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Once upon a time in the late '70s, pop music married dancehall reggae and the couple had a few very happy, musical children who ended up playing in bands with names like The Beat, The Specials, Madness and of course UB40. The latter outfit, named after an unemployment form used in Old Blighty, went on to become an international rocanrol superstar on the strength of stoney-groovy hits like their now ubiquitouscover of Neil Diamond's “Red, Red Wine.” Notably, this band had a slew of other totally danceable tuneage in their badass Jamaican-style soundsystem, including a cover of an old Sonny and Cher song that went to the top of the British charts in 1993. Founders Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue left the ensemble in 2008, but the rest of the band soldiers on, playing heaps of shows as their 40th anniversary year crests here in America. Check out this noble group of upbeat experts when they jam at Route 66 Casino Hotel's Legend's Theater on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8pm. Tickets for this all-ages romp through the before time range in price from $28 to $49. (August March)

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The organizers of Bubonicon 51 point out that Akira, Blade Runner and The Running Man were all set in the year 2019. That's why the theme of this year's New Mexico's premier science fiction and fantasy convention is “The Future Is Now.” Dust off your Spock ears and get your Vulcan tookus to the Albuquerque Marriott Friday through Sunday, Aug. 23 through 25. See authors Allen Steele, Ursula Vernon (T. Kingfisher) and Darynda Jones, marvel at the works of guest fantasy artist Greg Spalenka and hear space stories from scientist and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt. Fanatics of all ages are invited. General admission tickets start at $15 for attendees over age 14. (Joshua Lee)

In the midst of the mountainous area, beer reigns happily over the land, providing sustenance, scratch and a happy glow that says, “This is The Land of Enchantment.” That funny feeling for yourself on Saturday, Aug. 24 begins at 11am and continues until 7pm at the 2019 Mountain West Brew Fest at Loretto Park in always smokin' Bernalillo, N.M. This fest promises fabulous fun with a focus on this state's craft beer industry stalwarts, like Boxing Bear, Kilt Check and Enchanted Circle providing foamy good cold brews as well as wine, spirits and cider for consumption by languid festivalgoers in search of a good buzz among summer cottonwoods down by the Bosque. Food trucks galore plus jumpin' and jivin' live music contribute to the milieu so do yourself a solid and hop on down! Tickets cost $15 in advance, and this event is appropriate for the over-21 crowd or those accompanied by a parent or guardian. (August March)