I was going to post about something else but damn, this block party post was awesome. I decided I would post some photos I took (click on each one to see them in full size) with some short snippets too, nice job Nick!I wasn’t able to get there as early as Nick did but what I did catch was incredible. The creators of this mini-festival have opened a door that leads into an entirely different world. The culture that is available, here in El Paso, is pretty remarkable and as Rafa from A Human Recording once shared, we need to embrace our diversity more often. I only caught the ending two songs of their set but it was probably one of the most intense performances of the day because 1) They were hitting on all cylinders and 2) The heat was fiery scorching.
What can I say, the entire mini-festival was an entirely surreal experience. You see so many of the bands you love just walking around supporting each other and even when they play at the same time (couldn’t we have had The Royalty play for a good 45 minutes and then The DA play for a solid 45 after them so we could see both?) it’s an entirely jubilant musical experience. El Paso is slowly growing into a town where differences, diversity and dissention is being welcomed, to challenge the old standbys. It’s beautiful and hopefully, we can sustain it.After the aforementioned A Human Recording, we gathered back to our tent to set up some comfortable chairs and share watermelon. In the meantime, we got to see many of the locals gathering; they shared food, conversed and laughed and whether it was art, statues, or rugs, people were able to sell their crafts, at honest prices. Ribo’ Flavin is getting more and more attention with their ability at displaying awesome musicality with even better energy. Their saxes are top-notch and the rhythm section truly gels with smooth precision as they pack in even more sounds with two percussionists. But their funk, their soul and taste of R&B is what sets them apart, check them out.
After them we quickly made our way to the other stage – which was conveniently on the other side of the street, away from distracting the main stage – and stepped up to see Bullet Proof Tigers. The electronic duo’s performance was one of high anticipation as they hadn’t performed in El Paso in over two months. Nonetheless, their show was electric and it was the perfect mood and style change as the sun nestled behind the mountains and disappeared.
Lastly, we stepped out to get front row spots for the amazing show put on by The DA. I know they probably don’t need any more love and attention from me but they are most definitely the best band in El Paso and they are only getting better. The most important facet about their music is that they are continuously getting better; even the music from their first and only EP to date has significantly improved. They put on a stellar show and it was a terrific send off to an extraordinary night of festivities. – Bryan
