Blab Music
Taos McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series Brings Free Live Music to Historic Plaza
Sun‑kissed afternoons in Taos’ historic downtown plaza are turning into stages that pulse with a dozen musical styles. The McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series has entered its 17th week of free concerts, drawing crowds to the plaza’s stone‑lined square every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The stage itself is a quirky piece of art. A converted trailer, painted with a desert landscape and crowned with a flower‑decorated cow skull, was supplied by local bassist Gary Roller. The simple, yet striking set‑up has become a familiar sight for locals who have been coming to hear their favorite acts.
The idea for the series was hatched by Brad Hockmeyer, co‑founder of the twice‑weekly music series and the original founder of KTAOS radio station in 1986. Hockmeyer, who moved to Taos in 1979, explained to reporters that the plaza had long been a gathering place for residents. "We are on a mission to bring people back to the plaza," he said. The initiative was a response to the impact of ongoing construction on the downtown area, which has strained local businesses.
Hockmeyer teamed up with RuthAnn McCarthy, whose family owns the plaza and who opened the Legacy Café. The café, which recalls the former Plaza Café, serves drinks such as a pink lemonade‑based “Pink Drink” to concertgoers. The series is financially supported by the Taos MainStreet nonprofit, Ed and Trudy Healy, and Wildflower Playhouse’s Jim Avery, with sponsorships from Centinel Bank and State Farm insurance.
This week’s lineup features outlaw western balladeer Garry Blackchild and hometown singer‑songwriter Max Gomez. Blackchild’s performance was highlighted by his cowboy hat, silver jewelry, and a leather vest bearing “TAOS, NM.” Gomez, backed by a drummer, violinist, and guitarist, performed a song inspired by a high‑school teacher who encouraged him to pursue music.
The series also showcases a variety of genres, including Pueblo drumming, mariachi, bluegrass, and jam‑rock. Past performers have included Michael Hearne, the Lucero Brothers, and Last to Know. Hockmeyer explained that the program’s schedule is designed to create a predictable rhythm for residents: "By doing this every single Friday and Sunday — just by keeping at it and showing up — people get the point of knowing that on Sundays we do this and Fridays we do this," he said.
The event is free, and the organizers have prepared for weather conditions with pop‑up canopy tents and a plan to remove them when the sun is bright. The plaza’s location near the historic Taos County Plaza and nearby art galleries makes it a convenient spot for locals and visitors.
Taos, a town founded in 1795, has long been a cultural hub for artists and musicians. The McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series adds to the town’s tradition of community‑based arts programming. The series has already attracted crowds of about a hundred people, with some attendees dancing beside the stage.
The series is part of a broader effort by Taos MainStreet to revitalize the downtown district through cultural events. The nonprofit’s mission is to support public spaces and encourage community engagement.
As the series continues through August, organizers plan to maintain the schedule and expand the roster of performers. The next scheduled acts include Big Violet, Foggy Memory Boys, and other regional musicians.
In summary, the McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series provides free, diverse live music to the heart of Taos, supporting local artists, engaging residents, and contributing to the town’s cultural economy. The series is scheduled to run through the end of August, with performances on Fridays and Sundays as described.
The stage itself is a quirky piece of art. A converted trailer, painted with a desert landscape and crowned with a flower‑decorated cow skull, was supplied by local bassist Gary Roller. The simple, yet striking set‑up has become a familiar sight for locals who have been coming to hear their favorite acts.
The idea for the series was hatched by Brad Hockmeyer, co‑founder of the twice‑weekly music series and the original founder of KTAOS radio station in 1986. Hockmeyer, who moved to Taos in 1979, explained to reporters that the plaza had long been a gathering place for residents. "We are on a mission to bring people back to the plaza," he said. The initiative was a response to the impact of ongoing construction on the downtown area, which has strained local businesses.
Hockmeyer teamed up with RuthAnn McCarthy, whose family owns the plaza and who opened the Legacy Café. The café, which recalls the former Plaza Café, serves drinks such as a pink lemonade‑based “Pink Drink” to concertgoers. The series is financially supported by the Taos MainStreet nonprofit, Ed and Trudy Healy, and Wildflower Playhouse’s Jim Avery, with sponsorships from Centinel Bank and State Farm insurance.
This week’s lineup features outlaw western balladeer Garry Blackchild and hometown singer‑songwriter Max Gomez. Blackchild’s performance was highlighted by his cowboy hat, silver jewelry, and a leather vest bearing “TAOS, NM.” Gomez, backed by a drummer, violinist, and guitarist, performed a song inspired by a high‑school teacher who encouraged him to pursue music.
The series also showcases a variety of genres, including Pueblo drumming, mariachi, bluegrass, and jam‑rock. Past performers have included Michael Hearne, the Lucero Brothers, and Last to Know. Hockmeyer explained that the program’s schedule is designed to create a predictable rhythm for residents: "By doing this every single Friday and Sunday — just by keeping at it and showing up — people get the point of knowing that on Sundays we do this and Fridays we do this," he said.
The event is free, and the organizers have prepared for weather conditions with pop‑up canopy tents and a plan to remove them when the sun is bright. The plaza’s location near the historic Taos County Plaza and nearby art galleries makes it a convenient spot for locals and visitors.
Taos, a town founded in 1795, has long been a cultural hub for artists and musicians. The McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series adds to the town’s tradition of community‑based arts programming. The series has already attracted crowds of about a hundred people, with some attendees dancing beside the stage.
The series is part of a broader effort by Taos MainStreet to revitalize the downtown district through cultural events. The nonprofit’s mission is to support public spaces and encourage community engagement.
As the series continues through August, organizers plan to maintain the schedule and expand the roster of performers. The next scheduled acts include Big Violet, Foggy Memory Boys, and other regional musicians.
In summary, the McCarthy Plaza Summer Music Series provides free, diverse live music to the heart of Taos, supporting local artists, engaging residents, and contributing to the town’s cultural economy. The series is scheduled to run through the end of August, with performances on Fridays and Sundays as described.
