Blog Categories: Politics | News | Do This! | Music | Chow | Media | Fun in General | Education | Community Info | Cinema | Arts and Culture | Sports | more categories»
Music
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Prom Body Frontman Back With New Music
Posted By Austin Counts on Tue, Jul 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM
If you happened to be around the west coast's garage rock revival back in the early 2010s, then I'm sure you know of Tucson's Prom Body. Their 2014 high energy scuzz-rock album Naughty by Natural is still as Tucson as it gets and deserves a place in your record collection.
With that being said...
Prom Body frontman Michael Fay recently released his fifth album from his solo project, Pollution Salute, called Happy You're Here. The mostly instrumental work builds upon seemingly quirky soundscapes while slightly exposing the darker underbelly hare and there—a bit like old Broken Social Scene demos meets The Rentals, in the best of ways.
The album's opening track, Lazyboy Recliner, is an infectious down and dirty ditty building on a drum loop ala Tony Basil's Hey Mickey, using a hypnotic drone to progress the song and then follows it up with a blown out fuzz bass and spacey one-key keyboard melodies.
Songs like No Fear of Big Dogs was made for the Mac Demarco lover in you—tasty guitar arpeggios that switch from augmented to diminished, yet flow together effortlessly in a wash of reverb and chorus. Others tracks like Dog Is My Co-Pilot sound like an early Kraftwork throwback by building on top of various synth sounds while still leaving a lot of open space. The final track Everybody Gets A Trophy gets major props for it's opening John Carpenter vibes that cut into funky dystopian 80s breakdown.
Happy You're Here is a great example of a creative piece of work that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's perfect to throw on while social distancing with friends this summer.
Check out Happy You're Here by Pollution Salute by clicking here.
With that being said...
Prom Body frontman Michael Fay recently released his fifth album from his solo project, Pollution Salute, called Happy You're Here. The mostly instrumental work builds upon seemingly quirky soundscapes while slightly exposing the darker underbelly hare and there—a bit like old Broken Social Scene demos meets The Rentals, in the best of ways.
The album's opening track, Lazyboy Recliner, is an infectious down and dirty ditty building on a drum loop ala Tony Basil's Hey Mickey, using a hypnotic drone to progress the song and then follows it up with a blown out fuzz bass and spacey one-key keyboard melodies.
Songs like No Fear of Big Dogs was made for the Mac Demarco lover in you—tasty guitar arpeggios that switch from augmented to diminished, yet flow together effortlessly in a wash of reverb and chorus. Others tracks like Dog Is My Co-Pilot sound like an early Kraftwork throwback by building on top of various synth sounds while still leaving a lot of open space. The final track Everybody Gets A Trophy gets major props for it's opening John Carpenter vibes that cut into funky dystopian 80s breakdown.
Happy You're Here is a great example of a creative piece of work that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's perfect to throw on while social distancing with friends this summer.
Check out Happy You're Here by Pollution Salute by clicking here.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Summer Music 2020: Let's Listen to a New Album from Tucsonan Bradford Trojan.
Posted By Jim Nintzel on Tue, Jul 21, 2020 at 4:30 PM
Earlier this month, local actor and musician Bradford Trojan teamed up with Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog to release a new album, Meanwhile, a collection of nine bouncy folk-rock songs recorded her in Tucson over the last three years. If you like what you hear, buy it over at Bandcamp.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Your Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Wednesday, July 8: Total Confirmed Cases Top 108K; Amphi School District Announces Plans for Fall; Curtains for Certain at the Fox Until 2021; More Contact Tracing Coming in Pima County
Posted By Jim Nintzel on Wed, Jul 8, 2020 at 9:10 AM
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona climbed past 108,000 as of Wednesday, July 8, after the state reported 3,520 new cases this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Pima County had 10,485 of the state's 108,614 confirmed cases.
A total of 1,963 people have died after contracting the virus.
Maricopa County has nearly two-thirds of the state's cases, with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases hitting 70,128.
Hospitals remain under pressure. The report shows that 3,421 COVID patients were hospitalized yesterday in the state, more than triple the 1,009 hospitalized on June 1.
A total of 2,008 people visited ERs yesterday.
A total of 871 COVID-19 patients were in ICU beds yesterday.
With the spread of COVID increasingly out of control in Arizona, some local school districts have announced that they will only offer "distance learning" or online instruction when school starts next month. Unlike in spring, when schools moved online following spring break, districts are planning stricter instructional time designed to mirror traditional in-person classes.
Tucson Unified School District and Sunnyside School District revealed in recent days that they would move to an online-only model, while Catalina Foothills is moving forward with a plan that blends in-person classes and distance learning. Amphi School District announced yesterday that it would start online-only instruction on Aug. 10 and could return to the traditional classroom as soon as Aug. 17, but students will be able to continue with online classes if they choose to do so.
Marana School District had not yet updated its plans as of Tuesday, July 7.
TUSD will launch online classes for all students starting Aug. 10, with in-person classroom instruction delayed until "when it is deemed safe," according to a letter to parents from TUSD Superintendent Gabrielle Trujillo.
Pima County had 10,485 of the state's 108,614 confirmed cases.
A total of 1,963 people have died after contracting the virus.
Maricopa County has nearly two-thirds of the state's cases, with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases hitting 70,128.
Hospitals remain under pressure. The report shows that 3,421 COVID patients were hospitalized yesterday in the state, more than triple the 1,009 hospitalized on June 1.
A total of 2,008 people visited ERs yesterday.
A total of 871 COVID-19 patients were in ICU beds yesterday.
With the spread of COVID increasingly out of control in Arizona, some local school districts have announced that they will only offer "distance learning" or online instruction when school starts next month. Unlike in spring, when schools moved online following spring break, districts are planning stricter instructional time designed to mirror traditional in-person classes.
Tucson Unified School District and Sunnyside School District revealed in recent days that they would move to an online-only model, while Catalina Foothills is moving forward with a plan that blends in-person classes and distance learning. Amphi School District announced yesterday that it would start online-only instruction on Aug. 10 and could return to the traditional classroom as soon as Aug. 17, but students will be able to continue with online classes if they choose to do so.
Marana School District had not yet updated its plans as of Tuesday, July 7.
TUSD will launch online classes for all students starting Aug. 10, with in-person classroom instruction delayed until "when it is deemed safe," according to a letter to parents from TUSD Superintendent Gabrielle Trujillo.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Still Rat Scabies After All These Years: Punk legend talks COVID-19, Dad, His New Album and Joey Ramone.
Posted By Mark C. Horn on Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 12:01 PM
If I told you that Chris Millar has occupied a drum seat behind one of punk rock’s originating groups, many basic rock fans and current “alt or punk” millennials would have no clue who I am talking about.
And, yet, Rat Scabies, as he has been known for the past 43 years, was one of the U.K. punk pioneers that made punk, well punk. And for years he endured band break-ups, reunions, label and lineup shifts. You’ll recall The Damned are one of the U.K.'s top punk-rock three, alongside The Clash and Sex Pistols.
Scabies, who turns 65 (!) in July is not slowing down. In fact, he is maybe more active than in his early days. His latest, a superduo called The Sinclairs, is Scabies and the formable Jesse Budd (known also as Billy Shinbone), frontman of veteran psychedelic-folk group Flipron. They transformed a few jam sessions into a surf music lover’s dream, a 10-song rumble-seat ride called Sparkle (Cleopatra Records). The album, released in May, is described in their official press release as “Easy Listening made difficult.” The description is apt.
From the opening Ventures-esque “La Venta,” and the mesmerizing Santo & Johnny-like “Sleep Walk,” to the ’60s alien soundtrack-styled “Dodgems and Twin Peak-psych echoes of “Lipstick Rumble,” Scabies and Shinbone stretch their chops and make one hip and entertaining road-trip album.
Scabies has stayed super-active since his 1995 exit from The Damned. A list of impressive collaborations includes Chris Constantinou and the Mutants, and he has a new band with Constantinou called One Thousand Motels. Other bands include The Gin Goblins, Professor and the Madmen (with Alfie Agnew and Sean Elliot of Di and former Damned bass player Paul Gray). He has also played with a varied and stellar cast including Robert Fripp, Donovan, Joe Strummer, Jimmy Page and Eagles of Death Metal.
In 2018, Scabies released his debut solo album, P.H.D. (Prison, Hospital, Debt), a mostly instrumental affair that included a trio of Shinbone-sung tunes. Beyond the enduring power of Scabies’ drumming and wide spectrum of genres, the album totals more than the sum of its parts. Scabies played every instrument on the album.
Tucson Weekly Removes Isaiah Toothtaker Profile from Website
Posted By Jim Nintzel on Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 11:22 AM
After consulting with writer Casey Dewey and former Tucson Weekly editor Dan Gibson, I removed a 2013 interview with tattoo artist Isaiah Toothtaker from our website.
Here is Dewey's comment on the article:
Here is Dewey's comment on the article:
Eight years ago I wrote a cover story about Isaiah Toothtaker for the Tucson Weekly. The original idea was to write a shorter piece on his musical output, but it turned into something bigger. It became a sit-down “one-on-one” interview, something akin to a “sit-down with one Tucson’s most notorious residents.”
Looking back on it, it was pure exploitation and it stank of tabloid journalism. I haven’t thought about that article in some time, but numerous, horrific allegations about Toothtaker’s behavior have surfaced throughout this past week and that article has been gnawing away at me. If I had scratched under the surface I would’ve walked away from it, or turned it over to someone who was more capable of an investigative piece. I sincerely apologize to anybody who’s been hurt, abused or otherwise victimized by him. If you felt in any way I was legitimizing his behavior, I am truly sorry. I’m not speaking on behalf of the Tucson Weekly, but I will take full responsibility for this ill-conceived article.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Little House of Funk and Backroads Country Band coming playing Gaslight Music Hall drive-in show
Posted By Logan Burtch-Buus on Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 11:15 AM
Take a break from the quarantine blues and head up to Oro Valley to enjoy some live music in a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment at the Gaslight Music Hall. Playing next Wednesday and Thursday are Little House of Funk and Backroads Country Band, respectively.
Get your groove on Wednesday, July 8 with Little House of Funk, known for dishing out Sonoran soul and “deep-fried blues” and voted in 2018 as Tucson’s best R&B band.
“Their setlists include popular covers, sultry arrangements and dynamic originals for all the hip-swinging, toe-tapping energy you crave,” said Gaslight General Manager Heather Stricker.
On Thursday, July 9 the ultimate country cover band is rolling into town. Backroads Country Band plays all of the hits, including songs by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn—all the way to the No. 1 hits of today from Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band and more.
Get your groove on Wednesday, July 8 with Little House of Funk, known for dishing out Sonoran soul and “deep-fried blues” and voted in 2018 as Tucson’s best R&B band.
“Their setlists include popular covers, sultry arrangements and dynamic originals for all the hip-swinging, toe-tapping energy you crave,” said Gaslight General Manager Heather Stricker.
On Thursday, July 9 the ultimate country cover band is rolling into town. Backroads Country Band plays all of the hits, including songs by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn—all the way to the No. 1 hits of today from Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band and more.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Local DJs Live Stream on Facebook to Raise Funds for COVID Masks for the Homeless
Posted By Austin Counts on Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 10:45 AM
Mondays are not typically known to be a party day, but we're not living in typical times.
DJ Jahmar International of DJs Against Hunger will be live-streaming a two-hour DJ set tonight, Monday, June 29 on his Facebook page, featuring the best reggae and hip hop known to the human race in an effort to help Tucson's homeless community obtain COVID-19 masks.
"I was inspired to do this event because I saw a need since the homeless community was not mentioned during most news interviews and stories didn’t mention how people were helping the homeless," DJ Jahmar said.
The DJ has personally purchased several dozen masks for the homeless community and is working with masksfortucson.org to acquire more. So far, the group has donated over 300 masks to DJ Jahmar's cause.
Tonight's show starts at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature Dj L3XX and Emato Johnson helping DJ Jahmar keep the party going. All proceeds will be donated to purchase masks for the homeless, DJ Jahmar said.
Donate via Cashapp to help the cause at $jahmarintl. You can also keep up with DJ Jahmar and DJs Against Hunger on Instagram at Stuntgangdj.
For more information or questions contact deejaysagainsthunger@yahoo.com.
DJ Jahmar International of DJs Against Hunger will be live-streaming a two-hour DJ set tonight, Monday, June 29 on his Facebook page, featuring the best reggae and hip hop known to the human race in an effort to help Tucson's homeless community obtain COVID-19 masks.
"I was inspired to do this event because I saw a need since the homeless community was not mentioned during most news interviews and stories didn’t mention how people were helping the homeless," DJ Jahmar said.
The DJ has personally purchased several dozen masks for the homeless community and is working with masksfortucson.org to acquire more. So far, the group has donated over 300 masks to DJ Jahmar's cause.
Tonight's show starts at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature Dj L3XX and Emato Johnson helping DJ Jahmar keep the party going. All proceeds will be donated to purchase masks for the homeless, DJ Jahmar said.
Donate via Cashapp to help the cause at $jahmarintl. You can also keep up with DJ Jahmar and DJs Against Hunger on Instagram at Stuntgangdj.
For more information or questions contact deejaysagainsthunger@yahoo.com.
Friday, June 19, 2020
The Best of CCR, Rockin’ Divas, ‘Salute to America’ and more coming to Gaslight Music Hall’s drive-in concert series
Posted By Logan Burtch-Buus on Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 2:20 PM
The musical magic in Oro Valley isn’t calling it quits anytime soon, so pack your camping chairs and head on over to The Gaslight Music Hall for a night of live tunes, laughter and delicious pizza.
The music hall’s drive-in concert series continues through the summer, and the venue recently announced two weeks of shows.
"We have been hearing from so many of our guests how lucky they feel that they can keep enjoying live music in a safe environment,” said Music Hall General Manager Heather Stricker. “Many reach out with requests, which we have been trying to accommodate. That is how we found one of our new favorite bands, Backroads Country. Look for them again in a few weeks.”
Kicking things off this Tuesday, June 23 is The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Hear all your favorite hits, including “Born in the Bayou,” “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Green River” and plenty more. This rockstar group stars longtime Gaslight actor (and crowd favorite) Mike Yarema.
The following night, The Desert Divas take the stage. This fabulous force pays tribute to rock, soul and rhythm and blues greats from the ’60s to the ’80s, including The Rolling Stones, Patti LaBelle, the Temptations, Carole King, Joan Jett, Prince and more.
“Some groups, such as The Desert Divas, weren't ready to perform indoors yet, and are thrilled to join us in this outdoor concert series to entertain their many fans in this area,” Stricker said.
Wrapping things up next week on Thursday, June 25 is The Mr. Skynyrd Band.
“Mr. Skynyrd is, without question, the hottest Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band out there today,” Stricker said. “With a collection of uncompromising, experienced musicians, their two-hour show is dedicated to delivering spot-on renditions of those classic Lynyrd Skynyrd hits.”
The fun doesn’t stop next week; the Gaslight has already booked shows through June and into July.
Closing out the month on Tuesday, June 30 is classic rock night with Five Way Street, a group composed of “seasoned musicians all with a love for classic rock.” According to Stricker, the band offers a high-energy, fun-filled visit back to those formative days “when Baby Boomers were discovering how good rock and roll could really be.”
Instead of bringing in an outside band for the July 2 and 3 shows, the Music Hall is calling in local legend (and gaslight regular) Armen Dirtadian and the internationally-touring Manhattan Dolls for a patriotic celebration concert.
Backed up by a world-class band, attendees will be inspired by rousing renditions of flag-waving favorites such as “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and many more.
“This musical salute to freedom and liberty will be dedicated to those who've defended it,” Stricker said. “You won't want to miss an evening that's sure to make you proud to be an American.”
All shows begin at 7 p.m.
With safety in mind, the music hall sections off over 100 spaces of the parking lot, brings in a portable stage and uses an FM radio transmitter to broadcast the show to attendees. The music hall is also rolling out a limited pizza menu with no-touch delivery off a tray. Diners will place an order ahead of time so the kitchen knows what to make. Attendees can sit in truck beds or in chairs they bring, or in their vehicle and listen to the radio transmitter.
“We have come together with Scotty Plumber, who sets up our stage, Marshall Jones, who is hooking us up with outdoor sound, and Mike Quatraro, who runs the professional video on our large projection screen,” Stricker said. “Customers love getting pizza and popcorn to enjoy the show. Seeing our regulars smiling in their comfy lawn chairs or in the bed of their trucks with their dogs, singing along to great music, makes all of the hard work absolutely worth it. If you haven't been to one of these shows yet, you are seriously missing out.”
There will be one public restroom available in the music hall for emergencies only which will be cleaned between customer uses.
Tickets to the Gaslight Music Hall’s drive-in concert shows cost $30 per vehicle. A pizza service is available for an additional fee. Season passes and gift cards will not be accepted. All sales are final.
If the event is rained out, ticket holders will be notified of a rescheduled time.
For more information and to buy tickets, go online to gaslightmusichall.com. The music hall is located at 13005 N. Oracle Road, #165, in Oro Valley.
Tucson Local Media is a sponsor of the Gaslight Music Hall drive-in concert series.
The music hall’s drive-in concert series continues through the summer, and the venue recently announced two weeks of shows.
"We have been hearing from so many of our guests how lucky they feel that they can keep enjoying live music in a safe environment,” said Music Hall General Manager Heather Stricker. “Many reach out with requests, which we have been trying to accommodate. That is how we found one of our new favorite bands, Backroads Country. Look for them again in a few weeks.”
Kicking things off this Tuesday, June 23 is The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Hear all your favorite hits, including “Born in the Bayou,” “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Green River” and plenty more. This rockstar group stars longtime Gaslight actor (and crowd favorite) Mike Yarema.
The following night, The Desert Divas take the stage. This fabulous force pays tribute to rock, soul and rhythm and blues greats from the ’60s to the ’80s, including The Rolling Stones, Patti LaBelle, the Temptations, Carole King, Joan Jett, Prince and more.
“Some groups, such as The Desert Divas, weren't ready to perform indoors yet, and are thrilled to join us in this outdoor concert series to entertain their many fans in this area,” Stricker said.
Wrapping things up next week on Thursday, June 25 is The Mr. Skynyrd Band.
“Mr. Skynyrd is, without question, the hottest Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band out there today,” Stricker said. “With a collection of uncompromising, experienced musicians, their two-hour show is dedicated to delivering spot-on renditions of those classic Lynyrd Skynyrd hits.”
The fun doesn’t stop next week; the Gaslight has already booked shows through June and into July.
Closing out the month on Tuesday, June 30 is classic rock night with Five Way Street, a group composed of “seasoned musicians all with a love for classic rock.” According to Stricker, the band offers a high-energy, fun-filled visit back to those formative days “when Baby Boomers were discovering how good rock and roll could really be.”
Instead of bringing in an outside band for the July 2 and 3 shows, the Music Hall is calling in local legend (and gaslight regular) Armen Dirtadian and the internationally-touring Manhattan Dolls for a patriotic celebration concert.
Backed up by a world-class band, attendees will be inspired by rousing renditions of flag-waving favorites such as “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and many more.
“This musical salute to freedom and liberty will be dedicated to those who've defended it,” Stricker said. “You won't want to miss an evening that's sure to make you proud to be an American.”
All shows begin at 7 p.m.
With safety in mind, the music hall sections off over 100 spaces of the parking lot, brings in a portable stage and uses an FM radio transmitter to broadcast the show to attendees. The music hall is also rolling out a limited pizza menu with no-touch delivery off a tray. Diners will place an order ahead of time so the kitchen knows what to make. Attendees can sit in truck beds or in chairs they bring, or in their vehicle and listen to the radio transmitter.
“We have come together with Scotty Plumber, who sets up our stage, Marshall Jones, who is hooking us up with outdoor sound, and Mike Quatraro, who runs the professional video on our large projection screen,” Stricker said. “Customers love getting pizza and popcorn to enjoy the show. Seeing our regulars smiling in their comfy lawn chairs or in the bed of their trucks with their dogs, singing along to great music, makes all of the hard work absolutely worth it. If you haven't been to one of these shows yet, you are seriously missing out.”
There will be one public restroom available in the music hall for emergencies only which will be cleaned between customer uses.
Tickets to the Gaslight Music Hall’s drive-in concert shows cost $30 per vehicle. A pizza service is available for an additional fee. Season passes and gift cards will not be accepted. All sales are final.
If the event is rained out, ticket holders will be notified of a rescheduled time.
For more information and to buy tickets, go online to gaslightmusichall.com. The music hall is located at 13005 N. Oracle Road, #165, in Oro Valley.
Tucson Local Media is a sponsor of the Gaslight Music Hall drive-in concert series.
