The Resurgence Of Live Music & Keeping It Alive

For most of 2020 and on into the first half of 2021, it was a quiet time for most of New Mexico's music scene. Amid the pre-vaccine era of the pandemic, public health orders kept mass gatherings and live shows from happening. The state went more than a year without live music in all major venues and most small venues. That put a massive strain on not just local businesses, but also musicians who make a living playing to crowds. But as the restrictions on gatherings have faded away, New Mexico's seen a resurgence in live music. Longtime New Mexico musician Donny Tesso joins Gabby and Chris on the podcast, and opens up about his experience as a full-time professional musician who plays alongside his two daughters in a band called Sorela. What will it take to keep that alive as the pandemic continues? Donny offers his perspective to that question and more.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions - let us know. Email Chris and Gabby at [email protected] and [email protected]. For more on this episode, visit KRQE.com/podcasts.

The song featured in this episode is called Baila, Bailame / Pirolino," as performed live by Sorela in a 2007 tribute to the late New Mexico music legend Al Hurricane. A special thanks to Atlantis CDS for allowing us to share the song on this week's episode.