Oro Valley Music Festival: Two-Day Tucson concert featuring top acts

The Golf Club at Vistoso transforms into a concert venue September 30 – October 1

Last year, Brooklyn-based American Authors, offered up their mix of indie pop and commercial modern rock.  
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Although many lifestyle pursuits swirl around the game of golf, The Golf Club at Vistoso took it up a notch three years ago with the launch of the Oro Valley Music Festival. The Club joined forces with iHeartMedia to create this unique event, which has grown from a local phenomenon to a must-do for all music lovers.

“With headliners like Train and Lee Brice, we have become a draw for fans from across the entire Southwest,” said Rich Elias, general manager of The Golf Club at Vistoso. “OVMF continues to draw more attention year after year, and we are now cementing our place among great music festivals in the entire region.”

When they arrive, fans are treated to a unique experience featuring two music genres, as 12 bands jam on one stage on the practice range over the two-day event. Far from business as usual, as Elias goes on to explain: “Over two days we transform our championship golf course into a championship concert venue. Saturday features country music and Sunday is more pop or rock ‘n’ roll. There’s something for just about everyone.”

The 2017 lineup on country day includes Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Michael Ray, Drake White and Brooke Eden. On Sunday fans will be treated to Train, Michael Franti & Spearhead, LeAnn Rimes, Gavin DeGraw and Echosmith. 

“It’s a bring-your-own chair or blanket, casual event in a gorgeous one-of-a-kind setting,” said Elias. “We’re up against the Tortolita and Santa Catalina Mountains; the views are incredible. In fact, in year one, rock star Matt Nathanson took a moment to tell the crowd to turn around and check out the sunset behind the mountains. It was spectacular.” 

The benefits of this special event go way beyond its entertainment value. Recent economic impact studies estimate a $4.2 million injection to the local economy. Plus, local Tucson-area charities took in more than $20,000 as a result of last year’s event alone. 

General admission tickets are available at www.OroValleyMusicFestival.com for $59.50 one day, or $89.50 for both days. VIP packages come with additional swag and start at $129.50 for one day, or and $199.50 for both days. And those who would like to turn up the volume to “awesome” should consider the TravisMathew VIP Experience, at $249.50 for one night and $379.50 for both.

The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador is the preferred hotel for the event. Standard rooms begin at $149 per night with Junior Suites or Casitas for $189. And best of all: They provide group transportation to and from the venue. 

Although not typically associated, music and golf aren’t mutually exclusive. The Birds Nest at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is a good example of a stiff shot of golf followed by a live-music chaser. Okay, maybe Jake Trout and the Flounders and John Daly missed the mark, but according to 50 Cent, Jay Z recently put out some “golf course music.” Maybe next year.