State takes Wonders on Wheels with “Música Buena” to Carlsbad for an afternoon of free flamenco, music and food June 1

May 17th, 2022

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Musica buena means good music, and that is what the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ Wonders on Wheels (WoW) 38-foot RV will bring to Carlsbad on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for free. The event showcases the Museum of International Folk Arts’ (MOIFA) “Música Buena: Hispano Folk Music of New Mexico,” now on exhibit at the museum. The community will be able to see and touch some of the musical instruments and costumes from MOIFA and enjoy live entertainment by Así se Baila Ballet Folklorico and Flamenco en Nuevo México by Pasión Flamenca. 

The community of Carlsbad will experience the sights and sounds of flamenco while learning about its origins in Andalucía (southern Spain) as Pasión Flamenca tells this unique history through music, song, and dance. Pasión Flamenca traces flamenco’s development and transference across the Atlantic and into New Mexico, where today it has a unique history that stretches back four generations. Singer, dancer, and flamenco historian Nicolasa Chávez and guitarist and composer Luís Campos have performed together for more than 30 years. Roswell’s own dance group, Así se Baila Ballet Folklorico will present their bailaores as well, inviting the audience to join in with shouts of “Eso!” and “Je, Je!” Así se Baila showcases performances of budding flamenco dancers as young as five years of age, as well as adults who adore the historical artform. 

Inside the WoW RV, visitors can view an authentic polka-dotted flamenco dress with flowing ruffles. They can also touch maracas (shakers) and other musical instruments like wooden castanets. Afterwards, they can learn from the artists about rhythmic palmas – flamenco hand claps – and taconeos – flamenco heel work.  

Educator Heidi Heidgerken delights in bringing WoW to communities throughout New Mexico. “I love experiencing the joy of discovery shown by New Mexicans of all ages at these events, and I am equally thrilled when their eyes light up as they get to touch and feel items from our museum exhibits,” Heidgerken said. 

"This event will celebrate New Mexico and our roots,” said Sarah Jones, director of the Carlsbad Public Library. “In southern New Mexico we do not have many opportunities to see the splendor of flamenco costumes and music in a live performance. We are excited to highlight the art forms of dance and music with this event and having WoW in town is truly special." 

"Three organizations have come together in collaboration to showcase New Mexico’s rich and true culture,” said Kathleen Davis, one of the organizers of the Carlsbad event. “Our Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District strives to provide diverse arts and cultural experiences and this event is the perfect example of that.” 

About the Museum of International Folk Art 

The Museum of International Folk Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the International Folk Art Foundation and Museum of New Mexico Foundation. The mission of The Museum of International Folk Art is to shape a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions. The museum holds the largest collection of international folk art in the world, numbering more than 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries.