Cool Canyon Nights Is So Uniquely El Pasoan

Go to McKelligon Canyon on a random Thursday evening during the Summer and as the sun settles away behind the mountains, you’ll hear something. From our humble amphitheater, you’ll hear the subtle sounds of Cool Canyon Nights. The music billowing out from the mountain stage trickles over into the canyon and rains down on McKelligon Canyon, echoing gently to whoever happens to be passing through. 

Grizz

Cool Canyon Nights is one of my favorite events in the city, it isn't the longest running free concert evening but because of the venue, it feels like it belongs so uniquely to us. Nestled within the Franklin Mountains, with passionate crowds of all ages that come out to listen to local El Paso bands, Cool Canyon Nights feels more El Paso than most events in the city. Abuelitas, tias, old couples in love reliving the dance hall days of yore, young couples in love finding their rhythm together for the first time  -- all of them filled with a spirit that only our Borderland can produce. Cool Canyon Nights can sometimes even embody that classic ‘Steve Crosno style,' Chicano Soul! 

Aaron Palacios Voz y Estilo Facebook

READ MORE: CROSNO CREATES 'CHICANO SOUND' IN EL PASO, TX

Crosno was the first radio DJ in the US to blend Spanish and English music on air which became known as ‘Chicano Soul’ or the ‘El Paso Sound!’ Since its first concert in 2011, Cool Canyon Nights has embodied that Chuco Sound and  the opening night acts prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt. There were about 4 years where the opening act changed, but traditionally, Tony Ramirez and his band have opened the patio stage with English rock classics and a bluesy feel -- while Mariachi Los Arrieros have kicked the series off on the main stage in Spanish. The Chicano Soul comes to life right before our eyes.

Courtesy: Angel Munoz

 Of course, not every band that plays Cool Canyon is a local, but some of the groups El Paso invites in are extraordinary performers that light up the amphitheater!

Courtesy: Angel Munoz

On top of the music, Cool Canyon Nights is also a local market with some snacks and drinks provided by El Paso Live, and plenty more offered by the carousel of food trucks that come through every Thursday night. From craft makers and artisan beef jerky to smoky BBQ and icy sweet treats, there are plenty of options to fill a random Thursday in the summer. Now, I am not saying this event is the most El Paso event ever, but I do believe that Cool Canyon Nights is full of spirit. El Pasoans come out to sweat together after long days of work in the heat, they choose to get up and dance knowing the sun is setting and the music has only just begun.