Cruise, BBQ & Blues
Festival & Car Show

February 16, 2019

10:00am - 3:00pm

Blending science, mechanics and design is an innovative art form in its own right. Car design is a ubiquitous but often overlooked art form which SAACA brings to light through our annual Classic Car Show.

The event invites thousands of people out to rev up the weekend with live oldies music, kids’ activities and great food. With 20 different classes of auto awards given in Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engine and People’s Choice.

The one day event will feature live Blues music on the main stage, classic BBQ on the grill, and an endless supply of everything we have come to love about fast cars and classic auto!

Why?

SAACA believes that every aspect of an automobile is art, from the headlights and the body of the car, to the seats and dashboard, even each little screw and bolt holding the car together. The event aims to bring the automobile to light as an art form through this spectacular community event, which also supports our Business and Arts integration initiatives. 

Tickets $5

$5 admission, 10 and under Free   

$1 discount for all Veterans and Active Duty Military with your Military ID.  No pre-purchase tickets are available.  Cash Only. 
Tickets available at the door. 

Event Partners

Location

Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737

The event is located on the Oracle Rd. entrance between Red Lobster and Best Buy.  Oro Valley Marketplace has amassed a brilliant collection of boutiques, national retail anchors, unique eateries and traditional restaurants. For a quick bite, a special occasion, a gallon of milk, or an afternoon of retail therapy, the marketplace delivers.  

Get Involved

Participate in the event and enter your vehicle into the classic car show to exhibit onsite at the event.
(Applications Available October 5, 2018)
If you're interested in becoming a featured food vendor, please inquire below.
​(Applications Available October 5, 2018)
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Event participants are invited to promote the upcoming event by using pre-designed marketing materials. Click the link below to access logos, graphics, flyers and more. ​
Support your community and become an event sponsor.  Download the benefits and opportunities here.

Participate as an event exhibitor onsite.

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Request a media pass to cover the event in your publication or blog


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Register your vehicle in the classic car show, Downloadable application available below.
​(Applications Available October 5, 2018)​​
We are always in need of a few good volunteers.  Register to Volunteer Online
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Passionate about Car Show? Join our Car Show Advisory Committee! 

Classic Cars

The show will exhibit cars and trucks in a variety of styles – antique and modern, domestic and foreign, modified and custom.  Judges will award trophies in categories including Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Presentation and attendees can vote in the People’s Choice awards. 

Winners will receive hand-made, custom awards by local artist, John Benedict. 

Judging will be done by a team made up of Southern Arizona Chapter of NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) representatives and Cruise, BBQ & Blues committee members. 

2019 Schedule

Adding a soulful atmosphere to the event live blues music will captivate audiences with renditions of blues greats.  The main stage will feature three bands throughout the day.  A tribute style salute to our Veterans will kick off the award festivities, with the star spangled banner, and a presentation of the color guard.

Jumping castles and children’s activities will entertain the youngsters. Canyon del Oro High School Auto Club will be demonstrating small engine tear downs each hour and showcasing projects completed by students from previous years. ​

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Black Cat Bones (Blues Rock)
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11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Heather Lil' Mama Hardy Band (Blues and Funk Violin)

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Bad News Blues (Classic Blues Revue)

​2:30 PM
Presentation of the Colors
National Anthem (Lauren Lawson)
Welcome given by Mayor Winfield of Oro Valley
Awards Ceremony

Entertainment

Black Cat Bones (Blues Rock)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tucson-based Blues and Rock five piece, Black Cat Bones, is making a name for themselves for their signature mix of classic blues and rock with R&B, featuring smooth vocals and blues jams. The band features Charles Pitts (vocals), Jeff Daniels (bass), Dan Laetsch (drums), Gary David (guitar), Richard Rivera (guitar). Fans of BB King and Johnny Winter will love this band. 

www.facebook.com/blackcatbonestucson/
Heather Lil ' Mama Hardy Band (Blues Funk)
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
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Blues, Rock, Funk and some insane violin!

Heather Hardy has been playing the violin for 46 years. During her long career, she has studied at the Manhattan School of Music under Raphael Bronstein as well as with well known Jazz violinist and author, Julie Lyonn Lieberman. Heather was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 and Tucson Musicians Museum in 2016. This recognition was certainly influenced by her 20 year collaboration with Sam Taylor, Jr., a legendary blues artist who was inducted into AZ Blues hall of Fame in 2000 as well as the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Currently based in Tucson, she has toured with Allen Ginsberg, throughout Europe and Canada with The False Prophets punk band, and was the house session violinist for Velvet Swan Studios in NYC for over 10 years. To date, Heather has played on the recordings of over 200 artists in blues, folk , jazz, rock, bluegrass. Her most recent CD release is "Heather Lil' Mama Hardy LIVE in Tucson" and this is a LIVE show you won't want to miss!

https://heatherlilmamahardy.com/
Bad News Blues Band​ (Classic Blues Revue)
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

The Bad News Blues Band, led by Mike "Johnny Guitar" Blommer, is Arizona's premier blues revue. ​Co-founder of the band, Johnny's guitar playing is powerful and passionate without being overblown. The rich rhythmic phrasing that is his trademark subtly discloses his early training on drums. Dismissing the boundaries of the fret board, he explores and finds exactly the note he wants. He plays from the heart, giving soulful nods to blues guitar legends Freddy King, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins.

Johnny authors many of the Bad News Blues Band's popular tunes and his lead vocals set a strong foundation for much of their four-part harmony.​

www.badnewsbluesband.com

2019 Food Vendors

2019 Food Vendors Coming Soon!

2018 Food Vendors

As music fills the day, BBQ vendors will fire-up the festival as attendees sample an array of delicious tasting food, from kettle corn and sweets to all-American meals.

Chef Patrick Vezino (Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ) collaborating with Faye Leerson and John Aldecoa serving:
  • Smoked Baby Back Ribs
  • BBQ Pit Beans
  • Vinegar Cole Slaw
Tucson Original Restaurants featuring Chef Mat Cable (Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria) with Chef Michael Elefante (Mama Louisa’s) presenting:
  • Oak Smoked Brisket
  • Pulled Pork on a Country Roll
  • BBQ Beans
  • Cole Slaw
  • Corn Bread
  • Smoked Cookies
Chef Ken Foy (Culinary Graduate) presenting:
  • Pork butt and Sausage
  • Smoked Lamb Tacos with Mint Salsa

Chef Samuel Alboy (Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ)
  • ​Mama's Hawaiian BBQ Wings
Featured Food Trucks:
Coldstone Creamery
Jozzarelli’s Food Truck
Fruitshack Smoothies & Yogurt
​Kettlicious
Sweet Treat Mini Donuts

Libations
Beer provided by Hensley Beverage company

Cold water will also be available for sale at the event to help support Veterans Arts programs.

2019 Car Show Exhibitors

ASPCA
Mz W Designs
Tucson Window and Door

2018 Car Show Winners

Best Engine: Carl Brownd - 1966 Pontiac GTO
 
Best Presentation: Anthony Kadous - 1963 Volkswagen Sundial Camper
 
Best Interior: Bob Geitl – 1952 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
 
Best ​Paint: Joseph Gonzalez - 1969 Chevy Camaro
 
Best of Show: Scott Muse - 1949  Chevy 3100
 
People’s Choice 1st Place: Scott Muse - 1949 Chevy 3100 
 
People’s Choice 2nd Place: Bob Gietl - 1952 Buick Roadmaster Convertible 

Videos

Gallery

Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors