Page 19 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2024

Story and Photography by Marty Haviik • https://azthunderphot9.wixsite.com/azthunderphoto

The Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona, has been one of my favorite music hangouts since my younger days.
Not only is it a historical building smack in the middle of downtown Tucson, but it also has a reputation as
being Tucson's preeminent 1400-seat music venue. The Rialto Theatre has hosted over 700 shows, featuring
a diverse range of acts such as The Black Crowes, Linkin Park, The White Stripes, Maroon 5, Dave
Chappelle, Morrissey, Fugazi, Government Mule, Sam Butera, The Afro-Cuban Allstars, King Sunny Ade,
Cesaria Evora, Arturo Sandoval, Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, The Vagina Monologues, Quest for Fire,
and even the Jim Rose Side Show. And once upon a time, my band and I had the honor to open up for metal
maniacs Motorhead. And yes, we even had pizza with them! But enough about the theatre…I really want to
talk about my friend and promoter Brent Kort and his production, Local Love Productions.

Brent has a really cool thing going at the Rialto. He’s been producing his monthly Local Love shows since, I
think, around 2013. Local Love Productions focuses on creating a space for local bands and artists in Arizona,
mainly in Tucson, to showcase their music with the community.

I’ve attended quite a few of his shows and each show usually has a different genre of music. This time it was
Local Love Metal Fest. You know what they say, if it’s too loud, you’re too old. I guess I’m not that old.

This metal fest had local favorites Lo Blow (Melodic Post-Hardcore/Grunge), Scattered Guts (Thrash Metal),
HeadRust (Heavy Metal), Truth Untold (Rock), Sleeping with the Witch (Heavy Metal), and Non Grata (Rock).
In the place of Stands With Fist was Az The World Burnz (Metal Harmony). Although they were all metal
bands, each one was different in style from one another. That’s what made the whole show interesting and
enjoyable. Each band performed around 45 minutes.

I must apologize to Non Grata…I arrived right after their last tune, so I didn’t get take pictures of them. I did,
however, talk to them in the lobby. Next time!

My favorite part of the show was seeing old friends, and of course, making new friends. And that mosh
pit…wow! I haven’t seen one of those in years! And as always, the staff at The Rialto Theatre are the best.
Brent Kort, Mike Olivares, and the security staff are all fantastic. I’m so looking forward to seeing another
Local Love Production show.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocalLovePromotions/
The Rialto Theatre: https://www.rialtotheatre.com/history/

HeadRust: https://www.facebook.com/HeadRust
Lo Blow: https://www.facebook.com/loblowofficial
Truth Untold: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUntoldSV
Scattered Guts: https://www.facebook.com/ScatteredGuts
Sleeping With The Witch: https://www.facebook.com/SWTWAZ
Az The World Burnz: https://www.facebook.com/ATWBMovement

Brent Kort and Marty Haviik