Money Meant For College All-Star Game Now Going To El Paso Concert Festival

In about three months, get ready for an all day music festival in downtown El Paso with four stages, 27 bands and food vendors.

Tuesday, City Council committed $20,000 to the Neon Desert Music Festival.

The money’s part of the $200,000 available through the hotel occupancy tax or “hot funds.” In the past, the funding had been allocated for the Texas Vs. The Nation college football all-star game.

But last year, the game’s organizers moved it to San Antonio.

City leaders say the music festival has the potential of becoming an El Paso signature event, growing every year.

Concert organizers said they’re glad the city’s on board.

“Even $100 is critical for an event like this, but definitely getting the support of the city will help us move forward and help us make it a reality,” said Gina Garza with Splendid Sun Production out of Austin.

Ticket prices will be capped at $35, with concert organizers committing to give back a percentage of the revenues to the City’s Parks and Recreations and local organizations. Organizers have not announced any bands that will be performing at the festival.

According to the city’s contract with the Splendid Sun Production that was included with the City Council Agenda, about 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 30, 2011. The festival also will feature national touring bands, musical artists and performers.

The city’s looking to spending the rest of the available funding — $180,000 — on other various arts projects geared towards supporting downtown revitalization.

Information: www.neondesertmusicfestival.com