Welcome to issue #57 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter that’s about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Good morning, Vail! This is Trail Mix, the newsletter that hits like a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew at 7 AM each Thursday — cozy, crisp, and just the right amount of sweet spice.
~ Kimberly
Publisher of Trail Mix
Your guide to Vail’s local music scene
We talk a lot about the trails, the mountain views, and the rapid growth happening around town, but the music scene around Vail and the east side has been quietly building its own momentum. We have folks who’ve been gigging across Southern Arizona for four decades, indie songwriters self-producing records in local studios, and even a bluegrass band formed by wayward Alaskans who found their way down to Tucson.
Whether you’re looking for a Friday night song to sing along to or a new local artist to add to your rotation, here is your quick guide to the musicians making noise in our backyard right now.
The Vibe: Easygoing light rock and classic country.
The Deal: Perfect for a breezy Arizona evening with a cold drink in hand. Catch him this Friday at Rocking K Market for a dose of crowd-pleasing acoustic tunes.
The Vibe: Authentic, dirt-under-the-fingernails cowboy country.
The Deal: A household name across Southern Arizona, Andy writes and sings genuine stories of the American West. If you like your country music real, raw, and rooted in desert dust, keep an eye out for his local gigs, including Wednesdays in September at Montgomery’s Grill and Saloon.
The Vibe: Acoustic jams, unexpected covers, and poetic depth.
The Deal: A Tucson-based solo artist and award-winning poet, Damon has gigged everywhere from Bisbee up to Chicago. His sets move seamlessly between familiar sing-along covers and deep, soulful original journeys.
The Vibe: Seasoned, soulful acoustic classic rock & pop.
The Deal: Warren has been performing in bands, vocal groups, and as a solo act for over 45 years. That kind of mileage shows—his steady, classic sound feels instantly familiar, like hanging out with an old friend who happens to play a mean guitar.
The Vibe: Interactive soft-rock nostalgia trip (1950s–1980s).
The Deal: A staple of the Arizona music scene since 2010, Corey covers everyone from James Taylor and The Beatles to Carole King, Motown, and "The Boss." The best part? His shows are fully interactive—you and your crew can pick your favorite timeless tunes straight off his setlist to sing along.
The Vibe: Sunset acoustic serenades.
The Deal: This local duo crafts fresh, unique takes on familiar songs you already love. Mark your calendars: they're playing a special "Sunset Serenade" set on Saturday, September 26th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
John & Jeanne Ronstadt
The Vibe: Intimate local folk harmony.
The Deal: Carrying on Southern Arizona's most famous musical family legacy, this folk duo keeps things sweet, simple, and rooted in regional heritage. Keep a lookout for them at regional favorites like Charron Vineyards down the road in Vail.
The Vibe: Ambient, acoustic-driven indie folk.
The Deal: The solo project of Tucson songwriter/producer Jessica Tanner, Asphalt Astronaut creates lush, atmospheric soundscapes. Since launching in late 2020, she’s self-produced an impressive slate of albums—including Andromeda, Aurora, and her fantasy-narrative record, Asphodel. Ideal listening for night drives under desert stars.
The Vibe: High-energy bluegrass, Irish fiddle tunes, and unpredictable Americana.
The Deal: Originally started by three Alaskans who somehow wound up down in Tucson, this band serves up a wild, delightful blend of traditional bluegrass, Celtic fiddle breakdowns, and classic Americana. True to their name, the ride is delightfully unpredictable—much like driving on an actual permafrost road.
Who’s your favorite local artist to catch around town? Hit reply and let me know who I should cover next!
Linden | A905783
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Eastside
Neutered male, tricolor Carolina Dog about 1 year and 2 months old.
Linden loves running around outside, but loves hanging out with the volunteers when they have treats!
📅 Local Events In the Newsletter Are Back! You asked, I listened! Based on your feedback, I’m moving away from the monthly at-a-glance calendar and returning to weekly neighborhood event listings right here in Trail Mix.
Have an upcoming event, market, or community gathering you want to share with neighbors? Submit your event here to get it on the schedule.
(Looking to highlight your business or make your event stand out with a custom banner image? Hit reply on this email—I’d love to share the local sponsor options with you!)
Happening Around Town: Sept 9 – Sept 17
⚡ Vail School District Athletics (Home Games)
🏈 Varsity Football Home Opener | Mica Mountain High School vs. ALA - West Foothills
When: Friday, September 11 | 7:00 PM
Where: Mica Mountain High School Stadium, 10800 E Valencia Rd, Tucson
The Details: Pack the stands for high school Friday night lights! The Thunderbolts (2-0) host ALA - West Foothills for a big non-region home showdown.
🏈 Varsity Football Home Opener | Cienega High School vs. Ironwood Ridge
When: Friday, September 11 | 7:00 PM
Where: Cienega High School Stadium, 12775 E Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
The Details: Head out to support the Bobcats as they return home to take on Ironwood Ridge under the Friday night lights.
📍 Community Events & Happenings
👶 Stay and Play | Christ Lutheran Vail Church
When: Friday, September 11 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Room 202, Christ Lutheran Vail Church, 14600 E Colossal Cave Rd, Vail
The Details: Bring your little ones (ages 0 through Pre-K) for a free interactive morning of playtime and connection with other local parents and caregivers.
🎸 Friday Night Live Music | Rocking K Market
When: Friday, September 11 | Evening
Where: Rocking K Market, 7780 S Rocking K Ranch Loop, Vail
The Details: Grab a cold drink and a bite to eat on the patio while listening to easygoing light rock and classic country from local musician Steve Kozachik.
🍷 Weekend Patio Views & Live Music | Charron Winery
When: Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Charron Vineyards, 18585 S Sonoita Hwy, Vail
The Details: Unwind with cool mountain breezes, local Southern Arizona wines, and live patio harmony overlooking the valley with live music from Damon McLaughlin from 4 PM - 6 PM, and free custom wine corks by L4 Laser Engraving and Metal Art from 4 PM - 7 PM.
🥕 Saturday Morning Market | Rustic Roots Farmers Market
When: Saturday, September 12 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 9848 E Old Vail Rd, Rita Ranch
The Details: Stock up on local produce, fresh-baked treats, handcrafted artisan goods, and morning coffee right in your neighborhood.
🌽 Peak Season Sweet Corn & Picking | Apple Annie's Produce Farm
When: Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: 6405 W Williams Rd, Willcox
The Details: Take a short road trip for fresh-picked roasted sweet corn served straight off the grill, plus pick-your-own veggies and produce.
🏁 Saturday Night Local Short Track Racing | Tucson Speedway
When: Saturday, September 12 | Gates open at 5:00 PM | Racing at 6:30 PM
Where: Tucson Speedway, 11900 S Harrison Rd, Tucson
The Details: Catch high-octane action on the asphalt featuring Thunder Trucks, Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Hornets, and Super Late Models.
📚 Family Storytime | Esmond Station Library
When: Tuesday, September 15 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Esmond Station Library, 10931 E Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
The Details: A fun morning filled with stories, music, movement, and hands-on fun designed for young kiddos and their caregivers.
Welcome to Spot the Lie, our new weekly game testing your local desert wisdom! Think you know the quirks, history, and survival secrets of our Southern Arizona backyard? Hit reply with your best guess. The answer will appear in next week's issue.
⚡ Two Truths & A Lie: Music Edition
Three of these statements about Arizona’s wild music history are 100% real, but one is a complete fake. Can you spot the lie?
The Tucson Pick: Long before she became a 11-time Grammy winner, Linda Ronstadt grew up right here in Tucson, singing Mexican folk songs and harmony with her family on their local cattle ranch.
Desert Rock Royalty: Legendary shock-rocker Alice Cooper opened a town-famous, rock-and-roll-themed sports restaurant in downtown Phoenix that featured a 2-foot-long hot dog named the "Big Unit."
The Saguaro Studio: In 1975, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac recorded the vocals for their smash hit Landslide inside an abandoned railroad water tower right on the outskirts of Vail, Arizona.
Instrumental History: The official state firearm of Arizona is the Colt Single Action Army, but Arizona is also home to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, the largest museum of its kind in the entire world.
Think you spotted the lie? Hit REPLY to this email with your answer (1, 2, 3, or 4)!
Answer to last week’s game: C was the lie!
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman