The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at The University of New Mexico has announced the spring edition of the Maxwell Courtyard Concert Series, a four-part celebration featuring superb local and regional artists. As Albuquerque’s first public museum, the Maxwell aims to restore voices and create community.

The first concert is Friday, March 24, at noon and features Las Brujas Chicanas. Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and join the fandango, or celebratory communal gathering in which band members take turns singing, dancing, and playing. Las Brujas Chicanas is a son jarocho UNM-based music collective of students, faculty, and community members emerging from the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies.

Son jarocho is a musical and dance genre with roots in Veracruz, Mexico, and a history shaped by Spanish, Indigenous, and African traditions. In the U.S., the tradition has gained traction due to its accessible, collective, and often politicized practice.

Since 2016, Las Brujas have been cultivating this music through workshops and fandangos on campus. In June, the collective will be performing in Paris, France, and this concert is a way for them to share what they are working on.

In its present form Las Brujas Chicanas includes over 15 members and it is growing. For anyone interested in learning more and joining the group (no experience necessary), this concert is the perfect opportunity to meet and talk to them. 

The event is free but the Maxwell asks that attendees register online so the museum staff can plan to have plenty of refreshments.

What better way to realize this new vision for the Maxwell than through music and culture, said Julián Antonio Carrillo, curator of Education and Public Programs.

“This year, in comparison to our inaugural 2022 Concert Series, we are mainly highlighting the musicality of the UNM campus,” he explained. This includes featuring a son jarocho collective based in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies as well as a horn auartet and Banda UNM, both from the Department of Music. “Lastly, to kick-off LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we are welcoming artist Amalia Mondragón/Tereso Perfecto Contreras from the U.S.-Mexico border. This concert will be followed by a special Dancing in the Cave: Pride Edition, featuring DJ Frankie Flores.”   

Carrillo invited everyone for the free concerts and dance party as the Maxwell transforms its intimate courtyard into a unique cultural venue. During these events, the Maxwell, as well as its Museum Store, will be open and refreshments will be offered. The series is co-sponsored by UNM’s Latin American & Iberian Institute, Department of Music, and LGBTQ Resource Center.

Each concert below is free but limited to the courtyard’s capacity. First come, first served. No tickets available but registration is still appreciated.