The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is proudly partnering with Tucson Original Restaurants and the Hilton El Conquistador to produce the annual World Margarita Challenge on October 6th in Oro Valley.
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Get ready to sample more than a dozen original Margaritas and food samplings from your favorite Tucson Original Restaurants. Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges will have the pleasure of voting on their favorite entries, and six winners will be awarded at the end of the evening.

More than twenty restaurants will participate in this year's contest from a variety of food categories. There will also be a raffle that will include over $2,000 in gift cards and gift baskets. Music by local mariachis will open the evening and artists will be live painting during the event.

The Hilton El Conquistador is set against the beautiful back drop of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalina Mountains giving guests a picturesque setting to enjoy the al fresco experience of the Don Julio Patio, tequila sponsor. Don Julio will also be sampling drinks as guests on the ballroom patio.

The 2017 World Margarita Challenge Participants Include*:

Abuela's Cocina Mexicana
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Cielos
Dante's Fire
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge
Epazote Kitchen and Cocktails
Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery & Bistro
Lotus Garden Restaurant
Mama's Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue
Monkey Burger
Monsoons Tap & Grill
The Original Mama Louisa's
Pastiche Modern Eatery
Le Rendez Vous Bistro and Restaurant
Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria
Tequila Factory
Trident Bar and Grill
Twisted Tandoor

*Please note this list will continue to grow as additional participants are added to the event.

Additional exhibitors include the Consulate of Mexico, Local First Arizona, Art by Eli and Victor Navarro Art.

An after-party with drink and dining specials will be held at Epazote Kitchen and Cocktails with live music following the conclusion of the event.

2017 World Margarita Championship
When: Friday, October 6th at 6 PM
Where: Hilton Tucson El Conquistador 1000 N Oracle Road
Tickets: $55; $70 day-of-event
Online: http://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.
 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.

​Jazz Legends LIVE! swings into its sixteenth year on Saturday, September 23rd. This collaborative concert brings jazz greats from around the world for a once in a lifetime creative collaboration, celebrating Tucson's place in the world of jazz.
Jazz Legends LIVE was founded in 2001 by Al and Marilyn Cook in the backyard of their Oro Valley home. Over the course of its history the event has presented an array of the world's greatest performing artists, including John Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon, Todd Coolman, Lewis Nash, Grace Kelly, and Corey Wilcox, and the talented lineup scheduled for 2017 is sure to impress jazz fans of all ages.
 
"Each year the lineup features a collection of truly fantastic jazz talent," Kate Marquez, SAACA's Executive Director, says of the event. "In 2017 we're reaching across genres and styles to continue to strive for the unique sound and experience Jazz Legend attendees have come to expect."
 
In addition to its fundraising goals for SAACA's creative arts therapy programs, Jazz Legends LIVE! seeks to define paths and expand the possibilities for all artists, from emerging and lesser-known musicians, to jazz students and today's top jazz stars.
 
The event will be held atThe Lodge at Ventana Canyon, 6200 N. Club House Ln., offering an intimate setting for the concert. All the proceeds raised from the event help SAACA continue to fund Creative Arts Therapy and Arts Education programs in the community.
 
Concert tickets can be purchased for $65 (middle rows) or $55 (back rows). For an upgraded event experience, a $150 ticket will offer attendees VIP front row concert seating, and a three course dinner prior to the concert featuring live music from the UA Studio Jazz Ensemble.  Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m.  
 
The 2017 Jazz Legends are:
 
Lewis Nash, Drums
"Rhythm Is My Business" is the title of his debut recording as a leader, and rhythm is a booming business as far as Lewis Nash is concerned. He is the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists - from the masters of the music to the hottest young players of today - and is equally in demand as a clinician and educator.
 
Currently, while he continues to perform and record with a wide variety of artists, Nash leads several of his own exciting groups, from duo to septet. Outside of his many touring and recording accomplishments, thanks to the sponsorship of Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads and Regal Tip drumsticks, Lewis has become a sought after jazz educator. His lectures, clinics and workshops are as much in demand as his bandstand and studio work. Lewis Nash: Rhythm is indeed his business!
 
Bobby Floyd, Piano
Bobby Floyd's talent has launched him into a very rewarding career, putting him in demand and making him one of the favorite, first-call pianists/organists for many well known artists. He has traveled the world accompanying Ray Charles on piano and organ. He currently makes guest appearances with some of the most distinguished orchestras, including The Boston Pops, The Rochester Philharmonic, and The Detroit Symphony. He is presently the feature pianist for the world-famous and legendary Count Basie Orchestra. He also tours nationally and internationally as organist for the Grammy Award winning Dr. John.
 
The prestige associated with Floyd's worldwide appearances can also be witnessed at home. In his hometown, Columbus Ohio, Bobby is the feature pianist & organist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Byron Stripling where he has performed with a large number of major artist. He is occasionally featured with The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and other arts organizations and venues throughout Columbus and Ohio.
 
Niki Haris, Vocals
Niki Haris, daughter of Grammy nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, grew up in Middle America, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was college educated in Southern California. Niki then pursued her singing career in the usual amusement parks and clubs in the California area. This dynamic woman has since gone on to work with a multitude of recording artist ranging from Pop, R&B, to Jazz. Her live performances and recording experience reads like a who¹s who of the music world. With names such as; Ray Charles, David Sanborn, Patrice Rushen, Michael Sembello, Leann Rimes, Michelle Branch, Santana, Kylie Minogue, Luther Vandross, All Saints, Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders, Stanley Turrentine, the Righteous Bros., Julian Lennon, Anita Baker, Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston and Madonna.
 
Niki continues to share her gifts throughout the years by performing at a multitude of benefits for AIDS, Cancer research as well as Camp Harmony for inner city children. Niki continues to be called upon to lend her inspirational voice by notable speakers such as Mark Victor Hansen ³Chicken soup for the Soul² & Reverend Michael Beckwith (The Secret) She is also a strong supporter for the Music in the Classroom program and RADD, Rockers Against Drunk Driving. She diligently lends her time in serving and is an annual participant in the Season for Non Violence.
 
Tom Kennedy, Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Tom Kennedy is an accomplished touring and studio musician who ranks as one of the top acoustic and electric bass players in the world.  By his late teens, he had already performed with jazz icons such as Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Nat Adderly, Sonny Stitt, George Russell, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. Since then, Tom   has performed and recorded with Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Dave Weckl, Michael and Randy Brecker, Al DiMeola, Simon Phillips, Steve Gadd, Frank Gambale, Steve Lukather, David Sanborn, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Joe Sample and Harvey Mason, to name a few.  Along with a lifelong career as an international touring artist, Tom has released five solo projects to date and has appeared on over 200 recordings.
All the proceeds raised from this unique support SAACA's Creative Arts Therapy and Arts Education programs in the community. 

Jon Faddis, Trumpet
Jon Faddis (born July 24, 1953) is an American jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer, and educator, renowned for both his playing and for his expertise in the field of music education. Upon his first appearance on the scene, he became known for his ability to closely mirror the sound of trumpet icon Dizzy Gillespie, who was his mentor along with Stan Kenton trumpeter Bill Catalano.  Jon Faddis possesses a virtually unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the practically impossible seem effortless.  Time Out New York  praises Faddis as "the world's greatest trumpeter ... brash soloistic logic and breathtaking technical acuity."  The Wall Street Journal characterizes Faddis as "prodigious lyrical force." 
 
2017 Jazz Legends LIVE
When: Saturday, September 23 - 5:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. concert
Where: The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, 6200 N. Club House Ln
Cost: $45/$55 Concert General Admission, $125 VIP Dinner & Concert
Online: www.saaca.org/jazzlegends
Phone: (520) 797-3959
 
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
 
About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. 
 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.
 

The highly anticipated Jazz Legends Live! returns to Tucson to celebrate its 14th year and six nationally renowned artists will be on hand to help honor the memory of the event's founder, the late Al Cook. The 13th Annual Jazz Legends Live! will feature an eclectic array of performers across varied styles and generations, once again creating a one-of-a-kind performance in the intimate setting of The Lodge at Ventana Canyon on Friday, September 23, 2016.
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Jazz Legends Live!, first held in the backyard of Al and Marilyn Cook has grown into a signature event for the Tucson Jazz community, raising much needed funds for dwindling music and art programs in local schools and fostering musical growth in elementary age students. This year's lineup continues to boast the best in jazz and is expected to draw over 600 jazz lovers from across Southern Arizona. Keeping with tradition, in addition to live jazz, the event will also feature a three course dinner and artist meet-and-greets making it an unforgettable experience.

In 2016, the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance lost a dear friend, Board of Director, and dynamic Lover of Jazz, Al Cook.  Both Al and his wife Marilyn Cook have been longtime supporters of the arts, jazz, and this community.  For over 15 years, Al and Marilyn have served the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council, and helped to develop the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance into the thriving community arts organization it today. He will be remembered most fondly for his incomparable passion and drive for keeping the tradition of jazz education and performance, and most importantly, the inception of the Jazz Legends Live! event. 
Al Cook personally brought over 50 of the world's greatest jazz performers and educators to Southern Arizona, each and every year to perform for the community at Jazz Legends Live!  We dedicate this event to the memory of Al Cook, and his invaluable commitment to the arts. 

This year's guest artists will include:

• Lewis Nash - "Rhythm Is My Business" is the title of his debut recording as a leader, and rhythm is a booming business as far as Lewis Nash is concerned. He is the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists - from the masters of the music to the hottest young players of today - and is equally in demand as a clinician and educator.

• Shelly Berg - The All Music Guide says "Shelly Berg is one of the finest pianists around in the early 21st century playing modern mainstream jazz." His CD, Blackbird, recorded with the Shelly Berg Trio on the Concord Records label, reached #1 in US jazz radio and garnered Record of the Year and Artist of the Year nominations (Jazzweek, 2005). His subsequent solo CD Shelly Berg: The Nearness of You (Arbors) and a two-piano album with Dick Hyman Meeting of Minds (Victoria) were both critically acclaimed.

• Barbara Morrison - Vocalist, Recording Artist, Music Educator and Philanthopist; Barbara Morrison has been recognized by NPR as one of the "50 Greatest Jazz Vocalists" (Fall 2010) Barbara Morrison has been pleasing audiences and garnering rave reviews for more than three decades.  In addition to a long list of her own recordings, she has worked with an A-List of "Who's Who" in the jazz world.

• Houston Person - Person is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and record producer. Although he has performed in the hard bop and swing genres, he is most experienced in and best known for his work in soul jazz. Person is also known for his distinctive sassy sound and his expressive style of playing. He received the Eubie Blake Jazz Award in 1982.

• Jeremy Pelt - Pelt has become one of the preeminent young trumpeters within the world of jazz. Forging a bond with the Mingus Big Band very early on, as his career progressed, Pelt built upon these relationships and many others which eventually lead to collaborations with some of the genre's greatest masters. These projects include performances and recordings with Cliff Barbaro, Keter Betts, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ravi Coltrane, Frank Foster, Winard Harper, Jimmy Heath, Vincent Herring, John Hicks, Charli Persip, Ralph Peterson, Lonnie Plaxico, Bobby Short, Cedar Walton, Frank Wess, Nancy Wilson and The Skatalites, to name a few. Pelt maintains a consistent forward momentum while he transmits a modern-day sense of urgency with his music.

• Rodney Whitaker - Internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist, Rodney Whitaker, currently holds the titles of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculties in the United States of America. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. He is also the Artistic Director of the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz, former Artistic Advisor of Jazz at Wharton Center, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Jazz Orchestra and a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Whitaker received his first national recognition performing with the Harrison/Blanchard Quintet.

"We look forward to welcoming these extremely talented musicians for this year's Jazz Legends Live! and continue to embrace the opportunity for expanding the love of jazz across Southern Arizona," said Kate Marquez, Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. "Artistry, excellence, and education are tenets of our organization. We are proud to see how the love of music has grown this event over the last decade, and we will continue to dedicate our efforts to keeping the legacy of jazz alive."

All of the monies raised over the course of the evening will go directly to support the expansion of the Creative Arts Therapy Program for Veterans, reaching hundreds of Veterans in Southern Arizona.The program is like none other in the state, healing patients with long- and short-term physical and mental ailments with proven success models in music, writing, photography, and creative arts. Jazz Legends Live! not only seeks out established and rising musicians, but it also offers the musicians the opportunity to work with The University of Arizona School of Music to feature Master Classes to students and helping to cultivate the jazz culture in Tucson for years to come. 

Jazz Legends Live! continues to stand out as one of the most anticipated and admired jazz events in Southern Arizona. Tickets are on sale now at www.SAACA.org and range from $55 concert only tickets to $250 for a Platinum VIP Experience which includes a three course dinner with live music prior to the concert as well as a private Meet and Greet experience with the musicians.
 

2016 Jazz Legends Live!  
When: Saturday, September 23, 2016, VIP Dinner - 5:30pm, Concert - 7:00pm
Where: The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, 6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ 85750
Cost: Tickets begin at $55
Online: https://www.saaca.org/jazzlegends.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959
 
NOTE TO MEDIA:
Photos available
 
About the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.
 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.