Brown retired for health issues after that, but continued to compose music till his death. The First Annual Uncle Fest is being held in his honor at Canteen Brewhouse (2381 Aztec Rd. NE) where he performed dozens of times during a couple of decades with many different groups. Among the bands performing that night are Saltine Ramblers, Stray Dawgs, Squash Blossom Boys, Trio Del Tio, Phil Huval, Joe Bell and more. Music runs 4 to 7 p.m. All proceeds raised from Uncle Fest will be donated to local music education programs.
Steve Earle – 51 Years of Songs & Stories (Saturday 8, Live Music)
Steve Earle is a country/rock/folk mainstay. A protegé of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders and countless others. He’s performing a solo acoustic show at KiMo Theater (423 Central Ave. NW) On Saturday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets (artsandculture.cabq.gov/13590/13591) run $44 to $66.
Kane Brown (Wednesday 12, Live Music)
Country star Kane Brown, who first rose to musical fame on social media, is recognized as one of the prominent Black artists in mainstream country music these days with 12 number 1 hits. He’ll be taking the stage at Sandia Amphitheater (30 Rainbow Rd. NE) on Wednesday, Aug. 13 beginning at 8 p.m. Mackenzie Carpenter opens the show. Tickets run $81.50 to $151.50 and can be purchased at etix.com/ticket/p/63710116/kane-brown-albuquerque-sandia-casino-amphitheater.
Collective & Collected Garden Party (Thursday 13, Music/Gardening)
Insideout (622 Central Ave. SW) is a bar without a roof, so it already combines the best of indoors and outdoors – which makes it the perfect place to host the Collective & Collected Garden Party. On Thursday, Aug. 13 from 7 to 11 p.m., enjoy music sets from DJs Rissy, CS Rucker and DJ Roselight while you peruse plant vendors and other vintage sellers. There will also be a plant and pot swap and a pot painting station. Admission is $5.