Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers’ yearly music festival, Circus Mexicus, is once again about to hit the shores of Rocky Point. Catching up with Roger, Jim, PH, and Nick has been a chore this year as they’ve been criss-crossing the country since New Year’s celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the debut of The Refreshments (Roger and Nick’s former band) album Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy, and you know that’s going to be part of Circus XXV!
So, before CMXXV hits our playas, we caught up with Roger for a few questions about this year’s event, plus a few tips on spots not to miss in town. Concert promoter Greg Ross also chimed in. Enjoy!
RP360: Each year seems to have more bands, more venues, and of course we’re sure you’re expecting more people. How will the different bands from the main stage to other venues contribute to the overall Circus Mexicus atmosphere?
Roger: Basically, we’re all friends and fans of each other’s music. All the bands are top-notch and have a sound all their own. There’s a wide variety of sonic style for concertgoers to choose from, and, as friends, we crash stages and cross-pollinate all the time. I think it sets an atmosphere of casual fun and it’s contagious!
RP360: More and more local folks have been following you guys in town – including from hearing Roger on the radio during an interview last year – plus individual gigs at Banditos. What additional steps are you taking, or thinking of doing, to attract more locales to el concierto?
Roger: We understand, though we host the concert event, we’re guests in Rocky Point. Without the people’s acceptance and hospitality, there could be no Circus Mexicus. I know and also depend on a lot of local friends and acquaintances with help and handling many invisible details essential to the show’s success. Our goal is to make CM as inclusive and celebratory as possible.
For my part, I put a lot of local friends on the guest list. They encourage their friends to try something new and, poco a poco, we’re seeing new, local faces in the crowd.
RP360: We know charitable efforts are always part of Circus Mexicus, not to mention RCPM’s part in giving back to the community. In the past, there was PH’s annual “Hot Dog & a Smile” fundraiser and people are still encouraged to donate supplies for the Esperanza Children’s Home, and sports supplies to the local Youth Sports Foundation (not to mention the whole Peacemakers group that organize a Saturday trip to the home). This year we also see there’s a raffle opportunity for folks.
Greg: We feel the raffle is a much better fundraiser and better use of our time and fans’ support. We’re just taking our charity efforts to another level with the Shake, Raffle & Roll, which has everything from autographed band equipment to restaurant gift certificates to many of Rocky Point’s top restaurants, to vacation opportunities in the United States. Not to mention, you could introduce The Refreshments on stage at Circus Mexicus. [Raffle tickets will be sold at the Will Call areas at Banditos and JJ’s on Thursday and again at Banditos on Friday. There will also be a silent auction and some additional items available on eBay. The raffle benefits charities in Puerto Peñasco including Esperanza para los Niños children’s home, DIF Family Services Agency, The Peñasco Youth Sports Foundation and Equinoterapia Corceles Del Desierto De Sonora.]
RP360: Since attending Circus Mexicus is named on many a bucket list – what are bucket list items that peacemakers should take in while in Rocky Point (besides the music of course and, well, of course Banditos)? For example…favorite taco place, favorite sunset spot, most surprising eatery…drinkery…, day trip adventures, etc.?
Roger: I dig:
- Mexican Moonshine margaritas at sunset on the patio at Casa del Capitán
- Strolling the Malecón and shopping for cool, funky stuff
- A visit to the boat yards to see the shrimpers at dock and under repair,
- I gotta give Swim Bar at Bella Sirena huge props for their menu, atmosphere and drinks (it’s new and kinda hidden, but well worth the visit, especially at happy hour(s),
JJ’s remains a fave day-haunt for me,- A trip to the Ostionera is always great (pour a little MexMoon on the oysters, garnish with hot sauce and lime…ecstasy!), [there’s also a new oyster house in Cholla Bay, if you want a shorter trip]
- and, of course, Xochitl’s in Cholla is a breakfast must.
RP360: Following The Independent’s release in 2014, what’s next on the album / songwriting scene?
Roger: I never know. I’ve some songs finished and the band is playing a few live. We’ve an ambitious plan to complete writing and recording a new album by the end of this year.
With just days left before the big show, the deadline for pre-ordering your tickets to Circus Mexicus has been extended!!!!
The deadline is now Monday at 7pm AZ time. Get them here: Circus Mexicus 2016 Tickets
