Rio Chama Music Trip with Bard Edrington V and the Blackbirds!

We will travel downstream through the majestic canyons of the Rio Chama in the craft of your choice, raft, kayak or stand up paddleboard enjoying the amazing scenery and fun class 2-3 rapids. The upper reaches of the river are well known for gorgeous pine trees lining the banks of the river and spectacular views of the desert cliffs that border this area and that are so famous in many different artists works, such as Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams. The mellow whitewater here affords ample opportunity to take in all of the colors and beauty of the famous canyon. Red, yellow and purple color bands are painted across the desert as the river flows past towering sandstone cliffs. Stopping each day along the way to explore the many interesting side canyons, peaks and trails throughout this special river trip. Each afternoon at camp, enjoy a cold drink as the guides pass around appetizers and prepare a gorgeous dinner and dessert. Afterward, you’ll sit back and enjoy incredible music from Bard and Friends with towering pines and sandstone walls as the stage.

As his name indicates, Bard is first and foremost, a storyteller, with a tie to a timeless tradition of storytelling – winter nights,  dying embers, fortuitous gathering, type storytelling.  A stone mason by day and a songwriter by night, both crafts depend on firm foundations.  That foundation of authentic and emotionally real narratives can be heard in his newest release “Burn You Up”.  Bard Edrington V’s music is inspired by experiences in nature.  His music is made to be listened to on the banks of a river or the red rock canyons.  Bard will be joined by his good friend and drummer Jim Palmer.  Let Bard and Jim be your musical soundtrack to Chama River.

Bard Edrington’s musical roots began when he and Zoe lived in Blowing Rock, NC. The first time he saw Doc Watson play, he was hooked on old time music. Weekly open jams taught him the clawhammer style on the banjo. When exploring Doc Watson’s music, he learned of Mississippi John Hurt and his fingerpicking style of blues. The syncopated rhythms that he held with his thumb, and melodies he played with his fingers, permeated Bard’s mind. From John Hurt, he was introduced to the delta blues players, hill country players, piedmont blues, and on and on

This is truly a one-of-a-kind trip offered only by New Mexico River Adventures. Please call us with any questions at all and don’t hesitate to reserve your spot as space is limited and often times fills up quickly.