Sun Worshippers, Music Lovers Expected to Come in Droves to 'Solar Music Fest' in Taos, June 26 & 27
TAOS, NM - After a year-long hiatus, the Taos Solar Music Festival (Solar Fest) will shine brighter than ever, with thousands anticipated to come Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 for a weekend of diverse music, art, and green living. In 2008, more than 9,000 music lovers and the earth conscious came to Taos for the Solar Fest.
On Friday, June 25th from 5 to 8 p.m., San Francisco hip hop band, Lyrics Born, will perform a free show to kick off the weekend.
Solar Fest, slated to take place at Kit Carson Park in Taos, will showcase a number of popular musical acts including Jakob Dylan (formerly of the Wallflowers), Taos local Robert Mirabal, activist Michael Franti and his band Spearhead, Todd Snider with Great American Taxi, Texas superstar Pat Green, and Tex-Mex rockers Los Lonely Boys, who will ignite the crowd with a half-acoustic, half-electric set.
Changes from previous years include modifying the focus on the solar educational displays, a new Solar Sculpture Garden, festival camping, a reduction in the length of the Solar Fest from three days to two and positioning the Solar Stage on the other side of Kit Carson Park from where it has always been.
Previously, Solar Fest was not only a place to experience music and art under the beautiful New Mexico skies, but to bring attention to sustainable energy and the environment using a photovoltaic-powered Solar Stage, hosting earth-friendly vendors and providing the educational Solar Village.
"The Solar Village was a wonderful teaching tool, but now we want to show solar energy in motion, and alternative and renewable energy sources and solutions in inspiring, artistic forms,” says Solar Fest Co-Executive Producer, Dawn Richardson. “Our vision for the Solar Sculpture Garden and the SolarFest Forest is to use art as an educator, especially since Taos is an art colony and art destination. We’re looking for ways to stimulate the imagination to explore possibilities for renewable energy.”
What’s attracted both artists and off-the-grid settlers over the years to Taos is what charms those participating in the Solar Fest: clean air, a relaxing pace, breathtaking views, and wide open spaces. Solar Fest combines art and eco-awareness with this year’s new Solar Sculpture Garden display where, in collaboration with TREND magazine, regional artists will create kinetic art installations powered by solar, wind, water, and even humans pedaling bicycles.
Solar Fest visitors can also adopt a tree in the new “Solar Fest Forest” which is lit up by solar panels and donated by Kit Carson Electric.
In addition, festival-goers can pitch a tent just a block from the festival for an inexpensive and convenient way to experience Solar Fest weekend.
The schedule of musical acts are as follows:
Saturday, June 26 - doors open at 10:30 a.m.. show starts at 10:45 a.m
10:45 a.m. - Hidden Whale
12:45 p.m. - That 1 Guy
2:15 p.m. - Cherrlyholmes
4:00 p.m. - Lyrics Born
5:30 p.m. - Jakob Dylan
7:15 p.m. - Robert Mirabal
8:00 p.m. - Michael Franti and Spearhead
Sunday, June 27- doors open at 10:30 a.m.. show starts at 11:30 a.m
11:30 a.m. - Kim and the Caballeros
1:00 p.m. - The National Institute of Flamenco featuring Alma Flamenca & Ninos Flamenco
2:30 p.m - Darren Cordova y Calor (Taos Mayor)
4:00 p.m. - Todd Snider and Great American Taxi
6:00 p.m. - Pat Green
7:45 p.m. - Los Lonely Boys
For complete information about the Taos Solar Music Festival, including tickets, lodging, and an updated lineup, visit www.solarmusicfest.com. Tickets are $45 for one day, and $75 for both days. Ticket prices will increase the day of show. Kids 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets online and at the front gate during the festival.
Kit Carson Park is located at 211 Camino del Paseo Pueblo Norte in Taos. For information, contact Dawn Richardson at 575-758-9191 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting**************575-758-9191******end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting**************575-758-9191******end_of_the_skype_highlighting or dawn@solarmusicfest.com.
