It's that time of year again and Austin, Texas, is not only bringing the heat and good eats, but it's bringing the live, Latin tunes with its 8th Annual Pachanga Latino Music Festival on May 16 at Fiesta Gardens.

Dubbed "the live music capital of the world," Austin is thriving more than ever during this time of year with its signature events that also include the popular South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, but Houston and Dallas want in on the excitement as well!

With that said, Pachanga, "a unique festival dedicated to showcasing Latin artists within a wide range of musical genres," will expand this year to additional cities debuting single-day events in Houston on Thursday, May 14, and Dallas on Friday, May 15, 2015.

"We are incredibly excited about the talented and diverse mix of artists on this year's bill," said Pachanga Festival Founder Richard Garza. "As the festival continues to grow, it is an honor and a dream realized to bring a piece of the party that is Pachanga to Dallas and Houston."

Last week, Austin announced its first round of talent for the highly anticipated, Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food event, which includes "an array of acclaimed performers from around the globe."

The first wave of artists confirmed for the 2015 Austin festival roster includes: former Mexican child-actress turned critical darling Ximena Sariñana; synth-pop hit makers Motel; acclaimed Spanish female rapper Mala Rodríguez; iconic Latin alt-electronic group Kinky; binational nostalgic rockers Enjambre; Compass: Mexican Institute of Sound & Toy Selectah, a collaboration between Camilo Lara aka Mexican Institute of Sound and legendary DJ producer Toy Selectah; Latin Grammy nominee Ceci Bastida, former Julieta Venegas bandmate and member of Tijuana No!; and alternative Chilean songstress and former lead singer of Los Abandoned María del Pilar.

In addition, Kinky, COMPASS: M. I. S. + Toy Selectah, and Ceci Bastida will also headline the Pachanga Houston event at Warehouse Live on Thursday, May 14 and Pachanga Dallas at Gas Monkey Live on May 15.

"Since its inception, the festival, which serves as a platform for both acclaimed and groundbreaking Latin acts, has emerged as a highly anticipated cultural event with its family-focused programming attracting a wide array of loyal fans from across the state," stated Pachanga officials. "The expansion will introduce the event to new audiences as well as provide an opportunity for Pachanga loyalists to experience the festival closer to home."

Last year, Pachanga Fest 2014, at which Latin Post was in attendance, welcomed five-time Latin Grammy Award-winning and Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American singer Julieta Venegas, as well as La Santa Cecilia, who won a Grammy for Best Latin, Rock and Alternative album, as the festival's headliners.

Other acts that took the stage included Brooklyn-based Latin Alternative band Chicha Libre; alt-rock Venezuelan group and 2013 Latin Grammy winners for "Best Rock Album" La Vida Bohème; cumbia dance quartet Sonido San Francisco; Austin's own Latin rock band Del Castillo; four-piece Latin alternative fusion group Making Movies; Internet sensation and Colombian Depeche Mode family cover band DMK; Mexican rock-fusion band El Gran Silencio; 2013 Latin Grammy Awards' "Best New Artist" Gaby Moreno; Mexican rapper Niña Dioz; AJ Davila Y Terror Amor; and Brownout performing "Brown Sabbath," a Black Sabbath tribute.

A limited number of "Pachanga Ganga" GA and VIP tickets went on sale March 7 at 10 a.m. CST and will be available through April 1. Discounted prices are as follows: GA, $40; and VIP, $80. As of April 2, prices will increase to $50 for GA and $100 for VIP.

You can also get your taco on with "VIP" a.k.a. "Very Important Taco" where ticket holders will be treated to a complimentary five-taco tasting showcasing offering from local Austin restaurants 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the taco tasting, VIP ticket holders will have access to salsa bar, paletas, aquas frescas and other complimentary non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. The VIP ticket also offers a host of amenities that include indoor restrooms, an air-conditioned lounge, and private patio area from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

GA Tickets for Pachanga Houston are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. Pachanga Dallas GA tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. For more information, click here.

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