TUCSON, Ariz. (September 11, 2024) — Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment invites the community to a special Waila Celebration at its Why location parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Featuring Tohono O’odham Waila music, food, arts, crafts, and activities, the event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendance is free and is open to all ages.
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 Oct. 12, the lineup includes the following performers: Southern Scratch, Project Kumbia, Valenzuela & Company, Kwaliya Dancers, and Native Creed.
Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We’re very proud to once again celebrate the rich history of Waila music with the community at our Why casino. Join us Oct. 12 to experience this unique O’odham music from some of the top Waila bands!”
Vendors who are interested in participating in the Waila Celebration on Oct. 12 are encouraged to contact Nathan Lanham-Baird at nwlanhambaird@ddcaz.com for questions and application forms.
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).