Tattoo Showdown introduces new scene

   The country’s largest tattoo and music festival, Texas Tattoo Showdown, comes to El Paso on July 13-15, bringing more than 200 tattoo artists and over 30 bands to the El Paso County Coliseum.

Hosted by the House of Pain Tattoo Studio, the Texas Tattoo Showdown consists of local and famous tattoo artists from around the world such as Amy Nicoletto from the TV show “LA Ink,” Joshua Carlton, James Vaughn and Bili Vega among others. Celebrity judges include “Crazy” Philadelphia Eddie and Gill “The Drill” Montie.

George Galindo, owner of the House of Pain and operator of the Texas Tattoo Showdown, said this type of festival has been a success since its initiation three years ago.

“We have grown. This is a show of artists for artists coming from all over the world such as Holland, Japan and Germany among other countries,” Galindo said. “It’s the reason why it makes us a large and diverse festival.”

The event will not only be a floor for tattoo artists, but for bands such as Authority Zero, Bowling for Soup, Boo Yaa Tribe, Hawthorne Heights, Days of the New and Barb Wire Dolls.

“This will be my first time attending the Texas Tattoo Showdown and experiencing this type of artistic atmosphere,” said Antonio Velasquez freshman criminal justice major. “I’m looking forward to the different art that I will get to see.”

Visitors will have the chance to enjoy other activities such as human suspension shows, midget wrestling, custom hot-rods and carnival style sideshows. The event will also have a variety of food available as well as a beer garden. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get a tattoo from famous artists that specialize in different artistic techniques such as neo-traditional Japanese art and biomechanical art.

“If you have never been to The Showdown hold on tight and get ready for an incredible all age family event weekend,” Galindo said.

More than 11,000 people attended last year, but with the number of tattoo artists doubling this year, Galindo is expecting for a larger number to attend.

Tattoo artist, Mario Navarro, said that the best part of the festival is meeting new people and mixing it up.

“It’s that one time of year where my friends that live out of town come together and we hang out,” Navarro said.

In accordance with Navarro, tattoo artist Andy Tassone, said this tour is a perfect opportunity to network with other aspiring tattoo artists.

“This festival is a great networking tool and a great way to get your work out for people to see and get your name recognized in different parts of the country,” Tassone said.

Tickets for the Texas Tattoo Showdown may be purchased at Ticket Master venues. Prices are $25 for daily passes or $35 for weekend passes. Children 12 and under enter free. The El Paso County Coliseum will open its gates at noon.

For more information call 880-4955 or visit inklifetour.com.

Andrea Acosta may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.