33rd Annual Minerpalooza to Take Over UTEP Campus
NJOMZA will headline an eclectic musical lineup, showcasing talent from the region and beyond
Minerpalooza – one of the signature events for The University of Texas at El Paso and the El Paso community – will return to the UTEP campus Friday, Sept. 15. The annual celebration to kick off the academic year will take place from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The event will take place in the Glory Road 2 (GR2) parking lot north of Sun Bowl Stadium.
“This is an exciting time to be a UTEP Miner,” said Miles Cooper, director of the Student Engagement and Leadership Center and one of the event’s lead organizers. “The University is reaching new heights in research, fundraising and elsewhere, so we know that expectations for Minerpalooza are high. But we’ve been preparing for months, and we’re now ready to show the entire community, once again, that UTEP is also exceptional at throwing a party.”
Minerpalooza will feature live entertainment, interactive activities and Pete’s Playground, a dedicated children’s area that is great for families. Food and beverages will be available for purchase by cash or credit card, and a beer and wine garden will be accessible to individuals age 21 and older.
There will be a charge for some of the activities. Tickets for those can be purchased on site with a debit or credit card.
Many of UTEP's student organizations will host activity booths to raise funds for their annual initiatives. Minerpalooza is traditionally one of the biggest fundraising opportunities for these student groups. Tickets will be available for sale onsite for $1 each and can be used at the organizations’ activity booths.
Live music will take place throughout the evening.
Entertainment Lineup
- NJOMZA unveiled her acclaimed debut EP, “Sad For You,” in 2017. It received praise from the likes of Noisey, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, Office Magazine and more. In 2019, NJOMZA embarked on her first-ever U.S. headline tour. She also made her festival debut at New York City’s famed Governor’s Ball. Most recently, NJOMZA was recognized for her songwriting work on Ariana Grande’s GRAMMY-nominated album, “thank u, next.” She is currently putting the finishing touches on her full-length debut album.
- Also in the lineup this year is Kitty Ca$h, a DJ, music producer, cultural cultivator and multidisciplinary artist. She has worked with artists including Rihanna, SZA, A$AP Rocky, Migos and Solange Knowles.
- Late Night Drive Home, from El Paso, consists of lead singer Andre Portillo, guitarist Juan Vargas, bassist Freddy Baca and drummer Brian Dolan. Their inspiration comes from a wide range of rock bands including Wallows, The Strokes and Nirvana. Formed in 2019, Late Night Drive Home started with a sound concentrated on lo-fi aesthetic rock. But in 2021, their music evolved with the addition of melodic guitar synth-like leads.
- The music of local band Melancholy 10, or M10, features dreamy synths paired with jazz-inspired harmonies topped gently with introspective lyrics.
- DJ Gumby rocks shows and events all over the country. He has opened for WWE, Tinashe, Daya, Sugar Ray, Estelle, MAGIC!, Cat and Nat and more.
Minerpalooza has a clear bag policy. Learn more about what you can and cannot bring into the venue here.
For more information on food and beverage options, parking, activities and lineup set times, visit utep.edu/minerpalooza or contact the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at 915-747-5670.
Mining Minds
The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, Sept. 15, to celebrate Minerpalooza. “Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at utep.edu/miningminds.
Last Updated on September 13, 2023 at 12:00 AM | Originally published September 13, 2023
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
