The Valley’s biggest party returns to downtown Modesto this Saturday for its 13th year and features some of the biggest touring acts in the country. X Fest, the largest annual cocktail party for the 21 and older crowd will feature 14 stages shared by a lineup of 60 bands and expects to draw a crowd of 20,000, according to the event’s producer Chris Ricci.
“We have some amazing entertainment lined up for X Fest this year,” said Ricci. "I feel like we're working to make the transition from 1970s classic rock, trying to move it up a decade. We're trying to do more 1980s and 1990s stuff. The reggae lineup is the best we’ve ever had and the hip-hop lineup is solid.”
Metal rocker Sebastian Bach, reggae band The Expendables and Grammy-nominated rapper Paul Wall are among the artists expected to perform.
Not only will the music festival include a variety of local musicians and tribute acts, a few changes are in store including two all-new dance stages and the landing of the legendary Dancetronauts.
“New this year, we have the Dancetronauts. They provide the of the line sound system technology along with world renowned DJs, cutting-edge stage lighting and visual effects, professional dancers, fire performers, and the infamous Dancetrohotties,” said Ricci. “They literally perform on a space ship in space suits. I am looking forward to their performance.”
Other additions to the 2012 X Fest include:
· - New Double R Stage with a Latin lineup never before seen at X Fest featuring El Gran Silcencio.
· - Lucky Lane, featuring local favorite pubs from Lucky Fest, including Mary O’Connell’s Pub and Pong, Double Fisted Sinn Fein Speakeasy, and more.
· - Sweat Entertainment’s Foam Party featuring DJ Mia.
· - The First Annual Tournament of X, a professional wrestling competition sponsored by Pro Wrestling Bushido and featuring more than 30 professional wrestlers from across the country competing for the X Fest Belt.
Doors open at 5 p.m. on Saturday at 10th and J streets in downtown Modesto. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Advance tickets are available at www.xfestmodesto.com or at the following Turlock locations: Don’s Mobile Glass, 236 S. Center St.; Pretty Please Boutique, 101 E. Main St.; and La Perla Tapitia Market, 710 Lander Ave.
