Written by ManVsParty
For the 8th year in a row, the Neon Desert Music Festival had the El Paso/Juarez borderland dancing on Memorial Day weekend. The West Texas festival boasted an impressive lineup of chart toppers, up and comers, and local acts from a variety of musical backgrounds. What made Neon Desert stand out this year, was the impressive Latinx acts which are a perfect fit for tastes amongst the border. Anchoring these headliners was El Paso’s very own At the Drive In coming off a world tour and playing their largest hometown show in years.
One of the most strikingly beautiful aspects of the festival grounds is that they are built into the heart of the city unlike any other festival across the state. The stages are within city buildings, nestling the artists within the architecture of El Paso. The entire festival grounds surround the newly renovated San Jacinto Plaza, or Plaza de los Lagartos, that has been a city park since 1883. From various areas of the festival you also have stunning views of the Franklin Mountains overlooking the city.
The opening day of the festival was fortunate to have some overcast as a bit of a respite from the expected 98 degree weather. I started my day with some local hip hop enjoying the throwback sounds of The Fifth Estate. Hailing from Mexico City, the band Little Jesus had everyone dancing to their indie alternative sounds. I caught a bit of Divine Kegel on the Homegrown stage en route to see Playboi Carti. The band was a great mix aggressive energy for a lineup consisting of mostly laid back acts. When I made it to the Franklin Mountain stage Playboi had everyone Milly Rockin’ in the sun as the crowds increased. The same crowd was in attendance for a medley of Lil Wayne tracks and features as he ran through his impressive catalogue.
Although the age group of the crowd was more ready for artists like Playboi Carti, the die hards were ready for At the Drive In at 11pm. The crowd was feeling it as Cedric Bixler addressed his hometown crowd and reaching the mic out for them to sing along to hits like “One Armed Scissor” and “Pattern Against User.” Although At the Drive In didn’t boast the largest crowd of the festival they may have displayed the most energy showing out for their home. As the night died out, Martin Garrix had the EDM crowd dancing under an impressive laser display.
The crowds arrived earlier on Sunday despite the heat. Rising LA star, Cuco had a large crowd early in the day. The latinx star has sold out venues across the state with his blend of old school new wave sounds, emotional lyrics and hip hop sensibilities. The 19 year old had the crowd in the palm of his hands as he crooned in spanglish. He ended his set with a janky rap about riding around town in a busted up Honda CRV. His parting words to the crowd were a reminder to follow your dreams and that if a first generation Mexican kid can do it, anyone can.
While enjoying the festival grounds I stumbled upon Wildsters on the local stage. Her soothing voice lulled me in as I searched for food. Her trip hop inspired beats had everyone grooving. I made my way to catch Colombian band Bomba Estereo. Their performances were accompanied by beautiful visuals as the modernized cumbia and salsa bounced off the walls of the surrounding buildings. As Bomba Estero closed out the crowd began to grow as many awaited Mexican favorites Cafe Tacvba. The legendary Mexican rockers went through their 3 decades long career of hits. The genre busting band transitioned from hip hop to punk to cumbia and ska in an hour and a half. Easily the best performance of the weekend from the oldest guys on stage.
The cumbia transitioned perfectly into the Farruko set I saw after. He was the best reggeaton act of the weekend satiating a craving the audience had as the sounds is having a resurgence across the country. Culminating the weekend was Gucci Mane, performing in El Paso for the first time. I was surprised to see the largest crowd all weekend show up for him, but it makes sense given his notoriety in the hip hop world.
With so many festivals across Texas, consider making a stop in El Paso next Memorial Day weekend for Neon Desert.
