Tucson fundraiser to attract music, entertainment buffs

Attention, music buffs and super fans: If you like music memorabilia, the Rialto Theatre Foundation has a fundraiser just for you. 

The foundation is celebrating 20 years with a first-of-its kind event: The Rialto Theatre Archive Sale Fundraiser from noon (11 a.m. for Rialto members) to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 191 Toole St.

“The Rialto has a stash of mostly concert posters, along with photos and other memorabilia, dating back about 20 years,” said Kelly Barnhill, Vice President of Community Outreach for the foundation. “We were organizing these and thought this Archive Sale would be a fun alternative to our annual gala.”

With a $5 suggested donation fee for entry, attendees have access to more than 1,500 posters and pieces of memorabilia — many with autographs — featuring musicians, bands, actors, comedians and more. 

“It’s really cool. We may or may not have signed posters from Modest Mouse, Jerry Cantrell, Shakey Graves and many others who have performed at the Rialto. We will also have freebies and giveaways, along with drink specials and live music by the Rosano Brothers,” said Barnhill. 

The event will also feature food trucks, including The Curry Pot, Bisou Burger, Del Cielo and You Sly Dog. There will also be a live auction between 2 and 3 p.m. (paddle fee of $5 is required for participation) for a variety of prizes, including a Rialto Theatre Platinum Ticket.

“This is one of the few places you can get a Platinum Ticket, which includes access to all Rialto shows with transferrable tickets,” Barnhill said. “It is really special.”

In the last year, the Rialto has staged 325 shows through its historic theatre and adjacent venues at 191 Toole and R Bar, which the foundation began managing in 2023.

Recognized by Pollstar as a Top 100 Major Club Venue worldwide, the Rialto celebrates its 105th birthday this year. It was built as a sister structure to Hotel Congress in 1920 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“With the diverse range of shows that Rialto puts on, people can go and have a new experience every time, or just gather and hang out with a group of people that shares a common interest,” Barnhill said. “I feel like this really makes Rialto a hub of the Tucson community.”

Proceeds from the upcoming fundraiser will support maintenance and operating costs for the theatre, as well as education and outreach for youth through programming such as Rialto StageCrafters. Both summer programming and weekly classes offer experiential learning in sound engineering; lighting design; concert photography; booking and hospitality; and marketing and design. 

“Between fostering community, continuing the education programs where kids learn A to Z how to produce and perform a show, and maintaining the 105-year-old building, we rely on our community’s support in order to keep flourishing and growing,” Barnhill said.