Taos Bands
Small town.
Big sound.
The Arcane Ramblers
Rooted in the mountains of Taos, The Arcane Ramblers weave old-time, bluegrass, and Celtic traditions into something unmistakably their own. Featuring Bud Branch, Robert Quijano, and Tom Robison, the trio’s sound is warm, rhythmic, and deeply human—music built on strings, stories, and connection.
Their live sets range from lively fiddle tunes like Squirrel Hunters to finely crafted Celtic instrumentals, all delivered with the ease of friends who’ve been making music together for years. It’s the kind of performance that pulls you in—not just to listen, but to feel part of the moment.
You’ll often find The Arcane Ramblers playing around town, including local favorites like The Burger Stand at Taos Ale House, where their mix of precision and playfulness pairs perfectly with a good pint and good company.
Bees and Locusts
Fans call them “fun, funky, and full of love”—music that’s positive, danceable, and unforgettable. Whether on tour across the western U.S. or lighting up a local stage, Bees & Locusts deliver a show that balances creation and destruction, light and dark, with pure joy at its core.
Big Violet
Big Violet is an Americana rock band formed in Taos in 2022, fronted by powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Audra Rodgers. The five-piece blends soulful storytelling, intricate harmonies, and dynamic instrumentation—violin included—into performances that move from hushed intimacy to propulsive, cathartic release. Guitarist Bill Anderson (Austin Chronicle Texas Music Hall of Fame) brings decades of record-making and road wisdom, while drummer/vocalist Randy Morris anchors the groove with taste and polish. Together, they craft songs that explore the heart’s fault lines and the beauty of the high desert, balancing raw musicality with lyrical depth. Rooted in Taos yet ready for wider roads, Big Violet offers an emotionally resonant show that feels both local and timeless—perfect for listeners who love Americana’s earthiness with a distinctly rock-forward edge.
4 Letter Word
*
4 Letter Word *
Founded by bassist Louis Rivoli, the band features guitarist Chris Burton, drummer Mike Caron, keyboardist Mike Stauffer, and unforgettable lead vocalist Meesha Evans. Their set spans Adele to Steve Miller, Black Sabbath to Joe Jackson—covers chosen to showcase each member’s talent.
Evans, called “a powerhouse,” delivers vocals that stop you in your tracks. Standouts include “The Logical Song,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “Steppin’ Out.”
Offstage, members serve the Taos community through social work, case management, and small business. Says Burton: “Love is a four-letter word—and that’s how we got our name.”
Jack Lorang
Based in Taos, New Mexico, Jack Lorang is a singer-songwriter whose music channels the wide skies and rugged landscapes of the Southwest. According to his Bandcamp page, he’s “a Taos, NM based songwriter with timeless poetic vision and a true gift for original expression. While he carries on the folk singing traditions of the sixties and seventies he has created a vocal/guitar style that is all his own.”
The Rudy Boy Experiment
The Rudy Boy Experiment
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Rudy Boy Experiment is led by guitarist-singer Rudy “Boy” Jaramillo, whose burning riffs and weathered voice channel the spirit of Delta blues through a modern rock lens.
Their sound rides the edge of “swinging, dirty blues with that true rock ’n’ roll feel,” as Rudy himself puts it, fusing the legacy of B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf with the pulse of AC/DC and vintage country.
A band that thrives live, The Rudy Boy Experiment has made its mark across the western U.S., signing a global distribution deal early on and sharing stages with major names while remaining rooted in community-based jams and the honest grit of small venues.
Ry Taylor & the Sidetrips
Ry Taylor & the Sidetrips bring an irresistible mix of Acoustic Groove, Americana, Latin Jazz, Alternative Rock, and more to every stage. Led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Ry Taylor, whose roots trace back to the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, the group delivers warm vocals, sharp musicianship, and a genre-crossing style that’s all their own.
Since Taylor began performing professionally at 15, Ry Taylor and the Sidetrips have built a loyal following across the Southwest, playing venues and festivals from the Enchanted Circle to Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. Their shows move effortlessly from upbeat, dance-driving rhythms to soulful ballads, mixing heartfelt originals with inventive covers that keep the crowd hooked until the last note.
Stone Daddy
Get ready for a powerhouse night of rock when StoneDaddy takes the stage. This Taos-based four-piece—Jimmy Stadler, David Garver, Norm Cutliff III, and Sammy Lucero—brings decades of musical mastery to every show. Their setlist blends original songs with classic rock favorites from bands like Led Zeppelin and Foo Fighters, all delivered with tight grooves and high-energy precision. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing them for the first time, StoneDaddy guarantees a night that hits hard and feels good.
Vanilla Pop
Sequins, swagger, and seriously good music. Vanilla Pop isn’t just a band—it’s a show. Expect powerhouse vocals, killer grooves, and lush, orchestral textures that turn classics from Jackson 5 to Prince into full-blown dance-floor magic.
Jess Wayne
Jess Wayne writes songs for listeners who’ve lived enough to know what matters. His self-coined style—Electric Bourbon Folk—is a smooth, soulful blend of Americana, folk, blues, and jazz, rich with feeling and a touch of grit.
Now based in Taos, New Mexico, Jess has taken an unconventional road: modern dancer in New York, actor, corporate lawyer in Denver, law professor in Houston, and guitarist in the L.A. scene. Each chapter shows up in his music—stories of change, resilience, and the search for meaning. His songs don’t chase trends; they lean into honesty, experience, and the quiet power of being human.
Dirty Outlaw
Dirty Outlaw brings raw energy and guitar-fueled grit to the mountain music scene. With a sound rooted in classic rock and bolstered by home-grown rhythms, the band delivers tight hooks, sweat-inspired riffs, and a live show you won’t forget. Formed in 2022, they’ve rapidly become a local staple—turning living rooms, bars, and venues into their personal frontier. Whether they’re tearing through an original or giving life to a well-worn cover, Dirty Outlaw plays with unapologetic heart and full throttle attitude.