Diego Lopez, Editor
GRANTS, N.M. — Clear your weekend and grab a lawn chair: the Rugged West Concert Weekend returns to Fire & Ice Park this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19–20, with two nights of live music, food trucks, and hometown energy the Chamber says will be “bigger than ever.”
Friday night sets the tone from 6 p.m. to midnight as Nathaniel Krantz warms up the stage before New Mexico favorite Darren Cordova takes the mic, with a special appearance by Dynette Marie. The park’s lawn turns into Grants’ dance floor, and the vendors ringing the grass make it easy to fuel up between sets. “This is a fun event that celebrates the beauty of Cibola, the awesome music at the park, and our local stores,” said Chamber President Melinda Montano, inviting families to come out and make a night of it.
Saturday stretches the party from noon all the way to midnight. Danny Duran kicks off the afternoon, building toward the weekend’s headline turn by Power Drive, whose high-energy set has become a crowd magnet across the state. (If you need a preview, cue up their clip at youtube.com/QUct9fHsUDo.) Jeremy Sanchez keeps the momentum rolling into the evening before Black Pearl Band NM closes out under the lights. Two days, seven artists—basically a weekend tune-up for your boots.
Organizers say tickets are moving fast. Preferred seating is $40, general admission $30, and kids $10. Advance purchases are available online—Friday at tickets.holdmyticket. com/tickets/451463? tc=hmt and Saturday at tickets.holdmyticket.com/ tickets/451589?tc=hmt. The event is familyfriendly, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food, drinks, and shopping vendors will be on site throughout the weekend.
Local businesses still have a chance to get their brand in front of the crowd: Rugged West sponsorships remain available at $150 for Chamber members and $200 for non-members, with banner placement and event visibility included. For details, contact Rosie at 505-287-7914, Amanda at 806-476-8631, or Heather at 505-290-7206.
For updates and festival information, visit VisitGrants. com/Rugged-We st. See you at the park— let’s show off our hometown pride and keep the music rolling on Route 66.