TUCSON, Ariz. (May 13, 2024) — Desert Diamond Casino invites the community to the fifth annual Waila Celebration at its Sahuarita location Plaza on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Featuring Tohono O’odham Waila music, food, and arts & craft vendors, the event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendance is free and is open to all ages. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, or with recent exposure to a person with COVID-19, is asked to stay home.
Waila is a type of social dance music originally adopted by the Tohono O’odham from the Spanish and melded into a unique genre. Contemporary Waila bands typically feature an accordion, alto saxophone, electric six-string, bass guitar, and drums. For the Waila Celebration on May 18, the band lineup includes: T.O. Mumsigo, T.O. Legacy, Pickup Up Kings / Kwaliya, and Gertie & the T.O. Boyz.
Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We’re honored to celebrate the rich history of Waila music with the Southern Arizona community. Join us May 18 for a family-friendly experience featuring some of the top Waila bands!”
Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley in Glendale, AZ, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at www.ddcaz.com or by calling 866-DDC-WINS. Follow Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment on Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), Facebook (@DDCAZ), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos).