Brews, Books & DIY Spirit: Pages and Pints

Pages and Pints, held this past Saturday at Old Sheepdog Brewery, was one of the first projects under my new venture, Ace Communications Consulting—and it was a perfect kickoff. Presented by El Paso Matters, the event brought together punk, literature, and community in a celebration of brews, books, and borderland creativity.

At the heart of the event was a Q&A and book signing with Dr. Tara López, author of Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso. The panel—moderated by poet and educator Richie Marrufo—included López, veteran concert promoter Bobbie Welch, and Jesse Youngblood of Faction X, who also shared reflections on the role his mother, Patricia, played in El Paso’s DIY scene.

More than 20 local authors and vendors filled the space with stories and handmade goods, while a carefully curated music lineup brought the spirit of Chuco Punk to life. Sound Decay Records, a downtown El Paso vinyl shop and cultural hub, spun DJ sets that echoed the gritty, genre-blurring energy of the border punk scene. Bands La Discordia—featuring Edgar “Pato” Delfin of Nalgadas—and JJ Caballero y Los Sueños bridged generations of sound and rebellion.

As someone who came up playing in bands, booking DIY shows, and now promoting events as a DJ, this project was especially meaningful to me. It felt like a full-circle moment—honoring the past while investing in the future of El Paso’s creative community.

Ace was tapped to help curate the panel, select two of the bands, and find a DJ that captured the punk/DIY vibe. It wasn’t without its challenges—finding the right mix of old and new voices, navigating last-minute changes, and making sure women and family perspectives were represented—but the outcome was powerful.

Thanks to El Paso Matters, Old Sheepdog Brewery, Dead Punk for the exclusive art, and everyone who came out to support local music, books, and culture. Pages and Pints was a beautiful tribute to the enduring DIY spirit of El Paso.

Looking to build a cultural event, amplify creative voices, or connect with community through storytelling? Let’s talk. Ace Communications Consulting is here to help you bring your vision to life.
📩 Get in touch: info@acecommsconsulting.com
🔗 Watch a recap of the event and follow along: @acecommsconsulting