It’s been less than a year since Nohe & Sus Santos formed.
In that time, the quartet has been busy playing shows in northern New Mexico, making a name for itself.
“We’re starting to get recognized,” vocalist Nohelia Sosa says. “We’ve managed to grow together as a band, and it’s a great feeling.”
Nohe & Sus Santos will take part in the second Festival Eclectica in Angel Fire on Saturday, Aug. 10.
The festival will also feature the Lara Manzanares Trio, Reg Light Cameras, Vivalda Dula and Samantha Fish.
“The entire music lineup is made up of women at the front,” Sosa says. “It’s an important event to be a part of, because it shows that women continue to be at the forefront of music.”
Joining Sosa in the band, which focuses on Latin music, are Randy Sanchez, Rafael Herrera and Justin Bransford.
“We all have our Latin influences,” Sanchez says. “There are influences from jazz, cumbia. We kind of lean towards this power trio who’s backing Nohe. We also like putting twists on the songs. We do a cover of ‘Purple Rain’ in a huapango. We try to think creatively.”
The band has an album ready to release and is waiting for the right moment.
“I continue to write, because there’s an ebb and flow to it all,” Sosa says. “We all work together on the music and put our own touches on it. The influences are strong.”
Sosa moved to Santa Fe five years ago from Honduras and recently became a U.S. citizen.
“I think Santa Fe has an art vibe I’ve been looking for a long time,” Sosa says. “It’s all about inspiration. I have 15 years in music, and Santa Fe takes me to another level right now. It reminds me a little bit of my country. There’s this spiritual pull in Santa Fe. That’s why the arts has flourished.”
According to organizers, Festival Eclectica will also feature eclectic food selections, craft beer, wine, specialty beverages and one-of-a-kind artisan booths in the “Enchanted Circle of Vendors.”
A full schedule of events can be found at festivaleclectica.com
