You’ve probably heard about internationally known local artist Daniel Martin Diaz and have seen his easily recognizable work gracing the covers of an album or two or on the All Soul’s Procession posters and T-shirts. You’ve maybe even heard his band Blind Divine, in which he collaborates with his lovely wife and partner-in-crime Paula, but did you know that he is designing and constructing a stunningly intricate and gorgeous stage for our beloved Club Congress?

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Daniel Martin Diaz’s “Divine Prophecy,” which
will be featured in his Apocalyptic Resurrection
exhibition at LA’s Billy Shire Fine Arts in March.

I had the pleasure of seeing the plans during a recent jury duty break at The Cup Cafe and my jaw dropped faster than a slow-selling band on a major label. It’s metal and something else that will be illuminated from within (I forgot to ask, but I think they wanted to keep some of the element of surprise). Trust me, you will never see another stage like this. In true DMD style, it looked more than a little sharp edged, which had me envisioning one drunken dancing fool after another accidentally impaling themselves, but was assured it was more than drunken buffoon-proofed.

The sculpture/stage is a miracle in more ways than one. Not only has nothing been created like this to my knowledge, but this project came up at a time when Daniel and Paula could not have possibly been busier. They are, however, so enthused about it that they happily worked it in to their ridiculously jam-packed schedule.

Daniel just had a show in New York and has another coming up shortly in LA. He has also been commissioned to created a large piece for Suzana Davila’s soon-to-open Cafe Poca Cosa location, not to mention preparing for the upcoming Blind Divine shows (Feb. 24, also at Congress) and the fact that Daniel has switched from bass to keyboards in the band. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This duo is a perfect example of people who make you feel like you are one lazy sonofabitch.

When will this masterpiece of a stage be unveiled? Glad you asked… This work of art will have it’s coming-out party on Saturday, Feb. 18 where the lucky Chocolate Genius, Inc. (Fall on Commotion Records) will be the first artist(s) to grace the newly vamped up stage. It’s a KXCI-sponsored show, which is no surprise being that Chocolate Genius is a favorite of at least one outspoken DJ there. Not my favorite act, but it’s not bad. Several DJs at KXCI – as well as LA’s self-professed tastemaker station KCRW – are fans, and Meshell N’degeocello guests on his new album. Either way, the event will be more than worth stopping by.

This will be just one more reason that cool, out of town bands love playing Tucson. Lucky for us.

For more info check the Congress Web site at www.hotelcongress.com