The Town of Oro Valley and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance will help support community arts for a free town concert series on third Thursday of each month – starting Feb. 16

Feb. 9, 2012— A unique partnership between the Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) has created an evening concert series offering a community enriching experience.

 

The series, taking place at Oro Valley Marketplace, celebrates multiple musical styles for free concerts. The collaboration between the town and SAACA will also support a children’s music program beginning this month.

 

“We value the role that arts and culture play in our community,” said Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath.

“Our residents have expressed tremendous interest in additional programs and events. Through our partnership with SAACA and other supporters, the Town of Oro Valley is now able to provide concerts and children’s programs free to the public, beginning February 16.”

The free performances will begin Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. and continue the third Thursday of each month at the new shopping center – southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road.

The concerts will feature swing jazz, blues, funk, Americana and more in the upcoming months, located at Cinemark Theatre Courtyard.

 

Jim Howell Band – Feb. 16

Formed in early 2010, The Jim Howell Band consists of three award winning, first-call musicians will perform during the first concert. The show will take place Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Oro Valley Marketplace – southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road.

 

The band leader, Jim Howell on drums and vocals, is a native Tucsonan and three-time Tammie award winner for Best Drummer. Howell has been a mainstay of various groups from original indie rock to The Wyatts. Joining Jim in his band are veteran Tucsonans Michael P. Nordberg on guitar and vocals and Larry Diehl on bass and vocals, who each had the honor of playing with longtime Tucson resident, Sam Taylor. Norberg is a winner of multiple Tammie awards and can play any instrument as if it is his most natural. Diehl is both a member of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame and the Tucson Musicians Hall of Fame. The Jim Howell Band will be sure to have you dancing and singing along to all of your favorite tunes.

 

 

Concert Line-up

Feb. 16 Jim Howell Band – Rock / Blues / Country / Soul

March 15 Shaky Bones – R&B / Jazz / Soul

April 19 Railbirdz – Blues / R&B / Funk / Soul

May 17 Retro Swing 7 – Classic Swing & Jazz

June 14 Guilty Bystanders – Original Americana

 

Oro Valley Concert Series

When: Third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. – beginning Feb. 16

Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road

Cost: Free

Online: www.saaca.org

Phone: (520) 797-3959

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available

About the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for both the young and the old.

Organization History

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) grew out of the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC), an organization established in 1997 to provide artistic and cultural opportunities for residents of northwest Tucson. GOVAC eventually became one of the largest arts organizations in the region. In 2009, owing to its success, the group expanded its mission to include creation of partnerships with business, governments, and communities throughout Southern Arizona that would encourage innovative, creative cultural expression in the arts for years to come.

For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.

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