A NEW SONG + VIDEO FROM MICHAEL HEARNE!
“Viva Terlingua Night”
Written by Michael Hearne (Car-Mik music (BMI) And Bob Livingston (Dr Livingston, I presume music (BMI)
When Michael Hearne first heard Jerry Jeff Walker’s Viva Terlingua in 1974, it changed everything. The spirit of that record was Gonzo, cosmic, freewheeling, and fun. It lit a fire that still burns today.
Now, Hearne brings that inspiration full circle with a brand new song and video celebrating the music, the magic, and the moment that helped shape progressive country forever.
Recorded at Yellow Dog Studios in San Marcos, Texas, this special project features an all star cast including Gary P. Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Bob Livingston, whose firsthand stories helped bring the spirit of Luckenbach vividly to life.
Filmed against a perfect Texas sunset, the video captures the soul of a time and place that changed music history. Check out the video below!
From the upcoming album A Really Good Ride on Howlin Dog Records, coming Summer 2026
Michael Hearne
Michael Hearne is a singer-songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas, who began playing guitar at the age of seven and quickly found himself performing at local events. By sixteen, he was touring as a musician, beginning a career that would span decades across the Southwest and beyond. He spent many years living in Taos, New Mexico, where he built a reputation as a performer and songwriter, sharing his music in bars, dance halls, and listening rooms throughout the region.
Hearne has written songs recorded by artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, and Johnny Rodriguez, including “New Mexico Rain.” He also toured with Michael Martin Murphey in the 1980s and recorded on Murphey’s 1982 album. Over the years, he has released numerous albums as both a solo artist and with his band South by Southwest.
In 2003, he founded the Big Barn Dance Music Festival, a gathering of songwriters and musicians that continues to draw audiences from across the country.
BIG BARN DANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
In 2003, Michael Hearne founded the Big Barn Dance Music Festival in Taos, New Mexico, with a simple goal of bringing great songwriters together in a setting that felt personal and genuine. What started as a small gathering built around music and friendship has grown into one of the most respected Americana festivals in the Southwest, while still holding onto the spirit it was founded on.
Set against the backdrop of northern New Mexico’s mountains, the Big Barn Dance offers a unique experience that blends the intimacy of a listening room with the energy of a traditional festival. Days are centered around songs and stories shared up close, where audiences can truly connect with the artists and the music. As the sun goes down, the atmosphere shifts into a lively dance hall, with people gathering under the stars to celebrate the joy of live music.
The festival features a wide range of artists across Americana, folk, bluegrass, and roots music, reflecting Michael’s deep ties within the songwriting community. Longtime friends, respected voices, and emerging artists all share the stage, creating a sense of continuity and discovery. Through it all, Big Barn Dance remains a reflection of Michael’s lifelong commitment to song, community, and the simple idea that great music is best experienced together.
The Big Barn Dance Music Festival returns to Red Willow Park in Taos, New Mexico, September 10, 11, and 12, 2026. Join Michael Hearne for three unforgettable days of live music, where top songwriters and performers come together in a setting that feels both intimate and electric. From powerful daytime sets to lively nights under the stars, it is a celebration of Americana, folk, and bluegrass you will not want to miss. Tickets are on sale now!