First, it's probably worth noting before I write a number of very complimentary things about the Luz de Vida compilation set to be released on October 18th that the creative team behind the project is full of Tucson Weekly staffers/writers/friends/etc..

However, the proceeds from the concert celebrating the album's release, and the music itself (both in vinyl and digital formats) are going to the Tucson Together Fund, so it's sort of a no-brainer for us to mention it here.

So, all of that being said, you should start getting really excited about this project. The album is great, with the vinyl release capturing a lot of Tucson bands (the first recorded track from Kiss and the Tells! Chango Malo covering Sam Cooke! a previously unreleased Calexico track!) at their best, and then the 37 track digital version adding on more Tucson bands and national acts with some local connection (Spoon! John Vanderslice! Meat Puppets!). A lot of work was put into this collection, and it shows.

Conveniently, the Rialto is hosting a release party for the album with a superb lineup of acts combined with an opportunity to purchase a download of the digital version or the limited edition vinyl:

Confirmed Artists to Perform (in no particular order):
- Kiss & The Tells
- Reno del Mar
- Mariachi Luz de Luna
- HAIRSPRAYFIREANDGIRLS
- Tracy Shedd
- La Cerca
- Golden Boots
- Silverbell
- Rich Hopkins
- Tom Walbank
+ more artists to be announced

Ticket / Pricing:
- $10.00 for Entry
- $15.00 for Entry + Digital Download of Luz de Vida
- $25.00 for Entry + Digital Download + Limited 12inch Vinyl of Luz de Vida

As a preview, Fort Lowell Records has the Giant Sand and Dead Western Plains contributions to Luz de Vida available to stream:

Dead Western Plains "People Beat" by FortLowellRecords

Giant Sand "Recovery Mission (Radio Edit)" by FortLowellRecords