Despite sounding like a Taco Bell promotion, the Hot Burrito To-Go Weekend in Marfa comes out of Austin courtesy of the Spider House 29th St. Ballroom. The Sept. 7-8 weekend features 30 bands playing two venues, Padre’s and Planet Marfa, with a lineup featuring local favorites Bobby Jealousy, Foreign Mothers, American Sharks, Melissa Bryan, etc.
“I like to think there’s a strong connection between the two cities. Marfa, like Austin, has a strong appreciation for arts and entertainment,” offers Jason McNeely, the brains behind Hot Burrito. “It’s one of the only places in Texas that I would consider driving eight hours for a vacation getaway….
“Actually, it’s the only place!”
McNeely’s made a name for himself on the local scene as co-general manager of Spider House and its 29th St. Ballroom, booking all events for both. Hot Burrito came together with 29th Ballroom co-conspirators Alex Geiser, Johnny Walker, and Ben Tipton.
“I’ve been wanting to do an event in Marfa for years,” explains McNeely. “I spoke with friends about organizing a weekend trip to Marfa for a vacation, and ran into Paul Minor [part owner of Padre’s] at Spider House. He suggested we book some bands at Padre’s while we’re in town. I asked some bands if they were interested in taking part, and before I knew it there were 30 bands on the bill.”
The weekend ought to work well for those that like to have fun on the cheap; Planet Marfa shows will be free both days and Padre’s will have a $10 cover charge. Spider House has also reserved the The Tumble In RV Park so people can camp for free if they bring their own tents or RVs. This spectacular will be a test run of sorts for lots of big plans that McNeely has been brewing.
“I’ve been wanting to do exchange events in Mexico City, Joshua Tree, and Montreal,” he reveals. “We’re hoping this party goes really well so that we can take the Hot Burritos to other cities and plan more vacations and getaways.”
Judging by online response alone, there’s a lot of very excited people heading out to Marfa.
“I like to think of this event as being a wild service industry party/retreat in the desert, with a ton of awesome entertainment,” chuckles McNeely.
Sounds more delectable than, well, a hot burrito.
For more information, check out the Facebook event.
This article appears in August 31 • 2012.