Wether you’re getting a tattoo, checking out the hot rides or the lovely pinup girls, the soundtrack to this year’s Great American Rockabilly Riot (Saturday September 1st and Sunday the 2nd) is the perfect backdrop to the good times. With previous killer headliners such as Tiger Army and Reverend Horton Heat, this year’s Riot will group the best local rockabilly bands together in one place, and close out each night with a bang.
Legendary So-Cal ska punks Voodoo Glow Skulls close out the first night, and will have the crowd skanking, pogoing and maybe there will be a mosh pit? Do they still call it that? Anything can happen. The band has been together since 1988 and has visited the Sun City since the 90s. Expect a non-stop high energy show. Make sure to wear a good pair of shoes if you plan to be anywhere near the stage; you can lose your sandals and not even know it.
El Paso 60s soul legends Bobby Rosales and the Premiers will be part of the festivities on Sunday. If you’re one of those El Paso record hounds, you’ll know that Rosales and crew have 2 of the rarest and most sought after 45s— “What About One More Time/Mess Up My Mind” and “Man About Town/Gotta Have A Reason”—huge in the funk and soul scenes from all over the world, especially in the UK. Catch their set and witness a true El Paso legend.
Sunday night closes out with a true Texas legend. Dale Watson has consistently been putting out records since the 90s honoring the traditional sounds of country, rockabilly, outlaw and western swing—a sound that he coined “Ameripolitan.” Based out of Austin, TX, Watson’s sound mirrors the true nature of the event; keeping tradition alive and connecting the past and the present by admiring and experiencing the looks and sounds of the past. Watson’s cookin’ sounds will fire up the fest into an all out wild weekend.
Both days will have music throughout including local bands such as El Paso favorites Radio La Chusma, Los Chucanos and Sorry About Your Sister, as well as out of town talent: Pope Paul & the Illegals (Santa Ana, CA), Sandbox Bullies (Riverside, CA), Reno Divorce (Denver, CO) and Kitty Rose and the Rattlers (Atlanta, GA). Don’t miss out.
