Sunday, October 5
Plaza de Mesilla

An Afternoon of Traditional Jazz

Colin McAllister & the Latin Jazz Project

Led by Colin McAllister, the musicians of the Latin Jazz Project have performed together for five years. You can catch them performing at local venues, including as a frequent participant of the annual Mesilla Valley Jazz & Blues Festival.

Members include:

Colin McAllister, vibes
Carlos Barba, keys
Shawn Mahoney, guitar
Arnold Schnitzer, bass
Andy Smith, drums

Third Line Jazz Trio

The three Las Cruces musicians who make up the Third Line Jazz Trio delight audiences with charts and arrangements from the Great American Songbook, mid-20th century pop, New Orleans style funk and Brazilian Bossa/Samba. Attendees can look forward to improvisation and interplay among the musicians.

Third Line Jazz Trio musicians include:

Mike Sunjka, guitar
Arnold Schnitzer, string bass
Brian Wright, drums

Desert Stompers

The Desert Stompers is a dynamic student-led traditional jazz band from New Mexico State University, dedicated to keeping the spirit of early jazz alive. Under the guidance of Dr. Jacob Dalager, the ensemble thrives on student leadership and creativity, bringing the infectious energy of Dixieland and swing to audiences near and far. The nine-piece ensemble of NMSU music majors consists of a full horn section, drums, bass and banjo.

Rio Grande Revelers

The Rio Grande Revelers Trad Jazz Band is a six-piece ensemble that celebrates the joyful sound of early New Orleans jazz. Also known as Early Jazz, Hot Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, or Traditional “Trad Jazz,” the style blends marching brass band traditions with early Blues, Gospel, spirituals, Ragtime, and solo and group improvisation. Originating in New Orleans and first recorded in 1917, it quickly spread across the United States and around the world. Since forming in spring 2022, the RGR has taken audiences back more than 100 years with lively, toe-tapping music from that era.

Regular Members include:

Scott McLaughlin, trombone, washboard (founder)
John Hyndman, upright bass
Brian Theodorson, drum set
Paul McLaughlin, trumpet
Tony Montano, clarinet
Bob Hull, banjo

Borderless Brass Band

The Borderless Brass Band, a six-member ensemble led by Chris Oliver, has been transporting southwest audiences to New Orleans since 2017. The band is made up of musicians who have performed professionally for over 20 years, many of whom are music educators as well.