You have to wonder what 19th century novelist Mary Shelley would think if she was sitting in the Temple of Music and Art in October when Arizona Opera performs the world premiere of an opera it commissioned based on her famous book.
Gregg Kallor’s “Frankenstein” is Arizona Opera’s third commission as part of its efforts to bring new works to the stage. The company, which stages its performances in its birthplace Tucson and in Phoenix, had its first premiere with Craig Bohmler’s “Riders of the Purple Sage” in 2017 and followed up in 2021 with Clint Borzoni and John de los Santos’s “The Copper Queen Film,” which was originally supposed to be performed live before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the company to pivot and reimagine “The Copper Queen” as a movie.
Arizona Opera isn’t the only one getting in the “Frankenstein” spirit. Arts Express Theatre, Tucson’s leading musical theater youth training program, is mounting the musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ film “Young Frankenstein” Sept 29-0ct. 15 and Arizona Arts Live is bringing the Chicago-based Manual Cinema, which specializes in shadow puppetry and exquisite cinematic effects in its live performances, to Centennial Hall for its take on the Gothic tale four days after Arizona Opera’s premiere.
Bringing new theatrical life to the made-in-the-basement creature isn’t the only thing happening on Tucson stages this fall. We have legends in pop, rock, jazz and world music heading our way and a head-spinning array of classical music, theater events, visual arts, dance and more. Of course, schedules are subject to change so check with the presenter or venue for any changes.
The University of Arizona School of Dance's "Fall for Dance" show is Nov. 8-12 at Stevie Eller Dance Theatre on the UA campus.
Pop, rock
Kurt Travis, Sept. 21, 191 Toole
Speedbuggy & The Earps, Sept. 21, Club Congress
Maui Benefit Show, Sept. 21, Gaslight Music Hall
Daughtry “Bare Bones Tour” with Ayron Jones, Sept. 21, Fox Tucson Theatre
Cannons, Sept. 26, Rialto
Get the Led Out: Led Zeppelin tribute show, Sept. 26, Fox
Calabrese, Sept. 28, 191 Toole
Metal Fest 26, Sept. 29, 191 Toole
Hall of Famers: Roy Orbison and Van Morrison, Sept. 30, Gaslight Music Hall
Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac, Oct. 1, Gaslight Music Hall
Geoff Tate’s Big Rock Show Hits, Oct. 3, Rialto
Progject, Oct. 4, 191 Toole
The Happy Fits, Oct. 6, 191 Toole
The Black Angels and the Dandy Warhols, Oct. 7, 191 Toole
The Pettybreakers, Oct. 8, Gaslight Music Hall
Yächtley Crëw with Ambrosia, Oct. 8, AVA at Casino del Sol
Cheap Trick, Oct. 11, Rialto
The Dirt (from left, Andy Saenz, Michael Charron, Jon Cornely, Abe Saenz and Gage Schmidt) head a trio of tribute bands playing Desert Diamond Casino in October.
The Dirt, Oct. 12, Desert Diamond Casino
Barnaby & The Butcher, Oct. 12, Gaslight Music Hall
The Expendables, Oct. 12, 191 Toole
Grupo Metal Featuring Chris Perez, Oct. 14, MSA Annex
Rockin’ 4 Heroes, Oct. 15, James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Hairball, Oct. 15, Rialto
Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Oct. 17, 191 Toole
Thrice, Oct. 20, Rialto
Ruben & Clay, Oct. 20, Fox
Alice Cooper, Oct. 21, AVA at Casino del Sol
Return to Woodstock, Oct. 22, Gaslight Music Hall
Steve Miller Band, Oct. 25, Tucson Arena
KennyHoopla, Oct. 25, 191 Toole
The Hu, Oct. 25, Rialto
Mustard Service, Oct. 27, 191 Toole
Young Dubliners, Oct. 28, 191 Toole
Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffett Tribute, Oct. 28, Gaslight Music Hall
Austin’s Band of Heathens with the Watson Twins, Oct. 28, Congress Plaza
Say She She, Oct. 31, 191 Toole
Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Nov. 1, Rialto
Travelin’ Man: Salute to Ricky Nelson & teen idols, Nov. 2, Gaslight Music Hall
Mssv, Nov. 3, 191 Toole
Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown, Nov. 4, Fox
Take it Easy: A Salute to the Eagles, Nov. 4, Gaslight Music Hall
Blue October, Nov. 5, Rialto
Plini, Nov. 5, 191 Toole
Piano Men: Generations by Terry and Nick Davies, Nov. 5, Gaslight Music Hall
The Black Jacket Symphony, Nov. 6, Rialto
Liz Phair, Nov. 8, Rialto
Wishbone Ash, Nov. 8, 191 Toole
Singer-songwriters of the 1970s, Nov. 9, Community Performance and Art Center
“Candle in the Wind,” a tribute to Elton John, Nov. 10, Community Performance and Art Center
War, Nov. 10, Desert Diamond Casino
Mudhoney, Nov. 11, Club Congress
Wheeler Walker Jr., Nov. 11, Rialto
The Walters, Nov. 13, 191 Toole
Tennis: Pollen 2023 Tour, Nov. 14, Rialto
FLG’s Santana Tribute, Nov. 15, Gaslight Music Hall
A Giant Dog, Nov. 16, 191 Toole
A Cool Evening: Bing Crosby and Judy Garland Tribute, Nov. 16, Gaslight Music Hall
Iration, Nov. 17, Rialto
Light My Fire: A Tribute to the Doors, Nov. 17, Community Performance and Art Center
Sabrina Sia’s “The Olivia Show: A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John,” Nov. 19, Community Performance and Art Center
Bye Bye Love: Everly Brothers Tribute, Nov. 18, Gaslight Music Hall
Electronic violinist, dancer and artist Lindsey Stirling is bringing her “Snow Waltz Tour” to Tucson.
Lindsey Stirling’s “Snow Waltz Tour,” Nov. 22, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Saving Abel, Nov. 22, 191 Toole
Jingle Bell Rockin’ Revue, Nov. 24-Dec. 24, Gaslight Music Hall
Real Friends and Knuckle Puck, Nov. 27, Rialto
Snakeskin Rodeo, Nov. 28, Gaslight Music Hall
Southall, Nov. 30, 191 Toole
Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience, Nov. 30, Community Performance and Art Center
Calendar Girl: The Sedaka Legacy, Dec. 1, Community Performance and Art Center
The Gang’s All Here Tour with Skid Row and Buckcherry, Dec. 2, Rialto
Enjambre, Dec. 5, 191 Toole
The Musical Box, Dec. 5, Rialto
Scene Queen, Dec. 8, 191 Toole
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Dec. 9, Rialto
Thelma and the Sleaze, Dec. 9, 191 Toole
MC6 a capella, Dec. 13, Community Performance and Art Center
Rick Springfield, Dec. 14, Rialto
“In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular,” Dec. 15, Community Performance and Art Center
Classic rock band Blue Öyster Cult comes to the Rialto on Dec. 28.
Blue Öyster Cult, Dec. 28, Rialto
Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic
Jessy Lanza, Sept. 24, 191 Toole
Bahamas: The Bootcut Tour, Sept. 27, 191 Toole
YG (pictured), Tyga and Saweetie's "STR8 to the Klub Tour," is making a stop in Tucson.
YG, Tyga and Saweetie “STR8 to the Klub Tour,” Sept. 28, Tucson Arena
Mike Dimes and Dro Kenji, Oct. 15, 191 Toole
St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Nov. 6, Fox
Durand Jones, Nov. 18, 191 Toole
The Nashville Southern rock-country band Steel Woods is coming to 191 Toole on Friday, Sept. 22.
Country, folk
The Steel Woods, Sept. 22, 191 Toole
John Coinman Band, Sept. 23, Hotel Congress Plaza
John Coinman and his band will be at Hotel Congress Sept. 23.
AJJ, Oct. 1, 191 Toole
The Tallest Man on Earth, Oct. 1, Rialto
Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Oct. 4, Rialto
Trailer Park Millionaires, Oct. 5, Gaslight Music Hall
Flatland Cavalry, Oct. 12, Rialto
Iconic Western band Sons of the Pioneers, Oct. 13-14, Community Performance and Art Center
Country band Parmalee will hit the stage at Desert Diamond Casino.
Parmalee, Oct. 14, Desert Diamond Casino
Quebe Sisters “Farewell for Now Tour,” Oct. 14, Congress Plaza
Arizona Highwaymen, Oct. 21, Gaslight Music Hall
Amigo the Devil, Oct. 27, Rialto
Vance Gilbert, Oct. 29, Fox
Your Cheatin’ Heart: Alex Mack, Oct. 29, Gaslight Music Hall
John Craigie, Nov. 4, 191 Toole
R.J. Vandygriff, Nov. 6, Community Performance and Art Center
Noah Gundersen, Nov. 7, 191 Toole
Drive By Truckers, Nov. 9, Congress Plaza
Rodney Crowell “The Chicago Sessions Tour,” Nov. 10, Rialto
The Steel Wheels, Nov. 14, Congress Plaza
Radney Foster
“An Evening With Radney Foster,” Nov. 17, 191 Toole
Drake White and William Clark Green, Nov. 18, Rialto
All American Girls: A Celebration of Women of Country, Nov. 19, Gaslight Music Hall
Down on the Corner: The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Nov. 25, Gaslight Music Hall
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, Nov. 29, Gaslight Music Hall
Country singer Gary Allan returns to Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Center on Dec. 9.
Gary Allan, Dec. 9, Desert Diamond Casino
The Tucson Opry: 2023 Holiday Edition, Dec. 9, Congress Plaza
Robbie Fulks headlines the 2023 Tucson Opry Holiday Edition at Hotel Congress Dec. 9.
Amber Norgaard Band holiday concert, Dec. 11, Community Performance and Art Center
MacDougal Street West’s “A Peter Paul and Mary Christmas,” Dec. 16, Gaslight Music Hall; and Dec. 18, Community Performance and Art Center
Jazz, blues
Green Valley Summer Big Band, Sept. 21-22, Community Performance and Art Center, Green Valley
Scott Black & Hard Bop Revisited, Sept. 22, Century Room
“Jazz in the Gardens” with Tucson vocalists Ada Redd Austin, Erika Venus Vox, Arlette Willis, Angel Diamond and Frances Pace Bowman, Sept. 24, La Mariposa Resort, 1501 N. Houghton Road
Taylor Eigsti Quartet, Sept. 24, Century Room
Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sept. 25, 191 Toole
Sullivan Fortner Trio, Sept. 26, Century Room
Aaron Goldberg, Reuben Rogers and Eric Harland, Sept. 29, Century Room
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers are at Hotel Congress Oct. 6
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, Oct. 6, Congress Plaza
The Roxy Coss Quartet will be at the Century Room on Oct. 6 as part of the signature concert series.
Roxy Coss Quartet, Oct. 6, Century Room
Louisiana dance band Bayou Brothers, Oct. 6, Community Performance and Art Center
Ashley Kahn and Brice Winston, Oct. 7, Century Room
University of Arizona Studio Jazz Ensemble, Oct. 8, Crowder Hall
Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet, Oct. 10, Century Room
Catch Ben Wendel at the Century Room on Oct. 13.
Ben Wendel Quartet, Oct. 13, Century Room
When You Wish Upon a Star: A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney, Oct. 14, Fox
Miki Yamanaka Trio, Oct. 14, Century Room
Kings of Pleasure, Oct. 15, Gaslight Music Hall
Francis Beuman and her band performing the music of Billie Holiday, Oct. 18, Community Performance and Art Center
An Evening with Chris Botti, Oct. 19, Fox
The Fever is Back: Peggy Lee Tribute, Oct. 19, Gaslight Music Hall
Mike Gellar Quintet: The Music of Tadd Dameron, Oct. 20, Century Room
Kristina Koller: The Music of Cole Porter with a Twist, Oct. 21, Community Performance and Art Center
Palomino Nights concert series is back at Plaza Palomino.
Mr. Boogie Woogie and the Weed Whackers, Oct. 21, Plaza Palomino
Pat Metheny, Oct. 24, Fox
The Anthony Fung Quartet, Oct. 26, Century Room
Michael Ragonese Trio, Oct. 27, Century Room
Dwarfs of East Agouza, Oct. 28, Century Room
Susan Artemis: I Put A Spell On You, Oct. 31, Century Room
Space Travelers Union, Nov. 3, Century Room
Kyle Nasser and Simona Premazzi Quartet, Nov. 4, Century Room
Dave Stryker Quintet, Nov. 5, Century Room
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Nov. 7, Rialto
Arizona Arts Live Presents Jenny and the Mexicats, Nov. 8, Congress Plaza
Clark Gibson Direction Quartet, Nov. 10, Century Room
War, the original Afro Cuban jazz rock blues band, is set to return to the Diamond Center on Nov. 10.
War, Nov. 10, Desert Diamond
Armen Dirtadian and The Manhattan Dolls: “Salute to America,” Nov. 11, Community Performance and Art Center
Bluegrass Jamboree, Nov. 14, Gaslight Music Hall
Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy, violinist Lex Browning, guitarists Ed Delucia and Alvin Blaine, bass player Mike Levy and drummer Fred Hayes in “More Violin!,” Nov. 15, Community Performance and Art Center
Angelo Versace, Nov. 17, Century Room
The Coolers, Nov. 18, Plaza Palomino
Connie Brannock’s Little House of Funk, Nov. 29, Community Performance and Art Center
UA Big Band Jazz, Nov. 30, Crowder Hall
Ted Rosenthal, Dec. 1, Century Room
The Four Freshmen, Dec. 2, Community Performance and Art Center
Blue Yule, Christmas Blues and Soul: Bad News Blues, Dec. 5 and 17, Gaslight Music Hall
The Heavy Hitters, Dec. 7, Century Room
Kings Return, Dec. 8, Fox
Skip Heller’s Hollywood Noirchestra, Dec. 8, Century Room
Skip Heller with Naim Amor & The Cocktail Hours, Dec. 9, Century Room
“A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” Dec. 13, Fox
Upbeat & Sweet with a Holiday Treat by Joe Bourne, Dec. 14, Community Performance and Art Center; and Dec. 23, Gaslight Music Hall
Dmitri Matheny and Holy Pyle, Dec. 15, Century Room
Canadian Brass “Making Spirits Bright,” Dec. 16, Fox
Sam Trapchak and Q Morrow, Dec. 16, Century Room
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes, Dec. 17, Fox
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Music of Vince Gauraldi, Dec. 22, Century Room
Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Holiday Caravan Tour 2023, Dec. 23, Fox
Pete Swan Big Band: Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Dec. 23, Gaslight Music Hall
Latin, World
Los Palominos, Sept. 16, AVA at Casino del Sol
Banda MS, Sept. 29, AVA at Casino del Sol
Las Azaleas, Sept. 29, Community Performance and Art Center
Apashe, Oct. 10, Rialto
Arizona Arts Live presents Nano Stern Sings Victor Jara, Oct. 12, Centennial Hall
Music, dance, theater and folklore combine in this new production of "Hasta La Muerte" from Las Cafeteras, celebrating life and death.
Arizona Arts Live presents “Las Cafeteras: Hasta La Muerte,” Oct. 21, Kennedy Park, 3700 S. Mission Road
Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, Oct. 25, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Julieta Venegas, Oct. 26, Rialto
Bronco and Los Invasores De Nuevo Leo, Nov. 4, AVA at Casino del Sol
Silvana Estrada, Nov. 8, Club Congress
As We Speak: Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer with Rakesh Chaurasia, Nov. 11, Fox
An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro, Nov. 26, Fox
Tommy Emmanuel with Jerry Douglas, Dec. 6, Fox
An Irish Christmas, Dec. 10, Rialto
Arizona Balalaika Orchestra with Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble, Dec. 10, Community Performance and Art Center
Merry-Achi Christmas, Dec. 15, Fox
Comedy, Spoken Word
Hannah Berner, Sept. 21, Rialto
Matteo Lane, Sept. 22, Rialto
Carlos Ballarta, Sept. 30, Rialto
Trey Kennedy, Oct. 5, Rialto
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, Oct. 6, Fox
Colin Quinn, Oct. 6, Rialto
“Monólogos de la Vagina” (Vagina Monologues), Oct. 7, Fox
Ryan Hamilton, Oct. 7, Rialto
Craig Ferguson, Oct. 8, Fox
“Randy Rainbow For President,” Oct. 13, Fox
Teo Gonzalez, Oct. 14, Rialto
Ronny Chieng
Ronny Chieng, Oct. 21, Desert Diamond Casino
Roy Wood Jr., Oct. 22, Fox
Paula Poundstone, Oct. 28, Fox
David Cross: Worst Daddy in the World Tour, Oct. 28, Rialto
Chelcie Lynn, Nov. 2, Rialto
Jo Koy’s World Tour is coming to the Tucson Arena on Nov. 2.
Jo Koy World Tour, Nov. 2, Tucson Arena
“An Evening with Amy Sedaris,” Nov. 2, Fox
“Tied Up in Knotts,” Nov. 8, Community Performance and Art Center
James “Murr” Murray, Nov. 18, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Nimesh Patel “Fast & Lose Tour,” Dec. 1, Fox
The Clairvoyants, Dec. 23, Desert Diamond Sahuarita
Edwards Twins’ The Ultimate Variety Show, Dec. 28-31, Gaslight Music Hall
Contemporary Christian
Casting Crowns “20th Anniversary Tour: A Live Symphony Experience,” Oct. 29, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Classical and Choral Music
Arizona Early Music
The group hosts world-renowned ensembles that focus on medieval, renaissance and baroque music. Concerts are held at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. azearlymusic.org, 520-314-1874
Organist Guy Whatley, “Melodious Byrd: 400 Years of William Byrd,” Sept. 24, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3738 N. Old Sabino Canyon Road
Lea Desandre & Thomas Dunford, “Lettera Amorosa duo,” “Songs of Love from 17th Century Italy,” Nov. 12, Grace St. Paul’s
“The Transatlantic Salon” with the Ximenez Quartet, Dec. 16, Community Performance and Art Center; and Dec. 17, Grace St. Paul’s
Arizona Friends of Chamber Music
The Isidore Quartet is taking the stage in Tucson on Dec. 6.
For more than 75 years, Arizona Friends of Chamber Music has hosted chamber concerts from renowned and little-known musicians, as well as putting on its annual Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival. Concerts are held at Leo Rich Theater; arizonachambermusic.org, 520-577-3769
Accordo, Sept. 24
Jerusalem Quartet, Oct. 11
Alexander Malofeev, Oct. 22
Michael Stephen Brown performs in the Spanish Courtyard at Caramoor in Katonah New York on July 12, 2018. He’ll be in Tucson this November.
Michael Stephen Brown, Nov. 8
Isidore Quartet, Dec. 6
Arizona Opera
The professional company mounts performances at Temple of Music and Arts and Linda Rondstadt Music Hall. azopera.org, 520-293-4336
“Frankenstein,” Oct. 21-22, Temple
Arizona Repertory Singers
The choir celebrates its 40th year; arsingers.org
"What Sweeter Music: 40 Years with ARS," Dec. 9, Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 S. Houghton Road; Dec. 10, Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road; and Dec. 17, St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 W. Tangerine Road
Arizona Symphonic Winds
The community ensemble under the direction of László Veres performs free “Music in the Park” concerts at Udall Park’s László Veres Amphitheater. Admission is free. facebook.com/ArizonaSymphonicWinds
“Stars from the Winds,” Sept. 23
“Stars of the Future,” Sept. 30
Arizona Women’s Chorus
Arizona Women’s Chorus will perform not so traditional songs of the winter season.
“Holiday Surprises” winter concert, Dec. 9, Catalina Foothills High School auditorium
Catalinas Community Chorus
The mixed-voice choir is now in its 18th season; catalinascommunitychorus.org, 520-303-6474
“Salute to Veterans,” Nov. 12, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. First Ave., Oro Valley
Civic Orchestra of Tucson
The community ensemble under the baton of Music Director Keun Oh performs free concerts; cotmusic.org, 520-730-3371
Symphonic Potpourri, Oct. 21, Sahuarita District Auditorium, 350 W. Sahuarita Road; Oct. 22, Catalina Foothills High School; Nov. 19, Riverfront Park in Oro Valley
“Between Heaven and Earth,” Dec. 3, El Conquistador Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road
Music Outreach Initiative
Campbell Stewart
Marimba soloist Campbell Stewart is playing the first concert in the Rising Stars series, Nov. 6, St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church
Pima Community College
Performances are at the West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. pima.edu/centerforthearts, 520-206-4500
Fall and Spring Music Showcase, featuring the Chorale and College Singers, Oct. 22
Faculty recital from guitarist Michael Lich, Oct. 26
Piano Day, Nov. 18
Jazz Ensemble, Dec. 6
Concert Band, Dec. 7
Percussion Ensemble, Dec. 8
Mariachi Ensemble, Dec. 8
Orchestra, Dec. 9
Guitar Ensemble, Dec. 9
Chorale & College Singers, Dec. 10
Sonora Winds
Sonora Winds is a community wind ensemble under the direction of Karin Nolan and Clifton Weston.
This community wind ensemble will perform two concerts for the fall season at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. sonorawinds.org
“Welcome Back Concert” featuring percussionist Marcus Hawkins on “Xylophonia” and a premiere of “Arizona Bridges,” a suite for wind ensemble by local composer Bob Atwell, Oct. 4
“A Sonoran Holiday,” Dec. 13
Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra performs at SaddleBrooke’s DesertView Performing Arts Center and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. sasomusic.org, 520-308-6226
“Gershwin, Boyer, and Rosauro” with guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel and Dorothy Vanek Youth Concerto winner Campbell Stewart, Oct. 7-8
“Lalo, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky,” with guest vocalists Renata Vari, Diana Peralta and Alonso Sicairos, Nov. 11-12
True Concord Voices & Orchestra
The Grammy-nominated professional choir and chamber orchestra celebrates its 20th season. It performs at venues throughout Tucson. trueconcord.org, 520-401-2651
“Songs of America,” Oct.13-15
“This is How You Love,” Nov. 17-19
“Lessons & Carols By Candlelight,” Dec. 7-10
“Holiday Special,” Dec. 13
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
The boys chorus has been an institution in Tucson for more than 80 years. boyschorus.org, 520-296-6277
Holiday concert, Dec. 16, Crowder Hall; and Dec. 20, Gaslight Music Hall
Tucson Barbershop eXperience
Tucson Barbershop eXperience men’s chorus, Southwest Vocal Alliance Mixed Chorus; and quartets Desert Transplants, Hometown Heroes, All in Achord and SparX, Nov. 11, St. Francis in the Foothills UMC.
Arno Dittrich leads the volunteer Tucson Concert Band.
Tucson Pops’ principal harpist Rebecca Foreman will put on a “Celebrating the Seasons” concert Dec. 11, Murphy-Wilmot Library.
Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Music Director Josè Luis Gomez is now in his eighth season with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
Music Director Josè Luis Gomez is now in his eighth season with the orchestra. Performances are at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall or Catalina Foothills Auditorium. tucsonsymphony.org or 520-882-8585
“Mussorgsky’s Pictures at An Exhibition” with guest pianist Zee Zee, Sept. 22 and 24
“Ravel, Harp and the Sounds of France,” Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Tucson Symphony Center
Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” Oct. 7-8
“Raiders of the Lost Ark In Concert” cineconcert, Oct. 14-15
“Pines and Fountains of Rome” with guest cellist Johannes Moser, Oct. 20 and 22
“Strings without Borders,” Oct. 28-29, Symphony Center
“Mainly Mozart” featuring TSO artists in residence violinist Ilmar Gavilán and violist Jaime Amador, Nov. 4-5
Ravel and Dvořák, with pianist David Fung, Nov. 10 and 12
“Scottish Fantasy,” with violinist Stefan Jackiw, Dec. 1 and 3
“Holiday Magic With Cirque De La Symphonie,” Dec. 9-10
“Messiah and Baroque Favorites,” with guest conductor Katharina Wincor, the TSO Chorus and soloists, Dec. 16-17
Ballet Tucson’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 21-23
University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music
Performances are at Holsclaw and Crowder Halls at the music school, 1017 N. Olive Road; music.arizona.edu or 520-621-3341
UA Fall String Celebration with the Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Sept. 23, Crowder
UA Wind Ensemble, Oct. 4, Crowder
Recital Choir: Keenan Dolan, Oct. 9, Holsclaw
Music + Festival, Oct. 13-15, Fred Fox School of Music
UA Philharmonic Orchestra, Oct. 13, Crowder
UA Wind Symphony, Oct. 19, Crowder
UA Band Day, Oct. 21, Arizona Stadium
UA High School Honor Choir Festival Concert, Oct. 21, Crowder
“Home” featuring UA Symphonic Choir, guitarist José Luis Puerta and special guests from Tucson’s “Housing First” program, Oct. 22, First United Methodist Church, 915 E. Fourth St.
Wind/Percussion recital, Oct. 27, Holsclaw
Musical Murals: An Interactive Walking Tour of Downtown Tucson, Oct. 30
“Sounds of the Earth and Sky” with the University Community Chorus and University Singers, Nov. 4, Crowder
Opera Theatre’s “Dido and Aeneas,” Nov. 16-19, Crowder
UA Treble Glee with Tucson High Magnet School Allessto and members of the Troubadours, Nov. 18, Holsclaw
Collegium Musicum and Arizona Baroque, Nov. 20, St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church
Opera Scenes, Nov. 20, Crowder
Mariachi Arizona, Nov. 29, Crowder
UA Philharmonic Orchestra, Dec. 1, Crowder
Tucson Cello Congress, Dec. 2, Holsclaw
UA Wind Ensemble, Dec. 2, Crowder
Holiday Card to Tucson, Dec. 3, St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
Fred Fox Graduate Brass Quintet and Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet, Dec. 3, Holsclaw
UA Wind Symphony and UA Symphonic Band, Dec. 5, Crowder
String Project Community student concert, Dec. 9, Holsclaw
Tucson New Horizons Band, Dec. 9, Crowder
Other classical concerts this fall:
Bálint Karosi
Pianist CJ Madsen “Music in the Moment,” Sept. 25, Community Performance Arts Center
Green Valley Concert Band, Oct. 19-20
Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Guild — Annual Showcase Organ Concert, featuring Janet Tolman, Carolyn Smith, Lynn Moser, Chris Fresolone and the duo Yvonne and Bill Kuhlman, Nov. 12, Christ Church United Methodist; saago.org/events
St. Alban’s Concerts — Organist Bálint Karosi, Dec. 1, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3738 Old Sabino Canyon Road; stalbansaz.org
Theater Arizona Arts Live
An “international symbol of human rights” Amal will travel across the United States, with a stop in Tucson, to learn firsthand about a country that has long been a refuge for those seeking safety and opportunity.
The University of Arizona arts presenter dabbles in everything from classical and pop music to theater and performance art. Performances are at Centennial Hall unless noted. arizonaartslive.com, 520-621-3341
“Manual Cinema: Frankenstein,” featuring shadow puppetry, sound effect, live music and live video, Oct. 26
Arizona Arts Live and community partners: “Amal Walks Across America,” Oct. 28, Tumamoc Hill
Arizona Repertory Theatre
The University of Arizona theater presents professional-quality performances by students at the Tornabene Theatre on campus. Get tickets through theatre.arizona.edu; 520-621-3341
“The Laramie Project” 25th anniversary presentation, featuring members of the Tectonic Theater Project who conceived the powerful play, Oct. 12-22; preview Oct. 7
“The Thanksgiving Play,” Oct. 11-22; preview Oct. 8
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” Nov. 16-Dec. 3; previews Nov. 12 and 15
Arizona Theatre Company
Performances are at the Temple of Music and Art downtown; atc.org, 833-282-7328
Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” Sept. 23-Oct. 13
Leslie Bricusse’s “Scrooge: The Musical,” Nov. 7-Dec. 2
Arts Express
The arts education program is a leader in musical theater, with performances Thursdays through Sundays at its Park Place mall venue. arts-express.org, 520-319-0400
“Young Frankenstein,” Sept. 29-Oct. 15
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Nov. 3-19
“Mary Poppins,” Dec. 8-23
Broadway In Tucson
Performances of Broadway touring shows are at Centennial Hall on the UA campus. broadwayintucson.com, 520-903-2929
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” Oct. 3-8
“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” Nov. 28-Dec. 3
Community Performance and Art Center
Santa Cruz Shoestring Players present “On Golden Pond,” Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 2-5
Fox Tucson Theatre
“Tomás and the Library Lady,” Oct. 2
“Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” Oct. 26
“Into the Spider-Verse World Tour: Live in Concert,” Nov. 5
Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro, Nov. 8
“The Midtown Men Holiday,” Dec. 9
Gaslight Music Hall
“Nunsense,” Sept. 24
“The 39 Steps”, Nov. 9-12, presented by Oro Valley Theatre Company
“Plaid Tidings: A Forever Plaid Holiday Extravaganza,” Dec. 2, presented by Southern Arizona Performing Arts Company
A Down Home Christmas: Presidio Boys, Dec. 9
“A Very Vintage Christmas,” Dec. 12; and Dec. 20, Community Performance and Art Center
Gaslight Theatre
Jacob Brown sings a song as Henry Porter, during a performance of “Henry Porter and the Sorcerer’s Secret” at the Gaslight Theatre on Sept. 3.
Family friendly performances of original melodrama comedies include matinee shows. thegaslighttheatre.com, 520-886-9428
“Henry Porter and the Sorcerer’s Secret,” through Nov. 5
“A Smalltown Christmas,” Nov. 9-Jan. 7, 2024
Invisible Theatre
The company celebrates its 52nd year presenting local playwrights alongside classic and Broadway and Off-Broadway shows at its venue. invisibletheatre.com, 520-882-9721
Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise,” Oct. 24-Nov. 5
Live Theatre Workshop
The company mounts a children’s theater program in addition to its mainstage performances. livetheatreworkshop.org, 520-327-4242
From left, Michael Woodson, Jake Montgomery and Avis Judd in “Hir.”
Taylor Mac’s “HIR,” through Sept. 24
“The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus,” Oct. 28-Nov. 12
Pima Community College
Performances are at the West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. pima.edu/centerforthearts, 520-206-4500
“The Candy Craze: A Sticky Situation,” Oct. 5-15
“Richard Ⅲ,” Nov. 9-19
Musical Theater Workshop, Dec. 12
Teatro Dignidad
Cast members Alicia Damian, left, Lisitte Mora, Jose Rodriquez and Alba Jaramillo perform a scene as a bolt of lightning lights up a monsoon storm cloud to the southwest during a rehearsal of “El Tiradito” at El Tiradito shrine.
Teatro Dignidad and Coalición de Derechos Humanos presents Elaine Romero’s “El Tiradito,” an immersive play in which myth, border crossings and activism converge, through Sept. 24 at El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 S. Main Ave.
The Rogue Theatre
The theater’s 19th season is “All’s Fair in Love & War,” with performances at its theater. theroguetheatre.org, 520-551-2053
“Heartbreak House” on stage now at The Rogue Theatre was written in 1916. From left, Chelsea Bowdren, Joseph McGrath and Ryan Parker Knox.
“Heartbreak House,” through Sept. 24
“The Left Hand of Darkness,” Nov. 2-19
Red Herring Puppets
Puppet expert Lisa Sturz and her crew perform original puppet plays at the Tucson Mall theater. redherringpuppets.com
“Hansel & Gretel,” Oct. 14, The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre
“Aesop’s Fables,” Nov. 18, The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre
The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre
The award-winning professional company is in its seventh season. scoundrelandscamp.org, 520-448-3300
“The WoBo Show,” Oct. 7 and Nov. 4
“The War of the Worlds: A Radio Play,” Oct. 13-14
“A Wrinkle in Time,” Oct. 26-Nov. 12
Reading of the fourth annual “Plays in Transition” winner, Nov. 11
Saguaro City Music Theatre
The 18-month-old nonprofit theater company based in Vail offers tuition-free theater classes for kids and teens and produces professional musicals that are presented at the Berger Center for the Performing Arts; saguarocity.org, 520-809-5729
“Little Shop of Horrors,” Oct. 13-29
“Matilda,” Dec. 22-Jan. 7, 2024
Film
Arizona Underground Film Festival, through Sept. 23, The Screening Room
Horror Film Fest 2023, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Galaxy Theatres Tucson, 100 S. Houghton Road
No Man’s Land Film Festival, Oct. 13, MSA Annex
Tucson Film Festival (formerly Tucson Film & Music Festival), Nov. 3-5, spotlighting films connected to Tucson and Arizona. Screenings are at The Screening Room
Loft Film Festival, Oct. 11-19, at The Loft, 3233 E. Speedway
Film Fest Tucson, Oct 12-14, focuses on short and feature-length narrative and documentary films. Tucson Terrorfest Horror-Con and Film Festival celebrates all things horror with the film festival The Screening Room and the Horror-Con at 191 Toole.
Dance
Jazz in AZ from the University of Arizona School of Dance, Oct. 3-6, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Disney on Ice “Frozen & Encanto,” Oct. 12-15, Tucson Arena
Arizona Arts Live presents Parsons Dance, Nov. 5, Centennial Hall
Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels” is part of the program for the UA School of Dance’s “Fall for Dance” showcase Nov. 8-12 and 15-19 at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre on campus.
UA School of Dance “Fall for Dance” showcase, Nov. 8-12, 15-19, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Ballet Tucson Fall Concert, Nov. 17-19, Leo Rich Theater
The UA’s student spotlight dance show “Flow” takes place Nov. 29-Dec. 2.
“Flow,” UA student spotlight, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Pima Community College’s dance fall showcase will be held Dec. 1-2.
Pima Dance fall showcase, Dec. 1-2, Pima West Center for the Arts
World Ballet series: “Nutcracker,” Dec. 4-5, Fox
“Nutcracker” with Ballet Tucson and Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 21-23, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Visual Arts
“Images and Conversations” features the captivating black-and-white photography of Louis Carlos Bernal and insightful text by Patricia Preciado Martin. This exhibition showcases the stories and memories of Mexican-Americans who grew up in Tucson and Southern Arizona, honoring their cultural heritage and experiences.
Sculpture Tucson presents “José Sacal: A Universal Mexican,” Sept. 23-December, Post House in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3420 E. River Road
“Buzzard Creek Ghost Town,” Sept. 26-Nov. 5, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Arizona Arts Live presents “Los Trompos,” Sept. 30-Nov. 5, University of Arizona Mall
Cecilia Vicuña’s “Sonoran Quipu,” through Oct. 1, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
“A Brief Timeline of Tucson,” early October, Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum
“Art of the Southwest,” October-ongoing, Tucson Museum of Art
“Arizona Biennial 2023,” through Oct. 1, Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main St.
“Diane West & Ray Del Muro Show,” through Oct. 2, Madaras Gallery
“Images and Conversations: Louis Carlos Bernal, Author & Historian Patricia Preciado Martin,” through Oct. 6, Pima College’s Bernal Gallery, 2202 W. Anklam Road on the PCC West campus
“Reflections” by Tucson artist Nancy Bautzmann will be on display at Artists and Makers Studios Oro Valley in October.
Nancy Bautzmann’s “Oil and Water Don’t Mix,” Oct. 7-28, Artists and Makers Studios Oro Valley
“Three Ceramic Artists: Andy Iventosch, Joni Pevarnik and Russell Kahn,” through Oct. 13, Pima West
“Amore,” Oct. 14-Nov. 7, Madaras Gallery
“Boundless,” Oct. 14- Jan. 20, 2024, Philabaum Glass Gallery
“Pulse: Weavings and Paintings” by Katoney, Oct. 14-March 23, 2024, University of Arizona Museum of Art
“CUMBI: Textiles, Society, and Memory in Andean South America,” Oct. 14-Feb. 25, 2024, Tucson Museum of Art
“Exquisite Miniatures” by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist, Oct. 17-Jan. 21, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Annie Griffiths’ “Through the Lens: Creating a Ripple,” Oct. 18, Fox
Keioui Keijaun Thomas’ “Magma & Pearls,” Oct. 20-February 2024, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
“Fiber Arts Tucson,” sponsored by Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild, Oct. 20-21, St. Francis in the Foothills
“José Luis Cuevas: Unpardonable Sin,” through Oct. 22, Tucson Museum of Art
The Rodriguez family ofrenda from the 2022 Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda exhibit at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum.
“Dia de los Muertos Ofrendas,” Oct. 25-Nov. 5, Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum
Rachel Ivanyi’s “Desert Fables: Illustrations from The Neotenic Queen,” through Oct. 29, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
“Color,” through Oct. 29, WomanKraft Art Center, 388 S. Stone Ave.
“Women in Nature: Maya Goded, Bremner Benedict, Alejandra Platt-Torres,” Oct. 30-Dec. 8, Bernal Gallery
“Weaving Has a Heartbeat,” through Nov. 4, Arizona State Museum
“New Work” by Shavana Smiley, Nov. 4-25, Artists and Makers Studios Oro Valley
“17th Century Ship Captain’s Quarters” by Ara Bentley, Nov. 6 through a yet-to-be determined date, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Charlie Gaskill’s sunrise photo is part of the “It’s a Wide World” exhibition at Desert Artisans’ Gallery.
“It’s a Wide World,” Nov. 10-Feb. 3, Desert Artisans’ Gallery, 6536 E. Tanque Verde Road
“Aliento a Tequila (The Spirit of Tequila),” through Nov. 14, Arizona State Museum, 1013 E. University Blvd.
“Holidays Around the World and Through Time,” Nov. 21-Jan. 7, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
“Alice Leora Briggs and Kitty Brophy: El Sueño de Razón (The Sleep of Reason),” featuring Kitty Brophy, Sketchbook Drawings “In the Cases” through Nov. 25, Etherton Gallery, 340 S. Convent Ave.
Jay Jacobs’ “Paintings,” Dec. 2-30, Artists and Makers Studios Oro Valley
“Subrosa” is the first solo museum exhibition by Na Mira.
Na Mira’s “Subrosa,” through Dec. 17, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
Raven Chacon’s “While Hissing,” through Dec. 17, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
A collaborative project of Karl “KRRRL” Whitaker’s “The Desert Triangle Print Carpeta” features 30 artists living and working in Tucson, Albuquerque and El Paso. Federico Villalba’s Bici Rider #1 of Saipan is pictured.
Karl “KRRRL” Whitaker’s “The Desert Triangle Print Carpeta,” through Dec. 21, UA Museum of Arts
“La Calavera Catrina,” through Dec. 31, Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
“DeGrazia in Black and White,” through Jan. 24, 2024, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, 6300 N. Swan Road
“DeGrazia’s Beggars,” through Jan. 24, 2024, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
Jason Stone’s Vietnam black and white photography, through Jan. 26, 2024, Pima College Desert Vista art gallery
Steve Farley’s “Dowdytown” is on display at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
Steve Farley’s “Dowdytown,” through Jan. 28, 2024, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
“The Little Things” featuring Carolyn Robles and Deborah Sliker, through Feb. 4, 2024, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
“Ancient—Modern: Continuity and Innovation in Southwest Native Jewelry,” through Feb. 10, 2024, Arizona State Museum
“Enduring Legacies: The James T. Bialac Indigenous Art Collection,” through Feb. 25, 2024, Tucson Museum of Art
“W. Eugene Smith: A Life in Pictures,” through March 2, 2024, Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road
Out of town
Sierra Vista Symphony, under the baton of Tucson conductor Toru Tagawa, performs three concerts a season at the Klein Center for the Performing Arts at Buena High School, 5225 E. Buena School Blvd. in Sierra Vista; sierravistasymphony.org, 520-458-5189
“Rhapsody” with pianist Fanya Lin performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, Oct. 21
