Live from Healing Waters Plaza, It's 2026!

In the heart of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where the desert air meets the warmth of the springs, a different kind of magic took flight this New Year’s Eve. The Shell & The Stars captures the vibrant, eclectic energy of the 11th Annual Teresa Tortuga Ascension, a night where tradition and community converged under the vast Southwestern sky.

While the rest of the country waited for the clock to strike twelve, T or C marched to its own beat. This album documents the electric anticipation at Healing Waters Plaza as the clock hit 10:00 PM—ringing in the New Year alongside the East Coast. The centerpiece of the night, Teresa Tortuga, a radiant beacon crafted entirely of shimmering lights, began her slow, triumphant crawl up the pole, signaling a fresh start for all gathered below.

The sonic backdrop of the evening was provided by DJ Pauly Paul, whose rhythms transformed the plaza into an open-air ballroom. His soulful beats kept the desert chill at bay while neighbors and travelers shared deep conversations and toasted the future with cups of warm cider. You can feel the collective cheer in every note as the community danced together, watching the glowing turtle reach its peak.

More than just a countdown, this event was a testament to the unique spirit of Truth or Consequences. It wasn’t about the flash of a big city; it was about the glow of a light-up turtle, the taste of cider, and the heartbeat of a community dancing toward the future.