If you missed Penasco Palooza 2011 you have another opportunity to experience one of the most memorable concerts you’ll have ever gone to! Saturday March 17 is the date to save for a repeat perfomance with some of the best musicians from many of our favorite and most famous U.S. rock bands. Penasco Palooza 2012 will be held on St. Patricks Day, across the street from Chango’s Bar, behind the Sonoran Spa Resort.
What does “Palooza” even mean, I asked myself prior to the last concert? It’s a slang word with definitions such as…a crazy, all out party, partying with tons of people all in one place, a huge event. Well let me tell you, it exceeded all of my expectations and then some. How could it not, with an all- star cast of musicians playing nothing but hits, for 2 ½ solid hours, without even a break?
The line up started with Steve McCarty, of Steve Miller Band fame and Curly Smith, formerly with Boston!! Follow that up with Jimmy Crespo, formerly with Aerosmith & Rod Stewart, Gary Moon formerly with Three Dog Night & Night Ranger, and David Lewark formerly with Sammie Hagar & Eddie Money, Add to that, Leon Bisquera formerly with Anita Baker & Chaka Khan, Paul McDermand formerly with Natalie Cole & Moody Blues, and Terry Anderson who played with Billy Preston. WOW…can you believe all of that talent playing in PENASCO??
Some of you may know these guys former bands very well, but for those of you not sure or not at all let me tell you, you DEFINETLY know their songs!! How about a few titles from the last concerts playlist…Fly Like An Eagle, Abracadabra, More Than A Feeling, Walk This Way, Two Tickets To Paradise, just to name a few. It was one of those concerts that all I kept saying, after they started each song, was…”I know that one, and that one and oh my gosh, that one too”! Most concerts you go to, the band plays a mix of their hits along with songs you don’t recognize because they want to introduce new ones to sell albums. But combine 8 talented musicians playing nothing but the past hits of these terrific bands and you get nothing short of a night to remember. Mariachis opened the night followed by our own local group, Riband., for a total 5 hr eztravaganza!!
Tickets for Palooza 2012, are now available at Chango’s Bar or online at homeofthebraveconcerts.com. Part of the proceeds will also benefit some of our local charities such as: Two Fish Ministries, Youth Sports Foundation, Red Cross, and Save the Vaquita.
Bring your beach chairs if you’re buying the general admission tickets at $30 or enjoy a front section seat in the VIP area, along with a goodie bag for $100. The doors will open at 5 pm with a few other bands performing prior to the main event. There will be plenty of tequila, beer, food and souvenirs available to complete this fabulous evening under the stars.
If you’re reading this, you are already a Puerto Penasco fan. We all know the struggles this town has endured over the past few years between the economy and the unfair press. We all love it here, and feel for the locals who have suffered from the lack of tourists not visiting their shops, dining at their restaurants or renting a kayak or jet ski. We have an opportunity to share this town and all it has to offer with our friends, family and neighbors. Tell them about the concert. I challenge all of us to help support efforts like these, that can continue to keep Penasco in the limelight with positive promotion, versus the biased attempts by the U.S. media, that we’ve all seen for years, right before the holidays, spring break, etc. Let’s be proactive and get the word out beforehand, so people can make reservations in advance for their March vacations. Think about how much exposure we’ll get after they go back with stories of a fabulous concert, great beaches, and beautiful sunsets. If we want Puerto Penasco to continue to turn the corner, we all need to do our part. Hope to see you there!!