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On Friday, admission is $1 and two cans of food. Our annual food drive for the needy kicks off at 6:00 and features five of New Mexico's best bands, including local luminary BILL HEARNE and his hardcore honkytonk ROADHOUSE REVUE; the swinging, horn-driven R&B of THE PLEASURE PILOTS, a favorite among dance enthusiasts; and the SANTA FE ALLSTARS, featuring local luminaries Joe West, Susan Gilchrist (of Peter Rowan Trio fame), Ben Wright & Susan Holmes. “Tweener” sets by JOE WEST and ROUND MOUNTAIN round out Friday night's festivities.

He is simply one of the most influential musicians in pop history, a guitar virtuoso, a songwriter of the highest order, a thoroughly engaging performer. We are proud to welcome RICHARD THOMPSON for his first Thirsty Ear performance. And of course we're happy to be bringing back ROSIE LEDET & THE ZYDECO PLAYBOYS for a hardcore dose of Louisiana dance music. Nobody can belt it out like blues diva SHEMEKIA COPELAND, who closes the night. On the Old Hotel Stage, string master ROGER LANDES presents a demonstration on Celtic music, and the best local talent play "tweener" sets all day long. More to come…

Sunday kicks off with an intense acoustic set by SAMUEL JAMES, a master of fingerstyle, slide, banjo, and harmonica, with an intuitive grasp of pre-war blues (acoustic blues lovers, do not miss this set). Then brace yourself for the high-octane country-rock hybrid of JUNIOR BROWN, whose instrumental prowess often leaves the uninitiated wide-eyed. New Mexico's most beloved blues outfit, the ALEX MARYOL BAND, will be pulling out the stops with the energetic blues-rock that made Maryol a local hero, but he will also showcase a quieter acoustic side that most fans have never experienced. It doesn't get more beautiful than the gorgeous melodies and superb songwriting of singer-songwriter PATTY GRIFFIN, back for her second Thirsty Ear performance. Rounding out the night is a high-octane dance set by zydeco's reigning master, BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO. Bring your dancin' shoes, and don't forget to check out the zydeco dance lessons in the Saloon prior to Buckwheat's set. On the Old Hotel Stage, look for additional sets by Maryol and James, and "tweener" sets by local artists including THE RANDOM FAMILY.