The seeds of the band were first planted in 1998 in the Rio Grande Valley with the crimson peaks of the Sandia Mountains in the backdrop. Named for a local variety of chile plant, the Sandia Hots ripened into a well-known and respected musical force in Albuquerque and Santa Fe music and dance communities. Transplanted to Colorado during the year 2000, the band developed and grew in the music and dance scene on the Front Range. Returning to our New Mexico roots in 2005, the band continues to evolve, soaking in the area's rich music traditions.

Our musical repertoire consists of lively Southern Appalachian dance tunes and songs, cowboy and early 20th century swing numbers, songs and dance tunes from New Mexico, Mexico and Southern Arizona.

Band members include Liz Stevens on fiddle, Michael Gallagher, five string and tenor banjos, fiddle, and button accordion, Scott Mathis on mandolins and harmonica, and Linda Askew on guitar and vihuela. Strong vocals and dynamic instrumental virtuosity guarantee the listener a flavorful musical experience. The band is featured on the CDs My Earthly Kiss (2005) and on Red or Green, a 2002 CD produced by the Sandia Hots and on 1999 CD with nationally famous Western square dance caller, Bill Litchman, called Allemande Left.

"The Sandia Hots have taken a deep understanding and appreciation of the essence of southern old-time music and connected it with an admirable embrace of the rich but obscure musical legacy of their own region to create something quite durable, driving and unique." See the full article by Dan Margolies, OTH, 10(2), 2006.

To purchase our CD's, T-shirts and bumper stickers contact us, and will be happy to fill your request.