Arizona Folklore Preserve

Carol Markstrom and Jim Jones
2025-06-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Arizona Folklore Preserve, 56 E. Folklore Trail, Hereford, AZ, 85615, United States
Multi-award-winning Western singer-songwriter Carolyn Markstrom is joined by equally lauded Texas singer-songwriter Jim Jones for an afternoon of Western music.
“American folk music washes gently against Americana… a terrific release from a major singer” is how Carol Markstrom’s award-winning 4th album, Mile After Mile, is described by Country Music People Magazine. Carol is a multi-winning singer-songwriter, recording artist, and performer. Across the U.S. to the far north of Alaska and Europe, audiences have been entertained by Carol’s clear, emotion-filled vocals and songs that transport to other places, times, and people. Her songs span Western Roots, Folk, Americana, and Country. Her ballads and love songs range from whimsical to bittersweet, and the beauty of Western places inspires some of her songwriting. Indigenous people and their stories have influenced her music career and resulted in Carol being a finalist for a Native American Music Award and a three-time recipient of the Silver Arrow Award from Spirit Wind Records. Carol recently released a new album of entirely Native-inspired original songs. Carol’s songs have been included in films and she has won music score awards from Europe to the U.S. DJs worldwide play her songs and she has been on the charts in Australia.

IWMA Youth Chapter
2025-06-21 14:00, 2025-06-22 14:00 - 16:00
The Arizona Folklore Preserve is delighted to introduce the next bright stars in the western music genre for your listening pleasure this weekend. Those participating are: Venessa Carpenter, Jack George, Birdie Nichols, and Kailer Hedden. The AFP is proud to be a sponsor of the IWMA Youth Chapter, which helps young performers hone their talents by providing scholarships and other assistance as the youngsters strive for careers in western music. Please join us in welcoming the IWMA Youth Chapter to the AFP stage!
Doors open at 1 p.m., performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins will be seated if space permits. The Arizona Folklore Preserve is located at 56 E. Folklore Trail in Hereford. Make reservations at www.arizonafolklore.com.

Allan Chapman and Rodeo Kate
2025-06-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-29 14:00 - 16:00
Western music fans are sure to enjoy this weekend’s performances by Allan Chapman and Rodeo Kate. Both have deep roots in the western music scene. Kate was instrumentalist of the Year in 2006 for the International Western Music Association (IWMA) and is a past member of The Texas Trailhands, Daughters of the Purple Sage, and KG & the Ranger. Allan is a three-time Grammy nominee, with songwriting credits for performers like Kenny Rodgers, The Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, and Diana Ross. He has been a multi-time finalist for IWMA and Association of Western Music Song of the Year, IWMA Western Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year …and the list goes on! Allan and Kate have been working hard to finish their new mini-album CD “Thistles & Thorns” that includes their new single to be released in mid-May “West Texas Blues”.

Together Allan and Kate live in rural Wise County, Texas, where they continue to practice their ranching tradition.
Doors open at 1 p.m., performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins will be seated if space permits. The Arizona Folklore Preserve is located at 56 E. Folklore Trail in Hereford. Make reservations at www.arizonafolklore.com.

Jean Prescott, Jon Messenger, Michael Grande
2025-07-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-06 14:00 - 16:00
It’s a Patriotic Weekend at the AFP
Join us at the Arizona Folklore Preserve this weekend! Old Glory will wave free and proud when Jean Prescott, an award-winning western singer/songwriter and daughter of a World War II veteran, performs with two outstanding local musicians, Michael Grande and Jon Messenger, who also happen to be former Marines. But this won’t be a typical 4th of July musical performance. There will be some sing-a-longs to “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” of course, but mostly this show will be about the personal stories of the performers, their families, and why they love America. Come and celebrate America with us!
Doors open at 1 p.m., performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins will be seated if space permits. The Arizona Folklore Preserve is located at 56 E. Folklore Trail in Hereford. Make reservations at www.arizonafolklore.com.

Randy Huston
2025-09-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-07 14:00 - 16:00
Singer, songwriter, cowboy — Randy Huston writes and sings about the modern-day lifestyle of the cowboy. He is a fourth-generation livestock producer and partners with his father on their ranch in New Mexico. He started breaking horses for wages at the age of 14 and spent many years in rodeo arenas through high school and college. He’s written some of the most widely recognized contemporary cowboy music, and his songs have been recorded by some of the “stars” of this genre. Huston was voted one of the top five male entertainers in 2007 by the Academy of Western Artists and was the 2010 Academy of Western Artists’ male vocalist of the year. In 2022, he was honored as Male Performer of the Year by the International Western Music Association. He is also a multiple Wrangler Award Recipient.
Doors open at 1:00 p.m., performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins will be seated if space permits.

Dan McCorison
2025-09-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00
Dan McCorison, cut his teeth in the thriving folk music scene of his home town, Denver Colorado. During his high school years his family moved first to Detroit and then on to North Carolina which allowed him to experience firsthand, some of the great roots of American music.
Shortly after college Dan returned to his native Colorado where he and a couple of new friends formed his first band, Dusty Drapes and the Dusters. Known for sure fire country music and Western swing, The Dusters were soon touring, headlining packed shows and opening for the likes of Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Flatt and Scruggs and Linda Ronstadt.
Along the way, Dan was discovered by Chris Hillman of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers. Shortly after leaving the Dusters, Chris arranged for Dan to be signed to MCA Records and produced the resulting highly acclaimed album featuring Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band. Eventually, Dan’s trail led to Nashville where he lived for twenty years writing and recording with some of the finest writers and musicians in country music.
He has performed in Japan, Australia and Europe as well as the US and Canada. He and his wife, June, now reside in Arizona with their trusty dog Daisy. He is a regular performer at the beautiful Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg and travels extensively to play shows around the Southwest.

Liz & Pete
2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00
She’s Liz, he’s Pete, they are Liz & Pete. Liz Cerepanya and Peter Dalton Ronstadt join musical forces to explore material old and new. Liz’s heartfelt voice with Pete’s haunting harmonies and rich guitar arrangements captivate the mind and tug at the heart. After a few passing introductions in their shared music scene, Liz Cerepanya joined Peter Dalton Ronstadt on stage at Monterey Court in Tucson in the fall of 2019. They had had a brief opportunity to work up a couple of songs, including Rodney Crowell’s “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight”, and an instant musical match was realized. The decision to make a record together was easy, and quickly Liz and Pete began exploring material including the timeless songs of Alan Garr, songs of their favorite songwriters and singers, new and old compositions by Pete as well as classic songs from his father Michael Joseph Ronstadt’s repertoire. Liz and Pete’s natural element is just the two of them on stage accompanied by an acoustic guitar and the Pennsylvania Stompbox.

Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band
2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00
The Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band has been delighting audiences with high-energy bluegrass music for five years. Bandleader Reid Griffin, on guitar and vocals, is a Tucson native. He has performed throughout the Southwest since the 1980s and toured Europe with his band “Griffin Brothers”. Steve Reed, on electric and upright bass and vocals, majored in music at Pima College, then made a long musical journey from classical to jazz and onward to bluegrass. Bob Frankot, on fiddle, has been steeped in bluegrass all his life and has played with the popular California bluegrass band “Hot Off the Press” through the 1980s before coming to the Old Pueblo.

Nathan McEuen
2025-10-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00
With over 40 years of touring, more than 3,000 shows, and appearances on American Idol, The Stagecoach Festival, the Grand Ole Opry, The Tonight Show, Music City Roots, and XM/Sirius Radio, his music has reached audiences around the world.
Held in the highest esteem by his musical colleagues, Nathan has shared the stage with an impressive lineup of artists, including Bon Jovi, Steve Martin, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Kenny Loggins, Leon Russell, Mason Williams, Vassar Clements, Jay Leno, Billy Bob Thornton, John Carter Cash, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Albert Lee, David Grisman, The Dillards, Dwight Yoakam, Carlos Santana, Kiss, Dave Mason, Jim Messina, Gabriel Iglesias, John Denver, John Jorgenson, Michael Martin Murphey, Trisha Yearwood, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin, Colin Hay, Chris Stills, Richard Paige, Chris Issak, Jason Mraz, Steve Postell, Chris Hillman, Herb Peterson, John Oates, Kevin Nealon, John Hartford, Brett Dennen, Garfunkel & Oates, Jennifer Warnes, Blind Boys of Alabama, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Malcolm McDowell, Paul Williams, Abe Laboriel, Ann-Margret, Ronny Cox, Chris Thile, Van Dyke Parks, Laurie Lewis, Gary Morris, Gonzo the Muppet, Russi Taylor (Voice of Minnie Mouse) and Hanna-McEuen (w/ his brother Jonathan, and cousin Jaime Hanna).
Most recently, Nathan has collaborated on writing and composing music with legends like Mason Williams (Classical Gas, Smothers Brothers, SNL) and Chris Caswell (Daft Punk, Tron, The Muppets). Alongside his EP “My One and Only” for Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings, Nathan co-produced The McEuen Sessions – For All the Good for the label in 2011. He has also released several acclaimed albums through his independent label, Lint Records, including Grand Design, Festival, Scrapbook, McEuen Sessions, and Side by Side.
With a rich musical heritage, a lifelong passion for songwriting (200+ songs to date), and a love for storytelling, Nathan’s engaging performances showcase his artistry and dedication to his craft. Whether on stage or in the studio, his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

​“I think ‘Side By Side’ is wonderful. Great record; accomplished and emotional.” ​
– Steve Martin (Writer, Comedian, Musician, Actor)“Beautiful!”
-Jeff Alan Ross
(Co-producer of Beatles XM radio show “From Me To You”)“A shining example of the Americana genre.”
– Chris Jay, VC Reporter (Ventura, CA)
“McEuen Sessions is a thing of beauty for the whole musical family.”
– David Wilde (Huffington Post/Rolling Stone)
“A fantastic listen. I thoroughly recommend it.”
– Malcom McDowell (Actor)
“Nathan McEuen is a genius!”
– Nathan McEuen (Musician/Writer)
“‘Side By Side’ is a perfect example of his talents.”
– Jim Messina (Poco, Buffalo Springfield, Loggins & Messina)“I love his music and I love this album [Side By Side]!”
– Crystal Gayle (AMA/CMA & Grammy Award winning singer)
“What excellence. Positively blew me away! Great inspiration.“
– Ken Hardley – Rolling Hills Radio (New York)
“For pure musical intent and accomplishment, McEuen Sessions doesn’t get any better.”
-Linda Ronstadt (Singer)
“Nathan McEuen’s light is shining bright. A fine singer, guitarist and an excellent songwriter. There is hope on the horizon.”
– Chris Hillman (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Bros.)
​

PICTURE COMMENT:
Nathan McEuen grew up surrounded by incredible music and talented musicians. By age five he started performing with his father, John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Nathan soon became a natural showman.

Ted Ramirez
2025-10-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00
Teodoro “Ted” Ramirez is a Southwest troubadour with a captivating sound and distinctive music style. His performances are a celebration in Southwest culture. The name “Teodoro” is the Spanish version of English “Theodore”, and is a old family name – one that dates back to before the 1700’s in his family. Ted often with a smile says: “my name is Teodoro, but all my friends call me Teo or Ted.
Ted’s repertoire is a mixture of original music, classic American and Mexican folk songs, and stories. Ted is an established and seasoned live concert performing artist having toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and northern Europe.
Ted was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1953 with family roots that pre-date the Spanish and Mexican eras of the region.
Ted presents songs with intriguing introductions drawn from personal experience, and the oral and written histories of Mexico and the American Southwest.
Ted has received numerous awards including: “Arizona Culture Keeper Award” and named “Tucson’s Official Troubadour” by the Tucson’s Mayor and City Council in 2001.
Ted is the founder of the celebrated Tucson-based folk group; “The Santa Cruz River Band”.
Ted’s live performance presentations are well-suited for: concerts, festivals, educational programs, residencies, workshops, and special presentations and ceremonies for all ages.

The Mule Boys
2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00
Scott Muhleman, namesake of this duo, blows a mean harp. He’s been bending notes and playing the blues since the sixties. LA, Waikiki in ’68, Alaska, San Francisco, to Bisbee, Arizona. He came to Bisbee the first time while touring with DC Miner and Blues on the Move. Jon Messenger’s story has been a journey through, away from, and back again to the American West. A musical journey through the west. And the Everglades. And Cornwall-on-Hudson. Always some guitar player willing to be patient with him, indulge him with some music and “communicate to me how to play.” Scott and Jon met at a campout at Parker Canyon Lake in 1992. Assembled with like minds in fine surroundings, music was made. Music continued to happen and will happen again this weekend!

Doors open at 1 p.m., performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Reservations are preferred; however, walk-ins will be seated if space permits. The Arizona Folklore Preserve is located at 56 E. Folklore Trail in Hereford. Make reservations at www.arizonafolklore.com.

Gary Allegretto
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00
Gary Allegretto is the 2019 International Western Music Association (IWMA) Performer of the Year. Western Horseman Magazine raves, “Gary’s music transcends genres, generations and cultural barriers, yet is so professional, engaging and core to the cowboy that listeners can’t help but want to ride along a while longer and discover something new in a song.” Not only is Gary the best harmonica player you will likely ever hear, but he is also a remarkable singer, songwriter, guitarist, and a masterful entertainer. His talents have also earned him Grammy nominations, an Academy of Western Artist (AWA) Will Rogers Award, an EQUUIS Award, and a Best of the West Award. His songs have reached the #1 spot on the Western Music radio charts. His music is featured in major motion picture soundtracks, and he has provided interviews and performances for Western music films and television shows. Gary’s engaging and often laugh-out-loud songs tell stories drawn from his rich and diverse life experience in the West (including ranch hand, forest firefighter as a USFS Hotshot, and bouncer in a couple of rough honky-tonks).

Eric Ramsey
2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00
Eric is a perennial favorite on the Folk and Blues Festival circuits, not only for his dynamic, engaging performances but for his open tuning and slide guitar workshops as well.
With soaring vocals and organic arrangements, Eric’s original compositions reflect his musical influences, but come from a place all their own. He writes from experience about the human condition – at times sensitive, at times humorous, always thought-provoking. His arrangements and delivery encompass a spectrum of styles, from delicate fingerpicking to raucous, bluesy bottleneck slide.
Eric lives in the Phoenix area with his patient, long-suffering wife, three kids and dogs of indeterminate pedigree. He can often be found in the garage, where his family prefer he practice….

Jerry Hall and Trick Shot
2025-11-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00
Jerry Hall and Trick Shot have performed at Western music events in California, Wyoming, Arizona and Elko, Nevada. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Baxter Black, RW Hampton and Waddie Mitchell. The band has opened for the Riders in the Sky, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and played alongside with Rex Allen, Jr., The Sons of the Pioneers and Sons of the San Joaquin.
The group have five albums to their credit, over twenty videos on YouTube of their live performances, and have been featured on RFD TV.
Jerry Hall is the featured vocalist and a sure enough cowboy, having been raised on the Gill Cattle Ranch in Springville, CA. He ropes and rides almost everyday. Ed Hughes sings lead and harmony vocals. He trains horses on his ranch. Randy Fowler is a long time cowboy in training and arranges most of the band’s music.

Michael Grande
2025-11-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00
Michael Grande, one of the world’s beloved entertainers is returning this weekend.
Grande, who tours the world, only performs in Cochise County twice per year. A singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, Grande brings laughter and tears to audience members as he moves from exciting instrumentals featuring his famous five-fingered picking technique and breathtaking guitar flourishes to his gentle, almost caressing of the strings, as his sexy, smooth voice, tells tales of soldiers, families and the great depression.
But if the song is a sad one, the mood is uplifted immediately by Grande inserting songs and stories of friends, family and animals: a little girl’s first horse, the loss of a stray dog that became a hero to a family it saved, and the romantic love story of an Arabian stallion and mare.
In between songs, Grande is known for his tales. Growing up in an Italian family, he tells of being a child in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he used to tie the tail of his coonskin cap to his bicycle and pretend it was a horse as he raced through the mean streets of Bensonhurst. In his mind and his dreams, he was always a cowboy, and he was always in Arizona.
