WEDNESDAYS – STUDIO SESSIONS

Dates: Every Wednesday, November 8 – December 13, 2023; February 7 – April 24, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

As a lifelong teacher who has worked in all media, Fran enjoys facilitating people’s artistic journey, whether they are a relatively new painter or one who wishes to evolve. In this series of sessions participants work on their specific objectives while sharing the creative process with others. Emphasizing how different substrates respond to the media and contribute to the message of the artwork will also be explored as each student works.

Southbound Pilot is a six-piece soulful acoustic Americana band that loves tight grooves and rich vocal textures in a feel-good mix of folk, country, and more with an improvisational spin. They can be seen at the Tucson Folk Festival and a variety of Arizona venues. Band founder Brad Nichols explains, “You start with an idea. A thought. It comes at you through the cracks in the walls, under the door on moonless nights. You get the courage to mention this idea to a friend, and then another friend. Then, if you are very lucky, this idea finds expression in the boundless language of music. The words grow fewer, the notes multiply. Southbound Pilot came into being this way, an idea chased by a group of friends in a garage in southern Arizona. We have all made music our whole lives and we now get to share our lifelong experience collaboratively to make something we feel is original and honest.” Southbound Pilot features drummer Adam Ackerman (Gaslight Theater) and a collection of top-level musicians from southern Arizona. 

The Fred Fox Jazz Ensemble (FFJE), directed by Brice Winston, is fresh off their most recent DownBeat Student Award recognition in the category of “Outstanding Undergraduate Small Ensemble.” This group is the premier small jazz ensemble in the jazz program at UA, and as such, the musicians represent a vital part of the jazz program as well as a virtual “who’s who” in the Southern Arizona Jazz Scene. The FFJE has performed at several festivals nationally (Las Vegas Jazz Invitational and Oñate Jazz Festival) and have been featured in the Tucson Jazz Festival since its inception. Their performance with the award-winning drummer/composer Kendrick Scott was the headline of the 2022 Tucson Jazz Festival MLK Day festivities. Needless to say, the quality and the level in the group has always been high. They will be performing a mix of original arrangements/compositions as well as interpretations of well-known small ensemble jazz repertoire.

Doc Dixon is a master magician, comedian, and speaker based in Atlanta, Georgia. He has performed twice at The White House, appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, and fooled Penn & Teller on their television show Penn & Teller: Fool Us. His special mix of amazement and hilarity has entertained audiences internationally for more than 25 years. Magic’s #1 trade journal said, “Doc is one of the truly great working magicians and a hilarious performer. He is inspiring on every level.”

This performance will feature tap, jazz, and contemporary dance pieces complete with explanations of each dance form and audience/performer dialogue. The School of Dance at the University of Arizona is a thriving program with a large cohort of undergraduate and graduate students. As one of the top programs in the country, students and faculty are focused on realizing excellence and success in all academic and creative endeavors. The school boasts a long roster of nationally successful alumni and continues to push the boundaries of dance education.

This annual salute to the top songs from 50 years ago stars Crystal Stark and Alex Mack with a live band and features chart toppers from 1974 such as, “The Way We Were”, “Dancing Machine”, “Bennie & the Jets”, “Band on the Run”, “Hooked on a Feeling” and many more. We’ll capture “Time in a Bottle” with the greatest hits of 1974! 

Indigenous Man of the Year, Gabriel Ayala, returns for a concert fusing many diverse genres of music. This classically trained guitarist will perform his own unique style of JazzMenco as a trio including vocals and world percussion. A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, guitarist Gabriel Ayala is at the forefront of a new generation of Native Americans making a career performing music. Recently named Native American artist of the year, Gabriel has performed all over the world including in Vatican City for the Pope, in Washington D.C. at President Obama’s first inaugural ball and in South Africa as a guest of the government. Ayala earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997 and has taught at all educational levels from elementary through college. Gabriel has shared the stage with Motown living legends The Four Tops, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Dr. John and many others. 

The Sonora Winds was founded by John Snavely in the mid-90s to fill a need for a wind chamber ensemble in Tucson. The group consists of more than 50 business professionals, college students, and community members at large. The ensemble has been performing a variety of music at local venues for almost three decades.   

Conductor Clifton Weston is a graduate from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. During his time as a graduate teaching assistant, he served as coordinator and director for the UA Outreach Honor Band, Chair and Coordinator of the UA High School Honor Band, and conductor of the UA Symphonic Band. Under the mentorship of Gregg Hanson and Chad Nicholson, Weston earned his Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting in the spring of 2017. 

Weston earned his Bachelor of Music in clarinet performance and music education in 2014 from the University of Arizona. 

In the spring of 2017, Weston was appointed Director of Bands at Magee Middle School in Tucson, as well as working on staff with the Pride of Arizona.

For more than 30 years Riders in the Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Riders In The Sky are exceptional not just in the sense that their music is of superlative standards (they are the ONLY exclusive Western artist to have won a Grammy), but in fact that their accomplishments are an exception to the rule, ranging from performing at the White House and being inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame to contributing to the Toy Story film soundtrack and winning two Grammys. It’s no wonder why Billboard Magazine dubbed them “one of the most historically significant acts in the history of American music”. 

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Charles Lewis began performing at the age of seven. Some of his earliest jazz influences include Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Nay King Cole. After moving to Arizona, he played with various ensembles until eventually forming his own band. He landed a gig at the Playboy Club and has been performing for audiences ever since with concerts at venues including Gammage Auditorium, Arcosanti, Herberger Theater, Crescent Ballroom, The Nash, ASU Kerr Cultural Center and others across the southwest.

Enjoy this return engagement as Liz & Pete bring the sound and color of the southwest to life. Their band will enhance these beautiful folk melodies with drums, Pennsylvania stompbox, bass, banjo, steel guitars and more. Liz Cerepanya’s heartfelt voice joins with Peter Dalton Ronstadt’s haunting harmonies and rich guitar arrangements that captivate the mind and tug at the heart. 

Liz and Pete have performed together since the fall of 2019. The decision to make a record together was easy as they began exploring material including the timeless songs of Alan Garr, songs of their favorite songwriters and singers, new and old compositions by Pete as well as classic songs from his father Michael Joseph Ronstadt’s repertoire. They have quickly become one of the most sought after new acts in the southwest. Linda Ronstadt describes their music as having, “lovely fresh harmonies and a secret cache of original songs.” 

With regular performances at the national Gypsy Jazz Festival, regional jazz festivals, and Hotel Congress, this band has quickly become a leading force in their genre. The Hot Club of Tucson plays Django Reinhardt inspired acoustic gypsy jazz, French jazz, folk, jazz manouche and music from American Tin Pan Alley. Hot Club of Tucson is often seen performing original arrangements of well-known tunes all the way from Lady is a Tramp (R Rodgers) and My Melancholy Baby (E Burnett, G Norton) to Honeysuckle Rose (F Waller) and Manoir de Mes Reves (D Reinhardt)! The ensemble was formed in 2004 and is comprised of guitarist Matt Mitchell, violinist Nick Coventry and bassist Evan Dain. 

EVAN DAIN: A San Francisco native, multi-instrumentalist Evan Dain started at age 6 on the guitar, and picked up the bass, banjo, and mandolin in high school. Evan studied music at Laney College in Oakland, California, and afterwards served in the U.S. Navy. Picking up the trombone and Tuba along the way, Evan launched a musical career that has encompassed traditional, modern, and latin jazz, rock n’ roll, bluegrass, pop, and country-western. Evan is currently back home in Tucson after spending nearly two years on cruise ships. 

MATT MITCHELL: Born in Phoenix, guitarist Matt Mitchell started on classical piano at the age of 7, and picked up rock guitar, and later jazz and classical guitar, in high school. Matt received a Bachelors of Arts in Classical Guitar Performance in 1995 from the University of Arizona. He is lucky enough to be one of the few who get to make a living doing what he loves. Matt has played 200+ gigs a year for 20 years. 

NICK COVENTRY: Nick Coventry started playing violin at an early age and after hearing a Stephane Grappelli tape at the age of 12 he began in earnest to learn the swinging style of Gypsy jazz violin. At 18 he studied classically at the University of California Santa Barbara, at 20 he started his first gypsy swing band, “Les Gendarmes du Swing” and began writing and performing around his hometown of Goleta, California. In 2005 he travelled to the famous Djangofest at Samois-sur-Seine, France to meet and play with the best European musicians of Gypsy jazz. This resulted in a series of tours around Spain, England, Scotland and Denmark with the Hot Club of Galicia. At home, Nick has performed at the Djangofest in San Francisco with Gonzalo Bergara, as a guest with the John Jorgenson Quintet, Stephane Wrembel trio in New York, and with Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan at Chicago’s Green Mill.  

The Bouncing Czechs have been performing in Arizona for 27 years and can be seen performing at a variety of arts festivals, casinos, and other special events. The music of the ensemble ranges from traditional band music played in eastern Europe, polkas, waltzes, as well as the music of the pre-BeBop era in America. For this performance, they will perform in Czech costumes while playing a variety of Czech/German and other European music, in addition to several recognizable American polkas, waltzes and other standards. 

Come learn about the rich history of this music that has entertained the masses for ages. The Bouncing Czechs are comprised of John Prokop on Tuba, Roxanna Baker on Accordian and Vocals, Budd Malchus on Clarinet and Alto Saxophone, Scotty Welch on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, and Dan Duperre on Drums.  

Admission is free (tickets required) 

Enjoy an evening of Dixieland and old time jazz complete with vocals and audience participation featuring Pat O’Neal (trombone), Ron Hinkle (banjo), and Daniel “Sly” Slipetsky (tuba).  

Pat O’Neal has been performing since the age of five when he debuted at the State Theater in Chicago. From that point forward he went on to experience a long career in the music industry while playing major venues across the country.  

Ron Hinkle is well known among four-string banjo aficionados throughout the United States in Europe. He has extensive experience as a solo performer, banjo teacher, and member of numerous ensembles. Most recently, he played with the Mysterious Infants Jazz Band at the hotel congress. Ron currently lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Daniel “Sly” Slipetzky (tuba) is a jazz pianist/tuba player who has become one of the most sought after musicians in southern Arizona. No stranger to the CPAC stage, he has been seen with the Arizona Banjo Blasters, Sheryl Ann McKinley, and numerous other local and regional ensembles.  

Music history was changed forever once British bands like the Beatles first conquered the U.S. in 1964, but what followed the invasion was just as successful in maintaining England’s hold on the radios of America. New bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple hammered out the hard rock and of the time while the original British Invasion groups like the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Who creatively evolved to heights never before seen in popular music. Join us as we pay tribute to the greatest British Bands of the 70’s in this rockin’ follow up to “British Invasion” starring Alex Mack, Tyler Wright, and Brian Hicks.

For Students ENTERING Grades 5 – 12—Camp dates Monday-Friday, June 17-28 from 9am-3pm – Performances on June 28 at 7pm and June 29 at 3pm -

All camp students will work together to produce the Broadway Junior adaption of the award-winning musical, The Lion King Jr., directed by Regina Ford. No experience necessary. Students should bring sack lunch and water each day. Performances will take place on Friday, June 28th at 7pm and Saturday, June 29th at 3pm. Registration: $250 per student – Pre-registration and prepayment are required for all classes before they begin. Students can register in person at 1250 W. Continental Rd., by phone at 520-399-1750, by mail at PO Box 1301, Green Valley, AZ 85622.

Get ready to feel the pride and passion of America with America the Beautiful, a spectacular concert experience that celebrates the music and spirit of the USA. From the first notes of the Star-Spangled Banner to the final chords of God Bless America, this show takes you on a patriotic journey like no other. Featuring music from legendary artists including Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Eagles, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more, this concert is a tribute to the music that has defined America throughout the decades. 

With stirring renditions of classic songs like “Born in the USA,” “Proud to be an America,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “New York State of Mind,” America the Beautiful captures the heart and soul of our nation. This show is a must-see event that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. So put your hand over your heart and join us for a celebration of the land of the free and the home of the brave. From the mountains to the prairies, from sea to shining sea, America the Beautiful is a concert experience you won’t want to miss! 

It’s always 5:00 here! Grab your beach towels, sunscreen, and umbrella drinks and settle in while Janeé Page, Sean Mireau, Derek Norman, and the rest of the gang sing and play the day away. The show includes everything from Dick Dale’s Miserlou and The Pina Colada Song to The Tide is High, Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, and –– of course –– Margaritaville. The only things that will be missing are the cool ocean breeze and the sand between your toes.  

Imagine if Benny Goodman and Brian Setzer started a New Swing Band and you would have Wholly Cats Swing Club.

Wholly Cats Swing Club are Ambassadors of the Great Swing Era, specializing in the music of the Benny Goodman Sextet featuring America’s first Guitar Hero, Charlie Christian. They have quickly gained a following as Tucson’s Premier Swing Band and have been performing at several dance and jazz venues in the area while helping give rise to the live local dance scene. 

The band was formed by Marc Rosen and Tony Spear, whose mutual love of these artists sparked an idea for a dance band with multi-generational appeal. In addition to the songs of Goodman and Christian, their repertoire includes popular classic hits by Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Louie Prima and even contemporary artists like Tom Waits, Brian Setzer Orchestra and Imelda May. 

Mariachi Innovación is celebrating ten years of continuing the tradition of mariachi music. The group was formed in late 2013 with 5 alumni musicians from Mariachi Aztlán. It has since transformed to the group you see today, carrying the same values of passion, culture, and an immense focus of continuing the education of mariachi music. Dressed in elaborate traje de charro outfits, the group boasts a repertoire of traditional mariachi music and innovative variations, showing pride and dedication to the cultural heritage of Mexico.

Join us for a salute to the Everly Brothers and the timeless harmonies of rock and roll duos! This popular concert, starring Alex Mack and Chach Snook, features classics like “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do is Dream,” “Cathy’s Clown” and the title song. You’ll be immersed in the music and stories of America’s greatest sibling duo, as well as their early influences and the artists they eventually inspired.

A Comedy by Mark Edward Smith 

Santa Cruz Shoestring Players 

Saying goodbye to the dearly departed has never been so funny. The Viewing Room brings a dysfunctional family together at a wake after losing its stern patriarch. It is a peaceful, final goodbye … until the patriarch sits up in his coffin and tries to make amends. This awkward family reunion will leave you laughing in your seats through its timeless themes of reconciliation, family and paying tribute to the deceased. This production is directed by Chad Eggen. 

As a self-described “Celtic Indian”, Arvel Bird’s “Journey of a Paiute” is a reflection of his mixed-blood American Indian and Celtic heritages (S. Paiute/Clan Kennedy Scotland). With his violin, fiddle, Native flutes and Irish whistles, Arvel weaves a powerful tapestry of stories and original musical compositions. 

Classically trained as a violinist, Arvel’s music is a confluence of styles from Celtic, bluegrass, Native American folk, and rock. As he worked to develop his own music style and build a large following, Arvel went wherever the music called him. During his years in the Midwest, Arvel won the Indiana State Fiddle Contest four times. From 1986 to 2000 Arvel toured with Glen Campbell, Lore a Lynn, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price, Louise Mandrell, Clay Walker and many others. 

Arvel has performed in Scotland, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and in prestigious venues including the Sky Dome in Toronto, Ontario, Royal Albert Hall in London, England, Smithsonian Museums in DC and NY, Hochstein Performance Hall in Rochester, NY and the Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa, FL. 

Arvel has performed with symphonies, chamber orchestras. As a soloist, he is a prolific songwriter having released more than two dozen albums. Having lived most recently in in Nashville, TN, Arvel is now settled in Cottonwood, AZ, still connecting with audiences the old-fashioned way . . . live. This is where Arvel’s emotionally driven performances thrive, leaving his audiences inspired and transformed.

Join Gaslight favorite, David Fanning, as he performs his concert of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits with a full band! You’ll hear songs like Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, America, Forever in Blue Jeans and so many more!

Isaac Torres is a critically-acclaimed comedy magician who keeps his audiences laughing from start to finish. Isaac’s versatility and audience participation have been enjoyed at corporate events hosted by United Airways and Absolute Vodka, as well as at public shows at Tempe Improv and multiple Casinos across the country. 

Comedian David Membrila is a retired school-teacher of 40 years, professional musician, comedy stage hypnotist, hypnotherapist, realtor, actor and author. In his own words, “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” He has shared the stage with Judy Tenuta, Pablo Francisco, Chris Fonseca, Angel Salazar, Jill Kimmel, and many other nationally known headliners. David has been seen at comedy clubs and casinos in seven states and was a runner up on Ed McMahon’s “The Next Big Star”. “I’ll look to perform anywhere. I LOVE the spotlight…in the middle of the night, If I open the fridge for a midnight snack and the light comes on, I’ll easily do 20 minutes…”  

Teenagers around the globe swooned every time 50s and 60s – era teen idols Ricky Nelson, Fabian, Connie Francis, Bobby Rydell, Paul Anka and Lesley Gore hit the stage. Travelin’ Man stars Alex Mack and Steff Koeppen and celebrates the songs that set hearts fluttering, including Hello Mary Lou, Puppy Love, Where the Boys Are, It’s My Party and the title song. Bust out your bobby socks and come ready to bop along as we pay tribute to these toe-tapping ladies and gentlemen of early rock-n-roll. 

Homero Cerón (marimba), Ann Weaver (viola), and Jim Karrer (bass) will perform a program of music by composers from the Italian Baroque, late French Romantic, and early New Tango eras including Corelli, Fauré and Piazzolla. 

Homero Cerón, is principal percussionist of True Concord (voices and orchestra), leader/owner Cool Breeze Productions, a Yamaha performing artist, and co-director of The Tucson Latin Jazz Nonet, an ensemble that specializes in Afro-Cuban jazz. Based in Tucson, Arizona, Homero has lived a diverse life as a percussionist. Starting in the music business at age 12 in Monterrey, Mexico, he went on to study music at The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in the mid 70’s followed by graduate work at The University of Arizona. He has played drums/vibes/timpani and orchestral percussion in many different settings from small jazz combos to symphony orchestras, ballet, opera and in the orchestra pit of numerous touring shows.

This performance is a tribute to America’s great Western Musical Tradition, and the men and women who made it all happen. Rob Wright, Fred Hayes, Ashley Westcott, and Chelsee Hicks lead a cast of Arizona’s finest musicians, singing and playing songs by artists such as: Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, The Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Dolly Parton, and more! It’s the Grand Ol’ Opry – Arizona style! 

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Darryl Hall and John Oates are one of rock’s longest lasting duos, and this show pays tribute to their contributions. From their early hits such as Rich Girl to their chart-topping hits She’s Gone, Maneater, and I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do), this show featuring Matthew Holter (The Chicago Experience) and Jeremy Vega (Still Crazy After All These Years) demonstrates why the pair is one of Billboard’s greatest artists of all time.

Step back into the vibrant 80s with an electrifying tribute show featuring two iconic bands: Pat Benatar and The Pretenders! Prepare to be transported to a time when rock ruled the airwaves and catchy melodies dominated the charts.

In this high-energy production, audiences will experience all the hits from these legendary acts performed with unmatched passion and authenticity. From Pat Benatar’s powerhouse vocals on tracks like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Heartbreaker” to The Pretenders’ gritty rock anthems such as “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang,” every song will evoke nostalgia and get you on your feet.

With spot-on renditions and a dynamic stage presence, these tribute bands capture the essence of the 80s music scene, delivering a concert experience that will leave you singing along and reminiscing about the golden age of rock. Get ready for a night of unforgettable performances and timeless classics that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a time machine straight to the heart of the 1980s.

Lacy J. Dalton is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter from Bloomsburg, PA who was inducted into the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame in 2017. She’s one of the most instantly recognizable voices in music – the woman People Magazine called “Country’s Bonnie Raitt.” She was awarded “Top New Female Vocalist of the Year” in 1979 by the Academy of Country Music, and quickly rose to national prominence with her hit single “Crazy Blue Eyes,” a song that raced to #7 on the Billboard Country Charts. 

Lacy’s Platinum Album collaboration with Willie Nelson on his Half Nelson CD was a high spot for her. Lacy was the only woman featured on that recording (which included singing legends Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, Merle Haggard, Julio Iglesias, George Jones, Leon Russell, Carlos Santana, Mel Tillis, Hank Williams Sr., and Neil Young. She quickly became one of the few women to share the stage with the likes of other major stars including Glen Campbell and Charlie Daniels.  

Her hit records include “Hard Times,” “Hillbilly Girl with the Blues,” Takin’ it Easy,” “Everybody Makes Mistakes,” the worldwide hit “Black Coffee,” and her signature song “16^th Avenue,” the anthem for Nashville songwriters voted one of Country’s Top 100 songs ever by Billboard Magazine. 

Lacy’s career has included accomplishments in music, film, and radio. After releasing numerous recordings with major record labels, she is now an independent artist with her own label called Song Dog Records. In 2022 she was awarded the Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. She continues to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the writing of “Everybody Makes Mistakes” which has received the Million-Air Award for having received over one million U.S. broadcast performances. 

Dale Poune (vocals/guitar/mandolin) will join Lacy J. Dalton for this special acoustic duo performance you won’t want to miss!

Admission is free (tickets required) 

The Green Valley Summer Big Band is comprised of members from Green Valley Stage Band, Big Band Sounds and other local and regional ensembles. These dedicated jazz musicians, many of whom have had vast experience performing all over the United States, will provide a program of exciting big band arrangements. This free gift to the community will remind you why big band music has continued pleasing audiences for the better part of a century.

The Green Valley Summer Chorus, forty voices strong, will present a lively program featuring a variety of music ranging across the choral repertoire. The majority of the summer chorus members also perform in the Green Valley Community Chorus, a philanthropic non-profit choir composed of approximately 90 enthusiastic voices from surrounding southern Arizona communities. Their mission is to bring beautiful music from all eras of history to our community through quality performances of great choral works, both sacred and secular. Come and be uplifted by popular and entertaining choral music.