Nightlife
Santa Fe's vibrant and eclectic music scene is as diverse as the city's rich cultural heritage. On any given night, you can shimmy to the blues, two-step to country, salsa to Latin American music, or boogie down to bluegrass. Santa Fe's fine tapestry of musical genres also includes Americana, rock, jazz, classical, flamenco, reggae, electronica, avant-garde, Native American, African, and others.
Santa Fe is also home to several top-notch recording studios and independent record labels. Jono Manson's Kitchen Sink and John Treadwell's Frogville Records studio, in particular, are well-known in New Mexico and beyond, drawing both local and out-of-town musicians, including John Popper of Blues Traveler and American Idol star Crystal Bowersox.
Together, Santa Fe's musicians, promoters, record labels and studios work together to create a singular Santa Fe sound, reflective of the City Different's natural and cultural landscape: Raw, edgy, original music with rhythms that move the body and soul like a New Mexico rainstorm.
You can hear the magic of the Santa Fe sound in the city's bars, clubs, and restaurants, ranging from the historic El Farol on Canyon Road to Second Street Brewery, a local favorite, to the more upscale Vanessie. Most of the venues are small, allowing for an intimate live music experience. On a grander scale, Santa Fe is also home to several major venues, including the Santa Fe Opera -- one of the most beautiful and acoustically rich outdoor settings in the world -- Sol Santa Fe, and the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center. Each is a frequent stop for national and international touring acts, including Wilco, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Jimmy Cliff and Public Enemy. During the summer months, the Santa Fe Bandstand Series turns the city's historic plaza into a giant dance floor, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Music is as integral a part of Santa Fe art and culture as our famous galleries and restaurants. Find out for yourself -- check out one of the many fun live performances going on tonight in Santa Fe.
