SPIRIT IN THE DESERT’S 2ND ANNUAL
THANKSLIVING MUSIC FEST
November 27-30, 2026
Enjoy a weekend of Trop-Rock music with Mark Mulligan and John Patti!
Escape the holiday shopping chaos and share your Thanksgiving weekend with renowned Trop-Rock artists Mark Mulligan, John Patti, Carrie Welling, and Rudy B, at the ThanksLiving Music Fest. Think ice cold cervezas, margaritas on the rocks, plentiful sunshine and live Trop-Rock music in a desert oasis. This first of its kind intimate musical experience will be held at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in beautiful Carefree, Arizona from Black Friday, November 27th to Cyber Monday, November 30th.
Our guest packages are an incredible value and start at just $399 per person and include 3-nights of well-appointed accommodations with daily breakfast, snacks and soft drinks, daily dinner and preferred seating to live daily concerts with Mark, John, Carrie and Rudy. We’ll also have other one-of-kind special events and as an added bonus alcohol is BYOB. Ice, limes and blenders readily available!
Individual tickets will be available for purchase closer to the event date. Dinner is included with your ticket price, too!
Mark Mulligan
Mark Mulligan deported himself to Mexico 30 years ago, ditching his gold Century 21 Real Estate jacket for flip flops and a guitar. Living south of the border, His songs paint pictures of sunshine, sailboats, and sandy beaches. And his book, “The Three Miracles” (available on Amazon) is a true story of love and faith, all proceeds to charity. Mark performs throughouth the U.S and Mexico, and has also played in Canada, Belize, the Cayman Islands and Costa Rica.
John Patti
Ten time TRMA “Musician of the Year” winner, John Patti brings the steel pan to the forefront of musical entertainment with an “island infused jazz and blues” style. Whether solo or collaborating with bands, John’s intriguing stories and skillful performance leaves long lasting and memorable impressions with every audience.
Ten time TRMA “Musician of the Year” winner, JOHN PATTI brings the steel pan to the forefront of musical entertainment with an “island infused jazz and blues” style. Whether solo or collaborating with bands, John’s intriguing stories and skillful performance leaves long lasting and memorable impressions with every audience.
Carrie Welling
Fans have loved Carrie Welling’s music from the inception and it’s clear to see why. Her bold, sultry voice, reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s grit, Tom Petty’s pen, and Stevie Nicks’ heart, is upstaged only by the genuine love and connection this performer has with her fans both on and off stage.
Welling’s latest album, A Crack in the Chaos, invites listeners on a journey to search for the joy in the turmoil – the glimmer of light that always guides us. Melodies rich in Americana pop blend seamlessly with her singer-songwriter roots and empowered, honest lyrics. But while this new collection of songs maintain Welling’s signature raw vulnerability and authenticity – qualities that are essential to her creative process – fans will certainly take note of a more mature and evolved sound.
Rudy B
After meeting Mark on a plane, Rudy has spent 10 years on stage accompanying trop-rock artists all over the U.S and Mexico. Hailing from Colorado, Rudy is also a songwriter, with several albums of original material.
Tickets On Sale
March 25, 2026
More about Spirit In The Desert!
Spirit In The Desert invites all to experience the beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. With breathtaking sunsets, serene gardens, and cooler evening temperatures at 2,580 feet, it offers a peaceful escape.
Guests are welcomed by a friendly staff and enjoy comfortable rooms with private baths, many with mountain views. Meals are homemade and prepared by experienced chefs, and property amenities include a heated pool, jacuzzi, and fully equipped with WiFi.
Three walking paths offer guided meditation: the Labyrinth, Prayer Pathway, and Islands of Silence. Open to all faiths, Spirit provides a space for renewal, healing, and
transformation—whether for group retreats, meetings, or personal reflection. Experience joyful hospitality and spiritual renewal in this desert oasis.
