'Bands of Enchantment' returns with concerts set at the ABQ Rail Yards

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Feb. 3—Oliver Wood.

Red Light Cameras.

Rare Americans.

Y La Bamba.

Alex Maryol and Felix y Los Gatos.

Innastate and Side Montero.

French Cassettes.

Zach Person.

These are all the musicians that are ready for their close up when "Bands of Enchantment" premieres at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1.

It took Ken C. Peterson and his team months to prepare for the second season of the award-winning show.

"It was wild," he says of the experience. "The first season, we filmed during the pandemic, so we had no audience. This season the game changed."

The premise behind "Bands of Enchantment," is to bring artists from across the world to perform at a venue. This season, filming took place at the Albuquerque Rail Yards and the series showcases not only that area, but Downtown Albuquerque. During the first season, production took place in Tucumcari.

"Filming at the Rail Yards was epic," Peterson says. "It was filled with challenges because we'd have to break down the set each week so that the Rail Yards Market could take back the space."

Luckily, the New Mexico native and his crew adapted.

"We had our scenic designer back from season one," he says. "My former professor Jim (Billings) from NMSU helped. My friends and family were amazing with their help. My dad came in to run electricity for us and the out of town artists would ask how long it took to set up. They were impressed each time we staged a concert."

Peterson and the production worked closed with Cyndy McCrossen at the Albuquerque Film Office, who helped make the season happen.

"Cyndy is our champion," he says. "The film office really believed in it. We wanted Albuquerque to host the season because it brings it back to New Mexico."

Filming took place during the fall, and the set was open to those who wanted to show up and be part of the experience.

"We coined the audience as the 'fans of enchantment,' " Peterson says with a laugh. "We had people come to the first episode and they showed up for each performance after that. Having an audience this season, really changed the atmosphere of the entire show."

On TV

"Bands of Enchantment" kicks off its second season at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, on New Mexico PBS. The episode will feature Oliver Wood. The series repeats at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 25.