Riverfest
Music Schedule
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
NOTE: All times and information are subject to change
Friday, May 23
River Reach Terrace Only
5:00pm – 5:15pm: Announcements from Mayor Nate Duckett
5:15pm – 5:45pm: Farmington High School Marching Band
5:45pm – 6:15pm: San Juan Chorale
6:30pm – 9:00pm: Baracutanga
Saturday, May 24
River Reach Terrace
11:00am – 12:30pm: Alex Dunn Trio
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Julie & The Boyz
2:30pm – 3:00pm: Mysto the Magi
3:00pm – 4:30pm: Breezin
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Mysto the Magi
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Zia Sunrise
6:30pm – 8:00pm: Escape the Badlands
Rocky Reach Landing
10:00am – 11:30am: Rio Grande Trio
11:30am – 12:00pm: San Juan Circus Aerialist
12:00pm – 1:30pm: Desert Thunder
1:00pm: Yo-Yo Tricks by Luke Renner
1:30pm – 1:50pm: San Juan Circus Aerialist
2:00pm – 3:30pm: Apache Dancers
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Ben Gibson Band
5:30pm – 5:50pm: San Juan Circus Aerialist
6:00pm – 6:20pm: Mysto the Magi
6:30pm – 8:00pm: After Midnight
Sunday, May 25
River Reach Terrace
11:00am – 12:30pm: Black Velvet
12:00pm (at Splashpad): Yo-Yo Tricks by Luke Renner
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Shawn Arrington Band
2:30pm (at Splashpad): Yo-Yo Tricks by Luke Renner
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Mysto the Magi
3:30pm – 5:00pm: Isidoro Variety Music Band
Rocky Reach Landing
11:00am – 12:30pm: Majik Ham
12:30pm – 12:50pm: San Juan Circus Aerialist
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mysto the Magi
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Kirk James Band
3:00pm – 3:30pm: San Juan Circus Aerialist
3:30pm – 5:00pm: Funkified
MUSIC SPONSORS
Please thank these sponsors!
Who Are They?
(in alphabetical order)
Alex Dunn Trio
ALEX DUNN is currently based out of the high desert of northern New Mexico. He has recorded alongside folk luminaries Anna Tivel and Eli West and he has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Marty O’Reilly, Rachel Baiman, Robbie Fulks, Kassi Valazza, Rainbow Girls, Hen House Prowlers, Sammy Brue, Shawn Hess, Izaak Opatz and many more.
Dunn uses his own personal blend of Folk/Americana to reflect on the many lives he’s led, from his youth along the border of Colorado and Wyoming to the quiet moments aboard commercial fishing vessels in the remote waters of Southeast Alaska, where he spent over a decade toiling on the sea and writing songs during his down time. Melodic sawdust and salt air, his music breathes with a sense of place, yet is imminently accessible and speaks to the universal.
His debut record Scattered Poems was recorded in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, WA and released in the fall of 2018 – an elegant and timeless debut, graced by the talents of some of the Northwest’s finest roots musicians.
Partnering with the label Color Red, he released his sophomore LP Southern Star on 12/3/21 – which he recorded with his band at Avast Recording Company and co-produced alongside multi-instrumentalist Bryant Moore (True Loves). It was mastered by legendary engineer Greg Calbi (Paul Simon, Bruce Springstein, Talking Heads, Blondie, Muddy Waters, Bon Iver, you name it).
Dunn and Moore collaborated again to record an EP “You Just Jump In” which released NOVEMBER 22nd 2024.
Baracutanga
Baracutanga is a seven-piece band, representing four different countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, USA), that blends South American ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility, whose exciting and distinct Latin flavor keeps crowds dancing and always wanting more. Baracutanga creates songs that cross linguistic and cultural barriers, building bridges between the south and the north, overcoming the barriers of discrimination and promoting intercultural experiences that empower Latinos and all people with a positive message of self-affirmation.
We promote non-violence and our music as a vessel to increase and acknowledge cultural pluralism. Baracutanga‘s live shows are joyous, intense and explosive, propelled by the sounds of Andean flutes, charango, accordion, vibes, horns, guitar, bass, drums, vocal harmonies, and an array of percussion, often joined on stage, by Afro-Peruvian and Latin dancers. Baracutanga have received multiple regional awards and recognitions and have performed across the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and California, with stops in Calgary, NOLA, Austin and México.
Ben Gibson Band
The Ben Gibson Band is a rock and roll band consisting of:
- Ben Gibson – Guitar / Vocals
- Jim Belcher – Bass / Vocals
- Ben Simpson – Drums / Percussion / Vocals
They are based in Durango, CO
Black Velvet
Nina Sasaki and Larry Carver have been performing together full time as the core duo of Black Velvet since 2009. They play 75-80 shows a year at venues throughout southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico, and are often joined at the larger venues by guest musicians, to play as a trio or band.
Their sound blends Nina’s velvety smooth vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar with Larry’s melodic and passionate electric lead guitar work, and covers a wide range of rock, blues, jazz, and country. Their influences include Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Santana, Neil Young, bonnie Raitt, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, and many other classic rock acts.
Nina came to Durango from Chicago, and Larry came to Durango from San Francisco – and both have been in the area for close to 20 years.
Breezin’
Breezin’ is a talented group of musicians based out of the Four Corners area. The 7-piece band plays a wide variety of music genres including country, rock, and blues. The band began 34 years ago, and has had many great local musicians as members. The Breezin’ members are Shannon Farrell, Sheryl Jones, Jeff Boddy, Emmett Fowler, Dana McGarrh, Dean Foust and Glenn Keefe. The band caters to all age groups, and plays a wide selection of dance music. Breezin’ plays the music from back when the music- was real music!!
The Desert Thunder Band
The Desert Thunder Band is a Country/Western and Rock’n’Roll band that plays throughout the Four Corners since 1995. We play new country, old country, and rock n roll dance songs. We love to play songs that take the audience to different era’s of music.
Paul New is one of the founding members of The Desert Thunder Band. He is the lead singer, plays rhythm guitar, and some lead guitar. He has been playing music in the area for over 40 years.
Jason Roberts plays bass, sings lead, and backup vocals. He has been playing music for over 25 years. He has been in The Desert Thunder Band since 2016.
Rick Gilbreath plays lead guitar and also sings lead vocals. He has been playing music for over 25 years. He has been in The Desert Thunder Band since 2016.
Jesston New plays drums and sings lead vocals. He has been playing music for over 20 years. He has been in The Desert Thunder Band since 2007.
Escape the Badlands
Escape The Badlands is a dynamic Rock N’ Roll Tribute band with a unique blend of nostalgia and modern flair that pays homage to the timeless sounds of classic rock, hair metal, grunge, and alternative rock. Their performances are a nostalgic journey through the greatest hits of rock history and have quickly garnered a reputation for delivering true and accurate renditions of the biggest radio hits from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. With their high-energy shows and a fierce stage presence, the band creates an atmosphere that invites fans to dance, sing along and relive the excitement of the Rock N’ Roll era. Their commitment to musicianship and and passion for music & entertainment ensures that every performance is a memorable experience, featuring anthems that defined decades and continue to resonate with audiences today. For those looking to relive the glory days of rock music, Escape The Badlands offers a captivating live experience that shows the true power of Rock N’ Roll!
Funkified
Funkified was created in 2016 by Teun Fetz who had a vision for a new sound for the Four Corners
Featuring funky, soul, pop, and jazz from the best musicians in the Farmington region!
This band features New Orleans style funk and Mardi Gras style music as well as some great jazz and pop songs!
Funkified is a high-energy force of groove, blending deep funk, soul, and jazz influences into an electrifying sonic experience. With tight rhythms, punchy horn lines, and infectious bass grooves, Funkified brings the heat to every stage, igniting dance floors and keeping audiences moving all night long. Whether delivering classic funk vibes or fresh, modern twists, Funkified is all about the rhythm, the groove, and the undeniable power of funk. Get ready to feel the funk—because once you’re Funkified, there’s no turning back!
Isidoro Variety Music Band
The Isidoro Variety Music Band brings the four corners the best of Country, Rock & Roll, Tex Mex and New Mexico Spanish music along with original songs by Manuel Isidoro Sandoval & Tony Delgado.
Julie & The Boyz
Julie & The Boyz are a dynamic and fun local cover band. The band covers a wide genre of music, from classic rock, country and NM Spanish music.
The goal of the band is to entertain, bring happiness and of course, create a fun atmosphere.
The Band consists of Julie Marquez (Lead Singer) Tritt Smith (Guitarist) Antonio Velasquez (Bassist) Doug Hodges (Drummer). This year they will also be featuring Jose Villarreal on Bass and vocals. Jose is a lively addition to this exciting group! They love performing live music which will always add that special ambience to your event. The group has performed at Wildhorse Saloon,SunRay Casino, No Worries, Car Shows, Tico TIme, wedding receptions and many other events.
Kirk James Band
Kirk James is solidly grounded in the Texas Blues tradition, playing Texas Shuffles, Ragtime and funky grooves. His unmistakable phrasing mixed with bottleneck slide conjures images of T-Bone Walker, Elmore James and Lightnin’ Hopkins. A blues performer for over 30 years, Kirk is known for his strong blues guitar style and distinctive vocals. James plays both original material and classics from the Blues Masters.
Kirk has opened concerts for Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, Tab Benoit, Los Lonely Boys, Eric Johnson, Coco Montoya, Edgar Winter, Arlo Guthrie, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, Richie Havens among others. Kirk performed as the ‘Tweener Act at the Telluride Blues & Brews.
Solo or with the Kirk James Blues Band, Kirk can be found performing at Festivals, Concerts and small venues in Colorado and throughout the Four Corners Region.
photo by Tonny Bennett
Luke Renner
Luke Renner, The New Mexico Yo-Yo Slinger. Mr. Renner has over 35 years of yo-yo performance experience from the streets of Berlin to the coasts of California. He began performing as a yo-yo man in New Mexico after winning a yo-yo contest in Durango, Colorado. In 2013 he was awarded during the World Yo-Yo Contest in Orlando, Florida for both one handed and two-handed tricks Sports Ladder Division and more won 1st place at the 2014 National Yo-Yo Contest in the Sports Ladder Division in Chico, California. Mr. Renner is a Yomega Yo-Yo Ambassador. Performances are a combination of expert skill on a string with a magical touch.
Majik Ham
Majik Ham formed in 2019 under the direction of Tim Sullivan with the 3 boys in the beginning when they were just 11 years old, and then Jordan Rainey joined the band to play bass in 2022. Now, 17 and 18 years of age, these kids have developed a true passion for live performance and great talents on their instruments and vocals with impressive 4-part harmonies. They play familiar classics from Johnny Cash to Chuck Berry, Beach Boys to Van Morrison, Neil Diamond to Fleetwood Mac. Be sure not to miss the electrifying kids of Majik Ham!
Rio Grande Trio
Rio Grande Trio is a Western/Rock band from Lubbock, TX. Featuring brothers Alex and Alec with high school buddy Tone, The Trio blends fast paced rockabilly with western roots.
Alexander Scott – Guitar
Alec “Sparky” Gonzales – Drums
Tone Lopez – Bone Rattler
San Juan Chorale
The San Juan Chorale began in 2019 and became a non-profit Community Choir in 2022. This Chorale presents the best of Classical and Contemporary music performances every Fall and Spring. The opportunity to join this choir is open to everyone age 15 and up. The Chorale chooses a local charity to support with every concert, and while admission is free, donations are accepted – half of which is given to the chosen charity and half is for the support of the Chorale.
San Juan Circus
San Juan Circus is the leading luxury circus entertainment group in the four corners area. Elevate your event with professional aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, stiltwalkers, fire spinners, and face painters!
Aerial classes for all ages and abilities year-round in Durango, CO!
Shawn Arrington Blues Band
Shawn Arrington Blues Band is a local three piece band that has been together for 10 years. They play blues and rock, and have several originals. Play at local venues like No Worries, 11st Station, The Elks Club, and The goat in Bayfield – anywhere that likes good music.
Zia Sunrise
Zia Sunrise is a local band that plays a variety of music including Country, Oldies, Mexican and New Mexican style music. Our band’s goal at all gigs is to entertain, keep the crowd dancing and make sure everyone is having fun!
The band consists of Kiko Gutierrez on Keyboard and Accordion, Shelly Naranjo on Lead Vocals and Percussion, Billy Sanchez on Lead guitar and Vocals, Antonio Velasquez on Bass and Vocals, and Ray Quintana on Drums.