he Watermelon Mountain Jug Band has been entertaining audiences, young and old, since 1975. Yes, celebrating in 2020, 45 years of performing!! True to the original 1920’s jug bands of the South, our music comes alive with washboard, jug, kazoo, washtub bass, jaw harp, guitar and banjo. The band delights audiences with country, bluegrass, jug band, ragtime, Spanish and original music and even some rock ’n roll classics. Ben might even play a classical music piece! Performances have included appearances at the KIMO Theater, Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Bio Park, Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival, Placitas Artists Series, International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and much more! We also play for national and international conferences, weddings, private parties, school and community events. Our latest CD, “Radio Station WMJB,” was released in 2011. Other special recognition includes: being chosen by Jim Kweskin as one of the top 20 jug bands in the USA for the CD “Jugs Across America”; receiving recognition by NM Music Awards for an original song “Beer” written by Pat Houlihan; and Ben playing the NM state guitar at the dedication ceremony at the request of Pimentel Guitars.