Local songwriter presenting material from his newest album.

$5 cover

An Evening of Latin American Music with Tradiciones Entre Peruanos!

$5 admission

All ages welcome
Bar food and drinks available for purchase

Hang out on EXO’s patio to decorate your bike for the Gila Topminnow Returns Bike Ride (Saturday, June 16). Celebrate the return of the fish (thanks to YOUR wastewater) to the Santa Cruz River with a commemorative cocktail, created especially in the fish’s honor by Vadi Erdal and Amy Rude-Smith at EXO. 

We’ll toast to the fish at EXO and provide supplies and inspiration.

Use #GilaTopminnow to document your experiences and the topminnow, when you see one, on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). The fish won’t see it, but the people will.

A night of bluegrass, folk & country featuring Rising Sun Daughter (Grace Rolland of Run Boy Run) and hometown guitar hero Clay Koweek.

Each Thursday we sample a different set of mezcal or agave spirits and discuss the process, origin, method and magic of agave spirits. This event is rarely complete without maps, enlivened discussions and the chance to taste some rare mezcal at an economic price. 

Every Thursday at 7:00 PM. $15 for four pours. No RSVP required. 

Carl Hanni will be spinning his Latin and Bossa Nova collection with us!

Each Thursday we sample a different set of mezcal or agave spirits and discuss the process, origin, method and magic of agave spirits. This event is rarely complete without maps, enlivened discussions and the chance to taste some rare mezcal at an economic price. 

Every Thursday at 7:00 PM. $15 for four pours. No RSVP required. 

A night of bluegrass, folk & country!

$5 cover

MORE ON RF SHANNON:

"A dreamy and introspective slice of Americana." - Stereogum

"'Tooth Ache' is a beguiling return, a slow-burning piece of folk-fuelled songwriting that glimmers with midnight's promise. A purring, at times almost-Dylanesque sojourn out into the desert, it's an atmospheric, haunting return." - Clash

"Shane Renfro's psych-folk project pulls classic vibes and reinvents them in a modern sound that is easier to sink your teeth into than ice cream on a summer day." - Indie Shuffle

"Fans of Damien Jurado and Calexico will find plenty to love in this tightly-woven tapestry of sonic threads. 'Black Madonna, So Divine' is without a doubt the best four minutes of your day." - The Revue

On Trickster Blues, their new full length album for Cosmic Dreamer, RF Shannon take a drastic shift from the long form, pensive desert meditations of their previous record. "The process was a drastic shift from the one we took with Jaguar Palace and I was hooked. It was a blast all of the time. We kept a quick pace due to external circumstances via random or otherwise inevitable interruptions, so we learned to take what we could get. If a take was good, it was a keeper, we didn't second guess it. In just four days we had demoed the majority of my new material and it just felt so right,'' explains Shane Renfro, the mind behind RF Shannon.

Born out of natural and self-imposed boundaries, the final product is an album that lives in the sonic space between desert blues and old school R&B. At times heavy like a jackhammer while maintaining the velvety vocal deliveries of Renfro, Trickster Blues is an album that embraces the natural indecision surrounding the songwriting process and goes with its gut decision every step of the way. By working on the principal that if the first impression of a song is good enough at the moment then it is good enough to be the final product,  Trickster Blues paints a portrait of Renfro's truth and his truth alone. "Maybe it's a terrible mistake, maybe its' better this way," comments Renfro on the writing process. "I think that's what this record will always mean to me. That's kind of the Trickster in a way. Many different facets, but the name conjures a sort of pure whimsical mischief, a dose of raw wild impulse that reminds you to laugh at whatever it is thats happening."

Demoed in four days in Marfa and recorded in two in Lockhart, Texas with the help of Jesse Woods and Will Patterson, the album is demanding in its immediacy while providing a raw and profound insight to the raw sonic & lyrical landscape Renfro & Co have crafted.

http://www.rfshannonmusic.com/

June West hails from Missoula, MT, but also calls the desert home. She likes to perform music that touches the soul, whether it be soul, R&B, folk, country, rock & roll...the ingredients of her fold. She is releasing her first self-titled LP this August.

http://www.june-west.com/music

Arlo Hannigan is an award-winning Alaskan artist originally from the remote goldrush town of Nome, Alaska. He has traveled across the country bringing his unique blend of alt-country indie folk to many audiences. Hannigan’s songs have been well-received in Alaskan saloons, desert taverns, New Orleans bistros and Rocky Mountain barrooms, as well as south of the border. Hannigan will perform with a variety of accompaniment, but often performs solo. His songwriting is what ultimately shines through. Hannigan's subtle delivery manipulates lonely, evocative melodies against simple yet stirring instrumentation.

Whether it's a rowdy country hoedown, an elegant soirée or private listening room, Hannigan's music will leave a lasting impression - it is authentic, heartfelt, and distinctive. His music is steeped in the influences of his life on the Bering Sea, his travels though life, and on the road. His style has been compared to that of Leonard Cohen, Tom waits, Nick Drake, and J. J. Cale. He is based in Los Angeles.

Ry Warner, formerly of OHIOAN, weaves together finger picked instrumentals and country--all of it pouring out a little off--like a cassette left on the floor of a pick up all summer.

Jeff Rymes’ former quartet The Lonesome Strangers originated in “the roots music explosion that took place in Southern California during the ‘80s” and have been described by AllMusic as “one of California's most influential bands.” Now, 20 years since the Strangers’ last release, Rymes has returned to serious musical pursuits with his solo debut, Even If The Sun Don’t Shine, picking up where he left off with a collection of songs from the highways and byways of life's road trip.

You've heard the myth, now discover the legend. Pedro y Los Liricos at Exo Bar. Tables will be removed for dancing. Sawdust optional. Mezcal mandatory.

For the last year The Sons of Rainier, have been conjuring serenades for hobos, widows, lovers, and fry cooks. Hailing from the bright grey lands of Northwest Washington, they bring a sound that is part early country, part poetry, part doo-wop, part breakfast. Their debut album, Down In Pancake Valley (Feb 2018) has brought comparisons to Michael Hurley, Crosby Stills Nash, and has been called "..a master class in how to rightly render open-sky cowboy folk" (Jonathan Zwickel, City Arts Magazine).  

A collaboration of four NW-music veterans, Devin Champlin, Dean Johnson, Sam Gelband, and Charlie Meyer, they keep to the lo-fi, DIY end of the spectrum, crafting songs that are heavy on vocal harmony, and subtle instrumentation, paired with evocative meandering lyrics that ask big questions in the simple moments. The music rests on the foundation of Devin's songwriting, and is brought forth with warm tube amps, Dean's unpredictable, weeping guitar lines, Sam's loosely tuned but tightly played snare, Charlie's thoughtful upright bass, and a heavy helping of close three part harmony. It is 45 rpm folk music that is sweet and haunting. It's a polaroid of a stolen slow dance.

APRIL 28TH
8-10 PM
8 DOLLARS AT THE DOOR OR IN ADVANCE!

A night of diverse music featuring bouzouki, saz, tambura, harp, ney, kaval, violin, flute, darbuka, bendir, accordion and button box--this variety show will display songs, musical pieces, dance, and poetry addressing the pain, pleasure, and power of love - yearning suitors, flirtatious couples, jilted lovers, bitter rivals, and ecstatic unions - from the Mediterranean, known for its passion and intensity. 

Kyklo, also known for its exploration of the music of the old world, will guide the evening through this sea of emotions, with a variety of guest performers, geographical expositions and other goings ons that will be sure to make you yearn, learn and love just a little harder than you did before.

"Slow Motion Cowboys frontman Pete Frauenfelder employs a non-conventional cadence on the track that gives it a more conversational feel and keeps you on your toes, setting it apart from your typical country or folk songs." - The Bay Bridged

Slow Motion Cowboys has written songs to try and put down the feeling of a place changing before his eyes . As the name might suggest, the Slow Motion Cowboys push back against the money and technology disconnecting us from our communities and the creative bonds that create a feeling of place. 

The lap steel dances behind the wavering vocal melodies, the rhythm section seizing the past with its traditional country music tempos, showcasing the cohesion of musicians polished from extensive touring throughout the South West U.S.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

We are pleased to announce Exo will host Califone with band members Tim Rutili, Wally Boudway, Michael Krassner, Ross Andrews, Joe Westerlund and maybe some surprise guests. 

An evening showcasing the grace and talent of Lonna Kelley and Howe Gelb, each performing solo and also performing together, to the tune of their latest release together 'Further Standards'.

"This new album now takes inventory by adding Lonna Kelley to several of the original tracks from “Future Standards” to ‘up’ the previous standard."

On ‘Future Standards’, Gelb duets with the equally laconic Lonna Kelley as the pair come on like a seasoned duo managed by Broadway Danny Rose in Woody Allen’s film of the same name. Gelb’s piano sinks to a pedal-depressed ambience as his cavalier vocal boasts of new love and faded times, all In the best tradition of the American Songbook that he’s pretty damn cleverly adding a new volume to.

7:00-10:00 PM
DONATION AT THE DOOR. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO FRIENDS OF TUCSON'S BIRTHPLACE AND MISSION GARDEN.

Mission Garden is a re-creation of the Spanish Colonial walled garden that was part of Tucson’s historic San Agustin Mission. Located on its original site west of downtown Tucson at the corner of Mission Road and Mission Lane, the Garden features heirloom Sonoran Desert-adapted fruit orchards and vegetable gardens interpreting 4,000 years of agriculture in Tucson.

For the Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace establishing, completing and operating Mission Garden is the first step towards creating Tucson Origins Heritage Park.

Come learn about this fascinating project and how you can get involved! 

We will be featuring a special mezcal infusion with fruit from the garden. There will be presentations from Doug Smith, Jesus Garcia and other special guests. There will also be DANCING with traditional Latin American and Mexican music!

Tøger Lund-bass, Naim Amor--guiar, Gil Rodriguez--drums

A jazz trio focused on the classics and economic, dynamic playing. Join us for this special night of jazz. Perfect for a date night!

Adobe Collective at Exo Bar!  

This event is $5-$10 cover, all money goes to musicians.

The Adobe Collective call the Mojave Desert their home. Founded in 2011 by husband and wife Tim & Faith Chinnock at their 1937 historic adobe house just minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree, the group includes drummer Caleb Winn, multi-instrumentalist Chris Unck, and bassist Spencer Keizer. Their surroundings reflect a kind of no-frills authenticity that is baked into their music - desert folk with flashes of country, psych folk and indie rock.

They officially dropped their self-titled debut album in 2014. Their sophomore LP, 2017’s Take Heart, Take Care, netted a high-profile nod from USA Today, who listed it as one of the ‘top 20 albums to discover the high desert sound.’ They’ve honed their live act playing at one of America’s best music venues Pappy & Harriet’s, and shared the stage with Christopher Paul Stelling(Anti), Little Wings (Woodsist), The Renderers (Ba Da Bing) and stirred up both regional press (Palm Springs Life, Coachella Valley Weekly) as well as national radio play.

While they’ve progressed at a steady clip since their inception, the group is clearly not ready to give up the expansive pace that desert life affords them. Creation is an un-rushed process for the band, who often piece songs together through stream of consciousness musings from the past and present. “I’m always pleasantly surprised by how consistently things fit together to make a cohesive story” Tim reflects. “Almost like the subconscious can see the through-line before the conscious mind realizes what Is happening.”

The band is currently at work on their third full length album recorded and engineered at band member Chris Unck’s studio High Lonesome in Joshua Tree, scheduled to release in 2018.

You've heard the myth, now discover the legend. Pedro y Los Liricos at Exo Bar. Tables will be removed for dancing. Sawdust optional. Mezcal mandatory.

$10 TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Exo is proud to present an evening of story and song with the acclaimed talents of Willy Vlautin and Billy Sedlmayr.  

Willy Vlautin was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Vlautin started playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager and quickly became immersed in music. It was a Paul Kelly song, based on Raymond Carver’s Too Much Water So Close to Home that inspired him to start writing stories. 

Vlautin has published four novels: THE MOTEL LIFE (2007-- NYT Editor’s choice and notable book, made into a major motion picture starring Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsh, Stephen Dorff, and Kris Kristofferson), NORTHLINE (2008), LEAN ON PETE (2010-Winner of the Ken Kesey Award for Fiction, short-listed for the IMPAC award, and soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Buscemi and Chloe Sevigny), and THE FREE (2014-Winner of the Oregon People’s Choice Award). 

His fifth novel, DON’T SKIP OUT ON ME, will be published in 2018. Available for purchase at this event!  

Vlautin founded the band Richmond Fontaine in 1994. The band has produced ten studio albums to date, plus a handful of live recordings and EPs. Driven by Vlautin’s dark, story-like songwriting, the band has achieved critical acclaim at home and across Europe, The Independent calling Willy, “The Dylan of the Dislocated.” 

For over three decades now Billy Seldmayr has been deep in the fabric of Tucson music, from his early days as an underage musician playing dusty bars long since gone with punk rock pioneers The Pedestrians, then playing with Giant Sandworms, laying down the blueprint for Tucson music.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

We weren't even trying, and we booked an Irish band for Saint Patrick's Day!

This is no average "Irish Band", The Lost Brothers (Belfast) are a haunting, beautiful duo who bring to mind with their performances the work of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, early Everly Brothers, Leonard Cohen, and The Band.

But don't take our word for it (read below).

You won't want to miss this show. Freddy Parish will open for this special, listening room experience. Tickets will be sold in advance.

"Simon and Garfunkel reborn in the desert- the harmonies are exquisite." UNCUT **** 4/5

"The Lost Brothers have found something to truly call their own." Q**** 4/5

"A thoughtful and subtle gem". RECORD COLLECTOR **** 4/5

"A beauty" 4/5 The Sunday Business Post

"Simple, striking songwriting that ripples with maturity..." CLASH

"Halfway Towards A Healing" is as sincere and lyrical as any track by Leonard Cohen." Hot Press 2018

"The harmonies are exquisite, lending a sense of timelessness to gently understated melodies" UNCUT 8/10

"melancholy autumnal folk-lands" **** MOJO

TICKETS ON SALE HERE

Exo is proud to announce a performance by one of the premiere Waila bands in Arizona. We have dreamed of such a show for a long time and are happy to announce this special performance!

Read below to find out more about Waila music and Gertie's career. Bring your dancing shoes for this one! TICKETS ON SALE HERE

“GertieNtheT0.Boyz” is one of the premiere ‘Waila’ Bands playing a mix of traditional and new Waila music. All band members are also members of the Tohono O’odham Nation which is located in Southwestern and Central Arizona. The name “Tohono O’odham”, abbreviated to “T.O.” in our name, means “Desert People”

The Band consists of an Accordion, Saxophone, Violin, Bass, Bajo Sexto, and Drums and Percussion. The term “Waila” translates into the word “Dance” and is the most popular social dance music on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Waila music includes several varieties of polkas, chote’s (two-steps), Cumbias, Mazurka, and also Kwalya which is a type of square dance which is danced to at festivities of all occasions

Gertrude Lopez, better known as Gertie, is the only female band leader on the Tohono O’odham Nation.

The band has performed all over the state of Arizona to include Inaugural performances for Native American Tribes. The Band was nominated in the 2010 Native American Music Awards in the Waila Category. Gertie was nominated in 2012 for the Arizona’s Governor Award as a Musician Artist. In 2013 the band won third place at the Wa:k Indian Days Battle of the Bands. Gertie also won the Best Accordion award. In 2014 Gertie was recognized for her Waila Music and received a Community Service award from Borderland Theaters.

Exo is pleased to announce Jaliha: a duo blend of world contemporary music with tunes from Mandingue and Senegalese descent with Elijah and Yacouba---both members of Solidarite Sympa--a Tucson-based pan-African band with members from the Ivory Coast. 

Come appreciate the rhythms, songs and sounds from the West Coast of Africa in a low-key setting. 

A 5-10 donation will go to the musicians!

This songwriter bonanza showcases the talent of emerging songwriters and if YOU haven't emerged in awhile to pay attention, this is the night to do so.

Follow the posts below to hear/see the artists playing that night.

We are pretty thrilled to host

Buck Meek

Twain

Karima Walker

Casey Golden

Show is 8:00-10:00 and will be a sit-down "listening room" show. Tickets will be sold in advance.

$8 Cover

8-10PM

For more than a few years now, singer-songwriter Melaena Cadiz has been making a beautiful, dreamy brand of down-home folk that has belied her cosmopolitan NYC surroundings. Her last two albums leaned bluegrass with twangy guitars and banjo, intricate, organic percussion, and soothing strings while her voice exquisitely cleared a path through the enveloping sounds.

Her new album, Sunfair, is a departure, with Cadiz trying to anchor newfound stability amid many moving parts. She made an escape from NYC to California, specifically the vast, arid desert terrain of Joshua Tree. The soundscape of Sunfair mirrors that landscape. The sound is stripped, raw, sparse, and beautifully barren, hearkening to a newly unearthed inward solace. The album mostly follows the pattern of lead single “Goes Without Saying“: Rarely is Cadiz’s voice accompanied by anything other than her gorgeous finger-picked guitar and the slightest bit of reverb. She’s taken the serenity and simplicity of that environment and comfortably cloaked her voice in it.

-Collin Robinson for "Stereogum"

*************************************************************

Marianne Dissard is a singer, lyricist and filmmaker who lived in Tucson, Arizona, United States from 1994 to 2013. A central figure in Tucson's desert music community with her unique hybrid of French Chanson and Americana, she is a charismatic performer and known for the quality of her lyrics.

$5-10 cover

$10 gets you the cassette album/digital download!

BRADFORD TROJAN

Diamond Rocket Roll. Tucson based and Inspired by rare doo-wop and oldies, Bradford Trojan has been making and playing music that feels fun and easy and is now proud to present his latest Album released by Tucson's own Baby Tooth Records "First Sunrise".

Golden BooTs:

Part rock, part country, part absurdity, and a dash of drunk, the ramshackle hydra that is Golden BooTs transforms again into their latest incarnation of new-wave pop for toe-tapping weirdos and humorous freaks.

Have some alterations to tackle? Want to finally accomplish that sewing project you've been putting off forever? Making clothes? Need some guidance? 

Bring your machine or your project (can be embroidery, knitting, sewing by hand or machine, crocheting--ANYTHING involving needle and thread) to Exo on Sunday, February 25th. Melissa Dudley, experienced seamstress and designer, will be on hand to help troubleshoot and answer questions about stitches and glitches. A glass of wine is included in a donation to Melissa for her time. This will be a monthly event on Sundays 4-7.