Tucson, AZ --- Beginning on Jan 5, 2025, the “Grand Jewel of Downtown” aims to be the destination for inspired entertainment where everyone can find something that brings them joy. The season kicks off with an explosion of talents. Witness the full power of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the unbridled comedy of Nurse John and Vicki Lawrence, the timeless music of Pink Martini, JJ Grey and Mofro, Jesse Cook and Micky Dolenz and enjoy jazz greats Sheila E. and the E. Train, Gunhild Carling, and the great Charles Lloyd presented by the Fox in partnership with the 2025 Tucson Jazz Festival. Want to take a deeper dive into the world of Jazz? Jump into the first Curious Conversation of the year: Inspired by Music at the Fox led by Festival Director Khris Dodge, take the kids to a matinee on American history through the lens of Jazz. Cinema Tucsõn returns in January with Quite Like Paradise, a dark satirical comedy. Enjoy the adventures of real-life Astronaut, Terri Verts, at the opening Changemaker Series of the year. Tickets for all events listed below can be found at www.foxtucson.com.
JANUARY SHOWS
Jan 5, 2pm – The “Gold Rush” and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra
The Fox Tucson Theatre in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra are proud to present The Gold Rush. Enjoy a special evening of the orchestra’s live accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece, all on the Fox stage. In this classic silent comedy, the Little Tramp (Charles Chaplin) heads north to join in the Klondike gold rush. Trapped in a small cabin by a blizzard, the Tramp is forced to share close quarters with a successful prospector (Mack Swain) and a fugitive (Tom Murray). Eventually able to leave the cabin, he falls for a lovely barmaid (Georgia Hale), trying valiantly to win her affections. When the prospector needs help locating his claim, it appears the Tramp’s fortunes may change. Be transported to an era of Hollywood where silent film stars make the screen come alive with the added magic of the symphony. TSO will be performing under the direction of Julian Pellicano.
Jan 10, 7:30pm – Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour SOLD OUT
John Dela Cruz’s (a.k.a Nurse John’s) comedy is like talking to your work bestie; you trauma dump, cry, scream, and laugh together through all the high and lows of working in the service industry. It's the feeling of relatability and instant relief that you are not crazy from experiencing all the roller coaster of emotions working short staffed while being underpaid, undervalued, and underappreciated. His relatable humor helped him garner over 12 million besties and followers across the globe and growing each day in all his social media platforms, John also hosts "I Beg Your Pardon", one of the top comedy podcasts in North America that currently has 3 million downloads and serves as a weekly therapy for many. It highlights all the good, the bad and the ugly of working in healthcare and the service industry. An actual nurse by profession and an accidental comedian at heart, his portrayal of life working in healthcare has proven hilariously relatable to those both in and out of the healthcare industry. .
Jan 11, 7:30pm – Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show
Multi-talented Vicki Lawrence is an actress, comedian, and singer known for the many characters she originated on CBS’s The Carol Burnett Show, where she appeared from 1967 to 1978, for the entire series run. One such character, Thelma Harper/Mama, was the central character of ever popular television situation comedy series Mama’s Family. The show still can be seen daily in syndication throughout most of the country and is available as part of a Time-Life DVD collection
Jan 15, 7:30pm – Terry Virts | How to Astronaut - Changemaker Speaker Series
Terry Virts retired from the space program after having achieved nearly everything he ever dreamed possible, including serving in the U.S. Air Force as an F-16 fighter and test pilot, piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavour, serving as Commander for the International Space Station, and conducting three spacewalks during a 200-day mission in 2014 & 2015.
During his seven months in space, Terry led a multi-national team that included Russian Cosmonauts, U.S. and Italian Astronauts, during some of the tensest relations with Russia since the Cold War, and through 3 onboard accidents that resulted in an extended stay in space. While there, he took more than 300,000 photographs and hours of video—the most of any space mission before or since. These images form the backbone of the IMAX film, A Beautiful Planet, featuring Terry and narrated by Jennifer Lawrence. National Geographic published View from Above, a book featuring some of his best images alongside his reflections on spaceflight, stewardship of life on earth, and our place in the cosmos. A compelling speaker and regular contributing instructor at Harvard Business School, Terry shares his insights in a wide variety of venues, from Fortune 500 Board rooms to concert halls, to Title One schools. In 2020, his highly anticipated 2nd book, How to Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know Before Leaving Earth, was published.
Jan 19, 7:00pm – Pink Martini featuring China Forbes 30th Anniversary Tour SOLD OUT
In 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale was working in local politics, attending every political fundraiser under the sun… but was dismayed to find the music at these events underwhelming and lackluster. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop – and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. One year later, Lauderdale called China Forbes, a Harvard classmate who was living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini as the lead singer, and collaborator. Their first song “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)” became an overnight sensation in France, was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards and is still the band’s number one song. Says Lauderdale, “We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America… the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world… composed of people of every country, every language, every religion.”
Jan 21 – 1:00pm – Jazz: A Curious Conversation Inspired by Music at the Fox
Back by popular demand! Every year incredible jazz musicians perform on the Fox stage, especially as part of the Tucson Jazz Festival. It’s hard to overstate the massive impact that this truly American art form has had on the world, yet it can also be challenging to “find a way into it.” In response, this Curious Conversation will feature a mix of stories, music, and demos to help make the genre far more accessible and to deepen your connection with it– whether you’re a long-time lover of jazz or find yourself currently mystified by the music. With so much amazing jazz in Tucson (particularly in January), greater appreciation is a direct route to greater enjoyment! Join us at the Fox or on Zoom for this special opportunity to learn from someone uniquely poised to usher that greater enjoyment in for us all–musician and director of the Tucson Jazz Festival, Khris Dodge
Jan 22, 7:00pm -Casi el Paraíso Quite Like Paradise (Edgar San Juan, Mexico/Italy, 2024, 113 min. In Spanish, Italian, and English with English subtitles) Quite Like Paradise is a dark satirical comedy about the art of deception. The story follows Ugo Conti, a charming young man who pretends to be a striking European aristocrat to lead a life of luxury. Arriving in Mexico City, Ugo quickly captivates the country’s high society. Reuniting with his former love, Frida Becker, he becomes entangled in a dangerous political power struggle. But when he falls from grace, the same society that once adored him turns against him with equal fervor. Shot in breathtaking locations across Italy and Mexico and based on Luis Spota’s novel of the same name, this poignant debut feature by writer-producer Edgar San Juan offers a sharp critique of politics, class aspirations, and the influence of social media, bolstered by strong performances and stunning locations. Q&A with the director.
Jan 23, 7:30pm – JJ Grey & Mofro: Olustee Tour with support from Andy Frasco (Duo)
From his early days playing cover music behind chicken wire at a west side Jacksonville juke joint while still working at a lumberyard, to playing sold-out shows at some of the largest venues and music festivals in the world, JJ Grey has always delivered his soul-honest truths. Since his first album, ‘Blackwater’, back in 2001, Grey has been releasing deeply moving, masterfully written, funkified rock and front porch Southern soul music. Andy Frasco has long been celebrated as a bold DIY trailblazer in the touring scene, renowned for his kaleidoscopic musical fusion, distinctive onstage charisma, and infectious party spirit.
Jan 24, 7:30pm - Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio featuring Gerald Clayton and Anthony Wilson
Presented by Fox Tucson Theatre and the Tucson Jazz Festival
NEA Jazz Masters and recipient of the Ordre de Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, Charles Lloyd, continues to elevate the art form with each performance and recording. Born in Memphis, Tennessee March 15, 1938. From an early age, Lloyd was immersed in that city’s rich musical life and was exposed to jazz. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 9. Pianist Phineas Newborn became his mentor, and took him to Irvin Reason for lessons. His closest friend in high school was trumpeter Booker Little. Lloyd worked in Phineas Sr’s band and became a sideman in the Blues bands of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnnie Ace, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and others.
Jan 25, 2pm – Gunhild Carling with UA Studio Jazz and Special Guest Caity Gyorgy
Presented by Fox Tucson Theatre and the Tucson Jazz Festival
Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed superstar whose show is a can’t-miss event! Whether she’s singing favorite swinging jazz standards, playing one of many 11 instruments (trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder, or jazz bagpipe!) or juggling and tap dancing, Gunhild’s sublime showmanship shines. And just wait for the finale – spoiler alert – she plays three trumpets at once!
Caity Gyorgy (pronounced George) is a 2-time JUNO award winning Canadian vocalist known for singing bebop and swing music. She has performed at jazz clubs and festivals across Canada, Mexico, Japan and the USA and has worked and recorded with incredible musicians including Christine Jensen, Pat LaBarbera, Jocelyn Gould, Ira Coleman, Bryn Roberts and Joe LaBarbera, to name a few.
January 25, 8:00pm - Sheila E. & The E-Train
Presented by Fox Tucson Theatre and the Tucson Jazz Festival
One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds. Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. In addition to percussionist dad Pete, the Oakland, CA native counts former Santana member/Azteca founder Coke Escovedo and The Dragons front man Mario Escovedo as uncles
Jan 28, 10:00am – Stolen Moments: American History, through the Lens of Jazz School Matinee
Immerse students in the electrifying world of jazz! Both captivating and informative, the show’s combination of a live jazz quintet, spoken word, and video projection takes students on a journey through jazz’s rich history, where they’ll meet the legendary masters who shaped its sound. Yet “Stolen Moments” goes beyond the music. It reveals the fascinating interplay between jazz and 20th century American culture. Students discover how jazz became a powerful force for unity, bridging cultural divides and sparking creative revolutions. It’s a story of breaking down barriers, celebrating diversity, and pushing artistic boundaries. The show also examines jazz’s lasting influence on other musical genres, both in the US and internationally.“Stolen Moments” gives students a vibrant window into American history and an appreciation of the power of music to unify, inspire, and change the world.
Jan 30, 7:30pm – Jesse Cook
“I want to take people to places they haven’t been.” Jesse Cook, Juno winning master guitarist, known for his intoxicating fusion of world music, has travelled the globe looking for sounds that resonate with him. “I like finding common ground for different music traditions, a space where music from around the world can come together,” Cook explains. “A place where modern sounds can mix with ancient timbres. “There are many borders in our lives. Some others have built, some we create for ourselves. Whenever I ventured beyond the borders of my life, I have been the better for it. I grew up in the cold war, in a world of walls and borders. But then people began to change the way they thought. The walls came down. Europe united, and people began thinking of themselves as global citizens. The rising nationalism of today is exploiting our differences, not celebrating them. We are back to building walls, and I don’t want any part of it. Humanity, artistry, joy, and of course, love…these things don’t stop at some line on the map. If music is the universal language, maybe there is something it can teach us?”
Jan 31, 7:30pm – Micky Dolenz: An Evening of Songs and Stories
Micky Dolenz is an actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, inventor, and all-around performer extraordinaire, and stands tall as a paragon of taste and accomplishment in the rough-and-tumble world of show business and entertainment. Micky is best known as a vocalist and drummer of the 1960’s pop legends The Monkees. The Monkees not only achieved great success as a TV show, but also as recording artists, selling in excess of 65 million units, and achieving worldwide success. Their first four albums – THE MONKEES (1966); MORE OF THE MONKEES (1967); HEADQUARTERS (1967); and PISCES, AQUARIUS, CAPRICORN AND JONES, LTD. (1967) all reached the number-one position on the charts and launched three number-one singles: “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” (both with lead vocals by Micky), and “Daydream Believer.”
ABOUT THE FOX
The Fox Tucson Theatre enlivens Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional, live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. The “Crown Jewel of Downtown” makes memories, makes connections, and makes Tucson proud. Programming includes exciting year-round live entertainment from the top entertainers in the US, as well as community produced events, classic movies, family programming, and more. Beautifully restored, the historic 1930’s Art Deco theatre Fox has become an important symbol of the resurgence of a thriving city center and continues to contribute to the economic growth in the region. The Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W Congress. Fox Fan Seats! Are offered for most shows for only $20 – first come, first served, as they sell out fast. For additional information and Covid protocol requirements please visit www.foxtucson.com or call the box office at 520-547-3040. Follow the Fox – get the scoop on shows, events, movies and more!
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