Tag: local

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JD Nash: Finding Strength in Music Amidst the Battle with Cancer

In a heartfelt display of resilience and passion, JD Nash, the beloved local troubador, continues to rehearse with his band even while undergoing chemotherapy. Recently featured on Edgar Wonder’s Instagram Story, JD is seen rocking his signature hat over the bald head characteristic of his treatment. The image of the band rehearsing, all wearing masks to protect JD’s compromised immune system, is a powerful testament to their solidarity and determination.

“I felt strong enough to rehearse while I’m in between these rounds of chemo,” JD shared, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of his treatment. “Not everyone knows how hard it can be to go through chemo.” His commitment to his music and his bandmates is unwavering, even in the face of such daunting challenges.

Despite his strength, JD’s journey has not been without its harrowing moments. He recently experienced a Neutropenic episode, a severe complication that left him with dangerously low white blood cell counts, requiring an emergency visit to the hospital. “It was a nightmare situation,” JD recounted, describing the strained conditions at UNMH, where overextended staff struggled to provide the necessary care.

Amidst these struggles, JD finds solace and motivation in the unwavering support of his wife, Isla, and his band. Their love and encouragement are vital sources of strength for him as he navigates this difficult journey. “The things that keep me going are my wonderful wife Isla and the band,” JD expressed with deep gratitude.

Looking forward, JD is determined to continue pursuing his passion for music. He is planning to perform at Summer Fest Nob Hill on July 21, an event eagerly anticipated by his fans. There, he will be selling vinyl copies of his new record, “Like Water,” a project that reflects his enduring spirit and creative drive.

JD Nash’s story is one of remarkable resilience and the healing power of music. His ability to find strength in the face of adversity inspires not only his fans but also the broader community. As he prepares for his upcoming performance, the support and admiration of those around him continue to fuel his fight against cancer, one note at a time.

Photos Courtesy of JD Nash & The Rash Of Cash

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Chamoy Bar: Artistic Aguas Frescas!


If you’re looking for the perfect thirst-quencher, look no further than the Agua Frescas from this place. Let me tell you, the long lines are worth it! These Agua Frescas are the best in town, and it’s not hard to see why. Each drink is crafted like a piece of art, with a chamoy rim and fresh fruit as the finishing touch. It’s almost too pretty to drink…almost.

But looks aren’t everything, and luckily, these Agua Frescas taste just as good as they look. What really sets them apart is their ability to mix flavors together, creating truly unique and delicious combinations that you won’t find anywhere else. One sip and you’ll be hooked.

And let’s talk about the staff – always friendly and welcoming, even in the midst of a long line. The service is fast, so you won’t be waiting long to get your hands on one of these delicious drinks. Plus, the prices are reasonable, especially if you opt for a cantarito or vitrolero and take advantage of the discounted refills.

One of the best things about this place is that they keep their fans updated with their latest pop-up locations through their Instagram page. So even if you don’t know where they’ll be, just check their page and you’ll be able to find them. It’s just another example of how they go above and beyond for their customers.

In short, if you haven’t tried one of these Agua Frescas yet, you’re missing out. It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience – one that you won’t forget anytime soon. So go ahead, brave the long lines, and treat yourself to a delicious, refreshing Agua Fresca. You won’t regret it.

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Local Gem: The Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination

The ABQ Collective is a hidden treasure in the heart of Albuquerque. This local gem is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and diverse shopping and entertainment experience. The moment you step inside the doors, you’ll be greeted by multiple small businesses offering a wide variety of goodies to choose from.

One of the standout businesses is the coffee shop that serves some of the best coffee in town. You can relax and enjoy your favorite beverage while browsing through the different stalls that include a tattoo shop, jewelry, clothes, tasty treats, and furniture. There is even a hair salon and esthetician booth that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

The ABQ Collective is truly a one-stop-shop for everything you need. Whether you’re looking for gifts for your loved ones or just want to treat yourself, you’ll find everything you need in this unique shopping destination. The range of products on offer is impressive, and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

One of the best things about this place is the vibrant community atmosphere that it exudes. The collective has a real community vibe, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s a great place to connect with others who share your love of the local community and support small businesses.

If you visit the ABQ Collective during the summer on Saturdays, you’ll be treated to neighborhood markets that bring even more local vendors together in the back yard. The live music and yummy food trucks make it the perfect place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with family and friends.

The ABQ Collective is more than just a shopping destination, it’s a community hub that brings together people from all walks of life. The businesses that operate within the collective are passionate about what they do, and it shows in the quality of the products they offer.

This unique shopping experience is full of love and character, which is why it’s truly special to see all the support for our community that flows out of this place. The collective is not just a place to shop, but a place to connect and build relationships with others who share your love of the local community.

In conclusion, The ABQ Collective is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and diverse shopping and entertainment experience. With a wide variety of businesses under one roof, including coffee, food, clothes, and even tattoos, there’s something for everyone. The community vibe is palpable, and you’ll feel like you’re part of something special. If you haven’t visited the ABQ Collective yet, what are you waiting for? It’s time to discover this hidden gem in Albuquerque!

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Best Happy Hour Spots in Albuquerque

When it comes to happy hour in Albuquerque, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for cheap drinks, tasty appetizers, or a fun atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in this city. Here are some of the best happy hour spots in Albuquerque that offer great deals and delicious food and drinks.

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill offers a happy hour menu with a variety of delicious appetizers, including house-made chips and guacamole, bruschetta, and mini burgers. Drink specials include $4 beers, $5 wines, and $6 cocktails.

Apothecary Lounge

Apothecary Lounge is a rooftop bar located in the Hotel Parq Central. The happy hour menu includes $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, as well as a selection of tasty small plates like hummus and flatbread.

Marble Brewery

Marble Brewery is a local brewery that offers a happy hour menu with $1 off all pints, as well as a selection of tasty snacks like pretzels and house-made chips and salsa. The brewery also offers live music and other events during happy hour.

El Pinto

El Pinto is a popular Mexican restaurant that offers a happy hour menu with $6 margaritas, as well as a selection of tasty appetizers like green chile cheese fries and shrimp cocktail.

Range Cafe

Range Cafe is a local chain that offers a happy hour menu with $3 beers and $5 wines, as well as a selection of tasty appetizers like stuffed mushrooms and quesadillas.

The Anodyne

The Anodyne is a hip bar located in the downtown area. The happy hour menu includes $2 off all cocktails and $1 off all beer and wine, as well as a selection of tasty snacks like nachos and chicken wings.

Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza –

Il Vicino is a local pizza chain that offers a happy hour menu with $3 beers and $5 wines, as well as a selection of tasty appetizers like bruschetta and meatballs.

In conclusion, Albuquerque is home to a variety of great happy hour spots that offer delicious food and drinks at great prices. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop bar with stunning views, a sports bar with plenty of TVs, or a cozy restaurant with a great atmosphere, these 10 happy hour spots are sure to satisfy. Be sure to check them out next time you’re looking for a great deal

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MONSOON FLOODS ABQ WITH EMERGING TALENT

Jimmy Climbs, Lowmello, Edgar Wonder, monsoon founders

by Joe Smith

The views expressed are those of the author alone

Monsoon Music House is a collective, established by local artists (Edgar Wonder, Abel John, and Jimmy Climbs) to source, promote, collaborate, and showcase other musical talent, while working with local venues to execute their vision and purpose. It doesn’t start and end with music, however, as every musician I’ve heard this year, is also involved with other forms of art, film, social media, digital and analog productions, and videography, not to mention most have day jobs. The talent and vision of this collective are beautifully diverse and vastly inclusive.

It’s too freakin early for a year-end review, but the locals cannot stop talking about the generous monsoon season the desert southwest had in 2022. The welcomed summer rains drove me to seek higher ground and to get out of my suffocating Duke City dwelling. Somewhere between the east mountains and the petroglyphs, just north of old Mexico, I stumbled upon Monsoon Music House and the work they were doing for local musicians. Like many others, it seems, I have been on a path of enlightenment and gratitude, and I no longer ask questions when I find live music, local artist pop-ups, community collectives, or any effort to make this a better place. I simply go. With the flood waters rising, I found no coincidence that my drift log beached on the community that was Monsoon Music House in the summer of 2022. 

Over the summer, Monsoon Music House launched a phenomenal local songwriter competition, hosted by High and Dry Brewing, that brought assorted musical talent out of the dusty cobwebs of New Mexico and placed them directly in the spotlight for all of Albuquerque to see and hear. Just as I was burning my old habits and identity, Monsoon Music House was lighting the town on fire with high-octane, original music. The songwriter competition was wildly intense, stressful, fun, and rewarding. Even those who didn’t advance (or “win”) experienced something magical and enlightening during that exposure.

My previous life placed me in worlds at times when major things were evolving; buzzing. I lived in the UK during the early days of Oasis seizing the world stage. I lived in Louisiana when Master P and Cash Money Records had the new Dirty South buying gold chains and Cash Money phone cards; I lived in South Korea when Gangnam Style gave the world seizures; I was exploring Alaska on the heels of Portugal The Man taking over the Mat-Su Valley and ultimately, going alternative rock mainstream; I was in Las Vegas, Nevada when the city acquired the Golden Knights in a town no one ever thought would get a professional sports team; and now, in the Land of Enchantment, I find myself again amidst the buzz and magnanimous energy that is being fueled by Monsoon Music House and their tsunami of artistic love.

Teddy Roosevelt once said that “it is not the critic that counts…the credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Monsoon Music House is in the arena. They are in the pit, sleeves rolled up, boots strapped, and doing the damn work. There is no need to sit around the coffee table to critique their effort or stifle their progress. All we have to do is show up, support local, and offer love, just as Monsoon Music House has done with their surge of charitable energy and selfless effort.

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You Donut Want to Miss This: El Camino Donuts

A global pandemic did not deter owner Clint Goodrich from opening El Camino Donuts in Nob Hill Albuquerque. Clint makes his delicious donuts from scratch every night, aromatizing the shop that also doubles as an art gallery. The sweet smell lingers when customers first open the door the next morning. I was getting up and heading out to try El Camino Donuts at 10:15am (because…society has moved past the need for time and schedules…). Much to my surprise, I realize that A LOT of the variety is already gone! The woman behind the counter smiles and says they have been very busy all morning. So, I order two glaze, two blueberry sprinkle, one jelly-filled and one maple Heath Bar donut. In the midst of a global pandemic, we all could use a sweet treat now and then. El Camino Donuts certainly delivers. Just ask my dental work.

As I excitedly opened my box filled with my favorite childhood breakfast (what’s protein?) I began:

Glazed–This donut immediately melts in my mouth. They say they make these donuts fresh every night, and they truly mean it. The texture of the glaze compliments the texture of the donut perfectly. Did it fall to the bottom of my mug when I dunked it in my hot cup of coffee? Totally. Is that a bad thing? Not at all.

Jelly-Filled—Did my grandma make this donut? Well, if my grandma did it would probably just be filled with self-pity instead of jam, but someone else’s grandma probably made this donut and you could tell. This donut tasted like it had real, sweet and tangy raspberry jam. No large chunks of fruit, but with all the flavor. Nothing too overwhelming to where everything spills out, but definitely a treat that can be packed for lunch.

Heath Bar—I remember saying “can I have the one next to the bacon one” as I’m ordering this one, unsure of what it was. My eyes light up when the woman says it’s a Heath Bar sprinkled on top of a maple donut. The candy compliments the maple perfectly, El Camino found that balance to where the pastry is almost too sweet but not quite. Did I gain at least two new cavities? Possibly, but it didn’t TASTE like I gained two cavities.

Blueberry Sprinkles—This was a cool twist on a well-loved classic for me. I think the traditional donut with blueberry chunks, has more of a muffin-y vibe (if I wanted a muffin, I would’ve gone to Whole Foods). This donut had more of the essence of blueberry, ya know? Flaky, crumbly goodness with a blueberry flair. The sprinkles added a fun vibe, like a blueberry birthday party vibe, ya know?

El Camino Donuts has such a clean and retro vibe with its bright colors and windows dressed in neon lights. A donut shop fit surely for your vintage inspired VSCO girl/ millennial minimalist. Walking in, I could tell the shop was getting on its feet. Artwork was being hung on one half of the shop and there were neon signs behind a glass counter where the smiling singular woman stood.

All in all, I am excited to see this amazing donut shop grow. Each donut I tried had amazing flavor and texture that left me wanting more. Also, shopping locally felt great so it cancelled out the regretful feeling when I hit my 2pm sugar crash at work. If you’re looking for great donuts in Albuquerque to sweeten the start of your day, head to El Camino Donuts in Nob hill on 3417 Central Avenue. But makes sure to come early! They get busy and you donut want to miss your opportunity for a variety of delectable choices.

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Humble Coffee Review

I have some time between errands one early afternoon and I remember a friend telling me about the best coffee shops she likes in town. Humble is high on the list for her. I, personally, had never been to Humble even though I have lived in downtown Albuquerque for almost a year and I got to see the construction of Humble’s new location on Central, yet, I hadn’t found much time to pay them a visit. I have a couple of hours to kill so I decide today is gonna be the day I try out Humble Coffee Company. Continue reading “Humble Coffee Review”

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Recording Studios in Albuquerque

      If you have been looking online or on Facebook for a studio to record your next piece of music or other audio project, you probably noticed it’s not so easy to find practical information about such places. We have a decent collection of very capable studios in Albuquerque that can meet your needs for a lower price than what you’d pay in a large city. Running a studio is an act of love and that is exactly what these amazing people bring to the table when you hire them to do your next project. I took the time to find all the information you need to know before making the call and booking your first day of recording. Click on the name for the link to their contact pages. Continue reading “Recording Studios in Albuquerque”

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Best Breakfast Burrito: Blake’s, Golden Pride, or Twisters?

There is a hot debate among hungry burqueños over which local chain has the best breakfast burrito in town. Yes, there are great deal of places that make breakfast burritos in Albuquerque. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that basically every restaurant in town serves a breakfast burrito of some kind. However, Blake’s, Golden Pride, and Twisters are the most commercially successful and well-known burrito places in town so you can say I’m on a quest to find la creme du la creme of burritos. Continue reading “Best Breakfast Burrito: Blake’s, Golden Pride, or Twisters?”