Food is music to the body; music is food to the heart…. Gregory David Roberts
Tucson, AZ (October 18, 2024) – Fox fans already know the energy that live music delivers. Imagine pairing that energy with food specially created to elevate that energy into an extraordinary evening. Presented by the Fox Tucson Theatre, local chefs and musicians will share their collaborative pairings at the first Music & Morsels experience at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Friday, October 25. This special fundraising event highlights the local creative community with proceeds benefiting “Tucson’s Crown Jewel”.
Guests will experience world premieres of musical and culinary compositions created exclusively for this event and are designed around the theme of “Places We Hold Dear”, in this one-of-a-kind event featuring the work of artists from Tucson’s unparalleled performance and food scenes, Each songwriter/chef pair has met and brainstormed around the theme, what it means for them, and what it evokes for them in their medium.
Fox Executive Director Bonnie Schock is pleased to see this event come to life. "It's always thrilling to see what happens when you juxtapose two different creative mediums. Anything is possible. We can't wait to see what emerges as these talented artists, who make Tucson their home, interpret and tinker and build something new while musing on a theme of special places."
THE PLAYERS
The participating Chefs were curated by the Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG) and are all part of the TCoG Chef Ambassador program. They include Sarah Lamberth – Executive Chef, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Pablo Valencia - Executive Chef, Scratching the Plate Catering, and Obidiah “Obie” Hindman - Executive Chef Mountain Oyster Club.
Local musical talents include Peter “Petie”Ronstadt, a fifth generation member of the renowned Ronstadt family. Son of the late Michael J Ronstadt, nephew of Linda Ronstadt, and great grandson of Federico Jose Maria Ronstadt. He plays the bass, guitar, banjo, tuba, and sings and is a prolific composer.
Brian Lopez is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and recording artist from Southern Arizona. His music is influenced by grunge rock, cross-border musical traditions and has come to epitomize the sound of the 21st-century American Southwest.
Nancy McCallion is best known as the songwriter and vocalist for the folk-rock cult band The Mollys. She grew up in Tucson and was greatly influenced by the Norteno sounds of her Southwest side neighborhood.
THE PLAN
The evening will be presented at 5:30pm when guests will be warmly welcomed with specialty cocktails. As the evening progresses, all three Music & Morsels will be presented followed by a panel discussion featuring the Chefs and Musicians. A sumptuous Dinner buffet will then take place throughout the main floor of the Fox presented by El Charro. The evening concludes with DJ Dance and dessert on the Fox stage. Additional entertainment and other delightful surprises are in store throughout the evening.
A PERFECT PAIRING
Among the three Music & Morsels pairings, a sneak preview includes that of Chef Lamberth who is paired with Petie Ronstadt:
“My morsels were inspired by the creative conversation with Petie at the Fox. He mentioned one of his favorite childhood memories was the smell of fresh corn tortillas and masa being cooked, singing, and spending time with family. The Fox itself was a large part of the inspiration of my dish. The vibrant colors of the Pueblo deco mural on the ceiling are reflected in the deep hues of the heirloom masa and golden tones of the pickled pineapple and aji. When listening to his music I felt the comforting flavors of the Sonoran region along with the brightness of our sunsets and sunrises guided my use of the sharp pineapple and warm aji flavors”.
Chef Lamberth’s Creation: Carnitas Confit atop Heirloom Blue and Red Masa Harina Pupusas bursting with Sharp White Cheddar and Quesa Fresca, Fresh Pickled Pineapple Slaw and Aji Amarillo Crema.
All proceeds benefit the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation.
Tickets for the event are priced at $375 pp and can be purchased Here or call Jonathon Crider at 520-624-1515
The Crown Jewel of Tucson. We make Memories. We make Connections. We make Tucson Proud.