Lonn Calanca and Friends at halflife*

Name: Lonn Calanca and Friends at halflife*
Start: 2025-09-26T19:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-09-26T22:30:00-06:00
Location: halflife* 3215 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-1441, United States

Schedule

Fri Sep 26 2025 at 07:30 pm to 10:30 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

halflife* 3215 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-1441, United States | Albuquerque, NM

Get ready to ride the sonic wave as this all-star ensemble brings the timeless legacy of the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia Band to vivid life!
https://www.afmxnm.com/event-details/afmx-concert-series-featuring-lonn-calanca-band
This show is part of the AFMX (Albuquerque Film and Music Experience Festival) and in ongoing support of the documentary "No Simple Highway"
Featuring:
Elliot Jackson Rauch (keys) — A versatile keyboardist whose shimmering textures and gospel-tinged solos add depth and authenticity to every performance. Elliot has toured nationally with The Garcia Project, faithfully recreating classic Jerry Garcia Band shows, and is also known for his work with Xtra Ticket, Arizona’s longest-running Grateful Dead tribute.
Cameron LaForest (drums) — A powerhouse drummer with a deep background in the jam scene, Cameron made his mark with Spafford and now drives the groove with The Higgs. His explosive style and improvisational command have earned him spots alongside major players in the psychedelic and jam-band world.
Kelly Wilson (bass) — A dynamic bassist and longtime collaborator in both The Lonn Calanca Band (LCB) and Let It Grow, Kelly has held down the low end for hundreds of shows over the past decade. His steady groove and intuitive musicality provide the perfect anchor for high-energy improvisation.
Lonn Calanca (lead guitar, vocals) — A fixture of the Albuquerque and Southwest music scene, Lonn leads both The Lonn Calanca Band and Let It Grow, bringing soulful improvisation and high-desert energy to the stage. Over the years, he has shared the stage with a wide range of celebrated musicians. His music and story have been recognized beyond the stage as well, with features in projects such as the acclaimed documentary “No Simple Highway”, which explored the lasting cultural impact of the Grateful Dead.
Why This Lineup Delivers
Together, this group channels the true spirit of the Dead’s musical journey—melding improvisational fire, reverent tribute, and individual artistry. From Elliot’s soulful keys to Cameron’s propulsive rhythms, Kelly’s deep groove, and Lonn’s soaring guitar, every note carries the joyful risk-taking and heartfelt delivery that made the Dead’s music immortal.
Audiences can expect danceable grooves, cosmic jams, and heartfelt renditions that celebrate the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead while carving new pathways of their own.