Los Angeles based multilingual chanteuse Jessica Fichot is bringing her blend of French chanson, 1940s Shanghai jazz, international folk and gypsy swing back to the Old Pueblo on Tuesday, February 25 at the Green Valley Recreation Center. 

TW’s music desk caught up with the songwriter over the weekend to discuss her intoxicating multilingual style, new projects for 2020 and her plans to check out the Titan Missile Museum while in town.

TW How did you get started in music and what would you say was your first inspiration to pursue it?

JF I don’t actually remember a time when I didn’t know I wanted to be a musician. Despite coming from a family of engineers, my family was always very supportive of my aspirations. So I never really explored other career options - although I have and continue to pursue very different projects in my music career, from performing with my band to writing educational songs and composing music for video games. I think I got started in music from my love of singing, though. Singing has always been a joyful experience for me.

TW Are you fluent in all the languages you sing in?

JF I am bilingual in French and English, have an intermediate level in Spanish (though I speak it with a French accent), and continue to be a beginner in Mandarin Chinese (it’s a hard language that I unfortunately did not learn as a child, though my mother speaks it fluently.) For all other languages, I learn to sing the songs phonetically. I think there is a beauty in different languages that goes beyond the meaning of the words: each language has its own sound and feeling.

TW Does being a multilingual artist help you incorporate various styles of music into your repertoire? 

JF By singing in different languages, I naturally incorporate different styles in the music I perform. French “chanson” is my focus, but I also get to explore various styles such as jazz from Shanghai, Russian polkas, gypsy swing and Mexican ballads. But honestly, the more languages I incorporate in my sets, the more I realize how similar these different styles of music from around the world can be. Musicians have influenced and inspired each other across borders.

TW Have you been to Southern Arizona before? If so, what did you think? If not, what do you plan on doing while here?

JF I have actually been to Southern Arizona many times, as my band has made Tucson a regular stop on our tours for the last few years. We have performed at Hotel Congress (as part of the Rhythm & Roots series), Solar Culture, Monterey Court, and we performed in Green Valley last year. I love the Tucson nightlife (and was surprised to see how late people would start going out in downtown Tucson.) Since we are performing in Green Valley on this tour, we may go and visit the Titan Missile Museum.

TW What is next for you? Any new projects?

JF I am working on a new album, and like my last three albums, it’s taking a lot longer than I’d hoped... But I’m very proud of the new songs I have written so far, and my guitarist Adrien Prevost, who is producing this album, is doing a great job at giving these songs a distinctive sound.

TW Who are you must influenced by, musically?

JF I have many musical influences, of course, but if I had to choose one, I would say Quebecois/Mexican singer/songwriter Lhasa de Sela. Her music is timeless and beautiful, and more than anyone else she inspired me to write and sing in different languages.

The show is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25 at the Green Valley Recreation West Social Center, located at 1111 S GVR Dr, Green Valley.

Tickets are $31 for the general public, $23 for GVR members and $26 for GVR guests. For more information visit, www.gvrec.org/activities/arts-and-entertainment/concerts

Killer of Sheep. Regarded as a masterpiece of independent cinema, this 1978 drama was edited, shot, written, produced and directed by Charles Burnett and submitted as his Master of Fine Arts thesis. Without a traditional plot or character arcs, Killer of Sheep remains a highlight of the “L.A. Rebellion” film movement, wherein several young, black filmmakers at UCLA depicted racial and social problems with inspiration from European arthouse cinema. This showing at The Screening Room is the final night of their Black Renaissance Film Series. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. 127 E. Congress St. $7.

What started as a solo home-recording project in the '90s morphs with each new album. Destroyer bends genres at Club Congress. Singer/multi-instrumentalist Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces) is up first...

Friday, Feb. 21

Many of activist/rhymesayer Brother Ali's lyrics cry out against racial inequality and slavery, criticizing the United States' political system. "I started beatboxing when I was 7," he told Huck magazine. "Eventually, that led to me falling in love with the words." In 2007, the music video for "Uncle Sam Goddamn"—a rebuke of America's checkered past and latter-day economic slavery—quickly gained the attention of the Department of Homeland Security, who froze a money transfer to his record label. Brother Ali spits the The Undisputed Truth. At 191 Toole..

From 1953-'58, country music superstar Charlie Pride pitched for the Memphis Red Sox of the American Negro League before becoming RCA Records best-selling recording artist since Elvis Presley. Pride croons at Desert Diamond Casino...

Formed in a UK boys school in 1975, Steele Pulse's first release for Island Records was "Ku Klux Klan," a chastisement at the evils of racism. Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, these reggae legends return with a vengeance. At the Rialto Theatre...

Formed in Dublin in 1963, The Chieftans first gained prominence in America in '75 when their otherworldly Irish folk music—in particular the love theme "The Women of Ireland"—appeared on Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon soundtrack. Led by Paddy Moloney's Uilleann pipes, The Chieftains give an Irish goodbye at The Fox Theatre...

Erstwhile member of Green on Red and The Pedestrians, singer-songwriter Van Christian brings his hard roots sound to Saint Charles Tavern. Flanked by The Minds and Loren Dircks... Australian Wildlife Relief Benefit Concert sees L.A. indie rockers Sorry Party and locals Dirt Friends play for a cause. Donations to aid WIRES Wildlife Rescue. At Gentle Ben's...

Most immigrants who come to the United States with dreams of a better life end up scraping by. For Norteño musician to California as teenager, that dream is now a reality: Six of his songs have charted in the Top 40 on Billboard Regional Mexican charts. Kanales is at Club 4th Avenue...

The dance floor may spontaneously combust. Funky Bonz and Santa Pachita provide the catalyst. At Monterey Court...

Singer-songwriter Jacob Acosta and harpist Hannah Blair Akins perform at Sand-Reckoner...

It's all ages fun at The Rock. Manhigh, Bury Me Alive, Pyrotechnica, Lethean, Elyzian, Ash To Dust and By the Gods perform epic feats...

Featuring an ever revolving cast of esteemed pickers, Freddy Parish's monthly residency, Dry 'n' Dusty, takes the listener on a musical journey from Bakersfield to the Appalachian Mountains. At El Crisol...

The Desert Blooms with the acoustic guitar-driven sounds of the Paul Opocensky Project. At Sentinel Peak Brewing Company East...

Paying tribute to the greatest rock 'n' roll party band ever: Van Halen. Mean Streets offer a verisimilitude of the real thing. At Encore. Taken By Drones kicks things off...

Modern jazz and psychedelic dance music collide. The Paper Airplanes Project is ready for takeoff. At Crooked Tooth Brewing Company...

Phoenix Latin-tinged reggae rockers Fayuca's music has played on MTV, Univision and FOX Sports. Their instrumental track "La Venganza" was chosen by director Robert Rodriguez as the title theme to El Rey Network's Matador. At The Hut with Desert Fish and SYNRG...

DJs M Rocka and Century blast Latin hip-hop, trap, reggaeton and cumbia. Lengua Latin Dance Party at Cobra Arcade...

Legion: The darkness continues. DJ Black Flagg drops a megaton of industrial, EBM, Goth and synth-pop. At Surly Wench Pub...

Spinning the best of Southern hip-hop, DJs Jahmar and Quise pay Tribute to Pimp C. At Mr. Head's Art Gallery and Bar...

DJ Hart + Friends celebrate four years of dropping heat. At Batch...

Saturday, Feb. 22

In short order, Virginia-based indie/folk rock duo Illiterate Light's ascent has taken them from small-town organic farmers to Atlantic Records signees. Mixing together vibrant indie rock and postmodern confusion, laced with subtle streams of psychedelia, their self-titled debut album earned them a spot on NPR's Slingshot: Artists to watch list with the advisory: "Sure to do big things in 2020." At 191 Toole...

Sampling from different genres, this UK electronic music producer has amassed a catalogue of bass heavy dance floor anthems. Tisoki brings the North American Tour to Gentle Ben's. With special guest Minesweepa...

Pucker up. Rising country singer Michael Ray promises to "Kiss You in the Morning." At Desert Diamond Casino...

In a special matinee Rodeo Week performance, Western Grammy winners Riders In The Sky perform on the Plaza stage at Hotel Congress. ...

Santa Pachita are up on the rooftop at Playground Bar & Lounge. Their highly danceable, horn-propelled Latin fusion raining down...

Exploring the Dark Corners of the Night, indie pop/folk singer-songwriter Joshua McCormack and The Suspense of Oro Valley (via Schererville, Indiana) are at John Henry's (just possibly Tucson's newest cocktail bar downtown)...

World renowned for his superb musicianship, this grammy-winning classical guitarist was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America's Hall of Fame in 2018. Tucson Guitar Society presents David Russell. At Holsclaw Hall...

Bryan Thomas Parker & Friends are at Saint Charles Tavern...

With flamenco, tango and Afro-Cuban rhythms to seduce and draw one in, Cuban Night, featuring Acerekó, continues. At Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

Prepare to be dazzled. Metallists Stands With Fists presents a 3-D Glow Show. With The Ruin, Sworn Apart and W.O.R.M. At Encore...

With one foot in the '60s, the other in the '70s, Muskhog play "dirty rock 'n' roll." At Che's Lounge. Pigmy Death-Ray and Technical Difficulties contribute to the filth...

Accompanied by up-right bassist Thøger Lund and vibraphonist Ben DeGain, Parisian guitarist Gabriel Naim Amor entertains in the courtyard at Mercado san Agustin...

Vocalist/violinist Heather Hardy, and her quintet, A Taste of Jazz, return to Monterey Court...

Led by vocalist Amy Virnelson, Soul Essentials perform classic and modern R&B and soul. In the Tropico Lounge at Casino Del Sol...

The Rock transforms into a '90s Dance Club. DJs spin bangers by NSYNC, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and more to "rock your body right" all night long...

The Three Corners Tour brings "cage-free" rock 'n' rollers Le Trebuchet to Sky Bar. With Dead West, Cosmic Cowboys and Tonight's Sunshine...

"Bow wow wow, yippy yo, yippy yay..." Yes, it's Dr. Dre Day Tucson 2020: A celebration of West Coast Hip-Hop. DJs Alias, Bonus, SmashLames and Herm spin West Coast and P-Funk classics. Jivin' Scientists slam out the bangers live. It all goes down at La Cocina...

The Hustle is Critical Tour brings West Coast MC Jon Black, with his signature brand of flow, lyricism and hard-hitting beats, to Thunder Canyon Brewstillery. Trahma, Benny Loc, REY, Dienamik, Psypiritual and BIG 520 share the mic...

Sunday, Feb. 23

From Maui, bringing their unique island sound to the mainland, Maoli (in Hawaiian meaning "native") Rock Easy. At 191 Toole. Island soul-infused poppers CRSB open...

Deeply rooted in the history of orchestral percussion, this trio founded at the University of Georgia, seeks to preserve and expand upon traditions. Lineage Percussion perform at Berger Performing Arts Center...

From Rennes, France, armed with only a guitar and an old rhythm machine, Sébastien Thoreux is the one man band, Wonderboy. He shares the stage with Golden Boots and Gene Tripp. On the back patio at Che's Lounge...

Freddy Parish traces back the roots of country music through old time, bluegrass, Appalachian Folk and honky tonk. At The Coronet...

Singer-songwriters Dylan LeBlanc and Anthony da Costa tell stories without judging the characters. At Club Congress...

Let's swing! Mayhem ensues when The Black Market Trust cut loose their infectious brand of traditional vocal-driven jazz at Club Congress...

DJ Mijito presides over Order of The Owl IV: Goth Night. At Owls Club...

Hey, Bucko! bring their eclectic blend of spaghetti western/folk/blues to Tap + Bottle Downtown...

This edition of Ladytowne Live—your favorite local feminist variety show—welcomes guests: Adiba Nelson, Ashley La Russa, Stells Di Rossi and Misty Tea. With a set of alternative fusion by Method to the Madness. At Club Congress...

Check out new art installations celebrating black women as part of Black History Month while shaking it to live DJ sets for a Silent Disco. At MOCA Tucson...

A taste of Spain in downtown Tucson? Alternating weekly, singer-songwriters Amanda Rochelle and Natalie Pohanic shall serenade for Tapas & Tonics. In the lounge at the AC Hotel Tucson...

Vocalist John Ronstadt joins Jed Parades' Jazz Trio. At The Coronet...

Esteemed pianist Elliot Jones hosts Piano Bar Thursdays. At The Dusty Monk Pub...

Pulling fresh finds out of the crates, Wooden Tooth Records DJ Night continues. At Che's Lounge...

The still life captured in "This Old Porch," embodies the spirit of the evening. "And this old porch is like a steaming, greasy plate of enchiladas/With lots of cheese and onions/And a guacamole salad/You can get 'em down at the LaSalle Hotel/In old downtown." Acclaimed singer/composer/actor Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group perform at Fox Theatre...

Making modern indie pop "For Lovers Only." Luna Luna are at Club Congress. Pro Teens and The Trees help shake out the love...

Molly Sarlé, formerly of folk-trio Mountain Man, is performing tonight at El Crisol/EXO in downtown Tucson in support of her debut solo album, Karaoke Angel. We recently spoke about the album and what’s next for the neo-folk singer:

TW: Your debut album, Karaoke Angel, is more produced than the previous work with Mountain Man. How did production come into play when putting it together?

Sarlé: Sam Owens of the project Sam Evian produced Karaoke Angel with me at a studio called Dreamland in Woodstock, NY. We wanted to prioritize the vocals and my ability to feel the music that was being made. So, instead of using headphones everything was played out of monitors into the space (Dreamland used to be a church). Most of the songs on the record were recorded live.

TW: On that note, what was the inspiration behind the album’s title as well as the concept.

Sarlé: I’m a storyteller at heart. To me, song writing is about storytelling. I love the concept of karaoke in that we are taking a story someone else has written and retelling it as ourselves. Which I think is incredibly important.

TW: Do you plan on going back to more minimalist folk using lo-fi recording in your upcoming work?

Sarlé: Naw, dog.

TW: What’s the next project, if any? Any new Mountain Man projects?

Sarlé: It’s still in the incubator.

TW: Have you been to Tucson before? If so, what’s your impression of our city?

Sarlé: I have! I love Tucson. I’m hoping to go for a hike and excited to hang out at EXO.

TW: What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Sarlé: Currently it’s “Why” by Annie Lennox.

Sarlé will be supported by local Chelsey Trejo. For ticket information and more info, check out El Crisol’s website at exocoffee.com. 

Check out Sarlé's performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk in October 2019.

Scream Blacula Scream. Part of the Black Renaissance Film Series, The Screening Room is showing a classic “Blaxploitation” film from 1973. A follow-up to the iconic Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream is a prime example of the cheesy blaxploitation horror films of the ’70s: goofy special effects, over-the-top blood spurts, hilarious acting, and murky atmosphere. The film stars the great William Marshall as Blacula, the doomed vampire former Prince Mamuwalde. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17. 127 E. Congress St. $7.

Turning first hand experiences into compelling songs, Canadian folk singer Lucie Blue Tremblay expresses her desire for world peace and LGBT rights on President's Day. At Club Congress...

"Perfect for late-night karaoke comedowns, plaintive morning walks, and conjuring the spirit world," Molly Sarlé (from Durham via Big Sur) brings open-hearted, unflinching songwriting to El Crisol. Songwriter Chelsey Trejo adds appreciably to the evening...

With songs about "Stripper Poles" and "Cherry Pop Tarts," Funky Bonz provided reason to take a "Walk on the Wild Side" on a Monday night. At Elliott's on Congress...

Saturday, Feb. 15

Taking a humorous approach to feminine stereotypes in their lyrics, indie rockers Chastity Belt confront gender norms and femininity as a construct. At Rialto Theatre...

On "Beat Up Broke Down Town," off Hangovers and Heartaches, this Tucson country singer mourns a loss, with an ice-cold beer in hand. Drew Cooper—alongside Caiden Brewer and County Line—are at Rialto Theatre...

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Post V-Day romance with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. At Tucson Convention Center...

Obstinately crafting acoustic music for the sophisticated urban hillbilly, The Determined Luddites drag their hairy knuckles into the Saint Charles Tavern...

With bloodshot eyes, singer-songwriter Joe Peña entertains on the patio at Hotel Congress around [gasp] noon...

Southern Reins will raise the dust, at the 2020 Tucson Rodeo Coors Barn Dance, as part of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. At Tucson Rodeo Grounds...

The world renowned Kings of Pleasure take their swingin' blues to the stage for Cruise, BBQ & Blues Festival & Car Show. In the Oro Valley Marketplace...

DJ NoirTech spins '80s bangers, Pretty in Pink '80s Prom Party. At Surly Wench Pub...

Sunday, Feb. 16

This Nashvillian singer-songwriter has had his work recorded by country legends Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Not half bad, right? Ward Davis is at Rialto Theatre. Country troubadour Josh Morningstar opens...

Country/soft rockers Pure Prairie League perform their chart topping hits: "Amie," "Let Me Love You Tonight" and more. Along with Texas cowboy Michael Martin Murphey. A night of reminiscences awaits when at Fox Theatre...

Out of Flagstaff, psychedelic space rock cowboys Sci-Fi Country do unspeakable things on the Club Congress stage. Jim McGuinn & The Cosmic Cowboys and Hannah Yeun partake in the debauchery...

With its origins deeply rooted in the Gypsy culture of Spain, this traditional art form presents the interactions between song, dance and guitar, executed atop a percussive wooden platform. Tablao Flamenco perform at El Crisol...

Playing original jazz, bossa novas and experimental French esoterica, Dark Maps—Jeff Grubic, Sean Rogers and Dmitri Manos—play The Coronet...

Their track "Gospel" is the theme song during the closing credits in the animated film Monsters University (Disney/Pixar). MarchFourth bring a spectacle of high-energy compositions, a kaleidoscope of performers and irrepressible charisma to the MSA Annex. All ages...

St. Valentine's Day! This British producer/prog rocker reflects on the early days: "We had so much negative criticism. Like being pretentious for constantly making concept albums." Altering their formula, in 1982, Eye In The Sky (Arista) peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard charts. Alan Parsons Live Project is at Fox Theatre...

Highlighting black contemporary artists Black Museum reflects a cultural renaissance. History Of Us unfolds at 191 Toole...

Singer Emelie Marchand leads her red-hot musical flames—Thøger Lund, Ben Nisbet and Dimitri Manos—through a repertoire that spans from "The Devil's Music" of 1920s to the wicked soul jams of the 1960s. Lola & The Torchbearers' Valentine's Cabaret casts sparks at Club Congress...

Strains of swampy, jazz inflected blues rock waft through the air. Southbound Pilot are at Monterey Court...

Tackling Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 and No. 6, Tucson Symphony Orchestra are All About That B. Conductor José Luis Gomez leads the charge. At Tucson Convention Center...

Before falling into "a burning ring o' fire," Johnny Cash and June Carter, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, George Jones and Tammy Wynette sang exultant love songs. Roots musicians Mamma Coal and Buddy Woodward offer a night of Country Duets. At El Crisol...

"Si, si!" Led by country crooner David Bryan, Loveland perform a special Valentine's Show. At Tap + Bottle Downtown...

Peace, love, unity and respect. Communiverse Vol. V: A micro-music festival, art, dance and community event. Featuring Jamaste, Atom Energy, Mental, Mr. C, Soulular and more. At Solar Culture...

Sand-Reckoner invites you to spend Valentine's Day with singer/guitarist Sabra Faulk...

Performing classical, jazz and original compositions, Flautist Erica May, accompanied by guitarist Josh Rhoads, perform at Wilhelm Family Vineyards at Ventana...

Take a ride on the supercollider of love, heading straight towards the Surly Wench Pub, where La Cerca, The Rifle and Louise Le Hir are on a collision course...

Grammy Award winner and founder of Righteous Babe Records, Ani DiFranco is no longer just the "Little Folksinger." She now adds author to her list of accomplishments with the release of her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream in 2019. DiFranco plays Fox Theatre. Genreless singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop is first up...

Since their formation in 1983—possessing elegant style, impressive technique and emotional breadth—this quartet has become one of the world's foremost chamber ensembles. Arizona Friends of Chamber Music presents The Shanghai Quartet. At Leo Rich Theater...

Hailing from a sector of deep space, Arizona EDM legend ILLEKTROLAB joins resident DJs Lunarfluxx and Atom Energy to celebrate Deeper's 1st Anniversary. At Bar Passé...

Imagine the brainchild of Dr. Seuss, Frank Zappa and Stanley Kubrick? Performing on an instrument, made out of steel pipes and a single bass string, That 1 Guy brings "earthshaking future funk" to Club Congress...

Speed-dating + kissing booths + star-crossed lovers everywhere? Yes, it's the Valentine's Day Eve installment of Opti Club. That's not all, POSIS8n mans the decks inside the club while Heartbreaker (Phoenix) joins Xam Renn and Nitro on the plaza. At Hotel Congress...

From the Black Forest of Germany, The Booze Bombs drop a Rock-a-Billy bombshell. At House of Bards...

The Billy Shaw Jr. Band supplies the foot-stomping soundtrack for GALentine's Ladies Night Out. Party with your besties at The Maverick...

Emitting the frequency of love, Love Hertz sees Seth Myles, Rex Garcia, I am Stranger and others team up for a full-spectrum night of EDM. At Irene's Holy Donuts...

Guillotines, Screech Of Death, Gutter Town and Single Finger Theory tell the status quo where to shove it. At Spark Project Collective...

Singer-songwriters Nancy & Neil McCallion perform original Americana acoustically at La Cocina...

"I think I better dance now." Connie Brannock's Tiny House of Funk unleashes a smackdown as part of the Oro Valley Concert Series. In the Oro Valley Marketplace...