It's official: DJ Johnny Kage is slated to bring his dynamic beats to the third installment of the ¡mira! Las Cruces Festival. Come April 26th, from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Kage will headline this vibrant celebration that paints an eclectic picture of Las Cruces culture through music, art, and cuisine. An El Paso native, DJ Johnny Kage bridges the airwaves across two states and one neighboring country with his popular radio show "Morning Mash" on 104.3 HIT FM, broadcasting to El Paso, TX, Las Cruces, NM, and Juarez, Mexico. He's also a fixture on SiriusXM's "Pitbull's Globalization", and a member of the international superstar's touring DJ squad.
The festival promises an auditory feast, featuring a tapestry of musical styles emblematic of the city and surrounding areas. "We are excited to showcase the multiple genres of music that capture the spirit of Las Cruces and the region at this year’s ¡mira! event," Visit Las Cruces Executive Director Rochelle Miller said, as obtained by the City of Las Cruces. But the rhythm doesn't stop with Kage. Attendees can look forward to an even richer cultural experience this year, with a novel drone show illuminating the city's story from above and a flurry of live Lucha Libre performances.
Other entertainments adding flair to the festivities include ballet folklorico, mariachis, and dance performances, alongside grupo norteño. For those eager to jump into the fray, dance lessons will be offered in the Plaza. The acts are scheduled to unfurl their talents early in the afternoon and keep downtown Las Cruces buzzing into the night, though the lineup remains subject to change. If last year's success is anything to go by, this year’s event is on track to be a hit.
There's practical info to track, too. Main Street will take a breather from traffic starting Friday, April 25th, at 5 p.m., closed from the north roundabout to Bowman Avenue, including Las Cruces and Griggs avenues, as per the City of Las Cruces. The Las Cruces Farmer’s and Crafts Market is shifting to Sunday, April 27th to accommodate the festival's sprawl, but shoppers won't miss out, on an "expanded Farmer's Market Experience" on Main Street during ¡mira! Las Cruces will feature many familiar vendors. Local artisans and business owners keen to peddle their wares at the event should mark April 11th, 5 p.m., as the deadline to throw their hats in the ring.
