Brewdoso Festival and Song Swap Hits Ruidoso This Summer
From blues rock and alternative garage pop to country music, the Brewdoso Festival and Song Swap will feature one or more bands performing that will satisfy concert goers musical tastes this summer in Ruidoso.
Part of the proceed from the Brewdoso and Song Swap Summer Concert Series will benefit improvements for Ruidoso’s midtown.
Brewdoso Festival will feature live music featuring local musicians and bands from New Mexico and Texas. Red Light Cameras, Zack Willard Band and Rosewater Blues will perform between noon and 6 p.m. June 23. CW Ayon, Jim Dixon and Robin Scott will perform between noon and 6 p.m. June 24.
Brewdoso will also feature New Mexico beer, wine, food and eclectic gift vendors at the event. There will also be plenty of activities for children and their families, including a bounce house.
Midtown Association President Matt Ingram who is organizing the Brewdoso said the Brewdoso Festival is at the Wingfield Park.
“We are working with the Midtown Association planning more events, we are moving forward,” Ingram said. “Planning for the festival began back in January and everything is set.” Ingram said he hopes to bring more venues to the Village creating entertainment with a different demographic feel. “We are trying to arrange events and shows that will draw the younger crowds to. Getting people to the area brings revenue to our local business owners and brings the community together.”
Song Swap will host local artist and touring musicians at the Hunt and Harvest with Jim Dixon and Dave Millsap performing June 22, Folk Family Revival June 23, Robin Scott and Cody Jones June 29, Jerry Serrano and Mike Kelley July 6, and Philip Coggins and Chris Miles July 13. All Song Swap shows are between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Klas Ahman, owner of Secret Service Productions and a member of the band Secret Circus, moved to the United States form Stockholm, Sweden. “I decided that Ruidoso has more to offer me in my line of work and my style of music,” Ahman said. “The locals accept what I have to offer and the narrative is changing here as far as the musical mecca is concerned. It is a way to connect people together. I want to keep these types of events and festivals going in Ruidoso. I think it is something the locals want and may even increase tourism beyond the summer months.”
He is focusing on promoting more venues in the Village while continuing to perform and produce music with his brother Joel, who lives in Sweden. The musical twin duo gets together a few months out of the year to spending time recording and producing videos of their band, Secret Circus. The music is a blend of Indie Rock, Classical Rock with a subtle hint of Pagan Country.
Secret Circus has often been described by fans as having a Hendrix, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd quality mix about them. They have collaborated with local musicians such as Robin Scott, Gleewood, Jones and Miles and others. Ahman is better known to many fans by his stage name Captain Klas. The band has performed locally, nationally and in Europe.
“You go into town and you don’t see much activity after dark. Everything seems to be closed. I want to see change and more people out listening to music, enjoying a glass of wine, and sitting on the street benches while engaging in conversations sharing their experiences,” Ahman said. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in this place, unlike other cities that are not willing to pay for your services and discourage you,” Ahman said. “I think there can be a connection between myself, the community and other musicians to pull the threads together and tie the knot.”
Both Ingram and Ahman are looking to stage more concerts and festivals in the future.
Brewdoso tickets are $15 each online and $25 at the festival. For ticket purchase go online to evenbrite.com or ruidosomidtown.com. Song Swap tickets are $10 each. For further information call Secret Circus Studios at 575-317-8759 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/secretcircusstudio.