08/19/2025
The First Annual Tucson Music Festival is officially in the books, and what an incredible start it was. We want to thank everyone who came out and showed support for Tucson’s music community. Special gratitude goes to The Encore and their hardworking crew, along with Tommy Rat, who came through in a pinch and helped keep the show running smoothly when it mattered most—true examples of Tucson’s music family stepping up for each other. Huge thanks as well to our sound team, Brad and Brent, whose steady hands and sharp ears kept the music dialed in all day long.
Sunday’s lineup brought the house down from start to finish. Gutter Town set the tone early with their raw energy and infectious drive, kicking off the day with a blast. Alan Gonzalez followed with heartfelt performances that reminded us why Tucson is such a hub for talented singer-songwriters. Kaotic One lived up to the name, delivering intensity and passion that had the crowd hooked. The PJ Bidwell Band kept the momentum going with storytelling through Americana, country, and rock that resonated with everyone listening. Harmony Punks brought their catchy hooks and soaring harmonies, proving why they’re one of Tucson’s rising alt-rock acts. Flying Half Full delivered thoughtful lyrics and engaging rhythms that lifted the room, giving us one of the most moving sets of the night. BodySong turned up the energy again with a fierce female-fronted performance full of power and emotion. Santo Diablo lived up to their reputation, mixing fiery Latin-infused rock with unstoppable stage presence. The Manor Born kept the night surging forward with a unique style and sound that stood tall among the lineup. Closing things out, Engel Indo & The Tucson All Stars delivered a finale that was nothing short of a cultural celebration—an ensemble performance blending stories, genres, and Tucson pride into one unforgettable experience.
Every band poured their heart into their set, and we encourage everyone to follow these artists online, spin their music, and most importantly—go see them live. Tucson’s music scene thrives because of musicians like these, and we are honored to have had them launch this festival with us.
We also want to give a huge thank-you to Paul from Tucson Loves Music (TucsonLoveMusic.com
) for stepping up as a sponsor and ally. With his support, the Encore crew, our sound team, and the love of our community, this is just the beginning. Next up is a special make-up show at The Brick Box for the rock and metal bands—stay tuned for more details.
This was the first of many Tucson Music Festivals to come, and we’re proud that you were there at the start of it all.
