The real work started when the last note fell silent at the inaugural South Padre International Music Festival.

More than 60 bands had performed on 14 stages across the Island. And when the sand settled on that November weekend in 2007, organizers deemed the event a success.

Then the real work started.

Organizers played it cool the first year. They booked mid-tier acts. They hesitated to spend big time bucks on talent. They tested the waters running up on the beach, said Tim Hayden, one of the event's founders.

For year two, they went all out. Promoters worked hard to construct a bigger, better festival.

This year's event starts Friday and runs through Sunday. Like last year, more than 60 acts will play on 14 stages across the Island. The gathering arguably marks the Valley's best concert line up ever.

The festival has booked household names. Willie Nelson. Blue Oyster Cult. Los Lonely Boys.

The organizers have sought out hip acts, experimental artists and niche performers. Ghostland Observatory. Miami Mami. Chana.

And they've brought them here to the Valley. Whew, real work to be sure.

Go ahead. Feel overwhelmed. We don't blame you.

Lucky for you, Festiva is here to help. Relax, have fun on the Island and let our guide lead the way.

• WHERE TO EAT
• WHERE TO SLEEP

See map at left for locations

>>> FRIDAY  <<<

> DUNES STAGE  

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 60 Tigres Five members create the unique sound of 60 Tigres. The Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, band is an eclectic fusion of funk, rock and latin music who list The Clash, The Who, The Talking Heads and Of Montreal as just a few of their influences. They're known for putting on a great live show. See them from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Friday night on Dunes Stage.

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Los Amigos Invisibles This band will make you dance. Expect to see a writhing mass of moving fans Friday evening at the Dune Stage. These Venezuelans take disco, pop-rock and salsa, slamming it all together. It works. Get ready to cut a rug, or more accurately, some sand.

 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ghostland Observatory This Austin duo has a cult following. No standard genre description fits here. One could say these guys blend electronica with punk with indie rock. They have a unique sound, and their live show rocks, blasting bright lasers. They play Friday night on the Dune Stage. Their style - one dons a cape, the other massive braids - fits perfectly with Halloween evening. 

 

> BAY STAGE

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bree Stevens Oklahoma native, Bree Stevens, has been singing since she was 2 years old. Now living in Brownsville and 16 years old, the country singer has a band backing her and she often plays gigs on the weekend. Her sweet, high voice matches the tone of the young girl's lyrics. Playing from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday at Bay Stage - The Garden.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dog Men Poets This band describes its sound as "Red Hot Chili Peppers meets Stevie Wonder with a G-Love flavor." Creative way to describe a creative band. This trio from San Antonio makes creative tunes as well. They are alternative rock with a funk infusion. And they play Friday night on the Bay Stage.

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Steel Pulse Reggae fits the beach. This is a fact, and this beach festival has booked a top reggae act. Steel Pulse started making music in 1975, hailing from the United Kingdom. The group has an interesting history of political involvement. In 1993, they became the first reggae band to perform in Washington D.C. at a presidential inauguration ceremony. Steel Pulse also once filed a $1 million class action lawsuit in New York City, charging that cabbies refused to pick up black men. And their reggae is excellent. Steel Pulse plays Friday night on the Bay Stage.

10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Miami Mami This band will travel north to get to the festival, unlike most of the line up. Miami Mami hails from Monterrey, Mexico. Their music draws from samba, bassanova and experimental electronica. Miami Mami makes interesting, hip music, sure to appeal to lovers of international sounds. They play Saturday night at the Bay Stage.

12 a.m. to 2 a.m. Grupo Fantasma These guys play Latin dance music, infusing their own brand of funky percussion and guitar solos. They call themselves the "funkiest, finest and hardest working Latin orchestra to come to the United States in the last decade." No argument from us. This is fun music. Catch them at midnight Friday closing the Bay Stage.

 

> AMBERJACK'S

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Carrie Elkin Elkin calls herself "a troubadour in the most classic tradition." In the past decade, this singer and songwriter has lived in Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Boston. She landed in Austin last year, and she has played her brand of folksy Americana tunes there ever since. Elkin plays Friday evening at Amberjacks and then again Saturday night at the Pelican Pub and Grill Room.

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eric Hanke Hanke started playing guitar at age 3, and he hasn't stopped. The Austin singer and songwriter boasts decades of musical experience. The life-long music lover's first purchase was a Willie Nelson album. Playing the same card with Nelson marks a special treat. Hanke plays Friday night at Amberjacks and Saturday at the Palm Street Pier.

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Airline Three years old and still inexiplicably unsigned, the indie rock band Airline has received positive reviews from critics for their album Farewell Republica. The 4-piece band from Dallas seems to stick to playing shows in their hometown, so if you're interested in seeing them, be sure to get out to the Island this weekend. Playing from 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday night at Amberjacks. 

 

> WANNA WANNA

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Twanguero It's hard to really characterize this Austin group's sound. They describe themselves as "cowboy surf meets gypsy twang." Confused? Satisfy your curiosity early Friday evening at Wanna Wanna or Saturday at Texas Moon.

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Paula Nelson Band When you're the daughter of Willie Nelson, it should come as no surprise that a life of music is practically mandatory. And dad makes a guest appearance on her latest album, Lucky 13, so here to hoping he jumps on stage during the Austin-native's set Friday night at Wanna Wanna. 

10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Ginger Leigh: Word on the street is that this Austin-based bands puts on quite the live show, especially for a band with mostly mellow musical offerings. They tour all over Europe, the US, and New Zealand and currently have their seventh CD is in the works. See the band Friday night at Wanna Wanna and early Saturday evening at Amberjacks.

 

> PELICAN WEST

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Brownout The 8-piece band shares six members with Groupo Fantasma. And funny story, earlier this year they walked away with an Austin Music Award in the Latin Contemporary category, beating out Groupo Fantasma, who came in second. Catch them Saturday night at Pelican West.

9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chana Chana hails from Los Angeles. Pop with a world music twist best describes her sound. She cites a massive range of influences ranging from Gorrillaz to Manu Chao to Julietta Venegas. And it all shows in her alternative rock and electrocnia infused Latin music. She plays Friday night at the Pelican West Stage.

10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Guy Forsyth He's a man of manfy talents. Singer/songwriter Guy Forsyth plays many instruments including guitar, harmonica, ukulele, singing saw and more. The musician received an Austin Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in 2005, among many other awards. He's well-versed in blues, rock, country and melds them all to create a sound best heard at one of his live performances Catch his show 10:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Friday night at Pelican West.

12:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Pelican West The house band is the last group playing Friday and Saturday night at (where else?) Pelican West. 

 

> TEXAS MOON

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Big Burn

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Danny Schmidt Schmidt's Web site features a long list of artists he has played with, cities he has performed in and radio stations that have hosted his live music. This Austin singer and songwriter's resume impresses. Schmidt plays the festival Friday night at the Texas Moon Stage and then again Saturday night at the Pelican Pub and Grill Room.

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. James Speer Speer seems poised to rise through the music industry. The Austin-based singer and songwriter has released one album, infused with alternative rock. He has started work on a second album, citing this time R & B, funk and soul influences. He will likely play his old and new releases at the festival. Speer plays Friday night at the Texas Moon Stage and then again Saturday night at Amberjacks and the Palm Street Pier.

 

> PALM ST. PIER

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Johnny Mac

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue: Yet another Austin band and yet another band who has recorded in a Willie Nelson studio. I smell a conspiracy. See them Friday night at St. Palm Pier and Saturday night at Wanna Wanna.

10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. J. Michael Laferty Singer/songwriters tell stories with their music and lyrics. J. Michael Laferty does just that, with a guitar in hand and a twang in his voice. The best way to describe Laferty - think of Jimmy Buffett, subtract the margarita, add a cowboy hat, beer and some darker facial hair. See him from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Palm St. Pier.

 

> PELICAN PUB AND GRILL ROOM

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Danny Green

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Third Coast

10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Jake Cortez Jake Cortez and his band hail from Sullivan City, that tiny hamlet in the upper Rio Grande Valley. This marks a big show for the group and their acoustic blues sounds. They'll play Friday night at the Pelican Pub and Grill Room.

 

>>> SATURDAY  <<<

> DUNE STAGE

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Liberal This San Antonio Spanish rock band won the battletothebeach.com contest to play here. They bring high energy rock mixed with Spanish pop. This band broke onto the music scene in 2007, and they've gone far. They play Saturday afternoon on the Dunes Stage.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Last Vegas: Straight out of Chicago, this glam group recently won Spin magazine's Best New Discovery honor for their unofficial performance at SXSW. Discover them for yourself Saturday night at Dunes Stage. 

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Blue Oyster Cult Insert cow bell joke here. In recent years, Blue Oyster Cult, the classic rock band responsible for the hit "Don't Fear the Reaper," has become famous for a Saturday Night Live skit. The sketch comedy show lampooned the band's use of cow bell. A percussionist, played by Will Ferrell, jaunted around a recording studio. Meanwhile, Christopher Walken played a hot shot producer with one simple desire: more cow bell. Classic comedy about classic rock. We can't help but wonder, when the band takes the Dunes Stage Saturday evening, will there be cowbell?

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Foghat Foghat has rocked for more than three decades, and they are still going strong. The current band boasts the original drummer and bassist. These long-time rockers, originally from England, will play their old hits, including "Slow Ride." They will close the Dune Stage Saturday evening.

 

> BAY STAGE

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Suzanna Choffel: This Austinite is currently a finalist for Cosmo Star Launch, via Cosmopolitan magazine. If she beats out the nine other female musicians, she will get the title, $10,000 in cash, a 3-track demo with a hit-making producer and open for Natasha Bedingfield. Check out her star-worthy performance Saturday afternoon at Bay Stage.

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Del Castillo Fans of classic flamenco, new latin, old blues and killer guitar leads won't want to miss Del Castillo. Originally from Brownsville, the Austin band have received praise from fans and critics alike. The band has claimed many Austin Music Awards, and have been featured in major motion picture soundtracks. They'll be playing from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday night on Bay Stage.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alejandro Escovedo - Alejandro Escovedo has been a part of the music scene since the mid-‘70s when he was a member of punk rock band The Nuns. Now the seasoned musician has released his 9^th solo album, Real Animal. The rocker has been compared to Bruce Springsteen and once joined The Boss on stage to play Escovedo's hit, "Always a Friend." He plays 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday night on the Bay Stage.

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Los Lonely Boys Los Lonely Boys hit the music industry hard in 2003, releasing a debut album that went platinum multiple times. Despite their Spanish name, the guys write music in English. The band hails from San Angelo, Texas, and it plays great pop-rock songs, showing hints of country and Spanish influences. The Boys play Saturday night on the Bay Stage.

11:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Vallejo: Formed by three brothers in the 90s, this band has toured with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots, Juanes, The Foo Fighters and Matchbox 20. They recently released their third album and one of their songs was recently featured in an episode of HBO's True Blood, securing the band a spot on the show's soundtrack. See them Saturday night on the Bay Stage.

12:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Boombox If you think you've seen this name before, it's because you probably have. This nine-piece self-proclaimed supergroup plays every Tuesday at Austin's Lucky Lounge. Haven't checked them out yet? Catch them Saturday night on the Bay Stage.

 

> AMBERJACK'S

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Frontera Jazz Quartet The 4-piece jazz band is one of the very few existing in the Valley and perform several times per week. Expect some classic jazz from the Frontera Jazz Quartet, along with some newer pieces and a latin influence in their songs. Their chill set is perfect for an afternoon on the island. Check ‘em out from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Amberjacks.

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stereo Kitsch Stereo Kitsch is full of different sounds - you'll hear jazz, funk, rock, classical and a little hip hop. The RGV band really only have two permanent members, but borrow musicians for their live show and in the studio. Their set is typically a balanced blend of songs to make you move and groove, and some for chillin'. They're playing from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Amberjacks.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ginger Leigh

 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. James Speer

> WANNA WANNA

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sara Hickman This musician/activist has been recording music since 1989. Her latest album, Motherlode, was released in 2006 and she has since been performing shows for breast cancer awareness and continues being involved in humanitarian efforts for the homeless, Romanian orphans and children's rights. She'll perform as part of the kids show at Wanna Wanna Saturday afternoon and for the older crowd that evening at Pelican West. 

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Port O Call

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. "On the Roadside" All-Stars Named for Chris Maley's public radio show on KMBH, "On the Roadside", which features the best in blues, the band of the same name is made up of different Rio Grande Valley blues musicians, including Maley on drums and Emilio Crixell on guitar and vocals.You can see them at 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday night at Wanna Wanna.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Rumtide This four-man band calls Austin home. They make chill music, perfect for a beach setting. Fans of Jack Johnson, OAR and String Cheese Incident will enjoy. Rumtide plays the Wanna Wanna stage Saturday night.

10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Bongodogs These guys call the Island home all year around. Any beach regular will attest the Bongodogs often play bars there. They play a mix of rock, ska and Spanish pop. It is fun, very fun. Bongodogs plays Saturday night at Wanna Wanna.

 

> PELICAN WEST

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sara Hickman

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nakia and His Southern Cousins Lead singer and Alabama native Nakia's soulful and blues-influenced vocals has earned him more praise than any newcomer can hope for. He and his band have done shows around Austin with many music names, the biggest of which is probably SPI Fest headliner Willie Nelson. The band also recorded parts of his EP in Nelson's private studio. Hear what everyone's been raving about Saturday night at Pelican West.

10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fastball Remember that song "The Way?" An exit to eternal summer slacking, but where were they going without ever knowing the way? It was really big in the ‘90s. These guys made that song, along with half a dozen albums. They are still going strong with their pop-rock. They'll play Saturday on the Pelican West Stage.

12 a.m. to 2 a.m. Pelican West

> TEXAS MOON

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Third Coast

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nancy Cook Nancy Cook spends her summers in Colorado, but comes to the Valley for autumn. Cook plays guitar and sings original songs for her audience. Throughout the months of October and November, the musician plays every Tuesday night at Palm Street Pier on the Island. See her perform from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Texas Moon.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Twanguero

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Erin Ivey Ivey, a singer and songwriter from Austin, writes acoustic guitar songs with deep lyrics. She cites Elliot Smith, Portishead and Tom Waits among her influences. Ivey plays Saturday night at the Texas Moon Stage.

 

> PALM ST. PIER

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lauren Ashley

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. J . Michael Laferty

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sarah Pierce A cowboy fathered Pierce, who comes from a long line of cattlemen. She crooned her first singing gig at 12. Pierce now writes and performs her own country, folk and Americana tunes. Pierce performs Saturday evening at the Palm Street Pier.

9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eric Hanke

 

> PELICAN ROOM AND PUB

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Big Burn

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ideophonic Ideophonic The local band Ideophonic plays all over the Valley - from McAllen to South Padre Island. They've been at it for a few years now, with no plans to slow down. Their music is guitar-driven, melodic and the vocals are wistful, but full of passion. This will be the second year the young band has played for the SPI Music Festival.You can see them from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Pelican Pub & Grill Room.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Carrie Elkin

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Danny Schmidt

>>> SUNDAY <<<

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Gospel Silvertones

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Phillip Thomas Kellogg Phillip Thomas Kellogg Could Phillip Thomas Kellogg be the next big thing in country in the RGV? He's been playing shows all over Harlingen, Brownsville and South Padre Island. Kellogg wants to bring back the old sound of country music, and blend it with the new country classic sounds. See him from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Dunes Stage.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. WILLIE NELSON The festival wanted a legend for its second year. And they got one. Texas' own Willie Nelson comes home to headline. He plays Sunday afternoon on the Dunes Stage. We could blather on about Willie, his years in the business and his status as one of the most likable men in show business. But instead, we'll just run this list of classic songs: "Whiskey River," "On the Road Again," "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Texas in My Soul." Get the point? We could go on and on.

 

Pelican West The house band is the last group playing Friday and Saturday night at (where else?) Pelican West. 

 

Pelican West The house band is the last group playing Friday and Saturday night at (where else?) Pelican West.