CRASH MUSIC ROCKS NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO

By Chris Duthie

Sue Rys and George Rowe at the "new" Aztec Theater venue.

Something rather astonishing is happening in Aztec.

It started a few years ago, innocently enough, with a few guitar and drum lessons. Then a modest stage was erected, collapsible metal chairs were aligned and a small concert was held. More live performances were promoted, a smattering of art shows were scheduled, and before we knew it, George Rowe and Sue Rys – co-owners of Crash Music – had grown a dynamic arts-and-entertainment passion (which soon after earned them Aztec Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business of the Year honors) into a proverbial “overnight success.”

Big names are status quo at Crash Music in Aztec.

So much so that Rowe and Rys packed up their eclectic store and moved it into some uptown digs a few blocks north – to the historic but long-neglected Aztec Theater. Full of potential but far from fancy, the 86-year-old property was in desperate need of TLC – which Rowe, Rys and a few bright-eyed believers brought in by the bucket load. Eventually unearthed: an expansive and freshly painted work space that, coupled with existing peanut-gallery seating, elevated stage and a wide dance floor, became ideal for promoting and hosting upper-tier musical talent. Groups like The Plateros, Studebaker John Grimaldi, Joe McMurrian, the Dirty Bourbon River Show, Miss Tess & the Talkbacks, Round Mountain, J.D. Strait, Willow Blues and the incomparable Victor & Penny.

Blues musician Joe McMurrian.

Many who have attended a Crash Music event agree that Aztec has benefited in grand fashion from these amazingly talented blues, country, rock and pop stars that otherwise may never have made a stop in northwest New Mexico. And to the bands' delight, they're discovering a core-group of impassioned music lovers. "At a recent concert, Studebaker John was scheduled to perform for about 90 minutes, but he was getting such phenomenal feedback from the audience that he played for almost three hours," said Rowe. "That's truly remarkable, and it's a testament to how music is influencing and shaping Aztec."

Historic Aztec Theater is a New Mexico landmark.

Attracting music aficionados from throughout the Four Corners is another remarkable benefit. Sleepy little Aztec is increasingly becoming regarded as vibrant and happening, with a cool-breeze buzz that is unlike any other town inside a 300-mile circle. And if Rowe and Rys have anything to do with it, it’s going to continue. “I’m in this for the duration,” said Rowe, “It’s a financial risk, but I think it’s totally worth it. I am bringing value into this world – it's my vision of what great music is – and I get to share it with, and hopefully inspire, my community.”

Crash Music’s next show is Saturday, Dec. 14, and will feature blues artist Jason Elmore. For tickets and information, call (505) 427-6748 or go online to www.crashmusicaztec.com.

#####

AZTEC’S ARCHES ASTONISH

By Chris Duthie

Photography by Ed Kotyk

There are so many extraordinary things about Aztec! We constantly boast about our fabulous events, top-shelf recreation, enviable climate, rich history and eclectic, small-town pleasures. Yet there is one Aztec asset most locals don’t know much about: the massive collection of nearby sandstone arches. You know… the kind that when hollowed out by moisture form a natural “rock rainbow.” So far, nearly 270 arches of varying size and grandeur have been discovered – 50 more than in 2012 – and every single one is within an hour’s drive of Aztec.


Without question, these arches are some of Mother Nature’s finest works. Some will leave you breathless, while others will make you grin and chuckle. One has earned the name “Octopus” due to a similarity to that multi tentacle mollusk, while another – the “Alien” – features a spooky, bulging-eyes stare. Some are no larger than an office desk, while others are big enough to drive a train through. And several, quite sadly, are destined to last for a very short time due to erosion.

Falling arches are part of the natural cycle. However, full-span bridges are continually being found, photographed and cataloged. Most are found amongst the desert badlands east of Aztec, an expansive, public-lands landscape of water-carved canyons, stunted piñon trees, blowing sagebrush and blossoming cactus. This remote desert is ideal for concealing arches, but due to the explosive construction and expansion of oil-and-gas roads, they’re being revealed almost on a weekly basis by walkabout hikers, horseback riders and four-wheelers.

Ed Kotyk is one such researcher of undiscovered arches. The 49-year-old project manager for the City of Aztec has personally found, photographed and geo-tagged over 100 of the formations and has helped make the collection a favored outdoor recreation for anyone who has the resolve to venture beyond the confines of the city.

“The canyon lands east of Aztec offer a plethora of undiscovered wonders,” said Kotyk. “For the photo enthusiast, it’s an awesome opportunity to see nature at work, both in sandstone and in wildlife.”

Told you… Aztec is extraordinary!

                                                            

2013 BLUES & BREWS WAS...

         

Story and Photos by Chris Duthie

Amazing. That's the first word that comes to mind when describing the eighth running of the Animas River Blues & Brews Fest, held Saturday, July 13, at Riverside Park in Aztec. In most every category, the B&B was an all-out success, starting with the staging of six dynamic blues bands, coordinating an expansive location that gave just about every patron unhindered views of and unfettered access to the musicians, serving up delicious and affordable food and beverages, offering checkbook-enticing vendors, and arranging for smile-inducing distractions for huge numbers of youngsters and young adults.

B&B is fun for everyone!

Michael Lee went solo.

New this year was a Blues & Brews kick-off party, staged the previous night at Crash Music's stylish new digs, the historic Aztec Theater. Approximately 150 patrons danced and reveled until midnight to the soulful, Delta-blues tunes of C.W. Ayon, as well as the toe-tapping, get-funky rhythms of The Michael Lee Band. Both gave ovation-worthy performances, which were reprised the following day on the grassy surrounds of Riverside Park. "It was a great first-time kick off for the Blue & Brews," said Crash Music Manager Sue Rys, "and we think it brought a lot of people to Saturday's event."

Did it ever. Animas River Blues & Brews organizers reported a record attendance that followed 2012's big gains. "Ticket sales were up again this year, and we went over the 1,550 mark," said Katie McClure, president of Animas River Arts & Entertainment, the event's organizer. "Those are very respectable numbers, and we couldn't be happier with the turnout, or the stage performances."

Big crowds enjoyed perfect weather and awesome entertainment.

An informal, post-concert poll proved there wasn't a weak act on the lineup. In fact, organizers were very aggressive about staging top-shelf entertainment for 2013. In addition to the crowd-pleasing performances of C.W. Ayon and Michael Lee Band, the all-inclusive ticket included dynamo deliveries from Shari Puerto, Daddy Mae Blues Band, Todd Wolfe Band and headliner The Avey Brothers.

Congratulations, B&B. We can't wait for next year.

[Editor's note: Animas River Entertainment is launching a second event in 2013 that promises to be even more memorable. On Sept. 7, Riverside Park will play host to the new Boots & Brews Country Music Fest. Like the Blues & Brews, the Boots & Brews will follow a model of top entertainment, affordable tickets and a gracious, family oriented atmosphere. For information, click here.]