Arizona Folklore Preserve

Ted Ramirez
2025-03-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Arizona Folklore Preserve, 56 E. Folklore Trail, Hereford, AZ, 85615, United States
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.

Steve Jones
2025-03-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-16 14:00 - 16:00
Steve has been performing for 25 years, 17 of which were with the Yampa Valley Boys. He has had over 2,600 performances, with more than 850 at the Bar Lazy L family ranch over 22 years. His third CD album, “The Lump of Coal (Hope’s Diamond),” was in the top twenty of western CDs throughout 2022 according to “The Western Way” reporting. He has two other CD recordings, “That Irish Kid” (2012) and “Picasso” (2017). Steve brings enthusiasm and energy to the stage with an audience-friendly show, including sing-alongs. He has performed in many western states, primarily in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as in Ireland. He has also performed at many guest ranches, including the prestigious 3 Forks Ranch and at events such as the Arizona Folklore Preserve, Colorado, Cochise, Durango, Grand Encampment, and Nebraska (Valentine) Cowboy Music Gatherings; the Steamboat Pro Rodeo series, county fairs, and many other public and private events.
Currently, Steve is in Casa Grande, AZ for the winter months, where he is working on some new songs inspired by the experience. He still performs cowboy/western, classic country, folk, Irish, and original songs, with lots of humor included.”

Gary Allegretto
2025-03-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-23 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).

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.

Steff Kayser and Alvin Blaine
2025-03-29 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00
An insightful, award-winning composer and brilliant interpreter of others’ material, Tucson-based Steff Kayser offers unique and diverse performances with a soulful soaring voice and musical talents that delight the most discerning of audiences. Most recently, Steff’s original ‘The Space Between Our Fences’ won 3rd place in the 2022 Tumbleweed Music Festival Song Contest. He’s a finalist in this year’s 2023 Tucson Folk Festival Song Contest (winner TBD). He also surprises with creative takes on a variety of unexpected cover tunes.

Alvin Blaine’s career took off after performing Wildwood Flower for his dad at age 5. Up to that point, Dad had prohibited the kids from playing any of his many instruments that graced the living room of Alvin’s childhood. Since then, as a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist musician, Alvin has performed in countless bands as a treasured and skilled sideman. With 25 years in Las Vegas as a professional musician, he played everything from cowboy swing to jazz, blues, and country standards on the energized Vegas circuit honing his many skills.

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.

Dan McCorison
2025-04-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-06 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.

Michael Grande
2025-04-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-13 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.

Jon Messenger & Co.
2025-04-19 14:00 - 16:00
Jon Messenger’s story is a musical journey through the west, the Everglades, and Cornwall-on-Hudson. Now he’s had some 30 years of performing at home in Cochise County, Arizona, and points north, west, and east.

Jon Messenger & Co
2025-04-20 14:00 - 16:00

Independence Creek
2025-04-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
Performing Bluegrass, Folk and Americana music emphasizing three-part vocal harmony, Independence Creek feature covers of popular tunes as well as songs by female lead Sally Wisely. Skilled musicians on traditional acoustic instruments including banjo, 12 and 6 string guitars, mandolin and fiddle, this trio is appearing on the AFP stage for the first time. Let’s give them a big AFP welcome!

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.

Don Armstrong and Alvin Blaine
2025-05-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00
Don Armstrong has been hailed as a “Tucson legend” and “folk treasure.” The Arizona Daily Star referred to him as a “consummate songwriter,” while his songs have been recorded by artists nationwide and sung and enjoyed worldwide.
Alvin Blaine’s career took off after performing Wildwood Flower for his dad at age 5. Up to that point, Dad had prohibited the kids from playing any of his many instruments that graced the living room of Alvin’s childhood. Since then, as a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist musician, Alvin has performed in countless bands as a treasured and skilled sideman. With 25 years in Las Vegas as a professional musician, he played everything from cowboy swing to jazz, blues, and country standards on the energized Vegas circuit honing his many skills.

Mark Mulligan & Rudy B. (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
2025-05-06 17:00 - 19:00
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – NO WALK-INS
Mark Mulligan deported himself to Mexico 28 years ago, ditching his gold Century 21 Real Estate jacket for flip flops and a guitar. Four kids and many songs later, he calls the Sea of Cortez home, living south of the border in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora. His songs paint pictures of sunshine, sailboats, and sandy beaches. And his book, “The Three Miracles” (available at the AFP bookstore) is a true story of love and faith. All proceeds from the sales of his book go to charity. Mark performs throughout the U.S, Mexico, and even Canada, Belize, and Costa Rica. And now you can see him perform in beautiful Ramsey Canyon

The Arizona Wildflowers
2025-05-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-11 14:00 - 16:00
The Arizona Wildflowers are a sibling group from southern Arizona who love to sing and play Western Swing & bluegrass music. Ranelle, 16, on mandolin and fiddle, Brie, 15, on guitar, Aspen, 13, on fiddle, Sawyer, 10, on bass and Kitty, 8, on fiddle. 2024 saw the group nominated for IWMA’s Crescendo Award, Ranelle and Isley both winning National Fiddle Championships in their respective age divisions and Ranelle making her Grand Ole Opry debut. This summer they will venture back to Branson, MO to play at Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ festival, cut a new album in Asheville, North Carolina and travel from Idaho to Minnesota and everywhere in between playing at Cowboy Gatherings and Bluegrass festivals.

Peter McLaughlin & Chris Brashear
2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00
Chris Brashear plays fiddle, mandolin, and guitar. He is a singer with a wide vocal range and a clear, distinctive voice, as well as a songwriter. In the desert southwest and beyond, Chris performs with long-time music partner and AFP favorite Peter McLaughlin. Together, Chris and Peter have produced three CDs, “So Long, Arizona”; “Canyoneers”, and their latest release, “Desert Heart, Mountain Soul.” Chris and Peter are sure to entertain you with a great performance!

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.

Dry Wash Anglers
2025-05-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-25 14:00 - 16:00
Originally from back East, the Dry Wash Anglers grew out of a mutual need for more fishing, bluegrass and George Jones in 2022. With guitarist/vocalist Joel Leland and songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Hank Abbey, the Anglers channel the harmonies and hot flatpicking of a pantheon of heroes; Carter Stanley, Larry Sparks, Billy Joe Shaver and more. Stem to stern, Abbey and Leland nurture a respect for the familiar sound that shaped them but aren’t shy of the deeper waters of their own original music.

Mark Stuart
2025-05-31 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-01 14:00 - 16:00
Mark Stuart spends every year as a full-time working artist and musician. Mostly performing his own unique shows, doing singer-songwriter concerts, he can be witnessed excelling as a band guitarist at hometown Nashville, Tennessee gigs or sessions, too.
Stuart has toured extensively in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe. Notable artists such as Freddy Fender, Steve Earle, Joan Baez, and Steve Forbert have employed him for his musicianship. In a duo act with his artist wife, Stacey Earle, he spent thousands of days on tour through the years. That duo would release many albums on their own independent label, Gearle Records.
Whether it be Cambridge Folk Festival, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, Merlefest, or countless small festivals and theaters, Stuart’s storytelling, guitar playing, vocals, or songs have caught the attention of music lovers.
When asked to define Mark Stuart’s music it is virtually impossible, as his versatility screams out loud. Rock, blues, folk, country, and more are evident in his performance. Electric, acoustic, slide guitar-all make up his musical toolbox. Travis-style, Chicago blues, honky tonk country, finger-style folk-all are there when you hear him. His songs are oftentimes autobiographic pieces, but, can be constructed from the viewpoint of a lifelong troubadour who is paying attention to the world he sees around him. He could, at any given time, toss a Paul McCartney or John Fogerty or Woodie Guthrie song into his set.

Timberline Cowboys
2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00
Timberline Cowboys
Both award-winning singer-songwriter J. Michael Mullins and multi-instrument aficionado Geary Parsons have, in one way or another, been in the music industry for the majority of their lives. After playing and singing together at the Durango’s Cowboy Church for a year, they decided to perform as a duo at the 2021 Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering. They were an immediate hit and discovered they had an unmistakable chemistry, and an innate ability to connect with audiences. The Timberline Cowboys were born. Most of what they do is original music, dealing with the ranching and farming life prevalent in and around where they reside in the Four Corners area. Their music is basic, honest, and forthright. Two guitars and vocals, they are just at home around a campfire as they are in an arena or concert hall. Through lyrical ballads and up-tempo comedy songs, they give the audience a first-hand look at what life is like for the still proud, but dwindling numbers of ranchers, farmers, cowboys and cowgirls in the great Southwest. While in high demand in and around Durango, their music has been featured on numerous streaming and radio shows in the United States, Canada, Germany, France and England. Basically homebodies, they still enjoy hitting the road (on occasion) to play at cowboy gatherings and select out-of-town venues. They have produced three albums in three years, the second of which spent nine months on the IWMA Western Music Charts. They are hoping for the same level of success with their latest album, The Old Ways, released in June 2024. A new album is in the works for 2025. Mike’s original song, “Drivin’ This Herd to the Rail” took home the award for 2024 International Western Music Association Working Cowboy Song of the Year. Both are active IWMA members, and Geary is the current president of the IWMA Colorado Chapter. www.thetimberlinecowboys.com

Lindy Simmons
Mancos, Colorado
A ranch wife for almost fifty years, Lindy also followed the family on the rodeo road and has done ranch work from bucking bales to feeding cows in the mud. Her poetry reflects the antics of real cowboys. A retired professor and fluent in Spanish, she is a Southwest history buff. Lindy won the poetry contest of the International Western Music Association in 2021. She has been on the Durango Cowboy Gathering board for more than twenty years and has been cited as a “visionary” for her “Variety Show With a Twist” running fifteen years at the Durango gathering.

Carol Markstrom and Jim Jones
2025-06-14 14:00 - 16:00
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.
