Neon Desert Music Festival ::: San Jacinto Plaza ::: 04.30.11

In light of the news that came through from the White House Sunday night, I felt it wasn’t prudent to be talking about music. This past Saturday, C=T sent two friends, El Jefe de Jefes (word) and El Licenciado (photos) from my hometown to cover the Neon Desert Music Festival. From the Tweets I’ve read, it sounds like it was a raging success. I think the only beef people really had was the lack of re-entry to the fest upon first entrance. We’re all crossing our fingers for a second Neon Desert Music Festival with an even more explosive lineup.

After much anticipation, the Neon Desert Music Festival kicked off to thousands of El Paso/Juarez/Las Cruces residents eager to see something different in the border area. The festivals planning offered optimal parking and sprawling venues within the city’s parks and adjacent streets; making an unusually efficient use of El Paso’s downtown area. Organizers were interested in meshing local talent with larger well known acts. They succeeded in showcasing local talent and bringing much needed recognition to the El Paso/Juarez area. Interestingly enough, there have been many critics who are upset at the festivals organizers for donating a portion proceeds to a local charity who offers help to Juarez citizens now in distress. One of the great things about this event is that it projected local talent, “y sus vidas cotidianas” to a broader public; some of the musicians that performed daily flee/ or visit Juarez…what a better way to celebrate them and the city we all remember/love so much love, JTOWN!?

El Chuco’s Mexicans At Night, led by Rafa Pistola, have been the talk of many locals conversation for sometime now. This MAN performance was particularly special for local fans; Rafa is a downtown native and could not himself asked for a better back drop for his performance. Another who’s merits reach far beyond the El Paso downtown are is Ramon Villa, also known for his work with Fuga and his latest acting roll in Omar Rodriguez’s 2010 “The Sentimental Engine Slayer”. Villas well defined cumbia bass lines accompanied by Amalia’s roaring trumpet notes make for boot scootin’ border boogie. I am sure we will be seeing much more of these two El Chuco acts in the future.

Austins Black and White years pulled many toward their stage. This performance included a smaller set by Austins lyrical poet Zeale. Zeale’s lyrics matched up by some tasteful beats made for a head turning experience…

Los Amigos Invisibles were a perfect fit for the demographics and for their entire set had a funk spell on all around; I personally saw people jamming and singing in tongues.. These Venezuelans have been packing venues in Latin America and Europe for over a decade will continue their success with their latest release “Not So Commercial”

Many fans were expecting Ximena Sariñana Rivera to perform along Omar Rodriquez as part of his group and others were dreaming of a complete rendition of the Mars Volta 2003 “De-Loused in the Comatorium” Both new and old fans alike were happy to see a short haired Cedric Bixler animated by the precise percussion of Deatoni Parks and the whaling of Omar Rodriguez’s guitar. There was nostalgic feeling over the crowd while they listened to mostly new material but delivered with the same intensity they are known for.

MSTRKRFT was greeted by El Pasos love of electro/house. The two Canadian artists are El Paso regulars and were well equipped for a special set. For a brief moment Canadians, Americans, and Mexicans alike were all dancing under San Jacinto Plaza’s Christmas lights; just wish NAFTA could be that much fun as well……………