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PRESS & MEDIA

Ventana Gallery hosts MAMMOCAPES art exhibition to benefit El Rio Health, raise breast cancer awareness, and support

9/26/2019

 
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Roche Tissue Diagnostics invite the public to the exhibition and opening reception for “Superheroes, Capes of Strength and Beauty”
 
(TUCSON, Ariz) Roche Tissue Diagnostics and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance are joining forces with local artists to feature a community-driven art installation of locally designed and fabricated mammography capes. The exhibition, which is open to the public, will raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening and research. The exhibition titled, “Superheroes, Capes of Strength and Beauty,” and a silent auction, will raise funds for El Rio Health, a community-based health center that provides accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare to more than 107,000 Tucsonans. This special exhibit opens in October, commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
The mammography capes are used in El Rio Health by patients receiving mammograms, which is a low- dose x-ray that allows specialists to look for abnormal changes in breast tissue. The exhibit will feature 75 of these capes that have been altered, embellished, painted, quilted and otherwise re-imagined with no limit on materials or techniques used. The exhibit is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, celebrate survivors and remember those we have lost.
 
About the Fundraiser:
Roche will host a silent auction accompanying the opening of the exhibit on October 17, 2019. All displayed capes will have a starting bid of $100, with 100 percent of all funds raised to support El Rio Health Center Foundation’s breast cancer mammography fund for uninsured and underinsured patients. Select pieces will be chosen for display in El Rio Radiology Departments. Unsold pieces will be auctioned by El Rio or gifted to El Rio’s patients who are breast cancer survivors. Purchased capes will remain on display through the end of the exhibition.
 
Opening Reception:
An opening reception will be held on October 17, 2019 at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive, from 5pm to 7 p.m. First, second and third place winners will be awarded by an external jury of judges. Reception attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces and artists will be recognized with various awards at a ceremony.
 
Campus Exhibition Opening Reception
Exhibition Dates: October 4, 2019 – January 7, 2020
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive
Cost: Free
Online: https://www.saaca.org/ventanagallery
Phone: (520) 797-3959
To RSVP (optional): https://tinyurl.com/SAACA-Roche-Superheroes
​
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
 
About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts.  SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.  SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work.  To date, SAACA has created over 200,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. SAACA continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose.

SAACA Announces Over 50 Live Concerts Throughout Southern Arizona

9/25/2019

 
​
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
 

 
About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts.  SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.  SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work.  To date, SAACA has created over 200,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. SAACA continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose.
 
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance invites the public to enjoy live music this fall and though the winter at six different concert series in collaboration with local organizations and partnerships.
 
(TUCSON, Ariz.) - The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) continues its creative collaboration with local organizations to bring free music to Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley. SAACA is partnering with businesses centers, resorts, and local government to showcase an exciting number of Southern Arizona musical offerings. With a focus on creating new opportunities for artists and supporting artists directly, these fall and winter concert series line-ups reflect a mission by SAACA to strengthen the bonds between people, place, and purpose, bringing music to audiences in unexpected places.
 
Located at six different venues throughout the Southern Arizona region, these concert series provide the public the opportunity to listen to live music every week through the month of December. Featuring a wide range of music genres from country to rock, jazz, and funk, the series provide something for every music lover. Admission is free to all performances and all ages are welcome. The concert series include Tucson Premium Outlet Concert Series (Saturdays, 5-8 p.m.), Plaza Live! Concert Series at St. Philip’s Plaza (Tuesdays 7-10 p.m. through October and Wednesdays 5-7 p.m. starting in November), Lookout Tucson Jazz at Westward Look (Thursdays 5-7 p.m.), Oro Valley Concert Series (Second Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m.), Steam Pump Ranch Concert Series (Second Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:oo p.m), and Oro Valley Kids Concert Series (First Saturdays 10 a.m.).
 
Tucson Premium Outlets Concert Series
Saturdays 5-8 p.m.
Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 Marana Center Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85742
 
The Tucson Premium Outlets and the SAACA partner to bring live music to Southern Arizona every Saturday through December. The Tucson Premium Outlets Concert Series supports local musicians with the opportunity to perform weekly in the community’s largest shopping center. The series supports a range in music genres, from country to rock and jazz to classical. Admission is free and attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. Limited seating is provided. Concerts are three 45-minute sets.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
September 28
Heather Lil’ Mama Hardy
(Blues and Soul)
 
October 5
Adam Townsend
(Pop)
 
October 12
Way Out West
(A Musical Celebration of the Southwest Borderlands)
 
October 19
Wendy and the Boys
 (Multi-Genre Covers)
 
October 26
Nick McBlaine & Logtrain
(Bluegrass, Americana, and Swing)
 
November 2
Whose Blues
(Blues and Rock)
 
November 9
Tiny House of Funk
(Funk, Blues)
 
November 16
Heart and Soul
(Contemporary Rock/Pop with tons of Soul)
 
November 23
Guitarras Latinas
(Latin Fusion)
 
November 30
Eric Schaffer and the Other Troublemakers
(Alt-Country/Americana)
 
December 7
Carnivaleros
(A melting pot of sonic chorizo gumbo)
 
December 14
Desert Melodies
(Winter and Holiday Favorites)
 
December 21
Bryan Dean Trio
(Funky Blues you can dance to!)
 
December 28
Black Cat Bones
(Blues & Rock)
 
 
Plaza Live! Concert Series at St. Philip’s Plaza
Tuesdays 7-10 p.m. (through October)
Wednesdays 5-7 p.m. (starting in November)
St. Philip's Plaza - Central Courtyard, 4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
 
SAACA and St. Philip's Plaza team up to support the arts with weekly live music every Tuesday evening by local musicians in the Plaza courtyard. The series provides artists the opportunity to share their craft in one of Tucson’s most popular shopping and dining destinations. Union, Proof, and Reforma are all offering drink and food specials when ordered in the restaurants. There is no cost to attend and limited seating is provided in the courtyard. Attendees are encouraged to bring your own chairs. Attendees will be able to purchase an array of delicious food & beverages from the surrounding restaurants while they enjoy the performances and events. Union is offering half price bottles of wine. These events are open to all ages.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
October 1
Peña, Carruthers, and Lund
(Classic Piano Trio)
 
October 8
Tom Walbank
(Blues)
 
October 15
Adam Townsend
(Pop and Soul)
 
October 22
Kevin Pakulis and his Band
(Americana and Blues)
 
October 29
Sabra Faulk
(Folk Rock)
 
Lookout Tucson Jazz at Westward Look
Thursdays 5-7 p.m.
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
 
The Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa and the SAACA team up to offer free live jazz music every Thursday this Fall and Winter. During or after the show, enjoy special drink offers and a dinner menu curated by Chef Todd Sicolo in the Lookout Bar and Grille. There is free admission and seating will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to purchase and enjoy an array of delicious food and beverages from the bar while they enjoy the performances and events. These events are open to all ages.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
September 26
Silk and Soul
(Jazz Duets, R&B and Soul)
 
October 3
Joe Bourne & Matt Mitchell
(Jazz, Blues and Other Grooves)
 
October 10
Nathaniel Burnside
(Flamenco Guitar Jazz)
 
October 17
Cool Breeze
(Latin Jazz)
 
October 24
Larry Redhouse Trio
(Contemporary Jazz)
 
November 7
Starlight by Sheryl Ann
(Great American Songbook)
 
November 14
Peña, Carruthers, and Lund
 (Classic Jazz Trio)
 
November 21
Gus Woodrow Duo
(Guitar Jazz)
 
December 5
Nick Coventry
(Violin Jazz)
 
December 12
What's the Big Idea?
(Progressive Piano Jazz Trio)
 
December 19
Nossa Bossa Nova
(Brazilian, Portuguese Jazz and Holiday)
 
Oro Valley Concert Series
Second Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m
Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
 
The Town of Oro Valley and the SAACA partner to bring live music to residents. The Oro Valley Concert Series supports local musicians with the opportunity to perform monthly in the community’s largest shopping center. The series supports a range in music genres, from country to rock and jazz to classical. The Oro Valley concert series truly has something for every taste of music. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. No seating is provided. There is no cost to attend the concerts. Concerts are approximately 80-90 minutes in length.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
October 10
Bouncing Czechs
(Oktoberfest)
 
November 14
Jovert Steel Drum
(Steel Drum)
 
December 12
P.D. Ronstadt & the Company
(Southwest Americana)
 
January 9
Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey
(Jazz, Blues, Boogie Woogie)
 
February 13
Tiny House of Funk
(Funk, Blues)
 
March 12
Mr. Boogie Woogie
(Piano Boogie Woogie)
 
Steam Pump Ranch Concert Series
Second Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
 
The Steam Pump Ranch links past and present culture, providing a pleasant outdoor venue for the Second Saturdays at the Oro Valley Farmers Market. The monthly event features live music, an open-air market and kids’ activities, presented by the Town of Oro Valley and SAACA. The free event will bring local performers in country and Latin music to the ranch. Admission is free and attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. Limited seating is provided. Enjoy the Second Saturday festivities and Farmers Market onsite.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
November 9
Amber Norgaard Trio
(Folk Rock)
 
December 14
Freddy Parish and Old Town String Band
(Old-Time and Classic Country)
 
January 11
Bill Ganz Duo
(Western)
 
February 8
Pick & Holler
(Old-time String Band Music)
 
March 14
Canyon Currents
(Acoustic Americana, Bluegrass, Country, and Originals)
 
May 9
Greg Morton
(Bluegrass)
 
Oro Valley Kids Concert Series
First Saturdays 10AM
Oro Valley Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted), 11000 N. La Cañada Drive Oro Valley, Arizona 85737
 
Presented by the Town of Oro Valley and the Music & Dance Academy. Oro Valley Kids Concert Series provides an intimate, interactive experience for young children and their families where they can explore the sights, sounds and workings of instruments and dance. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. Limited seating is provided. There is no cost to attend the concerts.
 
Performance Lineup:
 
October 5 (in Council Chambers)
The Interplanetary Adventures of Peppy the Poodle’s Traveling Circus
 
November 2 (in Council Chambers)
Around the World on a Musical Carpet
 
December 7 (in Council Chambers)
Nutcracker Story
 
January 4 (at the Children’s Museum Oro Valley)
Instrument Petting Zoo
 
February 1 (in Council Chambers)
Carnival of the Animals
 
March 7 (in Council Chambers)
Young Mozart and Friends
 
April 4 (in Council Chambers)
Emily and the Ghost Flute

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
 
About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts.  SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.  SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work.  To date, SAACA has created over 200,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. SAACA continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose.

Music Lineup Announced for Patagonia Fall Festival, October 12 & 13

9/18/2019

 
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance invites the public to enjoy the 31st Annual Patagonia Fall Festival - with award winning music and art, diverse food and family fun - at the Patagonia Town Park, Oct. 12 & 13, 2019.
(TUCSON, Ariz.) - The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Sky Islands Tourism Association (SITA) will partner to present the 31st Annual Patagonia Fall Festival the second weekend of October 2019 at the Patagonia Town Park. This two-day festival has been recognized as one of the most well-attended rural community art celebrations in Arizona and features artists, sculptors, weavers, potters, jewelry makers, crafters, live music, and food and beverage vendors from around the region.

The Patagonia Fall Festival features a memorable day for the whole family, celebrating the unique creativity of both people and place which exists in this scenic small town in Southern Arizona.  Situated at just over 4,000 feet elevation between the Santa Rita Mountains and the Patagonia Mountains in the riparian corridor of Sonoita Creek, Patagonia is spectacularly rich in ecological and community assets.  

On Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. attendees can browse over 125 artisans and exhibitors offering unique, high quality crafts, produced with excellent care, creativity and artistry. The festival will host top-of-the-line entertainment each day on the event main stage in the Arizona Craft Distillers Guild’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden. Entertainers represent an internationally touring mix of performers with musical styles ranging from bluegrass and cumbia to boogie-woogie and cajun.

The not-to-be-missed lineup of music at Patagonia Fall Festival features nationally touring acts Jarabe Mexicano, Bayou Seco, Mr. Boogie Woogie as well as Arizona award-winning bands including Incidental Bluegrass, Jam Pak Blues ‘N Grass, Zach Farley, Partners Band and Febbo Fuentes. The artistic scene will ring with a diversity of live music featuring bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and Latin sounds.

The festival will feature a weekend of fun, excitement, and entertainment for all ages. Children can partake in the South 32’s Kid Zone featuring face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, and a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. Festival attendees can enjoy a variety of food offerings – from Patagonia Fire Department’s hotdog and hamburger cookout, to Food Trucks offering a variety of sausages, Indian Taco Fry Bread, vegan/vegetarian entrees, gyros, sweet treats and more. The site offers plenty of parking and easy access to the festival site in Patagonia Town Park.

Started by the Town of Patagonia 31 years ago, this truly homegrown, small town festival is designed to showcase extraordinary talent and artistry against the scenic backdrop of the Arizona mountains. The Patagonia Fall Festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors to Patagonia’s lovely tree-shaded park in the center of town over a festive weekend of art, music, and community. Patagonia is a tourist destination that makes for a great weekend trip to enjoy this scenic community, with plenty of artistic and creative flair on display.  

Music Lineup
Friday, October 11, 2019

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Incidental Bluegrass (Bluegrass and Country)

Saturday, October 12, 2019
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Jam Pak Blues ‘N Grass (Youth Blues and Bluegrass)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Incidental Bluegrass (Bluegrass and Country) 
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Jarabe Mexicano (Latin Fusion)
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bayou Seco (Cajun and Southwestern Folk)
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Zach Farley (World and Folk) 

Sunday, October 13, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Jam Pak Blues ‘N Grass (Youth Blues and Bluegrass)
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Bayou Seco (Cajun and Southwestern Folk)
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Partners Band (Country and Western)
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mr. Boogie Woogie (Boogie Woogie Piano) 
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Febbo & Fuentes (Bilingual Singer-Songwriters)
 
Patagonia Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Avenue, Patagonia, AZ 85624 
Cost: Free Admission
Online: www.patagoniafallfestival.org
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 nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts.  SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.  SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work.  To date, SAACA has created over 200,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. SAACA continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose.

About Sky Island Tourism Association
The mission of Sky Island Tourism Association (SITA) is to grow regional tourism, thereby enhancing business and employment opportunities within the Sky Island communities of Elgin, Sonoita and Patagonia. SITAS’ objective is to make the Sky Islands region a well-known and popular tourist destination for short- and long-term visitors.  Our excellent visitor's center, highly capable volunteer staff, established website, and affiliation with the Arizona Office of Tourism, and now SAACA, form a solid foundation for these efforts.

Arizona Artists Set to Bring New Public Art to Sahuarita, AZ as part of Town's25th Anniversary

9/10/2019

 
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), in collaboration with the Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Department are bringing a variety of new public art installations to town parks, in honor of the town’s 25th Anniversary. These temporary public art pieces will be painted on five different electrical boxes in order to enhance the visual landscape and quality of life for residents and visitors to Sahuarita Parks. The murals are expected to be completed by November 2019.

The new murals celebrate themes of Sahuarita culture, economy, and landscape. Three southern Arizona artists – Ignacio Garcia, Wesley Fawcett Creigh and Ghazal Ghazi - were chosen from a competitive field of applicants to design and implement the murals.
 
This Public Art Installation is one of many upcoming community events including a Chalk Art Festival on November 2 at Sahuarita Lake Park set to debut in the town thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Town of Sahuarita. From public art installations to community art festivals to culinary and music celebrations, the partnership will bring the arts center stage throughout Sahuarita.

SAACA murals will be featured at the following locations in Sahuarita:

Anamax Park
17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas
Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Quail Creek-Veterans Municipal Park
1905 N. Old Nogales Highway
Sahuarita, AZ 85629
 
Ghazal Ghazi October 2 — 4 (First week of October)
Artist Ghazal Ghazi will paint two murals connecting cosmos, the Sahuarita people, and local ecology. Ghazi’s mural in Anamax Park will feature a stunning portrait surrounded by a dreamy starscape on one side, and imagery inspired by the community garden on the other. At North Santa Cruz Park, Ghazi will paint a prickly pear inspired mural. Ghazi is a multidisciplinary visual and literary artist who works with the intention of promoting community and dialogue. She has created large scale 2D and 3D works of public art and exhibited her work both nationally and internationally, from Mexico, to Chile to Oklahoma, exploring themes of sustainability, memory, language, community, healing, and ecology.
 
Wesley Fawcett Creigh October 14 — 18 (Third week of October)
Two murals by public artist Wesley Fawcett Creigh will be going up in Anamax Park in early October. Creigh’s murals will pay tribute to two key aspects of Sahuarita’s local economy and offerings: the Whipple observatory, located just south of town, and the pecan orchards. A graduate of Prescott College with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Art with an Emphasis on Social Impact, Creigh’s artistic resume includes public works created in partnership with many notable community organizations including the Santa Fe Art Institute, Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, Springboard for the Arts, Pima Community College, and the Center for Global Justice. Creigh has been featured in galleries throughout Arizona, Mexico, and Minnesota and is, in addition to being an accomplished muralist, an in-demand scenic designer for Arizona theaters. 
 
Ignacio Garcia October 28 – 31 (Last week of October)
In late October, Ignacio Garcia will paint a large Saguaro flower mural on the electrical boxes at Quail Creek - Veterans Municipal. Taking inspiration from Sahuarita’s namesake (roughly translating to “little Saguaro”), there will be nothing little about his eye-catching, realistic looking flowers. Garcia is well known throughout Arizona and California for his 3D chalk murals and large, colorful photo-realistic murals that often play on whimsical, playful pop art ideas. His mural of Bill Walton riding a Jackalope on the side of Rialto Theater in Tucson is one of the most photographed images of the downtown corridor. Garcia is an artistic studies graduate of the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ and the Gnoman Workshop in Hollywood, CA.

Note to Media: Photos Available

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping 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.

Town of Sahuarita
The Town of Sahuarita is the 6th youngest incorporated town in the State of Arizona, and will celebrate its 25th birthday on September 20, 2019. Sahuarita is a regional partner with other municipalities, educational institutions, non-profits, and business leaders in Southern Arizona, and recognizes the importance of arts and culture in creating and sustaining well-rounded communities. For more information on the public art partnership between the Town of Sahuarita and SAACA, please visit www.sahuaritaaz.gov/parks.

Winners Announced from the 2019 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge

9/3/2019

 
Signature summer culinary event helps raise proceeds for the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s final culinary event of the summer brought in over a thousand attendees to indulge in the best salsa, tequila & tacos that Southern Arizona has to offer. The 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge featured food and drink samples from 42 local restaurants, breweries and distilleries all competing for the ultimate Judges' and People’s Choice titles in multiple categories.

As attendees enjoyed everything from green apple boba mojitos to seared short rib tacos, this signature culinary fundraiser helped to raise proceeds for the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s creative community arts programming, as well as the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s efforts to end hunger.

A beautifully choreographed performance from Ballet Folkorico La Paloma kicked off the event, Santa Pachita took the main stage throughout the night, keeping the dance floor moving despite a little bit of rain, while the Troy Gray Duo brought a bit flamenco guitar flair to the Citrus Courtyard.

Judges and attendees cast their votes throughout the night for their favorite bites and sips. The competition was tight with many restaurants pulling ahead by only a handful of votes.
 
The judges panel contributed their foodie expertise to select the outstanding winners. The panel included: 

Michael McDonald – Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Executive Director
Beth Frantz – Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, CFO
Adam Lehrman – Tucson Foodie, Founder
Francisco Castro – Arizona Bilingual, Mariachi Herradura de Tucson, Music Director
Miguel Heredia – Lodge on the Desert, Executive Chef
Enrique Gómez – Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, Head of Mission
Mat Cable – Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, Owner & Executive Chef
CJ Hamm – Saguaro Corners, Executive Chef
Ken Foy – Dante’s Fire & Culinary Graduate Food Truck, Owner & Executive Chef

2019 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Winners:  

Salsa:
  • Judges' Choice 1st Place Traditional Salsa – Casino Del Sol – Salsa Molcajete
  • Judges' Choice 2nd Place Traditional Salsa – Peppersauce Kitchen – Roasted Pepper Salsa
  • Judges' Choice 1st Place Alternative Salsa – The Gallery Golf Club – Pepita Salsa
  • Judges' Choice 2nd Place Alternative Salsa – Café Botanica – Smoked Nopal Salsa w/Lemon
  • People’s Choice 1st Place Salsa – Santiago Mexican – Salsa Santiago
  • People’s Choice 2nd Place Salsa – Café á la Cárt – Roasted Salsa Negra
  • People’s Choice 3rd Place Salsa – Americano Mexicano – House Chunky Red

Tequila:
  • Judges' Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail – Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort – Mojito Margarita
  • Judges' Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail - Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain – The Copperhead
  • Judges' Choice Reserve Tequila – Roger Clyne Mexican Moonshine – Tequila Reposado
  • People’s Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail – Benson City Grille – Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Margarita
  • People’s Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail – The Lodge at Ventana Canyon – Mango Tamarind Tequila

Taco:
  • Judges' Choice 1st Place Taco – Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco
  • Judges' Choice 2nd Place Taco – Santiago's Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco
  • People's Choice 1st Place Taco – Santiago's Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco
  • People's Choice 2nd Place Taco – Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco


2019 Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge 
When: Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 7:00pm. 
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, northwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell 
Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959 
 
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping 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.

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. The Community Food Bank is a proud member of Feeding America, a nation-wide network of food banks and hunger relief organizations.

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The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.
  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • EVENTS, PROGRAMS & FESTIVALS
    • CATALYST ARTS & MAKER SPACE
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • ONLINE ARTS & CULTURE >
      • CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES
      • STREAMING & VIDEO RESOURCES
      • COVID-19 RESPONSE & RESOURCES
  • SUPPORT & DONATE
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS, PUBLIC ART & PROGRAMS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART FESTIVALS >
      • FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
    • COMMUNITY ART GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
        • Roche Lung Cancer Awareness Exhibition
        • Roche Celebrating Moments >
          • Active Moments - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Frozen in Time - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Up Close and Personal - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Quiet Contentment - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
    • ARTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS >
      • Desert Ridge Music and Murals
      • Tempe World of Chalk
      • Cruise, BBQ & Blues
      • Oro Valley Candy Crawloween
    • CULINARY ARTS >
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • Devour Culinary Classic
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS >
      • Oro Valley Concert Series
      • Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series
      • Steam Pump Concert Series
      • Lookout Tucson at Westward Look
      • Tucson Folk Festival
      • La Encantada Live
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS >
      • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS
      • Summer Youth Art Project 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
      • Desert Ridge Mural Project
      • Sahuarita Public Art
    • DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAMS >
      • AARP Video Series
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • Local Food Heroes Virtual Classes
      • The Art of Food Cooking Classes
  • CATALYST ART SPACE & VENUE
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM