Neon Desert Music Festival 2013 has an amazing lineup on Saturday, May 25!

Interested in knowing more about this year’s music talent confirmed? Check out this Insider’s Guide to all the bands coming this year!

MOLOTOV

Some might say Molotov’s music is as explosive as their namesake. If so, the four-time Grammy Award-winning Mexican rock band will bring that fiery energy to Neon Desert stages on Saturday evening. You will just need to be sure you are ready for them to light up your night!

Molotov is a four-time Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican rock band formed in Mexico City on September 23, 1995. The lyrics they perform often feature a mixture of Spanish and English, rapped and sung by all members of the group: Tito Fuentes, Miky Huidobro, Paco Ayala and Randy Ebright. Songs, such as “Give me tha power,” and “frijolero,” are some of their most known work. Molotov’s most recent album called “Desde Rusia con amor,” is a live album released in 2012.

MARTIN SOLVEIG

We hope you are wearing your dancing shoes when you come to Neon Desert because Martin Solveig will be throwing down some fantastic beats on our downtown streets. The French DJ and producer has sold over two million copies of his recent Dragonette collaboration hit “Hello,” and has hit platinum status in multiple countries across the world. Those impressive skills will be rocking out Neon Desert and we can’t wait for the show!

Solveig is a French electro-house background as a DJ and producer from Paris. He has collaborated with Dragonette, Kele of Bloc Party, and Madonna.  Sloveig is an official producer for Madonna’s most recent studio album, “MDNA.” Martin Solveig is also the creator of “SMASH,” the YouTube series. “SMASH” is a modern day masterpiece, bursting at the seams with pure fun, frivolity and all capped off with timeless trademark sounds.  Involving the undeniable talents of Dragonette, Bloc Party front man Kele, Sunday Girl, and U.S. Whirlwind DEV – it brings Solveig to new and dizzying heights.

WOLFGANG GARTNER

Partygoers at Ultra Music Festival and Coachella got to hear his great music this year. Before he hits up the Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival in June, Wolfgang Gartner will be tearing it up at Neon Desert Music Festival! The electro-house aficionado has worked with the likes of Skrillex, Deadmau5 and William “will.i.am” Adams to produce adrenaline-pumping hits. Are you prepared for his audible awesomeness?

Gartner is an American house music producer and DJ. His single, “Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony,” was the highest selling song on Beatport.com in 2009. On September 20, 2011, Gartner released his first full length album Weekend in America. The album featured vocal cameos from Omarion, Jim Jones & Cam’ron, will.i.am and Eve. It peaked at #2 in iTunes’ dance chart and #1 in Beatport’s album chart. Gartner also collaborated with Deadmau5 on, “Animal Rights,” and with Skrillex on, “The Devil’s Den.” These collaborations were released on Deadmau5′s, “4×4=12,” album and Skrillex’s, “Bangarang,” respectively. Gartner has participated on numerous music festivals, such Coachella, Ultra and will be at Bonnaroo.

PXNDX

Sometimes known as Panda, this alternative rock band out of Monterrey, Mexico, will be rockin’ the festival stage with their punk sound. If you love the sound of bands such as Alkaline Trio and Blink-182, PXNDX should be on your check-list of bands to check out during Neon Desert.

Panda, later stylished as PXNDX, is a Mexican alternative rock band formed in Monterrey, Nuevo León in 1997 as part of the musical movement known as Avanzada Regia. The band caught local attention in 2001 with the album Arroz con leche, and mainstream success on their albums Para ti con desprecio (2005) and Amantes Sunt Amentes (2006). The singles “Cita en el Quirófano”, “Cuando no es como debiera ser”, and “Disculpa los malos pensamientos” topped MTV’s Los 10+Pedidos for 39 weeks in total. The phenomenon created by this Mexican band has rarely been seen.

BEST COAST

If you fall madly in love at the festival this year, more than likely it will be the result of listening to the melodic tunes of Best Coast. The L.A.-based surf band formed in 2009 and has been putting out love-induced hits ever since. Don’t say we didn’t warn you when you end up with a cupid-related casualty after their performance!

The band consists of duo Bethany Cosentino, and Bobb Bruno, with several drummers having joined the band for live performances, most notably Vivian Girls drummer Ali Koehler. The band’s music is often categorized under the subgenres of surf, garage rock, and lo-fi. In April 2010, Best Coast released a music video for their single, “When I’m with You”. On October 18, 2011, “When I’m With You” was a featured track in the Rocksmith video game series. Best Coast has toured with notable bands like The Decemberists, and opening for Green Day during their March/April 2013 U.S. tour.

BOSNIAN RAINBOWS

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is at it again! This time he’s got his former Mars Volta drummer Deantoni Parks, Le Butcherettes vocalist Teri Gender Bender and Nicci Kasper of Dark Angels to form the super awesome group Bosnian Rainbows.

Initially billed as a variation on the Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group, the band was formed following a decision to put Rodriguez Lopez and Parks’ primary project, The Mars Volta, into a hiatus.

DRAGONETTE

This Canadian trio will make it impossible for you to just stand around as they put on their dance-inducing performance.  They partnered with Martin Solveig to bring us the hit “Hello,” so we are positive their entire body-movin’ performance will make you a little sad when it’s time to say “goodbye.”

From Toronto, Ontario, they formed in 2005. The band consists of singer-songwriter Martina Sorbara, bassist and producer Dan Kurtz (also in The New Deal) and drummer Joel Stouffer. Dragonette released a self-titled EP before being signed to Mercury Records and relocating to London, where they recorded and released their debut album Galore to moderate critical appreciation. A second studio album, Fixin to Thrill, was released in 2009. The group’s third studio album, Bodyparts, was released on September 22, 2012.

PAUL BANKS

If you are an Interpol fan, you are going to love Paul Banks, which has distinctive vocals from New York.  It will get heads bobbing when he jams out for fans on Saturday night. If moody, ominous and soul-grabbing sounds are up your alley, don’t miss this performance!

Born in England, Paul Banks was raised in both the U.S. and Mexico. He speaks fluent Spanish with a Castilian and Mexican accent. Banks joined the band Interpol in the Summer of 1997. Banks’ voice, singing style and lyrics have been strongly compared to, most notably, Ian Curtis of Joy Division. Banks released a solo album under the name Julian Plenti on 4 August 2009 entitled Julian Plenti Is… Skyscraper. His second full-length studio album, Banks was announced on 6 August 2012 and was released on 22 October 2012.

NORTEC COLLECTIVE PRESENTS BOSTITCH + FUSSIBLE

The group Nortec Collective is a music ensemble out of Tijuana, Mexico, with various projects in the works. They are known for combining norteño and techno sounds to create their unique nortec style of music. Bostitch + Fussible, of Nortec Collective, will be joining Neon Desert with an electronica set that will be sure to rock this Saturday.

After a decade since creating the sound that defines the border, the Nortec Collective evolves. Bostich + Fussible present new album, Bulevar 2000.

CARLA MORRISON

Just get out of a bad relationship? Or maybe you are just reminiscing over memorable loves from the past? Then Carla’s got your back. The Latin GRAMMY Award winning artist knows a thing or two about love and will sing her soul out during the festival.

Carla Morrison is a Mexican pop-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/indie pop singer Carla Morrison played in numerous rock bands before striking out on her own in 2009 with her debut, “EP Aprendiendo a Aprender.” The full length, “Mientras Tu Dormias…,” arrived in 2010, followed by another EP, “Jugando en Serio,” in 2011 and her second studio album, “Dejame Llorar,” in 2012.

STRFKR

Northwest coast represent! The Portland band will hook up festivalgoers with their electro-pop sound, catchy beats, and dance-friendly hooks. Initially known as PYRAMID or Pyramidd, the four-member group is anything but a typical band, so be ready to experience quite a show!

A BAND OF BITCHES

If you think their name raised some eyebrows, wait until you see them perform. The band’s Facebook page claims they were founded in the year 1000, and classifies their genre as soft porn rock while listing Rasputin, Einstein, and Newton as their many interesting influences. Buckle up, kids – as this is going be one heck of a ride!

KIDNAP KID

Matt Relton, musically known as Kidnap Kid, is already a well established DJ and producer in his native country of Great Britain. The English artist will hit us up during his 16-date global tour to get you movin’ and sweatin’. Roll up those sleeves and get a little limber because it’s going to be a bumpin’ set!

THE ROYALTY

It would not be Neon Desert without a little El Paso love, now would it? Chucotown favorites The Royalty has been quite busy recently with performances across the country and lotsa’ MTV love. Now they will be here to jam out with a catchy mix of indie, rock, soul, and pop goodness that will get you ready for the entire night!

VIERNES

This Sunshine State group will be hooking up the Sun City with their experimental/electro/ambient sounds and beats. Described on Pitchfork as dream pop and dreamy, escapist music, we are sure their music will be a pleasant treat for your ears. Get ready to groove friends!

ELECTRIC SOCIAL

This El Paso-based group includes members formerly of A Lucky Tragedy and The Jolly Moors. The six-piece band describes their sound similar to Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, The Cranberries, and The Strokes. According to their Facebook page, the band’s interests consist of getting buck wild.  You can’t miss their performance!

THE BLACK COATS

The Black Coats, an El Paso band, is the result of an evolving project that is now ready to rock! They define their music as a mix of punk rock, rhythmic synth reggae, and a vintage strand of pop laced with harmonies and warm keys. Sounds good to us, and can’t wait to listen to this band!

RIBO FLAVIN

The band, unlike its moniker, is anything but a vitamin; we promise they are good for your ears! What started as a hip-hop experiment quickly became a 13-piece orchestra and now belts out beats with sounds similar to Jamiroquai, Galactic, and Ozomatli. These Sun City natives fuse Hip Hop, Jazz funk, Soul and Latino influences for your listening pleasure.

JOHNNY KAGE

Armed with a love for everything house and electro, Johnny Kage will be getting the pulse of the event grounds going at Neon Desert Music Festival. The El Paso DJ and on-air personality has years of party-pumping experience that will be sure to heat up the stage.

For more information, click here.

Mercado Paisano Spotlight:

18,800-square-foot Mexican Mercado located between Paisano and Oregon

Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.

Information: 351-9855.

To get an inside scoop, click here.

This week, the “It’s Happening!” Campaign profiles YI Santoscoy, a leader positively impacting Downtown El Paso.

YI Santoscoy has been part of the Downtown community since 1996. She oversees four businesses in Downtown: the National American Investment Co., Family Credit Loans, Paisano Credit Co., and Pocket Loan Services. Her commitment to Downtown is evidenced by her involvement with the Downtown Management District (DMD) as a board member and her dedication as a business and property owner. Ms. Santoscoy understands her position as a stakeholder to be very important and never shies away from contributing with sound advice, good will and hard work. Her work adds vitality to Downtown by contributing to the live, work, play environment that the Downtown Management District seeks to strengthen.

As a DMD board member, Ms. Santoscoy represents a wide variety of stakeholders that have an interest in Downtown revitalization. Her participation in the DMD Marketing Committee and Façade Review Committee reveals her interest in promoting Downtown as a lively city center with civic, cultural and commercial assets that contribute to El Pasoans’ quality of life. The Marketing Committee facilitated the creation of a new website for downtown, www.DowntownElPaso.com. The façade grant review committee administers grants to eligible downtown property and business owners who want to renovate existing commercial facades.

The DMD would not be the same without Ms. Santoscoy’s contributions by volunteering their knowledge, time and expertise for the betterment of Downtown. Ms. Santoscoy is a true advocate of Downtown revitalization by working towards a greater future while supporting initiatives that benefit the business and property owners that currently make up the Downtown community.

Thanks to Ms. Santoscoy’s service and dedication, “It’s Happening!” in Downtown El Paso.

The It’s Happening! Campaign would like to encourage civic and government leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the Downtown area to participate in this campaign and showcase to the rest of the El Paso community the positive contributions that are revitalizing Downtown El Paso.

If you know of a civic or community leader, organization, or business that should be profiled because of their positive impact to Downtown El Paso’s revitalization efforts, please call Lilia Granillo at the Downtown Management District (DMD) offices at (915) 400-2294 or email info@elpasodmd.org.

This is your Insider’s Guide on everything you need to know to prepare for this year’s Neon Desert Music Festival (NDMF). There will be 10 hours of live music, local food, merchandise, live local art, and all in the heart of Downtown El Paso! The festival will spotlight 25-30 acts, including Molotov, Martin Solveig, Wolfgang, Gartner, PXNDX, Best Coast, Paul Banks and Carla Morrisson. Neon Desert this year will be a treat for fans of rock, electronic, and Latino music!

Here is a snapshot of what you need to know as you plan to attend Neon Desert:

Tickets

Tickets are still available for the festival! Tickets are $55 and can be purchased on the Neon Desert website.  They can also be bought locally at WB Liquors, All That Music, The Headstand, Happy House, or The Pizza Joint. VIP tickets are still available, but only on their website for $150. VIP tickets include complimentary beer, wine, water, Red Bull as well as a Neon Desert 2013 t-shirt, poster, and festival re-entry, separate entrance & exit, free food from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. including Edible Arrangements fruit and treats, and last but not least a view of the Budweiser Stage.

Food & Accommodations

Neon Desert 2013 has partnerships with local restaurants in order to enhance the overall experience! They also organized two great hotel packages for fans right now with the Hilton Garden Inn-University and the Camino Real in Downtown. Fans can find all the necessary details for both packages on the website.

Maps & Guidelines

Fans will be able to find festival maps and the artist schedule on the website as well as on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Fans are encouraged to park in the 3 garages in Downtown El Paso (Mills Parking Garage, Convention Center, and Union Plaza). For any closer to UTEP, there is parking at the Glory Road Parking Garage where the Sun Metro will be providing service from the Glory Road Transfer Center to the Union Plaza Transit Terminal all day until 1:30 a.m. Fans are permitted to bring blankets, umbrellas, baby strollers, binoculars, pocket-sized cameras, and one foldable lawn chair. For a more detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring, visit the website. Re-entry is prohibited during the festival.

What’s New This Year

Neon Desert has new experiences to look forward to this year! One of the new projects is the Whataburger autograph tent, which fans will be able to grab a free poster and have the opportunity to have it signed by some of the artists performing at the tent. The artists for the tent will be announced very soon. They will also be giving away free Whataburger for a year to two lucky fans! Fans must text ‘NDMF’ to 96362 to enter to win.

Along with these two exciting opportunities, Neon Desert organizers also announced a high school photo competition. For this competition, fans can make a photo collage of their favorite teacher, anything music related, their campus, and/or their favorite activity to do at school. Fans then post their photo collage along with a description of why they love their high school in 25 characters or less on the Neon Desert Facebook page and they will pick a winner! The grand prize includes 2 VIP tickets, 2 general admission tickets for their favorite teacher, a NDMF t-shirt, a NDMF poster; they also get to pick which artist they want to watch perform from backstage!

Along with the high school contest, the festival will also host a DJ/Producer competition. Fans can enter to earn a spot on the WB Liquors Silent Disco. Fans need to send their demo/press kit to info@splendidsunproductions.com to enter.

Maria’s Closet (314 S. El Paso) has been providing Downtown customers with good quality products at reasonable prices for more than a year now. Maria’s Closet is best known for its women’s clothes, particularly their junior styles, and other boutique specialties including their wide array of accessories and jewelry. Maria’s Closet certainly has an eye for quality fashion, and amazing shopping deals year-round.

Trendy fashion is happening at Maria’s Closet on South El Paso Street with a young entrepreneur at the helm of the store. Maria’s Closet is also offers tickets for events and concerts at Tricky Falls, which is another South El Paso Street location that show that, “It’s Happening!” in Downtown!
Maria’s Closet hours of operation are Mon-Sat 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sun 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (915) 532-7305 or click here.

If you know of a civic or community leader, organization, or business that should be profiled because of their positive impact to Downtown El Paso’s revitalization efforts, please call Lilia Granillo at the Downtown Management District (DMD) offices at (915) 400-2294.

Pot Au Feu is a local restaurant with five-star food, service, and ambiance. Head chef and owner Roberto Espinoza opened the restaurant in July of 2009 and knew that being Downtown would ensure the restaurant was accessible to everyone in search of quality, delicious food. Since then, Pot Au Feu has been providing El Paso with diverse flavors from around the world by featuring cuisines from a different country each month. Chef Espinoza wants patrons to experience the exciting menu all while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere at Pot Au Feu.

At Pot Au Feu customers can expect dishes made with fresh food, prepared to order in-house. The soups, stocks, salad dressings, pasta, and flat bread (naan) are all carefully crafted in their kitchen from scratch. Some of the customer favorites are the fattoush salad (Lebanon), chimichuri ribeye (Argentina), yellow coconut curry (Thailand) and tea smoked duck (Japan). Chef Espinoza and the team at Pot Au Feu contribute to the excitement that surrounds Downtown revitalization by working with passion and dedication to bring the City of El Paso and Downtown incredible food and service.

The Downtown Management District recognizes that establishments like Pot Au Feu propel Downtown towards the realization of making Downtown the center of civic, cultural and commercial activity. We are thankful for Chef Espinoza and his team. Downtown is proud to be the home of talented restaurateurs who make sure that El Pasoans and visitors know that “It’s Happening!” in Downtown El Paso.

If you know of a civic or community leader, organization, or business that should be profiled because of their positive impact to Downtown El Paso’s revitalization efforts, please call Lilia Granillo at the Downtown Management District (DMD) offices at (915) 400-2294.

If you are interested, click here to download a presentation outlining the specifics of this campaign.

When asked about the new Downtown El Paso store, Cindy Uribarri, the new operations coordinator for the Child Crisis Center’s Thrift stores, explains, “…When we first opened our doors a couple of months ago, we were only selling clothing, shoes, and toys. Today, because of support from local churches and the community, we are selling household goods and some furniture. The benefits of community involvement are an increase in sales, which [help] our great cause in helping more children who are in need.”

The Discovery Shop, the Child Crisis Center’s first thrift store on 4747 Hondo Pass, started 21 years ago by a group of committed El Pasoans, which now accounts for approximately 20% of the Child Crisis Center’s funds. The new Downtown store aims to expand not only the variety of goods sold, but also provide additional financial support for this organization and now participation in Downtown’s revitalization.

“Our first store, the Discovery Shop has raised over $4 million for the Child Crisis Center,” said Uribarri. “…The center receives such great support from the community; we were able to open up a second store.”

Until recently, the thrift stores operated solely with volunteer support. In August 2013, the Child Crisis Center hired Cindy Uribarri, the first ever Thrift Store Operations Coordinator. Responsible for leading community volunteers and ensuring business and government regulations, Uribarri hopes to capture the success of its first store in an area of Downtown so close to the new Mercado and potentially new restaurants and retailers along S. Oregon and S. Paisano.

“We are only 3 months along, and so far business is steadily increasing,” added Uribarri. “We envision a thriving Downtown El Paso store with great volunteer support and regular customers coming from the Segundo Barrio and the Downtown Shopping District.”

The community can support the Child Crisis Center by donating their gently used clothing, goods and furniture. Community members can also help by purchasing items from the new Thrift Outlet in Downtown. They are also looking for volunteers to help the thrift store.

With the opening of its new thrift store, the Child Crisis Center of El Paso is a welcome partner in Downtown’s revitalization efforts.

For more information:

Thrift Outlet, Child Crisis Center of El Paso, 220 S. Oregon, (915) 532-3246

“We are looking forward to this festival and feel really excited about it,” explained Dennis Melonas, executive director of the Central Business Association (CBA). “Stop by for some great music and food, but also to experience a preview of BuenFin / Shop Fiesta this November!”

This Cinco de Mayo Shop Fiesta is a precursor to a number of shopping festivals planned this year, including a bi-national shopping festival to coincide with BuenFin, which is the equivalent of Black Friday in Mexico in November hosted the weekend before Black Friday sales.

This is the second year the Cinco de Mayo Shop Fiesta has been organized to encourage El Paso and Cd. Juarez shoppers to come and explore the Downtown Shopping District. The festival is also organized to encourage economic growth in Downtown El Paso and encourage our communities to come together and celebrate at a family-friendly festival.

DowntownElPaso.com speaks to Number Brewery, LLC – which is preparing to bring a new event to Downtown El Paso.

Tell us about your event coming up?

Number Brewery, LLC in Coordination, with the support from Community Foundation and others, are proud to announce the 2013 Sun City Craft Beer Fest in Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Sept. 28.

At Number Brewery, we are craft beer lovers and would like to share his enthusiasm with the city. The craft beer culture is quickly growing nationwide, and we want to bring it home to El Paso.  We also want El Pasoans to see quality beer in a new way ­while turning beer lovers into craft beer connoisseurs.

Dozens of national craft breweries will be showcasing their brews.  Hundreds of beers will be available to taste for El Paso beer lovers!  The event will also offer live on-site brewing demonstrations where experts will show festival goers how to brew beer at home.

Also, for the first time in El Paso, we will be crowning the, “Best 2013 Home Made Craft Beer,” in the Sun City. We are happy to invite all local home brewers to submit their best home brew beer and recipes. The best first, second and third place recipes will receive monetary prizes plus the bragging rights for having the best local home made beer!

Local artists, food vendors, and other businesses will also showcase their talent and merchandise at the festival. A portion of proceeds made from ticket sales will be used to support local charities.

Number Brewery, LLC promotes responsible drinking. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted onto festival grounds. No exceptions.

We hear there is an interesting catch phrase you will be using? Tell us about it.

The phrase we have been using to promote the launch of the marketing campaign is “Something big is brewing in El Paso.”

What kind of promotions may be in play between now and the actual event?

We are open to give tickets to promoters for contests where people can win tickets before they are sold out.

Anything else you would like to add?

To participate in the 2013 El Paso Craft Beer Tasting Festival Best Home Brew competition, or to participate in the festival as a brewery or vendor, people can visit our site www.suncitycraftbeerfest.com

To watch a preview of this new event, click on this teaser video !

For more information, check this Facebook Page or email nahum@numberbrewery.com.

This week, we profile the Downtown Management District (DMD)

The El Paso Downtown Management District’s (DMD) executive director and staff work to make Downtown the center of commercial, civic and cultural activity. We strive to serve as a primary clearinghouse for public and private activities including economic incentive programs in Downtown El Paso, create targeted marketing and media visibility to promote Downtown as a destination for events, shopping, dining, employment, and downtown living. Our goal is to foster Downtown El Paso’s image with one clear message and plan that will improve the economic environment, Downtown’s public space and Downtown’s cleanliness in partnership with the City and County of El Paso.

The DMD is dedicated to revitalizing Downtown by providing a variety of core services. The Sanitation and Security Program, which provides sanitation and security services, supplements the municipal sanitation efforts with waste collection, graffiti removal, sidewalk power washing, and gum busting services. The DMD also oversees and directs marketing efforts that increase Downtown’s visibility by sharing the cultural, entertainment and night-life assets that make Downtown the perfect place to live, work, play and shop.

Furthermore, the DMD also administers a Commercial Façade Improvement Grant program that supplements the efforts of property and business owners that renovate or restore commercial facades with grant money. Other programs include a street banner program that can be used as a marketing tool or wayfinding tool and a special event permitting program that allows event organizers to hold premier events in Downtown’s streets.

Ultimately, the DMD staff is dedicated towards serving Downtown by creating useful resources, providing information and facilitating the revival of our Downtown.

We are excited to be a part of the It’s Happening! campaign and hope you will join us!

Submit your office or organization to be profiled and show your pride for our future Downtown. Contact Lilia Granillo at (915) 400-2294 for more information.