Serving Up A Slice Of Santa Fe Music
Santa Fe is known for its cuisine but did you know that with all that amazing food, hot music is also served up! Talk about efficient entertainment…food, cocktails and diverse music. On any given night you can be country western dancing in a downtown lounge to getting your groove on in a nightclub. Let’s rock the Santa Fe music scene!
Be Part Of Café Society
Love Santa Fe’s oldest bar, El Farol! A favorite amongst locals, enjoy world-class entertainment and Spanish tapas, wines and liqueurs to savor. One way to sum up El Farol’s music programming would be “cafe society”. A term coined in New York in the late 30’s, it describes a place visited routinely by guests who expect the same type of music on that night. Musicians such as Tito Dimitrov, Sean Healen, Nacha Mendez and the Canyon Road Blues Jam keep that spirit ongoing.
Remember your dancing shoes for “El Farol”dance mania.Sing Us A Song, You’re The Piano Men
Ready for a piano sing-along requests? Well, Santa Fe has it’s own Piano Men! “Where can I find a world class piano bar in Santa Fe?” Look no further than Vanessie located on San Francisco Street. You’ll find on any given night you might be sitting around the piano requesting a song from the pianist or just enjoying the nights repetoire. You’ll be treated to some of the best local singer-songwriters to world class pianists and cabaret singers. You may also hear Doug Montgomery, who for over 30 years has entertained visitors and locals alike.
There’s another “Piano Man” in town and that’s David Geist. David entertains at Pranzo's Italian Grill several nights a week and runs the gamut from Gershwin to Sondheim in his musical selections. If you’re in the mood for a memorable Italian dinner with great music and a tree top view, this is the place!
Pianist Doug Montgomery takes the helm four nights a week.
Broadway At Your Table
If you hear music from “Rent” emanating from a beautiful adobe doorway you most likely have discovered La Casa Sena’s “La Cantina”. A Santa Fe favorite, the singing wait staff entertains you in this historic adobe building that dates back to 1868. The atomosphere in La Cantina is a convivial one and you may find yourself singing along. Music runs nightly from 6 pm until closing.
A "La Cantina" server belts out a familiar Broadway tune.Hey Mr. DJ!
In the mood for some serious DJ dance music? Check out Skylight! Dance in of the hottest nightspots in town with nightly entertainment that includes live music, DJs, comedy and dance. You'll want to watch dancing below from the second floor aptly named "Skylab". Local DJ’s mix it up on the wheels of steel and Skylight occasionally brings in celebrity DJ's such as UK house sensation, Dave Seaman.
Catch DJ acts at Skylight.
Santa Fe Favorite Bands
Once you enter The Palace Restaurant and Saloon you’ll notice red flocked velvet wall paper that recalls the era gambling halls and saloons of the wild west of the 1850’s. If you’re looking for late night eats and music, this is the place! Fabulous local bands such as Nosotros, Anthony Leon and the Chain and Vanilla Pop are recurring favorites that perform here. You’ll see why British newspaper “The Guardian” listed it as one of its top ten bars in Santa Fe.
The saloon, with its red flocked velvet wallpaper recalls the gambling halls and saloons of yesteryear.
It Takes Two To Two Step
There’s always a lively party at La Fonda’s “La Fiesta Lounge”, where live acts such as country western bring down the house six nights a week. The mood here is friendly and festive. Hear some of Santa Fe’s finest like the Bill Hearne Trio, Night Train and The Bus Tapes. Don’t know how to country two step? Here’ your chance to learn a few dance moves as you watch some of the seasoned regulars show you how it’s done.
A visit to the La Fiesta Lounge will have you two stepping in no time.
One Man, One Guitar, One Voice
The “Living Room Lounge” at the Inn and Spa at Loretto plays host to Matthew Andrae, one of Santa Fe's favorite musicians. Relax and take advantage of the romantic ambience the lounge offers. The lighting is just right as you sit back in a sumptuous couch with that special someone. Take in Matthew’s unique musical stylings while ordering delicious appetizers. Andrae’s music has been featured in movies, television shows and events such as the Winter Olympic Games and the World Expo.
You'll fall in love with Andrae's fiery flamenco rhythms.Nuevo Latino Rhythm
Drawing on a wide range of influences the Nacha Mendez Quartet repertoire consists of originals and music from all the Spanish speaking countries. Nacha Mendez has been serenading visitors and locals at the Staab House bar for over ten years in a beautiful setting. Hear Nacha transport you to Old Mexico or maybe even Cuba in song and rhythm. The mood is heightened with a stellar roster of musicians that include Chase Morrison, Carla Kountoupes and Jesus Gachupin who accompany her on Wednesday nights. Paired with this quartet you will see why Travel & Leisure Magazine said "the Staab House is the coziest bar in Santa Fe.”
These four musicians will open the door to your Latin world music journey.
Seven Nights A Week The Cowgirl serves up some of the best local bands seven nights a week! Sit at a table outside or inside and you will still hear acts such as Townes Van Zandt, Patsy Montana, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Shawn Mullins, Joe West, Mary and Mars and more.
Santa Fe “The City Different” showcases its impeccable range in culinary delights and music-hopping opportunities. Santa Fe provides the perfect nightlife experience combining great food, refreshing cocktails and the rhythms of night. As you’re planning your next trip to Santa Fe don’t forget your dancing shoes!
