'Bands of Enchantment': Check out filming of current season, streaming of past seasons

Ken C. Peterson always dreamt of a project that would celebrate New Mexico. The New Mexico State University alum is back in Albuquerque to film the fifth season of “Bands of Enchantment.”

“This series remains a love letter to my home state,” Peterson says. “It’s important that we involve the community with the event.”

While production is underway on the fifth season of the series, viewers can watch the previous seasons on PBS, NYC’s All Arts, Prime Video, TUBI and The Roku Channel.

“Bands of Enchantment” is a music series that merges international musicians with New Mexico bands in over 10 half-hour episodes that will air nationally in early 2026 and then be available for streaming by international audiences.

Peterson said each episode will be a postcard from Albuquerque to the rest of the world.

The first season of the series was recorded in Tucumcari and it moved to the Albuquerque Rail Yards for the second season with plenty of help from the city of Albuquerque.

The city got more involved for the third and fourth seasons and it has found a home at the KiMo Theatre.

“The KiMo feels like the center of the universe for the series,” Peterson says. “Being able to host the series in Downtown makes all the difference.”

This year’s filming will take place Sept. 17-19 at the KiMo. On Sept. 20, production will take over Central Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets where the inaugural Bands of Enchantment Music Festival will take place and feature Arrested Development, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino, Crime Lab, Red Light Cameras, Slums of Harvard, and Felix Y Los Gatos.

The free event will run from 4 to 11 p.m. Expect a classic car show, food trucks, vendors and immersive art.

“We’re honored to continue this Emmy-winning series right here in the heart of Albuquerque,” Peterson says. “The new season is our biggest yet and the festival showcases music, culture and community to the streets.

According to Peterson, the lineup includes Adrian Quesada, the Grammy-winning mastermind behind Black Pumas, as well as Latin Grammy winners La Vida Bohème.

Buenos Aires’ punk/electropop outfit Pacífica and indie artist Annie DiRusso are also on deck.

Peterson is looking forward to hosting Mexico City-based Midnight Generation who is gaining recognition on the festival circuit with its fusion of funk, disco and synth pop.

While “Bands of Enchantment” has a focus on international artists, Peterson ensures that local artists will also be represented.

Taking part in season five is Sgt. Splendor, JD Nash, Violet Rising and Los 33.

Peterson is amazed at the reach of “Bands of Enchantment.”

Season 2 earned an Emmy for “Best Television Series,” and Seasons 2 and 3 received multiple Telly Awards.

Peterson and the crew, which is composed of New Mexicans, work for months on the project.

“I have friends in Detroit and New York City that utilize the show for educational purposes,” he says. “It still blows my mind that we are able to pull this off each season. The community steps up to make this a success because it is showcasing Albuquerque.”

Peterson encourages the community to not only attend the inaugural event, but to be part of the audience during filming.

“We’ve got some great musicians ready to perform,” he says. “Having New Mexicans show up for the tapings helps show that we are seriously showcasing our culture. It’s a lot of work and I’d do it for as long as we have that support.”