Neon Desert 2012

A little over a year ago a small upstart by the name of Splendid Sun Productions realized their vision to bring a homegrown music festival to El Paso. With ties to Austin Texas, like so many Chuco towners, they set out to create a festival that could bring International talent and create a unique El Paso festival for the region to enjoy. The resulting effort has blossomed into the second installment of The Neon Desert Music Festival. Interestingly enough a separate production company made their big freshman outing 2011 as well, but that's for another post. A year has passed since the inaugural Neon Desert Fest, and round two is upon us. Downtown El Paso will be in riot in less than 3 days, on Saturday May 26th. Los pinche largartos de San Jacinto will be dancing their asses off with two stages of indie flavored beats cornered in by historic El Paso buildings, the Cortez and Mills at each side. Not to mention a non stop dance music stage at their base playing from sun up to way passed sun down. With those major alterations in place it looks to be an interesting change the second time around. You can still expect the usual suspects like local food trucks for nourishment, live art and favorites of the talented Chuco indie music scene.

The template for who the orginizers brought this year seems to be similar to last year. A solid dose of Spanish indie and regional acts, along with some big international names that should really shine in the sun city, all sprinkled with local Chuco flavor.

There is no LoveFoxx of CSS fame in the line-up this year but there are plenty acts I look forward to seeing. Here is my short list. If Diplo and Los Tigres del Norte had a love child it would be this guy! From Mexico City check Mexian Institute of Sound's interesting blend of traditional folk sounds with more modern dance music sensibilities . With an amazing female vocalist and the 50's rock vibe, I don't wanna miss Le Bucherettes of Guadalajara.Go CHIVAS socks. Their bassist is some guy named Omar Rodriguez-Lopez by the way. ​​ Toy Selectah describes his music eloquently as Raverton. Enough said. As for 2 bigger named acts I'm looking forward to seeing there's Ghostland Observatory and A-Trak. The electro rock duo from Austin better bring their crazy lazer show! I saw the other half of DuckSauce, Mr Arman Van Heldon about a year ago and was very impressed. A-Trak has really exploded in 2012 and should be a fun closer. ​ As Neon Desert 2012 quickly approaches it seems the success of only the second installment crucial for its long term success and growth as a legitamate music fest.I can only hope for it to be bigger and better and for it to be so for years to come.Get your sun screen kids and drink a water between those $8 beers, it should be good! -Nick