Public Events

Vince Redhouse, Larry Redhouse, Charlotte Redhouse Tividad, Tony Redhouse,
Mary Redhouse, Lenny Redhouse ~photo courtesy of Janise Witt

Known as Arizona’s American Indian first family of jazz, the Redhouse Family Jazz Band and the Redhouse Dancers consist of six siblings and includes musicians, composers, vocalists, American Indian dancers/ performers, artisans and four flutists.

Some are Grammy nominees and Native American Music Award, or “NAMMY,” recipients.

Together they create a music influenced by Latin, fusion and contemporary jazz as well as R&B, funk, folk and traditional American Indian sounds and spirituality. The second set will feature the Redhouse Native American Dancers.

Mary Redhouse, a versatile jazz vocalist with a 5-octave vocal range, plays electric bass, Native American flute, and guitar. She is a Tucson Weekly “1995 Best Performing Artist”, a “NAMMY” recipient, and a 2005 Grammy Nominee for the R. Carlos Nakai Quartet’s “People of Peace” cd. She works with Will Clipman, William Eaton Ensemble, Ananeah, Larry Redhouse, Amber Norgaard and “RFJB”. She has worked with saxophonist Oliver Lake and guitarists Joshua Breakstone and Mitch Chmara. Mary teaches General Music (Preschool to grade and Beginning Spanish (Preschool to grade 3) at San Xavier Mission Indian School and St. Joseph Catholic School.

Charlotte Redhouse Tividad is a singer/songwriter and a visual artist. When performing with The Redhouse Family Jazz Band, Charlotte adds lead and backing vocals and plays percussion. She also performs with the family’s Native dance group, The Redhouse Dancers. Charlotte can be heard on the family’s Canyon Records recording “Urban Indian” and also on two SOAR recordings with brother Vince Redhouse “Faith in the House” and “Indian Summer”.

Since moving to Tucson AZ in 1999, Vince Redhouse has recorded and released 6 CDs, two of which were GRAMMY nominated in 2003. Most recently Vince has written a book for the Traditional Native Flute that enables one to play the wooden flute chromatically and is teaching American Indian students on Reservations this method. For these students the recorder/clarinet has been replaced with the Native American Flute for their music education. They learn to read music, improvise, express themselves and play Tribal songs on their cultural instrument. Vince is currently working on an advanced book for the Native Flute which will have Classical pieces as well as transcribed Jazz solos by Bob Mintzer and Pat Metheny. In addition to Native flute, Vince also sings and plays tenor-sax and guitar.

From his youth, Tony Redhouse was inspired to Hoop dance to his Navajo father’s traditional drum beat. As a teen he became passionate about playing the Conga drums after he was exposed to Afro-Cuban drumming by artists like Mongo Santamaria and Santana. This fusion of diverse ethnic drumming styles created the eclectic and provocative performances that Tony shares live and in the studio. One audience member likened him to a Native American “Airto Moreira”. Mr. Redhouse has performed with Seal’s “Game of Chants” Band, the late Vince Welnick of the Grateful Dead, and various music ensembles from Kirtan to Salsa. Currently he performs his spiritual music for The Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers’ Gatherings and facilitates Group Healing Meditations and offers One-to-one sessions. Tony Redhouse recently won the “Best New Age” NAMMY for his solo CD “Deep Within”. He has also won a “Best New Age” NAMMY for the CD “Maze” which he recorded as a trio with Tree Cody and Rob Wallace and a “Best World Music” NAMMY for the CD “Native Flamenco” that he recorded as a trio with Ruben Romero and Tree Cody.

Lenny Redhouse has studied with Alan Dawson in Boston, and has played extensively throughout the East Coast. He sites Buddy Rich, Tony Williams, Vinnie Caliuata, Dennis Chambers and Jack De Johnette as major musical influences. Lenny has played with various jazz groups in the Tucson area since the 70′s, including the Larry Redhouse Trio and the Redhouse Family Jazz Band. Lenny also realizes the importance of his Din&acute heritage and he is a recognized Grass Dancer and Hoop Dancer in his community.

The youngest of the Redhouse siblings, Larry Redhouse was influenced by many musical styles growing up in the Bay area ranging from: Tower of Power; Santana; Malo; Cold Blood; Miles Davis; Herbie Hancock; Keith Jarrett and Weather Report, to name a few. Larry, a self taught jazz pianist, has led and been in various jazz groups from the 70′s until now. He began performing with his siblings the Redhouse Band at age 9. He composed 6 of the 9 titles on “Urban Indian” The Redhouse Family’s debut cd. Larry also performs with The Larry Redhouse Trio, emphasizing, originals, improvisation and fresh interpretations of jazz standards. Larry has self produced two cds, “Live at Westwardlook” and” Spirit Progression”. Some of the places Larry Redhouse has performed are: the Kennedy Center Jazz Club Washington DC, the Smithsonian Washington DC, and the Grenoble Jazz Festival, Grenoble France.

Tickets are $10 in advance. Tickets may be purchased online, or call Bonnie at (520) 879-3925 to make arrangements to purchase tickets from the theatre office. Tickets are $15 cash or check at the door on day of show. Tickets will be available for purchase on August 1, 2011.

Note: The Vail Theatre of the Arts is located on the southeast side of Tucson, 2 miles north of I-10 and 2 miles south of Valencia, about 1/2 mile east of Houghton on Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Turn at the entrance to Empire High School. If you haven’t been to the theatre before, we strongly suggest visiting our location page .

Strait Country

Friday, August 19, 2011 – 7:00 pm

Kevin Sterner pays tribute
to George Strait's music

Kevin Sterner and Strait Country, the critically acclaimed “Tribute to the Music of George Strait” is coming to Tucson’s Vail Theatre of the Arts. The group, which is built around Kevin’s vocal style, amazingly similar to George Strait’s, has been thrilling audiences and selling out venues. Strait Country also features Rich Brennion on pedal steel guitar and Bill Emrie on fiddle. These two instruments are key to the signature sound that has been George Strait’s trademark throughout an incredible 30 year career. The band is rounded out with Gerry Ptak on bass and harmony vocals, Dennis Van Vactor on keyboards, and Ralph Gilmore on drums and harmony vocals. This concert which showcases hit after hit from an amazing 57 Number One Hits and 83 Top Ten Hits, also includes some of George’s lesser known gems. Millions, the world over, love him! Tucson loves him! Join us for an exciting evening of George Strait’s hits performed by a group that is very privileged and excited to share his music with his many fans.

Orchestra section (reserved seats) – Advanced: $20, Day of show: $25
Mezzanine section (general admission) – Advanced: $15, Day of show: $20

Note: The Vail Theatre of the Arts is located on the southeast side of Tucson, 2 miles north of I-10 and 2 miles south of Valencia, about 1/2 mile east of Houghton on Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Turn at the entrance to Empire High School. If you haven’t been to the theatre before, we strongly suggest visiting our location page .

Chris Burton Jácome

Flamenco Ensemble

Friday, March 4, 2011

7:30 p.m.

Chris Burton Jacome Ensemble - Photo by Sergio

Join us on an unforgettable trip to Southern Spain with the Chris Burton Jácome Flamenco Ensemble. You will be inspired by the passion and intensity of this world-class ensemble of musicians, singers and flamenco dancers. Chris is one of the most in-demand flamenco guitarists in the US and has been wowing audiences across the nation since his return from living in Seville, Spain where he studied flamenco from the masters of this era. The Chris Burton Jácome Flamenco Ensemble will have you yelling, “Olé!” long after you’ve left the theatre.

Tickets are $22 in advance. Starting January 3, 2011, tickets may also be purchased through the theatre office. If not sold out, tickets are $27 cash or check at the door on day of show.

Note: The Vail Theatre of the Arts is located on the southeast side of Tucson, 2 miles north of I-10 and 2 miles south of Valencia, about 1/2 mile east of Houghton on Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Turn at the entrance to Empire High School. If you haven’t been to the theatre before, we strongly suggest visiting our location page .

Gary Morris

with Nathan McEuen and Kevin Schramm

Sunday, January 30, 2011 – 7:00 pm

Gary Morris

Best known for his recording of Wind Beneath My Wings which won him both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year awards, Singer/Songwriter/Entertainer, Gary Morris will perform in Tucson’s beautiful Vail Theatre of the Arts. Gary’s career in country music began in the early 1980′s when he produced twelve albums that generated 16 Top 10 singles and five Number 1 hits, including “Baby Bye Bye”, “100% Chance of Rain”, and “Leave Me Lonely”. Morris has performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, for every living U.S. President at the White House, and for the Queen of England. The Texas-born vocalist receives standing ovations wherever he performs. According to the Dallas Morning News, “There are voices that transcend seasons and settings. They are the kind of voices that through sheer beauty and unbridled passion soar above the others. Gary Morris has one of those voices.”

Nathan McEuen

No stranger to the Tucson music scene, Nathan McEuen, returns to the Old Pueblo to open for Gary Morris. Nathan, the son of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s John McEuen, has been exposed to music from a very young age and was fortunate to have mentors like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Gifted with a remarkable singing voice, he has forged his own path, often being compared to the likes of Jack Johnson and Nickel Creek. Nathan has logged over 2,000 live performances, and he has performed in the season finale of American Idol with Steve Martin, on the Jay Leno show, and at the Grand Ole Opry. Nathan will be accompanied by Tucson’s own Kevin Schramm. Kevin who was the accordion player for the Mollys, has been inducted into the Tucson Musicians Museum. He currently performs with the Last Call Girls and Way Out West. He accompanied Nathan McEuen and Scott Gates during LAVA’s fall 2010 series at Abounding Grace Sanctuary.

Advance Tickets: Orchestra section $22, Mezzanine section $18 (all fees included). Tickets available online or call 520-879-3925 to make arrangements to purchase through the theatre office. If not sold out, tickets at door: Orchestra section $27, Mezzanine section $23.

Note: The Vail Theatre of the Arts is located on the southeast side of Tucson, 2 miles north of I-10 and 2 miles south of Valencia, about 1/2 mile east of Houghton on Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Turn at the entrance to Empire High School. If you haven’t been to the theatre before, we strongly suggest visiting our location page .

Ballet Rincon presents

The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 18, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 19, 1010 – 2:00 pm

Ballet Rincon's Nutcracker - Photo courtesy of Zonaphotos

Celebrating 10 seasons of dancing excellence in Southeast Tucson and Vail, Ballet Rincon presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in its new home at the Vail Theatre of the Arts.

Come enjoy this holiday classic as we join in on a young girl’s magical dream of a trip to the fantasy Kingdom of Sweets. Escorted by her Nutcracker Prince, it is her Christmas wish come true!

Note: Both performances of The Nutcracker are SOLD OUT!

Note: The Vail Theatre of the Arts is located on the southeast side of Tucson, 2 miles north of I-10 and 2 miles south of Valencia, about 1/2 mile east of Houghton on Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Turn at the entrance to Empire High School. If you haven’t been to the theatre before, we strongly suggest visiting our location page

.

in Concert
with Alisha Peru

Friday, December 3, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Jer Coons grew up in Vermont, a small rural state that did not have television until 2004 (or internet until 2008 … hoping to get high speed this year). In 2000, at age 11, an impressionable young Jer went to visit his cousins and saw something on their “picture box” that would change his life forever. That of course was the MTV music video for “Bye Bye Bye” from ‘N SYNC’s platinum selling album, “No Strings Attached.”

Was it Justin Timberlake’s piercing brown eyes? Or Lance Bass’ frosted tips? Maybe it was the group’s dazzling dance moves? One thing is for sure, after seeing “Bye Bye Bye,” Jer Coons knew he had to be a musician.

For the next eight years, following his first ‘N SYNC experience (a time now simply referred to as the revelation), Jer went through various phases of self-exploration. For a time he studied Scientology under Tom Cruise (also an ‘N SYNC fan), spent many days contemplating Freud, watched the Jersey shore, learned guitar, dated some girls and eventually found himself with enough songs to record an album in 2009.

That album, Speak, dropped last fall, and you may have heard his song “Legs” when your iPod broke and you had to listen to the radio. It is also possible that you heard it while buying some fresh digs at Hollister or grabbing some fresh produce at various chain supermarkets

Armed with drop dead catchy melodies, boyish good looks and a charm equal to or greater than Paris Hilton, Jer could wear pleated pants from Eddie Bauer and still look good.

Alisha Peru

Cienega High School’s own rising star, Alisha Peru, will open the show for Jer. Alisha is a 15-year-old straight A student who plays several instruments and writes her own music. She was the Young Americans featured student singer/songwriter during their 2009 performance at the Vail Theatre of the Arts, and she has been featured on KGUN-9′s The Morning Blend. And she is a finalist in theTucson’s 2011 Battle of the Bands. Alisha wants to pursue a career in music, and from what we’ve seen, she’s off to a great start!

GOOD ROCKIN’ LIVE!

A Salute to Sun Records

and the Birth of Rock and Roll

Thursday, November 18, 2010 – 7:00 pm

Steve Grams, Robert Shaw, Jon Westfall, Danny Krieger - Photo by John Sepp 2009

This live concert event brings the early days of Rock and Roll to life! Starring national touring and recording artist Robert Shaw, who portrayed the roles of both Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash in the Chicago cast of Broadway’s smash-hit musical “Million Dollar Quartet”, international Dutch piano sensation Mr. Boogie Woogie, Arizona Blues Hall of Famers Steve Grams, Danny Krieger, and Alex Flores, and Gaslight theatre drummer Jon Westfall, the show tells the tale of how rock was born through the music and the stories of those who lived it.

Mr. Boogie Woogie

In 1952 Sun Studios opened up shop in a small storefront in Memphis, setting off a chain of events that would change the course of musical history. In a few short years, this little record company would produce such superstars as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and B.B. King. Now you can help celebrate the birth of Rock and Roll with “Good Rockin’ LIVE!- A Salute To Sun Records!”

Conceived and developed by Robert Shaw, the playlist includes hits like “Great Balls of Fire”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “That’s All Right, Mama”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, and many more! You’ll even get a taste of what it was like to be in the room on that fateful night of December 4, 1956 when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all played together in a jam session that became known as the “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Spread the word, there’s “Good Rockin’ Tonight!” Get your tickets early, this one is sure to sell out quickly!

Empire High School’s

Link Crew presents

Magic Mike

Saturday, November 21, 2010

7:00 p.m.

Magic Mike

Michael DeSchalit, also known as “Magic Mike” is a Master Stage Hypnotist and a Multi-Award Winning Magician. He has performed in such venues as The Four Seasons Luxury Resort in Las Vegas, The RMS Queen Mary, The Prado in San Diego, The World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and most recently, exclusive engagements at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino and the Riviera Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. He hosted a monthly show at the Carlsbad Village Theatre in Carlsbad California and has just returned as a featured act at the Treasure Chest Riverboat Casino in New Orleans.

His Comedy Hypnosis Shows are High Energy, Vegas style shows where the volunteers become the stars of the show performing hilarious skits. You can expect to see the volunteers auditioning for a major motion picture, dancing like professional dancers, speaking in Martian; and some of them will lose their bellybuttons and forget their own names. The show is done in good taste and each of the volunteers will walk away realizing the potential they have using their subconscious mind.

Empire H.S. Theatre Tech Program

present

Rapunzel

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

6:00 p.m.

Adapted by Melanie Roeder and Kathleen Anderson, Music by David Ragland

The classic story of a princess locked in the highest tower is updated in this new musical and interactive adaptation. Rapunzel is locked in a high tower by an evil sorceress and told that she is a danger to everyone. The only way anyone can enter or exit the tower is by climbing Rapunzel’s long flowing hair. A prince, who wants to form a rock band, hears Rapunzel’s beautiful voice and knows that she would be a perfect lead singer. Can the prince save Rapunzel from the evils of the sorceress and start a cool rock band? See this interactive musical and find out.

Dancing in the Streets

Summer Student Showcase

Dancing in the Streets Rehearsal - Photo by Xavier Gallegos, Tucson Citizen

Summer ballet students from Dancing in the Streets will perform in the beautiful Vail Theatre of the Arts. Dancing in the Streets Arizona is a non-profit organization that uses the excitement and discipline of ballet to guide children in achieving life skills. Click here to visit Dancing in the Streets’ website and to view a three-part video which was featured on KUAT’s Arizona Illustrated. Dancing in the Streets’ immediate success lies in the children’s improved social interaction, family involvement and responsiveness. Come and experience the enthusiasm and excitement of Dancing in the Streets’ staff, students, and their families.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

2:00 p.m.

R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton,

and Will Clipman

Performing as The Wilde Boys

Saturday, April 24, 2010 – 7:00 pm

Multi-GRAMMY® nominees R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton, and Will Clipman will present the Tucson premiere of their highly anticipated album Dancing Into Silence.

Dancing Into Silence, released by Canyon Records, is the first recording in its genre to provide a continuous, unbroken hour of music, and features Nakai’s Native American flute, Eaton’s harp and synth guitars, and Clipman’s world ethnic percussion.

R. Carlos Nakai is recognized as the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute. He has received eight GRAMMY® nominations (in three categories), earned two gold records, and sold over 4 million albums. Nakai has received the Arizona Governor’s Arts Award and been inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

William Eaton, best known for his unique and fanciful handcrafted multi-stringed instruments is a three-time GRAMMY® nominee (in three categories). He first collaborated with Nakai in 1989; Dancing into Silence is Nakai and Eaton’s eighth album together.

Will Clipman is a five-time GRAMMY® Nominee (in two categories). Clipman began performing with Nakai and Eaton in 1994 and added world ethnic percussion to five albums by the trio. He was inducted into the Tucson Musicians Museum in honor of his long-standing contributions to the musical community of Tucson. Clipman has released a solo album Pathfinder (a GRAMMY® nominee) with Canyon Records.

Dancing Into Silence, the first album by Nakai, Eaton & Clipman in nine years, was the number one album for the month of February on the nationally syndicated radio program, Echoes.

Cienega High School

Fellowship of Christian Students

presents

JJ Heller in Concert

Friday, April 9, 2010

The Cienega High School Fellowship of Christian Students is proud to present JJ Heller in a special benefit concert to help the Christenson Family who are going through some serious difficulties.

JJ’s music is acoustic, lyrically-driven, folk-ish Christian music that has taken the airwaves by storm! “These songs are a reflection of my heart, and it is my prayer that they will be a source of hope, encouragement, and peace to those who hear them.” JJ’s music was cast into the spotlight in September of 2009 when dancer, Diana Drexler, danced to “Your Hands” on the Fox TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”.

The Christenson Family are long-time members of the Vail community, and their son Jordan attends Cienega High School. Jordan’s mother, Tammy, has been struggling with a chronic disorder that affects her nerve fibers. This has led to multiple surgeries, infections, and painful mobility. At the height of battling her condition, her husband Ken was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma and has suffered kidney complications. Soon after Ken’s cancer diagnosis, Tammy was hit with another blow and was herself diagnosed with breast cancer. It has been an incredibly tough year that has devastated their finances. They need all of of the help, love, and prayer we can provide them.

Opening for JJ are the Frizzell Band, FLG (Forever Loving God), and Double Shot. The Frizzell Band plays contemporary Christian music with a sound you might expect from Third Day, Jeremy Camp, or event Todd Agnew. They have a ministry to share the gospel and are having the time of their lives doing so. FLG, under the direction of Frank Lopez plays original Christian music with a Latin feel to it. Their music has the sound of Santana and the heart of God. Double Shot plays primarily classic rock music.

Pattie Freeman

Hypnotist

February 11, 2010

Pattie Freeman is one of the few professional female stage hypnotists in the Southwest. Her hypnotic show is full of fun-filled events that demonstrate the amazing powers of the hypnotic mind. She combines hypnotic suggestions with direct audience participation to create an interactive experience. Pattie’s shows are unscripted and feature the audience as the stars of the show. Pattie is a certified Hypnotherapist with the National Guild of Hypnotists as well as a member of the Arizona Society for Professional Hypnotists.

Show starts: 6:00 p.m.

This show is a fundraiser for the Empire High School Student Council. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased any Student Council member. Click here to email Aron Schmidt for more information.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s

John McEuen

Friday, January 15, 2010

Folk legend and banjo virtuoso, John McEuen, a 40-year member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will be joined by special guests Matt Cartsonis, Danni Bettencourt, Tucson’s own Mark Robertson-Tessi, and opening act Pete Kartsounes.

John’s engaging show brings the audience into his world and stories of where it has taken him. He has made over 40 albums that have earned four platinum and four gold recognition awards, Grammy nominations, CMA and ACM awards, a Western Heritage award, an Emmy nomination, and the IBMA Record of the Year award. John has worked with numerous entertainers including his good friend Steve Martin, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Jerry Garcia, Jimmy Buffett, Alison Krauss, Doc Watson, Bill Cosby, The Doors, Vassar Clements, Robin Williams, Waylon Jennings, the Allman Brothers, the Doobie Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band, and many more.

Matt Cartsonis performed nationally with Warren Zevon (for 6 years), Jennifer Warnes, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Glen Campbell, and Bryndle.

Danni Bettencourt is the former National and North American Youth Fiddling Champion. Grown up now, she is the Director of the Cochise County Youth Orchestra.

Mark Robertson-Tessi is a virtuosic multi-instrumentalist who specializes in playing the mandolin. In addition to being a math professor at the University of Arizona, Mark performs with Round The House, the The Tim Weed Band, and The String Figures.

Pete Kartsounes, a Boulder resident who is becoming a Tucson favorite, will open the show. A talented and versatile musician, Pete was the first runner-up in the prestigious Telluride Troubadour Contest in 2009.

In 1992, John McEuen came to Tucson to shoot a TV special on “The Music of the Wild West”. As a special treat, the video will be showing from 6:30 until the performance starts at 7:00. You’ll see footage taken before Old Tucson burned down as well as some well-known musicians like Crystal Gayle, Michael Martin Murphey, Don Edwards, Lyle Lovett, Marty Stuart, Jennifer Warnes, and others.