May 2, 2023 | News
We are proud to announce that poet, photographer, jazz historian, and longtime KUNM Jazz DJ and Outpost member Mark Weber was named a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association just recently and we will be presenting him with his award just prior to the Doug Lawrence-Jerry Weldon- Dan Trudell concert this Thursday May 11! The Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) is an international membership organization of writers, broadcasters, photographers, videographers and other media professionals. You might remember, Outpost’s own founder and Executive Director, Tom Guralnick, was named a Jazz Hero back in 2016! Congrats to Mark and again to Tom! Meanwhile, only a few tickets remaining for that concert this week, so get your tickets today!
We look forward to seeing you soon and often at the Space and beyond!
May 2, 2023 | Inpost Artspace
Exhibit Curated by Mark Weber
Music by Dogbone featuring Jefferson Voorhees & Micah Hood
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 8, 5-7 PM.
Exhibition Dates: September 8, 2022-February 24, 2023
To close out the 2022 New Mexico Jazz Festival, the Inpost Artspace hosts a special photography exhibition celebrating the work of longtime Outpost photographer Jim Gale, who, over the past 25-plus years, has generously taken thousands of photos at Outpost concerts and events, capturing Outpost’s musical history in a memorable collection of images. We asked poet, photographer, jazz historian, longtime KUNM Jazz DJ and Outpost member Mark Weber to Guest Curate this show. Mark writes:
Jim’s pictures are reminders that culture is worth saving —- The world moves on, but we have these photographs —- elegant and precise —- Taken as a whole they are about remembering —- And this thing of creativity —- Jazz attracts, if you give it time it grows on you —- Jim’s shots are spirit arrows —- Memories like monsoon cloud formations.
Jim Gale on Jim Gale:
My love of photography began when I was about 12 years old, learning to develop and print B&W in a school art class. For years I used my grandma’s old range-finder camera. By the time I was in high school, I had built a small darkroom in the basement. Throughout college, I worked as a free-lance photographer to help pay the bills, along with being the college paper photography editor for 3 years (the Stylus at SUNY Brockport). As editor, we had complimentary tickets to all music shows on campus, which became my first experience with photographing live music shows. At the end of college, I was at a crossroads. I was considering local jobs in photojournalism. However, many pro photographers I had meet advised me that it would be tough to make a living, especially if you valued things like health insurance or retirement savings. In the end, I decided I loved photography too much to try and make a living with it. This allowed me freedom to pursue only projects I cared about, on my own terms. This boils down to both nature and music. My parents were both music lovers (Dad played some classical piano, even with a damaged finger from the Korean war). Mom found a used copy of The Complete backpacker (Collin Fletcher) which soon motivated my first 4-day solo backpack at 14 years old. One summer in college, I had saved enough money (barely) to hike the entire 2000-mile Appalachian Trail in one long summer (also solo). This has evolved to documenting my adventures to preserve some of the details and try to capture some of the beauty I have seen. It still amazes me how much a single image from 40 years ago can still bring back vivid memories I thought I had forgotten.
I really had not gotten back into music photography until I moved to Albuquerque and discovered the Outpost! After only my first show at the old Morningside location, I was hooked! Although my taste in music is very eclectic, I was drawn deeper into the beauty, improvisation and creativity of Jazz. Since I could never afford all the shows I wanted to see, I approached Tom about an exchange of my show photographs for free admittance. This arrangement as the volunteer “house photographer” has now lasted over 23 years now. At this point, there are few (if any) other clubs or performance spaces that have such a complete and extensive photographic documentation.
Music by Dogbone. The New Mexico duo features the percussive ingenuity of Jefferson Voorhees (drums, percussion, bells, gongs, whistles) and the versatility of Micah Hood (trombone, flutes, talking drum, electronics) who together create unbounded, improvised soundscapes and grooves. Their creative improvisations are inspired by the duo’s collected experiences performing art rock, electronic music, funk, free jazz, fusion, African and Caribbean rhythmic music, and South American sounds. DogBone’s music freely and unabashedly conjoins these influences into one-of-a-kind soundscapes, textures, and grooves for audiences to enjoy. The duo has performed in art galleries and contemporary music festivals in New Mexico, and have released three full-length albums.
Apr 27, 2023 | News
Hello Outpost Friends, It’s the only thing happening at Outpost this week and it’s a good one! Outpost’s 3RD ANNUAL CD/VINYL/BOOK FAIR this Saturday, April 29, 10am-3pm! Thousands of items all in great condition and reasonably priced. ALL musical genres! Plus special collections donated by NM luminaries and more! this is a popular event! Get there early and find your treasures! See below for more details! THIRD ANNUAL CD/VINYL/BOOK FAIR TO BENEFIT OUTPOST! SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 10AM-3PM
Come join us once again for Outpost’s Annual Record/CD/Book Fair! Featuring
more than 13,000 items spanning ALL musical genres: Jazz, Classical, Folk, Classic Rock, Country and more! LOTS OF GREAT DEALS! Plus,
special collections from music luminaries, world renowned trumpeter
Bobby Shew, artist and folk musician
Frank McCullough, and saxophonist
Bud Shank and more!
And, Bobby Shew will be on hand from 11am-1pm to sign records.
All proceeds go to benefit Outpost! Come ready to purchase all your treasures and help support Outpost! And we welcome the merry month of May with . . . –
Wendy Beach Group featuring Alex Murzyn (5/4) –
Doug Lawrence – Jerry Weldon Boss Tenors w. Dan Trudell (5/11) –
Roust The House/Rock 101 Academy Performance Night (5/13) –
Mark Turner Quartet (5/18) –
Cedric Watson & Corey Harris – True Blues (5/19) We look forward to sharing all the great music with you!
Jan 4, 2022 | Inpost Artspace
Inpost Artspace Reception
Saturday, February 5th, 5-7pm
(Exhibition Dates: January 24- April 29, 2022)
Curated by Chandler Wigton and Lacey Chrisco, Ambos Lados is an exhibition of 158 prints from artists in 6 countries, primarily Mexico and the United States, including 18 artists from New Mexico and several Albuquerque artists.
Ambos Lados, which translates as “both sides” in Spanish emerged out of a print exchange organized on both sides of the border by Manuel Guerra, Director of Horned Toad Prints in El Paso and Adrian Aguirre and Beatriz Rivas of Taller Gráfica Libre in Zaachila, Oaxaca. The prints and larger project emphasize the unity of artists and peoples across the political border of the United States and Mexico. While there was no set theme for the exchange, many of the works explore political and social issues, specifically the border, while others are contemplative, humorous, or abstract. The print exchange, organized in 2018, was unjuried and open to anyone who wished to participate, the only rule for the exchange was a uniform print size. The prints included in the show utilize a range of printing techniques including lithographs, serigraphs, relief, and intaglio. Egalitarian in nature, the project connected artists from a range of professional, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds and the exhibition puts these perspectives in conversation. The prints emphasize how artistic expression is a unifying force across different kinds of borders and divides.
An accompanying catalog will be available for purchase at the Outpost or on amazon.
Nov 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
We are happy to report that THANKS TO YOU, Outpost’s Year End Fundraising Appeal ~Season’s Pleadings is going great! We have a little ways to go to reach our goal yet though, so please keep those donations coming so that we can continue to bring you the best in jazz, folk & roots, global and experimental music, educational opportunities, art exhibits and more throughout the year! Season’s Pleadings is our most important fundraising appeal each year, when your 100% tax deductible donations make all the difference! Help us start 2022 (such a nice round number!) stronger than ever! MAKE A DONATION ONLINE TODAY ! OR Send in a check to Outpost Productions, PO Box 4543, ABQ, NM 87196. ANY time you are able to give is greatly appreciated! TOGETHER we can KEEP OUTPOST SWINGIN’!
Meanwhile, we are putting together an exciting Spring 2022 Season, including five-time Grammy nominee, master jazz organist, Joey DeFrancesco, Friday, February 25 & Saturday, Feb 26 at Outpost; Omar Sosa w. Seckou Keita, April 21; Dave Grusin-Lee Ritenour Group at the Lensic, April 23 (A New Mexico Jazz festival event), and Dave Grusin at Outpost, April 24; and much more! Plus our Jazz & Latin Music classes will start up again on January 17! Stay tuned for more details on everything!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Good Health To All!
Oct 7, 2021 | Uncategorized
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend! And just a reminder that the Django Festival Allstars, George Cables Trio and Bob Fox Sextet livestreams are all available on the Outpost website through this Friday, November 26! Don’t miss out! Donations for the livestreams are truly appreciated! It’s your support that helps make them possible!
Coming in December: Outpost is happy to be a supporter of the 3x-time Grammy Award winning salsa and Latin jazz band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on December 5! Last heard at the 2018 New Mexico Jazz Festival, this exciting ensemble sets the gold standard for excellence in authentic, New York style salsa and Latin jazz! Get your tickets here! Then, it’s a special holiday concert with jazz, R&B, hip hop crooner, José James: Merry Christmas from José James, December 9!
Looking forward to sharing all the great music with you live and on the stream!
~ ~ ~
OUTPOST COVID SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Beginning October 1, Outpost will require proof of full vaccination (completed 14 days before concert) for everyone (audience, staff) over the age of 12 for entry to Outpost. For those not vaccinated, a negative test result from a rapid Covid test taken within 6 hours of showtime or a PCR Covid test taken within 48 hours of showtime will be accepted. Masks are required. Please make sure to bring your proof of vaccination card or proof of negative test to show at the door when you arrive. Please also take note of special Covid Safety regulations for other venues when purchasing tickets for concerts at those venues.
STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, AND LET’S ENJOY SOME GREAT LIVE MUSIC TOGETHER!
Sep 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
We are excited to be presenting Pat Metheny Side-Eye at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, tonight, Wednesday, October 6, 7:30pm! (A NM Jazz Festival event). Please note that this concert requires proof of full vaccination (at least two weeks after final dose) or proof of a negative Covid test within 48 hours of the concert.
Then, coming up at the Outpost next week, it’s another New Mexico Jazz Festival event – Jamie Baum Septet+ (10/14); followed byEntourage Jazz CD Release (10/16 & 17); Jane Bunnett & Maqueque (10/21); and Cleo Trio + Dogbone (10/28); Then, November kicks off with An Evening with Branford Marsalis at the Lensic, Nov. 1 (a New Mexico Jazz Festival event); & more! Tickets and info on our Schedule Page!
PLEASE NOTE: ALL ACTS ARE VERY MUCH SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS AND MORE. Stay Tuned to our Schedule Page for changes and additions and more info coming soon.
OUTPOST COVID SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
Beginning October 1, Outpost will require proof of full vaccination (completed 14 days before concert) for everyone (audience, staff) over the age of 12 for entry to Outpost. For those not vaccinated, a negative test result from a rapid Covid test taken within 6 hours of showtime or a PCR Covid test taken within 48 hours of showtime will be accepted. Masks are required.
Please also take note of special Covid Safety regulations at The Lensic Performing Arts Center and NHCC when purchasing tickets for concerts at those venues.
STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, AND LET’S ENJOY SOME GREAT LIVE MUSIC TOGETHER!
Aug 27, 2021 | Inpost Artspace
Artist Statement – Jim Gale
My love of photography began when I was about 12 years old, learning to develop and print B&W in a school art class. For years I used my grandma’s old range-finder camera and by the time I was in high school, I had built a small darkroom in the basement. Throughout college, I worked as a free-lance photographer to help pay the bills, along with being the college paper photography editor for 3 years (the Stylus at SUNY Brockport). As editor, we had complimentary tickets to all music shows on campus, which became my first experience with photographing live music shows. At the end of college, I was at a crossroads. I was considering local jobs in photojournalism. However, many professional photographers I had met advised me that it would be tough to make a living, especially if you valued things like health insurance or retirement savings. In the end, I decided I loved photography too much to try and make a living with it. This allowed me freedom to pursue only projects I cared about, on my own terms and those ‘projects’ boiled down to nature and music. My parents were both music lovers (Dad played classical piano, even with a damaged finger from the Korean war) and Mom found a used copy of “The Complete Backpacker” (Collin Fletcher), which soon motivated my first 4-day solo backpacking adventure at 14 years old. One summer, while in college, I had saved enough money (barely) to hike the entire 2000 mile Appalachian Trail, and since then, my passion for backpacking has evolved into a passion for documenting my adventures so that I could preserve and capture the details and the beauty I saw through my lens. It still amazes me how much a single image from 40 years ago can bring back vivid memories I thought I had forgotten.
After college, I went to graduate school and earned a PhD in Biochemistry and Biophysics at Washington State University (1987). Since then, I have worked as a Molecular Biologist, and currently design and implement new oncology/genetic tests at Tricore as part of the Assay Development team. Moving out west also offered me the opportunity to learn white water rafting and kayaking.
I really had not gotten back into music photography until I moved to Albuquerque and discovered the Outpost! After my first show at the old Morningside location, I was hooked! Although my taste in music is very eclectic, I was drawn deeper into the beauty, improvisation and creativity of Jazz. Since I could never afford all the shows I wanted to see, I approached Tom about an exchange of my show photographs for free admittance. This arrangement as the volunteer “house photographer” has now lasted over 23 years! At this point, there are few (if any) other clubs or performance spaces that have such a complete and extensive photographic documentation.
I now have been giving the opportunity to show some of my landscape work at the Outpost which features a mix of old film (and infrared film in 4×5 sheet size) and newer digital work. Most of the photographs are from New Mexico and the Southwest. The large B&W images were some of the last I developed and printed in my garage darkroom, and while I have embraced digital, I find there is something unique and beautiful about the analog film/print that is hard to reproduce in digital.
Please note: Since we are still working mostly remotely, we ask that you make an appointment to view the exhibition. Please email us at mail@outpostspace.org to arrange a time.
Jul 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
We are excited to continue our LIVE music events in August – many at outdoor venues! First up, the New Mexico Jazz Festival, in partnership with AMP Concerts, is pleased to present the return of the exciting New Orleans band, Cha Wa, both at Santa Fe Plaza (August 3) and at Casa Flamenca in Albuquerque (August 4)!
Then, it’s another great Summer Thursday Jazz Night with the Greg Abate Group featuring Pete Amahl, Thursday, August 5 at Outpost (almost sold out!)! followed by the return of Summerfest in Nob Hill on Saturday, August 7 from 5-8pm with three stages, including the New Mexico Jazz Festival Stage located at Carlisle & Central in the Fan Tang parking lot. The NMJF Stage will focus on Black Music in New Mexico and features three terrific bands: Citizens of Tape City with Josef Scott and Artha Meadors; Toni Morgan and Just Us; and Michael Herndon & Jubal’s Children! Then, the New Mexico Jazz Festival in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents another great concert at the Santa Fe Plaza: Son Como Son and ReVóZo A Dos (Vicente Griego & Gabriel Osuna) on August 17, 6pm!
Lots of great music to look forward to! And, as we re-open SAFELY, and slowly-but-surely over the course of Summer 2021, we have made a few adjustments for shows at the Space. Audience sizes will be limited to approximately 50 people in our intimate indoor space and face masks will be required. Bands (one per evening) will perform one 75 minute set with no intermission. Doors will be left open and our new UV-emitting ceiling fans with evaporative coolers bringing fresh air in from the outside will maximize air flow. Safety for our bands, patrons, volunteers, technical staff and all remains first and foremost in our minds as we see how things develop as the world opens up. Our new sound system, video capabilities and other improvements achieved during the shutdown, will all be in place.
We look forward to seeing you in person soon and to sharing all the great music with you!
Jul 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
Bumble Bee Bob Weil (May 4, 1934-July 2, 2021)
~ A Personal Remembrance
from Outpost Director, Tom Guralnick ~
On July 2, 2021, after a month-long fight with COVID-19, and 2 months after his 87th birthday, Bumble Bee Bob Weil passed away. BJ called me in the morning to tell me that we had lost Bob. That is the perfect way to put it. We lost him and what a loss it is! We will miss him terribly. For me personally, Bumble Bee was somewhere between a brother and a father (Frother? Brather?). He was a mentor, an advisor, a collaborator, a supporter… but most of all a friend. We had a great time and I will miss him.
If it weren’t for Bumble Bee (and BJ and the rest of the family) Outpost would not be what it is today. In fact, a case could be made that were it not for Bumble Bee, Outpost might not be, AT ALL!
Thanks to a meeting arranged by saxophonist Doug Lawrence, I met Bumble Bee over lunch in the mid to late 1990’s. Although, to say the least, we had very different personal musical tastes, we began working together, block booking concerts at the old Outpost and Bumble Bee’s “hive”—a concert hall in his home in La Tierra. And in doing so, I believe we expanded each others’ horizons and at the same time, had a lot of fun. We worked closely from then on— booking concerts— and in 2006, along with Bob Martin at the Lensic, we founded the New Mexico Jazz Festival which followed on the work of Bruce Dunlap and his Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival. We had a great run. Bumble Bee was the guy who tried (sometimes he succeeded) to rein in my wilder and more expensive music production impulses. More than once, always with love, he told me “Stop losing money… don’t be a schmuck!” If that’s not fatherly advice, I don’t know what is. His support of Outpost was deep. He donated extremely generously year after year, leading up to the donations by him and his generous children (Linda, Betsie, and Rob) which allowed us to buy the Outpost Performance Space building, leading to the naming of the auditorium as “Weil Hall.”
Outpost wasn’t the first or the last to be buoyed by Bumble Bee’s generosity. In the 1980’s he produced the Santa Fe Jazz Festival at La Fonda Hotel, hiring John Clayton as Music Director. He was the first to present Wynton Marsalis in the pre-renovation Lensic Theater. He supported John Trentacosta’s Santa Fe Music Collective until the end. He had a big heart and many was the time when we shared a stage with tears flowing, making announcements and thanking each other for our work together. He booked music at his restaurants for years. His Santa Fe Jazz Foundation helped countless musicians in times of need, giving them funds to pay their medical bills. He loved the musicians and loved being friends with them— James Moody, Milt Hinton, Ray Brown, Joe Williams, and so many more. He produced several albums by these friends. It was all about love and friendship for Bumble Bee. He loved the music and the people who made it!
But jazz wasn’t the entire story by any means. In the 1950’s, he left St Louis where he grew up after being clear that he was not interested in going into his father’s shoe manufacturing business. He headed west and became a rancher in Bumble Bee Arizona— thus his name, “Bumble Bee Bob”— and also on the Santa Fe ranch that later became the Las Campanas development. He flew his own plane between the two. I seldom saw Bumble Bee anything less than ebullient—not until he “retired,” that is. He just couldn’t stand not working. So at age 70, for his “retirement” he opened the famed Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill— 4 of them in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. And he was a constant presence behind the counter becoming friends with the clientele. Again, it was all about the people.
We will miss Bumble Bee deeply. But at the same time, he had a long, fun-filled, and meaningful life. His last several years in Merida, Mexico with his beautiful, kind, and loving wife, BJ, were a joy for them both. In addition to BJ, he is survived by six children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren all of whom he loved. Bumble Bee was loved and he loved in return.
Tom Guralnick, Founder & Executive Director
Outpost Performance Space
