Tucson Day Trip - Arizona's Official State Balladeer, Dolan Ellis (late May)
Tucson has already reached the century mark (in temperature) this year. Get away for a few hours and see a show by Dolan Ellis, Arizona's Official State Balladeer. You'll pay only $12 ($6 for children) to see Dolan's 90-minute matinee show in the beautiful theatre he built in COOL Ramsey Canyon. (It's now owned and operated by the University of Arizona South.)
Dolan Ellis is the founder of the Arizona Folklore Preserve and has served as Artist-in-Residence since the first shows in June 1996. But these days Dolan is living in Scottsdale and usually appears there only about once a month.
In May, he'll be there the last two weekends. on Saturday and Sunday the 19th and 20th, and again on Saturday the 26th for a special "Memorial Day: Arizona Style" show. All of Dolan's shows are special. He's known as one of the best entertainers anywhere around, and seeing him in action will make you understand why Arizona governors keep declaring him as the state's official balladeer (10 governors in all, making him Official Balladeer for 41 years). Dolan, his 12-string guitar, and his great photography displayed on a large screen are guaranteed to make you proud to be an Arizonan if you're already one, and envious of those who live here if you aren't. Sit back and relax for 90 minutes and let Dolan be your guide. To get a sample (or literally many samples) of Dolan's songwriting, music, and stage presence, visit the "Songs" pages of his site. Click on Original Songs, Cover Songs, or Humor, and watch some of the video clips there. Most were taken at the AFP.
Of all Dolan's themed shows, I like the patriotic ones best: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. He sings all verses of America the Beautiful, in a medley he created that starts and ends with the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty ("Give us your tired..."). "Buddy Can You Spare a Dime," the depression-era song that ties WWI and WWII together for Americans, is also part of the program. And the program should include his original, whimsical song, "Amerizona": "God bless Amerizona, a little Itty Bitty U.S.A."
As I enter this blog, Dolan is on tour with the New Christy Minstrels. Back in 1962 and 1963, Dolan was an original member of the group, and he won a Grammy with them (Best Group) and made several records that achieved Gold status. They are back together again, with six original members, two permanent new members, and occasional appearances by others. The mature voices are better than ever. Best of all, the high level of energy is still there. It's a great show, now in Oregon and California.
The AFP is only 84 miles from the Tucson City Center at I-10 and Congress. Once you get on I-10, only four turns are needed: 1) taking Exit 302 to AZ-90 S toward Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca; 2) turning right onto AZ-92; 3) turning right on Ramsey Canyon Road; and 4) turning left into the AFP property. Only Step 1 requires further explanation. At the East Gate of Fort Huachuca, Hwy 90-S takes a left to become what's known as the Hwy 90 Bypass. The road you are on becomes Buffalo Soldier Trail. You will stay on Buffalo Soldier Trail, all the way to its intersection with Hwy 92, where you'll turn right (Step 2). As you drive along Buffalo Soldier Trail, Fort Huachuca will be to the right and Sierra Vista to the left. Once you start seeing houses to the right, you'll know you're almost to AZ-92.
