Datebook: August 2023

IT’S LITERALLY COLORED by the presence of Georgia O’Keeffe in the sacred space that so inspired her,” says Lensic 360 director Jamie Lenfestey of the Blossoms & Bones Ghost Ranch Music Festival. Now in its third year, the extravaganza takes its name from one of the artist’s most famous paintings. Featuring two evenings of music August 25 and 26 at Ghost Ranch, O’Keeffe’s summer home and studio near Abiquiú, the stacked lineup of nationally known artists includes Spoon, Japanese Breakfast, Toro y Moi, the Breeders, Yola, Rising Appalachia, and the Beths. “The festival is clearly women-centric in its approach,” Lenfestey says, “but the appeal is very broad.” With 30 glamping tents and two camping areas, Blossoms & Bones invites visitors to bask in the stunning Piedra Lumbre Basin landscape between performances. “We want people to also embrace the silence and beauty of the place,” he adds. Here are a few tips for concertgoers.

Make connections. Lenfestey counted festival attendees from at least 45 states last year, but Blossoms & Bones remains a relatively intimate experience. “We’re on a path to do about 2,000 people this year,” he says. “It’s not overcrowded. There’s plenty of room to sit in the back, put your lawn chairs up, enjoy food and beverage, and just kind of soak it all in.”

Don’t miss the DJs. “The New Mexico DJ collective Team Everything is on both Friday and Saturday nights. After the main stage goes down, the party will go on with dancing until one in the morning.”

Eat and drink locally. Lenfestey advises packing snacks, but the Ghost Ranch dining hall and other vendors are also serving local delights, including exclusively New Mexico–based wine, spirits, and beer. “We’re keeping everything homegrown,” he says.