Block Party Again

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

.B L O C K P A R T Y .

Every so often Chuco outdoes itself. And for the past 3 years the first weekend of June has been the date for an amazing event that should make any el pasoan proud. The Sunset Heights Block Party has been supplying an amazing venue for Chuco to do exactly that, outdo itself, and make residents smile. And in bigger fashion each year mind you. Basically a mini music festival thrown together by the community, this ain’t your daddy’s block party. With 2 stages highlighting the diverse and in my opinion highly talented local music scene, the block party had no shortage of music. Not to mention djs spinning between sets, local vendors selling everything from jewelry to art as well as exhibitions by local dance troupes ranging from Brazilian Capoera, to modern belly/fire dancing. This year eco minded organizers also planned a group bike ride from different locations to the Sunset Heights neighborhood. The heat this year was almost too unbearable, but with a hearty supply of cold brew and a spontaneous water balloon fights to get ya face wet, it made waiting for the sunset in Sunset Heights slightly more bearable. And with that sunset, came cooler temps and hotter music. The night ended with 2 of Chuco’s best indie acts. The DA on one stage and The Royalty on the other. It’s a shame the crowd, of I’m guessing a few thousand, didn’t get a chance to see both of these great bands. Either way the day gave much opportunity to see and hear some really amazing stuff. What makes this event so great in my eyes is that there is no frill, you can tell this is an even put on by the people for the people. When I mentioned stages earlier, the reality is bands performed on the sidewalks. But that’s the beautiful thing about it, sidewalks for stages or not, these bands performed in front of hundreds of people who braved 100 degree plus heat to party with them! And let me tell you, did they! This isn't the El Paso's version of ACL, actually there are major efforts to put on a large scale music festival here in Chuco, more on that interesting development soon. But the Sunset Heights Block Party is its own amazing thing in its own right. A small community event made for music lovers. What I hope can happen is that this stirs the tide for more people to put on more events like this and more importantly for the willingness of Chuco residents to support events like this. The cool thing is it is already happening. The Root Yoga Studio and its owners put on an amazing event over in Downtown a few weeks ago. It was a multi-level party showcasing another half of El Paso's dope music scene. Over the next few posts I wanna highlight some of the acts who played the Block Party and this other event, aptly entitle Funky See Funky Do. In the meantime, enjoy some of the sites of the party. Sounds coming soon.

Local News: UTEP Basketball and The Royalty

An update: the UTEP men’s basketball team is now 22-5, with an impressive 13-1 record in conference. But bigger than that news is that they are now #21 (ahead of Baylor, Maryland, Texas A&M and Texas) in the coaches poll and #24 in the AP poll!

We play a resurging Marshall (22-7 [10-4]) team that is fighting for a good spot in the conference tournament, on Wednesday night and that game is away. Then we close with a home game against second-place UAB (23-5 [11-3]) and like I mentioned earlier, we beat them in a thriller at their home court so they will be seeking revenge. It will be testing and surely, a huge challenge but we can do it!

Nick and I were at Take II on Saturday night to attend The Royalty’s CD release show. If you haven’t heard them yet, they are an awesome band that hails from our very own El Paso, Texas. They’re definitely channeling some kind of doo-wop/Motown style but with a crisp pop/rock vibe. If anything, they’ve completely taken over my car stereo with their terrific album.

The show was an astounding experience – they sound tight and honed in one their strengths but even more impressing, their chemistry seems to pour into the music with stunning ease. A band that has some pure potential, The DA, opened and their experimental style was excellent as well. And both deserve plenty of myspace hits, recognition and support, so check them out. Below is their official video for "Chinese Fire Drill", above are pictures I took of the show from this past Saturday, their CD is only $10 (hope they vinyl is coming out soon) and their next show is March 13 at the Percolator @ 9PM – Bryan