It’s been one hell of a year for The Old Main. After releasing its first album in November, Rod Lacy’s project won Best New/Emerging Band in this year’s Best of Burque poll. Lacy also co-organized Rock the 9, the first all-Native rock showcase held over Gathering of Nations weekend at the Sunshine Theater [featured in the April 24-30 Alibi]. But for all his band’s accomplished, Lacy must realize—wisely—that he couldn’t have come this far without his fans.And there are plenty to thank. Feeding them is a start. This Friday, May 16, The Old Main will show its gratitude by hosting “an old-school cookout" at the Albuquerque Press Club (21+). In addition to doling out free barbecue, you can bet there’ll be a heapin’ helpin’ of music (“by lots of our friends,” says the band). The show starts at 7 p.m. and it’s totally free. Befriend The Old Main at myspace.com/theoldmain.
The Road To Rich's
Oddly, the best alt.country and bluegrass acts in New Mexico this weekend are on the outskirts of Ramah, N.M. The location’s unlikely, but it’s not surprising. They’ll be at 15 th annual Road to Rich’s Tie-Dye Party and Birthday. Rich’s festival starts with a campout on Friday, May 16, with performances starting at noon on Saturday. Headliner Blue Turtle Seduction (Lake Tahoe, Calif.; also appearing at El Rey Theater on Tuesday, May 20) will be joined by Gravy (Flagstaff, Ariz.), The Withdrawals, Sharon Gilchrist and Joe West, The Saltine Ramblers, Young Edward, Family Coal (Madrid, N.M.), the Amy Hoyt Trio, and the BluTubes. Cost is $20, but kids 16-and-under are free with a paying adult. Bring your camping gear, food, water and instruments for impromptu pickin’ parties. Leave your pets and fire-starting devices at home. Directions to the Road to Rich’s are at myspace.com/roadtorichs.
Where It All Hangs Out
Although the Outpost’s Creative Soundspace Festival turns four this year, it stems directly from in an improvisational music festival in 2003. That goes a long way in explaining the two-day event’s focus on adventurous and sometimes unpredictable music forms. Fans of progressive jazz and experimental sounds will be treated to local as well as national innovators like master bassist Henry Grimes, multi-reedist Oluyemi Thomas and saxophonist Chris Jonas, at two venues. Performances are Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at the Outpost Performance Space (210 Yale SE, 268-0044) and High Mayhem Studios in Santa Fe (1703-B Lena Street, 505-501-3333). Contact the venues for full lineups and costs.
