The World Margarita Championship Returns in October for Another Showdown of Mixology Masters9/21/2017
For the 12th consecutive year, this highly anticipated contest will raise the bar yet again to prove the Master of Margaritas in Tucson 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.
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. The Fall 2017 Open Studio Tours features local artists over two weekends in Southern Arizona. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance presents the Open Studio Tours Season supported with grant monies from the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
The Fall Open Studio Tours in Southern Arizona is one of the largest self-guided tours of artist studios and creative work spaces in the region, featuring two weekends showcasing artists and local creative businesses from across Southern Arizona. Over 200 individual artists and artist groups will participate! The community is invited and encouraged to participate in these dynamic weekend events that will showcase the broad talents of the Southern Arizona region. The free self-guided tours will draw thousands of visitors to explore the neighborhood studios, view the creative industries of the region, and in many cases, see live demonstrations and participate in artist meet and greets. The artists open their homes and studios to welcome visitors to view a wide variety of artistic mediums created within. The multiple art forms include painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, silk dyes, textiles, wood-carving, metal work, jewelry, ceramics, glass-blowing and so much more! The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance has a website customized just for these two weekends, making it easier than ever to locate these artist spaces. The website features a map with the locations of all participants as well as a downloadable program. Detailed information such as artist mediums, sample work, location information and studio activities can be found at www.openstudiotours.com. The dates for Fall Open Studio Tours are: Weekend 1 - NORTH: September 30 & October 1 Weekend 2 - SOUTH: October 7 & 8 The mission of Open Studio Tours is to support and promote local artists who work and exhibit in Southern Arizona and is a cooperative effort between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. "As a funding agency, we seek to find and fund the best artists and/or art organizations for projects that will continue to highlight and enrich our region's sense of place and culture," said The Art Foundation's Executive Director Debi Chess Mabie. "SAACA's expertise in presenting these artists and art organizations through community events made this fall's tour season a natural collaboration. We are thrilled to grant them $10,000 to produce the Open Studio Tours event." Kate Marquez, SAACA's Executive Director, looks forward to the partnership. "The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is proud to collaborate with the Arts Foundation and local artists for Tucson and Southern Arizona, to support, and advance the Open Studio Tours throughout our region, and provide resources for hundreds of local artists to showcase, develop and promote their original artwork in the community," said Marquez. "SAACA truly believes that our collective impact will only continue to grow when our creative community comes together to collaborate on these types of projects." Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to participate in the incredible creativity the Southern Arizona region has to offer. Support your local artists and get inspired. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Phoenix Premium Outlets present a series of free, family-friendly concerts to run through December Don't miss the sounds of some of Arizona's finest local musician's at Phoenix Premium Outlets. The signature free concert series, held every Saturday evening, will feature a variety of weekly performances from local musicians and bands.
Presented by Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, the free weekly performances will take place Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Arroyo Court at Phoenix Premium Outlets. Coupled with delicious food from the Food Court and over 90 stores offering extraordinary savings, the evenings provide the perfect outing for the whole family. "We are excited to welcome the community to experience these beloved concerts," said Elyse Munger, Area Director of Marketing. "Our live entertainment is a truly diverse line up of local talent and the concert series is a weekly event the whole family can enjoy." The concerts are a creative collaboration between Phoenix Premium Outlets and the Arizona Business Committee for the Arts, a program of the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, bringing opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talents to the community, and cultivating new business and arts partnerships in new and innovative ways. Performance Lineup: September 16 Cool Vibrations, 60s Oldies September 23 What's the Big Idea, Jazz September 30 Good Question, Jazz October 7 Santa Pachita, Latin October 14 April Anne, Pop and Country Covers October 21 People Who Could Fly, Pop October 28 The Unday, Rock Originals November 4 OnesAll, Funk, Rock November 11 Rilen' Out, Reggae Rock November 18 Swingset, Blues, Rock, Classics November 25 Come Back Buddy, 50's Covers December 2 April Anne, Pop and Country Covers December 9 Weslynn, Indie Pop December 16 Laura Joy, Pop, Rock December 23 Gregy Spivey Band, Pop, Rock Visit saaca.org for more information about the bands. Phoenix Premium Outlets Concert Series When: Weekly, Saturday Evenings 5 p.m. to 8p.m. Where: Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler, AZ 85226 Cost: Free Online: www.saaca.org Phone: (520) 797-3959 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available About Phoenix Premium Outlets Phoenix Premium Outlets features extraordinary savings of 25 to 65 percent off exceptional brands including: Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade New York, Coach, and Nike. Enjoy the mountainous views of Arizona at this outdoor shopping center located within Wild Horse Pass off of I-10 at Exit 162. Shoppers can keep up-to-date on promotions, events, and general news by visiting the website www.premiumoutlets.com/phoenix. About Simon Premium Outlets The global Simon Premium Outlets portfolio offers exceptional brands at extraordinary savings through a diverse mix of luxury, designer and popular retailers representing the best in fashion, family and home. The 86 Simon Premium Outlets in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and South Korea are some of the most iconic and productive shopping destinations for residents and travelers including Woodbury Common (New York City), Orlando, Desert Hills (Palm Springs), Las Vegas and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (Boston). For more information visit premiumoutlets.com or follow Premium Outlets on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 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 & Cultural Alliance please visit www.saaca.org. Save the date for 2017 Jazz Legends LIVE benefit concert on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, presented by Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. 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. Jazz Legends Live! Returns to Tucson to Benefit Art Therapy and Music Programs for Local Veterans9/12/2017
Save the date for 2017 Jazz Legends Live! benefit concert on Saturday, Sept. 23, at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, presented by Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance 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.
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:
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. |
Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|