Tucson, AZ---Fox Tucson Theatre in collaboration with the Downtown Tucson Partnership is pleased to present the return of live entertainment beginning with Troubadour Thursdays, The Downtown Patio Tour on April 1st. Each of the five Troubadour Thursdays (through April 29th) will showcase some of Tucson’s best musical talent featuring everything from Gypsy Jazz and Desert Rock to Bluegrass, Americana Folk and Songs from the Southern Border.
Bonnie Schock, Executive Director of the Fox and Kathleen Eriksen, CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership are thrilled to offer this opportunity and invite the community to re-discover the world-class dining and entertainment of Downtown Tucson in a safe and enjoyable way.
“We are all missing live, in-the-moment contact with music and artists! We’re still waiting to be able to gather again at the Fox, but we just couldn’t wait any longer to share music in the vibrant landscape of our downtown neighborhood, said Bonnie Schock. “Troubador Thursdays is a wonderful collection of bite-sized performances by Tucson musicians that journeys through our downtown, and it’s just one step on the road to a full return of music and performance – later this year we hope – at The Fox.”
Kathleen Eriksen welcomes the new activity. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Fox for Troubadour Thursdays. The restaurants really rely on the Fox and other entertainment venues to drive traffic into their businesses. This event helps to bring that support back as businesses continue to reopen safely. The traveling duos will enliven the streets and cafes with energy and music”.
Each Thursday, the musical groups will begin their tour by gathering at the Fox and then proceed throughout Downtown with musical stops at 7 restaurant patios including Charro Steak & Del Rey, The Hub, Batch Tucson, Ten55 Brewing, La Chingada, 47 Scott and Senae Thai Bistro. The tour will take place from 5:30-8:30pm, with 10-15 minute music performances at each stop. Guests might consider reserving a spot at a different location each week so they can catch all five performing groups. Troubadour Thursdays - a great way to welcome spring and enjoy the good life once more.
For those who would like to donate to help support this effort: MusicReturns.GiveSmart.com
Schedule and Entertainment
APRIL 1 ~ Kiko Jacome Duo, Desert Rock
The Kiko Jácome Duo performs a mix of original and classic tunes referred to as Desert Rock and Soul, a mixture of rock, blues, and folk with a Southwest flair. His original songs delve into almost every heartfelt emotion imaginable, longing, desire, betrayal, joy, and loss – it’s all there. Every tune is a little gemstone with something special to offer.
The Kiko Jácome Duo, featuring Kiko Jácome and Ernie Mendoza, brings a collection of tunes delving into almost every heartfelt emotion imaginable.
APRIL 8 ~ Hot Club of Tucson , Jazz
The Django Reinhardt inspired Hot Club of Tucson features the incredible virtuosity of guitarist Matt Mitchell and violinist Nick Coventry. Both classical trained and former child prodigies, this group is Tucson’s best gypsy jazz this side of the left bank. The group that plays the virtuosic jazz music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Nick Coventry, on violin, and Matt Mitchell on classical guitar.
APRIL 15 ~ Sophia Rankin ~ Americana-inspired Folk Rock
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Sophia Rankin, a recent U of A music graduate, is an accomplished writer, guitarist and pianist who has earned fans all over Arizona. Her musical style is a blend of Americana, folk, rock, and pop. After winning numerous songwriting awards, she is firmly established and is now a staple at many events including the annual Tucson Folk Festival, Meet Me at Maynards, Spring Fling, Dusk Music Festival, Nova Bowl Events, and more. She is currently working on her third album, set to release this summer.
APRIL 22~ Peter McLaughlin & Alvin Blaine ~ Bluegrass
Peter McLaughlin, singer, songwriter and past National Flatpicking Guitar Champion has been a staple in the bluegrass and Americana scene for more than four decades. He is a current member of The Sonoran Dogs, Canyon Currents, The Colton House Trio, and is a former touring member with The Grammy Award winning band, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands. Joining him will be Alvin Blaine, a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist musician. With 25 years in Las Vegas as a professional lounge musician, he plays everything from cowboy swing to jazz, blues and country standards. On pedal steel, dobro, banjo, guitar and mandolin—basically all things with strings, Alvin is a truly gifted musician.
APRIL 29 ~ PD Ronstadt and Don Armstrong ~ Southwestern Americana
Don Armstrong has been hailed as a “Tucson legend,” and “folk treasure. Originally influenced and inspired by the New York folk music scene of the 1960s, Don plays folk, blues, bluegrass, and Americana. A consummate songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists nationwide. Don is joined by Peter Ronstadt, a fifth generation Ronstadt in Tucson. His music paints a musical picture of the American Southwest by presenting music from the region, music from Mexico, collected favorites, songs of his father, and new songs that draw inspiration from all the elements of his upbringing.
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