February 2025 - Features: Sadness, Madness, and Mayhem: A Hauntingly Unforgettable Night in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is about to be swept into a storm of eerie enchantment and electrifying performances when the second annual event, "Sadness, Madness, and Mayhem," takes center stage on March 1, 2025, at FUSION | 708. This immersive haunted costume carnival is the brainchild of New Mexico's Dust City Opera, a genre-bending rock band known for its hauntingly poetic music and theatrical performances.
The event, which debuted to roaring success last year, returns with an even grander lineup of circus acts, fire performances, live music, tarot readings, and carnival revelry. As Paul Hunton, lead singer of Dust City Opera, said, "It's a chance to go out, drink, wear costumes, and emote. Make merry."
At its core, Sadness, Madness, and Mayhem is a fusion of music and immersive entertainment. "We like to buddy up to dark subjects," says trombonist Travis Rourk. "We like to open that box and peer in a bit, and there are plenty of weirdos like us who like that sort of thing." And this year's lineup ensures that the event delivers on its promise of eccentric, otherworldly spectacle.
Dust City Opera will take the stage with its signature blend of alternative rock and dark folk storytelling, setting the tone for the night's mystical atmosphere. But they won't be alone—joining them will be the Giovanni String Quartet, whose classical mastery will elevate the band's eerie soundscape into something transcendent.
Meanwhile, the Movement Caravan Circus will weave through the crowd, mesmerizing attendees with gravity-defying acrobatics and a six-person fire show that promises to be one of the night's biggest highlights. Tarot reader Bonnie Bigheart will also be on hand, offering insights and fortunes to those brave enough to seek them.
For those looking to indulge in more earthly delights, the event boasts a fully stocked carnival experience, complete with food trucks, interactive games, and, as Hunton enthusiastically emphasized, "Full bars. Two bars. We need full bars." After last year's massive turnout, event organizers have taken the lessons learned to heart, ensuring an even smoother and more immersive experience for attendees.
One of the key elements that sets Sadness, Madness, and Mayhem apart is its commitment to audience participation. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their most creative, eerie, theatrical attire. For those who come unprepared, the event will have limited costumes available. "If you show up without one, we'll try to find something for you," Hunton reassures.
The immersive nature of the event allows attendees to fully lose themselves in the hauntingly whimsical world that Dust City Opera and its collaborators have created. From the eerie glow of firelight to the hypnotic sway of circus performers, every element is designed to transport visitors into a dreamlike space between reality and the supernatural.
Sadness, Madness, and Mayhem is more than just a concert. It's a celebration of New Mexico's thriving artistic community. The event is presented by AMP Concerts and supported by organizations such as the New Mexico Music Commission and Jon Sanchez Creative.
Dust City Opera, fresh off their appearance on Bands of Enchantment and the success of their latest album and tour, sees this event as a chance to bring something uniquely immersive to Albuquerque. "It's a good 'carnival season' event that I don't know Albuquerque has, definitely not at this time of year," Rourk points out.
With last year's event selling out quickly, organizers strongly encourage securing tickets in advance. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For the VIP Experience, it is $150 a person, which includes an exclusive after-party with the performers, premium drinks, and a gift bag valued at $500.
Tickets can be purchased at AMPConcerts.org or DustCityOpera.com. For those eager to stay updated, the band encourages following them on social media at @dustcityopera, or as Hunton jokes, “The whole Internet thing—we’re there."
As the full moon rises over Albuquerque, the question remains: Are you ready to embrace the madness? One thing’s for certain: this is one night you won’t want to miss.
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