Steam Pump Ranch  Concert Series

Second Saturdays

10:30am

Tucked away off one of Oro Valley’s busiest roads, Steam Pump Ranch tells a story of the history behind the town. The historical site was once a way-station for cattle and destination along a major corridor for westward travel.

Today, the 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 Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.
The free event will bring local performers in country and Latin music to the ranch.

Why?

As a core Business and Arts Integration method, the Steam Pump Concert Series blends the mutually beneficial relationship that the arts can have alongside the business model.  In a partnership with the Town of Oro Valley, this program impacts economic development, while providing community exposure to the arts, and supporting local musicians. 

Free Admission

Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs.  No seating is provided. There is no cost to attend the concerts. Enjoy the Second Saturday festivities and Farmers Market onsite.

Event Partner

Location

Steam Pump Ranch
10901 N Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Residents of the Santa Cruz Valley in Southern Arizona, generally perceive the Town of Oro Valley as a vigorous young community, but in reality, it has a real and deep history in this region. The Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) represents a living piece of that history.

Get Involved

Interested in performing as a band or musician in the series? 
​

Featured Music

January 14, 2017
Carol Markstrom
Country
Carol Markstrom is a singer/songwriter who lives her life in the East and the West—in Arizona and West Virginia performing in both sides of the country. She sings with the heart of a folk singer but with a definite Western flavor to her music. Her vocal delivery comes through with clarity and emotion. An avid hiker and traveler—the beauty and landscapes of the West are often depicted in her songwriting. Carol has written many published works about American Indians and that knowledge and her personal experiences come through in songs she has written. Her ballads and love songs range from the whimsical to bittersweet. In addition to her own songs, Carol performs many classics that audiences love to hear along with lesser-known treasures spanning Folk, Western, and Americana.
February 11, 2017
River Road Ramblers
Dixieland Jazz
The River Road Ramblers were created in 2006 to provide a Dixieland Band alternative for the Tucson Area.   Made up of 8 experienced musicians on trumpet, clarinet, tenor sax, trombone, guitar, piano, bass and drums.   The performances are a mix of roaring 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's Dixieland Jazz performed in true MARDI GRAS / Roaring 20's style!
March 11, 2017
Ocotillo Rain and Thunder
Bluegrass
Ocotillo Rain and Thunder Bluegrass Band presently plays Weekly on Thursdays at the Continental Ranch Farmers Market. Made up from 11 members of all walks of life; they all agreed on one thing when they formed this band, to give back to the community. Every month they choose a charity and all tips and wages go to that charity.
April 8, 2017
Arizona Banjo Blasters
The Arizona Banjo Blasters is a banjo band founded in 2007 with the purpose of inspiring the spirit of playing "Happy" Banjo Music. The range of banjo playing experience within the Band spans the spectrum from rookies with only several months experience to seasoned banjoists with over 60 years of playing. New members from beginners to professionals are always welcome to join.  If you have a hankering to learn or play & love the banjo, happy music and fun, we encourage you to contact the Band. The Arizona Banjo Blasters have the pleasure of playing for various events and Senior Living facilities around the Greater Tucson area.
October 14, 2017
Blue Prairie Dogs
Folk Guitar / Harmonica
​The Blue Prairie Dogs play family friendly Folk and Western music which will energize and amuse you. "Cactus" Dan Oved writes clever songs, sings the leads, and plays guitar, banjitar and harmonica. "Limestone" Pete Fine wows everyone with his 12-string guitar leads. Bringing in fresh energy, Stuart Oliver plays a creative bass line and sings backup. Bringing in great vibes, Mike Brennan keeps it all solid on percussion. Look for us in a burrow near you!
November 11, 2017
Bill Ganz
Western
​Bill Ganz has performed on the Tucson music scene for more than 28 years. He is a member of the Western Music Association. Bill has taught private guitar instruction for 25 years at Guitars Etc. and continues to maintain a full student base at the newly redecorated location, now known as the Chicago Store in Tucson. ​Bill performs as a soloist as well as the band leader for Bill Ganz Western Band. In the past he performed as a member of the Reinsmen, The Desert Sons, and the Sons of the Western Plains. Western, Country, Jazz, Soft Rock, Retro & more.
December 9, 2017
Ocotillo Rain & Thunder
Bluegrass
Ocotillo Rain & Thunder Bluegrass Band is an up and coming band having been in existence for less than two years.  This band plays mostly traditional Americana and Bluegrass music in the Ocotillo Rain & Thunder way with a variety of vocalists and musical instruments played acoustically among the twelve members.  We hail from all parts of the country and have a wide range of experience from two years to more than fifty years of musical experience.  What sets this band apart from other bands not only is the size and variety of music but all monies received from performances is donated 100% to local non-profit organizations.  During the first year this band has donated over $7,000 dollars to various charities including Susan G. Komen, Alzheimer’s Foundation, Marana Food Bank, Interfaith Community Services, Cure PSP Juvenile Diabetes, Youth On Their Own and others.  This band has been featured in some publications both international and local including Bluegrass Today, Noodles Review, The Northwest Explorer, Marana News. and others. This band has performed at many venue’s including Tubac Arts Festival, St. Phillips Farmers Market, The Oro Valley Concert Series, Steam Pump Ranch, Tohono Chul Bistro Series, Pioneer Days in Phoenix, Tucson Meet Yourself and others. Many retirement communities have enjoyed the music and there have been repeat performances including The Fountains, Desert Springs, Santa Catalina Villas, Fairwinds Desert Point, The Country Club at LaCholla and others.
January 13, 2018
Linda Lou & The Desert Drifters
Western
Linda Lou and her sweet voice have led the Desert Drifters through the desert for some years now. Playing rhythm guitar with the Desert Drifters, you will be delighted to hear her sing a Patsy Cline or Hank Williams song, along with some of her other favorite Western, Country, Bluegrass, Folk songs and originals. Maestro of guitar and mandolin, Michael Begala skillfully leads the band--molding old songs into new. An electrician by trade, Michael is also reputedly a great chef of many ethnic foods from the kitchen and backyard grill! Fiddle playing zealot, known as Arizona Slim, is Tim Barrett. Slim has played Bluegrass, Country and Old-Timey music since the early 70's when he played bass with the Salt River Ramblers. Starting out on bass in the trio of "Linda Lou and the Drifters", Tim soon rode fiddle and has been fiddlin' 'round ever since. Playing a 3/4-size acoustic bass with the Desert Drifters, is Barry Schaede. Barry hails from Champaign, Illinois and has lived in Tucson since childhood having moved here with his family in the early 1960's. He maintains a modest profile doing computer work at the University of Arizona, exchanging books on the Internet, spending time with his family and of course, playing music with the Desert Drifters. John Jenson, debonair dobro and lap steel player, has played in various country bands in Tucson for the past 30+ years. John brings his unique sense of humor and great talent weaving his original leads with the Desert Drifters. David Ela plays a dynamic harmonica with the Desert Drifters on occasion. Originally from Texas, David now lives in his custom designed solar-powered home in Florance, AZ, devoting his artistic talents to crafting native cactus into useful as well as decorative objects.
February 10, 2018
High Desert
Bluegrass
A Tucson based musical group featuring  Don Hughes on guitar, harmonica and lead vocalist; Larry Lashbrook, on guitar, banjo and mandolin and John June on bass. Their music is a mix of folk, classic country, blue grass and rock & roll. Performing both contemporary hits and memorable songs from the past, the band entertains all over the Tucson area including the Tucson Folk Festival, private parties, local senior residential and assisted living facilities and casinos. High Desert's laid back energy and engaging performances are a perfect addition to a monthly resident gathering, special occasion or holiday function.
March 10, 2018
Greg Morton Band
Bluegrass
​Greg Morton was born in Memphis, Tennessee.  He began to play the guitar when he was around 12 years of age.  His brother, Randal Morton, began to play the banjo at about the same time.  Greg and Randal were headliners at various bluegrass festivals around the country. Greg's natural musical ability allowed him to quickly develop a mastery of the guitar.  While living in Memphis, Greg won the Mid-South Championship in guitar and mandolin. After sharpening his skills playing traditional bluegrass music, Greg began to apply his talents to other musical styles, including country and jazz. Greg has toured with several other musicians including Mark O'Connor and the White family.  Greg traveled around the world as a member of the USO.  At one point, he was a member of Don Ho's band in Honolulu, Hawaii. Greg's travels eventually brought him to Tucson, Arizona.  Far from the hills of Tennessee, Greg found that the 'high lonesome' sounds of bluegrass music were already reverberating through the canyons of the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona.  Tucson is home to a very active bluegrass music community. In 1995, Greg Morton won the Arizona State Guitar Championship.  In 2001, 2002, and 2004, Greg won the extremely prestigious TAMMIES Award (Tucson Area Music Awards) for Best Acoustic Guitarist.  He was runner-up in 2003.  Greg's band, the "Greg Morton Trio", won the TAMMIES Award for Best Country & Western Band in 2003, and Best Bluegrass Band in 2004. Today, Greg plays in various venues throughout southern Arizona.  He also teaches workshops for the aspiring musicians in the region.

Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors