Riverfest
Music Schedule
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
NOTE:Â All times and information are subject to change
Friday, May 22
River Reach Terrace Only
5:15pm – 5:45pm – FHS Marching Band (out of Farmington)
6:30pm – 9:00pm – Baracutanga (out of Albuquerque)
Saturday, May 23
River Reach Terrace
11:00am – 12:30pm – The Jokers (out of Durango)
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Clan Tynker Circus (out of Albuquerque)
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Ben Gibson Band (out of Durango)
3:30pm – 4:15pm – Clan Tynker Circus (out of Albuquerque)
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Breezin’ (out of Farmington)
6:30pm – 8:00pm – Severo Y Grupo (out of Albuquerque)
Rocky Reach Landing
10:00am – 11:30pm – 3 Little Birds (out of Farmington)
11:30am – 12:00pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Desert Thunder (out of Farmington)
1:30pm – 2:00pm – Mann Dancers (out of Farmington)
2:00pm – 2:30pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
2:30pm – 4:00pm – The Joe Tohonnie, Jr White Mountain Apache Dancers (there will be a shuttle from the Red Barn to the Plaza where the dance will occur)
4:00pm – 4:30pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Black Velvet (out of Durango)
6:00pm – 6:30pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
6:30pm – 8:00pm – Escape the Badlands (out of Durango)
Sunday, May 24
River Reach Terrace
11:00am – 12:30pm – 3 Views of a Secret (out of Farmington)
1:30pm – 3:00 – Julie & The Boyz (out of Farmington)
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Escape the Badlands (out of Durango)
5:00pm – 5:45pm – San Juan Chorale (out of Farmington)
Rocky Reach Landing
11:00am – 12:30pm – Zia Chicks (out of Farmington)
12:30 – 1:00pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Shawn Arrington Band (out of Farmington)
2:30pm – 3:00pm – Drumming with Andrew Ecker (out of Farmington)
3:30pm – 5:00pm – After Midnight (out of Farmington)
5:00pm – TBD – BHS Marching Band (out of Bloomfield)
Who Are They?
(in alphabetical order)
After Midnight
After Midnight plays rock, country and pop covers in a powerful and tuneful manner. Their vocal harmonies, strong lead guitarist and soulful rhythm section make them one of the premier bands in Farmington, New Mexico.
Andean Tradition
Alfredo Saravino hails from the Inkas culture & plays traditional flute music that is peaceful & calming. He has been playing at Riverfest for 25 years.
You can catch Alfredo most of the day on Saturday and Sunday in Berg Park – just follow the sounds to find him.
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.
Drumming Sounds Drum Circle Experience
Looking for something fun for the whole family? Drop by the “Y” Trail on Saturday at 12pm, 3pm, & 6pm or on Sunday at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm. Come gather ’round and feel the beat with Drumming Sounds — an interactive drum circle experience that’s open to all ages and all skill levels! Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned rhythm keeper, this circle is for YOU.
✨ Drums provided — or bring your own if you have one!
✨ No experience needed — just a willingness to play, laugh, and connect.
✨ A joyful space for kids, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Led by nationally recognized facilitators Andrew Ecker & Monica Patton, this isn’t just a drum circle — it’s a vibrational playground where rhythm becomes the language of community, joy, and connection. We’ll create spontaneous music together, celebrate the power of play, and feel the collective heartbeat of our gathering.
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!
Farmington High School Scorpion Sound Regiment
The Farmington High School Scorpion Band Program is a dynamic and inclusive music program dedicated to excellence, creativity, and community. Serving students from diverse backgrounds and musical experiences, our band program provides opportunities for students to grow not only as musicians but as leaders, collaborators, and confident individuals.
The Jokers Band
THE JOKERS are a 4-pc retro-relevant rock band laying it down thick and tight – as live local music should be. Our goal for every gig is to deal out a solid and enjoyable evening of music, up close and unfiltered. So if you’re into that kind of thing, you’ll be glad you came out to hear us play.Â
Hailing from SW Colorado, THE JOKERS tend to pop-up in venues along the SH-160 corridor for a few rounds of biting originals, deep-cut covers, and shoulda-coulda-been reinterpretations that you’d swear you’ve heard before… but have you?
Catch us live to find out – and start collecting coasters.
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.
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.
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 Chicks
The Zia Chicks have been singing together since they were established in 1998. Both born in New Mexico and dedicated to the Land of Enchantment, the Zia Chicks namesake is also a reflection of their New Mexican pride.
They cover a wide range of genres and artists, coffeehouse style, for your listening enjoyment: Beatles, Sting, Elton John, Everly Brothers, Sam Cooke, Bonnie Raitt, Lady Gaga, KD Lang, Plain White T’s, Andy Grammer, Sheryl Crow and Amy Winehouse to name a few. 1950’s-2022!




















