January 10, 2026 – Murray Hotel, Silver City, NM
Silver City, NM — The Silver City community will gather on January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM to honor the lives and legacy of Kenneth Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie, beloved musicians, culture bearers, and the heart of the renowned band Bayou Seco. The event will celebrate their long time contributions to traditional New Mexican folk music and their decades of dedication to preserving and sharing this regional musical heritage.
For many years, Ken and Jeanie made their home in Silver City, where they were central figures in the local arts community. They were widely admired not only for their musicianship but also for their generosity, mentorship, and joy in bringing people together through music. One of their cherished traditions was the "Breaking Up Christmas" dance, an annual gathering that carried forward old-time holiday customs through lively tunes, communal dancing, and fundraising.
To honor this tradition and the indelible mark Kenneth and Jeanie left on the community, the band The Nuisances will host a special memorial dance on January 10, held at the historic Murray Hotel. The evening will feature traditional New Mexican folk dance music, played in the spirit of Bayou Seco's legacy.
Proceeds from the event will support the Fandango Nuevomexicano Folk Music Camp Scholarship Fund, helping ensure that future generations can learn, carry on, and celebrate the musical traditions that Kenneth and Jeanie joyfully preserved. Check out the camp at www.FandangoNuevomexicano.com . It is a nonprofit under the fiscal sponsorship of the Gila Community Foundation.
"Ken and Jeanie dedicated their lives to keeping this music alive," said the event organizers. "This dance is a way for all of us—friends, neighbors, musicians, and dancers—to honor their memory by doing exactly what they loved most: playing music, dancing, and gathering as a community."
This is a family friendly event. Dances will be taught and called. The public is warmly invited to attend. A donation of $10 is suggested.
Event Details:
What: Memorial Dance Honoring Kenneth Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie
When: January 10, 2026, 6:00 PM
Where: Murray Hotel, Silver City, NM
Music: Traditional New Mexican folk dance music performed by The Nuisances
Beneficiary: Fandango Nuevomexicano Folk Music Camp Scholarship Fund
For more information, please contact Susan Mittelstadt.
About Bayou Seco
Kenneth Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie, performing as Bayou Seco, were internationally respected musicians known for their deep research, preservation, and performance of traditional music of the Southwest and beyond. Their work inspired countless musicians and enriched the cultural landscape of New Mexico and the world.
