Fans of the Fox Theatre Tucson should already know the energy live music brings to downtown. Now, imagine pairing that with food!Â
From 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25, local chefs and musicians will share their collaborative pairings at the first Music & Morsels experience at the Fox. It’s also a special fundraising event for benefiting the historic theatre.
What to Expect
“It’s always thrilling to see what happens when you juxtapose two different creative mediums,” said Bonnie Schock, Executive Director at the Fox. “Anything is possible.”
The theatre is hosting the world premieres of musical and culinary compositions created exclusively for this event — all designed around the theme of “Places We Hold Dear.” Each songwriter/chef duo has met and brainstormed around the theme and what it means to them.
“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,” Schock added. Â
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 at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Pablo Valencia, Executive Chef at Scratching the Plate Catering, and Obadiah “Obie” Hindman, Executive Chef at 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, and tuba, 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 and 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 event begins at 5:30 p.m. when guests will be warmly welcomed with specialty cocktails.Â
As the evening carries on, all three Music & Morsels pairings will be presented, followed by a panel discussion featuring the chefs and musicians. Also, a dinner buffet will be held on the main floor of the Fox presented by El Charro Cafe.Â
The evening concludes with DJ Dance and dessert on the Fox stage. Additional entertainment and other delightful surprises are in store throughout the evening.
Sneak Peek of Chef Lamberth & Petie Ronstadt’s pairing
 “My morsels were inspired by the creative conversation with Petie at the Fox,” said Lamberth. “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 for my dish. The vibrant colors of the Pueblo deco mural on the ceiling are reflected in the deep hues of the heirloom masa and the golden tones of the pickled pineapple and aji.Â
Chef Lamberth’s creation:Â
- 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.
“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,” said Lamberth.
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets for the event are $375 per person and can be purchased online. You can also purchase tickets by calling Jonathon Crider at (520) 624-1515.
All proceeds benefit the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation.Â
Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W. Congress St. For more information, visit foxtucson.com.Â
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
