Founded in 1996 by Jonathan Holden, Tucson, Arizona’s music series “Rhythm and Roots Concert Series” began presenting acts in Americana Roots, Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, and anything else that just felt right.
In early 2012, we lost Jonathan, our passionate leader and founder. But in his spirit we carry on supporting the Americana and roots music he loved so much. We continue presenting music in his memory and belive performers and patrons deserve a comfortable and intimate atmosphere that respects the performer, the music, and patrons.
Some of our past artists include:
Joe Ely, Jim Lauderdale, Rodney Crowell, Robbie Fulks, Slaid Cleaves, Peter Rowan, Paul Thorn, Billie Jo Shaver, Richie Havens, Taj Mahal, Cowboy Jack Clement, Sons of the Pioneers, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, Riders in the Sky, Rosie Flores, Ruthie Foster, Butch Hancock, Texas Tornados with Flaco Jiminez, Chris Smither, David Wilcox, Parker Milsap, Nils Lofgrin, Dale Hawkins, James McMurtry, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, Tom Russell, Darrell Scott, AJ Lee and Blue Summitt, Radney Foster, Dave Van Ronk, Maria Muldar, Buckwheat Zydeco, John Mclaughlin, Bob Corritore, Janiva Magness, Lisa Morales, John Coinman Band, Eric Bibb, Peter McLaughlin, Chris Brashear, Teddy Morgan, Joe King Carrasco, Don Armstrong & The Whiskeypalians, Peter Ronstadt and The Company, Johnny Rawls, Jessica Fichot, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, Sisters Morales, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, The Savoy Cajun Band, Greg Brown, Eliza Gilkyson, Old Blind Dogs, Rosie Ledet, Incendio, Luis Villegas, Les Yeux Noirs, Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart, Roy Bookbinder, and many, many more.
About Jon Holden
Holden’s Rhythm and Roots Concert Series introduced audiences to some of the finest touring musicians, of whom many would have never made it to Southern Arizona without his efforts.
An ethnomusicologist at heart, Holden’s passion was Americana music. He studied its history and deep roots. He was passionate about sharing the social and cultural significance of the music he loved. With this in mind, he founded Rhythm & Roots Concert Series in 1996. Jon’s personal belief and his own motto, Music is Medicine, became the tagline for the series, echoing his sentiments. Performances often included an educational aspect or Q&As with the artists. Audiences emerged with a deeper appreciation of the featured musician, their music, and its origins.
