A 20-year-old Portland, Oregon native is bringing a fresh voice and vibe to the Tucson desert. Shekinah Camille comes in many forms. They are a singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, burlesque performer and avid voice for the black and queer communities.

Camille recently performed at the Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Tucson Convention Center. During the event, which celebrated the abolishment of slavery in Texas and most of America on June 19, 1865, Camille, who identifies as non-binary, brought intersectionality to the black community in Tucson by premiering a self-produced video. This video brought visibility to the queer black Tucson community through interviews with those within the community.

“I was tasked this year, which I thought was really cool, to create a presentation representing black, queer folks in Tucson. And it's because a lot of the time—in the black community—our queerness is kind of silenced and pushed aside and just, like tolerated and not celebrated,” Camille said.

Queer representation is something that hasn’t been introduced to Tucson’s annual Juneteenth festival until now.

“This year they decided that it's a good time to acknowledge and to represent queer voices in the black community. And also a lot of them are my friends.” Camille said. “I got a couple of folks together and we're just going to represent us and represent just beautiful, beautiful black queerness for the first time at Juneteenth.”

Camille brings that representation to their music as well. With influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Erykah Badu and Lalah Hathaway, Camille shares their experience through soulful, R&B melodies. Acoustic sounds mix with their voice as they grace the stage with a guitar as well.

“I feel that the way that I approach my music and my art and the things that I do that fill my heart are going to be representative of me. So I'm going to make sure that my children can live in a world where if they are gay, if they are non binary, if they're under the trans umbrella, if they are artists—if they don't want to be—like super rich corporate people and they just want to do like humble community work, I want to create a space for them where they can actually do that,” Camille said. “And it’s neither good or bad. It just is.”

Camille’s music also brings mental health into the picture. In their most recent single, “The Wave,” Camille describes their experience with depression.

“It was about not being able to control how I'm feeling, but letting go of the need to control it, which was causing my suffering ‘cause I knew I couldn't control the thoughts that were coming into my mind,” Camille said. “So essentially just riding the wave of life and of those emotions and taking that and just letting go.”

Kevin Hamilton, founder of the production business Southwest Soul Circuit and producer of “The Wave,” praises working with Camille.

“Shekinah’s one of the best people I’ve ever worked with—very intuitive when it comes to creating,” Hamilton said.

For now, “The Wave” is only available through physical copies. While they plan to release it online eventually, Camille has reasons as to why they’re waiting.

“The decision not to stream it honestly really comes from me looking at the way a lot of artists release their music and the ways in which I value my music,” Camille said. “And the reason I do my music isn't to become famous and to reach success and to reach all these listeners. I just want [to] truly impact every person that hears it.”

Camille is also working on their debut studio album.

“I have technically all of the songs written and the demos are recorded. I just need to get into the studio and you know, record them,” Camille said. “I can't make art that doesn't speak to the humanity of folks because that's where I do it from.”

This L.A. power duo's fifth studio album, The Beast You Are (Gold Metal Records, 2019), depicts the struggle for dominance of will over power. Brashly declaring that "Complacency Is Killing You," Big Business bring their frantic low-end attack to Club Congress. Manguera hoses everyone down. Details here.

click to enlarge

Drawing from traditional jazz, swing and the American songbook, Tucson Jazz Institute hosts JAZZ JAMbalaya. At Sheraton Tucson Hotel. Details here.

It factor? Possessing a certain je ne sais quoi, on “Bad Things,” Seanloui’s latest joint, this French-American’s voice is suggestive of Usher, yet with a grit and cadence all his own. If his funky/scratchy guitar riffs could travel in time, they would bounce straight off C'est Chic (Atlantic Records, 1978). The R&B/Euro pop beats, airtight. And the production shines bright enough to make chart toppers adjust their Ray-Bans to stave off the glare. This dance track is simply wicked.

Music contributors Xavier Omar Otero and Ambur Wilkerson both chatted with Seanloui ahead of his upcoming show.

On Saturday, June 22, Seanloui will be gracing Thunder Canyon Brewery with "Bad Things Live."

Ambur asked:

Why did you name the show Bad Things Live?

It’s based off the new single that is dropping on June 21 called “Bad Things.”

Tell us about the new single? What's it about? What was the inspiration behind it?

The new single "Bad Things" is based on the French revolution of 1789. That all good revolutions start in the summer. It's a story on how that same type of revolution could begin in modern times.

Xavier asked:

What are you revolting against?

Not so much revolting. But I want to show that there is beauty in chaos.

Can music change the world or just enhance our journey through it?

I think music can enhance the journey...As the people who create it change the world.

How would you like to see the world change? Sorry. I ask hard questions sometimes…

[Laughing] No, not at all. I would like to see the world change through unity. That’s the only way we can make it change.

Back to Ambur:
✖
Will you be playing any new music?

YES! We’ll be doing some new songs as well as some alternate versions of some favorites.

What is your favorite song to perform live and why?

I love the song "Human" cause it’s such a great song to jam with the band. Great amazing energy.

What do you want the audience to take with them after this show? How do you want them to feel?

I want them to feel the joy I had when creating the sounds. I want them to take away the thought that we are so much more better together than apart. In essence: Building Community.

Seanloui is fêting the release of his latest single “Bad Things” on Saturday, June 22, 9:30 p.m., at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery, 220 E Broadway Blvd. Phoenix’s alt-fusionists Method to the Madness add to the chaos. The show is free and 21+.

D.R.I. discharge a whiplash fury and head-banging good time in an all-ages show at The Rock. Waukegan, Illinois skate punks Fastplants Spread The Stoke.

Traveling through the orangy-pink tropical sky faster than a "Supersónico" boom. From East L.A., psychedelic cumbia punk rockers Tropa Magica return to burn one with Los Èsplifs. At Club Congress.

It's an art + noise mashup. The experimental/electronic/noise/drone of Clown Doll, Black Baptist, Schadenhaus and Ruin Dweller will push you towards the edge of psychosis. At Ward6.

Smooth jazz? Friday Night Live Jazz Summer Concert Series presents saxophonist Butch Diggs & Friends. At Main Gate Square.

Freddy Parish hosts a monthly series which traces back the roots of country music, bluegrass, Appalachian folk and honky tonk. Dry and Dusty features an alternating cast of Tucson's most esteemed guest pickers. At Exo Roast Co.

Fronted by Luci Furr, Pigmy Death-Ray celebrate the darker side of rock 'n' roll. Phoenix's Noonday Devils and Gutter Town are the things that go bump in the night. At the Surly Wench Pub.

Street punks Blue Collar Criminals play Broken Hearted Songs, For Bitter Minded Drunks at Irene's Holy Donuts. Patiently, with One Day at a Time.

And, the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot epic battle continues. Two bands. One stage. This week's Tucson Duels: FIST vs. Stripes520. At The Screening Room.


Once upon a time, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, there emerged a mythic band from the UK: Led Zeppelin. For 23 years, ZoSo have provided a ticket to board a time machine—back to an era in rock history that defined glamour and excess—for all who dare climb the "Stairway to Heaven." The attention to detail is impressive. Yet, it's more than verisimilitude: Vocalist Matt Jernigan's lion's mane, kimono shirt and bell-bottomed jeans that epitomize Robert Plant. Or employing vintage instruments: A Ludwig Vistalite drum kit or Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar. It's the musicianship—from guitarist John McDaniel's spot-on rendition of Jimmy Page's complex solo on "The Song Remains the Same" to drummer Bevan Davies' savage barehanded drum pounding, as the mighty John Bonham once did, during "Moby Dick"—that truly captures the magick of a band who decades after their heyday still inspire zealotry. ZoSo: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience play the Rialto Theatre. The warm come soulful wail of Miss Olivia & The Interlopers tell A Few Little Stories.

In 1975, the release of Desolation Boulevard (Capitol Records)—fueled by the strength of chart topping hits "The Ballroom Blitz" and "Fox on the Run"—catapulted these English glam rockers into the American mainstream. The Sweet play the hits and a few surprises at Encore. Midnight Transit Co., and Funky Bonz open the show.

Spearheaded by a team of artists, musicians and educators, this non-profit is passionate about fostering an all-ages, DIY music and art space in the city where young people feel safe and supported. And they seek contributions to help secure a facility for classes, workshops, events, an all-ages music venue y mas. Groundworks Fundraiser features emo/shoegazers Cool Funeral, brash young Turks Rough Draft, "dirty skater emo kids" Annie Jump Cannon and in-your-face pop punkers Big Bad. At 191 Toole.

Taking on the time-tested tropes and poses of classic rock, Phoenix sybarites Wyves, in search of "Distractions," are on a road trip with "Princess Excess" to "Mar-a-Lago." And rumor has it "Bitch Has Got Problems." Local stalwarts Greyhound Soul and Crooked Saints are onboard for this hell ride. At Club Congress.

Experimental noise maker Quaker Folk (aka Steven Cosand) says adios to the Old Pueblo before heading down to Dixie. He shares his Harshest Piety for all to experience mouth agape at Bar Passé. With the music of Nobody (aka Willis Earl Beal), Sean Bonnette, Nullus and Jaime Soto.

Featuring some of Tucson's finest jazzers, vocalist/violinist Heather "Lil' Mama" Hardy hosts Taste of Jazz at Monterey Court.

Recently signed to Mint 400 Records, indie/alt rockers Home is West of San Clemente, California, are "Waiting" for "The Moment" to shine. At Irene's Holy Donuts. Flanked by locals Flying Half Full and Beyond the Firewall.

Solar Culture Gallery is the site of Summer Shootout. A celebration of Tucson's hip hop scene with performances by: 9D5, Aske, Rick Tensai, Soul Point, Marne Dom, Ago, as well as DJ sets by Shamiro Blitz and Based Hoezer...

You know her as the frontwoman of Taco Sauce and Juju Fontaine. Gabi Montoya performs solo at Tucson Hop Shop.

Singer-songwriter Adam Townsend performs poolside. At Hotel McCoy.

"Wipe Out!" It's time for the summer surf party of the season. Surf-a-palooza unites The Surfbroads, Shrimp Chaperone and The Furys for this common cause. Watch the colorful beach balls bounce on the plaza at Hotel Congress...


Championing the needs of tribal and rural communities. Featuring Tonight's Sunshine, A.M. Waves and Tongs. The Tribal Nations Tour kicks off at Club Congress.

Be soothed by the bohemian folk rock of Little Cloud on the patio at Che's Lounge.

On the latest edition of Zona Politics: I talk with Joey Burns of Calexico about the band's new collaboration with Iron & Wine, Years To Burn, as well as Loft Cinema Foundation Executive Director Peggy Johnson about the upcoming Woodstock fundraiser to restore the Loft's gorgeous marquee.


Zona Politics airs at 4 p.m. Sundays on KXCI community radio, 91.3 FM.

In 2009, after proclaiming My Shit Is Perfect (Voodoo Rhythm Records), NME noted that this racy rocketman summoned women from the audience to stir his whiskey with their tits.

Brace yourselves for a mind-blowing set of finger-picked, steel-string blues and heavy rock played by a wild man in a human-cannonball jumpsuit and full-face racing helmet rigged with a telephone receiver as a mic.

Yes, it’s Tucson’s own Bob Log III at 191 Toole. Details here.

Cadillac Mountain play rollicking traditional bluegrass. At Tap + Bottle - Downtown. Details here.

Mark Insley with Damon Barnaby perform outlaw Americana, and a little taste of the devil’s music, at Iron John’s Brewing Company. Details here.

Chromeo on their latest release: “The mission statement for this album, for us, was to pen this overarching love letter to funk music.”

Dressed to kill, eschewing Business Casual, these electro-funksters slip on glitter stilettos on Head Over Heels (Big Beat, 2018). At the Rialto Theatre. With self-confessed synth-freak Touch Sensitive. Details here.

It has been said that singer-songwriter Mike Kanne possesses “the voice of an angel in the body of a steel worker.” At Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. Details here.

On the strength of Goodluck Man (Good Horse Records), and a voice that perforates the aorta, Rolling Stone hailed this Austin singer-songwriter as one of the “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” in 2017.

click to enlarge

Courtesy Photo

Carson McHone emotes at Club Congress. The bluesy pop-rock of Adara Rae & The Homewreckers kicks things off. Details here.

Bluesman Christopher T. Stevens keeps it real at Public Brewhouse. Details here.

Named after a West Texas ghost town, Eskota (2016) was recorded there in an abandoned grocery store initially overrun by wasps and detritus; rattlesnake skins littered the floorboards.

Languorous and forlorn, Catch Prichard’s debut EP is collection of windswept folk/country songs where his valley deep baritone hangs in the air over dispirited pedal steel, at once expansive yet eerily still like the disquietude of the terrain.

Prichard inhabits Club Congress. The Wanda Junes bring cake. Details here.

Twisted and dirty,” New Years Day tops a bill that includes blue-haired hard rocker Diamante and alt-rockers Savage After Midnight. At Encore. Details here.

Local artist Mattea will be performing at the Black Renaissance: Juneteenth Festival After Party. Mattea shared with us what to expect from her performance, thoughts on Black Renaissance and details on her art.

What do you do?

I’m a singer-songwriter, musician and I paint on occasion.

How did you start playing trumpet? How long have you been playing?

I started getting lessons from my Dad when I was 7. Me and Vince (my trumpet) have been on and off and on since then.

How would you describe your poetry?

Oafish, huffy and bashful.

How would you describe your music?

Maybe like sloppy soul?

How did you get involved with Black Renaissance?

Seanloui came to one of my gigs and was gracious enough to connect me to it.

What does Black Renaissance mean to you?

An intentional space to celebrate black community, curated by the black community. It’s warm and wholesome and we need more of it, honestly.

What can we expect from your next performance at the final Black Renaissance event?

You can expect reverb. I, as always, expect people not to clap outta time, or even at all.

What do you want to give the audience with your performance? How do you want them to feel when they leave?

Optimally, we were able to be present to each other in a real kinda way. Optimally, we leave with a less colonized (or colonizer) state of mind. Optimally, you vibe with some groove and felt safe enough to be emotionally available.

What other projects are you currently working on?

Tryna' make more songs and art, that’s pretty much it.

Where can people stay updated on you?

The best way to follow what’s going on is follow my Instagram page (@shhmattea).

You can see Mattea doing what she does best at the Black Renaissance: Juneteenth Festival After Party. Saturday, June 15 at 9:30 p.m. at Wooden Tooth Records. 426 E 7th St. A $5 donation will be accepted at the door and given back to the artists.