Shot taken at Brick Box Brewery Tucson, 9/24/26.
August Minotaur deliver actual poetics through a blend of Glitter and Bedroom Psych. Very astute use of full band through PA mix, as it allows the vocals of lead singer Theo to come through without being pushed out.
Shots taken at Casino del Sol Tucson 9/19/26.
Below: Tower of Power, the legendary Soul/Funk band from Oakland. Probably one of the best horn sections to have ever been assembled. Their harmonic richness was served well by a fantastic sound mix. Tight rhythm section action and a tremendously charismatic lead singer. A show band with sixty eight years of playing and they're still kicking ass!
Above: War has rhythms and routines that are a bit deeper into the pocket. Their amalgam of Soul, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and Psychedelic Rock stands up to the test of time. The drummers lay it down with such torque! The rest of the group shines as they cruise along on tap of all that. Clearly a popular favorite, people were singing along to EVERY song.
It was really interesting to compare the sounds and approaches of an East Los Angeles band and an East San Francisco Bay band. Either way, your soul's gonna be moved.
All shots taken at Hotel Congress Tucson, 9/18/26.
Below: Zöld. Slow bluesy rollin'!
Above: The Obsessed fixin' to put the hammer down. Absolute authenticity.
Shots taken at Holsclow Hall, University of Arizona Tucson 9/12/26. Composer John Muniz presented three of his musical works: Blender, Sonata for Violin and Piano, and Swagger Variations. These works were performed by Muniz (piano), Emily Chao (violin), Edward Goodman (tenor saxophone), and Rie Tanaka (piano). Crisp performances of the composer's intriguing, intricate works.
Below: Edward Goodman adeptly playing Blender. It has a Grind part for sure.
Shots taken at Che's Lounge Tucson, late Summer 2026. Above is Nathan Smith playing guitar in Trikochet. Next two are Marina with Working People and the guitar player for Alfred & the Breeders.
All shots taken at The Rock Tucson, 9/6/26.
Below: DadadQh+The P.O.C. from Phoenix. Their music is tight Machine Tool Rock with really well considered guitar tones. Really skilled trio rhythm section sounds!
Above: Gutter Town got the most amazing slap back sounds bouncing off of the ceilings rafters of The Rock! When they start cooking it's really great for listening or dancing, your choice. A fantastic set from this well-rooted band. Such a fine blend within their tunes.
A really fun, guitar-centered Sunday matinee!
All shots taken at Che's Lounge Tucson, 9/5/26.
Below: Barefoot on Bumblebees have unique harmonies and a self-invented duo style. Vinyl out next month!
