ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A well-known dance venue in Albuquerque will host a Wild West–style fundraiser to benefit a local therapeutic choir.
The Dirty Bourbon in the northeast part of the city will present the inaugural “Hoedown for Hope,” with proceeds supporting Healing Harmonies New Mexico.
Speech-language pathologist Nicole Gallegos started the choir in 2022 to unite adults living with neurological challenges and offer them a different kind of therapeutic outlet.
Gallegos explained that music activates broad areas of the brain and can aid communication. Many choir members have lost spoken language, yet when music plays they’re often able to sing.
Today the choir includes nearly 80 participants.
Choir member Don Bonney described the group as a source of happiness and community: being together and sharing their varied voices creates a positive experience that sustains them between rehearsals.
The Hoedown for Hope aims to give choir members and their families an evening of western-themed entertainment and camaraderie.
Gallegos noted there will be activities for children, Western-style face painting, and numerous raffle items generously donated by New Mexico sports teams. All money raised will be returned to nonprofit efforts.
She added attendees should leave uplifted, knowing they helped make a difference for people in New Mexico.
If you go: “Hoedown for Hope”
- Saturday, April 18
- 4-6 p.m. at The Dirty Bourbon (location details)
- Tickets: $10
- Children 12 and under admitted free
- All proceeds benefit Healing Harmonies New Mexico
- Western attire is strongly encouraged (many will say it’s practically required!)
