With a unique sound that merges rock with pop, r&b and Latin influences, Sol Fire will open the inaugural San Luis Valley Roots Festival Fri., June 15 at 7pm, at the baseball field in Alamosa’s Cole Park. Sol Fire is a rock group formed in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The band is led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Amado Abeyta and his brother, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Buddy Abeyta. Their musical influences include the Beatles, Oasis, Stevie Wonder, Mána, Prince, the English Beat and Terence Trent D’arby.
Beginning their musical careers at an early age, the brothers formed Sol Fire in 2002. Two years later they entered the studio and released their debut album. Since then, Sol Fire has become a house-hold name in Santa Fe and New Mexico. After releasing their second studio album, “Third Floor Serenade,” in the summer 2006, the buzz about the band brought them to new heights in the New Mexico music scene. That year they were chosen to be showcased in New Mexico Lottery Powerball commercials and ad campaigns. In 2007, their original song, “She’s Got,” was chosen for the national compilation album “The After After Party” sponsored by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. Sol Fire also co-wrote and produced a new song for a United Way of Central New Mexico spot, and their song, “I Don’t Like,” was used in a City of Santa Fe water conservation commercial.
Sol Fire has also been honored with many great opportunities, including opening for Ozomatli, the English Beat (who are some of the brother’s personal heroes), Yerba Buena, the Iguanas, Groupo Fantasma, Quetzal and Los Lobos. Ten days before the 2008 election, Sol Fire sang the National Anthem and performed an acoustic set before George Lopez and then Presidential Candidate Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Albuquerque, NM with 45,000 in attendance. They have also opened for President Bill Clinton on the campaign trail. In the summer of 2007, Sol Fire shared the main stage of the Santa Fe Muzik Festival with Everclear, Blues Traveler, Blue October and War. Also that summer, they played the after party for the Fray at the Albuquerque Journal Pavilion.
Being able to share their music with so many different people has been Sol Fire’s greatest honor. Through the success that they have gained in New Mexico, the Abeyta brothers have proven their dedication to their music, and with this drive their music will continue to grow.
Roots Festival tickets for Fri. night only are $8 for ALMA members, $10 general public. For Sat. only, tickets are $18 for ALMA members, $20 general public, and for Fri. and Sat., tickets are $24 for ALMA Members, $28 for non members. The concerts are scheduled to coordinate with the Rollin’ Deep Car Show, on Fathers’ Day, Sun., June 17, to give visitors a full weekend of events.
As of 10:45am, Saturday, June 16, on-line ticket sales are over. Please purchase your admission at the gate, at the southeast corner of the baseball field at Cole Park.