Albuquerque band JD Nash and the Rash of Cash to play state fair

JD Nash and the Rash of Cash, an Albuquerque band blending alternative country, rock and Americana, will perform at the New Mexico State Fair as part of the Soundwave New Mexico Music Festival. The performance is scheduled for the Chevron Pavilion Stage.

The band plays on the Chevron Pavilion Stage on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Bandleader JD Nash said his earliest memories of childhood started with music. His father played guitar and gathered Nash and his cousins at the house every Sunday to listen to songs by artists like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Nash said those older country musicians, along with ’90s country and modern music, were big inspirations.

Nash learned how to make music from his father, who gave him a couple of lessons. His mother helped pay for an electric guitar and a subscription to a magazine, where he taught himself.

His creative process remains open daily, with Nash observing his day-to-day life and working it into a song. “We work together in a certain headspace and create those songs,” Nash said, describing it as transporting himself into another world in his imagination. One of his favorite songs is “Like Water,” written about the Rio Grande drying up a few years ago.

Concertgoers can expect a true local band with people who enjoy playing music for fun. Nash said the band plays the music for the people and wants everyone to have fun and let loose.