Rockabilly founders move on

Over the past five years, Rockabilly on the Route has been a successful, one-of-a-kind music festival, drawing more than 5,000 people to Tucumcari each year.

But this year's event - scheduled June 1-4 - will be the last as co-founders Simon Cantlon and Ungie Davila pursue other projects.

"It was not an easy decision to make as we love this festival and are proud of its success," both Cantlon and Davila said. "Tucumcari is our second home, and the people here have embraced us, along with the event."

Davila said the people have played a big part in making Rockabilly on the Route what it is today, which is the biggest event of its kind in New Mexico and on Route 66.

Cantlon said a lot of thought was put into the decision to put Rockabilly On The Route on hold for now as they pursue some other events and ideas that have been on the back burner. He said he has been itching to finish his documentary project: "The Motels of Route 66."

Davila said with the amount of hours and finances that Rockabilly requires, it has just not been feasible to focus on some of these other endeavors and projects.

Cantlon and Davila wrote a letter to the city letting them know of their decision in advance of announcing it publicly.

"The city has been a big backer of the event; we wanted them to be the first to know of our decision," Cantlon said

Davila said they have not received a response from commissioners or city officials yet.

"We (city officials) were saddened and disappointed that this will be the last Rockabilly on the Route," said Jared Langenegger, city manager. "The event's future in Tucumcari is uncertain as we do not know if they are taking a year off or if the event is over for good."

Davila said during the time off, she and Cantlon plan to reassess the future of the festival. She said If they decide to bring it back for another round, they want to make sure they do so with a new perspective and refreshed energy.

"The event means a lot to us; we've put a lot of energy and love into it through the years," Cantlon said.

Langenegger said a group of citizens has already expressed desire to work with Davila and Cantlon to keep the event going and have it in Tucumcari.

"I think Rockabilly is a great event for Tucumcari, bringing people from across the nation and world to our city," Langenegger said. "This is an event that we definitely need to keep going."

Robert Lumpkin, District 5 city commissioner, said after learning of the news about Rockabilly, he began speaking with the Lodger's Tax Advisory Board President David Brenner about organizing people interested in helping to continue the event in Tucumcari.

"First and foremost, we want to respect Simon's and Ungie's reasons for not having the festival next year," Lumpkin said "We respect their right to be tired and appreciate the work they have done in producing and bringing this festival to life."

He said the group wants to meet with Cantlon and Davila to speak with them about their plans for Rockabilly, the concerns or needs they might have for continuing the event and see if there is anything they can do to help.

"This is an event that draws people to our city, boosts the local economy and residents enjoy," Lumpkin said. "We need to work with Simon and Ungie to keep this festival going."

Tickets for the fifth annual and final Rockabilly on the Route June 1-4 are available at http://www.rockabillyontheroute.com