New Mexico's Taos Mountain Music Fest

Set against the backdrop of the mystical Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the first annual Taos Mountain Music Festival brings world beat and regional down-home  flavor to the magical ski town on Saturday, August 15.  The day-long festival features Los Angeles culture mashers and funk fusion wonders Ozomatli whose music celebrates hip hop, meringue, dancehall, salsa and samba to name a few.  The stellar line-up also includes reggae legends The Wailers who will honor the spirit of Bob Marley and “One Love” by playing the timeless Exodus album. Soul singer Joan Osbourne will also grace the stage along with regional bands like Nosotros, the Rico Blues Project and Brent Berry Band.  In addition to music to move you, craft and food vendors will populate the festival, along with additional performing acts in the nearby Strawberry Fair. Small fry will dig the Kidzone with its Velcro wall, jumpy castles and drumming lessons. Local Santa Fe band La Junta will warm things up on Friday night before the festival at the Stray Dog Cantina located in the heart of the resort village.  So make a weekend of it and explore this splendid ski town that knows how to get down even in the off-season. En route from Santa Fe to Taos, stop at the Embudo Station for local brews and good eats along the banks of the Rio Grande.  If it gets too hot, opt for a float trip down the river on inner tubes for a glorious cool down and merry way to see the scenery. Cycle, hike, ride horses, rockclimb, hit the local hot springs or rise above it all in a hot air balloon.   For lodging ideas and reservations  check out the Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce website or call 800.517.9816.  Music festival tickets are $35 in advance; $38 day of the show.