- There are a variety of music events in the desert.arizona desert image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
Tucson, Arizona, has garnered a reputation for its appreciation of the arts, thanks in part to the large student population. It's therefore no surprise that, especially given the city's warm climate, there are a number of musical events throughout the year where people can stop by to enjoy anything from folk to jazz to blues. - Coordinated by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, the Tucson Folk Festival has established itself as the premier annual folk gathering in the city. Dating back to 1985, the festival, which spans two days in the spring, consists of several stages featuring more than 100 professional and amateur artists. Like many folk festivals, the one in Tucson emphasizes education as well as entertainment, with plenty of interactive workshops and even songwriting contests. There is also a variety of food, drinks and arts and crafts to fill the time in between acts. The event takes place in various buildings and outdoor spots throughout the downtown Tucson area, specifically around El Presidio Park. Admission to the Tucson Folk Festival is free.
The Tucson Folk Festival
Tucson, AZ 85726
tkma.org - Started only in 2009, the Tucson Latin Jazz Festival in the downtown area already has proven to be a hit, especially with the city's large Hispanic population. The one-day concert covers an array of Latin-influenced jazz, from the bossa nova to meringue. In 2010, the festival booked Afro-Cuban legend Larry Harlow, who helped create the distinct brass sounds of salsa music in the 1970s. The event takes place at the Leo Rich Theater, and tickets range from $20-25 with the option to purchase VIP passes for an additional amount.
Downtown Tucson Latin Jazz Festival
Leo Rich Theater
260 South Church Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-791-4101
tucsonjazz.org - The Summer Concert Series in the La Encantada area of Tucson is an annual event put on by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, which uses the proceeds to help fund local art education programs. The concert series includes both live music and dancing, and is spread out over every summer weekend. Patrons can purchase either individual concert tickets or season passes at a 20 percent discount. The entertainment ranges from jazz to country-western, and a variety of refreshments are available for purchase at each concert.
La Encantada Summer Concert Series
Campbell Avenue at Skyline Drive
Tucson, AZ, 85718
520-797-3959
saaca.org - Although it's officially called the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation (SABHF) Blues Festival, most people refer to this annual event as the Tucson Blues Festival. The concert is an all-day event with numerous local and national blues acts that play mostly contemporary style electric blues. The performances take place on the outdoor stage in Reid Park, which is just down the street from the University of Arizona. Admission to the festival, which occurs in the early fall, is a mere $10, with anyone 17 or younger getting in for free.
Tucson Blues Festival
Reid Park
1100 South Randolph Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
520-235-0942
azblues.org
The Tucson Folk Festival
Downtown Tucson Latin Jazz Festival
La Encantada Summer Concert Series
Tucson Blues Festival
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