Enjoy this truly heartfelt tribute to “The Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight performed by the enchanting Deandra Johnson and her band who recreate the energetic stage presence, persona, and powerful vocals, of this legendary act. Experience a journey of transformation through renditions of Knight’s timeless hits including Neither One Of Us, and Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, and so many more! Get ready to be transported to a world where Rock ‘n’ Roll meets Soul. Glady’s Music is performed by artists, Jim Porter, Chris Strong, Shaun Johnson, Todd Sisk and Kent Moody. Prepare to come abord and be wowed by this breathtaking tribute to one of the greatest performers of all time.

With the sounds of classic songwriting in their music and the future in their sights, The Farmer & Adele are reimagining the modern cowboy/cowgirl while respecting its beginnings. Based out of Nashville, TN, The Farmer & Adele – led by Grace Adele and Farmer Keenan – leads the pack of a new wave of musicians revitalizing western swing music. From garnering multiple awards to developing a one-of-a-kind live puppet show, The Farmer & Adele are a classic-meets-modern band that is entertaining for all ages. Their songwriting is uplifting, heroic and simple, but reaches back to the time of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

With two Ameripolitan Awards under their belts (2019 Western Swing Female of the Year and 2020 Western Swing Band of the Year), The Farmer & Adele continue to innovate with each project. After the success of their daily radio show, “On The Trail with The Farmer & Adele,” the group released an album in 2024 titled Old + New Western Classics.

Staying true to their multidisciplinary approach to western swing, the group is currently developing a live puppet show – with Nashville Metro Arts – focused on food sustainability, roots music, and celebrating our differences. Co-written with Texas Bix Bender of Riders Radio Theatre fame, the show features a colorful cast of characters including Hank Snowpea, Elvis Parsley, Tater Swift, and many more.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960’s and 70’s. Similar to other legendary rock and roll neighborhoods of the same era like Haight Ashbury in San Fransisco or Greenwich Village in NYC, Laurel Canyon was a community of artists who would forge a new genre of music (Folk Rock) and forever change the look, sound and attitude of American pop music. Live from Laurel Canyon celebrates The Mamas and The Papas, the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, America, and the Eagles with their own unique interpretations of some of the most iconic songs of the era.

Much more than a ‘tribute’ act, Live from Laurel Canyon not only performs the music you love in a new and unique way but shares with you the stories that inspired them. Live from Laurel Canyon is a journey through a special time in American pop music!

Don’t miss Tony nominee, Ann Hampton Callaway, in her new show “Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals”. Ann’s show is comprised of classics from her songwriting inspirations – Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and many more. Also, the recent inductee into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame shares songs from her new CD “Finding Beauty: Originals Vol. 1.” Expect AHC hits like Streisand’s “At the Same Time” as well as new songs she’s co-written with Oscar winner Alan Bergman, Grammy winner Melissa Manchester, and Grammy nominee, Amanda McBroom. Spoil yourself with a spellbinding show of rousing showstoppers and exquisite ballads, as we follow the arc of Ann’s musical inspiration!

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is a born entertainer. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd.” Callaway is a Platinum Award selling writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s recent CD’s. She’s recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest and her latest critically acclaimed CD “Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration!” has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra. Ann’s honors include The Theater World Award, 16 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriting, The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking and her induction into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her new record Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1, was recently released via Shanachie Entertainment.  

“For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway.” – Stephen Holden, The New York Times

“…superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Streisand, Ronstadt, Shirley Horn and Dianne Reeves…” – Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes

“Just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era, so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway of hers.” - Musical Theatre Review

Anthony Hernandez is a magician and illusionist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a “Top Five Best Performer” with IAAPA, the 2012 Press Enterprise “Reader’s Choice” for “Best Entertainer”, Hot List 2014/2015 Best Theatre Show, and was the promotional magician for the movie, “Oz the Great and Powerful.” Hernandez has been the resident magician at the Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido, CA for the past decade. He has performed corporate gigs for the Marriott Corporation and is the best-selling entertainer at the Pearson park Amphitheater in Anaheim, CA, performing for up to 1600 people per show. He performs strolling magic, parlour shows, and large illusions across the country year round. 

THE EXPRESSIVE PORTRAIT

Instructor: Tonja Vojacek Sell

Dates: Dec 2-3, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (bring a sack lunch)

Fee: $270, (Early Bird Special $300 if paid in full by November 3, 2025)

Last Day to Register: November 25, 2025

This class will approach portrait painting in an experimental, fun way. Together we will learn to take risks and explore abstraction while working toward the goal of a finished portrait(s).  We’ll focus on loosening up, learn how to embrace and utilize “mistakes” while discovering the joy of the journey! I encourage experimentation while creating mixed media portraits from start to finish.  

We will not only discover how to improve our classic portrait feature painting skills, but also, how to build up interesting layers by experimenting with a variety of mark making tools. 

I’ll show you ways to improve your drawing skills and touch on value and color mixing to improve your confidence while creating expressive but harmonious non-traditional portrait paintings.

Enjoy some of the best Latin Jazz in the region with an evening of music performed by Zona Libre. The band was founded by saxophone virtuoso Hiram Perez and features Rick Peron (trumpet), Matt Mitchell (guitar), Richard Katz (piano), Manny Brito (bass), Jose Caros Burgos (vocals and percussion), and Aaron Szabo (drums). The ensemble has been featured at the Tucson Jazz Festival and can be seen performing regularly at Desert Diamond Casino and Brother Johns. For nearly 6 years, this variety band has thrilled audiences in southern Arizona with their blend of Salsa, Latin Jazz, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata and American pop music. Zona Libre’s dedication to being one of the most versatile bands in Arizona has made them extremely popular with audiences of all ages. 

What if Elvis rocked the 1980s? We’re living in an alternate reality where a healthy 50-year old Elvis Presley has made a triumphant comeback by the mid 80s and had lived on to perform more incredible shows worldwide. This is The King as you have never seen him before, perhaps a bit older, but still rockin’ as hard as ever!

Chance Tinder is a multi-award winning “Elvis Presley Tribute Artist” with more than 25 years in the “Elvis Entertainer Business.” He has been a part of the Elvis Presley phenomenon since the late 1980s, when he was first discovered in Southern California by none other than Bill Medley of the musical super duo “The Righteous Brothers.” Chance is also alumni of the award winning Las Vegas celebrity look-alike production shows, LEGENDS IN CONCERT, AMERICAN SUPERSTARS and SHOW STOPPERS LIVE! His secret is believing it’s not so much the voice that is most important, but it’s knowing how to become the man himself on that stage! It’s basically the attitude of Elvis Presley, shy but confident…knowing exactly what he’s doing! “Chance isn’t Rich Little or Jimmy Fallon doing a spin” on Elvis Presley. He’s Chance Tinder, the actor, recreating a character. Through all of Chance’s experiences in show business, none has given him more gratification and fulfillment than paying tribute to his childhood hero, the legendary “KING OF ROCK’N” ROLL – Elvis Presley!

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening of original songs, collaboration, and handcrafted folk music as we celebrate 40 years of the Tucson Folk Festival at Cheers to 40 Years! This one-night-only showcase features standout sets from two Arizona favorites.

Eric Schaffer & The Other Troublemakers bring award-winning songwriting and rich four-part harmonies to life. Their latest album, Dry Lightning—produced by Peter Dalton Ronstadt—has earned acclaim for its storytelling and local roots.

Kevin Pakulis and his Band, Tucson’s own Americana powerhouse, delivers his signature blend of country, blues, and rock alongside his renowned band. No Depression Magazine hails his sound as “the best of a genre.”

Proceeds benefit the Tucson Folk Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running free music festivals, drawing 15,000+ fans annually to downtown Tucson for three days of live, original music. Come enjoy a night of handcrafted music, community spirit, and support for a beloved local tradition. Let’s toast to 40 years—and many more to come!

*These concert are a benefit to help send students from Nogales High School to a major national competition in Florida! 

The Apache Jazz Program is composed of three jazz ensembles at Nogales High School.

The 3pm performance will feature the Nogales High School Beginning Jazz Ensemble, Intermediate Jazz Ensemble, and the Apache Jazz Ensemble

In the past four years, the Apache Jazz Program has received numerous “Superior with Distinction” ratings from the ABODA Area Jazz Festival, NAU Jazz Festival, Highland/ASU Jazz Festival, and the ABODA State Jazz Festival. The Apache Jazz Ensemble has performed on the main stage at Disneyland as well as numerous other venues across the southwest. The Apache Jazz Ensemble is directed by Tony Belletti. 

This event will serve as an important fundraiser to help with future travel, including sending the Apache Jazz Ensemble to Florida to compete in the Disney World Competition. The group is coming off an exciting win at the Basically Basie Competition, and we are eager to keep building momentum and showcasing our students at the highest level.

*These concert are a benefit to help send students from Nogales High School to a major national competition in Florida! 

The Apache Jazz Program is composed of three jazz ensembles at Nogales High School.

The 7pm performance will feature the Apache Jazz Ensemble alongside the University of Arizona’s Studio Jazz Ensemble.

Under the direction of Dr. Angelo Versace, the program’s flagship big band, the Studio Jazz Ensemble, has had numerous high profile performances to its credit, including two tours to China, a performance in the Yuma Village Jazz series, a performance as the invited showcase at the ABODA State Jazz Festival in Phoenix, two performances in Nogales, Mexico as part of a cultural exchange with the US State Department, and a performance in Las Cruces, New Mexico as part of the Onate Jazz Festival. Recent guest artists with the band include Terell Stafford, Joe Lovano, Joel Feahm, Elliot Mason, Gerald Clayton, Ingrid Jensen, Mike Moreno, Alex Norris, and Troy Roberts.

In the past four years, the Apache Jazz Program has received numerous “Superior with Distinction” ratings from the ABODA Area Jazz Festival, NAU Jazz Festival, Highland/ASU Jazz Festival, and the ABODA State Jazz Festival. The Apache Jazz Ensemble has performed on the main stage at Disneyland as well as numerous other venues across the southwest. The Apache Jazz Ensemble is directed by Tony Belletti. 

This event will serve as an important fundraiser to help with future travel, including sending the Apache Jazz Ensemble to Florida to compete in the Disney World Competition. The group is coming off an exciting win at the Basically Basie Competition, and we are eager to keep building momentum and showcasing our students at the highest level.

Described by many as perhaps the biggest supergroup of all time, The Traveling Wilburys were a roots rock band consisting of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and George Harrison. This show, starring Gaslight veterans Mike Yarema, Mike Hebert, Todd Thompson, and Derek Norman, will feature Wilburys favorites along with a mix of solo hits by Petty, Dylan, Orbison, and Harrison.

This is the highly requested repeat performance of Jack’s talk on the Sonoran Desert here around Tucson, the lushest desert in the world, with special emphasis not only on its cacti and other plants, and their various strategies for living in this hot dry place; but also on the animals of our desert and Southern Arizona, including new additional material, not included in prior talks, on those animals. As usual with this subject, you will go away saying “Wow, I didn’t know that”. You will become an expert on the desert for your neighbors and winter guests.

Multi-GRAMMY ® Award Nominee David Arkenstone returns to Arizona with his enchanting holiday concert A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends. 

Join David Arkenstone and his band of virtuoso musicians for this lively winter celebration of beloved holiday classics “reimagined,” joyfully blending world music, Celtic, cinematic, new age, and neo-classical crossover. David’s concerts captivate audiences each year with seasonal tunes from his treasured holiday albums Celtic Christmas, Christmas Lounge, and Winterlude. Experience fan favorites of this magical season to delight and dazzle your holiday senses. Since the release of his first album Valley in the Clouds, David Arkenstone has become one of the most engaging and prolific multi-instrumentalists of our time.

With 5 GRAMMY® nominations to date, over 2 billion streams worldwide, 70+ albums, film and TV scores, game score compositions for World of Warcraft, and unforgettable NBC Sports themes such as The Kentucky Derby, US Women’s Figure Skating, and Premier League soccer, David’s music has become the soundtrack to millions of listeners’ lives across the globe.

EleMenTrio is simply Euphoric, Dynamic & Magnetic! Hailed as “a modern Three Tenors” with a metamorphosis of sound unlike any other men’s vocal group, EleMenTrio performs their unique versions of classic hits and holiday favorites including Blue Christmas, The Prayer, Hallelujah, Mary Did You Know, All I Want for Christmas is You, and much more! After triumphant performances in Vienna, Canada, and the USA, Terry Barber, Victor Valdez, and Vincent Connor share their wealth of experience in various music genres and together they create a blend of heartwarming and inspiring music. 

Terry Barber is a former member of Grammy Award winning all-male classical vocal ensemble “Chanticleer” and he has 6 Grammy nominations for his own album ”Christmas Presence.” He can be heard on recordings alongside artists like Jewel, Madonna and the London Philharmonic. His appearances include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera, and Moscow’s famed Svetlanov Hall, plus over 100 cities worldwide.

Known for his luscious tones and flirtatious energy, Victor Valdez captivates audiences as an entertainer, singer-songwriter, and pianist. Born in Latin America, he began his career opening for triple Platinum artist, Luis Fonsi {Despacito} in front of crowds of 30,000. After being a finalist for the nationally televised ”Talentum” competition, Victor moved to the United States and has performed over 1000 solo shows. He’s appeared with symphonies, and on cabaret and musical theater stages from Miami’s Arsht Center to London’s Leicester Square Theatre. 

Victor Connor has been the Artistic Director of the London Summer Music Theatre Academy and the Vienna Summer Music Festivals. He “grounds” the trio with depth and warmth. His bold delivery as a singing actor has awarded him with opportunities in opera, musical theater and television. He’s the co-creator of “Mad Hatter The Musical” which debuted in London’s West End, and he’s directed over 40 operas and musicals worldwide.

Enjoy an evening of songs and stories with one of the music industry’s most prolific songwriters, Steve Dorff. Honored as a 2018 Inductee to the prestigious Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in NYC, 3 time Grammy and 6 time Emmy nominated Steve Dorff has written songs sung by the likes of Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks and countless others, while also establishing himself as a gifted film and television composer. He’s tallied over 40 BMI awards with hits like Rogers’ “Through the Years,” Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again” (Billboard’s top country hit of 1979), Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” Lee Greenwood’s “Don’t Underestimate My Love for You,” and Eddie Rabbitt’s “Every Which Way But Loose”—the title track from Clint Eastwood’s 1978 film. His songs have charted in 5 successive decades, with #1 records across 4 decades.

Songs in the Dorff catalog have been recorded by over 250 artists from all genres of music. His many TV and cable movie credits include the Emmy nominated CBS mini-series “Elvis”, the Hallmark Hall of Fame “Rose Hill”, the animated Christmas classic “Annabelle’s Wish”, “Babe Ruth”, “The Quick and The Dead”, “Moonshine Highway” and “The Defiant Ones”. Dorff’s many movie songs and scores have been featured in “Bronco Billy”, “Blast From The Past”, “Rocky IV”, “Pure Country”, “Tin Cup”, “Michael”, “Dudley Do-Right”, “Dancer, Texas”, “The Last Boy Scout”, “Curly Sue” and “Honky Tonk Man”. Perhaps Dorff’s most ambitious move to date has been a giant leap into his first love, musical theater. He currently has two projects making their way to the stage: “Josephine” (The Josephine Baker Story) and “Pure Country” (The Musical).

“Heart, humor, and, above all, authenticity are part of the audible art created by Steve Dorff. His iconic songs are born in the center of his chest, where ‘clever’ never gets in the way of ‘touching’... or ‘honest.’ From Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years” to Eddie Rabbitt’s “Every Which Way but Loose,” Steve’s Grammy and Emmy-winning work is an American treasure. I’m proud to call him friend. Enjoy his story.”

— Paul Williams