33rd Annual Minerpalooza to Take Over UTEP Campus

EL PASO, Texas ( KVIA)-The University of Texas at El Paso and the El Paso community – will return to the UTEP campus on Friday, Sept. 15 for Minerpalooza. The annual celebration will take place from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Minerpalooza will feature live entertainment, interactive activities, and Pete’s Playground, a dedicated children’s area that is great for families. Food and beverages will be available for purchase by cash or credit card, and a beer and wine garden will be accessible to individuals aged 21 and older.

There will be a charge for some of the activities. Tickets for those can be purchased on-site with a debit or credit card.

Many of UTEP's student organizations will host activity booths to raise funds for their annual initiatives. Minerpalooza is traditionally one of these student groups' most significant fundraising opportunities. Tickets will be available for sale onsite for $1 each and can be used at the organizations’ activity booths.

Live music will take place throughout the evening.

Entertainment Lineup

• NJOMZA unveiled her acclaimed debut EP, “Sad For You,” in 2017. It received praise from Noisey, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, Office Magazine, and more. In 2019, NJOMZA embarked on her first-ever U.S. headline tour. She also made her festival debut at New York City’s famed Governor’s Ball. Most recently, NJOMZA was recognized for her songwriting work on Ariana Grande’s GRAMMY-nominated album, “Thank U, next.” She is currently putting the finishing touches on her full-length debut album.

• Also in the lineup this year is Kitty Ca$h, a DJ, music producer, cultural cultivator, and multidisciplinary artist. She has worked with artists including Rihanna, SZA, A$AP Rocky, Migos, and Solange Knowles.

• Late Night Drive Home, from El Paso, consists of lead singer Andre Portillo, guitarist Juan Vargas, bassist Freddy Baca, and drummer Brian Dolan. Their inspiration comes from various rock bands, including Wallows, The Strokes, and Nirvana. Formed in 2019, Late Night Drive Home started with a sound concentrated on lo-fi aesthetic rock. But in 2021, their music evolved with the addition of melodic guitar synth-like leads.

• The music of local band Melancholy 10, or M10, features dreamy synths paired with jazz-inspired harmonies topped gently with introspective lyrics.

• DJ Gumby rocks show and events all over the country. He has opened for WWE, Tinashe, Daya, Sugar Ray, Estelle, MAGIC!, Cat and Nat, and more.

Minerpalooza has a clear bag policy. Learn more about what you can and cannot bring into the venue here.

For more information on food and beverage options, parking, activities, and lineup times, visit utep.edu/minerpalooza or contact the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at 915-747-5670.

Mining Minds

The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange on Friday evening, Sept. 15, to celebrate Minerpalooza. “Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. On special occasions, including historic dates and major annual milestones, and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at utep.edu/miningminds.

WHAT:         33rd annual Minerpalooza

WHEN:         6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

WHERE:       On the UTEP campus in the Glory Road 2 (GR2) parking lot north of Sun Bowl Stadium