Hillary Smith and Chillhouse | Chris Dracup :Funk of the West

We are excited to launch a free concert series in Albuquerque's newest gathering space—the beautiful new Winrock Park! Come join us on Fridays in May and June for an exciting mix of local, national and international artists.  The concerts will start at 6:30 and feature two groups each night.  

• Feel free to bring chairs to the concert.
• Food trucks will be onsite and outside food is welcome in the park.
• Please do not bring alcohol or glass bottles. Santa Fe Brewing Company will be on hand offering a nice variety of local craft beer.
• Bring your water bottle as we will have FREE water stations, as well as other drink options from Santa Fe Tea.
• There is ample parking around Winrock.  We encourage people to take advantage of the large underground parking lot.
• This concert series is made possible due to a very generous Visit Albuquerque Innovator Grant. 

Register for the event to get updates on schedules, vendors and activities, as well as info on future free programs and other events around Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

With a deep soulfulness rooted in the Gospel-driven churches of her youth, a classically trained vocal instrument thats a natural wonder, and a God-given instinct for swinging a lyric, vocalist Hillary Smith has been electrifying audiences across the United States for more than 35 years. A native of Hobbs, New Mexico, Hill first made her mark in the 80s with gutsy performances of rockin' blues and funk, and she's fronted a number of popular bands in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area over the years. Chief among the early groups was the multi-award-winning Strictly Taboo, whose debut album, Playing with Fire, got heavy rotation on local and international radio. Smith has performed with hONEyhoUSe, Chris Dracup and Soul Kitchen, Hill and the Brethren and the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra.

The members of the Chill House Band bring years of experience performing professionally in New Mexico and Texas. The band provides an outstanding musical experience, including popular dance music, smooth/contemporary jazz, soul, R&B, and Blues.

Renowned for his soulful skills on both electric and acoustic blues guitar, Chris Dracup is well-versed in various musical genres. He pays homage to the southern delta blues tradition through his acoustic slide guitar work. Additionally, his talent for original songwriting and electric live performances have earned him praise from both critics and fans, establishing a dedicated following in the Southwest.

Now, Dracup unveils his latest sonic exploration: Funk of The West. This high-energy, six-piece dance band fuses authentic American blues and funk with the infectious rhythms of African polyrhythms. 

Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention, sports and visitor destination.

If you are coming in from out of town, consider staying over at our sponsor hotel the Albuquerque Marriott and visiting the Winrock Market in the morning. The Winrock Market features a variety of local vendors, artisans, makers, food trucks, live music and a kids' play area!

Thanks to iHeartMedia, the official Summer Concert Series media sponsor.