[Himbo]

I went to the Festival for the first time this year, coming from Northern California. The event was terrific from beginning to end - very, very well done by Alfonso Vidales! Not only was the Hotel Airiza festivities top-notch, the events were well-attended by the local citizenry. Mexicali's local Classic Rock station played progressive rock all week on the radio, and interviewed several of the headliners on the air!

Besides the headline acts, I thought Ritual was the best band. Judging by the enthusiastic ovations they got after each song, I think most of the crowd felt the same way. Their guitarist and singer - Patrik Lundstrom - was easily the strongest vocalist of the bands there. Great showmanship and sense of melody. He was mobbed by everyone when he and the band went in the hall after the show, and at the subsequent outdoor events.

Second best for me was Lazuli Their musicianship was outstanding, covering many unusual instruments, including the Leode which was created by it's player, Claude Leonetti. Very good stage presence by their vocalist Dominique Leonetti (brothers?)

For me, best of the rest would be Cast, RPWL and Satellite. And I can't leave out the guy who locked himself in the handicapped stall in the Men's room each nite at the Theatre and entertained us with his percussion and vocalizing. He even held a light show with a flashlight! Strange but hilarious - talk about your captive audience!