Southern soul food and 40 years of history collide next Friday when The Paladins return to El Casino Ballroom for the House Rockin' Blues Review, KXCI's 13th annual blues bash and one of the rare tour stops for a band that hasn't played Tucson since 2018.

A fundraiser for the KXCI radio station, the event is hosted by Marty Kool, host of the Blues Review.

KXCI Music Director Duncan Hudson said the event will give listeners a chance to finally meet the voice behind the station.

"It'll be great for some to put a face to the voice," Hudson said.

Kool's hosting brings a local connection from the KXCI airwaves into the room for the event.

The Xcelerators, known for their high energy and seasoned, soulful vibe, will open the night. They describe their tone as "gritty, sophisticated blues."

The event marks the 40th anniversary of headliner The Paladins' first appearance at El Casino, with the performance featuring Arizona Blues Hall of Fame saxophonist Alex Flores.

The Paladins were founded by guitarist Dave Gonzalez and bassist Thomas Yearsley, who have recorded nine full-length studio records and three live albums.

Hudson said he believes pairing new featured band The Xcelerators with longtime House Rockin' Blues Review participant The Paladins will make for an especially impactful night, and he hopes it brings the community together.

"The posters don't tell people that it's really just a big party," Hudson said.

Longtime Tucson promoter Jeb Schoonover says touring is a rare occurrence for The Paladins these days.

Schoonover promoted and managed the band three times in the 1980s at El Casino Ballroom. For longtime blues fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch a night of blues featuring both a new band to the venue and The Paladins, who haven't played in Tucson since 2018.

"El Casino is known for its large dance floor. It's sprung, which means it's a wooden dance floor and they built it so there's air in between," Schoonover said, "that allows you to be comfortable while you're dancing so you can dance all night long."

Ticket prices are $25 for KXCI members, with general admission costing $30 in advance. Tickets will be $35 at the door, and reserved seating is available, ranging from $75 for individual seats to $320 for a table that seats four.

Food will be available for purchase from The Parish, which is selling Southern food, including seafood and more.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning an hour later at 7:30 p.m. and concluding at 10:30 p.m.

All proceeds benefit KXCI’s mission to connect Tucson and Southern Arizona to each other and the world with educational, informative, and creative community-based programming.

Both Schoonover and Hudson expect the event to be a success, with its energetic blues, delectable selection of food, and a dance floor made for rockin' all night long.

Zaida Josephene-White  is a Sahuaro High School student and Tucson Spotlight intern.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.