2nd Saturdays on the Fox return this weekend with a screening of “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley and reside music carried out by Gila Bend and Classless Chaps.
Tucson’s Gila Bend have been identified for many years for his or her loud and twangy nation metallic tackle desert rock. Bandleader Loren Dircks not solely performs bends strings together with his personal band, however he additionally performs together with his sons in their very own act, Classless Chaps. Each bands will carry out authentic music to get individuals up and grooving on the Fox Theatre earlier than the traditional Elvis film reveals on the large display.
“We have at all times been kinda rootsy,” Dircks mentioned. “Our model is a mixture of nation and metallic — a little bit extra rockabilly.”
Gila Bend fashioned throughout Dircks’ Canyon del Oro Excessive Faculty days within the Nineteen Eighties and it grew to turn into an integral “motor” of his life.
“We used to play in locations we weren’t even presupposed to be allowed in,” he mentioned.
Other than being knowledgeable musician, Dircks teaches guitar, ukulele, and banjo classes, in addition to piano and drums — dwelling, respiratory and dreaming music.
“I get to play guitar all day,” he mentioned. “And it’s actually one of the best factor ever. I have been ready to do that full-time for 12 years. I get up excited to work.”
The band’s expertise and magnificence made them an awesome match to play earlier than the displaying of “King Creole.” They are going to be leaning into their rockabilly songs so as to add to the retro vibe of the night.
“I keep in mind when (Elvis) died. It was the primary movie star loss of life that actually impacted me,” Dircks mentioned. “We went to Graceland this 12 months and it took me again to my childhood. I used to be such an enormous fan.”
He mentioned his appreciation for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is as massive because it has ever been. “His music was simply that good. His music is timeless,” he mentioned. “He is by no means going away.”
Dircks mentioned he is wanting ahead to watching the film himself.
“I hope there’s something in there everybody can seize on to and luxuriate in,” he mentioned. “Persons are so irritated lately, and I hope they go away their irritations and worries behind.”
Tickets for adults price $12.50 and $10 for youth, seniors, navy and college students. Doorways open at 6 p.m., Gila Bend and Classless Chaps will play at 7 p.m. “King Creole” begins at 8 p.m.