The Beach Boys Are Coming to Tucson on May 3rd at AVA Amphitheater! 🌴🎶
Tucson, get ready for a night of pure musical magic! The legendary Beach Boys are set to perform live at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol on Saturday, May 3rd, 2024, and this is one concert you don’t want to miss.
A Little History on the Icons
Formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, The Beach Boys revolutionized the sound of pop music with their sun-soaked harmonies and surf-inspired hits. Led by Brian Wilson, their groundbreaking albums like Pet Sounds have been hailed as some of the greatest works in music history.
Songs like Good Vibrations, Surfin’ USA, California Girls, and Kokomo captured the spirit of an era, blending youthful optimism with intricate musical arrangements. The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide, earned their spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have been recognized as one of the most influential bands of all time.
Why This Concert Is a Big Deal
The Beach Boys’ music transcends generations, bringing joy and nostalgia to millions of fans around the globe. Now, thanks to The Drive Tucson, we have the incredible opportunity to welcome these icons back to our city. The AVA Amphitheater, with its intimate outdoor setting, offers the perfect stage to experience their legendary sound live.
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 3rd, 2024
Location: AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol
🎟️ Tickets: On sale now—don’t wait!
This is more than just a concert—it’s a chance to celebrate decades of timeless music with one of the greatest bands in history. Let’s show The Beach Boys how much Tucson loves them! Want tickets? Click The Button and get 'em before their gone!
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Tucson Rodeo: A Century of Cowboys and Fun!
Join us for the 100th Anniversary of the Tucson Rodeo, also known as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, from February 15-23, 2025! This annual event, which started back in 1925, celebrates Tucson’s Wild West roots and attracts visitors from all over, thanks to its unique charm and sunny weather. Over the years, the Tucson Rodeo has grown into one of the top 25 rodeos in the U.S. and is now the largest outdoor winter rodeo, ranked 9th in USA Today’s list of the best rodeos.
The rodeo features top rodeo athletes from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, competing in events like Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Women’s Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. There’s also a special Junior Rodeo, where local youth get a chance to show off their skills, starting with the adorable Mutton Bustin’, where 4–6-year-olds ride sheep! After that, kids 7–13 compete in events like Steer Riding and Barrel Racing, with winners taking home amazing rodeo buckles.
The main rodeo events feature some of the best rodeo stars, including famous names who compete at the National Finals Rodeo in December. The Tucson Rodeo is a great way to see top-notch rodeo athletes up close as they kick off a new season of competition.
But it’s not all about the rodeo! The Tucson Rodeo is a full-day experience with fun for everyone. From delicious food and treats to shopping for western gear, there’s something for the whole family. You can even ride a mechanical bull! The arena is packed with action, and the barrelman and bullfighters—dressed as rodeo clowns—entertain the crowd, helping protect the riders after their events.
The Tucson Rodeo is proud of its deep roots in American Western culture, and it’s a perfect way for families to come together and enjoy the cowboy way of life. Don’t forget to check out the Tucson Rodeo Parade, visit the Tucson Wagon and History Museum, and explore other attractions around Tucson!
Come celebrate a century of rodeo history, where you can experience the wild spirit of the American West!
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Step right up to The Zoppé Family Circus! Picture this: a cozy tent with 500 seats, hosting a one-ring circus that pays tribute to the good ol' Italian circus tradition. Nino the clown takes the spotlight, but this circus isn't just about individual acts – it's all about a central story. Brace yourself for acrobatics, equestrian skills, playful pups, clown antics, and loads of chances for you to join in the fun.
Meet Giovanni Zoppé, the circus director and a sixth-generation performer. He's on a mission to give you more than your average circus experience. “We want you to feel everything,” he says. “From laughter to tears, connecting with the characters – it's not just a show, it's an event.”
Now, let's rewind the clock. The Zoppé Family Circus has a story that spans over 175 years, starting with a classic tale of love. In 1842, a French street performer named Napoline Zoppé fell head over heels for Ermenegilda, a dazzling equestrian ballerina in Budapest. Love wasn't smooth sailing, though – Napoline was a clown, and Ermenegilda's dad wasn't thrilled about it. So, they took off to Venice, Italy, and created the circus that's still entertaining crowds today. Through wars, political chaos, and the ups and downs of Europe, the Zoppé circus has stood the test of time, keeping the spirit of their legendary tradition alive. For tickets and more information, click The Button.
Step right up and experience the magic of the Zoppé Family Circus, coming to The Mercado District in Tucson! This one-of-a-kind, old-world Italian circus offers a fun and thrilling experience for the whole family. Enjoy acrobatics, stunts, clowning, and animal performances, all performed by the talented Zoppé family—fifth-generation circus artists.
📍 Where? The Mercado District, 125 S Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
🗓️ When?
🎟️ For Tickets & Info
Call: (520) 461-1106
Email: events@mercadodistrict.com
The Drive Tucson is so excited to present the return of Tony Kishman, legendary Broadway musician and performer at the Fox Tucson Theatre in May! You might remember Tony and band at last year's show at the Fox to a near sold-out audience. This year is sure to sell out...as it should! Once again, this is a benefit show for Hope of Deliverance & H.E.A.R.T... two amazing Southern Arizona organizations.
Hope of Deliverance & H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Every Animal Receive Treatment)
Hope of Deliverance rescues dogs from rural shelters without proper veterinary care, providing them with full medical treatment and support. We need foster parents and volunteers to help us save more dogs. Join our mission to rescue, foster, adopt, donate, and rehabilitate.
H.E.A.R.T. is a 501(c)(3) charity providing financial aid for pets in need. Over 95% of donations fund vital medical care, transforming lives of pets and their families.
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, my journey through music began at an early age, perfectly synchronized with the rise of The Beatles. With St. Mary’s Hospital as my starting point, my earliest memory traces back to a swing set, where I declared my aspirations of becoming a singer at the mere age of three.
Growing up in the early 60s on the east side of Tucson near Davis Monthan, I was enthralled by The Beatles' iconic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show during my time at Keen Elementary School. This fascination sparked a memorable lip-sync performance of "All My Loving" in my third-grade classroom, a moment that ignited my passion for music.
Begging my mom for a guitar at the age of eight led to the acquisition of a Sears Silvertone guitar, but self-learning proved challenging. Seeking structured guidance, I enrolled in lessons at Beavers Band Box, yearning to replicate the songs dominating the radio waves.
My musical journey continued through Carson Jr. High, where the melodies of "Happy Together" and "Get Back" provided the soundtrack to my formative years. It wasn't until my high school days at CDO High School, where I joined the band Hemlock as the lead vocalist and second guitarist, that I felt a true sense of purpose in pursuing a career in music.
Working tirelessly as a janitor to afford my dream guitar, a white Fender Stratocaster, I honed my skills and found myself drawn to bands like Wishbone Ash. Joining Cheap Trix provided the platform to showcase my talents, blending Top 40 hits with the melodic rock of my idols.
Balancing my newfound passion for music with academic pursuits at Pima College proved challenging, but ultimately led to a life-altering opportunity. Following a fortuitous audition, I landed a role in the Broadway production of Beatlemania, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey across the United States and even London.
Post-tour, I founded Twist and Shout, a Beatles tribute group, spreading joy through performances across the US and Tucson's most prestigious venues. In 2006, inspired by my experiences, I created "Live and Let Die," a show dedicated to the music of Paul McCartney, a testament to my enduring love for his artistry.
Returning to Tucson's stages, particularly the iconic Fox Theatre, fills me with pride as I continue to share the music that shaped my life with the community that raised me.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tucson Rodeo Parade, a cherished tradition that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Southern Arizona. Known as the largest non-motorized parade in the world, the event draws thousands of spectators and participants, celebrating the region’s Western roots and vibrant community spirit.
The first parade, held in 1925, was a modest affair meant to drum up excitement for the Tucson Rodeo, or “La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.” Over the decades, it has evolved into a grand spectacle featuring horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, folklorico dancers, and colorful floats. Each year, the parade brings together diverse cultures, honoring Arizona’s history while creating new memories for families and visitors alike.
The centennial celebration promises to be extra special, with a lineup of historic wagons, local performers, and appearances by community leaders. As the Tucson Rodeo Parade looks to the future, it remains a proud symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Old West.
Whether you're a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, the 100th Tucson Rodeo Parade is an unforgettable experience, continuing a legacy of tradition and pride.
Louise Thomas, founder of Angel Charity for Children, Inc., has been named the 2024 Tucson Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal. After losing her 9-year-old son Michael to lymphoma in 1979, Louise channeled her grief into creating Angel Charity in 1983. Since then, the all-volunteer organization has raised over $31 million, funding 129 children’s agency projects and improving the lives of over a million children in Pima County, Arizona.
Louise’s leadership also helped retire the Ronald McDonald House mortgage and inspired the creation of PANDA, which has raised $26 million for pediatric cancer research at the University of Arizona. Through decades of dedication, Louise has transformed her tragedy into a legacy of hope for children.
2025 Centennial Parade Route
The 100th annual Tucson Rodeo Parade is set for Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
This year’s parade will follow a new route, starting at South 12th Avenue and Drexel Road. It will travel east on Drexel to Old Nogales Highway, then head north, ending at Irvington Road.
The route change was prompted by Union Pacific Railroad’s decision not to pause train traffic for the three hours previously required, making it necessary to avoid crossing the tracks. The new route remains close to the Rodeo Grounds and provides ample viewing opportunities for spectators.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee extends its gratitude to the City of Tucson and the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association for their support in establishing this updated route for the centennial celebration.
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