Rock star will play at Rocky Point because feels isn't dangerous
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Print | Originally published: Mar 2, 2012 - 5:13 pm
PHOENIX -- Popular spring break destinations are of big concern for the U.S State Department, but one rock-n- roll living legend says at least one of those places should not be on the list.
Earlier this month the State Department issued this warning for people thinking about visiting the coastal town of Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point:
"Exercise caution when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Peņasco. Sonora is a key region in the international drug and human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for travelers. The region west of Nogales, east of Sonoyta, and from Caborca north, including the towns of Saric, Tubutama and Altar, and the eastern edge of Sonora bordering Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peņasco are urged to use the Lukeville, Arizona/Sonoyta, Sonora border crossing, in order to limit driving through Mexico, and to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours."
Singer-songwriter Steve McCarty (of Steve Miller fame) can appreciate the value in these types of warnings or alerts but says he's been visiting Rocky Point for several years and has never had a problem.
"The media would have people believe that all of Mexico is dangerous and that's just not true. I actually feel much safer in Rocky Point than I do in just about any other major American City," said McCarty.
In fact, for the second year in a row, he's brought together a group of platinum rock stars for the 2nd Annual Penasco Palooza Concert happening March 17th.
Joining McCarty at the event will be Curly Smith of Boston fame, and an all Rock Star Band featuring Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith, Gary Moon of Night Ranger, Leon Bisquera, who played for Anita Baker, David Lewark who played for Sammy Hagar and Paul Mcdermand of the Moody Blues.
"Now I know Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana and some other cities are very, very dangerous, and I certaintly wouldn't go there, but Rocky Point is one of the safest destinations," McCarty said.
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