El Paso continues to be entertained by numerous events such as the annual StreetFest, which will take place downtown on June 21-22––tuning everyone to the same happy frequency.
Three Days Grace and The All-American Rejects will be featured on the Budweiser main stage as headlining bands at this two-day festival. Other bands, such as The Wallflowers, Fozzy and other local bands, will be performing in one of the five music stages, playing all types of music, including country/alternative, Latin and electronic.
“I’m very excited to attend StreeFest this year. They seem to be adding a lot more activities in which people can participate in,” said Edgar De La Torre, graduate electrical engineering major. “I always have a blast and this year will be no exception. All American Rejects, one of my all-time favorite bands made it to the lineup and I can’t wait to see them live.”
According to Veronica Hernandez, live events manager, this festival has improved over the years and as a result has constantly attracted tourism to the city, which has brought more positive exposure to El Paso.
“It is very important that we continue to bring in large international acts,” Hernandez said. “For many years we’ve heard that there is nothing to do in El Paso, which is why I feel that with the growth and movement we have seen these past few years, we are making our way to put the city on the map as an entertainment destination.”
New this year is the incorporation of the Arts and Craft Park, which will feature live art from local artists. All types of art including graffiti, chalk art, paint and wall murals will be considered in this contest. The StreetFest committee will then select the best work that will be featured at the Arts and Craft Park.
“Each artist selected will then be given a 10-by-10 foot canvas area on the ground of the Arts Festival Plaza and will have approximately three hours to complete their art work,” Hernandez said. “After the festival, the committee will vote on the best art display and the winner will
receive $100.”
In addition, the rest of the artists will be able to sell their work to StreetFest guests. Interested artists are encouraged to submit their portfolio via the KLAQ website.
“StreetFest has really become what is set out to be: a festival for any and everybody in El Paso and the entire region,” Hernandez said. “Attendees can expect a full-on festival experience with food and retail vendors, the annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Championship Custom Car and Truck and Motorcycle Show, not to mention the massive fireworks that concludes the festival.”
According to Hernandez, the auto show is the largest aspect of the festival and vehicles from all over the country will make their way here to display at the El Paso Convention Center—entry into the car show is included with StreetFest ticket.
Joining the headlining bands, local bands such as Sha’Vonne Williams, Fungi Mungle, Sobredosis, The Other Half, Mattox, Red City Blue and Kilo and The Dew will be performing for the first time in this event.
“This festival is just as much about local acts as it is about its headliners. We take a special focus in making sure that we are driving the local awareness. “We have a great local music scene and we are proud to showcase our local bands,” Hernandez said.
StreetFest is offering attendees the chance to purchase VIP tickets that are available for sale at holdmyticket.com. VIP ticket holders will have access to the Abraham Chavez balcony and will be provided with a catered meal, unlimited soda and water as well as three drink tickets that can be redeemed at the VIP private bar, a StreetFest poster, parking, lanyard and VIP credential that allows access to the festival grounds.
Tickets are also available in advance at 7-Eleven and Alon stores for $30 plus tax and $40 at the gate.
To submit portfolios visit, klaq.com/calling-all-local-artists-showcase-your-work-at-streetfest-2014/ or contact 880-4955.
Andrea Acosta may be reached at [email protected].
