The style went through several changes during pre-statehood , mostly during the developments of Mexican folk and cowboy Western music. After statehood, New Mexico music continued to grow in popularity with native New Mexicans, mostly with the Pueblo , Navajo , Apache , Neomexicanos , and the descendants of the American frontier. Nationally and internationally, New Mexico music is classified under several different genres, including World , Country , Latin , Folk , and Regional Mexican. The musical history of New Mexico goes back to pre-colonial times, but the sounds that define New Mexico music begin particularly with the ancient Anasazi. Some of their music is thought to have survived in the traditional songs of the Pueblo people with wind instruments such as the Anasazi flute , as well as the chants and drum beats of the Navajo and Apache. After New Mexico became a territory , the people of the American frontier brought the traditions of Country and Cajun music. This was when the first forms of New Mexico music began to be played. Western was an adaption of Country and Cajun, accompanied by traditionally Mexican and Native American instruments.


Claude Stephenson
New Mexico Music Commission’s Platinum Music Awards
The world-renowned musician is also a composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman, and farmer, who is dedicated to keeping alive the centuries-old customs of Taos Pueblo. He is also the author of A Skeleton of a Bridge, a book of poetry, prose, and short stories, and Running Alone, a photographic memoir laced with gritty introspective prose that opens a window to Pueblo life through the voice of his alter ego Reyes Winds. Mirabal bought his first flute when he was 18 with money he borrowed from his grandmother and shortly afterward he had the opportunity to meet Native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai, who greatly influenced him. David Schwartz, chairman of the New Mexico Music Commission said, "Robert is a gifted and visionary musician who has taken on the important task of representing Native American music in not only an authentic way, but in a way that brings its message and beauty into the present and future as part of New Mexico's world conscious musical culture. His musical mastery reflects not only a preservationist's approach to traditional Native music, but an innovator's vision for the music of the future. She lives in the village of Galisteo where she has raised a family, is an active member of the local Catholic parish, and a highly valued member of the Galisteo Volunteer Fire Department, where she has served as fire chief. Moya also is active on the board of the local arts organization, La Sala de Galisteo. Moya said she was drawn to straw applique not just for its religious meaning, but for the technique. Moya said she has been blessed to work with wonderful mentors including Master Santero Felix Lopez, and Spanish Colonial furniture maker Matthew Duran.
Albuquerque, NM
Sign Me Up! Log In. Get Tickets There are no active dates for this event. Thanks for attending. See you next year. Not Available. Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! Roxanne S. Anthony F. Albuquerque , NM United States.
Back to Previous. Biggers photos by Courtesy Amiel Gervers. They reflect la vida of the band itself, a year saga that spans five studio albums and nearly a thousand gigs along their way to becoming one of the most prominent musical acts in the state. The duo became a trio, with John Lucero, and came out with their first album, Palomo It received good reviews and sold well. Just as the band began to earn recognition, however, Watkins passed away. He chose to persevere. The sound grew again when Nosotros joined forces with another Las Cruces band, folding in David Diaz on vocals and sax, and Dennis Jasso on drums. It was a winning combination: For their third, self-titled album, the group took home album of the year from the New Mexico Music Awards. Sanchez agrees.