Outpost Performance Space

Dig these cats for sowing seed in the rebirth of Cool.
Hot Damn this barn fer pickin’ the best bluegrass.
Hear the Word spoken here, the Spoken Word.
Around here, the kids grow up and they don’t go Pop.
Open your ears to the pittah pat of some timbering tabla.
The Outpost consistently brings the most engaging, dynamic and outright under-​appreciated sounds to their modest stage, and a lot of the acts are truly world-​class. I really like Steve P’s review, he nails virtually everything about the place: community oriented, a wealth of musical styles, kids educational classes… yeah, he covers everything including a reverence for Tom, quite possibly ABQ’s true guru.
I’ll add one more thing: I don’t come here very often. There aren’t any bells or whistles, no excuses to spend money on cheap beer or lounge with my crew. Honestly, besides the music, nothing’s really happening around here. And that’s the beauty of it. Come here for soulful services. Come here to pay reverence to the world of sound, to the language it speaks and the universal tongue that unites this species. Every show is unique, memorable and true.
Thanks again, Tom.

The Outpost is one of the best music venues in New Mexico, and probably the US — it’s small, intimate, informal yet respectful of the music, has a friendly community vibe and is open to all ages. Good sightlines, good sound, nice piano, and programming that includes all kinds of jazz, world music, folk, experimental, and other under-​represented music, as well as educational programs for kids and adults, and a gallery featuring work by local artists. And did I mention they have snacks? Seriously, the Outpost is a cultural treasure and founder Tom Guralnick deserves your undying thanks and respect for having the vision and dedication to keep this place going for so many years, and for bringing so many great, world-​class musicians to Albuquerque.