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A local community radio station is debuting its first-ever music festival Saturday, marking a major expansion of its live music offerings.

KXCI’s "Baila el Pueblo—A Desert Music Festival" will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, with doors opening at 3 p.m.

KXCI Community Radio is a nonprofit dedicated to independent music and community engagement. Organizers say the festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of the Southwest’s diverse musical landscape.

While KXCI has previously hosted concerts, including its annual Blues Review at the El Casino Ballroom, Saturday’s festival is a bold new endeavor: an outdoor, multistage event designed to become an annual tradition.

The festival will feature a wide array of local, regional and national artists, bringing together a mix of genres that reflect the cultural richness of the region.

“We’re highlighting a diversity of voices, representing the Southwest through music,” said KXCI Executive Director Elva De La Torre. “For us, it’s about celebrating the incredible musical diversity we have here while also giving artists and vendors a space to connect with the community.”

The festival lineup has been carefully curated to showcase both emerging and established artists. Headlining the event is Reyna Tropical, formed by Fabi Reyna and Nectali “Sumohair” Diaz in 2016. Originally from Mexico and now based in Portland, the duo blends tropical, Latino and African influences into a unique and mesmerizing sound.

Other performers include:

• Las Chollas Peligrosas – A Phoenix-based, all-female quintent that blends Latin traditional and popular music in an acoustic style.
• Nicosa – A rising indie folk and rock artist from Rio Rico, often compared to Linda Ronstadt.
• Native Creed – A band from the Tohono O’odham Nation performing cumbia and Waila music, a lively genre rooted in social dance traditions.
• MizSkoden – An Indigenous DJ who will close out the festival with an electrifying Latin-flavored dance party.
• Los Esplifs – A genre-blending band known for its high-energy performances and innovative take on Latin music.
• Hataałii – A 21-year-old Diné singer, songwriter and poet from Window Rock, Arizona, whose music has been compared to Pavement and Lou Reed.

While the festival is centered around music, it also serves as a cultural gathering aimed at uniting the community. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of local artisans and independent businesses, all of whom will be showcased at the festival.

The festival will also highlight culinary culture, with Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen, Reservation Sensation and Bella’s Mediterranean Food on-site, along with MSA Annex’s usual vendors.

“There’s something special about bringing people together on a dance floor, sharing moments through music,” said KXCI Music Director Duncan Hudson. “We wanted this to be a celebration of the region, not just a concert.”

The festival will kick off with a traditional blessing and opening ceremony, setting the tone for a day of connection and celebration.

All proceeds will support KXCI’s independent radio programming and community initiatives. Tickets are available at KXCI’s website, Bookmans locations and through Eventbrite. Advance tickets cost $30 for KXCI members and $35 for the general public. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40.

“This is a way for people to support independent media, nonprofit organizations and local artists while also enjoying an incredible festival experience,” De La Torre said.

Samantha Callicutt is a Tucson Spotlight reporter and graduate student at the University of Arizona. Contact her at Scallicutt@arizona.edu.

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