Manzano Apple Festival 2026
Meet the Performers
Live Music in the Mountains
From country and Americana to folk harmonies and choral music, live performances are part of the mountain experience at the 2026 Manzano Mountain Retreat Apple Festival.
Meet the musicians joining us throughout four fall weekends and plan your visit around your favorite performances.
Music by Cowboy
Cowboy
Native to the East Mountains of New Mexico “Cowboy” (Scott Connors) has been playing country music for family, friends and venues since he was a child. He played with various bands around Albuquerque in his teens. After taking a break from the public music scene, he returned to playing venues about 13 years ago, performing solo, as a duet, or with his band. Staying true to his country roots, his music is grounded in good old country music. Don’t let that fool you, though! Cowboy is a true musician who can play a variety of tunes! Ask him to play Frank! Yes, as in Sinatra!
Music by The Kipsies
The Kipsies
Imagine living room conversations with your friends become melodies. That’s what the newest record from Albuquerque-based quintet, The Kipsies, sounds like. They’ve played at major festivals like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and enjoyed intimate stages in hippie towns in Colorado. It’s rare to find a folk band that lists Opeth as an influence over Woody Guthrie or Joni Mitchell. But, The Kipsies are not your average folk band. The band makes modern music on traditional instruments. Guided by Randy Martin’s banjo stylings and Cassie Roger’s heartfelt vocals, the band crafts intricate, full arrangements with amazing performances from fiddler Ezra Montoya, bassist Shawn Berkompas, and drummer Jared Williams.
Music by Kathy Liden
Kathy Liden
Kathy Liden is an East Mountain singer/songwriter/guitarist who performs frequently at local restaurants, breweries, and community festivals. She is also one of the featured performers at Albuquerque’s Sunport Serenade series. She plays a mixture of folk music, songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s, originals, and a little bit of classic country. Her originals are inspired by living in the mountains, her deep connection to nature, and her frequent travels.
Music by Eleanors
The Eleanors
The Eleanors are an Albuquerque-based collective fueled by a signature folk-Americana sound. Featuring Tricia Wagner, Bri Brubaker, Lauren Morrison, and Tara Brinduse, the group is known for its standout vocal harmonies. They showcase a mix of originals and covers with creative, mostly acoustic instrumentation. Their perspectives as a group of multi-generational women enrich their music, spanning styles and eras.
Music by Burt Ferguson
Burt Ferguson
Burt Ferguson is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and frontman known for his soulful country sound and down-home storytelling. Based in Truth or Consequences, Burt leads Sierra County Line, bringing together seasoned musicians for a distinctive blend of country-Americana, heartfelt originals, and crowd favorites. Burt also performs as a duo with El Paso music legend Tim Thompson, sharing acoustic shows throughout Southern New Mexico and beyond. With his unmistakable voice, smooth guitar work, and genuine connection with audiences, Burt continues to build a strong following across the Southwest.
Music by The Pleasure Farmers
The Pleasure Farmers
We are The Pleasure Farmers! Growing organic music for your listening pleasure! Ron , David, and Tully met in Albuquerque during Open Mic sessions. They formed this trio out of their love for making original music and playing Folk, Classic Rock, and Americana genres! You can find their music on SoundCloud under The Pleasure Farmers!
Music by John David Peters
John David Peters
John David Peters is a New Mexico award-winning songwriter. His song “Don’t Take Me for a Hero” won “Best Song” at the 2019 New Mexico Music Awards. He, along with Ron Crowder and Steven Nery, won the prestigious Norman Petty Producer’s Award at the 2024 New Mexico Music Award for his January 2024 album In the Living. Songs from the album have been receiving radio play on Americana stations or programs in the US, Canada, and Europe. His songs have also been finalists in several other contests.
Music by Alan J Coleman
Alan J Coleman
Alan started writing music twenty-six years ago, after being inspired at a Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okema, Oklahoma. He recently released an album titled “Cupid’s Alley,” a collection of eleven songs written by Alan and produced by Ron Crowder at In Crowd Productions in Albuquerque. The album was recently named the Country Album of the year for 2026 by the New Mexico Music Awards Association. A second album, “Interstate Lament,” will be released sometime this fall. His music is modern American but influenced by older country and folk music.
Music by Levi Dean & The Mesa Rats
Levi Dean & The Mesa Rats
With introspective songwriting, distinct vocals and skillful musicianship, Levi Dean and the Mesa Rats create a progressive blend of americana, blues and alt-country that is rooted in tradition, yet contemporary. Levi Dean has recorded 7 albums, completed three U.S tours and one tour in the UK. Levi Dean most recently released the album, Back to the Path, in April 2026.
Music by Jack County Line
Jack County Line
As Jack County Line, Michael Allison, JD Johnston and Norm Toy write, perform and record their original songs and depictions of life, love, and loss in the American Southwest.
Albuquerque Girls Choir
Albuquerque Girls Choir
Founded in 1991, the Albuquerque Girl Choir exists to provide a positive, joyful musical experience for the girls in an upbeat and encouraging atmosphere. Through vocal training, music fundamentals, and performance, their members develop self-confidence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of music.
The Keys
The Keys
The Keys are a husband & wife duo who have been singing together since 1993. Known for exceptional vocals and tight harmonies, they perform a wide range of music, including country, rock, and pop.
Their digital, AI-enhanced backing tracks create the energy and sound of a full live band. With a compact setup, The Keys are equally at home in an intimate bar setting or on the stage of a large auditorium.
Most of all, their genuine enjoyment onstage is contagious, creating a fun, engaging experience for every audience.