Hoco Fest 09:

IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, the ever-expanding Hoco Festival features a greater commitment to sustainable practices, its first Latin night, the Potluck Audio Conference, and Arizona's own Meat Puppets anchoring the Saturday night stage. The whole weekend has a kick-ass lineup of local and national acts and surprise guests.

Begun in 2005 to celebrate 20 years of live music at Club Congress, the original event reunited dozens of Tucson bands. The inaugural event was such a hit that Congress threw itself a 21st Birthday party the next year and by then it became a fixture. The eco-friendly themes that were introduced in 2008 play a larger role this year.

"The tagline is Arizona's Green Music Festival because it's one thing we thought was very important," says David Slutes, Congress' entertainment director.

Taking place over Labor Day Weekend - Sept. 3 to Sept. 6 - it has more than 40 local and national acts performing inside and on outdoor solar-powered stages.

For the first time, the festivities kick off with the TAMMIES' annual Tucson music awards celebration and concert on Thursday night at Rialto Theatre. An after party at Congress promises surprise guests.

Friday night will feature the Arizona Punk Rock Reunion with legendary bands inside Congress. Outside is the Latin stage, hosted by Ruben Moreno of Mariachi Luz de Luna and featuring the indie-mambo of Sergio Mendoza y la Orkestra.

"This festival is a presentation of Tucson and its cultural highlights," Slutes says. "If I'm to honestly represent Tucson's music, (a Latin stage) is a long time coming, and Sergio is such a good way to lead that charge."

Saturday has a record fair and free family entertainment during the day. Indoors Saturday is a dance party; while the Nick Luca and Friends musical BBQ takes place outside, starting at 5 p.m. You won't want to miss John Doe and Exene, and headliners The Meat Puppets on the outdoor stage.

"Last year it was hilarious fun. The Puppets got rained out but then moved inside and played 'til almost three in the morning. They had such a good time they decided to help take over the event this year," Slutes says.

Sunday features the Caliente new music stage indoors and an organic wine tasting and recycled fashion show. Outside is the Al Perry musical BBQ, featuring Cracker and Calexico.

Priced at recession rates, the whole musical shebang costs $25, or $10 per night in advance. It's $12 at the door, but don't be surprised if any of these nights sell out.

Keep your browser pointed to www.HocoFest.com. Call 622-8848 with your burning inquiries.

Schedule:

RIALTO THEATRE Thurs, Sept 3: TAMMIES awards ceremony with live music.
HOTEL CONGRESS Fri, Sept 4: Latin Night on Caliente Solar Stage - 6pm-12am - with : Mariachi Tesoro, Orquesta la Unica, Mexican Institute of Sound, Sergio Mendoza y la Orkesta, Grupo Sonido, Los Gallegos and more! Indoor - AZ Punk Rock Reunion Stage with Cosmic Jackhammer, Feast Upon Cactus Thorns, Blood Spasm, JFA, Special Punk Rock DJ, Joe E.
Sat, Sept 5: Record Fair - 9am-3pm. Outdoor Stage & Nick Luca BBQ - Matt Ellis, Tim Lee, Nick Luca, John Doe/Exene, Golden Boots, Kirkwood Dellinger, Meat Puppets. Inside -Club Stage: Alana Sweetwater & Recycled Fashion show with Preen and Buffalo Exchange! Then Dance Party with BANG! BANG!.
TRAIN DEPOT PLAZA Sat, Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6: Eco Fair with global food booths, family activities, entertainment.
HOTEL CONGRESS Sun, Sept 6: Outside Stage & Al Perry BBQ - Matt Ellis, Lonna Kelley, Cracker, Sleepercar, Calexico. Inside Stage - Club After Party with Neil Hamburger, Har Mar Superstar, and surprise guests.