Carr House in Carr Canyon south of Sierra Vista.

Carr Canyon is just south of Ramsey Canyon at the southern tip of the Huachuca Mountains. At the Carr House we met Mike Foster, who is the resident expert in these parts. Birds, wildlife, plants, history: Mike knows them all well. Better yet, Mike is a talented videographer. We already have one of his videos about the Carr House and another about the San Pedro River on our Southern Arizona Guide. He will soon be sharing more of his videos about local wildlife on our website. While we were here, we viewed one showing a local black bear climbing a tree. Amazing! This critter climbed a big tree faster than most people can run on level ground.

After chatting with Mike for a while, we headed up the mountain on a rough dirt road to our intended picnic area at Reef Townsite Campgound five miles beyond the Carr House. If you go, you won’t need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but we do recommend one with fairly high clearance. The road is steep and has many switchbacks. But the awesome views make the journey worthwhile.

One of many views from Carr Canyon Road.

Between the late 1800′s and 1950, there was a mining town here. The town was named for the Carr Reef, a tall band of quartzite-bearing cliffs that form the Huachuca Mountains’ dramatic eastern front. Mr. Carr was a local mining entrepreneur. Now the former townsite serves as a fine camping & picnicking area, but do bring your own water.

Picnic at Reef Townsite Campground in Carr Canyon.

For future reference, campsites 9 & 12 seemed to us to be the best. Each campsite had a table, a fire pit, and a flat area for tents. Fee: $10 per day.  Also, there is one day-use picnic site for a large group with many picnic tables under a ramada and several fire pits with grates.

Campsite #12 at Reef Townsite Campground high in Carr Canyon.

We are nothing if not picnic people. Love a good picnic. Which is why Southern Arizona Guide offers our viewers a list of the Best Picnic Areas. Here in the woods near the top of Carr Canyon is another of Southern Arizona’s many Sky Islands, a unique ecosystem completely different than the Sonoran Desert below.

In our picnic basket this time was summer sausage, roast beef, Grey Poupon, jalapena cheddar cheese, several varieties of crackers, apple, orange, a couple of Coronas, and a bottle of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

After our picnic and a short walkabout, we headed down Carr Canyon to Highway 92 at the base of the Huachuca Mountains. Turning north, it is only a mile or so to Ramsey Canyon Road. Heading up Ramsey Canyon Road the Folklore Preserve is about 3 miles on the left. If you get to the Nature Conservancy’s Visitors Center at the end of the road, you missed it.

Yours truly, Ms. Karen, mother-in-law Judy, and Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Official State Balladeer.

The Folklore Preserve is a small, rustic venue staffed mostly with volunteers. Mr. Ellis is the founder and artist-in-residence at the Arizona Folklore Preserve in Ramsey Canyon, where he performs one weekend a month. Guest country, Western, & folk artists perform on the other three weekends. For upcoming schedule, click HERE.

Balladeers tell stories through their music and Dolan Ellis is an excellent storyteller, songwriter, singer, and guitarist. His one-man show was totally worth the drive from Tucson for the hour and a half performance.  Reservations for upcoming performances are highly recommended: (520)378-6165 or email reservations@arizonafolklore.com.

The trail along Ramsey Creek.

Of course, there is another good reason to visit Ramsey Canyon. Anyone who has been here knows the natural beauty of the Canyon itself. 170 species of birds, including 14 varieties of hummers, have been spotted in Ramsey Canyon, where temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Tucson. A trail parallels Ramsey Creek and further up the mountain are more trails into the Coronado National Forest. Keep an eye out for black bear, coati, wild turkey, white-tail deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and other wildlife.

Liz Sockness recently retired as manager of the bookstore here. Last year she shared many of her photographs with us and you can view the slideshow by clicking HERE. On this trip we meet Debbie, the new bookstore manager.

The Nature Conservancy’s Visitors Center is open 9 AM to 5 PM, but closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Other favorites of mine include:
A gift “basket” from Tucson Tamale Company.
Spices from the Santa Cruz Chile and Spice Company.
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Posted by Ms. Karen, Jim’s wife: while he recovers from surgery.

Hope of Christmas presented by the Christ Community Church
WHEN: Friday, December 14, Saturday, 15 & Sunday, 16
TIME: Friday, December 14 at 7:00p.m./Saturday, December 15 at 5:00p.m./Sunday, December 16 at 5:00p.m.
COST: Adults $6, Children $3
WHERE: Christ Community Church, 7801 E. Kenyon Dr., Tucson, AZ 85710
TICKETS: In the lobby or ONLINE at: Christ Community Church

Festival Navidad at the Fox Theatre
WHEN: Friday, December 14
TIME: 7:30 pm
COST: $13- $20
WHERE: Fox Theatre
TICKETS: Fox Theatre

Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
WHEN: Saturday, December 15
TIME: 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
COST: $20 & 15, $8 Children
WHERE: Crowder Hall, UofA.
TICKETS: Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus office 296-6277.
WEBSITE:Tucson Boys Chorus Website

Sounds of Winter presented by Tucson Girls Chorus
WHEN: Sunday, December 16
TIME: 3:30 pm
COST: $15 Children under 12 free
WHERE: U of A Crowder Hall
TICKETS: Call 577-6064
Website: Tucson Girls Chorus Website

A Tucson Pastorela – A Southwest Nativity Play
WHEN: Thursday, December 20,Friday 21 & Saturday 22
TIME: 7:30 pm
COST: $7 – $24
WHERE: Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church
TICKETS: Borderlands Theater Box Office (520) 882-7406 or http://boxoffice@borderlandstheater.org
TCC Ticket Office at 260 S. Church
Charge by Phone Tickets and online: 800-745-3000 or TicketMaster

The Magic of Christmas presented by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, December 22 & 23
TIME: 8pm and 2pm
WHERE: Tucson Music Hall
COST: $26-$70
INFORMATION AND TICKETS:TSO Tickets and information

Here are a few worthwhile events, mostly free and family-friendly.

Sunday, November 4th
What? All Souls Procession & Dance of the Dead.
Where? Downtown Tucson
When? Participants gather: 5 PM at Toole Ave. & Congress St. Parade begins at 6 PM and proceeds along Alameda to West Congress and ends at Mercado San Agustin west of the freeway.

All Souls Parade Route

More Info: www.allsoulsprocession.org
Ticket Event: Dance of the Dead featuring the band Ozomatli. 8 PM.
Procession of Little Angels: Children are encouraged to create a fantasy persona at this event Nov. 3, the day before the main procession. Workshops and a parade are among the highlights; noon-10 p.m. Free.

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Tuesday November 6^th: VOTE, if you haven’t already. The idea here is not to vote because it’s our civic duty. Rather, vote to celebrate the end of what seemed like an endless campaign season.

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Saturday & Sunday November 10^th  & 11^th:
What? La Encantada Performing & Fine Arts Festival.  Live music, art exhibitions, ballet, and activities for the kids.
Where? La Encantada Shopping Center, Skyline & Campbell.
When? Saturday

11a.m.  Full Sail – blues
12 p.m. Violin Stars – youth violin group
1 p.m.   Desert Deuce – guitar / cello
2 p.m.   Cobblestone – Irish folk (fiddle) – Irish
3 p.m.   ForTheLuvvaMusic – piano vocal jazz
4 p.m.   CDO Youth String Quartet – string quartet

Sunday
11 a.m  TBA
12 p.m. Jeff & Patricia – folk, country, Americana
1 p.m.   Ballet Rincon Performance Ensemble – ballet dancing
2 p.m.   Those Beatle Guys – Beatles cover band
3 p.m.   Butch Diggs – jazz sax

Dralion: Cirque du Soleil

Wednesday – Sunday November 21^st to 25^th
What? “Dralion” by Cirque du Soleil
Where? Tucson Arena: 260 South Church Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
When? Afternoon & Evening Performances. Click here for details.

Click here for discount tickets

Graphically, this download-able brochure is one of the best I have ever seen. More importantly, it beautifully illustrates the Park’s amazing array of special programs, including: art, culture, music, gardens, history, tours, workshops … and their magical Holiday Nights. They even offer a whale-watching tour to Baja.

For those of you who love our Sonoran Desert and want to learn more, click HERE to download the brochure.

Tohono Chul is one of our family’s favor places. For those who don’t know much about this serene oasis in the midst of suburban Tucson, you might want to watch our short video in which Jo Falls, Tohono Chul Park’s Director of Education, talks about its many beautiful gardens and other features, such as the art galleries and greenhouse. Just click HERE.

I’m going to have lunch today at the Park’s new Garden Bistro. I hear good things. Will let you know in a couple of days.

What? HoCo Fest 2012.
Party like it’s 1979! HoCo Fest started in 2004 and is Arizona’s longest running solar-powered music festival. Beginning on Friday, August 31 and continuing through Monday, September 3, HoCo Fest 2012 will take over Hotel Congress featuring local and national music acts playing on indoor and outdoor stages, with all ages welcome.
Where? Hotel Congress – Club Congress
When? Doors open at 7 p.m.
How Much? $15
More Info: http://www.hotelcongress.com/club/

Saturday September 1^st

What? Concert for Kids
Children from all over Tucson, and as young as 2 years old, can explore a “magical” opportunity to interact and learn from a widely-recognized and talented educator, conductor and performer.

Exploring music since his roots in Europe and now working with children through local arts organizations, László Veres of the Tucson Pops Orchestra will engage with kids and teach the musical workings of instruments and sound during Musical Magic for Kids.
Where? Town of Oro Valley’s Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Canada Dr.
When? Concerts begin at 10 a.m. -”Peter and the Wolf” on Saturday, Sept. 1 and “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Oct. 6
How Much? Free
More Info: www.saaca.org

What? Free Lecture: Wyatt Earp, Capitalist
Historian/author Garner Palenske presents this intriguing story of Wyatt Earp’s involvement in horse racing, gambling, and mining at Tombstone City Archives. Palenske is the author of the much acclaimed book, Wyatt Earp in San Diego, Life After Tombstone.
Free book given away and opportunity to meet the author immediately following at Tombstone Old West Books, 4th and Allen Streets.
Where? Tombstone City Archives 6th And Fremont Streets
When? 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Saturday-Sunday-Monday September 1^st – 3^rd

What? Rendezvous of the Gunfighters
Gunfighter groups from throughout the U.S. gather in Tombstone to perform. Activities include a Most-Authentic 1880′s Costume Contest. Sponsored by the Tombstone Wild Bunch.
Where? Tombstone / Allen Street / OK Corral
When? The 1880’s costume parade will begin Sunday, September 2^nd at 12 noon.
More Info: www.tombstonewildbunch.com/

Sunday September 2nd

What? Members’-Only Pancake Breakfast in Celebration of The Desert Museum’s 60^th B’day.
Where? Ironwood Terrace Restaurant in the Desert Museum
When? 8 AM – 11 AM
How Much? Members 8 and older: $12. Ages 4-7: $5. Three & under and anyone born in 1952: FREE.
What Else? If you’re not a member, you oughta be. Just sayin’.

What? Bisbee’s 47th Annual Brewery Gulch Daze.
Events will include a the Soiled Dove Race, Wacky Pet Parade, Kids Games, Recycled Art Auction, Silent Auction, Miz Ole’ Biz Contest & live music by Buzz & the Soul Senders.
Where? Brewery Gulch in Old Bisbee.
When? 8 AM – 5 PM.
How Much: Depends on how many beers you buy.

What? Jeff Kashiwa & Crystal Stark in Concert
Kashiwa is one of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz. A year after leaving The Rippingtons, Kashiwa was an immediate smash on the smooth jazz charts, scoring a #1 hit for over eight weeks on the Radio & Records chart.  His sound ranges from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz – this show will have it all.  Joining Kashiwa for several numbers will be Tucson favorite, singer Crystal Stark.
Where?  Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Rd.When?  7:30 PM
How Much? $20 – $35
More Info:  http://tucsonjazz.org/

Flights of Fancy: Artistic Birdhouses At Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Starting today, our botanical gardens will feature an exhibit called Flights of Fancy, meaning fanciful birdhouses in one of the many gardens.

Then, every 3rd Thursday this summer (6/21, 7/19, & 8/16) TBG will offer live outdoor music performances from 5PM to 8PM. These will feature:

R&P Music Factory & Susannah Castro, Tesoro & Valerie Galloway, El Camino Royales & Patricia Katchur.

Tucson Museum of Art

This Sunday is the final day of the Frida Kahlo exhibit and Ms. Karen & I are going. Also, this will be the last of the exhibit titled Tesoros del Pueblo: Latin American Folk Art.

This Sunday, June 3rd, is First Sunday, which means you can get in FREE. And for the kids, there will be an art class where they can create their own art.

On June 15th, the Museum will host a Members’ Reception from 6PM – 8PM in celebration of the two new exhibits: Tucson Collects: Spirit of the West and 100 Years 100 Ranchers: Photographs by Scott T. Baxter. These exhibits will open officially the next day, June 16th.

I’ve seen several of Scott Baxter’s very large and exquisite prints at Sky Harbor Airport. Highly recommended.

Wine and beer will be available at the cash bar in the lobby of the Museum. Put on your western garb and enjoy a night of music and entertainment inspired by these western exhibits. FREE to members, $10 non-member guests.

Greg Morton Band

MUSIC. Enjoy the Marana Bluegrass Summer Concert Series on the second Saturdays of each month June through September.

When? 6:15 PM
Where? Crossroads at Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Price? FREE

Mark & Karen Klay

ART + MUSIC. Hilton Indoor Summer Fine Arts Festival will take place Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The festival – presenting handmade jewelry, glasswork, mixed media, metalwork, pottery, acrylic and oil paintings and photography – will also showcase the first-class collection of antique Native American baskets and gourd art from Artists Mark and Karen Klay.

Musical entertainment includes piano jazz and Broadway tunes form Mark Willis, jazz vibes from Homero Ceron, folk guitar from Amber Gaia, flamenco guitar from Gabriel Ayala and strolling accordions from Shirley and Jim O’Brien.

Where? Tucson Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road
Price? FREE

Willie Nelson.
Willie’s coming to the Fox Theater  Wednesday July 11th at 7:30 PM. I’ve already reserved our seats.

Where? Downtown Tucson

Price? Not Free

Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlan

Tomorrow through this weekend is one of the biggest annual events in Southern Arizona, the Tucson International Mariachi Festival. This year, the four days of performances will be held at Casino Del Sol Resort.

For more information, including performances headliners, times, and ticket sales, click here.

Ticket prices start at $10. All proceeds benefit Children’s Services at La Frontera Arizona a behavioral health agency.

Casino Del Sol Resort
5655 West Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85757

Room Reservations (800) 344-9435

The Rhythm and Roots Concert Series is upon us. Get your tickets now.

Where
Plaza Palomino Suite 147
2970 North Swan Road
Tucson, AZ 85712
Southeast corner of Swan & Ft. Lowell.

What & When

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30pm
CARIBBEAN DANCE PARTY with Sticks N’ Fingers
Featuring Richard Noel
Suite 147 in Plaza Palomino
$15 advance, $18 door. $10 student ticket – current student ID required for each ticket – limit 1 per ID.

Just in time for Carnival season, Sticks and Fingers brings dynamic percussion and dance for a joyful Afro-Caribbean dance party. Founded by Richard Noel, from Trinidad, their music ranges from Calypso, Soca and Reggae to African Beat.

What & When

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
MUSIC IS MEDICINE – Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Jonathan Holden

Donations greatly appreciated (at the door) to help defray costs.
Silent auction to include artwork, gift certificates, music and more.

Jonathan Holden, 12/29/51 – 1/17/12
If you’ve attended Tucson musical events over the past 15 years chances are you’ve experienced the passion of Jonathan Holden. Many people are feeling the loss of Jonathan, who was taken from us so suddenly on January 17, 2012. A long-time Tucsonan, he first came to town in 1970 to attend the University of Arizona and continued to make his musical mark in Tucson by helping launch community radio station KXCI. He proceeded on the path he loved as he formed the Rhythm & Roots Concert Series in the mid-nineties, which continues as his legacy.

What & When

Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30pm
Western Swing Dance with Carolyn Martin from Nashville and Way Out West
$15 advance, $18 door, $10 student ticket – current student ID required for each ticket – limit 1 per ID.

Born in Texas, Carolyn Martin grew up listening to Bob Wills and dreaming of singing in a Western Swing band.. Today she is a 2011 Texas Western Swing Hall Of Fame inductee and was named Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year in 2008 and 2010. Her CD, Swing, was nominated for the Western Music Association Western Swing Album of the Year. Carolyn’s latest project, Cookin’ With Carolyn, was nominated by the WMA as both the Western Swing Album of the Year and Outstanding Female Vocalist of the Year. She is joined by Arizona favorites Way Out West for an evening of boot scootin’ Western Swing.