Upcoming Events

Arizona Arts Live’s The Tucson Studio is thrilled to welcome the full Santa Pachita lineup to Centennial Hall for a release that’s sure to get you dancing. Tune in Thursday at 6pm for a fiery performance that synthesizes multicultural influences by these local favorites. Santa Pachita is a Tucson band that has been playing together since 2012. Guitarist, Miguel Reyes, and bass player, Victor Cruz, started the band after working together on other musical projects. They brought in talented musicians from a variety of different musical backgrounds. The result is a danceable fusion of ska, cumbia, and rumba-salsa. The congas, flute, and trumpet add depth to the energetic music that is influenced by bands like Manu Chao.  Join us on Thursday at 6pm for an event that’s sure to scintillate sonically and get you moving and groovin, even in this heat. Santa Pachita Member bios: Bass Guitar, Vocals, and composer – VICTOR CRUZ: Victor grew up in Mexico City and Guadalajara where he formed his first bands influenced by urban music, rock in Spanish, reggae, etc. Influences -cafe tacuba, caifanes, maldita vecindad, the cure, sublime, Manu chao, fabulosos cadillacs, smashing pumpkins, nirvana, la barranca, etc Guitar, Vocals, and composer – MIGUEL REYES: From Veracruz, Mexico, Miguel has performed all over Mexico and plays with Tucson’s A Son Y Sol. His varied musical styles include salsa, classical, bossa novas, ska, and metal. Trumpet/Flute – Mike Ankomeous – An excellent addition to SP. An experienced musician and composer that brings the groove and great energy to the dance floor. He also performs with k -bass and Baba Marimba in Tucson AZ. Congas-Joe Whitley. Born in Hermosillo, México, Joe “Profe” Whitley grew up in the cultural crossroads between Sonora and Arizona. His musical journey started in a spiritual setting: Nyabinghi drumming in Rastafarian meditations. Due to being fluent in French, he had the cosmic fortune to meet and eventually start playing the djembe with brothers Adama and Mamadou Dembele from the Ivory Coast– master players who for their family represent the 33rd generation carrying on the rich traditions of West African drumming. Profe then incorporated playing the congas making his percussion set-up a somewhat unique African and Latin hybrid which is how his style can be described. Sax – Thomas Kennedy Trumpet – Andrew Davidson Timbales/bongoes – Ray Cintron Drumkit – Raymond Peralta

Arizona Arts Live’s The Tucson Studio is proud to present a sensational set by international performer and American Idol semi-finalist Crystal Stark, recorded in Centennial Hall. Crystal lights up this and every other stage with her powerhouse presence and megawatt smile. Her infectious energy and extensive range have captivated audiences across the nation. See for yourself, join us for the video release at 6pm on Thursday. Crystal Stark, an award-winning vocalist and recording artist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from of the University of Arizona School of Music and tours nationally and internationally singing a wide-array of Jazz, Blues, Pop, and disco. Her career also includes work as a tribute artist, musical director, band and choir director, and vocal coach. Crystal has appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Rachel Ray, The Tonight Show, and has shared the stage with celebrities such as Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders, Disco sensation The Trammps, and beloved comedian Bob Newhart.