Author: Michelle Laflamme

Music Commission Chair Carlos Medina

Bio

Carlos Medina is a singer, songwriter, actor and comedian; born in Las Vegas, NM, grew up in the village of El Coruco. 

Music Commissioner Mary E. “Busy” McCarroll

Bio

Updated bio coming soon!

Music Commissioner Derrick Lee

Bio

Updated bio coming soon!

Music Commissioner Keith Marcene Langerman

Bio

Covering the music scene both nationally and internationally, Keith Langerman’s a veteran of over 30 years experience as a musician, journalist and photographer. Internationally known, his work has been featured in This Is Rock (Spain), Rock It! (Germany), Classic Rock : Blues (UK) as well as USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune in the United States.

More recently, his attention has been focused upon photography and running the Americana Music Society, which now numbers over 15,000 followers on Facebook, and growing. His photography has been featured in the official city of Albuquerque publication on the Albuquerque music ecosystem, In Harmony : Strengthening the Albuquerque Music Ecosystem (October 2017). In 2019 he was the official photographer for the New Mexico Music Awards. Currently he also serves as VP Artist and Relations for New Mexico based label 13 Music Ltd.

His photography and digital artwork has also been used in numerous promotional material, album covers and publications worldwide.

Music Commissioner Dennis “Jir” Anderson Jr.

Bio

Jir Anderson is from the Pueblos of Cochiti and San Felipe. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, he brings over 30 years of experience as a professional contemporary musician. Jir’s musical journey began at the age of 13 when he constructed a guitar from the family coffee table, which has since led him to extensive musical opportunities all over the world. In 2006, the Jir Project band came together with the intent of bringing contemporary native rock to the mainstream music scene. Jir Project has three Albums entitled, “Keep it Flowin”, “Sun Child” which was awarded Best Blues Album in 2011 by the North American Indigenous Image Awards, and an EP entitled “The Pueblo”, which was nominated in 2017 for the New Mexico Music Awards. In 2007, Jir founded Native Guitars Tour, an organization dedicated to providing a stage for Native America with a mission to advocate for Native Artists and Musicians as they follow their creative passions. Over the years, Native Guitars Tour has grown into a movement representing many talented Native faces throughout North America working hand-in-hand to create musical opportunities and bring resources together across the country. Native Guitars Tour has showcased Indigenous talent at various festivals and events including SXSW, House of Blues, SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market, Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, Indigenous Comic Con, Talking Stick Film Festival, Dulce Youth Festival and many more. As Native Guitars Tour continues to grow, its intent has expanded its focus on supporting the development of Native American youth artists and musicians, hoping to inspire and promote the musical and artistic passions of our future generations. When Jir is not performing with Jir Project or working on Native Guitars Tour initiatives, he is tending to his day job at AMRI Complex Science Solutions, a global contract research and manufacturing organization, where he is a supervisor and team lead on many biopharmaceutical projects that produce products to help increase the quality of life and save lives around the world. On his days off, Jir enjoys spending time with his wife and kids enjoying nature, traveling, or helping out in the community.

Music Commission Vice Chair, Juan C. “Buddy” Abeyta

Bio

Buddy Abeyta, with his brother Amado Abeyta are founding members of Sol Fire and 7th generation New Mexicans. They are known for their original music, a unique sound that fuses rock with pop, R&B and Latin influences. The sons of local music legend Chris Abeyta, a mainstay of the Santa Fe music scene, they plan to keep the flame burning for many generations to come.

After playing in local bands for many years on the Santa Fe scene, including Buddy & The Lush, the brothers formed Sol Fire in 2002. Two years later, they entered the studio and released their debut album, “Self Titled.”

Since then, Sol Fire has become a household name in Santa Fe and New Mexico.

In the summer of 2006, Sol Fire released their second studio album, “Third Floor Serenade.” The buzz around their second release took Sol Fire to new heights when they were chosen as only one of three bands to be showcased in the New Mexico Lottery Powerball commercials and ad campaigns. They were also the only band chosen to produce two commercials, one in English and one in Spanish, proving that their music can reach a diverse audience.

In 2007, their original song, “She’s Got,” was chosen for the national compilation album “The After After Party” sponsored by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. Sol Fire also co-wrote and produced music for United Way of Central New Mexico’s ad campaign. In addition, many of their songs have been used in ads for the City of Santa Fe, local films, and national streaming playlists.

Sol Fire has also been honored with many other great opportunities, including opening for Ozomatli, English Beat (who are some of the brothers’ personal heroes), Yerba Buena, The Iguanas, Groupo Fantasma, Paul Rodriguez, Quetzal, and Los Lobos.

Ten days before the 2008 election, Sol Fire sang the national anthem and performed an acoustic set before George Lopez and then Presidential candidate Barack Obama who spoke at a rally in Albuquerque, N.M., with over 45,000 people in attendance. They have also opened speaking engagements for Former President Bill Clinton on two different occasions.

Their original sound has taken the band to a variety of venues, such as performing the National Anthem at the University of New Mexico Pit, The John Steinbeck Center, St. Mary’s University, Tingley Coliseum, headlining the Santa Fe Fiesta’s street dance, and headlining the burning of Zozobra multiple times with crowds of 40,000 plus. They are a mainstay for the tree lighting on the Santa Fe Plaza, the 4th of July, and play up to 150 shows a year as a duo and band.

Being able to share their music with so many different people has been Sol Fire’s greatest honor. Through the success that they have gained in New Mexico, the brothers of Sol Fire have proven their dedication to their music by self-producing all of their albums. Their latest EP was released last year and is getting airplay on several local radio stations. The EP’s first single is “Sophies Song.” An ode to his daughter and Autism Awareness. The full album will be released in early 2021 via all major streaming services as well as vinyl.