A double exposure of Sheer Mag and Marfa’s night sky as seen from El Cosmico; photo by Bryan C. Parker
Since the single day event collaboratively planned by label Mexican Summer and art space Ballroom Marfa back in 204, Marfa Myths has grown with each installation. This weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, the festival’s holds its fourth annual event under the Marfa Myths moniker (fifth, including the inaugural Mexican Summer Festival). Each year, the event brings in an impressively diverse and rare roster of artists who seem to share a similar affinity for making sonically adventurous or aesthetically cohesive music. You can check out some of our coverage of past year’s events. This year’s bill will include: Wire, Tom Zé, Helado Negro, Jessica Pratt, The Weather Station, Drugdealer, and Thor & Friends.
In addition to musical acts, Marfa Myths generally boasts a wide range of interdisciplinary art displays. This year’s event includes a number of art installations, such as group exhibition Hyperobjects, as well as a screening of the surfing film Self Discovery for Social Survival with a live score by Gravity Hill Sound + Image and the Allah-Las.
Take this last piece as an example. For those unfamiliar, Gravity Hill is a project comprised of filmmaker Jem Cohen, Fugazi Guy Picciotto, Dirty Three drummer Jim White, Cretan lute player George Xylouris, and Thee Silver Mt. Zion violinist Jessica Moss. Marfa Myths is full of stuff like this. Somewhat obscure (often criminally under-recognized) artists working together or performing one-off shows in rare settings. It’s the kind of thing that’s hard to explain if you aren’t there. It’s experiential, singular, multi-faceted, expressive, welcoming yet remote enough to entice only the committed. It’s everything that music festivals should be and aren’t. For those who’ve been contemplating going and still have the courage to undertake a last minute road trip — you’ll be well rewarded. You can always set up a tent on the grounds of El Cosmico – no reservation needed. I’d highly recommend it. More info on the fest, tickets, and schedule here.
