Sorry to see this one go. I was fortunate enough to attend Borderland Fuzz Fiesta earlier this year in Tucson, and was very much hoping to be able to make the trip back for Borderland Fuzz Fiesta III in early 2017. The trip out, the desert itself, the low-key vibe, the quality of acts brought together by brothers Wayne and Joey Rudell — both also of Fuzz Evil, whose self-titled debut (review here) is out now — all came together awesomely this year despite some last-minute lineup shuffle, and next year’s edition was nothing if not full of promise.

Way of the world, I guess. The festival announced here last month that it would take place from Feb. 17-18 and that it would shift locations from Tucson, Arizona, to Bisbee, about an hour and a half south by car. I’ve gotten no confirmation on the specifics of Borderland Fuzz Fiesta III being canceled, the reasons for it and so on, but one imagines that the “logistic issue” cited in the official word below may have had something to do with moving the base of operation from one place to the other. Again, I don’t know that, but new places, new venues, etc., it makes sense to me. Could’ve been something else entirely.

The good news is that Wayne Rudell, who posted the below on the event page for the fest, assures they’ll return in 2018. I’ll hope to head back to the desert for it when the time comes.

Here’s the announcement:

It is with great regret that we have to cancel 2017 BFF. There was a logistic issue that we couldn’t work around. We did consider pushing it back a few months, but Joey and I felt it would compromise the integrity of the standard of show we strive to present. BFF will be back in full speed in 2018. Until then keep it fuzzy! Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1764693950453437/
https://www.facebook.com/Borderlandfuzzfiesta/
http://borderlandfuzzfiesta.bigcartel.com/

Fuzz Evil, Fuzz Evil (2016)

I was fortunate enough to attend the Borderland Fuzz Fiesta in Tucson this year (reviews here and here), and it was an awesome weekend of heavy in the desert. A getaway from winter, yeah, but also a killer rock show with a laid back atmosphere that was perfect to suit the bands that were playing, among them Yawning Man and Dead Meadow. Made some new friends, met some others I’d only spoken to via the interwebs, and it was just a blast the whole way through. Today, brothers, organizers and bandmates in Fuzz Evil — who release their debut album Sept. 30 (info here) — Wayne and Joey Rudell announce the third installment, Borderland Fuzz Fiesta III, will take place Feb. 17 and 18, 2017.

No word on bands yet, but it’s early. I’d expect announcements in that regard over the next couple months as we move into the last throes of 2016, but the Rudells are dropping some hints about what to expect as they relocate for Borderland Fuzz Fiesta III from Tucson to their hometown of Bisbee, AZ, and the way they make it sound — kind of out of the way, but a cool vibe — seems like it could turn into something even more special. Plus, Mad Alchemy is going to be there, and Lance and his crew are incredible.

Will keep you posted when I hear more. For now, mark the calendar:

The third installment of Borderland Fuzz Fiesta (BFF) will take place on Friday and Saturday, February 17th-18th in Bisbee, Arizona. This party will be spread among multiple unique venues in the popular border town, all within walking distance of each other. “We wanted to restructure the fest and bring it closer to our hometown, near the border. Joey and I felt Bisbee, with its blues and diverse culture, would be a perfect spot for the bands we have lined up for this year. Bisbee, a resurrected old mining town built in the valley of the mule mountains, is a beautiful city which is rich in arts, music, and food. We feel it be a great getaway for music lovers making their way to the fest.”

The 2017 lineup includes some of our favorite mind-blowing acts returning from previous years along with some impressive new additions. In addition to the great acts we have planned, we are proud to announce that Mad Alchemy will also be returning with his incredible liquid light show.

This year we also planning to showcase more local AZ music on the bill. We are really pushing for this festival to include more of the wonderful local AZ community behind it. Stay tuned as we plan to release who will playing throughout the coming months.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1764693950453437/
https://www.facebook.com/Borderlandfuzzfiesta/
http://borderlandfuzzfiesta.bigcartel.com/

Blaak Heat, “Shadows” Live at Borderland Fuzz Fiesta II