Neon Desert returns amid storms of controversy

Art by: Angelica Ledesma

Angelica Ledesma, Reporter

If one could describe a music festival, it would be the beloved tradition that turn strangers into friends. Taking place in the heart of downtown El Paso, Neon Desert Music Festival (NDMF) is fast approaching. The two day festival is presented by Southwest University.

The festival takes place over on Memorial weekend, May 25 – 26. It is the ninth annual multi-genre festival event. Every year, NDMF is announced on many social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. People start to plan and purchase tickets early. Others wait for the lineup to be released and make the decision to attend.

The festival took place near San Jacinto Plaza, but has moved to 300 N. Kansas St.  According to KVIA news, the organizers said the new location will provide more viewing space for fans to have a better experience. But NDMF fans disagree with the location change. According to KFOX14, the original location gave fans a change to relax and enjoy the park. The park gave fans a chance to capture moments and enjoy mother nature. Organizers wanted to make sure the event/activity grow and stay healthy for years to come.

Usually, people are excited to find out who will be performing but the lineup for 2019 caused a controversy due to lack of choices in artists. Many expected to see “superior” artists in the lineup rather than artists who already performed in El Paso. But sometimes people forget that organizers for NDMF try to make the two-day festival unforgettable. The festival will have 40 music performers from El Paso and across the world. Headliners such as Wiz Khalifa, REZZ, Miguel, Young Thug, Gunna, Don Omar (Kings of Kings of Reggaeton music) and more will perform in this year festival.

NDMF has hosted over 200,000 attendees. Last year, the two-day festival drew over 30,000 music fans. Although many believe that El Paso does not have the best entertainment, NDMF is the most successful multicultural music festival.