Jessica Padre and South Padre Network in Full Effect!

South Padre Network has been showing the SPI Music Fest some crazy love the last few weeks by doing all kinds of promotion and video marketing for the festival. We want to thank all of them for all of their hard work in helping to promote the festival and for helping us to get people in South Texas super stoked for a great Halloween Weekend.

The most lovely Jessica Padre, on-air talent for Padre Networks, has been a great evangelist for the SPI Music Fest since its inception, taking our message of "3 days of music in paradise" out to the people. Now she's got her own set of SPI Music Fest promo videos on YouTube for the world to see, and we want to showcase them to all of you!

This is South Padre Network's coverage of our amazing night at Cine El Rey in the Rio Grande Valley with Vallejo, Stereo Kitsch, and Ideophonic.



The entire night was incredible, Cine El Rey was spectacular, the band's were phenomenal, and the crowd came out and then some as we sold tickets in a constant flow all night long. People really know a great deal when they see one, and our 2-for-1 ticket night was something Rio Grande Valley residents could not pass up. Check out some more photos of this spectacular night on the SPI Music Fest Facebook page.

While there, become a fan of the festival, we always love the love!

South Padre Network and Jessica Padre also were down at the beautiful South Padre Island talking with locals, artists, and business owner's about the next weeks festival.

Jessica at Palm St. Pier with locals, and phenomenal South Texas artist J. Michael Laferty. He is an amazing pitchman for the festival in this interview. Check it!



Jessica at the beautiful Louie's Backyard. Where she breaks down who's playing at Louie's Backyard and at the Garden Stage along with South Texas Artists Third Coast and local business owners.



Well the countdown is down to a week. That means that SPI Music Fest is only a week away. Hope you've bought your tickets to the SPI Music Fest. If you haven't its not to late, simply click here to get them right now!!

We'll be seeing you Halloween Weekend for 3 days of music in paradise!


-Post Script -

As of press time SPI Music Fest's own Suzanna Choffel is being featured on the YouTube homepage with her ME! Television performance of "Raindrops".

This is a HUGE thing in the world of online marketing for anyone, so we are proud to say that one of our own SPI Music Fest artists is getting a worldwide audience on one of the biggest social media sites in the world for the next day or so!

Congrats, Suzanna!

check it here:

Rio Grande Valley / SPI Music Fest Preview Party w/ Vallejo & friends!

First we rocked Austin, Texas. Then we went internacional in Monterrey, Mexico. Now we are hitting the area where this whole beautiful shindig is going down...the Rio Grande Valley area of South Texas!

Oh, and this ain't just any typical SPI Preview Party tour date, people. This is going to be a wicked crazy night of amazing music, in a beautiful venue, a guitar from Gibson is up for grabs, and an unheard of "local's deal" on SPI Music Fest 3-day Passes!

That's right folks!
One night only!
McAllen's Cine el Rey!
THURSDAY Oct. 16th!
8pm - midnight!

Buy one 3-day Pass to SPI Music Fest, get one free!!!

If you live in the Valley, McAllen's historic venue, Cine el Rey, is the place to be Thursday night!

This FREE SHOW will have Austin rockers Vallejo tearing it up, along with McAllen's own Stereo Kitsch, and Brownsville's Ideophonic. Repeat...this lineup is not to be missed!

Use the widget below to check out the event, the bands, and most importantly to spread the word - via email, MySpace, Facebook, blogs - whatever it is that you beautiful people do to get the word out!

Tell your friends, your neighbors, your family...heck, tell everyone! SPI Music Fest is bringing it to your front door!

SPI Music Fest Preview on BlogTalk Radio

SPI Music Fest executive producers Tim Hayden and Chris Thies were interviewed with Contempo Magazine, along with a number of the festival's artists today on blogtalkradio.com.

Special guests for the interview show are Nakia Reynoso of Nakia and his Southern Cousins, Roger Earl of Foghat, Alex Vallejo from Vallejo, Miami Mami, and Tony Scalzo of Fastball.

Here is the interview in its entirety:





See the online magazine story http://www.contempomag.com/south-padre-island-music-festival-2008.html

SPI Music Fest Schedule Grid Announced!

We are thrilled to announce that the 2008 SPI Music Fest Grids are out:

Friday:
Saturday:


Sunday:

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!!
We want to let you know that while there are still three-day passes available, we are also offering up a limited number of single-day passes. You can get both types of tickets HERE!!!

For those who don't want to buy your tickets online, you can call the Ticketmaster Hotline at 866-448-7849 to charge by phone.

You can also pick them up anywhere Ticketmaster Tickets are Sold!

GET ON THE BUS!!!
We also want to let you know that we are offering up travel and accomodations packages from both Austin & San Antonio. This will include a three-day pass, SPI hotel room, and round-trip bus travel to and from the SPI Music Fest.

Prices for this all inclusive weekend of music in paradise start at just $240/person!

Find out more about this amazing deal HERE!!!

Artist Feature: Blue Öyster Cult

Since exploding on the music scene with 1976’s Agents of Fortune and spawning one of the great classic rock radio anthems in history with “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, Blue Öyster Cult has spent the last 30+ years pioneering ‘70’s “heavy metal”, recording amazing rock records, touring nonstop, and thrilling legions of fans the world over.

Smash hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” “Godzilla”, “Burnin’ For You”, and “Joan Crawford” have all been playing on FM Radio since their respective release, making these songs evergreen to new audiences for over 30 years. This has led to the band’s nonstop touring schedule and has made them one of the tightest live acts in the world.

In 2000, the recording of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” was satirized on Saturday Night Live in a skit that has since become one of the long-running show’s most notable. Though most of the "facts" in the skit are fictional, the popularity and hilarity of the satire is a clear indication of the strength and timelessness of this historic song and of this amazing band.

Blue Öyster Cult will be bringing their bombastic arena rock show to the SPI Music Fest on Saturday November 1^st…and we could not be more excited!

Here are some clips of Blue Öyster Cult in present-day action, in a video from back in the day...and yes, the legendary SNL Skit is here just for you. Happy Monday!

Blue Oyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper (Live)

Blue Öyster Cult – Burnin’ for You

SNL – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper Skit

SPI Music Fest: On Location in Monterrey, MX

SPI Music Fest is crossing borders!

We went to Monterrey, Mexico to throw down one of the sickest blowout SPI Music Fest promotional parties ever!

60 Tigres, who is a festival performer, played the shindig and over 150 people attended. The buzz was great, the excitement was palpable, and a great time was had by all.

Thanks to our Monterrey photographer and good friend, Brenda Melendez, here's a taste of how it went down - music: 60 Tigres "El Yate del Amor"



SPI Music Fest: Monterrey, MX: royal from south padre music fest on Vimeo.

Tickets are still available for the SPI Music Fest taking place Halloween Weekend (Oct 31-Nov 2) on the tropical sandy beaches of South Padre Island. The lineup is now out, and limited single day passes are also available. More information on that is coming!

Get your tix NOW at spimusicfest.com!!!!

SPI Music Fest Artist Feature: Los Lonely Boys

SPI Music Fest is proud to be bringing the Grammy Award-winning Los Lonely Boys to South Padre Island during our Halloween Weekend Extravaganza in Paradise.

Hailing from San Angelo, Texas, and preaching their brand of “Texican Rock n’ Roll” to the masses since their smash debut dropped in 2004, the brothers Garza have made their unique sound and energetic live shows the stuff of legend.

Whether it is playing to nearly 100,000 Austin-ites as the State Capital of Texas looms in the background, or jamming with such musical luminaries as Ronnie Milsap, Carlos Santana, and the foremost authority on Texas Music, ’08 SPI Music Fest Headliner Willie Nelson; the Boys have been bringing it since they first exploded onto the scene.

After their smash eponymous 2004 album, off the strength of their Grammy Award-winning single, “Heaven”, rocketed its way to the Top Ten, Los Lonely Boys have seen a rise to the top of the music industry that is stuff of Hollywood.

Their successful 2006 follow-up album, Sacred, reached #2 in the album charts and sprung another huge hit for the band, “Diamonds”.

The band released their third studio album, entitled Forgiven, in July 2008 (along with hit single "Staying with Me") and have spent most of the year on the road doing what they do best…laying it down and rocking it out in front of thousands.

Check out Los Lonely Boys doing their thing after the jump...





Los Lonely Boys: "Heaven" in Austin


Los Lonely Boys w/ Willie Nelson “Cisco Kid”


Los Lonely Boys: “Staying With Me” at Nissan Live

SPI Music Fest Preview Party This Thurs. Sept. 18th @ The Belmont in Austin, TX!

SOUTH PADRE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL HOSTS A ONE-TIME PREVIEW PARTY AT THE BELMONT!

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, A WAKE BOARD AND A FREE GIBSON GUITAR!

PLUS: SPI MUSIC FEST ARTIST TWANGUERO TO PERFORM

WHAT: South Padre International Music Festival Preview. Enjoy drink specials and music from SPI artist Twanguero. Also, enter to win an SPI Music Fest vacation package (including transportation, hotel and festival passes for two), a Shred Stixx wakesurf board and a Gibson guitar!

WHEN: Thursday, September 18
6:30pm - 9pm

WHERE: THE BELMONT
305 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701

For the latest information regarding the artist line-up and festival go to www.spimusicfest.com.

Buy your tickets today:
www.spimusicfest.com or call 866-448-7849

Chill Out Venezuela...Los Amigos Are Our Amigos...

Invisible Friends...

That's the direct translation for the name of New York-by way of Venezuela-based Latin dance band Los Amigos Invisibles. However, this sextet has been anything but invisible since releasing their 1995 debut in their native country.

They have since become one of the biggest Latin Alternative acts in the world. They have toured over 60 countries, been nominated for 2 Grammy and 2 Latin Grammy awards, released 5 studio albums, 1 live DVD+2CD album, and founded 1 record label.

SPI Music Fest is thrilled that Los Amigos have become "our Amigos" and are coming back to South Padre Island this Halloween weekend.

With a penchant for great and hilarious video treatments that rival the Foo Fighters, here is some Los Amigos Invisibles goodness for all your senses...


Los Amigos Invisibles - "Cuchi Cuchi"


Los Amigos Invisibles - "Yo No Se"

Grupo Fantasma brings latin groove back to SPI!

Grupo Fantasma has a resume that most musical artists would kill for...

• An 11-piece latin funk orchestra from Austin, Texas that has been together since 2000
• Achieved renown with their exuberant live shows, danceable tunes, and tasty rhythms
  
• Sold more than 20,000 albums independently
• "the grassroots success of Grupo Fantasma marks them as one of the decade's most important independent artists in the latin genre." - allmusicguide.com
• Hand picked by Prince as the "Latin Night" house band at his 3121 Club in Las Vegas
• They have backed him on numerous occasions (including his legendary performance at the 2007 ALMA Awards)
• Played some of the biggest stages in the world of music
  
• Austin City Limits Festival
• Bonnaroo Music Festival
  
• Montreal Jazz Festival
• Calgary Folk Festival
• South Padre International Music Festival
• Austin City Limits TV Show
  

While some may brand their music "cumbia funk" or "latin dancehall orchestra" one thing is for certain: the band continually obliterates the clichés that often plague the current Latin music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect.

SPI Music Fest is proud to have had these guys play our inaugural festival in 2007 and is thrilled to have them back this year.


Grupo Fantasma - "Mentiras"


Grupo Fantasma Interview at 2007 SPI Music Fest

Alejandro Escovedo is a "real animal"

Alejandro Escovedo is the genuine article...hands down.

Born into one hell of a prolific musical family (I wonder what family reunions are like when legendary Jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo is your brother and drum queen/Prince protégé Sheila E is your neice), Alejandro Escovedo has forged his own legendary 30+ year career as a roots rockin' Everyman that has seen and done it all.

From his first-wave punk days hanging at the Chelsea Hotel in NYC with the Nuns, to his move to Austin and subsequent successes with 80's roots rock/alt. country acts The True Believers and Rank and File, Alejandro has had a major influence on the development and eventual success of both genres.

As a result Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, the Jayhawks, and yes even the boss, Bruce Springsteen, are among the many legendary artists who consider Escovedo a musical influence on their work.

After the jump is a bit of background about Alejandro and his latest effort, the beautifully rocking Real Animal. An additional clip shows Al and the Boss (with the always amazing E Street Band) laying it down on stage with "Always a Friend" this past April.

alejandro escovedo - real animal promo clip

alejandro escovedo & bruce springsteen - "always a friend" - houston,tx 4/14/2008

Just who is this Ghostland Observatory...?

Willie may well be a living legend, and Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat may be among the cream of the 70's rock radio staple crop...

But just who is this Ghostland Observatory, and why are people that always seem to be "in the know", so excited that they're coming to South Padre Island for the 2008 SPI Music Fest?

For starters, they're one of the coolest musical projects around, traditional music industry model breakers, and Austin American Statesman's Band of the Year. Their live shows are always electrifying and wherever they are playing always seems to be the most hip place in the world to be at that very moment.

But for the uninitiated, here is Ghostland Observatory playing "Sad, Sad City" during their Austin City Limits taping last year.

Zee Lineup! Zee Lineup!

if you haven't seen the lineup for the 2008 SPI Music Fest yet,

here it is...

...and here's a quick poll to get you thinking about which artist really gets you yearning for those three gorgeous days on the beach during Halloween Weekend...

SPI Music Fest Announces Early-Bird Discount Rate & Hurricane Relief Benefit Efforts!

This just in from SPI Music Fest Headquarters...

3-day weekend passes to the SPI Music Fest are available at an early-bird discount rate of $70, plus tax and service fees until August 24th.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to help benefit Hurricane Dolly relief efforts in the Rio Grande Valley.

Click this link to visit the SPI Music Fest Ticketmaster page and buy your tickets now!

Or visit any Ticketmaster outlet including Macy's and select HEB stores.

To charge tickets by phone:
(956) 668-7740

Ticketmaster Express Line (outside South Texas):
(866) 448-7849

SPI Music Fest Lineup Announced!

The South Padre International Music Festival is thrilled to announce the initial lineup for its 2008 festival taking place Halloween Weekend (October 31st - November 2nd) on the beautiful beaches of South Padre Island, TX.

Appearing this year at the South Padre International Music Festival:

Willie Nelson

Foghat

Los Lonely Boys

Blue Oyster Cult

Ghostland Observatory

Alejandro Escovedo

Del Castillo

Grupo Fantasma

Fastball

Sara Hickman

Vallejo

Airline

meridianwest

Nakia & His Southern Cousins

Pelican West

The Last Vegas

Ginger Leigh

Twanguero

Bongodogs

Stewart Mann & the Statesboro Review

James Speer

Big Burn

Brownout

Phillip Thomas Kellogg

Suzanna Choffel

Eric Hanke

Bree Stevens

More to come...

The SPI Music Fest will be spread out over more than 10 venues across the island, giving music fans a chance to spend their Halloween weekend on warm, white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise water.

Attendees can look forward to a wide array of stunning musicians, and take advantage of windsurfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, sea kayaking, deep-sea fishing and vibrant nightlife in the 70-degree breeze.

“If you are looking for a tropical fall getaway, then SPI Music Fest is it,” says SPI Music Fest founder Tim Hayden. “We have artists coming from around the world who represent many genres, and a variation of music and culture that makes the SPI Music Fest an incredibly unique festival experience."

Welcome to the SPI Music Fest Blog!

The sun, the surf, 3 days of great music, and 20,000 of your closest friends together at one of the most beautiful beaches in the country...who could ask for more?

Here at the South Padre International Music Festival, we wanted to create an outlet for the public to be able to go a bit more in depth in learning what the SPI Music Fest is all about. To do that, we decided to create this blog as an online window into all things SPI Music Fest.

From artist interviews and videos, to the latest announcements, to features on the coolest places to grab a bite, a drink, or to simply hang on South Padre, and much much more...the SPI Music Fest Blog's got you covered.

The timing on all of this is pure providence as the Festival is gearing up to make some pretty huge announcements in the coming days. Be sure to subscribe to our feed to get the latest news as it is delivered!

Here is a clip of SPI Music Festival hitting the beaches and venues hard this summer, letting thousands of excited people know about the huge happening going down Halloween Weekend.

3 Days of Music in Paradise. It doesn't get any better.