Legends of the Tucson Underground

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Howe Gelb lives with feedback, Hotel Congress, Fall 2005;Dave Slutes as Milos Sucrose of the Zsa Zsas, "Bermuda Love Triangle" show, Plush, Tucson, Valentines Day 2003. IMAGED: CIA ROMANO © 2003-2005

The first thing to say is "thank you." There would be no scene without these people and places; they all contribute in different ways. Word to those who complain about who is-- and is not-- in this section: None of them ever asked to be listed as "Legends," and many suggested someone else. Criteria for "Legends": Undisputed talent and a collaborative heart.

-- CIA ROMANO, spring 2004

Naim Amor: Inspired experimental pop

Bob Log III: Crash helmet and the "Slide Guitar Ride"

Bombshelter: Cheerleader of the Underground

Tasha Bundy: Drum goddess

Calexico: One of Tucson's musical treasures, with an international following

Elizabeth Cherry: Doyenne of the art scene

Howe Gelb: The undisputed master of idiosyncratic, desert-baked, introspective rock

Grill: Where many of us take most of our meals

Jeff Grubic AKA Mr. Tidypaws: Barbequed sax

The Hotel Congress: Everyone ends up there eventually

Al Perry: Tucson's best-loved cowpunk

Cathy Rivers: Rock superwoman

Margo: Pioneering the Fashion Alternative

Skrappy's: Creating the future and harboring the all-ages crew

Dave Slutes: Longtimer Slutes and his most notorious band, the Zsa Zsas

Solar Culture: Outpost of alternative music and art

Tom Walbank: English bluesman of the first order