MUSIC | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 6–10:30 PM | $15–$40
Friends with Benny: Celebrating 1,000 Shows
Join an accomplished lineup of Albuquerque musicians as they come together at FUSION | 708 on Friday, October 11 at 6 PM! This evening will celebrate the 1,000th solo performance of New Mexico Music Award winner Benny Bassett. Benny has been blazing trails across North America and Europe for the past several years, and this night will celebrate that journey with some of his favorite musical friends. The event will feature a full slate of artists from the Albuquerque music scene, including the high desert soul of Jimmy Deveney & The Hold Fast Union, the country rock fusion of JD Nash & The Rash of Cash, and the artistry of solo troubadours Bellowing Bear & Brother Barnaby. The event will be filmed and will feature unique and exclusive merchandise for all attendees. We look forward to welcoming you all for an incredible night at FUSION!
SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
6:00 PM: Doors
6:30 PM: Bellowing Bear & Brother Barnaby
7:20 PM: JD Nash and the Rash of Cash
8:20 PM: Jimmy Deveney & The Hold Fast Union
9:00 PM: Benny Bassett
10:30 PM: End
TICKETS:
VIP Ticket + VIP Lanyard + Poster: $40
VIP Ticket (includes exclusive printed pass & lanyard): $20
General Admission: $15
ABOUT BENNY BASSETT (HEADLINER)
With a profound ability to connect through heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down performances, Benny Bassett has established himself as a “master songwriter” . From his early beginnings playing in bands in high school and college, to fronting Chicago-based band Vintage Blue, all the way to captivating audiences at Summerfest and Mile of Music, Bassett has “embraced the selflessness of contentment”. Bassett's songs explore themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the complexities of the human condition. His most recent album, "What You Believe," received a New Mexico Music Award, and stands as a testament to his introspective style and ability to convey raw emotions. Bassett's musical style can be described as a fusion of alternative rock, folk, and singer-songwriter influences. Through his captivating performances, he creates an intimate atmosphere that allows the focus to be on the profound lyrics and the powerful emotions they evoke.
ABOUT JD NASH & THE RASH OF CASH
JD Nash and the Rash of Cash are one of the Southwest’s top Alt. Country acts, garnering praise from fans of the genre for their catchy originals. . For the 2nd year in a row, JD was voted as one of the top 5 musicians in Albuquerque the Magazine’s Best of Albuquerque Issue (December/January 2024 issue). This year JD and the ROC are playing shows in support of their newly recorded full-length album “Like Water”. The title track and first single chronicles the drying up of precious water sources, and imagines the impossible future if we continue to take our water sources for granted.
“Like Water” was recorded at the legendary Sonic Ranch studios in El Paso, where the likes of legendary artists such as Jenny Lewis, Old 97s, Midland, Cody Jinks, and many others have recorded.
You can watch an interview and performance of the title track on KRQE’s “New Mexico Living”.
ABOUT JIMMY DEVENEY & THE HOLD FAST UNION
Singer, songwriter and longtime resident of Austin Tx, Jimmy Deveney, moved back to his hometown of Albuquerque NM in 2018. Heading in a different direction from his country, roots, Americana sound, Deveney began crafting what he calls ‘High Desert Soul’. A mix of 60s and70s soul, garage rock, and the expansive feel of the southwest.
After a few different backing bands, Deveney came together with Drummer/engineer/producer Matthew Tobias, and bass player/songwriter Jeff Wilson in 2022, and they quickly got to work on what became the 2023 Telewreck Records release ‘High Desert Soul’. By the time the album was released, Deveney had recruited Ken “Southpaw” Easton on keys and harmonies, and Charlie Elmore on guitar and harmonies.
The band released two live songs in February 2024, and are at work on a new album. Find them playing in and around Albuquerque regularly, including a first Friday of the month residency at Nob Hill stage.
ABOUT BROTHER BARNABY
Who is Brother Barnaby? Oh you know who he is. He’s a dude, with a guitar, and some homemade tunes. ABQ since 2002, pulling songs from thin air and grumbling them into the void. Loves dogs and long walks on the hedonic treadmill. One time somebody said to him “...damn, the lyrics hit bro.” He doesn’t always play an acoustic guitar, but when he does, he uses a pick, sometimes. Combining influences ranging from folk, rock, punk, and reggae, ol’ Barnaby has been incorrectly called the second coming of Carne Seca.
BELLOWING BEAR
Matt recently found his way to New Mexico after playing in several bands since a teenager in Texas. Jumping from the concrete of Austin to the dusty plains of the Panhandle, he was grounded always by his craft. His style is a spicy Americana y’allternative take on roots rock influenced by his time playing metal, rock, and even country. Calling Mew Mexico home now, the bear has collected a motley crew of bandmates to form Bellowing Bear.
Quality bar service provided by Safe House Distilling Co. and Teller Genuine Vodka.
