If you’re not yet familiar with Waila music, here’s your chance to get acquainted.
The social dance music adopted by the Tohono O’odham from the Spanish is the focus of the fifth annual Waila Celebration at Desert Diamond Casino’s Sahuarita plaza Saturday, May 18.
Contemporary Waila bands typically feature an accordion, alto saxophone, electric six-string, bass guitar and drums, according to a news release.
The lineup for this year’s event, from 4 to 10 p.m., includes T.O. Mumsigo, T.O. Legacy, Pickup Up Kings/Kwaliya, and Gertie & the T.O. Boyz.
You’ll also find food and arts and crafts vendors.
“We’re honored to celebrate the rich history of Waila music with the Southern Arizona community,” said Treena Parvello, director of government and public relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise.
The event, at 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, is free to attend and open to all ages.
For more information, visit ddcaz.com/events/waila-celebration.
In 1700, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino put down the foundations for a church at the village of Bac, on the Santa Cruz River near modern Tucson, to be named after his patron saint, St. Francis Xavier.
