Yucatan 2012 Arts & Entertainment Festival Yucatan Times
go to original August 20, 2012

For the first time ever Progreso beach will host the Yucatan 2012 Arts & Entertainment Festival on August 30.

Michael Axford, a Canadian living in Chelem and Beamon Battie from Florida, USA who lives in Playa del Carmen and part time in Progreso have joined forces to organize a spectacular festival. With a band line-up of eight bands, regional artist’s exhibition, incredible food and drinks, the pair have put together a one of a kind affair.

The festival will be held at Casa Excellencia and begins at 3:00 pm. A local comedian, Mel Blossom will be announcing the bands. Featuring handpicked performances by both regional and international bands, including Battie’s own group, Amongst Equals, offers a wide variety of musical genre. From classical electric guitar, 60’s & 70’s oldies rock, to reggae, the lineup is more than impressive.

Catering the event is Progreso’s very own Thai FLASH along with El Gringo Mexicano.

Artistas de la Playa will be bringing several pieces of art for sale from their expansive collection.

Door Prizes and Random 2 for 1 Happy Hours are just a few things that will get this festival rolling, but the bands to be featured are what truly make this festival a do-not-miss.

While the official timing of each band has not been released yet, Battie and Axford will be starting off the day by taking a step back in time to Beatles and Rolling Stones, playing the classics from the 60’s and 70’s and progressing with each band to the music of today.

Featured Performances include, Amongst Equals, Aneurisma, Roots and Wisdom, Flus Boox, Volt, The Orange House, Almitri Tzigane, and Sol Survivor with special guest Naomi.

Almitri Tzigane could easily be the feature performer of the evening. Starting his own band back in 1988, within the first three years of performing Tzigane had recorded several records and quickly became a star. In 2002, after finishing his formal education the musician picked back up his beloved guitar and that year performed all over Mexico and headed across the border to Texas’ music capital, Austin for perfomances there as well.

Tzigane is dedicated to several different genre’s of music, but principally blues, jazz, country, rag time, dixie, swing, and bossa nova. “Tzigane is a phenomenal guitarist,” says Battie.

“I was watching his fingers while playing and was mesmerized by the sound Tzigane produced from his guitar, he’s absolutely incredible,” exclaimed Axford when describing the featured performer.

A special preview of the band The Orange House will be featured at Lizard Joe’s on Sunday, August 26th. Tickets will be sold there and 2 free tickets given away.

Volt, a regional Mexican band offers a mix of rock and funk. The name Volt is new and replaces the bands name of PdH with several years playing under that title in bars and festivals in Yucatan. The band offers fresh original music that is both fun and talented. Volt is preparing to release their first album this year. For a video preview of this band check out this link.

Thai FLASH and Hotel Yakunah in Progreso will also be hosting ticket sales.

For those planning on attending the festival, purchase your tickets early as they are likely to sell out.

Tickets are also available in Merida at both Café Bohemie and Hennesey’s Bar on Paseo Montejo.

Prices are $200 pesos per person before the festival and $250 pesos at the door.

For directions and questions Battie and Axford can be contacted through the facebook event page for the festival or directly by phone.

Beamon Battie (999) 748-5855 and Michael Axford (999) 743-5132.

To purchase tickets through PayPal send a request by email to beamonbattie@gmail.com

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