Return of "Burn Out", Hot rods n' Hot tunes w/ Los Skarnales
- spiralhtx
- Nov 10, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
Reignition: Return of The Burn Out
November 9th 2024 marks the official return of The Burn Out , Founded in 2007, returned with a bang , after a 8 year hiatus. The Pre 1964 Classic Car, action packed event is back with a mighty vengeance bridging the culture of rare antique automobiles to motorcycles and more. Car enthusiasts made way to the highly anticipated event , with on lookers rushing to get a peak at the buzzing attraction. Throughout the event artists / vendors selling hard to find records, tattoos, one of a kind books ,magazines, lost media deep cuts - gave collectors and music enthusiasts alike, a buffet of rare trinkets and access to vintage items.
Just a car show? Think again.
The Burn Out car show goes beyond cars, aesthetics and awards. The event incorporates a diverse message of freedom , family ,music and expression through automotive exploration. These values echo through the core of The Burnout , Spiral sat down with the founder, Veronica Flores, about the rich history of the Houston car show.
"My mother inspired me to start this , she said to me "don't talk about it , be about it". My brother and I got into classic car culture through our father, who passed away when I was young. Cars were a family interest , an over all bonding experience for us growing up. Burn out is a family event where we help each other out as a community."- Veronica Flores
Veronica goes on to give Spiral more history of the iconic venue space.
The Honky Tonk with a History
The Neon boots honky tonk bar is an LGBTQA+ friendly historical Houston landmark. Previously known as The Esquire Bar room circa 1955 , Musical giants had humble beginnings at the venue such as Willie Nelson ,working there - eventually playing along side other icons such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline ,The Texas Tornados and Los Skarnales (headlining the event at the 2024 return).
Given the history of the venue , Veronica described Neon Boots as the perfect place to host an event of community importance. It was imperative to Veronica that the space would be Houston proper and centered. With the ebb and flow of Houstonians battling gentrification , the devastation of Covid-19 and major life changes among the Burn Out family, it was time for a reignition of the beloved event.
The Burn Out Reloaded
The return of Burn Out came a few days after the major 2024 presidential election. With tensions at an all time high across the country, Burn Out provided a space of neutrality and an unspoken respect of differences.
"I was a bit worried about tensions due to the political climate. I understand we all have our beliefs especially as "Hispanic /Latino" people but at the end of the day we have to stop with the bullshit and come together. With Burn Out, we have the common ground of our cars, our music and our genté." - Veronica Flores
The heart and soul of the event is evident in the interpersonal web of connection and dedication through a common love of car culture , music and community. In addition to the many heartfelt moments of the evening , The Burn Out crew paid respects to Big Greg , announcing an award created in his memory.
"We’ve lost a few since our last show in 2016. We want to honor one of our favorites, for the best belly laughs, badassery and burnouts (allegedly) we will present the Big Greg Award .It won’t be the same without you , but you are here with us in Spirit. Love ya’ Greg." -The Burn Out
Celebrating 10 Years of Car Enthusiasts and Music
The music of the night brought a spectacular treat to Burnout. The legendary "Los Skarnales" took to the stage with electrifying swagger .
Playing classics from their catalog of tunes such as "No Guay out", "Para Andar Igual","Bomba '48" and "Salud". The band had the mixed crowd of new comers , Country crooners , rockabilly roadsters and punks getting down on the legendary Neon Boots dance floor. For some it was the first time they had a look into the world of the Punk subgenre of Ska. Other music acts of the evening were TWEEZR, Ralphie & RCs, and DJ Set by MEXICAN BLACKBIRD.
"The music was really awesome , it was my first time attending anything like this. This was a great introduction to ska . It was cool seeing how much work went into the show and the sense of community. I think especially with the political climate , anything to bring people together is great. It is Amazing that this event had so many people come together, it demonstrates how much this means to people of the community to have The Burn Out be back."- Amelia (@ __Amilia ____bedlia)
The show ended in a beautiful celebration of culture , creativity and community. Where everyone came together to unite for a night of unforgettable fun. Be sure to follow the Burn Out to stay with up to date with the latest events!
