Chris Dracup

Chris Dracup is a life long New Mexico musician who began his performing career at the age of fifteen in his hometown of Taos. He has been a singer, songwriter and lead guitarist with some of the states most popular musical acts including The Muttz, The Rattle Cats, The Chris Dracup Trio, Hillary Smith and Soul Kitchen. His most recent project :Funk of The West - is an energetic six piece dance band that combines authentic American blues and funk music with African polyrhythms.

Known for his soulful electric and acoustic blues guitar, Chris’ music draws on being comfortable in a wide range of musical styles. His acoustic slide guitar playing reflects the southern delta blues tradition. His original songwriting and regular performance schedule have garnered him critical and popular acclaim and won him an enduring Southwestern fan base.

Chris Dracup has been a featured performer at some of the top regional music festivals including the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, Silver City Blues Festival, Madrid and Albuquerque Blues Festivals, Thirsty Ear Festival, Trinidaddio Fest, Taos Solar Fest, The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and more. He was featured prominently on a television ad campaign for Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico’s “You’ve Got the Blues” and is also involved in commercial and film work.

He is often featured as an opening act for concert acts touring through New Mexico, performing with a wide range of musical artists- everyone from George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars to Joe Walsh, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Richard Thompson, Shuggie Otis and many more.

Voted Best Musician and best Solo Act multiple years by the Local IQ magazine “Smart List” and Best Blues Artist by Albuquerque the Magazine “Best of the Year” 2014.

“Dracup has a knack for hitting the blue notes others only dream of…” - Weekly Alibi

“…a blues mans blues man...” - The Albuquerque Journal

“The NMJW’s official blues advisor...” -Ed Ullman, Director NM Jazz Workshop