2024 SocorroFest: Rising to an entertaining crescendo

What began as a small music festival years ago has grown into an energetic festival inviting attendees to celebrate live music across several genres.

SocorroFest continues to expand its reach drawing in residents of Socorro County as well as visitors from across the state of New Mexico.

The event drew more than 1,800 people who were entertained with music at three different locations – The Plaza, Capitol Bar and Box Canyon Brewing.

Last week, Socorro’s Director of Tourism and Convention Center Dezirae Armijo and Dana Chavez, director of New Mexico Tech’s Performing Arts Series, told Socorro City Council members SocorroFest was a huge and growing success.

“This festival is a celebration of all that makes Socorro special, and we couldn’t have done it without the invaluable support from local businesses, city officials and community members,” said Armijo. “It was their contributions that brought this vision to life as well as a host of talented musicians and hard-working vendors.”

Armijo also credited the wonderful help of the city’s streets and parks crews as well as the efforts of the city of Socorro’s Rodeo Complex crew.

Besides the hard work of city crews, Armijo thanked New Mexico Tech and its new President, Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar for their continued support as well as the support from the staff of the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series.

Armijo reiterated the day kicked off with a Striders and Riders event which included a fantastic fun walk and run which set a positive tone and contributed to the Socorro Beautification Committee. “Their efforts helped make a big impact on the community.”

Musicians performing at the event included Et Alia Belly Dance Troupe, 512: The Selena Experience, Fretwork Fables, Mesa Blue, Johnny Dean, Tyler Lam, Wredemppshun, Technical Differences, Fullish Professors, Jazz Action, Tom Fenton, Hello Darlin’, Rita Bliss, Terri Sunflower, Fuzzy Logic, Rio Grande Voodoo Band, Roon, Why Knot?, Pete Gonzales and Carl Lukesh, The OutCats, the 835s – Mariah, Francie and Jim, Midnight Run, Argyle Cowgirl, Matt and Mitch, Acme Oil and Gas Co., Shelbi Etscorn, and Socorro Synth Society.

Aiming to provide more than music, Armijo also thanked the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources for hosting and engaging in education kids’ activities as well as A-1 Quality for donating sand for the Mining for Minerals children’s activities. In addition, she highlighted several New Mexico Tech students helped with the festival set up and tear down at the event and NMT Kappa Sigma Fraternity for volunteering their time for the dunk tank and cornhole game.

She also cited city councilors Peter Romero, Mary-Ann Chavez-Lopez, Deborah Dean, Michael Olguin and Joel Partridge for helping man the beer/wine tent as well as the tent vendors, Black Smuggler’s Winery, Baca House Brewery, the Capitol Bar and Brewery and Box Canyon Brewing Company for adding great flavors to the event.

While a ton of community volunteers and area businesses contributed to the event’s success, Armijo complimented each and every one of them during the council meeting.

“SocorroFest has become a staple in our community, showcasing all the wonderful things Socorro as to offer,” she said. “We look forward to making it even better next year. Thank you to everyone for your dedication, enthusiasm and contributions.”