Episode 1: Welcome to Mi Centro | Big Moments, Big Future
Welcome to Mi Centro
Mi Centro: The Downtown El Paso Podcast, hosted by Ivan Bernal and Brenda Sanchez, is your inside look at everything happening in the heart of the city. From the people and businesses to the projects and events shaping Downtown, each episode brings you closer to what’s happening now and what’s ahead. With a mix of interviews, community voices, and on-the-ground segments, Mi Centro is designed to keep you connected to the energy, culture, and momentum of Downtown El Paso.
What’s Happening Now
Downtown El Paso continues to build momentum, with a mix of major events and long-standing businesses shaping what the district looks like today.
One of the biggest moments on the horizon is the upcoming Sol Summit Music & Cultura Festival at San Jacinto Plaza. In our conversation with Festival Director Seth Dodson and Festival Manager Jessica Mendoza, they emphasized that Sol Summit is about more than just music. While the lineup includes artists like The Flaming Lips and Bomba Estéreo, the vision is rooted in community, culture, and creating an experience that reflects the identity of El Paso. With a growing lineup and family-friendly access, it is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated weekends of the year Downtown.
At the same time, Downtown continues to be anchored by the businesses that have defined it for generations. At The Tap Bar & Restaurant, owner Charlene Soule reflected on what it means to celebrate 70 years in Downtown El Paso. From its well-known nachos, originally created with the idea of bringing people together, to its lasting presence in the community, The Tap represents a sense of consistency and authenticity that continues to resonate. As the restaurant marks this milestone alongside the 150th anniversary of Budweiser and the upcoming Clydesdales parade, it is a reminder of how tradition and community continue to play a role in Downtown’s story.
What’s Ahead for Downtown
Looking forward, conversations around the future of Downtown are already taking shape. In our interview with Tracy Yellen of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, we explored the vision behind the proposed Downtown Deck Plaza. The project would cap I-10 with a 6.5-acre park, reconnecting neighborhoods and creating a new destination for the community. As she shared, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how space is used in Downtown and how it can better serve the people who live, work, and visit here.
That same energy continues with events like the Selena & Salsa Market, returning to Union Plaza for its second year. We caught up with performer Jezzika Sax, who shared her excitement about coming back with a new setlist alongside her band, Los Amores Prohibidos. With live entertainment, vendors, and a salsa tasting competition, the event continues to grow as a celebration of music, culture, and community.
And beyond the interviews, it is the people who bring Downtown to life every day. From visitors exploring for the first time to locals heading to lunch or spending time at places like the Main Library, those everyday moments continue to shape the character of the district.
Made In Partnership With:
