The New Mexico Book Association's Summer Gala is on August 23, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., at Las Campanas, Santa Fe.

We are thrilled to have, as our keynote speaker, New Mexico's award-winning poet, memoirist, and screenwriter Jimmy Santiago Baca. Often described as both a "firebrand" and "inspirational," Baca's remarkable backstory is reflected in his work. In 2004, he founded a non-profit, Cedar Tree, to help transform the lives of at-risk youth through workshops on writing and literature in prisons, detention, and community centers.

At the event, we will also host a performance by guitarist Nacha Mendez, who was voted Best Female Vocalist in Santa Fe in 2009 and 2010 and received a New Mexico Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Two years ago, Mendez established Nacha Mendez Music Scholarships for New Mexican Girls of Color. Last month at Site Santa Fe, she awarded girls twelve scholarships ($1,000-$2,500) nationwide.

Of particular interest to many Summer Gala attendees, the NMBA will announce the 2024 Southwest Book Design and Production Awards (SWBDA) competition winners.

The NMBA, thirty years old next year, supports the creation of quality books for readers of all ages, genders, and ethnicities through workshops, monthly Zoom networking meetings, author exposure opportunities, competitions, and awards.

The $60 ticket price for the Gala includes a copy of one of Baca's books. Tickets may be purchased on NMBA's website.