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At 3:17pm on October 5, 2009, AZ Entertainment and Events said…
Tucson Welcomes Eric Darius, Gregg Karukas and Jay Soto!
October 24 – 7:30 PM
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort Pavillion
www.azentertainmentandevents.com
520-429-9803

AZ Entertainment and Events (AZEE) is proud to present “Night of a Thousand Grooves,” another world class ensemble of contemporary jazz artists featuring sax prodigy, Eric Darius; masterful keyboardist/composer Gregg Karukas and award-winning fiery guitarist Jay Soto.

Come out to the luxurious JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort Pavillion for a great evening of soulful, smooth grooves featuring contemporary jazz greats: Sax prodigy, Eric Darius; masterful keyboardist -composer Gregg Karukas and award-winning, fiery guitarist Jay Soto. Two dance floors, drink specials, $99 resort stay and great fun!

According to Darius, “Although I’ve been to Arizona before, I have never had the opportunity to perform in Tucson. I am very excited about coming and ready to bring the house down!! One thing I can definitely promise is that this show is going to be hot!!

“Hot” is probably putting it mildly since Darius’ performances have been described as nothing short of a “blazing inferno of pure body rockin’, soul-stirring energy.” His rapid ascendance to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts, not once; but multiple times, is remarkable. Darius’ latest CD, “Goin’ All Out” has debuted on the legendary Blue Note record label. But even more unusual is how well grounded Eric is in handling celebrity and its trappings. We recently sat down with the 26-year old artist who has taken the contemporary jazz world by storm to uncover the secret to his phenomenal and early success.

“I attribute a lot of the success I am experiencing with my music career to my parents. They exposed me to jazz at a very early age, so I had a love and appreciation for it very early on. It wasn't until I was nine, and I saw the saxophonist at our church play every single Sunday. I saw the emotion that he exuded when he played and it really sparked my interest—I just fell in love with the saxophone. I listened to a lot of Grover Washington, Jr. and David Sanborn and Kirk Whalum growing up. My parents bought me a saxophone for my tenth birthday and I started playing.

Despite a demanding touring schedule Eric is earning a business degree at the University of Florida. “I think it is important for all artists to be able to understand the business aspects of our careers—a lot of them don't know what it entails; everything from finances and management to marketing. I think that it will definitely be beneficial to me as an artist, to help create longevity for my career. I plan on applying everything that I learn with my business degree.”

What advice does he have for aspiring musicians?
For any aspiring musician who might be reading this article, my advice to them would be to always follow your dreams! In order to succeed in the music business, it takes A LOT of practice, patience, and perseverance!!

Inspired by John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, David Sanborn, Kenny Garrett and Michael Brecker, Darius began recording his compositions and sold demos at ages 13 and 15. He soon hooked up with members of saxophonist Richard Elliot's band who produced his first full-length CD, Cruisin'. "I wrote most of the music from that CD when I was 14," Darius says, "and we released it in 2000 when I was 17.

One local event found Darius opening for David Benoit and Navarro. Blown away by what he had seen, Navarro agreed to produce his next album even before a record deal was signed. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to catch this rising star in Tucson along with his equally talented and award winning ensemble members, Gregg Karukas, Jay Soto, Mario Mendivil and Ira King.
At 3:16pm on October 5, 2009, AZ Entertainment and Events said…
watch?v=-w1BpGRELxYI figured it out! Feel free to share!
At 3:52pm on September 30, 2009, Ramon A. Kee said…
Thank You for the wonderful Welcome. I look forward to making more new friends.
At 11:17am on September 29, 2009, Ella J. Wartel said…
Hi Gwen it's always good to see a happy smile on some-ones face,don't change,Ms.Pierce.
At 9:42am on September 10, 2009, Ted Thomas said…
Hello Mrs. Pierce
Thank you for the friend invite. It's always on-time to know that someone is woundering how another is doing. Our lives thus far in Tucson has been different than what we are use to in Seattle. We will adjust. Right now my wife works as a CNA for people here and she's not happy. Organizations here have to much power. Cutting hours and pay is something were not use to. As for myself I'm in school to obtain my CDL's for truck driving and that's totally different.
You take care and once again thank you.
At 9:15pm on September 8, 2009, Marilyn Epps-Bullock said…
Dear Gwen, I love the Sep. cover for the Chocolate Voice! Thank you so much. Kevon is so excited as well as so many other people. They are all asking for many, many, copies. Please give me a call. Marilyn
At 2:11pm on September 7, 2009, Valerie L. Stanley said…
The flutist was my favorite as well. And was for the majority of the people I spoke with after the concert. I have your number in my phone now, so I will be giving you a call. Thank you Gwen.
At 1:55pm on September 7, 2009, Valerie L. Stanley said…
Hi Gwen: It was so very nice to meet you as well. Your father is a wonderful, sweet man and I thank Dona for the opportunity to have met your dad many years ago. God has certainly placed so many wonderful people in my life and I am so blessed and graeful for each and everyone. I hope you enjoyed yourself at the concert, even though you were there to cover the event. I enjoyed myself, it is nice to go to events that showcase so many artist from Tucson and other parts of the country. I would like to talk to you about possibly doing a story on my friends who own a recording studio and are up and coming in Tucson. I think it would be a great piece for The Chocolate Voice. If you contact Dona, she will be able to give you my cell phone number, please call anytime. I look forward to speaking with you. take care and God Bless.
At 12:40pm on June 22, 2009, Eshawn Peterson said…
No problem, actually I just graduated as well this May from U of A! Have a great day!
At 12:51am on April 30, 2009, T. Richard Smith said…
Peace, LOVE and Soul
At 5:47pm on April 28, 2009, T. Richard Smith said…
Gwen,
I feel like a step-child waiting to do my life story with you!
i can be reached at 520 405-3939 or trichardsmith@yahoo.com
Hope to hear from you soon...

T
At 11:04pm on April 25, 2009, Sherry D Jordan said…
Hi Gwen, I'm glad we had the opportunity to personally meet and you have already been a blessing to me and thanks. May the blessings of the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
At 10:23pm on March 28, 2009, Sherry D Jordan said…
Hey Gwen thanks for the birthday and sorry for the delay in responding but starting a new business is very busy. I hope I get to meet you whenever you come to Tucson. Your mom is an angel on earth.
At 2:33pm on March 27, 2009, Artress Cornmesser said…
Hello Gwen,
Heard you did publish my poem "After the Season" Let me know how I can get your paper every month and if you want more poems sometime. I write almost every day. Book of 10 short stories should be out by May. I think you will like them.........Artress Cornmesser(Marilyn's Aunt)
At 2:14pm on February 20, 2009, T. Richard Smith said…
Thanks Gwendolyn! I'm saving the best for you....
At 11:50am on January 22, 2009, Artress Cornmesser said…
Hello Gwen......If you would send me a mailing address, I will send you a poem to look over via snail mail. Artress Cornmesser--3060 School Rd. San Juan Bautista, Ca. 95045
At 8:18pm on January 6, 2009, Artress Cornmesser said…
Thank you Gwen, I will give that some thought...Artress Cornmesser
At 3:40pm on November 20, 2008, Brenda Edmontson said…
Thanks Gwen! And if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

Brenda
At 2:05pm on November 20, 2008, Brenda Edmontson said…
Hello Gwen, I have heard of Chocolate Voice before. Have we met? Do you know Bertha Hopkins, granddaughter to Tessie Hopkins?
At 12:00am on November 4, 2008, Amber Williams said…
Hi Mrs. Gwen is there anything in particular that you are looking for the November/ December issue? Is there a theme???

Ladee A

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