Check Out the Live Blues Music in Albuquerque, NM
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Looking for a great place to enjoy live blues music in Albuquerque, NM? Check out our list of the best venues in the city!
About Albuquerque
Albuquerque is a major city in New Mexico that offers a variety of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the live blues music scene. The blues is a type of music that originated in the American South and has been influenced by a variety of genres over the years. If you’re a fan of live music, you’ll definitely want to check out the blues scene in Albuquerque.
Location
Albuquerque is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico and the 32nd-most populous city in the United States, with a census-estimated population of 550,437 in 2014. Albuquerque’s millennian population growth is largely due to expansions in technology, manufacturing, and higher education resulting from investments by local, state, and federal governments, as well as private companies. The demand for workers in these sectors helped Albuquerque experience some of the state’s highest job growth from 2001 to 2010. Albuquerque is also the home of Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute,[8] Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS), University of New Mexico (UNM), Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), and many other higher education and research institutions.
History
Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost. The town was named after Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque, who was Viceroy of New Spain from 1653 to 1660. Albuquerque served as a stopover on the Camino Real, which ran through present-day Mexico City to Santa Fe. The Duke’s strength and courage in battle earned Albuquerque the nickname “La Villa del Alburquerque”.
In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and Albuquerque became a Mexican territory. In 1846, the United States took control of Albuquerque during the Mexican-American War. In 1880, Albuquerque was officially incorporated as a city.
The arrival of the Santa Fe Railway in 1880 brought increased economic opportunities and growth to Albuquerque. The railroad made it possible for New Mexicans to sell their products nationally and internationally, and also helped bring new residents and tourists to the state.
Today, Albuquerque is a thriving city with a rich history and vibrant culture. The city is home to several live music venues, including the historic Sunshine Theater, which hosts national and international touring acts. Albuquerque is also known for its annual balloon festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Blues in Albuquerque
Come to the Historic El Rey Theater on Central Avenue in Albuquerque and enjoy some great live blues music. The El Rey has been a mainstay of the Albuquerque music scene for decades and has hosted some of the biggest names in blues. This weekend, they’re featuring the local band, The Blue Shakers.
Where to find live blues music
Albuquerque is a great city for live music, and that includes the blues. Here are some of the best places to find live blues music in Albuquerque:
-The Blue Gate Lounge: This intimate lounge is located in Hotel Blue, downtown Albuquerque. The Blues Gate Lounge features live music Wednesday through Saturday nights, with a focus on local and regional blues artists.
-The Sandbar: The Sandbar is a well-known live music venue in Albuquerque, located in the historic Old Town district. The Sandbar features live music seven nights a week, with a focus on rock, country, and Americana acts. However, they do occasionally host blues artists as well.
-Boese Brothers Brewery: Boese Brothers Brewery is a local brewery located in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights neighborhood. In addition to their award-winning beers, Boese Brothers Brewery also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights. While they don’t always have blues bands playing, it’s definitely worth checking their schedule to see if any are lined up during your visit.
-Marcelino’s Champagne Room: Marcelino’s Champagne Room is a swanky bar located inside the Hotel Andaluz downtown. They feature live jazz music every Wednesday through Saturday night, and while they don’t always have blues bands playing, it’s definitely worth checking their schedule to see if any are lined up during your visit.
What to expect
Albuquerque has a vibrant live music scene, and blues is a big part of that. If you’re looking to catch some live blues in Albuquerque, here’s what you can expect.
First, there’s no cover charge to get into most of the blues clubs in Albuquerque. Second, the music usually starts later in the evening, so don’t expect to hear any blues until 10 pm or so. Third, the clubs tend to be small and intimate, so you’ll be up close and personal with the performers. And finally, Albuquerque’s blues clubs feature a wide variety of styles, from traditional Mississippi Delta blues to contemporary electric blues.
So whether you’re a diehard blues fan or just looking for something different to do on a Saturday night, make sure to check out the live blues scene in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque’s Other Music Scene
If you’re in Albuquerque, you might think that the only music scene worth checking out is the one centered around the country and western bars on Central Avenue. But there’s another, quieter music scene that’s worth taking the time to explore. The blues scene in Albuquerque is small but vibrant, and there are a few places where you can go to hear live blues music.
Country
Albuquerque has a thriving country music scene with a number of bars and clubs featuring live music every night of the week. Whether you’re a fan of classic country or contemporary pop country, you’ll find a venue to suit your taste.
The city is home to several country radio stations, including KKOB-FM (94.5), which features a mix of contemporary and classic hits. There are also a number of country music festivals held in Albuquerque each year, including the New Mexico State Fair and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
If you’re looking for a taste of the real Albuquerque, be sure to check out the live music scene. You’ll find everything from honky-tonk to Western swing, and everything in between.
Jazz
Albuquerque’s other music scene is alive and well in the city’s many blues clubs. If you’re a fan of live music, there’s no better place to be than at one of these intimate venues, where you can enjoy a front-row seat to some of the best blues performances in the state.
Here are just a few of the many blues clubs that call Albuquerque home:
The Palace restaurant and lounge is one of the city’s most popular blues clubs, known for its diverse lineup of local and national acts. The Palace has been hosting live music seven nights a week for over 20 years, making it a staple of the Albuquerque music scene.
Burt’s Tiki Lounge is another great option for live blues in Albuquerque. This dive bar has been a city institution since it first opened its doors in the early 1970s, and it remains one of the best places to catch a show. Burt’s is particularly well-known for its Sunday jazz brunches, which feature some of the city’s best jazz performers.
The Range Café is yet another excellent choice for live blues in Albuquerque. This beloved local restaurant has been serving up great food and live music for over 25 years, making it one of the longest-running blues clubs in the city. The Range Café offers a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal and listening to some great live music.
Rock
Rock music is a genre that generally includes a heavy use of electric guitars, drums, and bass. There are a variety of subgenres within rock, including punk, metal, and alternative. Rock music is generally considered to be popular among young adults.
Albuquerque has a vibrant rock music scene, with a variety of venues that showcase local and touring bands. The city also hosts a number of music festivals each year, including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Route 66 SummerFest.
