The Saltine Ramblers can tear off hoedowns, but that’s not the proof of their mettle. On their latest album, a fine version of Blue Grass Boys’ upbeat “Southern Flavor” is propelled by David Ivey’s double-tracked fiddle and mandolin in the style of Chubby Wise and Bill Monroe. Cory Minefee’s muted electric guitar answers proficiently, suggestive of classic country / western pickers like Smitty Smith. A cover of Joe West’s heartrending “Human Cannonball” stands in low-key counterpoint. As music boundaries crumble, decidedly un-country instruments like tubas or congas are awkwardly shoehorned into Americana. But here, Dave Payne’s squeezebox slides in effortlessly. Kevin Strange’s vocals aren’t typical country-croon smooth but possess an appealing matter-of-fact quality. Saltine's original “Y” kicks off as an upbeat stomper but effortlessly de-escalates into a soulful memory of lost love. Come on out to the release party for the barn dance, and stick around for downtempo numbers with depth and delicacy that may surprise you. (Captain America)

I can't remember the last time I (or anyone I know, for that matter) turned off Words With Friends and picked up a physical Scrabble board. How do you scramble your tiles without the little button? What do you mean you can talk to your opponent face-to-face? For those looking to learn new strategies or show off those real-life, tile-wielding skills, Saturday holds the perfect opportunity. Scrabblequerque is a recreational tournament that benefits the Reading Works adult literacy program. A $15 entrance fee gets you 3 games (with prizes for winners, of course) and participation in a clinic led by nationally rated player Nancee Mancel. So put down the smart phone, grab your biggest dictionary and put those word skills to use for a good cause. (Emily Aragon)

Saturday is your last chance to enjoy Albuquerque's largest produce and crafts market until spring. Stop by Robinson Park and bid adieu to your favorite local farmers, food vendors and artists while enjoying the bluegrass stylings of Three String Bale. Load up on apples, give thanks for the Burque bounty and get ready to hunker down for winter. (Ty Bannerman)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.