La Cerca merge disparate strands of symphonic, country and pop to create a winning din all their own. Yes, that sounds all made up in 2018, but it is true. In short, songwriter-guitarist Andrew Gardner and bandmate Bill Oberdick play layered, swirling guitars that slightly nod to My Bloody Valentine, beneath ever-hummable vocal melodies and smart words. Their new LP, Sunrise for Everyone, is a sort of southwestern Daydream Nation, part sweet noise, Street Hassle and inescapable songcraft. Gardner took three years to write and record these songs, which include no shortage of sunny blue-eyed soul worthy of Beach Boys’ Wild Honey and ’90s indie, and whatever aural dazzle the gents toss in. For instance, there’s a sadness in the Tucson melancholy of “Arizon,” and Gardner’s vocals emphasize a kind of X-factor longing; that is, the listener can’t pinpoint the central emotion, like a long sunset made all the richer by far-off pollution. Songs like “Car Crush Heart” feature a wild, free-jazz saxophone and “Sorry XO” offers mournful and sweet pedal steel. Deceptively simple tunes that manage to deepen and bloom, when no one really listens hard anymore, which is too bad. Monday, Dec. 10, at Elliott’s on Congress, 135 E. Congress. Doors at 9 p.m. Free. All ages. Details here.
Winterhaven
Winterhaven. The magical, glorious, festive and busy Winterhaven Festival of Lights may have opened this past weekend, but if you want to beat the crowds, Monday night just might be the perfect time to bask in all the glowing holiday glory. Winterhaven is open every night until Dec. 26 for your holiday enjoyment. Entry is free but be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. A true Tucson tradition celebrating it's 69th year, bundle up and stroll through the lights and decorations of this winter wonderland. There will also be food trucks, party bikes and hayrides for those looking to make a full evening out of it.There is no official parking for the event, and entrances for the Festival are on Ft. Lowell, Tucson, Country Club, and Prince. 6 to 10 p.m.
Details here.
Pet Photos with Santa. If you haven't sent out your Christmas cards yet, here's your chance to get the purr-fect photo for them. Dress up your pets in their favorite holiday sweaters to look their best for the man in red. Santa will be at the Tucson Mall from 5 to 8 p.m. to take pictures with pets (dogs and cats only). So pose your pups at 4500 N. Oracle Rd.
Details here.
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Events compiled by Brianna Lewis, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.
