WELCOME TO THE 13th ANNUAL THIRSTY EAR FESTIVAL. The heart of this year's festival is at Santa Fe Sol, with satellite events at other venues. These are separately ticketed shows you can sample at will, or you can buy an ALL PASS, which gets you into everything, at all venues, all the time. NM's premier roots music event still features plenty of the Americana and blues you're used to hearing, but you'll also find hillbilly punk, courtesy of THE LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS' kickoff party at Santa Fe Sol Thursday, deep warm reggae courtesy of SISTER CAROL, and a few other surprises that broaden the musical boundaries.

BRING THE KIDS; ALL SHOWS ARE ALL AGES. KIDS GET IN FREE. Our popular Kids Corral, with arts, games & crafts will be humming all weekend long at Sol Santa Fe. Sunday, in particular, is a great day for families at the Brewing Company. Tickets are only $15 for adults (only $10 if you're wearing a Thirsty Ear Festival t-shirt) and, as always, kids get in free not just that day, but all weekend at Sol. The Kids Corral features lots of music and special kids' performances, including a return of our interactive African drumming session with master Nigerian drummer AKEEM AYANNIYI. Please note that kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT TO BRING: Santa Fe Sol features both indoor and outdoor stages, and plenty of food, beverages, and a full array of craft brews. Bella's organic desserts is back too!; the return of an old friend. The main stage is outside, so remember to bring lawn chairs (full size is fine), sunscreen, blankets, umbrellas, warm clothes for the evening, and anything else you might need for an outdoor event. We do not allow tents or anything that might obstruct the view. Nor do we allow coolers, alcohol, glass, flash cameras, pets or mean people. You can bring in food, but must leave coolers in your car (you will have open access to your car in the adjoining lot). We care about our patrons' health; the festival is a non-smoking event.

We hope you'll all take some time to check out the arts & crafts, nonprofit, and community organizations that are participating this year, providing local products, educational materials and exhibits. If you are a green organization and would like to participate, please contact Deena Klein at dleeclean@yahoo.com.

There's music everywhere...enjoy.