Friday, June 14, 2019
Friday, June 14
Like fevered Vikings high on self-delusion, “We’ve have had a hard time explaining...Sadly the outside world has shown to be underdeveloped when it comes to understanding the true value of metal. Luckily, the King of all kings has taken it upon himself to educate the people of Earth.” “With Horns in the Air,” Swedish metalists Avatar Country charge into the Rialto Theatre. With former Strapping Young Lad Devin Townsend performing acoustically, synthwave duo Dance With The Dead and noise punks ’68 in tow.
“The best thing about making reggae music is its power to change the world. To make it a better place for everyone,” affirms Ibrahim Touré. Adding something unique to Tucson’s diverse talent pool, rooted in their common love of reggae, General Tchefary and Santa Pachita unite to spread a message of social justice and environmental awareness, while the wicked Caribbean and Latin rhythms traverse international borders and all aspects of humanity at 191 Toole.
Fan of ’70s rock? Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford perform all the hits. Creedence Clearwater Revisited rolls into the Desert Diamond Casino.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots—a historic uprising against police harassment that launched the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement—Super Gay Party Machine features beats by DJ Shorty while performance art collective Häus of K, the divine Isis D. Frost and Ima Peepers set the stage en fuego. Join the rainbow riot at Hotel Congress. Tempest DuJour hosts.
Spektrum brings the modern dark underground to R Bar. DJs Moonshake and Ricky Strange spin—darkwave, EBM, coldwave, goth—in an all vinyl homage to the Babes of the ’80s.
The waves of this pablum musical genre crested during the 1970s and ’80s, when Hawaiian shirts sang of wind, sails and adventure, and the music of Pablo Cruise, Rupert Holmes, Christopher Cross and Player led the vanguard. Love it or hate it? Drift away on a piña colada-scented breeze with the softest of soft rock when Yacht Rock 2019 returns to La Cocina Restaurant & Cantina. DJ Herm presides.
Songstress Emilie Marchand and Dante Rosano christen The Libertine, Pie Allen Historic District’s newest cocktail bar.
DJs Karlito, Desert Island and Rob Moonlite provide the soundtrack for Crooked Spins Sunset Record Swap. At Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
Take snaps. The Öhmlauts, Gila Byte and JJCnV do unspeakable things at the Surly Wench Pub.
Two Bands. One stage. Duking it out until one succumbs (or their set ends). Tucson Duels: Lenguas Largas vs. Thee Pork Torta. At The Screening Room.
Spend Father’s Day tejano style with Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs. At AVA Amphitheater.
Comprised of immigrants, these hardworking laborers by day/talented conjunto musicians by night are proud of their civic contributions to the community. Pedro y Los Lîricos keep the music of the Mexican diaspora alive. At Exo Roast Co. Be there, no jodas.
Saturday, June 15
They began as light-hearted buskers in a Greenwich Village subway in 2006. Now, tales of class division and diseased American capitalism litter their latest release. Hailing from the Catskills, far from modest, folk/country rockers The Felice Brothers Undress (Yep Roc Records, 2019) before all at 191 Toole. Troubadour Jonathan Rice sullenly commemorates a “Hollow Jubilee”.
The last time the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band, was in town a recording of AC-DC’s “Hell’s Bells” blasted through the PA as roadie turned hype-man Warren Moscow prepped the crowd. His banter, a bit heavy handed. “Alcohol is your friend. If you’re not ready to party, get the fuck out!” But, he knew his crowd well. “From Juarez, Mexico via Hollywood,” Metalachi return to Hotel Congress. The plaza will never be quite the same afterwards.
Taking you on a track-by-track multimedia lecture, esteemed Beatleologist Scott Freiman will explain the inspiration behind and evolution of these beloved songs in this fabled recording studio. Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road unfolds at the Rialto Theatre.
You may find yourself “staring at the sky on a cloudy day, feeling deep in your soul that the world is a hard place, and closing your eyes to a honeyed rainbow of magical jam.” With a heavy dollop of “Coconut Cream.” Become a convert. The Rifle are at Che’s Lounge.
The Desert Blooms with the acoustic guitar-driven sounds of the Paul Opocensky Project at Irene’s Holy Donuts.
Comprised of esteemed cornetist/pianist Dante Rosano, violinist Samantha Bounkeua and guitarist/clarinetist Marco Rosano, Two-Door Hatchback is at once sophisticated—with elements of jazz, classical and thought-provoking lyrics as found in folk storytelling—yet whimsical, if not quirky. At Exo Roast Co.
Metal? You bet. Tucson Festival of Tortured Souls features performances by: Never Reborn, Cerulean, Agnostic Purgatory, Guardians, Despair and Zombie-Kalibus. At House of Bards.
Accompanied by some of Tucson’s finest jazzers—bassist Bobbi Elias, guitarist Dan Griffin, saxophonist Mike Moynahan, trapsman Burt Shur and vibraphonist Joey Glassman—pianist Louis Colaiannia & Friends balance the concord between melody and harmony and the fire of improvisation. At Sea of Glass: Center for The Arts.
Tart Parlor—a poetry collective run by and for sex workers and dedicated allies to honor sex worker voices—features poets Kristen Nelson and Piper J. Daniels performing to raise funds for local Sex Workers Outreach Project. At Solar Culture.
Arizona Hip Hop Show—featuring Benny, Nitrah Neon, Puzzled, Kenji Bandz—goes off at Blacklidge Community Collective. Along with the party punk of Closet Goth.
Black Renaissance will host the official afterparty for the Juneteenth Festival. Featuring performances be Teré Chapman, Mattea and live art by Sketch 71. At Wooden Tooth Records.
The ukulele-driven, bohemian folk-rock of Little Cloud can be experienced at Saint Charles Tavern. Athenian troubadour Adam Klein shares the bill.
Singer-songwriter Dal Hodges will be “playing some acoustic guitar, singing some songs, flubbing some chords, getting some lyrics wrong, and talking too much.“ At The Dusty Monk Pub.
D.C. emo/indie poppers Origami Angel are at Bar Passe. With Stars Hollow and Celebration Guns.
Twenty-three years after Bradley Nowell’s death, founding members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh carry forth their iconic sun-splashed California sound, now with singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez. Sublime with Rome are at AVA Amphitheater. SOJA and Common Kings provide support.
“Once Bitten, Twice Shy?” Well, maybe not. Jack Russell’s Great White are still on a feeding frenzy. And they are making a stop at Encore.
Sunday, June 16
From Oxnard, California, Heretic A.D. unleash a dark, brutal, violent, metallic sound at Ward 6. With Legions, Order66 and others.
The Tucson Pops Orchestra performs Music Under the Stars. At Demeester Outdoor Performance Center.
As the mercury continues to rise, it’s sure to be a Barefoot Blue Jean Night when country star Jake Owen steps “Down To The Honkytonk” for a cold one. At AVA Amphitheater.
Tags: music , live shows , 191 toole , live , live show , rock , rap , bands , band , the rialto theatre , rialto theatre , Image
Thursday, June 13, 2019
The gospel infused voice that emanated from one so diminutive, at once beautiful and pained, unleashed an enormous power that reached deep into the beating hearts of all in attendance, while exposing a true artist’s tender soul. One who has found strength Living With Ghosts.
Through intimate moments, balladry and character-based storytelling, like a true Servant of Love Patty Griffin dug deep into folk and roots traditions, finding her footing in the vernacular of the everyday.
Her crew, spartan: Guitarist/pianist David Pulkingham and drummer/bassist/pianist Conrad Choucroun. As one they presented Patty Griffin (PGM Recordings, 2019), an album of quiet grace, self-determination and survival, whose emotional epicenter is found in Griffin’s battle with, and victory over, breast cancer.
During the course of the evening, Griffin traced back to her roots in “Where I Come From,” lamented the sands of time slipping through the “Hourglass,” and questioned the uncertainty of the future in “What Now.”
The Grammy Award winner seemed happy to be back in Tucson. Griffin took a moment to speak of the situation on the border. “It’s not a simple solution.” And of her grandparents who emigrated from Ireland. “But, if the gates to them had been shut…I might not be here. And I like being here. So, I’m still standing on a hill.”
But, this “Mama’s Worried.”
Like a well written novel, Griffin’s masterfully crafted songs bloom, they develop independent lives, and perdure in your head long after the coda.“People in their stylish clothes. They look at us and turn up their nose. A hunger deep inside me grows. And never goes away.” –Patty Griffin, from “Mama’s Worried”
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Towards the end of the set Griffin sang “River.” Embodying a woman’s strength, her words captured the essence of the evening. “Isn’t she a river? She doesn’t need a diamond to shine. You can’t really have her. But you can hold her for a time.”
And so it was.
English folk singer/guitarist John Smith opened the show Friday past, June 7.
Tags: Patty Griffin , In The Flesh , Live , XOXO , Image
Singer-songwriters Nancy & Neil McCallion perform original Americana acoustically. At La Cocina. Details here.
From Austin, these Maximalist prog/grunge rockers are touring in support of their fifth album, Ghost Coast. Led by guitar wizard Dani Neff, Megafauna deliver “thinking woman’s hard rock” to eager throngs at the Surly Wench Pub. With Gardie. Details here.
Go Deeper: DJs Atom Energy and Lunarfox spin house at Passé. Details here.
Tags: music , live music , live shows , live show , cafe passe , passe , la cocina , surly wench pub , tap and bottle , deeper thursdays , the wanda junes , megafauna , gardie , nancy and neil mcallion , nancy mcallion , neil mcallion , country , edm , rock , Image
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
She Wants Revenge stalk the Rialto Theatre. Partnered in crime by MXMS and The Guidance. Details here.
At Club Congress you will find the polished neo-soul fusion of Street Blues Family. They promise to make you swoon. Details here.
Tags: music , live music , live shows , live show , street blues family , club congress , she wants revenge , rialto theatre , 191 toole , neo-soul , goth , punk , Image
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
His voice slurs like James Brown. And, the backbeat? Pure Stax Record’s Southern soul. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears narrows The Difference Between Me & You at 191 Toole. With the indie rockin’ soul of Amasa Hines. Details here.
“We’ll drink some beer, tell some stories and maybe do a few fun cover songs.” Lead singer/molecular biologist Dexter Holland expands, “And, Jonny Two Bags from Social Distortion will be with us performing a solo set.” At the Rialto Theatre. Details here.
This Texas singer-songwriter transports the flavor of Gulf Coast country soul found in his solo debut The Change to Club Congress.
“It’s a love letter, and a promise to my newly formed family,” says Kevin Galloway.
With the light-hearted yet fuzzed-out rock of Birds and Arrows. Details here.
Tags: music , live shows , live show , club congress , 191 toole , rialto theatre , black joe lewis and the honeybears , amasa hines , the offspring , johnny two bags , kevin galloway , birds and arrows , indie , indie soul , country , country soul , acoustic , Image
Monday, June 10, 2019
These Bay Area “kinda grunge, kinda punk” indie rockers “Dip” into town for a show at Club Congress. Culture Abuse bring their vision of the Bay Dream along with a taste of “Goo” for all who care to sample. Songsmith Tony Molina, Dare and Entry lend support. Details here.
Drawing from traditional jazz, swing and the American songbook, Tucson Jazz Institute hosts JAZZ JAMbalaya. At Sheraton Tucson Hotel. Details here.
From deep in the bayou, Cajun bluesman Tab Benoit tracks the brackish water of the Mississippi Delta—along with a strong dose of “Medicine”—into the Rialto Theatre. Soulful blues rocker Eric Johanson helps “Burn It Down”. Details here.
Tags: music , live music , live shows , live show , culture abuse , tucson jazz institute , jazz jambalaya , sheraton tucson hotel , funky bonz , funky monday , elliots , club congress , tony molina , dare , entry , tab benoit , eric johanson , Image
Friday, June 7, 2019
Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino (along with trumpet player Jacob Valenzuela) made a trek to Nashville just before Christmas last year to spend a few days in the studio with Sam Beam of Iron & Wine.
The result is Years to Burn, which will drop next Friday, June 14. But if you want an advance listen, NPR is streaming it right now. NPR correspondent Stephen Thompson's take:
The new set finds Sam Beam, John Convertino, Joey Burns and members of the extended Calexico and Iron & Wine casts at their loose-limbed best. Beam, now an old hand at lavish and soulful arrangements, performs here with maximum smoothness, while Burns and Convertino lean hard into Beam's mix of warmth and melancholy. They all sound comfortable, collaborating deep in the pocket, but they're still exploring.
Tags: Calexico , Iron & Wine , NPR , Image
Ostermann noted during the show how beautiful the Arizona sunsets were while miming with her finger a tear falling down her cheek. The edgy four closed off the show with a raunchy cover of Britney Spears' "Gimme More".
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Townsend drifts from neo soul through Motown, blues, and folk music, the bit of grit in his voice resounds as he howls to the anthem of enduring love. From the edge of gospel in “Whiskey,” to his soulful collaboration with 16-year-old Nashville native Lindsey Lomis in “Hurricane,” his new record carries dreams of bonfires, feverish aching love, summer nights driving around in an old truck and easy southern living.
"I get a lot of inspirations from older music and older musicians," Townsend says. "Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin...I learned to cut my teeth learning to play guitar listening to Jimi Hendrix."
The release of Townsend’s debut record marks his return home to Tucson from six years in San Diego, spent songwriting, performing, and producing music.
"Writing music comes from a place of just needing to get it out," he says. "I have melodies and lyrics in my head all day long."
He recorded and produced his album in the Bomb Shelter Studio in Nashville, Tennessee and brings all the soulful flavor to share with you tonight with his band at Hotel Congress. “All My Fires” Record Release, doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.
XOXO caught up with this up-and-comer for a brief Q&A. Let’s find out what keeps Adam Townsend afloat.
What is the spice in life that keeps Adam Townsend going?
My family is what keeps me going. I have an incredible support system between my amazing wife, my son and my parents. I couldn’t do any of this without them. I’d also say that music helps keep me going. At every dark moment of my life, my family and my music have been there to keep me afloat.
You capture a certain vibe, one of hope and resiliency, on “Beautiful Life.” What was it like capturing that energy in the recording studio?
So much about this song, and even my upcoming record, is an expression of where I’ve been as a musician for the last ten years. There were moments when I thought I’d never be able to make this record. And getting to do it in such an iconic city like Nashville, with the help of incredibly talented musicians, who themselves have known a similar hope and resilience, gave me the energy I needed on all my songs...Especially “Beautiful Life.”
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? Why do you call Tucson home? What is your musical background?
I’m a Tucson native. I spent some time in San Diego after college, but came back to my roots a few years ago. Tucson has always been a special place to me and even though I grew up here, it’s been nice to carve out a place of my own with my wife and son. I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Growing up, music was always a big part of my life. Both my parents were very musical; My dad played extensively around Tucson in the 1970s and ‘80s. My parents tell me I was a musical kid, but I really started honing my skills in high school. By the time I got to the U of A, I knew music was more than just a hobby. Since then I’ve been continuing to develop my music and am looking forward to what the next few years will bring.
What is next for Adam Townsend?
I’m really looking forward to releasing my full length album in June and doing a fun album release show. (Tonight!)
Adam Townsend’s All My Fires dropped Friday, June 7. Available everywhere.
Tags: Adam Townsend , XOXO , music , live , concert , album release , local musician , Image
A testament to the darkly weird, Goth/country punks Slim Cessna’s Auto Club along with Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds summon the Mexican muse of The Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, who cultural lore holds benevolently sprouts hallucinogenic morning glories and protects the underworld. The Mission Creeps lead the siege. At 191 Toole.
Following in the tradition of Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby, Tucson’s dub/reggae masters Dub Society skank at the Chicago Bar.
Featuring Heroes Reunion, Critical Miss and Creeper Van, Women Rock Tucson rejoices in the splendor of just that. At Brodie’s Tavern.
Hosted by Stephka Von Snatch, Burlesque in Wonderland will lure you down through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world. At the Surly Wench Pub.
Psychedelic funk/jam band The Bennu shoot through the night at Sky Bar.
Natty & The Sunset serenade with original dreamy folk compositions (and a few covers) at Westbound.
Hailing from the heart of Creole country in Louisiana, this singer/accordionist/drummer is the son of a zydeco legend. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble flirt with temptation at Monterey Court.
And, in the twilight, as part of the Friday Night Live Free Concert Series, Haboob perform original compositions that elicit feelings of “ennui and hubris” while enveloped in a thick cloud of dust. At Main Gate Square.
From how upbeat Adam Townsend’s music initially sounds, you might underestimate the emotional depths it can reach. On his debut album, All My Fires, releasing June 7, this local songwriter examines his loves and dreams without sounding cloying. Alongside rustic strings, soulful vocal ensembles and mournful horns, Townsend combines the passionate with the poetic. This new album, described as “the culmination of 10 years of writing and never letting go of a dream to pursue a music career” certainly contains a decade’s worth of observations, cravings and inertia. Even the album’s title seems to hint at a list of burning desires waiting to be extolled. For Townsend, this pleasant storybook is a long time coming. Catch Adam Townsend’s album release show at Club Congress. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 7. 311 East Congress Street. $5. 21+
“Holy Shit,” Latina hip hop artist Claudia Alexandra Feliciano aka Snow Tha Product unleashes her rapid-fire delivery and take no shit ’tude at the Rialto Theatre. The Goin’ Off Tour showcases up-and-comers Castro Escobar, Jandro and James Elizabeth.
KFMA’s night-time radio personality Avery hosts Local Noize Night on the plaza at Hotel Congress. This evening of all-ages bedlam—featuring Alien Atmosphere and Pyrotechnica—carries a distinct alt-rock/metallic edge.
Brash young turks Rough Draft are taking their brand of indie/emo/punk/”whatever” on tour. They are kicking things off with a shindig at Club Congress. The Exbats, Pelt and Carnaval add to the rabble rousing.
Fueled by two acoustic guitars—a 12- and six-string—with a tuba holding down the low end, Sierreño is a regional Mexican sub-genre different from Norteño. Experience los Perdidos de Sinaloa at Club 4th Avenue. Be prepared to scoot boots.
Jae “Motherfuckin” Tilt presents the first ever Rap & Tap. Featuring pop-up shops, mad booze and hip hop, of course. At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery–Downtown.
Then Roch Mirabeau hosts Pushing Buttons: A Monthly Producer Getdown. With beat sets by: DVOID, MetricTones, Nick Arcade, B3NBI, RND1, Jamaal Tha RX, TOP NAX and RaajMahal. Also at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery–Downtown.
Ouros and Hussie behave like tarts at Irene’s Holy Donuts.
Featuring violin, acoustic guitar and cello this instrumental trio—while backpacking through many regions like musical genres—are on their way to becoming something else. The Missing Parts search for their phantom limbs at Solar Culture.
And, The Jack, Armed At Night, Chance Romance and Live & Let Die (a tribute to Paul McCartney) gather to Rock For Paws: A Benefit for Hard Luck HoundsAZ. At House of Bards…
Sunday, June 9
After bidding “Farewell to the Good Times,” on Burn Something Beautiful (Concord, 2016)—a rumination on mortality, the healing power of love and a paean to the rock ’n’ roll life, renowned singer-songwriter, true believer Alejandro Escovedo chronicles the immigrant experience on his latest: The Crossing. At 191 Toole.
The sound of these kids from Rockford, Illinois, marries western-influenced rock ’n’ roll and classic ’60s soul. Frontman Miles Nielsen also proclaims a love for Cheap Trick. He may be biased, though; He is, after all, Rick Nielsen’s progeny. Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts. At Club Congress. Bluesy indie rocker Lydian Osman shares “Slow Sighs”.
Music Under The Stars features music by the Tucson Pops Orchestra. Al fresco, at DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center.
Hungry? Like a side of funk with your scrambled eggs? Mik & The Funky Brunch are at La Cocina.
Alternative folk singer-songwriter, Katie Haverly & The Aviary perform on the patio at Che’s Lounge.
Stewart Copeland, of The Police, first filmed these siblings performing on the Santa Monica Pier; Since then, they have gone viral on YouTube with more than 8 million views. Their name means “vampire bat” in Romanian to honor their parents’ Transylvania heritage. “The First Family of Rock,” Liliac perform at House of Bards.
Tags: music , live music , show , 191 toole , club congress , the rialto , Image
