RED RIVER, N.M. — The heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has long called out to the singer-songwriter as part inspiration and part haven for their craft.

Red River, New Mexico is the center of this musical mecca and celebrates again with world class talent at the 3rd Annual Red River Folk Festival, Sept 21st through Sept 24th. Venues include the Lost Love Saloon, Brandenburg Park, the Motherlode and Bittercreek Ranch.

Early Bird Tickets are still available for the musical feast, featuring James McMurtry, Shawn Mullins, Chuck Prophet, Jim Lauderdale, Max Gomez and more.

Paired with the popular Aspencade Arts and Crafts Fair, there are local and national musical acts on the outside stage during the day in Brandenburg Park including Honey House – an all-female folk group powerhouse, Mariachi, Jed Zimmerman and Kelley Mickwee, the Red River Family Band along with other fun surprises.

This exciting boutique festival continues as a true listeners paradise at the Motherlode as the Saloon hosts the nighttime shows of Americana legend Jim Lauderdale and newcomer Max Gomez on Thursday, Chuck Prophet and Shawn Mullins (Rock-a-bye) on Friday and Texas style song-weaver James McMurtry on Saturday night.

Max Gomez, host of this endeavor, says, “While I’m out on tour and meeting other singer-songwriters I love to have them come back to my neck of the woods and share their talents with one of my favorite audiences in the world, plus it’s nice to have them come experience this unique high desert region that I call home.”

To add to the excitement the release of Max Gomez’s new record Me & Joe coincides with the event. Festival goers will be among the first to hear the new collection of songs both live and with the chance to take them home on CD and Vinyl. Me & Joe showcases that special blend of Max’s distinctive baritone vocals and song-crafting that has charmed audiences from coast to coast.

The weekend culminates at the Bittercreek Amphitheater Brunch with special guest Robert Mirabal. This natural amphitheater is up the mountain from Red River in an idyllic setting surrounded by a spring fed pond with high mountain vistas covered in turning aspen and pine forest. The perfect setting for Mirabal to cast his spell with his flute, story-telling, dance and song.

This morning gathering is the fitting send off as Red River Folkers celebrate an incredible weekend of cool mountain music.

Get tickets at Hold My Ticket and redriverfolk.com. Fee updates at Red River Folk Festival Facebook.