Red carpet ready: KiMo Theatre to host event for third season of ABQ-filmed 'Bands of Enchantment'

To watch Ken C. Peterson on set, is to witness his passion for film first hand.

Peterson is one of the masterminds behind the series “Bands of Enchantment.”

In Sept. 2023, the Las Cruces native and his crew set up for 10 days at the KiMo Theatre to film the third season of the series, which airs on PBS.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, there will be a red carpet premiere event at the KiMo. Beginning Saturday, Jan. 27, the third season will premiere at 4:30 p.m. on New Mexico PBS, channel. 5.1. It will also be available to stream on the PBS app. Regular episodes will air at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.

“My love for the project has grown as the seasons move along,” Peterson says. “As people find out about the show and how it’s bringing people together, it’s an amazing feeling.”

During filming, Peterson could be seen hyping up the crowd during each episode, ensuring that the energy was there when the cameras rolled.

“I feel like work on the series is year-round,” he says. “It never stops. I’m trying to preplan for season four and talking to bands. We’re also still in post-production for season three.”

Red carpet ready: KiMo Theatre to host event for third season of ABQ-filmed 'Bands of Enchantment'

“Bands of Enchantment” is a music series, created by Elkhorn Media, merging incredible international musicians with the best New Mexico bands in half-hour episodes that will air nationally in early 2024 and then be available for streaming by international audiences.

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

The first two seasons of “Bands of Enchantment,” are in the books and can be streamed on PBS.org or the PBS app.

The first season was filmed in Tucumcari, while the second season was filmed in the Albuquerque Rail Yards in Barelas.

Season three kicks off with Albuquerque-based band Prism B!tch and features artists such as Ryan Merchant from Capital Cities with his new project Paco Versailles; Grammy-nominated artist BJ the Chicago Kid; Mexico City sensation Girl Ultra who was featured on NPR’s “Tiny Desk”; Nashville, Tennessee-based rockers the Cordovas; Canadian electro-folk duo Moontricks; Austin, Texas, blues man Black Joe Lewis; San Francisco legends The Stone Foxes; and New Mexico bands Slums of Harvard, Byland, The Kipsies, and Ailani.

Live performances took place at the KiMo, while acoustic sets were recorded in different locations across the city, including the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Sandia Peak Tramway.

“I’ve pursued a lot of these bands for a few seasons,” Peterson says. “Timing is everything when it comes to getting the talent. BJ the Chicago Kid I wanted for the first season. We finally got him for the new season and filmed up on the Sandia Tram. It was his first time riding a tram and we captured an incredible moment.”

Highlights of the evening on Jan. 19 include:

• Red carpet arrivals featuring the bands, artists and the community of Albuquerque.
• Exclusive sneak peek of the series, providing a taste of the musical diversity and creativity it brings to the audience.
• Showcasing two episodes, Albuquerque’s own Prism B!tch and Grammy-nominated artist BJ the Chicago Kid.
• 505 Central Food Hall’s Moonwalk Bar will be on-site offering drinks for purchase.

“ ‘Bands of Enchantment’ not only creates exciting opportunities for entertainment right here in the Duke City, but the series also shares the strength of our live music scene with audiences around the world,” says Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.

Vince Chavez, executive producer and director, says bringing the series back to Albuquerque was always a goal.

“In our sophomore season we’ve already brought home to New Mexico an Emmy and a Telly Award,” Chavez says. “We can’t wait to see what season three does.”

Peterson and crew were able to hire a group of New Mexicans to work on the show, which was filmed during the SAG-AFTRA strike.

“We are incredibly excited to share the new season of this now Emmy-Award winning music television series,” Peterson says. “The red carpet premiere is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this production to life. We can’t wait for audiences to experience this new season.”