Tucson Weekly 12.29.22

ADMINISTRATION

Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher

Michael Hiatt, Vice President

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EDITORIAL

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Executive Editor, christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Hope Peters, Staff Reporter, hpeter@timespublications.com

Katya Mendoza, Staff Reporter, kmendoza@timespublications.com

Karen Schaffner, Staff Reporter, kschaffner@timespublications.com

Contributors: Brian Box Brown, Rob Brezsny, Max Cannon, Rand Carlson, Clay Jones, Veronica Kuffel, Andy Mosier, Xavier Otero,Dan Perkins, Linda Ray, Will Shortz, Jen Sorensen

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CURRENTS

PLANETARIUM IS A BRIGHT SPOT AT THE UA

By Katya Mendoza Tucson Local Media Staff

DAVID BOWIE SAID IN “SPACE ODDITY,”

“The stars look very different today.”

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium’s Michael Magee and Shiloe Fontes are bringing music and planetary stars together to introduce new generations to classic rock and science through its programs.

“We’re getting a brand-new generation into the dome to hear and see really cool visuals and music,” Fontes said.

“I try to understand it as best I can because I grew up on that music when I was in high school and beyond,” Magee said.

One of the oldest shows is based on Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which has been featured since the late 1970s. From Queen to “Stranger Things”-themed shows, Flandrau keeps various shows in rotation. Once COV-

ID-19 started to “fade a bit” toward the end of 2021, early 2022, shows were often at capacity.

“People were just craving that sort of entertainment after COVID because everyone was so limited in what they could do during that period,” planetarium director Magee said.

The Netflix show “Stranger Things” created a stir among Metallica fans — new and old — and resurrected retro gems like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Now it’s being told to lasers, thanks to a leasing arrangement with Laser Fantasy.

At first Magee was unsure of the appeal of “Stranger Things,” but he quickly learned.

“They said it was really popular with most of their groups,” Magee said.

“We didn’t know what to expect (or)

what the demographic would be for that show. We were pleasantly surprised.”

After each season, the show is updated to reflect the soundtrack, characters

and graphics associated with the series. The planetarium is up to season three.

“At some point we’re hoping to get season four, which, of course, includes everyone’s favorite Kate Bush song,” said Fontes, who works on designing and creating planetarium exhibits as well as building, training and oversee-

SORENSEN

(LEFT) MICHAEL MAGEE POINTS TOWARDS CONSTELLATIONS UNDER THE FULL DOME AT UA’S FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM. (ABOVE) THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM. (KATYA MENDOZA/ STAFF)

ing operations.

“Laser Metallica” hadn’t been that popular, but fans get into the metal band’s tracks like “Master of Puppets” during “Laser Stranger Things.”

Magee said planetarium staff tries to figure out which demographic would watch a particular laser or astronomy full-dome show. “It seems hit or miss,” he said.

The planetarium director

Magee began studying astronomy in 1980 at the UA. As a student employee in 1981, he started running Flandrau’s planetarium shows as a console operator, also serving as a floor supervisor for a couple of years.

Switching from astronomy to chemistry and biology while contemplating medical school, he ended up studying audiology in the College of Speech and Hearing Science.

In 1984, he was hired as a full-time planetarium technician at Flandrau, maintaining various components of the planetarium system, productions and the Minolta Star Projector, known as “Hector Vector Star Projector,” the planetarium’s original opto-mechanical star projector.

“Because I ran so many different shows, I developed an appreciation for the different styles of music and shows that we either programmed or leased from other companies,” Magee said.

“I would say to this day, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is still my favorite.”

Every time he ran the show, he made it look different.

In 2000, Magee was officially named the planetarium director. That same year, he upgraded the planetarium audio system, from analog reel-to-reel tape to a digital audio deck. He said that analog reel-to-reel tape would degrade, whereas digital would maintain high-quality sound.

“When I talk to our student staff members and they express interest in some of the older rock music, they seem to describe the reason why they like it in terms that are very similar to why I used to like that music,” Magee said.

He chalked it up to its high quality of the music and lyrics.

“The young crowds are really pleased and I’m happy to see that happening,”

Magee said.

The next generation

Not all student employees at Flandrau have backgrounds in astronomy. The planetarium accepts students from all different degree programs.

“Our question to them when we hire them is, ‘Do you think you would be able to learn the basics of astronomy, the night sky and constellations?’” Magee said.

Currently, about 12 to 15 student employees run planetarium shows and films and give Star Talks. In total, a little less than 40 students take on various tasks.

Irene Meikle is a graduate student studying teaching who has been working at Flandrau as a planetarium operator for about three years. She said she saw the job posting and applied after watching a laser show with her roommate her freshman year.

“Any science education, that’s kind of my jam,” said Meikle, who teaches biology at Palo Verde Magnet High School.

As a planetarium operator, she gives 10- to 55-minute talks about the planets, night sky, Milky Way or universe.

“Our training goes anywhere from a month to a semester,” Magee said. The process varies from person to person. “One of the more satisfying parts of my job is getting to see people come

through and learn,” he said. Appealing to many areas of science, the planetarium staff often complements its exhibits like “Sharks: Magnifi-

cent & Misunderstood” and “Wild World of Bugs” with shows. The majority of the audience tends to be families, school groups or university students.

“When we first opened, we had an employee who worked for Tucson Unified School District and their job was to arrange for school kids of different class (and) age levels to come in and see our programming and learn about astronomy and whatnot as part of their science learning,” Magee said.

“We did that for many years and those programs have continued over the years in various forms.”

Many young children are coming in to learn about black holes.

“We try to make sure we’re highlighting any research that’s being done at the UA, as it has been a part of so much when it comes to astronomy,” Fontes said. Most recently, the UA just finished helping image the two black holes, M87* located at the center of the Messier 87 Galaxy and Sagittarius A*, which is at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Asterisk represents a star.

CURRENTS

MISSION LIBRARY RENAMED IN HONOR OF FACILITY CHAMPION

By Hope Peters Tucson Weekly Staff

RICHARD ELÍAS’ LEGACY AND WISHES

were honored when Pima County renamed the Mission Library after him on Dec. 16.

Library staff, local leaders and community members watched the unveiling of the new name, The Richard Elias-Mission Library, during a free event featuring entertainment by Mariachi Las Aguilitas de Davis Elementary and Ballet Folklorico Tapatio.

Micha’s Restaurant catered the afternoon get-together, where the public shared fond memories of Elías and saw a sneak peek at the design of the library’s $6 million renovation.

“My father always wanted a library

named after him,” said Luz Elías, Richard Elías’ daughter.

“He is not here to see it, but I know he is looking down and is very pleased and very happy with where the library is and what’s going to be done for it.”

Elías, who died in March 2020 at age 61, represented Pima County District 5 on the Board of Supervisors for 18 years.

“Before ever being mayor, and even before running for council, I was and am Richard Elías’ friend,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said. “I don’t know if you’ve heard this story before, but I see a lot of beautiful faces of family that were at his memorial about a year ago. And I told this story about how Richard

and I met.”

The mayor said she met him when she worked for Pima County’s Neighborhood Reinvestment program.

“I was invited to meet the manager of the affordable housing bond-funded program and that was Richard Elías,” Romero said. “Richard was like, ‘I would love to meet with you and to interview you. Why don’t you meet me at the corner of Pennington and Stone?’ We met at that corner. Little did I know, it (was) because he wanted to sit down and have a smoke with me. That’s where I met Richard Elías.”

Romero said Elías was an incredible storyteller, a holder of history and incredibly proud to be a son of Tucson and the son of Viola and Albert Elías.

Calling Elías a mentor, Romero said he taught her how to be a good community leader.

“He told me, ‘In order for you to be a

good leader…you’ve got to know its history, its beautiful history and its difficult history’ that we carry as a city. You’ve got to be able to love its people,” Romero said.

“He will forever be remembered by me and my family and hopefully this community. This library is a wonderful reminder of his contributions to our beautiful city and to Pima County. It is so fitting that a library is named after him…because he seemed to be an encyclopedia of knowledge.”

A lifelong book lover and a library system supporter, Elías programs like Literacy Connects, Reading Seed (tutoring young children in reading), Literacy Volunteers of Tucson (assisting parents on literacy and reading skills), and Stories that Soar.

“This celebration has been a long

ARIZONA STATE REP. ANDRÉS CANO SAID, “RICHARD (ELÍAS) WAS A PART OF MY LEGACY AS MUCH AS HE WAS FOR ALL OF YOURS.” (STEVE PETERS/CONTRIBUTOR)

time coming,” said Amber Mathewson, county librarian and director.

“Richard Elías was such a tremendous supporter of libraries, and he could always be counted on to attend any library event…He always had inspirational stories for us. And he always made every person feel like he was there to see them. I love that he was always so engaged in the community, working for social justice and his belief in all the people in the community.”

During the event, Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher and Arizona State Rep. Andrés Cano spoke highly of Elías.

“Huge thanks to all the Elías family for allowing us to honor Richard this way,” Lesher said.

“Music and a library are probably the two things we think about Richard the most.”

Cano added, “Richard was a part of my legacy as much as he was for all of yours. We are here in celebration, recognizing the impact that he had. The fact that libraries were his No. 1 passion, as county supervisor, when he had the opportunity to make a monumental decision to absorb the city’s library system, not only did he say yes, but, he said, ‘Hell, yes! Let’s do it.’ He wanted to keep investing.”

Pima County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, District 5, Adelita Grijalva said, “Richard was a huge advocate of libraries. He was an avid supporter of all things Pima County, but really his heart was here in District 5.”

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve here. I think it is so appropriate that this library is going to be named the Richard Elías Library,” she said. “We

are going to see it and it is in the heart of our community and everyone’s going to be able to remember his impact. And this library is going to go through a huge renovation and there will be touches of Richard throughout the entire library.”

Henry Tom, the principal architect with Line and Space Architects, presented his design and a model of the library.

“What an honor for us to work on this library to honor Mr. Richard Elías,” Tom said. “We have been working on this project for at least the last six to eight months to get to where we are now.”

Plans call for the addition of 5,000 square feet. It will include a multipurpose room and new entry.

“(It will create) a bigger presence on Ajo and Mission to invite everybody to the library,” he said.

“In order to honor Mr. Elías, we’ve got to learn a little more about him. We learned about what he really liked…music was a big part of it and he was an avid reader. We’re going to have a collection area that will feature some of the books he liked reading and put them on display. And also we will have an area where we will present a biography of Mr. Elías, some of his accomplishments and things he has presented to us as a community.”

HENRY TOM, THE PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT WITH LINE AND SPACE ARCHITECTS, PRESENTED THE DESIGN AND A MOCK-UP MODEL OF THE RICHARD ELIAS-MISSION LIBRARY’S FUTURE LOOK. (STEVE PETERS/CONTRIBUTOR)

Future of Flandrau

Fontes said it’s tough to predict how shows are going to be received.

“We’re really pleased that shows pretty regularly have been sold out,” Fontes added.

“Personally, I love it. I think shows with bigger audiences are generally more fun as an operator, because I become an entertainer and I feel more comfortable because the (audience) kind of conglomerates,” Meikle added.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Fontes said the planetarium hopes to offer a nice tribute to Pink Floyd.

Magee said he hopes to see the Flandrau produce its own shows entirely in house to save money. One show can cost up to $20,000 to lease for about three years. Independent production would allow the planetarium to highlight UA’s ongoing research and allow

scientists to assist with scripts.

“We’re always on the lookout for new donors to help us with small projects or getting a new show or exhibit in,” Magee said.

While Flandrau has offered laser light shows since “practically forever,” Magee said, a new demographic has emerged in attendance, identifying with music from the 1970s and beyond. To increase public understanding and appreciation of science, the planetarium continues to serve diverse audiences with its spirit of creativity and innovation.

“I think if people like science or if they want to see cool things, come to Flandrau,” Meikle said. “It’s for everybody.”

HUG IN A MUG

We all have a favorite mug, and several others we just use when our favorite is in the dishwasher. Any of those other mugs could become a homebound elder’s favorite through a festive holiday program of The Pima Council on Aging (PCOA). Drop off your less-loved mugs with, if possible, an unopened bag of goodies. PCOA volunteers will stuff each mug with treats before delivering it to its new home. PCOA will collect mugs through Thursday, Jan. 19. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, through Thursday, Jan. 19, Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), 8467 E. Broadway Boulevard, pcoa.org, free

TUCSON FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP

Rockin’ Rollz Lobster and Sushi, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, The Sweet Coqui, Jackie’s Food Court, Tacoqueta –This food truck roundup is a moveable feast. Five days after New Year’s resolutions it may be time for a break. These flavors might be irresistible, and after eating you can always walk it off around Gladden Farms. Before you go, look into the history of Gladden Farms and its relationship to the historic Bojórquez Ranch. gladdenfarms.com/about 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 4, Gladden Farms Food Truck Roundup, Lon Adams Park, 12751 N. Lon Adams Road, Marana, free admission

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE LOFT CINEMA: ‘THE LABYRINTH’

Looking for something unique? “The Labyrinth New Year’s Eve Party and Masquerade Ball” has it all. You can pretend you’re David Bowie and “Dance Magic Dance” at an over-the-top campy, ’80s dress-up bash. These are your people! Be sure to dress to excess; there’s a costume contest at 10 p.m. Break out those puffy sleeves and big hair, or your mullet and high-tops, and enjoy pre-show Bowie music videos, goodie bags with props and a free champagne toast. 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard, loftcinema.org, $15

BROADWAY IN TUCSON: ‘ANNIE’

How wonderful to start the new year with the reminder that “Tomorrow is only a day away.” Little Orphan Annie’s hope is contagious, and this national touring company can infect us all. The

by Linda Ray

PRESTO! MAGIC, COMEDY & ILLUSION

It’s promoted like a Las Vegas show but it reminds us even more of “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The magic is expert and classic, including rope and card tricks, levitation and other expected prestidigitations. But presentation is also silly, sassy and sometimes hilarious. It’s entertainment for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest members. If you’d like a glimpse, you’ll find snippets on YouTube at Presto Magic Tucson.

6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 1, Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road, Suite 165, gaslightmusichall.com, $27

show’s promotional material reminds us (as if we didn’t know) that “Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination.”

“Annie’s” story is about the meaning of family, optimism and a spirit that can carry us through this “Hard Knock Life.” Various times Wednesday, Jan. 4, to Sunday, Jan. 8, Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard, ticketmaster. com, tickets start at $30

BROTHER JOHN’S NYE CELEBRATION FEATURING THE ZONA LIBRE BAND

Wear your dancin’ shoes for romancin’. Zona Libre mixes salsa, merengue, bachata and American pop for a dance night out any time. Brother John’s brings the New Year’s Eve magic with a balloon drop, a sparkling wine toast, party favors, and late-night menudo or posole, and a free photo from a New Year’s Eve themed photo booth.

9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, Brother John’s Beer Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N. Stone Avenue, eventbrite.com, tickets start at $30

‘WOMAN OCHRE’

FOOTHILLS ART DISTRICT JANUARY ART WALK

As part of the Foothills Art District January art walk, Wilde Meyer Gallery welcomes visitors with light refreshments and live music by harpist Vanessa Myers. Featured this month are paintings by Sherri Belassen who explores how lines can connect figures and shapes to their environment.

4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 170, wildemeyer.com, free

To look at it, we might not think that Willem de Kooning’s “Woman Ochre” had anything in common with “Annie.” But with just a couple of hundred words between them here, the shared message is apparent: “Never give up.” Woman Ochre” was donated to the University of Arizona in 1958 and exhibited widely. But on Nov. 29, 1985, it was rudely cut from its frame and stolen. It was rescued from an estate sale in 2017. This exhibit, “Woman Ochre’s” first since its restoration, is about its journey home. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday except UA holidays, through Saturday, May 20, The University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road (pedestrian street, the building is on the southeast corner of Speedway Boulevard and Park Avenue), artmuseum.arizona.edu

‘MORE THAN WORDS’

Supported in part by the Terra Foundation for American Art, “More Than Words” is an immersive poetry experience related to the museum’s current exhibition, “More Than: Expanding Artist Identities from the American West.”

By Linda Ray Tucson Weekly Columnist

EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 9 TO 11 P.M.

Tucson delivers a fresh, new comedy talk show to the world. It’s “Is This On,” hosted by local comedians Phil Gordon and Dave Margolis.

Tucsonans can find it on KMKR 99.9, a radio station operated by the nonprofit arts organization, Xerocraft. We can also listen in to the same show the following Saturday and Monday, in the same time slot and the same spot on their radio dial.

Alternatively, like everyone else in the world, we can listen whenever we want to any episode from the three-year history of “Is This On” just by tuning in to

xerocraft.org/pages/listenKMKR.

Listen any way you can for a laugh.

Gordon and Margolis have legitimate radio and comedy credentials, the former having rusted a bit from all the adulting that’s taken place since they began.

Gordon recently retired from 20 years as a quality assurance manager for VA hospitals in Chicago and Tucson. Margolis moved here from LA after 25 years subtitling films.

But Gordon had started out as a news reporter and anchor for a Wyoming TV station, then went on to help launch a public radio station in Chicago. Margol-

is started at the UCLA radio station as a country music DJ. After graduation he landed a job with a Buck Owens station in Bakersfield and drove 110 miles daily for a midnight shift. They changed his name to Dave York and gave him morning drive time, but ultimately, he opted for more job security.

Through the decades since, the pair remembered their radio days with fondness, so in 2019, when the now-defunct Tucson Comedy Alliance wanted to start a radio show, Gordon jumped at the chance. “When this opportunity came up with KMKR, we thought ‘We’ve got some skills here.’ I brought Dave along and then Roxy (Merrari) joined us for a monthly show.

The Alliance turned them loose with the gear and a membership to Xerocraft, a nonprofit with a sound studio among the many assets it maintains for Tucson artists and artisans to share.

Summarizing the content for “Is This On,” Gordon said it focuses on comedy that’s going on in and around town and what’s coming up, and they interview local and visiting artists. They’ve also turned their creativity loose originating comedy segments that have become the broadcast’s most popular features.

Reflecting on some of the highlights, he said, “We’ve talked to what I like to call the Mount Rushmore of Tucson Comedy. We’ve had Robert Mac on. We’ve had David Fitzsimmons on (and) Nancy Stanley, Mike Sterner, Eliot Glicksman, Alex Kack, Tom Potter. We’ve had a little musical comedy. And then we also try to make sure we cover what’s happening in improv, because we see ourselves as a total comedy service, too.”

Prominent local comedian, show host and former DJ, Roxy Merrari, takes the helm on the first Wednesday of every month. “She’s always in touch with comics coming here from L.A. or across the country.” Gordon said, “So when they’re coming to Tucson to do a show, she gets an interview on Zoom, and we upload that for the broadcast.”

In recent weeks, Sylvia Remington has become the show’s open mic correspondent. “She goes to nearly every open mic in town,” Gordon said.

What excites Margolis and Gordon most about the show, though, is the space and time to let their own comic instincts fly. Their chemistry when they’re improvising scenes between characters and letting the characters take on lives of their own.

PHIL GORDON AND DAVE MARGOLIS HAVE UNIQUE CHEMISTRY AS A COMEDY DUO. (LINDA RAY/CONTRIBUTOR)

“Dave and I have developed a variety of comedy bits that we do on a recurring basis,” Gordon said. “I happen to do a lot of voices. So we have what we like to call our ‘celebrity interviews.’ We’ll have Al Pacino in the studio, or Harrison Ford. And we’ve had a running joke about interviewing the ghost of Sean Connery.

“It’s mildly scripted. We might talk about a direction that we’re going to go, but it’s all live,” Gordon said, “and Dave is not only a gifted comedian, he is a great straight man. He makes it so easy for me because he’s in the mode of Johnny Carson, totally into the interview in a serious way.

“We sometimes do a bit where he interviews me as I play political characters,” he said. “We’ll have Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, James Carville or Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich. It’s got to be hard for Dave to pretend to take me seriously when I’m doing Bernie Sanders, for example, but he is right on every time.”

“Dave does a regular character also,” Gordon said. “It’s Art Kern from the Johnny Carson show.” This is a deep dive reference, and a demographic signifier. Art Kern was the host of Carson’s regular bit “Tea Time Movie.”

“The way we use Art Fern,” Margolis said, “is that he’s retired and living in Tucson. Out of the goodness of his heart, he likes to fool around and do some announcing for us. So we do these fake public service announcements for, say, “Craycroft House of Insects and Religious Articles” or “The Croft House of Power Tools and Royal Memorabilia.” Gordon reminds him of a

favorite: “Craycroft’s House of Thoughts and Prayers.”

“We do a lot of political satire and I was thinking, you know, nobody does political satire,” Gordon said.

When the duo first started doing comedy together, Gordon was running a show called “Laughing Liberally.” Tom Potter, Mike Sterner, Brooke Hartnett, Ryan Falco, Eliot Glicksman and especially Alex Kack (aka “Green Shirt Guy”) would regularly perform original sets of political satire. Nearly all have moved away or stopped doing comedy.

“We had a good run with Laughing Liberally,” Gordon said, “and then as the politics got more and more polarized, it really got hard to do. It was hard to get venues because they would get complaints from a customer and then you’re gone.

“If the environment improves a lit-

tle bit, and we could do (“Laughing Liberally”) again, I would love to do it, so we try to keep it alive on the radio a little bit.”

Margolis said, “Yeah, that’s why this is good. We’re in a room where nobody can get to us.”

Then he mentions that the duo also sometimes does “live coverage” of imaginary events. This year, for instance, they’ll be covering the 139th annual Old Pueblo New Year’s Day Parade. We’re told that “President Biden” will attend.

“We can create these things and use sound effects to make it sound like a parade,” Gordon said. “We’ll have a marching band going through the whole thing.”

OTHER SHOWS THIS WEEK

Laff’s Comedy Caffe, 2900 E. Broadway

Boulevard, 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, laffstucson.com, $25, New Year’s Eve includes food, prizes and giveaways with headliner Alex Elkin.

Tucson Improv Movement/TIM Comedy Theatre, 414 E. Ninth Street. tucsonimprov.com, $7 each show, $10 for both shows, same night, free jam and open mic. Thursday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. “Christmas Carol Comedy”; 8:30 p.m. Open Mic. Friday, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m. Improv Jam; 7:30pm, “The Soapbox” with violin teacher Wynne Rife and cello teacher Mary Beth Tyndall; 9 p.m. Stand Up Showcase with Chris Quinn, Nicolette Dimaggio and Mia Dane. Saturday, Dec. 31, “A Comedic Look Back at 2022;” 9 p.m. “A Comedic Look Forward to 2023.”

Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway Boulevard, unscrewedtheatre.org, $8, live or remote, $5 kids. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, Family-Friendly Improv; Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. “It’s Midnight Somewhere” New Year’s Eve Show. Monday, Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. Improv Dropins, in person and online, free.

CLAYTOONZ By Clay Jones

ALEX ELKIN IS AT LAFF’S FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE. (ALEX ELKIN/SUBMITTED)

By Xavier Otero Tucson Weekly Contributor

AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES, CHANGE

is in the air. This will be the last time that I write this column. It has been a labor of love that I shall miss. I am grateful to my editors — Mari Herreras, Brian Smith, Jim Nintzel and Christina Fuoco-Karasinski — for their support over the years. Most of all I am grateful to you, the readers. Gracias.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS…

THURSDAY, DEC. 29

They will perform three distinct sets of music at the Owls Club… Roman Barten-Sherman has been playing and singing the blues since the age of 4. Downhearted, on the cusp of 20, Barten-Sherman’s slide guitar playing and voice are imbued with all the pain and longing you would expect a seasoned bluesman would accrue over the course of a long and hardscrabble life. “The music that I’ve loved all my life is pre-war rural blues. The stripped-down nature of this music showcases not only raw human emotion but also intense musical artistry of the voice and acoustic guitar,” Barten-Sherman said. Trance Blues Jamboree — with Tom Walbank, Dmitri Manos, and Barten-Sherman — will take you on a junket through the haunted blues of the Mississippi Delta at Hotel Congress Plaza… “The culture that is house music continues to amaze and inspire me,” said Arizona-raised, California-made DJ Pretty Slick. The MC generates gamma waves of heat on the dance floor at Hotel Congress Plaza… Like the binding molecules that the band is named after, The Morpholinos attribute their unique sound to contributions from songwriters Neil McCallion and Gary Mackender combining sequences. “It’s the Texas Tornados meeting up with Nick Lowe and John Hiatt for a drink in a funky bar in Nogales,” says Mackender. Like a bowl of piping hot menudo after a hard day’s night, The Morpholinos reinvigorate the senses at the Monterey Court… From New York City, The Sergio Tabanico Quartet — trumpeter Max Goldschmid, bassist Scott Black, trapsman Arthur Vint, and Tabanico on saxophone — lead the spiraling descent into the

inky Late Night at The Century Room… In a continuing series, drummer and producer Pete Swan presents jazz vocalist Connie Warren and Jaret Young. They perform two sets of standards at The Century Room… Desert Goth Club presents Cryfest Emo Night: Hell Freezes Over. DJ Major Tom mans the decks for this New Year’s emo dance party extravaganza at Club Congress…

FRIDAY, DEC. 30

From the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, A Tribute to Motown features award-winning R&B vocal groups Spectrum & Radiance — recreating the sounds from some of the era’s most beloved musical groups such as The Temptations and The Four Tops to Diana Ross & The Supremes and Martha & The Vandellas — in the Events Center at Casino Del Sol… On the first of two nights, trumpeter and vocalist Tony Frank & Friends locomote through sets of jazz, Latin, blues and more at Pastiche Modern Eatery… A testament to the Ronstadt family legacy, Peter Dalton Ronstadt & the Company — featuring vocalist Liz Cerepanya — perform original post-modern Americana, while placing their own unique watermark upon traditional compositions at the Monterey Court… DJ Humblelianess — La Reina of Tucson’s legendary Latino dance party sin fronteras — presides over El Tambó on the plaza at Hotel Congress. While resident DJ HumpHouse leads generation cool with an old school twist indoors at Club Congress… Rediscover the work of Burt Bacharach. A prolific songwriter whose oeuvre — which contains smash hits like “What the World Needs Now is Love,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and “That’s What Friends Are For” — is bound in the pages of the great American songbook. Back To Bacharach features vocalist Chelsee Hicks and trombonist Rob Boone — backed by guitarist Frank Filipo, bassist Jack Wood, and Adam Ackerman behind the trap kit — interpreting Bacharach’s greatest hits at The Century Room…

SATURDAY, DEC. 31

With all of the cynicism, fatalism and moral ambiguity found in a Dashiell Hammett novel, Hotel Congress transforms New Year’s Eve into a dangerously sexy desert noir scene. With tarot card readers prognosticating the future, mysterious pop-up performers,

The Grand Owls Opry finds esteemed pianist Elliot Jones returning to The Old Pueblo to join forces with singer-songwriter Laura Jean for a night of cabaret.

beguiling DJs, y mas, Noir Year’s Eve spotlights a performance by Tucson’s favorite psychedelic cumbancheros XIXA who soundtrack this Latin-infused dance masquerade ball… Commingling the improvisational spirit of psychedelic jam bands, prog rock, and jazz with EDM dance beats, The Bennu — enhanced by a killer state-of-the-art light show — rockets New Year’s Eve on a galactic journey skyward at 191 Toole. Folk trio Whiskey Treats adds to the celebration… With a repertoire that encompasses 1970s and ’80s rock, jazz, blues, pop, country and Latin, Gigi and The Glow’s high-energy stage show illuminates New Year’s Eve at the Casino Del Sol Events Center… Bela Lugosi is not dead. Fineline Revisited is a monthly tribute to the Fineline; a Tucson nightclub of yesteryear that lives on in infamy. DJ Stubbie spins new wave, electronic, gothic, alt, and industrial at the Surly Wench Pub… New Year’s Eve 2023 is all about Bubbles, Bottles and Dancing. DJs Humphouse, Manny Fresh and GooseWoods spin indoors and on the rooftop all night long at Playground… Abounding with go-go dancers and a cavalcade of disc jockeys, Fluxx Productions — the first LGBTQ+ community cultural arts organization in the Southwest — presents Queer Year’s Eve. DJs Atlantis Moreupset, Miz Skoden, Platy Pussy, Motion, and Robertitx curate this exclusive by queers for queers event at The Rock… By day, this award-winning fiddler’s signature black-framed glasses scream mild-mannered Clark Kent. At night, watch this virtuoso transform into a Southwestern country rock Superman. Billy Shaw Jr. Band preside over the NYE 2023 jamboree at Whiskey Roads. With Special guests Keila Womack and Octavia Oliver. DJ DU spins… Tejano New Year’s Eve Party features performances by — Chente Barrera, Los Badd Boyz Del Valle, J.R. Gómez y Los Conjunto Bandits, and Los Hermanos Cuatro - La Familia Yucupicio — in the Bingo Hall at Casino Del Sol… The “Get Your Shine On” New Year’s Eve Party finds emerging country artist Chauncey Jones and DJ Porkchop trading sets all night long at The Maverick: King of Clubs… Informed by the overarching theme of Love is Love,

Miss Olivia’s New Year’s Eve ’22 Celebration features live sets by Miss Olivia & the Interlopers and special guests Chakalo and DJ Kadetree at The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts… Ring out 2022 at Tap & Bottle Downtown. DJs Carl Hanni and Desert Island preside over the festivities… Their motto is simple; more horns equals more soul. The Coolers — with special guest “Hurricane” Carla Brownlee on the saxophone — welcome 2023 with an icy blast of horn-laden blues, R&B, and soul at the Monterey Court… Relive the Roaring Twenties with the sounds of the Prohibition era. The original Wildcat Jazz Band — cornetist Jason Carder, clarinetist Marco Rosano, trombonist Rob Boone, banjo player Rob Wright, pianist Ray Templin, double bassist Evan Dain, and trapsman Arthur Vint — perform hot jazz for a New Year’s celebration at The Century Room… Feed your insatiable compulsion. Rock Addix — playing classic ’70s hard rock and ’80s hair metal smash hits — promise to “rock until they drop” at the House of Bards…

SUNDAY, JAN. 1

Ever reaching skyward, The Amosphere — led by two-time Grammy nominee, AmoChip Dabney — travel through an exhilarating new world of global dance music. In the first concert of the year, The Amosphere host the Congress Cookout — providing the perfect elixir to cure your overindulgences from the night before — on the plaza at Hotel Congress…

MONDAY, JAN. 2

Chasing the ever-fickle muse, DJs Bonus and PC Party return with Club Whutever, spinning tracks to please their heart’s desire at Club Congress…

TUESDAY, JAN. 3

As in ancient times when black scrying mirrors were used, opening the inner psychic eye to receive insight, renowned sonic alchemist Steve Roach opens the shadowy portal once again. Drawing from a world of instruments and soul infused technology — with a rotating lineup of performers and disc jockeys — he continues his monthly series. Stepping into the 2023, for the latest installment of the Ambient Lounge Roach is joined by ambient/elec-

tro-acoustic artist Serena Gabriel, electronic composer/sound designer Tony Obr, and organic/dark ambient sound sculptor Nathan Youngblood at The Century Room… “Badder than old King Kong / And meaner than a junkyard dog.” This trio of old vets — vocalist/ guitarist Lex Browning, bassist Steve Grams, and drummer Gary Mackender — are dropping the top and taking their sweet vintage ride out for another spin around the block. The Tirebiters are at Monterey Court…

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4

A memorable evening of “precision, nuance and grace” awaits when esteemed guitarist Peter McLaughlin, multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Alvin Blaine and master fiddler Nick Coventry join forces in a spirited ensemble. Nick McBlaine & Log Train perform bluegrass and traditional music at Monterey Court… Following in the tradition of Louis Armstrong, Sydney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton and other early jazz innovators that came out of New Orleans and Chicago in the early 20th century, the Mysterious Babies perform at The Century Room. A traditional jazz jam session follows…

Here’s to the year ahead. Cheers, XOXO…

©

AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

CHEF BRIAN’S COMFORT KITCHEN IS GOLDEN AT 350 DEGREES

By Veronica Kuffel Tucson Weekly Contributor

“TOP CHEF” CONTESTANT BRIAN HILL

traveled from Florida to open a new restaurant in Tucson. While it’s a delicious addition to the vibrant Fourth Avenue food scene, Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen is also a chance at redemption for the restaurant’s namesake.

A block away from fellow “Top Chef” alum Maria Mazon and her restaurant, Boca, Hill’s restaurant will offer artisan takes on classic comfort foods.

The fried chicken, seafood and even vegan dishes were all hand-picked from his experience in the industry. All of it is made to order with a mission for fresh and local; chicken is hand cut and never frozen while sides like collards are ordered from community growers.

But to get that “maximum flavor” of his meals, people must not look just to the food but to the story. Hill grew up in the poor neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. He fell in love with cooking shows on PBS and making meals for his

family on welfare checks.

“I knew I had to continue because it was just too juicy for me every day,” Hill recalled. “That was the instant attraction. It made me smile. It made me happy.”

It was during this time he decided to make food his career, working his way from Domino’s Pizza to private chef for Mary J. Blige and other celebrities.

Hill made his TV debut on the first season of “Top Chef” and branched out to other shows like “Bar Rescue” and “Private Chefs of Beverly Hills.” Through his connections, he soon met Don Westover, an experienced stockbroker in the industry.

“We had an instant affection for one another, and I knew he was my brother from the day I met him,” Westover said.

They reconnected a decade later and opened a restaurant. This would be the third attempt in solidifying Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen. Not for lack of trying,

but for lack of community support and even respect.

Hill started his first restaurant in Washington, D.C., but racism forced him out of his own business. With his second attempt, he opened in a food hall in Miami and was again driven out by discrimination.

Referring to the treatment, Hill’s vibrant and passionate eyes dimmed.

“That literally destroyed everything,” Hill said. “Racism has destroyed me, but I’m still Chef Brian.”

Now with Westover by his side, he’s back and ready to grace the community with his gingerly crafted cuisine.

The Hot Girl Summer, Miami Nice and Fried Potato croquette ($12): His mission was to make the entree entirely and consistently vegan. From the thin-fried crust to the inner potato mash, Hill makes his croquettes buttery, unlike other vegan dishes.

He claims the secret to the creamy texture is the ingredients and cooking process. What’s more, Hill affirms the golden crisp comes at the golden number — 350 degrees.

“You have to have the right filling and you have to have the right temperature,” Hill said. “350 is your friend. I’m serious.”

The entree comes with oven roasted tomato, basil and mushroom sauce. Creamed with coconut milk, it’s the icing on the cake — or sauce on the

croquettes — that affirms it is 100% percent animal-free and ready to eat.

The chicken sliders with original paprika and herb sauce ($9) were created when he was Blige’s chef. In 2005, he made these small and mighty sandwiches for her kids, cooking the chicken in his delicate, artful process. He proclaims again, everything that makes the entrée work is that mix between ingredients and cooking.

The sliders have two hand-cut, never frozen pieces of fried chicken stacked with a toothpick skewered through the bun. The browned bread is then lathered with Hill’s mayo. Lastly, he forgoes the cliché pickles in favor of a little spice, laying one to three banana peppers into each slider.

“It’s for a pop, because we’re a pop and pop place,” Hill nodded to Westover. “No mom and pop, we’re a pop and pop”

Hill’s world-famous golden fried chicken and waffles ($16) feature lightly fried chicken stacked on a warm cinnamon waffle. The entree is served with paprika and herb mayo and thick maple syrup.

With Hill, the dish is an artform. The chicken is savory, the mayo is salty and creamy, and the syrup is sweet. All is snuggled into a warm waffle bed, flavored with cinnamon for another “pop.”

Guests are invited to wash it down with the Low and Slow home-styled brewed sweet tea ($6.25). Hill drips the “suga with an a” in as the black tea slow brews on the stove. While finding the

CHEF BRIAN’S COMFORT FOOD WAS FOUNDED BY BRIAN HILL, LEFT, AND DON WESTOVER. (NOELLE HARO-GOMEZ/CONTRIBUTOR)

CHEF BRIAN HILL’S WORLD-FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES, SERVED WITH PAPRIKA AND HERB MAYO AND MAPLE SYRUP ($16). ALSO PICTURED IS LOW AND SLOW HOME STYLED BREWED SWEET ICED TEA SERVED IN A 16-OUNCE MASON JAR ($6.25).

(VERONICA KUFFEL/CONTRIBUTOR)

right sweetness, he worked to find an “in between” to the overall community and his own roots. Served in a 16-ounce mason jar, customers can enjoy their tea slow or on the go.

For Hill, it’s a pleasure to bring his food to Tucson. Westover affectionately calls him the “introductory factory,” watching him wave to everyone who passes, sharing his vibrant persona with whomever he meets.

“This place is so warm, and I’m not referring to the weather,” Hill said about Tucson. “If you just look at what people are giving you, you give it back.”

It’s a long time coming for Hill to share his warmth and feel it return to him. After so many losses and sacrific-

es, he is determined to live out his passion in the words he says and the food he creates.

Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen strives to provide more than comfort in its food. Hill and Westover’s mission is to ensure everyone feels welcomed and appreciated.

“We are always going to represent the disenfranchised and underprivileged and bring race into the conversation,” Westover said. “It’s not over. We’re going to keep talking about it.”

Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen

611 N. Fourth Avenue, Tucson 520-999-0001 takeout, delivery and catering https://chefbrianat350degrees.com/

Program curator TC Tolbert was awarded an Academy of American Poets’ Laureate Fellowship in 2019 for their work with trans, non-binary, and queer folks as Tucson’s Poet Laureate. Also on the program are genderqueer musician and R&B/hip-hop lyricist Mo LaFlow; Queer Columbian Krip poet Aura Valdes and author and National Endowment for the Arts fellow Diana Marie Delgado. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Avenue, tucsonmuseumofart.org, $5, call 520-624-2333 for reservations

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE: THE BOWEN HOUSE

If you’ve resolved to take better care of yourself in 2023, a great way to start would be this walk along this well-traveled trail to an exceptionally photogenic ruin from Tucson’s past. Tucson Mountain Park features several trails like this, a pleasant walk through unblemished features of Sonoran Desert hills. As always, alltrails.com is your friend, but the trail signage is excellent throughout the park. Dawn to dusk any day, alltrails.com, no alcohol or dogs allowed.

ELECTRATECT SHOOTS FOR FAIR THC IMPAIRMENT TESTING

By Hope Peters Tucson Weekly Sta

ELECTRATECT INC. IS DEVELOPING

a cannabis testing aid that will work like a Breathalyzer.

Co-founder Dr. Evan Darzi said it should be commercially ready in two to three years.

Forty-one states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. However, technology does not exist that determines if someone used THC within four hours, when they would be considered impaired.

According to a report published by Healthline, and medically approved by pharmacist Dr. Alyssa Peckham, THC can stay in the body for several days, weeks or even months when the person is no longer impaired.

The ElectraTect “is closest to replicating how an alcohol Breathalyzer works because its sensor types are based on the same fuel cell-based technology,” said Darzi and his ElectraTect co-founder Neil Garg in a statement.

“When we talk about fairness, it extends beyond just a police officer pulling you over,” Darzi added in an interview.

“It’s for applying to jobs, being denied the right to work because you have it in your system, or you have a job but you live in fear that you’re going to get randomly drug tested…It’s not representa-

tive of you being impaired at the time of testing. Fairness, it’s more pervasive in a lot of aspects of society than just the road.”

Darzi and Garg started the company because they said they believe that

THE ELECTRATECT TESTER WILL, AT FIRST, NOT BE AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS. (ELECTRATECT/SUBMITTED)

testing saliva, blood and urine for THC is expensive and unfair. Blood alcohol testers are inexpensive. A basic model costs as little as $9.99 at walmart.com.

Darzi has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and Garg is UCLA’s chemistry and biochemistry department chair. They began the research at UCLA, but the company is based in Downtown Phoe-

nix, where Darzi lives.

The Clinical Chemistry Journal, in 2019, reported that THC only stays on a person’s breath for up to four hours after use.

“(With) our company, in particular, we put a big emphasis on scientific rigor, obviously with our backgrounds in chemistry,” Darzi said.

“So we want to make sure we are do-

ing very thorough clinical trials and validations and making sure we are really learning. There is a lot about this area that is unknown.”

Darzi said decades of research on alcohol consumption determined impairment levels and how it is measured on a person’s breath.

“We have almost no information like that for marijuana,” he said.

The company is fulfilling its goal of developing a THC test.

“One of our company’s goals is to really be involved in developing the Breathalyzer technology,” he said. “But in the course of doing that, helping pilot clinical trials and studies to understand these things we don’t really understand yet.”

He said ElectraTect is focused on extending cannabis science and helping answer those questions. Darzi said they also research different strains of cannabis and how they may affect a person’s impairment.

“We don’t do anything like strain engineering. That’s fascinating science,” Darzi said. “What we care about, though, is what are the different strains and how they present different cannabinoids. And what does that mean for impairment?”

Darci said there are differences be-

tween CBD and THC and their effects on the user. CBD and THC have essentially the same structure except CBD has one extra carbon oxygen bond, which does cross into the brain, intoxicating the user. That complicates the detection technology, he said.

He further explained a person using CBD topically or orally to treat their pain could potentially lose their job because they would test positive for cannabis if their company did random drug testing.

ElectraTect envisions its device being used to ensure workplace safety, as ignition interlock devices (IID) by law enforcement. ElectraTect would even see the device available at dispensaries and sold to consumers who wish to be as responsible as possible before getting on the road, according to a statement.

LEGALIZATION NATION By Brian Box Brown

A CANNABIS TESTING DEVICE WILL RESEMBLE THIS ELECTRATECT PROTOTYPE. (ELECTRATECT/SUBMITTED)

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700 $1.99 per minute. 18 and

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” writes Aries author Anne Lamott. “It will keep you cramped and insane.” I think that’s a key theme for you to embrace in 2023. Let’s express the idea more positively, too. In Navajo culture, rug weavers intentionally create small imperfections in their work, like odd-colored beads or stray pieces of yarn. This rebellion against unattainable exactitude makes the art more soulful. Relieved of the unrealistic mandate to be flawless, the rug can relax into its beauty.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Here are my four decrees for you in 2023, Taurus. 1. You are cleared to be greedy if it’s in service to a holy cause that fosters others’ well-being as well as yours. 2. It’s permissible to be stubborn if doing so nourishes versions of truth and goodness that uplift and inspire your community. 3. It’s proper to be slow and gradual if that’s the best way to keep collaborative projects from becoming slipshod. 4. It’s righteous to be zealous in upholding high standards, even if that causes less diligent people to bail out.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

In 2023, many interesting lessons will arrive via your close relationships and collaborations. You will have the potential to learn more about the art of togetherness than you have in a long time. On occasion, these lessons may initially agitate you. But they will ultimately provide more pleasure and healing than you can imagine right now. Bonus prediction: You will have an enhanced talent for interweaving your destiny together with the fates of your allies.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

Here are some projects I’d love to see you pursue in 2023: 1. Teach your allies the fine points of how to cherish you but not smother you. 2. Cultivate your natural talent for appreciating the joys of watching and helping things grow: a child, a creative project, a tree, a friendship, or your bank account. 3. If you don’t feel close to the family members that fate provided you with, find others

you like better. 4. As you explore territories that are further out or deeper within, make sure your Cancerian shell is expandable. 5. Avoid being friends with people who are shallow or callous or way too cool. 6. Cultivate your attraction to people who share your deepest feelings and highest ideals.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

Mystic teacher Terence McKenna said, “You have to take seriously the notion that understanding the universe is your responsibility, because the only understanding of the universe that will be useful to you is your own understanding.” This will be key advice for you in 2023. You will be wise to craft an updated version of your personal philosophy. I suggest you read a lot of smart people’s ideas about the game of life. Make it your quest to commune with interesting minds who stimulate your deep thoughts. Pluck out the parts that ring true as you create a new vision that is uniquely your own.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

How should we refer to your romantic adventures in 2023? We could be whimsical and call them “Ritual Mating Dances on the Outskirts of History.” We could be melodramatic and call them “Diving into the Deep Dark Mysteries in Search of Sexy Treasures.” Or we could be hopeful and call them “A Sacred Pilgrimage to the Frontiers of Intimacy.” I think there’s a good chance that all three titles will turn out to be apt descriptors of the interesting stories ahead of you— especially if you’re brave as you explore the possibilities.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

“Coddiwomple” is an English slang word that means to travel resolutely and dynamically toward an as-yet unknown destination. It’s not the same as wandering aimlessly. The prevailing mood is not passivity and vagueness.

Rather, one who coddiwomples has a sense of purpose about what’s enjoyable and meaningful. They may not have a predetermined goal, but they know what they need and like. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the next six months will be an excellent time for you Libras to experiment with coddiwompling.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21)

In the theater of ancient Greece, the term anagnorisis referred to a pivotal moment when a character discovered a big truth they had previously been unaware of. Another Greek word, peripeteia, meant a reversal of circumstances: “a change by which the action veers round to its opposite.” I bring these fun ideas to your attention, dear Scorpio, because I think 2023 could bring you several instances of an anagnorisis leading to a peripeteia. How would you like them to unfold? Start making plans. You will have uncanny power to determine which precise parts of your life are gifted with these blessings.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

Winters are cold in Olds, a town in Alberta, Canada. Temperatures plunge as low as 24 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. But an agronomist named Dong Jianyi has built a giant greenhouse there that enables him to grow vegetables yearround. He spends no money on heat, but relies on innovative insulation to keep the inside warm. In 2021, he grew 29,000 pounds of tomatoes. I propose we make him your inspirational role model for 2023, Sagittarius. My guess is, that like him, you will be a wellspring of imaginative resourcefulness. What creative new developments could you generate? How might you bring greater abundance into your life by drawing extra energy from existing sources? How could you harness nature to serve you even better?

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

In accordance with your astrological omens in 2023, I’ve chosen a quote from Capricorn storyteller Michael Meade. I hope you will make it one of your core

meditations in the coming months. He writes, “All meaningful change requires a genuine surrender. Yet, to surrender does not simply mean to give up; more to give up one’s usual self and allow something other to enter and redeem the lesser sense of self. In surrendering, we fall to the bottom of our arguments and seek to touch the origin of our lives again. Only then can we see as we were meant to see, from the depth of the psyche where the genius resides, where the seeds of wisdom and purpose were planted before we were born.” (The quote is from Meade’s book “Fate and Destiny, The Two Agreements of the Soul.”)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

In addition to my career as a horoscope columnist, I have written novels and other books. I have worked as a singer-songwriter in rock bands and performed a one-person show in theaters. As I survey my history, I always break into sardonic laughter as I contemplate how many businesspeople have advised me, “First, you’ve got to sell out. You’ve got to dumb down your creative efforts so as to make yourself salable. Only later, after you have become successful, can you afford to be true to your deepest artistic principles.” I am very glad I never heeded that terrible counsel, because it would have made me insane and unhappy. How are you doing with this central problem of human life, Aquarius? Are you serving the gods of making money or the gods of doing what you love? The coming year will, I suspect, bring you prime opportunities to emphasize the latter goal.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

I’ve chosen a sweet taste of advice for you to keep referring back to in 2023. It’s in rapt alignment with upcoming astrological omens. I suggest you copy my counsel out in longhand on a piece of paper and keep it in your wallet or under your pillow. Here it is, courtesy of author Martha Beck: “The important thing is to tell yourself a life story in which you, the hero, are primarily a problem solver rather than a helpless victim. This is well within your power, whatever fate might have dealt you.”

By Rob Brezsny. Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

over. Touchtone phone required.

Dollywood

too slowly,