Brian Bromberg Brings
Big Bad Bass to the Tucson Jazz Festival
HEALTH + WELLNESS
SKIN DEEP SKIN CARE FOR US ALL
DESERT WELLNESS: A WORKOUT GUIDE FOR SOUTHERN ARIZONA
New Pathways to Cherished Moments Still Connected
Shopping for and planning his wife’s birthday was something Peter enjoyed every year since he and Gail got married more than 50 years ago. But things had changed for the couple recently, and doing things they had always done for each other was becoming more challenging.
So when they moved into our Memory Care community in The Hacienda at the Canyon®, we were determined to find every opportunity to empower the couple to engage in the things that have always mattered most and help them find joy and purpose in the rhythms of daily life. That’s why when Peter came to us asking where he could buy a card for his wife, we jumped into action and got creative. We set up a “pop-up shop” within the community, complete with balloons, flowers, and cakes.
As he looked through the lineup of birthday cards in front of him, Peter beamed as he picked one out.
“This is it,” he said. “She’ll love it.”
It’s hard to imagine someone you love living in a place other than the home they’ve been used to. But life after a dementia diagnosis can still be full, loving, and filled with joy. It’s about finding a setting that meets each person where they are and supporting them and their loved ones, every step of the way.
Chances are someone you know will experience cognitive impairment or memory loss. Observing and recognizing changes due to dementia can be emotionally challenging for you and your entire family, but it’s important to address these signs to protect the well-being of your loved one.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your loved one had difficulty keeping up with a conversation the last time you saw them. Or maybe they failed to recognize a family member they see frequently. Whether these signs seemingly appeared overnight or have become more pronounced in recent months, they may hint at some larger shifts in your loved one’s health.
Some signs that may indicate a decline in physical, cognitive, or behavioral health include:
Memory loss
Having trouble recalling things, misplacing items, repeating certain phrases or questions, and forgetting words, people, or locations that interfere with their daily life.
Mood changes
Losing interest in passions and becoming confused, anxious, irritable, sad, or withdrawn from social interactions.
Changes in appearance
Difficulty in mobility, unexplained injuries, and weight loss or gain.
Understanding these changes and taking action are essential in helping your loved one lead a healthy and vibrant life, now and for years to come.
Strategies To Help
It’s natural to feel concerned after noticing changes in your loved one. Take some time to acknowledge your emotions and give yourself some grace. Remember, you are not alone in this experience and can seek support for yourself and your loved one. You can find valuable resources on our website at haciendacanyon.com/support.
About The Hacienda at the Canyon
Located in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills, The Hacienda at the Canyon is a celebrated senior living community and wellness enclave. Featuring refined residences, a wealth of resort-style amenities, enriching programs, and personalized support, here it’s easy to live well and thrive.
Call 520-477-3149 to schedule your private tour, and visit haciendacanyon.com to learn more. More than 6 million Americans are
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And here we go...!
Well, hello, 2025. Nice to meet you! So begins a new year full of promise. And a little angst.
Will this be the year we find our path to better health through exercise and an improved diet? That's for you to figure out. All of us need to figure it out. And it begins with a single step and a single sip (he reminds himself). Hydrate! Stretch! Walk and run! Could today be the first day of a journey to a healthier you? We'll know soon enough.
Meanwhile, this month, we have ample opportunity to elevate our minds and spirits with some of the most iconic performances by jazz greats like Brian Bromberg, a headliner at the Tucson Jazz Festival. And what a journey he's been on.
The last time I saw Brian was when we were in sixth grade at Sam Hughes Elementary School. That was decades ago. But I can still see the young Brian -- a race car-obsessed kid wrapped in aluminum foil (flame-proof!) sitting on a skateboard -- pretending to be a funny-car driver as he was pushed down the basketball court. He was certainly passionate about that dream of racing cars fast. Very fast!
Today, Brian returns to his hometown as a Grammy-nominated bass player who has traveled the world playing with some of the greatest musicians in the world. And his passion remains undimmed. Different. But still brimming with the desire to achieve yet another level of excellence. But the skateboard has been replaced with those giant acoustic and electric basses. And play on, he will. Be sure to catch him and other amazing talents on stages across the city in the coming weeks.
But there is an allegory of sorts in that journey. Where once was a young man with no idea what lay ahead, today stands someone who found something beyond imagination, which should leave us all with dreams mixed with hope and urgency. Where will your journey take you from here? The coming months are a starting point. And that, dear neighbor, is our great hope, that each of us finds something burning deep inside. And that you let it carry you forward.
"Become who you are!"
- Friedrich
Nietzsche
JEFF
HERR, PUBLISHER
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Sybil Velarde | sybilvelarde@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeff Herr, John Peck, Sybil Velarde
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolick
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
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A MOVING Art Form
SCULPTURE TUCSON'S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AND EXHIBITION
ARTICLE BY JOHN PECK
The latest, exciting installation – this time, moveable sculpture - is now on exhibit at the Sculpture Garden in the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3420 E. River Road. Sculpture Tucson has brought together local and countrywide sculptors in “The Kinetic Factor,” a show that features 19 large-scale works.
“This show features the work of 15 sculptors from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, all creating works with one common factor – motion within three-dimensional form,” notes Julie Sasse, curator of The Kinetic Factor Sasse, chief curator emerita at the Tucson Museum of Art, adds
that “. . . these artists have created sculptures that are affected by wind, balance, gravity, or the touch of the human hand through carefully calibrated balance and counterbalance.
“Kinetic art is not a new medium,” said Sasse. “It came into focus in the early 20th century with Dada artist Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel of 1913, and other “readymades” he created with found objects. The best-known kinetic artist was Alexander Calder, whose biomorphic “mobiles” and “stabiles” became the standard of finely calibrated and balanced works that addressed the interplay of heaviness and lightness.”
The pieces in the show demonstrate the range of materials and scale of this form of art. In the manner of a Calder piece’s graceful balance and spinning colors, works in The Kinetic Factor will challenge us with new perspectives on volume and size.
Sculptors included in The Kinetic Factor are: Pamela Ambrosio (Tucson), John Benedict (Tucson), Joseph Benedict (Tucson), Alex Heveri (Tucson), Lyle London (Tempe), Hector Ortega (Phoenix), Willie Ray Parish (Tucson), John Poché (New Orleans), Frederick Prescott (Santa Fe), Laura Phelps Rogers (Denver), Jeremy Waak (Lancaster, PA), Shirley Wagner (Tucson), Ira Wiesenfeld (Tucson), Susan Woods (Tucson), and Jeff Zischke (Scottsdale).
The Kinetic Factor is on display in the Sculpture Park Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As with all Sculpture Tucson shows, the exhibition is open free of charge to the public, although donations are appreciated. Sculpture Tucson and the Garden are at 3420 E. River Road on the west end of the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park.
For more information, visit Sculpture Tucson’s website at www.sculpturetucson.org or contact the office at 520-334-5871.
THE BEST-KNOWN KINETIC ARTIST WAS Alexander Calder,
WHOSE BIOMORPHIC “MOBILES” AND “STABILES” BECAME THE STANDARD OF FINELY CALIBRATED AND BALANCED WORKS THAT ADDRESSED THE INTERPLAY OF HEAVINESS AND LIGHTNESS.
Santa Fe sculptor Frederick Prescott and his colorful Barnyard Cock
ARTICLE BY JEFF HERR
Brian Bromberg Returns Home
FROM SAM HUGHES TO CENTER STAGE, BRIAN HAS CIRCLED THE GLOBE WITH A DAZZLING DISPLAY OF BASSIST TALENT
Can you share what first inspired you to pursue music professionally? Was it the Sam Hughes music program? Was there a defining moment or experience that set you on this path?
My father and brother played the drums, so I started playing the drums at about 2-3 years old. First, I started playing the furniture, but my folks didn’t like that, so they just let me play the drums instead of beating up the furniture! I was pretty good at drums and even worked professionally four nights a week when I was 13. It was a blast, to say the least, especially at 13 years old playing in bars!
“...I
have a soft spot in my heart for the upright bass. It can be quite an expressive and passionate instrument, for sure.”
What instrument did you start with, and at what point did you gravitate towards bass? Was bass an immediate passion for you?
I started on drums, but my parents thought it might be nice for me to play a different musical instrument, so they suggested the cello, as it is about as diametrically opposed to the drums as you can get. They thought it would be cool for me as it is also a melodic instrument. Regarding your question about Sam Hughes Elementary School, I played the cello in the orchestra at school. Sadly, I loved being in the orchestra and playing music, but the cello never felt right or natural in my hands.
When I went to Mansfield Junior High, the orchestra director heard me play the cello and came to me one day and said, "Brian, see that big bass over there? We don’t have a bass player in the orchestra. Why don’t you play the bass since we don’t have a bass player, but we have other cello players?" I know he said that because he would rather have one bad bass player than hear me try to saw my cello in half! Because I was a drummer and already had rhythm in me when I picked up the bass, I found that I also had a melody in me as well, but it took the bass to bring it out as I was already playing jazz on drums and now could play jazz on the bass. It all happened quite quickly, and I became obsessed with the bass.
You’re skilled on both upright and electric bass. Do you have a favorite between the two, or does each bring something unique to your musical expression?
Even though they are both basses and provide the same function in music, they are pretty different in sound and vibe. I love playing both because they are all a part of me and who I am, but since I started on the upright bass, it was the first bass in my life, plus the intimacy of the sound and the music I play on it, I have a soft spot in my heart for the upright bass. It can be quite an expressive and passionate instrument, for sure.
Who were some of your early musical influences? Were there specific musicians or bands that inspired your style and approach?
Back then, everyone was better than me, so in a way, they were all influences on me. Tucson was a fantastic place to grow up and live, but I wouldn’t call it a mecca of creative music, especially jazz. Although there was a fair amount of CONTINUED >
jazz in Tucson and good musicians, for genuine inspiration, I had to listen to records of the greats to be blown away by how good you can be on your instrument. I liked everyone from Buddy Rich, Jimi Hendrix, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorious, all the great upright jazz bass players who inspired me, Tower of Power, Stravinsky, Ravel, Mahler, Bach, on and on and on. The list never ended, as all of them blew my mind!
How did you make the leap from an aspiring musician to a professional one? Was there a particular gig or moment that marked your big break?
That started by accident, literally! My brother was a drummer in Tucson who played professionally all the time. He was a great player. He cut his leg badly on a hiking trip but still had to play his gig that night. The beater on the bass drum pedal bounced back and hit him on the cut on his leg during his gig, and he called home to ask if I could come down and play the rest of the gig for him. I was 12 years old, and in the bathtub getting ready for bed when my parents knocked on the door and said hurry up and get out of the tub and get dressed; you must go play the rest of the gig for your brother as they need a drummer right now! I was freaking out as I had never played on stage before in front of people in a nightclub; I could hardly breathe or swallow as my mouth was so dry because of how nervous I was. Well, I did a great job, and the other musicians started spreading the word that I could play well enough to work even though I was 12 years old. By 13 years old, I was working four nights a week regularly, and I guess the rest, they say, is history. I started working professionally as a bass player at 15-16, and the bass became my focus. It's crazy how things happen in life.
Your career has spanned a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and funk to more experimental sounds. What draws you to explore different musical styles?
Growing up, I was mainly into acoustic jazz and classical music. Both genres can have huge diversity in style and sound, and so much of that music, especially jazz. It is by far the most creative, as it is based on improvisation. I was somewhat of an acoustic purist back in those days. But as I got older and opened my mind and heart to different styles of music, as well as hearing great artists be creative in more contemporary music, I started listening to everything in many different styles. That is why I could listen to and absorb such different artists like Jimi Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, Pat Metheny, Led Zeppelin, and so on and on. That also inspired me to try new things and explore the electric bass more.
What does your touring schedule look like these days? How do you balance the intensity of life on the road with your creative and personal needs?
Since Covid-19 has subsided, things are starting to pick up. I have been quite busy traveling all over the world, with more to come in 2025. I feel very fortunate and blessed to play music, travel, and somehow survive! It’s not as easy and as glamorous as many people think, it is very hard work and at times exhausting, but it is a real blessing to be able to be a musician and do what we do. I take it very seriously and respect it greatly.
I write music everywhere and anywhere. It can be in a car, in the shower, on a plane, or in a store; it doesn’t matter. When it shows up, it shows up. I need to be open, listen, and allow it to come through.
Do you have a favorite place to perform, or is there a dream venue that you’d still love to play?
I have performed in Wein, France, outside Lyon, the most fantastic place I have performed. It is an ancient Roman amphitheater carved into the side of a mountain built in the 10th or 12th Century. It is breathtaking. Most concert halls or big performance venues have a gentle slope so people can see in the back row and are slightly higher than those in front. This venue is much more vertical and quite steep. What makes that so unique and cool is that the distance to the back row is a lot closer than normal for a venue that size. That means you can see everyone’s face and eyes, even way in the back. It’s crazy!
I like striking natural venues like that one. I have never played Red Rocks in Colorado; that is another natural venue that I would love to play.
If you could assemble your dream performance lineup, who would you want on stage with you? Would it include musicians from any particular genre?
That is an impossible question to answer, as there are so many! I would go with late great musicians I would have loved to have played with, even one song. I will never have the chance to play with them, but it would have been amazing to play with artists like Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, Jimi Hendrix, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and on…..
Are there any specific artists or collaborations that have been particularly memorable or that you learned from in ways you didn’t expect?
I have been so fortunate to have played with many great and legendary artists from many genres and eras. Sting, Dean Martin (many years after he passed, I played to his solo voice on a project he sang in the 60s. It was amazing to hear his voice in my ears!) Sarah Vaughan, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, Michal Bublé, Stan Getz, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and again on and on. Some of
“By 13 years old, I was working four nights a week regularly, and I guess the rest, they say, is history. I started working professionally as a bass player at 15-16, and the bass became my focus. It’s crazy how things happen in life.”
the most important things you learn about some of these artists are how amazing and nice some of them are and how amazing and not nice some are. I think the human lessons of the awareness of “wow, I don’t want to end up like this guy, what a @#$%^&!”. Everyone has a story, and everyone is who they are. Sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes, you see a side of someone you have put on a pedestal because of their artistic accomplishments, and then you see who they are as people. Sadly, you lose all respect for them and cannot listen to their music the same way ever again. We are all the human race and have no real right or excuse to treat people less than they deserve to be treated…..
How do you approach performing in different settings, from intimate venues to large festivals? Does your style or setlist change based on the audience and space?
Interesting question. Honestly, I play only one way: to play to the best of my ability. It doesn’t matter if I am playing for 30 people or 30,000 people, I still play as hard and as honestly as I can no matter who I am playing for. I don’t want this to sound pompous or selfish, but I play for me first. You don’t devote your life to something where you put in thousands of hours of time, energy, and commitment to do it for others. You do it for yourself and hope others can feel or get something from what you share. It, at least to me, is one of the most intimate and vulnerable things I can do: share the most personal part of who I am through my music and instrument.
After years of experience and innovation, what’s next for you creatively? Are there any new projects, instruments, or genres you want to explore?
A brand-new project has just been released by a new group called BPM. BPM stands for Brian,
Paul, and Michael. Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, and Michael Paulo. They are very successful artists/musicians/producers. We just created this new project for fun, and it is starting to take off, which is fantastic! The first single is moving up the charts and is about to break the top ten! This is a very contemporary, accessible project that is also quite musical and has absolute integrity. It is very fun and rewarding.
I am also writing my next contemporary jazz record, which I will record in 2025, and another classic jazz acoustic record that I will also record in 2025. I have decided that I am going to keep recording in both of those genres in jazz because that is who I am. I like to explore and try new things. I don’t like it when every record sounds the same. That has also been a big liability in my career as I have so many different sounding records, but I am being honest and true to myself. I am not one-dimensional; none of us are, so why record one-dimensionally for an entire career? At this stage of my life and career, I will do what makes me happy first, and by the grace of God, hopefully, people will like what they hear...
CONTINUED >
Brian Bromberg's Vast Discography:
• A New Day (1986)
• Basses Loaded (1988)
• Magic Rain (1989)
• BASSically Speaking (1990)
• It's About Time: The Acoustic Project (1991)
• Brian Bromberg (1993)
• You Know That Feeling (1997)
• Wood (2002)
• Jaco (2002)
• Brombo! JB Project (2003)
• Choices (2004)
• Bass Freak Out (2004)
• Brombo II!! JB Project (2004)
• Metal (2005)
• Wood II (2006)
• Downright Upright (2007)
• Hands (2009)
• It Is What It Is (2009)
• Bromberg Plays Hendrix (2010)
• Compared To That (2012)
• In the Spirit of Jobim (2012)
• Full Circle (2016)
• Brombo III!!! JB Project (2017)
• Thicker Than Water (2018)
• Celebrate Me Home: The Holiday Sessions (2020)
• A Little Driving Music (2021)
• The Magic of Moonlight (2023)
• LaFaro (2024)
PONDEROSA CACTUS
TAKING TALENT TO COLLEGE
SIX CATALINA FOOTHILLS ATHLETES LAND COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Catalina Foothills High School proudly celebrated National Signing Day with six talented student-athletes committing to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level.
The signing ceremony, held on campus, was a moment of pride for the entire Falcon community, highlighting the students' hard work, perseverance, and talent. Here’s a closer look at the athletes and their impressive accomplishments:
Austin Cohen Signs With William & Mary
Charles Pierce, Athletic Director at Catalina Foothills High School, Marks An Amazing Moment for Six Star Athletes.
“These student-athletes embody the spirit of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. We are excited to see all they will accomplish at the collegiate level.”
AUSTIN COHEN - TENNIS
Committed to: William & Mary
2024 Season Stats:
• Singles Record: 22-2
• Doubles Record: 18-4
• State Tournament Finishes: Singles Champion, Doubles Runner-Up Austin has had a remarkable tennis season, finishing as the state singles champion and consistently outperforming his competition. Austin will be a great fit for the William & Mary tennis program with his strong backhand and strategic play.
CLARA-MAE HAGER - BASKETBALL
Committed to: Concordia College
2024 Season Stats:
• Points per Game: 18.4
• Rebounds per Game: 8.2
• Assists per Game: 5.1
• Steals per Game: 3.4
Clara-Mae has been a driving force on the court for the Falcons, consistently leading her team in scoring and defense. Her agility, court vision, and leadership have earned her a scholarship to Concordia College, where she is poised to make an immediate impact.
AMBER JANKY - SWIMMING
Committed to: San Diego State University
2024 Season Stats:
• 50 Free: 23.61 seconds
• 200 IM: 2:02.31
CONTINUED >
Finn Meister, Cooper Kruk, Mercedes “Mercy” Martinez, and Amber Janky
“We are incredibly proud of Cooper, Finn, Mercedes, Amber, Clara-Mae, and Austin for their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.”
• Relay Titles: Part of the 200 Free Relay (1:37.82) & 400 Free Relay (3:27.88).
This season, Amber has made waves in the pool, securing four gold medals at State. Her speed and determination have earned her a place on the San Diego State swim team, where she is set to make a splash in Division I competition.
COOPER KRUK - BASEBALL
Committed to: Pima Community College
2024 Season Stats:
• Batting Average: .395
• Home Runs: 7
• RBIs: 34
Clara-Mae Hager and Her Family
• On-Base Percentage: .480
Cooper has been a powerhouse for the Falcons on the diamond, showcasing his versatility as both a hitter and fielder. Known for his leadership and work ethic, he will continue to excel at Pima Community College as a key addition to their baseball program.
MERCEDES “MERCY” MARTINEZ
-
VOLLEYBALL
Committed to: Adams College
2024 Season Stats:
• Kills per Set: 3.9
• Digs per Set: 2.5
• Total Aces: 45
• Blocks: 60
Mercedes has been a cornerstone of the Catalina Foothills volleyball team, breaking multiple records and leading the Falcons to a successful season. Her powerful kills and defensive skills have made her an asset on the court, and she looks forward to bringing her energy and passion to Adams College.
FINN MEISTER - GOLF
Committed to: Mississippi State University
2024 Season Stats:
• Average Score per Round: 69.2
• Tournament Wins: 4
• Top-10 Finishes: 8
Finn is a standout golfer who has consistently dominated the greens this year. His precision and calm demeanor under pressure have earned him multiple tournament wins and a spot at Mississippi State, where he will compete in the SEC
"We are incredibly proud of Cooper, Finn, Mercedes, Amber, Clara-Mae, and Austin for their commitment to excellence both on and off the field," said Charles Pierce, Athletic Director for Catalina Foothills High School. "These student-athletes embody the spirit of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. We are excited to see all they will accomplish at the collegiate level."
SKIN DEEP CARE
CAREFUL SKINCARE THIS MONTH IS CRITICAL TO PREVENT PREMATURE AGING
Living in the arid Arizona desert or hitting the snowy ski slopes for winter fun presents unique challenges for your skin, according to Victor Thompson, co-owner of Green Toes Nail Salon and Dasy Spa. From extreme dryness to harsh weather exposure, it's essential to adjust your skincare and lifestyle habits to keep your complexion healthy and glowing all season long. Thompson stressed the importance of organic treatments to limit the harsh chemicals in other skincare materials.
A desert stroll with plenty of water
DESERT DWELLERS
The dry climate of the Arizona desert can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to uncomfortable tightness, flakiness, and even cracking. This is due to the low humidity levels, which cause excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin. To combat this, focus on deeply hydrating and nourishing your skin between visits to the spa:
• Swap out your regular cleanser for a creamy, hydrating, organic, and vegan formula that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils.
• Apply a thick, occlusive moisturizer after cleansing to seal much-needed hydration into your skin to prevent TEWL.
• Exfoliate one to two times weekly to slough off dull, flaky skin. Use a gentle exfoliant and avoid over-exfoliating, which can further disrupt the skin barrier.
• Don’t forget about your lips! Apply a heavy, nourishing lip balm frequently to prevent painful cracking.
• Use a humidifier at home and office to add moisture to the dry air. Increasing humidity levels can significantly reduce TEWL and improve skin hydration.
SLOPE SEEKERS
For those venturing to the snowy slopes, the combination of cold temperatures, wind, and high altitudes can wreak havoc on your skin. The harsh conditions can lead to redness, irritation, and even sunburn. Here's how to prepare:
• Cleanse with a creamy, hydrating formula to avoid stripping your skin's natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier.
Don’t forget about your lips! Apply a heavy, nourishing lip balm frequently to prevent painful cracking.
• Apply a thick, occlusive moisturizer to create a protective barrier against the elements. To lock in hydration, look for ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, and dimethicone.
• Don't forget about sun protection! Use a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as the sun's rays can be more intense at higher altitudes. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection.
Movement equals improved health. For anyone and everyone.
• Cover up exposed skin with protective gear like goggles, face masks, and gloves to shield your skin from the harsh wind and cold.
• Exfoliate one to two times weekly to slough off dry, flaky skin, but avoid over-exfoliating, which can compromise the skin barrier.
• To prevent painful cracking, keep your lips hydrated with a heavy, nourishing.
PRESERVE AND EXTEND YOUR CALM
At greentoes, Victor said, they see the positive impact clients experience every day through calming and energizing massage. Maybe a Swedish or sports massage to work out those kinks, hydrate your muscles, and improve circulation.
Sports massage, a specialized form of massage therapy, is pivotal in the world of athletics and fitness in Tucson. The skilled masseuse will naturally work through trouble spots like muscle tightness, knots, and overall movement and blood flow restrictions.
Once the massage therapist has broken up the adhesions in the muscles, you should stretch to reap its benefits. Stretching helps to realign the muscle fibers, which aids in overall recovery. In addition, you’re also actively training your nervous system, which aids in making our bodies more flexible.
After a massage, you want to drink a significant amount of water. This will help flush out the lactic acid and other metabolic waste accumulated in the knots.
About an hour after your massage, take a warm bath or shower. Have a light snack. And maybe a quick nap.
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TUCSON
Tucson Jazz Festival
JANUARY 17
• Paquito D’ Rivera - Rialto Theatre
• Armen Donelian & Dominique EadeThe Century Room
JANUARY 18
• The Black Market Trust - Hotel Congress
• Emmet Cohen Trio - Rialto Theatre
• Endea Owens and the Cookout feat. chef Janos Wilder - Rialto Theatre
• Matthew Whitaker Organ TrioThe Century Room
JANUARY 19
• Helio Alves Samba Jazz ProjectHotel Congress
• Del Feayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra - Rialto Theatre
JANUARY 21
• Curious Conversations with Host Khris Dodge - Fox Tucson Theatre
JANUARY 23
• Brian Bromberg’s Unapologetically Funky Big Bombastic Band - Rialto Theatre
JANUARY 24
• Charles Lloyd Ocean TrioFox Tucson Theatre
JANUARY 25
• Shelia E. and the E TrainFox Tucson Theatre
• Gunhid Carling with UA Studio Jazz Ensemble (venue not specified)
VENUES:
• Rialto Theatre - 318 E Congress St - (520) 740-1000
• The Century Room at Hotel Congress - 311 E Congress St(520) 622-8848
• Hotel Congress Plaza - 311 E Congress St - (520) 622-8848
• Fox Tucson Theatre - 17 W Congress St - (520) 547-3040
The Annual Festival Hits Hard — And Smooth — This Month
Armen Donelian and Dominique Eade at The Century Club
New England Clam Chowder
More Soup!
You Say Potato…I Say Potato…
Potatoes are a great addition to soups, adding creaminess, texture, and a bit of thickness, depending on how you prepare them. Here are some popular ways to use potatoes in soups!
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
Four servings
INGREDIENTS
• One pound of russet potatoes
• Three 8-ounce bottles of clam juice
• Two tablespoons of butter
• Three bacon slices, finely chopped
• Two medium onions, finely chopped
• Two celery stalks, finely chopped (2 cups)
• Two garlic cloves, finely chopped
• One bay leaf
• A quarter cup of all-purpose flour
• Six 6.5-ounce cans of chopped clams, drained and juices reserved
• One teaspoon of hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• One and a quarter cups of half-and-half
• Oyster crackers to garnish
DIRECTIONS
Step One - Bring potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces, and three 8 oz bottles of clam juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are fork tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step Two - Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook three bacon slices, then finely chop, stirring occasionally, until some fat has cooked out and the bacon begins to brown, 6-8 minutes.
Step Three - Add the onions, celery, garlic, and the bay leaf. Cook, stirring often, until onions are softened, 5-7 minutes.
Step Four - Sprinkle the flour on top and whisk until a paste forms. Cook for two minutes (do not let the flour brown). Whisking constantly, add the reserved juice from the clams. Add the potato mixture, the drained chopped clams, the half-andhalf, and one teaspoon of hot sauce.
Step Five - Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the flavors meld, or about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Serve accompanied by oyster crackers.
Sweet Corn Chowder
SWEET CORN CHOWDER
Four servings
INGREDIENTS
• Four ounces of bacon
• A large onion
• One stick celery
• A large green pepper, chopped and blanched
• Two medium-sized potatoes, diced
• One bay leaf
• 15 ounces of water
• salt and pepper to taste
• 20 ounces of milk
• Two cups of sweet corn kernels
• Chopped parsley to garnish
DIRECTIONS
Step one - Cut bacon into dice. Frizzle gently until turning color, then add the chopped onion and celery. When golden brown, add the pepper, potatoes, bay leaf, and water. Bring to a boil. Add pepper to taste and salt lightly. Simmer until potatoes are tender, then set aside.
Step two - Blend the flour with 1/2 cup of the milk and add to the chowder. Stir until boiling. Heat the rest of the milk and add to the chowder with the sweet corn. Simmer for a few minutes, then ladle into bowls and scatter the thick parsley over the top.
Or maybe some sweet corn chowder if clams are not your favorite.
Potato soup to stick to those chilly bones...
POTATO SOUP (PARMENTIER)
Four servings
INGREDIENTS
• One pound of peeled potatoes
• One medium-sized onion
• One and a half ounces of butter
• A bay leaf
• 10 ounces of water
• 20 ounces of milk
• Liaison (to bind) one to two egg yolks
• Two and a half ounces of cream
• A leek sliced thin (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Step one - Slice the onion and potatoes thinly. Melt the butter in a stew pan, add the vegetables, cover tightly, and cook very slowly for about 6 minutes (do not allow the potatoes to brown). Set aside.
Step two - Add the bay leaf, milk, and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step three - Pass milk and water through a fine sieve and return to a clean pan. Whisk well, then add the liaison (the cream with the egg yolks, whisked). Reheat.
Step four - Serve with fried bread croutons and thin-sliced leeks to taste.
Note: Always add a little of the hot soup to the liaison (to temper it) before pouring it into the bulk soup.
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ARTICLE BY NATALI MEDLIN
Desert Wellness: A 2025 Health Guide for Southern Arizona
You got this!
As we move into the New Year, it’s a great time to reset our wellness goals. Living in Southern Arizona means navigating a distinctive environment that shapes how we approach fitness and nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, an older adult, or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to adapt to our desert climate can help you thrive.
EXERCISE GUIDELINES FOR ALL LEVELS
Physical activity is foundational to health, but the intensity and style of exercise should match your goals, history, and current health. Consulting a personal trainer can help assess your unique fitness needs, especially if you have a long exercise history or health considerations like injuries.
One step at a time!
For instance, if you’ve been active for decades and are now 65, your exercise plan should reflect past routines, current health, and changing fitness goals. Remember, what worked five years ago might not work now, so flexibility and adaptation are key.
GENERAL POPULATION
• Cardio: 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous activity weekly
• Strength training: 2-3 sessions weekly, focusing on major muscle groups
• Start at 50% of recommended intensity, gradually increasing over 6-8 weeks
• Monitor heart rate: 220 minus age × (50-70%) for moderate intensity
The desert's unique climate presents specific challenges that require careful planning and adaptation. Understanding and respecting these environmental factors can make the difference between a successful fitness journey and potential health risks:
OLDER ADULTS (65+)
• Strength training becomes even more vital as we age. While starting with lighter resistance, such as bands or body weight, is essential, don’t shy away from eventually incorporating weights into your routine. Building strength helps maintain bone density, muscle mass, and overall independence. Proper progression is key:
• Begin with low-impact activities like chair exercises or pool workouts.
• Focus on balance and fall prevention to reduce the risk of injuries.
• Progress to light weights under the guidance of a trainer or in a group class for proper form.
• Remember, it’s never too late to build strength! The right program, tailored to your needs, can significantly enhance your quality of life.
DESERT-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
• Southern Arizona’s heat demands extra precautions to keep exercise safe and enjoyable:
• Timing: Exercise early morning (before 7 AM) or after sunset during summer.
• Indoor Workouts: Stick to air-conditioned spaces when temps exceed 90°F.
• Hydration: Drink 16-20 oz of water per hour of activity and adjust for heat.
• Heat Exhaustion Signs: Watch for dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating.
• Clothing: Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking fabrics.
NUTRITION GUIDELINES
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health and supporting physical activity, especially in the demanding desert environment. A balanced approach to eating, combined with proper hydration, creates the foundation for overall wellness:
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
• Protein: 0.8-1.0g per kg body weight
• Complex carbohydrates: 45-65% of daily calorie
• Healthy fats: 20-35% of daily calories
• Minimum 64 oz water daily, increase to 80-100 oz in summer
Living in southern Arizona requires specific dietary adaptations to cope with the intense heat and unique growing seasons. Understanding local conditions can help optimize nutrition choices:
DESERT-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
• Increase electrolyte intake during summer
• Salt replacement needed for heavy sweaters
• Local seasonal produce recommended:Winter: citrus, leafy greens, root vegetablesSummer: melons, figs, peppers
• Morning meal timing in summer to avoid heat
Different health conditions and life stages require customized nutritional approaches. These adaptations ensure safety while maintaining optimal health:
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
• Diabetics: Monitor blood sugar more frequently in heat
• Heart patients: Extra caution with salt replacement
• Older adults: Focus on protein intake and hydration
• Those with kidney issues: Consult physician about electrolyte balance
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The extreme desert climate demands vigilant attention to safety measures. Understanding and preparing for potential risks can prevent serious health complications:
HEAT MANAGEMENT
• Know early warning signs of heat illness
• Exercise indoors when air quality poor (monsoon season)
• Keep emergency contacts readily available
• Understand medication effects on heat tolerance
Tracking progress helps maintain motivation and ensures that health goals are being met safely and effectively:
PROGRESS TRACKING
• Weekly weight and measurements
• Monthly fitness assessments
• Quarterly medical check-ups recommended
• Keep workout and nutrition log
Recognizing when to seek medical attention is crucial for maintaining safety in any fitness program. These warning signs should never be ignored:
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
• Chest pain or unusual shortness of breath
• Dizziness or confusion
• Severe muscle cramps
• Rapid heartbeat that doesn't normalize quickly
Just one step at a time. That will get you where you want to be!
Natali Medlen is the owner and certified trainer at Built4This training center. Find them at their expanded Onyx location at 3951 N. Swan Rd. (behind Gadabout Salon Spa) or by calling (520) 328-8997.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 1ST
A Century of Surrealism
The University of Arizona Museum of Art -- 1031 N Olive Road | 10:00 AM
André Breton—considered a founder of Surrealism—defined it as “pure psychic automatism,” transcending reason to delve into the unconscious mind. Surrealism is associated with impossible images and juxtapositions, revealing the artist's personal thoughts, dreams, and intricacies. The UAMA exhibition showcases influences and participants in the movement from the mid-1920s to 1980. Through Feb. 1.
JANUARY 1ST - 5TH
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson Convention Center - 260 S Church Avenue | 6:00 PM
Skate on Tucson's outdoor ice rink over the holidays! Skates included. Socks are required, and gloves are highly recommended.
The 90-minute sessions are as follows:
Weekdays: 10 a.m., 2 p.m.,4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased online: www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Tucson-Holiday-Ice.
JANUARY 2ND
Resonance Within: A Crystal Bowl Sound Bath for Mindful Presence
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort - 5501 North Hacienda del Sol Road | 8:15 AM
Take respite from the chaos of daily life for some much-deserved self-care. Your journey starts on the mesmerizing grounds of Hacienda Del Sol, where serene tones of crystal singing bowls guide you to find your confidence, joy, or whatever it is your mind and body need. Bring a mat. Tuesdays and Fridays through Oct. 31. Sessions end at 9 AM.
JANUARY 9TH
Tucson
International
Jewish Film Festival
3800 E. River Road | 10:30 AM
The festival promotes independent, international films celebrating Jewish culture and cultural diversity. This year, nineteen film events are showcased to celebrate the mosaic of Jewish history and culture. The film committee has gone above and beyond to bring you various programs and special guests.
Events daily through January 22. Times vary. See website: tucsonfilm2025.eventive.org/schedule
JANUARY 10TH
Quilt Fiesta
Pima County Fairgrounds - 11300 S. Houghton Rd. | 9:00 AM
The Tucson Quilters Guild presents its annual Quilt Fiesta. Hundreds of quilts will be on display at the Fiesta, along with a small-quilt auction, quilts of valor, sit & sew, antique quilts, a bonanza raffle, classes, demos, and vendors.
Until 5 PM except Sunday (10:00 AM to 4 PM). Events continue through January 12th.
CONTINUED
JANUARY 10TH
Tucson Desert Song Festival
Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church-2331 E Adams St. | 7:00 PM
The 13th annual Tucson Desert Song Festival is a unique blend of glorious singing in orchestral, chamber, choral, and solo formats, along with related lectures and master classes in the warmth and charm of Arizona’s renowned Sonoran Desert region. Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through February 28. See the website for times and venues.
JANUARY 16TH
Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival
Willcox Playa Wildlife Area - 312 W. Stewart St. | 1:30 PM
Come hike in the Sky Islands, spot wildlife, or enjoy the outdoors in Cochise County. See all the winged winter migrants that visit our area and other natural wonders. Explore nature in Southeastern Arizona through tours on photography, geology, history, botany, agriculture, and the wonderful Sandhill cranes and other birds. See website for times and locations: na.eventscloud. com/website/79513/fullschedule
JANUARY 18TH
La Encantada
Winter Fine Art Market
2905 E Skyline Drive | 10:00 AM
From metalwork to locally-designed fashion, the open-air market is an opportunity to support local artisans and fine-art crafters while strolling the lush and ever-blooming garden walkways of La Encantada. From intricate metalwork to unique, locally-designed fashion, each piece on display reflects the dedication and skill of its creator.
Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
