Zocalo Magazine - September 2014

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Tucson arts and culture / ZOCALOMAGAZINE.COM / september 2014 / no. 55





index September 2014 07. Events 17. Sport 18. Business 27. Film 28. Galleries 33. Food & Drink 36. Garden 37. Poetry 39. Arts 54. Life in Tucson 55. Tunes 58. Escape On the cover:

Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015. Details on page 40.

Zócalo is an independent, locally owned and printed magazine that relects the heart and soul of Tucson.

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Olsen EDITOR Jamie Manser CONTRIBUTORS Craig Baker, Marisa Bernal, Andrew Brown, Jon D’Auria, Kerry Lane, Jamie Manser, Brandon Merchant, Phoenix Mungo, Niccole Radhe, Dan Rylander, Herb Stratford, Monica Surfaro Spigelman LISTINGS Marisa Bernal, listings@zocalotucson.com PRODUCTION ARTISTS Troy Martin, David Olsen

CONTACT US:

frontdesk@zocalotucson.com P.O. Box 1171, Tucson, AZ 85702-1171 520.955.ZMAG Zocalo Magazine is printed in Tucson at Sundance Press.

Subscribe to Zocalo at www.zocalomagazine.com/subscriptions. Zocalo is available free of charge in Tucson, limited to one copy per reader. Zocalo may only be distributed by the magazine’s authorized independent contractors. No person may, without prior written permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue. The entire contents of Zocalo Magazine are copyright © 2009-2014 by Media Zoócalo, LLC. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Zocalo is published 11 times per year.

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from the editor

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September is an exciting time in Tucson. The energy shifts, temperatures start inching under triple digits, Pima and UA campuses are buzzing, the collection of cool community events is out of sight, and the performing arts go full throttle. To satiate those with proclivities for creative consumption, within is our annual Performing Arts Season Highlights – an overview of close to 30 local and state-based artistic organizations and the 2014-2015 schedules. There truly is something for everyone. And the time is nigh my friends to offer audience and fiscal support by checking out these different troupes and their shows. While there’s a perception that live theatre is expensive, the prices of most shows are comparable to a night at the movies – with requisite popcorn and cold beverages added in. Arizona Theatre Company’s Director of Finance Carrie Toth concurred. She pointed out that the per ticket rate on season passes, depending on which package one purchases, can be as inexpensive as $20 a show, with an average of $30 per show, relative the package. In other words, screaming deals. It just takes a bit of pre-planning, so start surfing to those websites and check out the offerings. In related performing arts coverage, Craig Baker scribes about Tucson Improv Movement moving to Fourth Avenue (page 51), Dave Sewell lets us peer into the mental drawers of actors working through the audition process (page 52), and Jim Lipson rounds up the Tucson Fringe Festival for us on page 39. While the fringe fest’s co-producer Yasmine Jahanmir admits the event has been a labor of love heretofore, it is super cool this creative outlet exists. There’s a liberating spirit to bringing non-juried art to the people – you never know what is going to come of it. “Art history and performance art give us an opportunity to take something we are passionate about and connect that with the community,” says co-organizer Sara Tiffany. It is that sentiment of concourse that helps build a scene and helps a town to rock it. – Jamie Manser


Photo: ©2013 Warren Van Nest

events Z

Cardboard Ball 2013

The Ultimate Shabby-Chic Bash by Craig Baker

Unbeknownst to the majority of locals, Tucson has in its midst one of the world’s foremost experts in recycled art. Though you won’t find his work hanging in the Louvre just yet, Mykl Wells makes his living as a working artist by creating incredible surrealist works out of paint and cardboard — his website proudly lauds the fact that he gets most of the stuff he uses for his work “out of dumpsters.” He even hand-makes the frames for his custom pieces out of recycled cardboard, effectively taking the castoffs from your Costco trips and turning them into colorful character studies that tantalize and delight. In fact, in 2012 Wells was one of only six artists selected to create an installation at Cartasia — a prestigious biennial cardboard art show held in the medieval Tuscan city of Lucca, Italy. The idea of traveling to Italy to make a gigantic cardboard sculpture had natural appeal for this local artist (as I imagine it might for any warm-blooded human being) but the prospect did present a bit of a challenge — that is, continuing to pay his bills while working for free overseas. It was this predicament three years ago that gave rise to Tucson’s first ever Cardboard Ball. The event attracted about 150 people, Wells says, and got him where he was trying to go — Wells even ended up winning first prize in the exhibition for his 18-foot sculpture entitled “Snowdrop,” which was essentially a giant upside-down head with a flower growing from its neck. Once Cartasia was in the rearview, though, Wells was reluctant to let the success of the first Cardboard Ball disappear for good. So they did it again, and last year’s iteration raised about $3,000 for the All Souls Procession Workshop Series, a series for which our local cardboard guru is also responsible. This year Wells hopes to raise about $5,000 for his workshops, which he says will be taking to the streets in a new mobile format. “We’re looking to the east side of Tucson, and also to Vail, Tubac and Oro Valley as well. We’re trying to reach out to the larger community that maybe doesn’t get by the All Souls Proces-

sion Workshops because they aren’t downtown,” says Wells. His hope is that in spreading the word about the event even further within our own community he might be able to raise enough money to bring on a guest artist for the workshops in upcoming years — an effort, he says, which could help spread the word about Tucson’s eclectic art scene to players in other artistic communities nationwide, and even worldwide. The Cardboard Ball is now poised to become a favorite annual freak-fest amongst both local art enthusiasts and general party-people, and Wells says this year’s event will feature a few upgrades. Not only will there be a runway on which party-goers can show off their flashy-yet-frugal paper-based duds, Wells is also making tubes available for cardboard jousting and sponsoring a dance party with live music from Scott Kerr, Mik Garrison, and The Carnivaleros, as well as two live DJ sets to keep you jumping. There will be at least one keg of Borderlands Brewing Company's “Las Almas Ale” on hand — which was crafted specifically with All Souls in mind — with beer, wine and food available from the Maker House Cafe. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces for the event. To participate, simply drop your cardboard masterpiece off at Maker House the day before the Ball any time between noon and 8 p.m. Not sure what to wear to such an extravaganza? Just pop by Maker House at any point during the art drop off and Wells promises to be onsite with the materials and the know-how necessary to make sure you’re absolutely Cardboard Ballin’ for the big event. Paper cuts be damned — this is gonna be good. n The Cardboard Ball goes down on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave., at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Maker House, Yikes Toy Store, 2930 E. Broadway Blvd., and Pop-Cycle, 422 N. 4th Ave., in advance for $10 or pay $15 at the door. More info on Facebook.com, search Cardboard Ball, or try AllSoulsProcession.org. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 7


Z spotlight events

september

Tucson Spanish Flamenco Festival Tue 23-Sun 28

A unique opportunity to experience flamenco and Spanish culture in a traditional latenight, outdoor festival atmosphere in Downtown Tucson. With six nights of performances, including the 2nd Annual Guitar Competition – a tribute to the late Paco de Lucia – and musicians and dancers from around the globe, this year’s event promises to delight audiences of all ages. See the website for information on the performers, the schedule and details on the workshops and classes. $20-$45. Thu-Sat, 8pm-11pm; Sun, 2:30pm & 6:30pm. Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. (520) 884-5253, TucsonSpanishFlamencoFestival.com Photo courtesy Tucson Flamenco Festival Photo courtesy Tucson Flamenco Festival

Macarena Giraldez, from Sevilla, Spain, is a flamenco singer known for her gypsy voice. She performs regularly at the tablao, Casa Vicente, along side guitarist Misael Barraza and dancers Jason and Mele Martinez. She is a featured performer at the 6th Annual Tucson Flamenco Festival.

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Photo courtesy Tucson Flamenco Festival

Misael Barraza, from Hermosilla, was last year’s guitar competition winner and will be presenting a tribute to Paco de Lucia this year.

Melissa Cruz, from New Orleans, is a Bay Area-based flamenco professional and has been a full-time flamenco artist and instructor for the past 12 years. She has built a career dancing, mentoring new dancers and choreographing flamenco across the United States.


september

spotlight events Z

La Musique | TYP Annual Fashion Show Friday, Sept. 19 Tucson Young Professionals present its 7th annual fashion show on Friday, Sept. 19 with a runway show featuring styles inspired by some of the most influential musical genres. Fashion show producer and Tucson Fashion Group founder Yekatherina Bruner will present a diverse ensemble of local designers, fashion stylists, boutiques and brands including: Phillip Manus, Buffalo Exchange, Crown The Shop AKA Cry Baby Couture, Francesca’s, Leyda Herring, Swindlers, Grand Central Clothing, and Banana Republic. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 6:30 p.m.: VIP Doors Open 7-8 p.m.: VIP Reception 7:30 p.m.: Admission Doors General Open 8:30–10 p.m.: Fashion Show 10 p.m.: First Fridays After-Party at Playground $40 general admission/$65 VIP reception. Purchase online at TYPfashion.eventbrite.com. Other details are at TucsonYoungProfessionals.com/tucson-fashion-show/.

Photo: Neil Peters

Model Bailey Milbauer in a tweed dress by Designer Phillip Manus at a previous TYP fashion show.

Photo courtesy Tucson Young Professionals

Photo: Neil Peters

TYP fashion shows showcase cutting edge fashions. Model Sidney B. at a previous TYP fashion show. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 9


september

Z events

Sat 6 GOTTA GLOW! GALA

Get into your best GLOW! costume for a costume ball, artists, special performances and dancing to live music by Michael P. and the Gully Washers in the moonlit desert. Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Rd. Oracle, Arizona. 7pm-11pm. Tickets limited to 500/ night, no tickets at the door, $15/sold in advance at TriangleLRanch.com/glow.html.

Fri 5-Sat 6 VIBRATIONS MUSIC FESTIVAL

A DJ festival presented by Digital Vibe Entertainment. 6pm1am. The Slaughter House, 1102 W. Grant Rd. VibrationsMusicFestival.com

Sat 13 DAY INTO NIGHT GLOW!

Geared toward families and children. Stroll through the magical fiveacre setting lit with thousands of twinkling lights. Discover illuminated sculpture, multi-media installations, theatrical performances, and music. Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Rd. Oracle, Arizona. 5-9pm. Tickets limited to 500/night, no tickets at the door, $15/ sold in advance at TriangleLRanch.com/glow.html.

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN

A free, family-friendly urban block party! 6pm-11pm. Performers on Scott Stage include: The Vexmen, Belly Dance Tucson, Domingo Degrazia, and the Kevin Paukulis Band. 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com

MOONLIGHT MADNESS TOURS

Launch seltzer rockets, sample space food and take an astronaut test. $7. 5pm-9pm. Titan Missile Museum, 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd. 625-7736, TitanMissileMuseum.org

Fri 12-Sun 14 STARTUP WEEKEND An intense 54-hour long, hands-on experience where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. Register/more info at StartUpTucson.com. Times vary. CoLab Workspace, 17 E. Pennington St.

Sat 13-Sun 14 BOOK SALE A benefit for Tucson Libraries. Free. 8am-12pm. 2230 N. Country Club. 795-3763, PimaFriends.com

Fri 19 BORN and BREWED: TUCSON’S BEER CUP Tucson brewmasters go head to head to find the best brew in Tucson. Games, prizes, live entertainment and beer. $30-$35. 7pm-10pm. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com

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BURLESQUE FOR THE SOUL A benefit for SACASA featuring burlesque performances. $10-$20. 8pm. Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave. 882-0009, BlackCherryBurlesque.com

Fri 19-Sat 27 AZ UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL Arizona’s only cult film festival features Arizona, national, and worldwide premiere screenings. See website for film list. The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., AZUFF.org

Sat 20

Fri 26-Sun 29 NIGHTFALL AT OLD TUCSON

(Preview weekend) Old Tucson transforms into a haunted town with monsters and ghouls! Thu-Sun, 6pm-10pm; FriSat, 6pm-12pm. $26 Adults; $21 Children 4-11. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd. 883-0100, NightFallAz. com

Sat 27 28TH GREAT TUCSON BEER FESTIVAL Beer tasting festival. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way. 296-2400, AZBeer.com

MANY HANDS COURTYARD ART FAIR

CARDBOARD BALL 2014 An art and dance

Featuring art vendors, custom tradition furniture, food, music and more. Twenty percent of garden art sales go to the Community Food Bank. 4pm-8pm. 3054 N. 1st Ave. 628-1490, ManyHandsCourtyard.com

party creating cardboard fashions and wearable art. Proceeds benefit All Souls Procession Community Workshops. $10-$15. 7pm. Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave. AllSoulsProcession.org

EQUINOX SOLAR POTLUCK

Experience solar cooked food and learn about solar power from various speakers. Free; accepting canned food donations. 10am-sunset. Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Rd. SolarGuild.org

Sun 21 KFMA DAY FALL BALL

An outdoor concert rock festival. See website for ticket prices and concert lineup. Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way. KFMA.com

STAND UP TO STOP VIOLENCE IV

A comedy gala to benefit Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. 547-3040, FoxTucson.com, ComedyForCharity.org

Tue 23-Sun 28 TUCSON SPANISH FLAMENCO FESTIVAL Festivities include: Guitar competitions, special guests, featured performers, Gypsy singers, a Rumba dance party and more. $20-$45. Thu-Sat, 8pm-11pm; Sun, 2:30pm & 6:30pm. Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, TucsonSpanishFlamencoFestival.com

Thu 25 PECHAKUCHA TUCSON

A series of fastpaced talks (20 slides at 20 seconds each) by Tucson creatives on what inspires them. Presented by AIGA Arizona, the professional association for design. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. 7pm-9pm. RSVP Arizona.aiga.org/events/.

Thu 25- Sun 28 2014 GREEK FESTIVAL

All things Greek; food, music, dancers, market and more. $3/day or $5/4-day pass. St. Demetrios Church, 1145 E. Ft. Lowell. 888-0505, TucsonGreekFest.com

Sun 28 PORCH FEST

Thirteen porches throughout the neighborhood (Broadway-Broadmoor Village) showcasing musical talent. Food trucks situated throughout. 4pm-7pm. BroadmoorBroadwayVillage.com, Facebook.com/tucsonporchfest

SPLIT ENDZ RUN

A run through Catalina State Park hosted by Everyone Runs. 11570 N. Oracle Rd. 6:30am. EveryoneRuns.net

ONGOING PLANETARIUM SHOWS

Explore the starry night sky every Thu-Sun. Experience solar systems, laser light shows and more. $5-$7. Schedule varies, see website for times. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University. 621-7827, Flandrau.org

Mondays MEET ME AT MAYNARDS (@Hotel Congress) Southern Arizona Roadrunners’ Monday evening, noncompetitive, social 3-mile run/walk, that begins and ends downtown at Hotel Congress, rain/shine/holidays included! 311 E. Congress St. 991-0733, MeetMeAtMaynards.com

Fridays 4TH AVE FOOD FEST

Local food and music. 4pm-8pm. On 4th Ave between University and 5th St. 261-6982, FoodInRoot.com

Send your event listings to listings@zocalotucson.com by the 10th of each month.



Z events

To the Seas!

The Autumn Fest combines modern dance and historic facts with mythological elements. by Monica Surfaro Spigelman

Tucson just may be the world’s only desert city to have giant giraffes, martial artists and modern dancers all show up en force for a community party about a sea journey. This unusual fête happens Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6, when the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center (TCCC) and the Barbea Williams Performing Company meld ancient inspiration into a seamless creative pulse for the TCCC’s Autumn Moon Festival, called Autumn Fest. This year’s festival (celebrated throughout most of East Asia and a traditionally big, annual event at the TCCC’s 1288 W. River Rd. complex) intends to test the conventional bounds of Tucson performance by blending storytelling with explosive ballet choreography and martial arts. “In a theatrical, contemporary way we’ll craft an original dance-drama that incorporates both African and Chinese traditions,” says Robin Blackwood of the TCCC’s History Committee.

History Leaves A Trace Set in a 15th century milieu, this Autumn Fest performance retraces the actual recorded journeys of Ming Dynasty Sea Captain Zheng He to Africa and beyond. Independent educator and historian Gloria Smith researched and produced the script. As Blackwood explains, the voyages occurred 70 years before the time of Columbus. The Chinese Emperor, known now as the Yong Le Emperor, commissioned seven voyages, sending mariners far from home for years at a time. It is a particularly apt story for the Autumn Moon Festival, says Blackwell, which is when Chinese far from home all over the world look up at the moon and imagine their families far away watching the same moon. In three acts, the Sea Captain begins a voyage from China, traverses southern Asia to African cities of what is now modern-day Somalia and Kenya, and in a dream sequence finale, a great storm takes the mariners all the way to the Sonoran Desert. Only the dream sequence is not based on recorded fact. "The true history of Zheng He and his voyages of diplomacy as far as Africa strike a chord with both Chinese and African-American groups," says Blackwell. "For Chinese, it is a re-affirmation of a history suppressed until recently in China. For African-Americans it is a recognition of important African history long-ignored."

Giant Giraffes One gift brought back to the Chinese Emperor from the African voyages was a giraffe. According to Blackwood, Chinese paintings created at the time of the voyages illustrate how the giraffe made quite a stir in China, where initially the giraffe was believed to be a qilin - a benevolent horned creature in Chinese mythology. So, to dramatize the creature in the Autumn Fest performance, a giant giraffe puppet has been constructed. This summer, sculptor artist Mykl Wells built the 14-foot tall puppet, covered in muslin, intricately detailing it with cabling and over 2500 feet of steel wire to allow movements in the jaw and eyelids and throughout the puppet.

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Community participants helped put the skin on the puppet at TCCC-held workshops over the summer. “It’s a collaboration of history, education, performance and visual arts,” says Blackwood, who indicated that the TCCC received a People, Land, Art, Culture, Engagement (PLACE) grant from Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) for this project. PLACE grants, funded entirely by private foundations, have been awarded on an annual basis for the last several years, to around a dozen artistic projects per year .

Creative Pairing The Barbea Williams Performing Company – Tuscon’s African-centered performance troupe founded in 1975 – is part of the collaboration, with Williams choreographing both Chinese and African-American dancers in an advanced dance interpretation for the Autumn Fest. After another successful PLACE collaboration in 2013 with the Barbea Williams Performing Company, TCCC asked Williams if she would like to collaborate again to explore a common narrative discovered during the 2013 PLACE project, when a "rolling history" bus visited historic Chinese groceries in various neighborhoods. With her dance troupe headquarters at the Dunbar Cultural Center, Williams (and her artistic direction in both the performing company and in her UA dance teaching assignment) is well known for advocacy of arts as essential to well-being. Master Junming Zhao, a visiting scholar from the Songshan Shaolin Vocational Institute in China to the UA’s Confucius Institute, will perform as the Sea Captain in the Autumn Fest. Winner of numerous international martial arts and Tai Chi competitions, Master Zhao has over 18 years of experience in Wushu practice, including five years of strict training in the Songshan Shaolin Temple, the mecca of Chinese Wushu. He will lead the Tucson Sino Martial Arts group participating in the performance, with TCCC’s Lion Dancers, under the direction of Kevin and Ben Lau, debuting the Northern Lion Dance in Tucson for the Autumn performance. The paired artistry of Williams and Master Zhao – combining dance fluidity with the precision poise of the martial arts and Lion Dance movements – all promises to manifest the story in unexpected ways. “There will be dialog, dance, drums, large-scale puppets, colorful scenery, and a celebration of cartography that puts another historical spin on the orchestrated work,” says Blackwood, who sees the Autumn Fest as a way to make multicultural collaboration visible, both within Chinese community and city-wide. The audience will be invited to make traditional Autumn Moon lanterns before the performance and then join the final procession. n Performances are at Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd. Admission is $10 adults, $5 all students (age 6 and above). Attendees also may purchase food voucher tickets for various items available at the multicultural feast. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. For reservations, call (520) 292-6900, and learn more at TucsonChinese.org


Photo: Leigh Spigelman

Martial arts Master Junming Zhao with the new Northern-Style Lion Heads featured in the TCCC’s Autumn Moon Festival performance. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 13


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events Z Photo: Maria Tornberg

Photo: Allan Sturm Photography

Photo: Bob Kurlander

(Left) David Fitzsimmons emcees the 4th Annual Stand Up To Stop Violence variety show. (Middle) Suzie Sexton: Tucsonan, comedienne, attorney, an activist against violence and organizer of the Stand Up To Stop Violence annual fundraisers. (Right) Bill Dawes headlines the 4th Annual Stand Up To Stop Violence variety show.

Assaulting Violence with Laughter by Jon D Auria

Physical abuse is a serious issue that plagues our society every day with astounding numbers of cases of violence – primarily against women – that hurt our family structures and those we love in debilitating ways. Every year over 4 million physical assaults occur on women dealt by their partners; women under 24-years-old are at the greatest risk of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. Clearly this issue is no laughing matter. But as the old adage states, laughter is the best medicine for most things, and thanks to Tucsonan Suzie Sexton and her organization Comedy for Charity, she’s doing her part to help put an end to abuse. On Sunday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m., Suzie is presenting the 4th Annual Stand Up To Stop Violence variety show at the Fox Theatre in Downtown Tucson. The highly anticipated event will be emceed by David Fitzsimmons and features comedy performances by Bill Dawes, Jill Bryan (sister to Jimmy Kimmel), Elliot Glicksman and Suzie Sexton herself. Janee Starr, Hope Sullivan and LeeAnne Savage will provide music and a dance number will be performed by Dancing In The Streets AZ. There will be raffle prices, drinks and a red carpet with reporters and camera crews from Tucson Lifestyle Live. Proceeds will go to Dancing In The Streets AZ and Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. Senseless violence is something that has affected Sexton immensely in her own life, the impetus behind holding these fundraising events. “Unfortunately, I was terribly affected when my sister was murdered in a mugging in Chicago in 1980. A lot more people are impacted by violence than anyone typically imagines. So I became an activist so that I can do all that I could to prevent this kind of violence from happening,” says Sexton. “I wanted to do something positive, so I’m using this gala to raise awareness and money to prevent violence and also to entertain people with a great show. There’s always the comedy-tragedy juxtaposition and I like to use the phrase that when there’s laughter there’s hope.” After growing up in Illinois, Sexton went on to become an attorney in Tucson where she takes on cases against violence and physical abuse, but she decided that there was still more that she could do, so she minted her own organization and paired up with other great institutions that share her passion. One such institution is this year’s co-beneficiary Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse, which provides a 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing programs, safety planning assistance, case management, legal assistance, individual and group support, and much more to victims of violence.

“Our mission is to provide the opportunity to create, sustain and celebrate a life free from abuse. We are focused on the individual needs of each of our participants and offer a wide range of services to assist them in their journey," says Emerge's VP of Philanthropy Kimberly Thompson. "Our goal is to educate people about the tremendous amount of abuse and violence in our community and the need for all of us to get involved. Suzie has seen how violence can damage lives and wanted to do something meaningful and we all benefit for it. It’s wonderful thing hearing a roomful of Tucsonans laughing and enjoying themselves, and at the same time contributing to the safety of our community.” As the event has evolved over the years, so has the caliber its gala, as this year’s headliner, Bill Dawes, comes from New York City where he is currently working on a new Broadway play while also performing stand up across the country. Dawes has already had an impressive career where he has starred in the hit Broadway play Bronx Bombers as Mickey Mantle, has had roles on Sex in The City, Law & Order and Criminal Minds on top of touring the world for his successful comedy act. “Comedy at its purest form should always be for charity. The idea that there are people that you can make laugh and help raise money towards a cause just makes sense. If I could do that for every show, I’d do it,” says Dawes. “As a comic you can spend a lot of your life navel gazing and you feel like everything you’re doing is for your tortured inner-child, so when there’s something validating and uplifting that isn’t just for yourself and can be used to help people, it’s a great thing. I’m truly honored to perform at this year’s gala and to support such a meaningful cause that affects all of us.” “We’ve really pulled out all of the stops for this year’s show and we’re so excited about it. I love bringing live comedy to Tucson because it’s way different than watching comedians on TV, and this event gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s not just comedy; it’s a whole variety show,” says Sexton. “I get an emotional high from raising money for this cause and I love making people laugh, so those two things combined are a big winwin.” n Tickets for the Sunday, Sept. 21 events are available at the Fox Theatre box office, 17 W. Congress St., and online at FoxTucsonTheatre.com for $19, $29 or $49 for VIP. Student tickets with ID are $10. For more information visit ComedyForCharity.org. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 15


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Photo: David T. Anderson/courtesy Tucson Derby Brats

sport Z

Jamburger, Ayannic Storm, Death Proof, Madeline Bootyfly during a Tucson Derby Brats bout.

Brats on Wheels by Phoenix Mungo

Skates. Pads. Helmet. Friends. What more could a 15-year-old feminist need? For Ayanna “Ayannic Storm” Ravia of the Tucson Derby Brats, the answer is not much. With practice three days a week during the school year, and having ruled out other sports (“I did soccer and softball, but I quit them,”) she’s found her calling in youth roller derby. “It just stuck,” Ravia says. “It’s really good to blow off steam at the end of the day.” On a flat outdoor multipurpose court at Catalina High School, 3645 E. Pima St., that’s just what’s happening as Ravia and five other girls on wheels practice team formations after warming up by running the nearby bleachers. Coach Pauline McKindley is as committed to the sport as her players are; she rolls with the best herself as “Midnight Crasher” in the adult Tucson Roller Derby league. “There isn’t a whole lot of spare time,” McKindley grins in between blasts on her whistle while leading drills. She doesn’t go easy on her junior counterparts. They can take it. Their track size is equivalent, and bout rules of engagement are nearly identical to standard TRD play. A pack of ‘blockers’ accelerates ahead in a group, while individual ‘jammers’ follow behind and then attempt to score points by lapping members of the opposing team. In matches requiring considerable athletic skill and grit, the Tucson Derby Brats (TDB) have clashed with and held their own against teams from Phoenix, the San Fernando Valley and Las Cruces. TDB Board President and parent Michele Ream sits trackside as her daughter “Madeline Bootyfly,” 12, glides past - powered by the ease and

grace of experience. She was quick to join in 2008 two years after this, the first youth roller derby league in the world, was founded (2006) and is now its longest-playing member. Ream speaks appreciatively of the fierce bond the girls share. “They always talk about how close they are,” she says. “The jammers are joking with each other, hugging each other and then take off and...!” As Hallye “Haldoll” Becker, 17, puts it, “Everyone has their share of injuries. The travel team involves more hitting.” Despite Becker’s bravado and the glee with which she speaks of bruises and other harm (“neck sprain, knee sprain, two minor concussions”) the skaters of the “totally parent-run” Tucson Derby Brats’ two teams, Tenacious Teens and Vile Juveniles, stay safe and focus on fun. The girls pay dues and fund raise through bake sales, just like players of other sports do. The track they currently use is shared with a soccer organization. Ream’s latest goal for the group is to secure a dedicated space. Donations toward that purpose are tax-deductible through the national Junior Roller Derby Association; see JuniorRollerDerby.org. “We consider ourselves sisters and wives,” insists two-season cocaptain Ayannic Storm before high-fiving her comrade Haldoll as practice wraps up. Young women are encouraged to try out; no skating skills required. The Tucson Derby Brats are always looking for dedicated skaters aged 8-17. Fees are $75 per season including uniform jersey. For more information, registration forms, and September bout dates visit TucsonDerbyBrats.com. n September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 17


Carly Quinn at the front counter of her production studio/gallery.

Carly Quinn's Business & Artistic Acumen by Jamie Manser

It's mid-August and Carly Quinn is summarizing her summer; a lot has happened since we first got together in June. In a mere couple of months, she's garnered coverage in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, was an exhibitor at the Dwell on Design L.A. convention, scored editorial coverage in an upcoming issue of Dwell magazine, expanded her production department – both equipment and bodies, picked up new clients, and has been working on opening a satellite gallery in the Foothills this month. What's all the hubbub about? Tile. Beautiful, ubiquitous, functional, artistic tile. Carly Quinn Designs offers custom, hand-made glazed tile – produced at 403 N. 6th Ave. in Downtown Tucson – and has gone international. "I got into a gallery in Israel and they bought a bunch of my Arabesque designs,” Quinn says. She slightly shakes her head of curly blonde hair, with a smile that seems somewhat perplexed by the adventitious happenstance. "Arabesque?” I have no idea what that means in the design world, but it sounds cool. Her striking blue eyes refocus, explaining, “Arabesque is a Moorish-based design, a curvilinear design." Getting into an Israeli gallery and into a forthcoming issue of Dwell magazine both stemmed from her participation as an exhibitor at the 2014 Dwell on Design L.A. convention. The mid-June event ran three days. “It's a show for buyers, architects and designers,” Quinn details. “We didn't make a ton of sales but we made a lot of contacts.” Networking is a method that has worked well for the 30-year-old artist/ 18 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

business owner. Gathering contacts, taking chances, knocking on doors, good ol' perseverance and the gorgeous high-quality product has kept the doors open for over three years and is growing the business steadily – a business she started with $800 and a folding table. "We’re getting more orders, orders for galleries and a couple wholesale people we have, like Mexican Tile & Stone Company, their orders started to increase pretty significantly and I think that’s why I started hiring more people. "Beyond our custom work, which has been increasing every month, our big thing is we got an account with this company called Avila Retail. They’re based in Albuquerque, and that just happened in February. They own 40 retail shops in six different international airports. And that was when things started to get really nuts over here. So we’re shipping out hundreds and hundreds of tiles to them every month. Right now, we’re in three shops at Sky Harbor (International Airport), we’re in one shop in Albuquerque, and they are putting us in San Francisco International and Denver International. So, that’s pretty sweet!” Curious about her connection creating process, I inquire: “How did they find out about you?” Carly chuckles, her face lights up, and she explains: “Well, I, on a whim... I got a wild hair up my ass in late January when (husband) Anthony and I had a day off. 'Let’s drive to Albuquerque, I want to see these people.' I saw their shop at the Phoenix airport – we were waiting for our flight to Austin for Thanksgiving I think – and I walked into one of their shops and noticed there was a lot of handmade stuff. And it took me a little bit of time to kind of work up the

Photo: Jimi Giannatti

Z business


Photo: Jimi Giannatti

courage to just do it, to go up there (to Avila Retail in Albuquerque) and see my life. So I was going to do it, but I had to find a way to not be starving all the what they would say, and it went really well. They were kind enough to let me time. So I thought that tile would be a good way to maybe not be starving all the present my work to them. And then they placed an order for four of their stores time because people love tile and it is functional." right there in their shop.” We look around her studio/gallery/shop in the historic Old Market Inn, Finding and expanding the number of distribution shops is perpetual, she surveying the different types of tile on display. There's the previously mensays, “I’m always in work mode no matter where I am or what I’m doing. For intioned Arabesque designs, along with her new Alhambra-inspired mural, a stance, when we were in Austin, I had my iPhone out writing down every single bevy of flower tiles, Sonoran desert scenes, Día de los Muertos skulls colorfully store I thought my stuff would be good in, and I’d take the list and I’d email adorned, and even house numbers and field tiles – all in various sizes to suit people and I’d call them, doing a lot of marketing stuff for myself. And two any purpose. They are presented on tables or hanging from the walls of exthirds of the time, people are not interested, one third of the time, they are.” posed brick, illuminated by natural light that comes through the floor-to-ceiling Her shrug says c'est la vie. “I’m constantly thinking about it, it can get a little front windows. annoying. I’m very driven to take care of the business end, and I like it.” She points out the second kiln that's been brought in to keep up with deQuinn's laid-back exterior belies her ambition. As they say, still waters run mand, and gestures over the area that will be re-allocated to production. “Evdeep. For a small business to survive, the leader must be driven, but it doesn't erything is going to move up, ” she says, motioning towards the front/east end mean one has to be Type-A. With mellow measure and artistic acumen, Carly of the shop. is at the helm with artists and musicians Keli Carpenter, Lisa Lemke, Katie Carr It's a great place to have a little tile factory/gallery – the 1,000 square foot and Dani Hawley helping Quinn keep the ship afloat and running smoothly. The space is sandwiched between Exo Roast Co. and Tap and Bottle on 6th Avenue staff keeps the kiln fires lit, firing tiles that get shipped out several times a week at 7th Street, in another pocket hub of the hopping Downtown scene. at a rate of 20 to 50 boxes weekly. It is work that must be done both quickly and "I love it. I love that I was the first one in this building and I used to have accurately; the process of silk screening and glazing the tiles takes skill. to lock my door when I was here by myself and since then, over the course of "We have to train everyone extensively. It takes a lot,” Quinn says. “We three years, Exo has come in with their specialized amazing coffee, and then can’t just hire anyone. You have Tap & Bottle opened and it’s like to be artistic, you have to have – when there’s a food truck here a steady hand, you have to have – I don’t have to leave the shop. an eye for color. And, you have It’s perfect and it’s very Tucson, to know what you are doing with to me. I really love my neighthe glaze." bors. And we’re all designing, Glaze. To the untrained eye, all four of us in the building – the pre-fired glazed tiles look along with Design Collaboration like blobs and swirls of brown in the back, and that’s Margaret and grey, green-grey, brownJoplin – all four business owngrey, light grey, dark grey, but ers are working to build Tucson’s just hues of brown and grey. It first parklet, which is happening is the chemical reactions taking right now. We are having design place in the kiln that bring the meetings every week, we’re subarray of colors to life. mitting our designs to the city. "It’s my favorite thing ever, And, that’s kind of a big deal, so watching those colors develop it’s cool to be a part of Tucson’s and blend and the chemistry befirst anything and something hind it all. And I’ve never taken that’s so cool like a parklet and any kind of ceramics class ever, something that we actually can Carly Quinn Designs is located in the 1880-built Old Market Inn on 6th Avenue. so, largely self-taught when it all come in with our own designs comes to firing and figuring out what is going on with glazed colors. Which can and ideas and make this thing that’s going to be out there that people can be really frustrating. It doesn’t look like anything before you fire it, but over the enjoy." course of nine years of making tile, now it is really easy for me to discern what "What else is going on?” the glaze I put on is going to look like,” she explains. She pauses for a minute, adding. “I'm going to start doing tiles for Disney. "Do you still get surprised?” An animator that has been working for Disney for 50 years can reproduce the Her response is an immediate, “Oh yeah, almost every day! Constantly characters she has specifically drawn, but the license only allows her to reproblem solving, finding new glaze combinations that work really well together. produce them onto tile.” A minute later, her co-worker reminds her of another I think one thing, over the course of playing around with these colors for nine project. years is figuring out what colors blend well together, what colors work in the "Oh yeah, thanks! I'm also doing the All Souls Procession 25th Anniversary kiln – under our firing circumstances – and what colors don’t. I’ve been able tile, taking the artwork Mel Dominguez did and truncating it into six inch tiles. to source and mix some really amazing reds, orange and yellow colors that no And donating half the proceeds to All Souls. I'll start with a run of 100, it will be one else has. I think that developing a painterly quality in my work also sets us a limited edition, cost $25. Starting in September, people can buy them here, apart from other people that make tile. It’s pretty hard." online on the All Souls Procession website and at local businesses downtown. Quinn is no stranger to hard work. Her art education took five and a half "It's my favorite event,” she says as we wrap up our chat. “I wanted to help years, resulting in a Bachelors in illustration, a Bachelors in fine art, a minor in it somehow, and be a part of the community.” n graphic design and website design, and a minor in art history. The last couple years of her college career, Quinn worked with a tile artist, which set her on her September also sees Carly Quinn Designs expanding its Tucson footprint to tile-paved path. the Foothills, with a satellite gallery opening in Gallery Row at 3001 E. Skyline She says it is the functionality of tile, “that had a big draw for me because Dr. Sample the designs online at CarlyQuinnDesigns.com, visit the downtown going into college, knowing I was getting the degrees I was getting I was really space at 403 N. 6th Ave. or ring (520) 624-4117 with inquiries. scared about finding a job, but art was the only thing I wanted to do, ever, with September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 19



business Z

How Sweet It Was owner Crissy Burgstaler. Desert Vintage and How Sweet It Was will turn 40 this year.

Four Decades on Fourth — It’s Kind of a Family Thing by Craig Baker

In 1974, the price of a stamp went up from eight cents to 10; a gallon of gas ran you just over a half-dollar, and everyone was singing Barbara Streisand’s The Way We Were as the sharks circled ever-closer to an increasingly-shamed President Nixon. It was in this climate 40 years ago that the Fourth Avenue Merchants’ Association (FAMA) first took shape as the area was beginning to gain a reputation as a go-to place to spend a little bit of leisure time — and part with a little bit of cash. And though 40 years is a lifetime (and then some) to many who frequent the Downtown scene today, those that were there back then insist that not all that much has changed. Small businesses of every shape, size and ilk have come and gone from the Fourth Avenue business district (University Boulevard to 9th Street) since the 70s, and any resident that has been here more than a couple of years can probably rattle off a handful of departed favorites for you, and they'd probably be happy to do so if you've got a beer and an ear. But that feeling — that artsy-funky-something that is distinctly “Fourth” — has apparently somehow managed to survive every commercial makeover across the decades. That “something” has actually even grown over the

years into a marketable commodity all its own, a fact that business owners there are intent on maintaining. “It’s the spirit of 4th Ave,” says FAMA’s new CEO Debbie Chandler, who took over as head of the organization in June. She worked at a bar called the Night Train while going to the UofA back in the day — a spot we all know as the Surly Wench today. “One of the positive things about 4th Ave is that it hasn’t changed in the way that it’s kept its uniqueness and its local business element. It’s a cool place to go and that has remained constant,” says Chandler. Who can argue with that? Like Chandler, when Kate Randall moved to Tucson in 1988 she just wanted to be on the "Ave" — a common tale amongst veteran Avenue employees. “I was looking for a job and I really wanted to wait tables… but I couldn’t seem to time it right to get a job at the restaurants I wanted to work at, so I thought, ‘What do I really want to do?’” Her application to Antigone Books, then in the narrow southern portion of what is now Sabine’s Café Passe, was just a slip of paper with her name and phone number on it. Two years later, she was a partner in the business with her previous employer, Trudy Mills, and she has remained happily on Fourth ever since.

continued on next page September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 21


Z business

Four Decades on Fourth continued from page 21

Antigone owner Kate Randall

Delectables owner Donna DiFiore

Barbara Atwood, now a professor at the James E. Rogers College of Law, was one of three original owners of Antigone Books, 411 N. 4th Ave., when it opened in late 1973. She says that she and two friends, Patricia Kelly and Johnnie Cunningham, bought into the business with “a very, very small amount of money” — about $500 a piece — modeling it off of a feminist bookstore in L.A. called Sisterhood. Though she only kept her ownership of the store through her tenure in law school, Atwood waxes casually about her acts of civil disobedience during her activist days. “It was exciting to be in the women’s movement in that era in Tucson. Tucson had an energy about it and there was a great sense of potential that all of us shared,” she says. When it comes to keeping a local business going for four decades, there is a lot of talk from local entrepreneurs about being willing to change and open to evolving. Says Delectables owner Donna DiFiore, “We’re always looking for new things to do.” For example, where she started off serving very simple “deconstructed dishes” on wooden boards and writing her daily menu in chalk as an employee at restaurant, she says she recently added a modern kitchen and bar at Delectables' 533 N. 4th Ave. location. A modern addition to mark a new era. 22 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

Two vintage clothing stores on Fourth — Desert Vintage and How Sweet It Was — are also turning 40 this year. How Sweet It Was owner Crissy Burgstaler, who bought the place from original owner and (you guessed it!) her former employer, Connie Lauth (now her landlord), credits the shop's success to a well-established brand and an always in-demand product, pointing out that “a lot of people just need (vintage) for historical reasons,” meaning costumes. But there has to be something said for “keeping it in the family,” as well. It can’t be a coincidence that every business owner consulted for this story started at the company they now own at least in part as a long-term, entry-level employee — a practice that was commonplace four decades ago but now often seems unreachable in a time of mega-corporations and cross-industry conglomerates. There's clearly real value in keeping it simple. And I think we're all up for 40 more years of quirk. n Find out more information on Fourth Avenue at FourthAvenue.org.


September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 23




26 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014


Image courtesy AZUFF

film Z

"Time Lapse," screening at the AZ Underground Film Festival.

Deeper Underground Than Ever Before The seventh annual Arizona Underground Film Festival by Herb Stratford In the world of film festivals, of which there are literally thousands for audiences to discover, organizers must lure in audiences as well as find unique films to screen. In Tucson, we have an embarrassment of riches to choose from every year, as a wide variety of festivals show films that you would never see, if not for these events. While many Tucson film festivals have established a niche audience and program over the years, one festival is becoming quite well known for its premieres, eclectic films and rabid fans — the Arizona Underground Film Festival (AZUFF), which hosts its seventh edition from Sept. 19-27. AZUFF founder and organizer David Pike and his screening committee have again assembled an impressive lineup of films that are challenging, thought provoking and wild. Like many festivals, the programmers at AZUFF draw from both submissions, as well as from word of mouth to assemble their lineup. It’s this mixture, with hits from places like the most recent edition of the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals, buzzed about indies, intriguing docs and crazy-odd films from Europe that comprise AZUFF. There’s also the soon-to-be classic Call Girl of Cthulhu, so they pretty much have all their bases covered. In order to get Zócalo readers primed for this year’s festival, we previewed a few titles. First up is the smart, edgy and suspenseful sci-fi thriller Time Lapse that puts a trio of young people in an uncomfortable position after they find a device that lets them see slices of the future one day in advance. The film has generated quite a buzz on the indie film fest circuit and is guaranteed to leave you thinking about what you would do if in a similar situation. Another intriguing, if not downright odd, addition is the

French film You and The Night, which is an existentialist meditation on life, death and sex — kind of like a Twilight Zone version of The Breakfast Club, with nudity and in French. The intriguing short film Life After Manson takes a look at former Manson “family” member Patricia Krenwinkel, who has been in jail since 1970 and now tries to help other inmates get their life together. The film played at the most recent Tribeca film festival and is a real eye-opener. BFE is another provocative feature film that looks at several teens living in a small town, on one fateful day/night. All their stories, and back stories, intertwine and it’s a heartfelt glimpse at the challenges kids are facing and surviving when adults are largely absent from their lives. Returning to the aforementioned Call Girl of Cthulhu... Many people know the iconic name of H.P. Lovecraft’s seminal evil creature that has become a pop culture phenomenon, but you’ve never seen anything like this horror/comedy about a prostitute, a naive young artist and a plot to resurrect the evil force from another dimension. It’s a cheesy, fun ride you will not see anywhere else but at AZUFF. n The seventh annual Arizona Underground Film Festival runs Sept. 19-27 with screenings of narrative and documentary features as well as shorts, animated films and experimental movies. Screenings take place largely at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., which now features new seats, projection and an improved snack bar. Tickets are just $8 per film and a limited number of passes are also available for $50. For more information visit AZUFF.com. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 27


Z art galleries/exhibits

“Desert Cutlass” by Bill Colt features at Wilde Meyer Gallery as part of the exhibit “On The Road,” which opens Thu, Sept 4. Art courtesy of Wilde Meyer Gallery.

ART HOUSE CENTRO From Tucson, With Love

Retrospective Photography by Gary Auerbach at Rancho Linda Vista in September. This photograph is a rare image taken in the Old Tucson Sound stage a week before it burned down. Richard Dean Anderson (Macgyver) playing Ernest Pratt in the Paramount film ‘Birth of Legends’, 1995, shot with an 8x10 camera and printed in platinum/palladium metal salts.

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

by Gavin Troy opens Sat, Sept 6 with a reception from 7pm-9pm. Old Town Artisans Complex, 201 N. Court Ave. 620-1725, OldTownArtisans.com

Refreshing, landscapes by Michael Drury, opens Wed, Sept 3. Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde. 202-3888, TucsonDart.com

Baker + Hesseldenz

JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM

13 Masters of Pop-Surrealist Painting on view Sept. 23 to Nov. 29. Opening reception on Oct. 4. 100 E 6th St, 760-0037, Bakerhesseldenze.com

BORDERLANDS BREWING COMPANY Pueblo de Colores by Dan Chavez continues through Sun, Sept 14. 119 E. Toole Ave. Wed-Sat, 4pm-9pm. 261-8773, BorderlandsBrewing.com

CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Performance: Contemporary Photography from the Douglas Nielsen Collection continues through January 2015. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun, 1pm-4pm. 1030 N. Olive Rd. 621-7968, CreativePhotography.org

CONTRERAS GALLERY

In The Distance by Jeff Litvak runs Sat, Sept 6-Sat, Sept. 27. Reception Sat, Sept 6, 6pm-9pm. Tues-Fri, 11am5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 110 E. 6th St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com

Temple of Shadows continues through November. An exhibit of photographs before the museum’s renovation in black and white and afterwards infused with color. Professional photographers Abigail Gumbiner, Annu Palakunnathu Mathew, and David H. Wells collaborated over the years to capture the 1910 “Stone Avenue Temple.” Reception is Sun, Sept 14, 2pm-4pm. Wed-Thu; Fri, 12pm-3pm; Sat-Sun, 1pm-4pm. $5 non-members. Free for members. 564 S. Stone Ave. 670-9073, JewishHistoryMuseum.org

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY The Map Is Not The Territory by Ted Lawson opens Thu, Sept 11 with a reception from 6pm-9pm. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA.arizona.edu/galleries

LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY Southwest Observed opens Tue, Sept 2. Reception Thu, Sept 11 from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Mon-Thu; 10am5pm. Fri; 10am-3pm. 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IUD:

DESERT ARTISANS GALLERY

Bakerman, Blueprint and Sebastiaan Bremer: MOCA Bas-Relief continue through Sun, Sept 14. $8, adults; free, children under 12, members, military; free to all last Sunday of the month. Wed-Sun, 12pm-5pm. 265 S. Church Ave. 624-5019, MOCA-Tucson.org

Degrazia Paints the Signs of the Zodiac and Degrazia’s Greatest Hits continues through January 2015. Daily, 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org Rivers of Light continues through Sun, Nov 9. Mon-Sat, 10am5pm; Sun, 10am-1:30pm. 6536 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 722-4412, DesertArtisansGallery.com

DRAGONFLY GALLERY Abstract Men: The Art of Phil Hastings, Bob Kray, Bart Mahoney and Photographs of Rod Mullen continues through October. 146 E. Broadway. 628-3164 x210.

ETHERTON GALLERY

Without and Within: Keith Carter and Kate Breakey opens Tue, Sept 2. Reception Sat, Sept 13, 7pm-10pm. Tue-Sat, 11am5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

SOUTHERN ARIZONA WATERCOLOR GUILD WOW #4 continues through Sun, Sept 14. WOW: Watch Our Walls Show #5 opens Tue, Sept 16. Reception Fri, Sept 19, 5pm-7pm. Tue-Sun, 11am4pm. SAWG Gallery, 5605 E. River Rd. 299-7294, SouthernAzWatercolorGuild.com

TUCSON DESERT ART MUSEUM

The Dawn of American Landscapes opens Mon, Sept 15. 7000 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 202-3888, TucsonDart.com

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART

Rose Cabat at 100: A Retrospective Exhibition of Ceramics continues through Sun, Sept 14. The Circle Game continues through Sun, Sept 7. Welcome to Beveldom: Mat Bevel’s Museum of Kinetic Art continues through Sun, Sept 28. Trails to Rails: John Mix Stanely and the Pacific Railroad Survey of the 1850’s continues through Sun, Sept 28. Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thu, 10am-8pm; Sun, noon-5pm. $10, adults; $8, seniors; $5, college students w/ID; Free youth 18 and under, members, veterans and active military. Free to all the first Sunday of the month. 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumofArt.org

UA MUSEUM OF ART

Cultivating Treasures continues through Mon, Sept 8. A Continuing Legacy: Gallagher Purchase Part 1 continues through Sun, Sept 21. Designing Line and Space: The Art of Sara Wallach continues through Sun, Sept 28. Ongoing: The Altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo, Jacques and Yulla Lipchitz Foundation: Models & Sketches.Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm. Sat-Sun, 12pm-4pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 621-7567, ArtMuseum.Arizona.edu

Rancho Linda Vista Gallery

Retrospective Photography by Gary Auerbach. More than 40 prints from a life’s work spanning 30 years will be on display. Opening reception Sept. 7, 1pm. 1955 W. Linda Vista Road, Oracle AZ. 245-6730.

WILDE MEYER GALLERY

On The Road opens Thu, Sept 4. Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm; Thu, 10am-7pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 3001 E. Skyline Dr. WildeMeyer.com

WOMANKRAFT ART GALLERY Falling Into Fall opens Sat, Sept 6. Reception Sat, Sept 6, 7pm10pm. Wed-Sat; 1pm-5pm. 388 S. Stone Ave. 6299976, WomanKraft.org

YIKES TOYS AND GIFT-O-RAMA

Bugs, Bones, Butterflies- original gouache and ink paintings by Wil Taylor opens Sat, Sept 20 with a reception from 6pm-8pm. Mon-Sat, 10am-5:30pm; Sun, 10am-3pm. Yikes Toys and Gift O-Rama, 2930 E. Broadway Blvd. 320-5669, YikesToys.com


September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 29


SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO

SilverCityTourism.org • 575-538-555

Places of Tucson

Elevation: 6,000+ feet!

A -----

YOU CAN BE HE

Continental Divide Trail – Silver City Taste of Downtown – Sample the delicious delights of Silver’s downtown eateries.

is the first gateway community to this 3,100-mile-long National Scenic Trail.

silvercitytourism.org

silvercitymainstreet.com September 6

Pickamania! – Bluegrass, Americana, Folk and acoustic sounds at this free music festival in Gough Park. mimbresarts.org September 12-14

Ft. Bayard Days – Celebrate the colorful history of this National Historic Landmark – a fun-filled family event! Silver City Museum – Gila Wild Exhibit: 90th Anniversary of the Gila Wilderness and 50th of the Wilderness Act.

fortbayard.org September 19-20

silvercitymuseum.org Through Jan. 4

Gila Cliff Dwellings – 3.3 million acres of Gila National Forest & Wilderness... scenic drives, hiking, birding, dark skies.

Funded in part by Silver City Lodger’s Tax

southwestnewmexico.org


55

f Interest

ERE FOR LUNCH! - - - - -

Pets Love Silver City! – Pack up the

family pooch and come for a pet-friendly, fun vacation!

B

Silver City

10th Annual Gila River Festival – Field trips, kayaking, & workshops celebrating America’s first wilderness river. gilaconservation.org September 18-21

+

Plan to stay.

Western New Mexico University Museum – World’s largest permanent

display of Mimbres pottery and culture.

wnmumuseum.org

silvercitytourism.org

Farmers’ Market – Buy fresh and

local. Live music, homemade foods and natural products.

silvercityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Gila Monster Gran Fondo – Cycle the stunning, iconic course of the Tour of the Gila at your own pace!

tourofthegila.com October 4

RED DOT Art Weekend – Enjoy three days of gallery and studio tours, demonstrations and all things art! silvercitygalleries.com October 11-13


32 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014


Photo: Kate Roberts

food&drink Z

D Ambiance: indoor or outdoor? I love al-fresco, but mostly in picnic or camping settings. Restaurants, I prefer inside, to take in the decor, details, smells, energy. It also feels cozier, as I’m if in the arms of the staff, especially in open kitchen environs. Of course, if both can be achieved... like a meal I just had in British Columbia; the table was indoors, yet almost on the backyard patio, with floor-to-ceiling windows wide open. Huge fan of places with roll-up garage doors for this reason.

E Breakfast, lunch, dinner? I've had the same two things for breakfast and lunch for over a decade: coffee & smoothies. Somehow, I never grow tired of that eating rhythm. Alas, dinner is my meal to break ranks, to eat creatively. I immensely enjoy a slow burn, good conversation, wine, company... things that are generally better sans sunlight.

F Appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, dessert, drinks? I'm a small plate fan all the way, so I don't really see these distinctions. I'll take a version of each, at any time during a meal.

Table Settings A conversation with Ari Shapiro

G What meal or food experience changed your approach to

cooking and eating?

All hail the mighty Vitamix. When I discovered the art of blending, my whole food world changed for the better. To be able to pack so many flavors, ideas, nutrients into one incredibly edible form is brilliant.

by Kerry Lane

H Recipe?

Disclosure: The author and subject are personally and professionally connected.

Almond milk, acai, blueberries, banana, mango, kale, flax and chia seeds, cacao, dates: blend until creamy. Top with chopped avocado, prickly pear extract, shredded coconut, cashews, goji berries, local honey.

Ari Shapiro is a Tucson transplant who has spent well over a decade establishing his food and beverage concepts in this city. A vegetarian and avid commuting cyclist, his businesses naturally fit into the spectrum of being healthy with a focus on quality and an emphasis on plant-based eating. Craving a quick breakfast or light lunch option? Xoom Juice has you covered with three locations and a spectrum of smoothie combinations. Sparkroot, the downtown coffee shop, just celebrated its third year anniversary and provides a creative space to get a caffeine buzz or unwind with a beer. Falora, a Neapolitan pizzeria, and the recently opened craft cocktail lounge Sidecar, round out his roster. With his slate filled each day, it’s no wonder his approach to food is so routine. This New York native finds a way to balance his plate and his palate.

B Flavor: sweet, sour, salty, bitter or umami (savory)? Morning, bitter. Day, sweet. Evening, sour/salty.

C Mouthfeel: creamy, chewy, crunchy, dense, dry, light,

hot, cold?

All of the above in one mouthful, can molecular gastronomy do that yet? Until then, a fresh baked bread is my lifelong favorite, which surprisingly achieves most of these!

Kerry’s Unblended Parfait Variation 2 large avocados ½ cup cacao powder 10 Medjool dates, pitted, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes 1/3 cup chia seeds 2 cups almond milk (any milk or yogurt of your choice will work) 2 tablespoons maple syrup, local honey or agave nectar variety of toppings: berries, chopped fruit, seeds and nuts, coconut flakes In a food processor, blend together the avocado, cacao powder and soaked dates. Slowly add the soaking water from the dates as needed to keep the mixture moving. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk and maple syrup. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, whisk again, and let sit in the refrigerator until the chia has absorbed the liquid and the pudding is thick, about an hour. Once the cacao pudding and chia pudding are prepared, gather a variety of toppings: berries, dried fruit, chopped nuts, granola, etc. Layer the puddings and toppings in individual serving containers (wine glasses are nice, small jars, ramekins or tea cups). Have fun and experiment with a variety of flavors and textures. Enjoy immediately or keep in the fridge for quick breakfast options during the week! n September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 33


Photo: ©2013 Rachel Seelen/Urban Abstrakt Photography/courtesy Sun Sounds

Z food&drink

Suds for Sun Sounds by Jon D Auria

When the temperatures are hot during the summer – and into the fall – months in the desert, few things beat enjoying the taste of a delicious beer on a warm day. Well, that is unless you’re enjoying sampling a number of different beers in the company of thousands of friends and people from your community and all in the name of a worthy cause. In this instance, the cause is Sun Sounds of Arizona and the event is the Great Tucson Beer Festival. In its 28th year, Sun Sound’s Great Tucson Beer Festival is again taking place at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E Ajo Way, on Saturday, Sept. 27 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for early bird entry and 6 p.m. for general admission. Offering attendees a selection of over 150 beers on tap to sample, plus a diverse, mouth-watering array of food from local restaurants and a number of fun activities and live music, Sun Sounds is expecting their biggest and best festival to date. “This is something that we look forward to hosting every year, as it brings so many people from our community together to support a cause that we’re very passionate about,” says Sun Sounds Tucson Station Manager Mitzi Tharin. “We’re lucky to have so many people return to the event each year, but already this year 51% of the people who have bought tickets so far are brand new, which is exciting for us. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a fun time and hopefully it raises awareness for the service that we offer.” Founded in Phoenix in 1979 by Dr. Frank Kells, Sun Sounds created a Tucson branch in 1985 where they provide spoken versions of written text that covers everything from newspapers, magazines, books and all forms of media to those who cannot read print due to visual disabilities. By providing over 2,000 radios to visually impaired Tucson residents and allowing them to stream the content over the internet, Sun Sounds has helped over 15,000 Tucsonans stay up on the news and their favorite books while truly enhancing their quality of living. “The service that we provide is so important because when someone is unable to read on their own, it can really devastate people. So to bring them spoken versions of printed words really changes their lives and makes them feel like they’re no longer disadvantaged in that aspect,” says Tharin. “We read a wide spectrum of programs that can be chosen on our guide to satisfy everyone. We offer fiction, non-fiction, news, magazines, westerns, dramas, comedies and pretty much anything someone would want to hear. And they get a human voice, not a synthesized voice, which makes a big difference.” 34 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

The annual beer festival helps the organization tremendously, as they generate over two thirds of their yearly budget by putting on this event. In a truly win-win situation, the attendees are treated to a night full of fun, excitement and dancing, as the band Eighties and Gentlemen will be performing music from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. The audience can also partake in a variety of games including horseshoes, static steer roping, beep ball and many others. And it all will take place in the beautiful setting of Kino Sports Complex. “This is the second year that the Sun Sounds organization will host its annual beer festival at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and we couldn’t be happier to have them and to be a part of their fundraising event,” says Kino Sports Complex Marketing Manager Sallyann Wassmuth. “They put in so much work and planning to make it fun and entertaining for everyone and there is a real social element to the event all centered on the beer and food sampling from local breweries and restaurants. “And most importantly, Sun Sounds puts a tremendous effort into promoting a safe, responsible event. They offer designated driver tickets and partner with the Holiday Inn just around the corner where the hotel provides shuttle service to and from the event. Cab Service is also available. They are really conscientious about providing responsible options to everyone,” Wassmuth adds. For designated drivers, there will be plenty of free parking in the accompanying lots as well as non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy. And while this is a mellow evening of fun, this event is entirely tailored for adults and no one under 21-years-old will be granted entry. General admission tickets are available online or through Plaza Liquors, Thunder Canyon Brewery and Sun Sounds for $45 and VIP tickets are also available for $85 which gives you early entry to the event as well as access to VIP benefits. “It’s a win for everybody because attendees have such a blast and it helps to sustain what we do for the entire year. It’s so important to us to keep the momentum going with this event,” says Tharin. “The entertainment will be really good and that’s always a favorite of the crowd. You’ll get to sample a lot of food and try different beers that are unique and seasonal and all while being around a lot of really great people.” n The event is Saturday, Sept. 27, with doors at 6 p.m. Kino Sports complex is located at 2500 Ajo Way. For more information visit AZBeer.com or call (520) 296-2400.


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Z garden

A Long Plan for the Short Seasons by Brandon Merchant Autumn is a wonderful time to be a vegetable gardener in the southwest. It is a time of reflection as we look back joyfully on our successes of the past summer and take note of our failures and how we may improve upon them next year. It is also a time of transition and anticipation of the coming fall planting season as decaying squash and melon vines are soon replaced with the bright greens and deep reds of the fall garden. For some of us this transition will be met with feelings of frustration and anxiety when we come to the realization that poor planning has left us with two bad options; either pull out an otherwise productive and healthy plant to make room for cool season crops or delay planting until later in the fall, which will limit the time cool season crops have to establish themselves before their growth slows with the shorter days and cooler temps. If this sounds familiar, know that you are not alone. Because of the short planting window we have both in the spring and in the fall – and the limited size of most backyard gardens – this is one of the most common situations for new Tucson gardeners. This short planting window makes planning ahead one of the keys to a successful vegetable garden. To give you an example, I once ordered a variety of Brussels sprouts not realizing the seeds were shipping from Canada. By the time they reached my mailbox almost a month later, the prime planting time was over and I got very little production from an otherwise very productive variety. Had I ordered those seeds well ahead of time, and got them in the ground at the right time, the harvest would have been much larger. Organic gardeners have long relied on a variety of techniques that can be useful when attempting to plan ahead for the next growing season. One of these techniques, succession planting, involves dividing your garden into separate sections and spacing your plantings out throughout the growing season. By spacing your plantings out in this way, you guarantee that you’ll never have to harvest too much of any one crop at a time and you’ll always have space in your garden for the next season’s crops which means you’ll never have to yank an otherwise healthy plant out of the ground just to make room for new varieties. Another effective technique that can maximize the use of limited garden space involves the grouping of plants by either different varieties or different maturity dates. The idea is that if you can plant a fast maturing crop in close proximity to a slow maturing crop you can get more production out of the same amount of space. This is a concept known as interplanting and it is very effective at making use of otherwise useless garden space. For example, you can plant radishes in the space surrounding a newly planted cabbage or broccoli plant. The fast maturing radishes will be harvested long before either plant begins to inhibit the growth of the other. In some cases, a second planting of radishes could even be planted before the cabbage reaches maturity. Much of the success in gardening is often attributed to a nutrient rich soil, or a particular blend of fertilizers. While these factors can play a vital role in the outcome of your garden, proper planning and preparation are just as important if you wish to have a garden that produces high yields year after year. Setting pencil to paper now, long before seeds touch soil, is the best way to ensure that your garden will continue to be productive while also preventing you from having to make a choice between two bad options. n Brandon Merchant is the proprietor of Southwest Victory Gardens. Visit his website at SouthwestVictoryGardens.com. 36 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014


poetry Z

Their Music

Rats of the air, winged vermin, the broadcaster spits into the microphone, and he could mean sad foreigners, unwanted refugees, homeless epithets assaulting and pockmarking the chinaberry trees with the bb’s fired by boys trying to cleanse the branches and roofs of the fornicating wings of the air. Pigeons nest all the time in this climate; even now two are thrashing their way through the dry husks of the palm into its green succulent center to feed their young. Someone on the radio says why don’t you ever see a baby pigeon, though they breed like rats, and I remember in the nest, how ugly the young were, blotched and naked, and how I loved them. Loved them most that morning when I could love myself in giving them their freedom, flinging open the three doors of my sister’s cages, and the 160 homing pigeons she’d kept there for years like a captive cloud swirled into the desert air to find their own compass, to home in on their own longitude and latitude. So now two are cooing and strutting on the neighbor’s tiles, and two are mating again beside the air conditioner, making it vibrate and shake, sending the sounds of pigeon love moaning down into the room. For they do love, it’s clear, from the way those two nestle so closely together, perched on the narrow of a single post; for hours, they preen each other, rub necks and breasts together, murmuring in those low tones that travel down into our houses, into the sterile white sepulchers of our hearts, as if we could speak the language of birds: thrive upon nothing, be driven by nothing, be obedient to nothing but love. – Rebecca Seiferle, author of Wild Tongue, is Tucson's Poet Laureate.

Zócalo Magazine invites poets with Tucson connections to submit up to three original, previously unpublished (including online) poems, any style, 40 line limit per poem. Our only criterion is excellence. No online submissions. Simultaneous submissions OK if you notify us ASAP of acceptance elsewhere. Please include contact information on each page of your manuscript. All manuscripts must be typed and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). Unless a SASE is enclosed, you won’t hear from us unless we are interested in publishing your poem. Mss. won’t be returned. Payment in contributor’s copies. Zócalo acquires first North American rights on publication; author may re-publish with acknowledgment to Zócalo. The poetry co-editors are Jefferson Carter and Michael Gessner. Address submissions to Zócalo, c/o DJR PC, 2701 E. Speedway Blvd. #203, Tucson, 85716.

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Image courtesy Tucson Fringe Theater Fesitval

arts Z

Living on the Fringe by Jim Lipson

Being an average middle class, culturally enriched, baby boomer (formerly a euphemism for middle aged but now just a way to say older) white male, I like theater as much as the next guy of similar background and demographic. When I was a kid, my parents took me to see Hello Dolly on Broadway (sans Pearl Bailey—she was sick) and I even got to see a Noël Coward play which, by the way, was terrible. My mom said it was his only flop. I know, who the hell is Noël Coward? (First rate example as to why Google was invented). And finally, at Centennial Hall, I saw Jersey Boys this summer, which anyone can tell you was great (whether they’ve seen it or not). So, I was excited when my editor gave me the assignment of doing a theater piece — Tucson’s fourth annual Fringe Festival. Say what? Oh, you know, the local version of a semi obscure international theater phenomenon that produces various performance and performance art pieces where anyone can do virtually anything, provided they get their application in on time and pay the nominal application fee. Seriously, it’s that easy. No complex juried application processes to sweat through where you have to hope someone will really get your vision and inspiration, or understand your bizarre sense of humor or unique take on the world. Instead artists have the freedom to be as creative as their imagination and resources will take them. In a world of reality TV where we are constantly judging or being judged, it’s both freeing and refreshing to have an institutional platform that will support the creative spirit in this way. How creative and how freeing? Hah! Well non-juried also means uncensored which also means anything goes. And before your mind goes to that place that equates uncensored with some kind of inappropriate video montage, allow yourself to consider the following brief synopses of performance pieces which are being offered up in this year’s Tucson Fringe Theater Festival. “In a cinematic collage weaving storytelling, painting, music, and dance, Jeanmarie Simpson reflects upon the death of her father in this one-woman show.” Multi-dimensional, heartfelt – nice; and then this, courtesy Maryann Green: “Four old college friends reunite for a wedding. Over drinks they discover that what they think they want may not in fact be what they need. Irrevocable choices are made and bombs are dropped. Turns out The Rolling Stones were right.” An ensemble performance and good use of the Stones as a cultural

metaphor. And then my favorite blurb…”Crazy Standup By a Grownup, by Hillary Pursehouse. 10 minutes of hand written strange realities of life in Southern Arizona.” Best part about this perhaps, is that it’s short and it's free (unlike all the other Fringe performances which require a $5 cover). Other offerings will include a performance of Slideshow Fairytales where returning Fringe performer Catfish Baruni adapts The Facts in the Case of the Great Beef Contract by Mark Twain. It has something to do with Civil War General William T. Sherman, 30 barrels of delivered beef and a bill that still has yet to be paid. Another performance is an experiential and partially improvised one act play by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons about a boy with severe ADHD who uses computer games to cope; then there's comedy from the four members of the Christopher Walken Club who will take impersonating Walken to a whole different level. There’s even a show by the venerable performance artist/musician Fish Karma sub-titled, “A musical celebration of the end of human civilization.” And there is more, nine pieces in all, none of which will be like anything anyone has ever seen before. For the record, Fringe is not a fly by night anomaly but a festival and concept with roots overseas that date back to the mid-1940s. Co-organizer Sara Tiffany says she and Yasmine Jahanmir, her friend and co-producer of Fringe, are excited to think that the festival can be a part of the ever evolving face of Downtown. “Art history and performance art give us an opportunity to take something we are passionate about and connect that with the community.” All performances are limited to 60 minutes (or less) with discounts available for viewing of multiple shows. If you like performance art and theater you will undoubtedly find something here that will tweak your fancy. But just so you know, Jersey Boys this ain’t. n The Tucson Fringe Theater Festival is Friday, Sept. 12–Sunday, Sept. 14 with multiple performances at various times at Club Congress (311 E. Congress St.) and Fluxx Studio (414 E. 9th St.). For a complete schedule visit the festival website at TucsonFringe.org.

PHOTO: Catfish Baruni presents "Slideshow Fairytales" adapting Mark Tawin's "The Facts in the Case of the Great Beef Contract" at this year's festival. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 39


Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Tucson’s theatre scene is the opposite of bland. Eclectic, exciting, lively, raucous, serious, hilarious, heartbreaking, sweet, sensual, over-to-top, and down-to-earth, the blend is more wide-ranging and diverse than the current line-up of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors. The variety speaks to the amazing amount of creative energy in the Old Pueblo, with performance companies that cater to both affluent patrons and audience members on a budget. The breadth truly is remarkable, so buy some tickets and embrace your town’s artistic, dramatic flair this year! Sit back, relax, peruse Zócalo’s season snapshots and start booking some dates. We hope to see you at the show. – Jamie Manser

Photo: Amy Boyle

Stage/Theatrical Arizona Onstage Productions

Hilary Maiberger as "Belle" and Darick Pead as "Beast" in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," presented by Broadway in Tucson Dec. 12-14. Photo: Tim Fuller

Coming off of its highly-lauded rendition of Les Misérables, which ran Aug. 9-17, the company dedicated to musical theatre has three productions scheduled for this season. Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings offers Christmas standards that have all been "Plaid-erized." The boys are back to do their Christmas Special. At first Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky don’t know why they've returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they're needed to put some harmony into a discordant world. Shows are Dec. 5-20. Come Feb. 8-9, AOP presents Broadway Musicals, A Jewish Legacy. Based on the PBS Documentary, this show examines the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical and features the work of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim. AOP closes its season with And the World Goes 'Round, March 20-April 5, a musical revue showcasing the songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The revue takes its title from a tune the songwriting team wrote for Liza Minnelli to sing in the film New York, New York. The show consists of an eclectic collection of love songs, torch songs, and acerbically witty comic numbers. All performances are at the Temple of Music and Art’s Cabaret Space, 330 S. Scott Ave. See ArizonaOnstage.org for details and tickets. – Zócalo

Arizona Opera

The Rogue company of actors reprising some of their favorite roles. Image designed by Andres Volovsec

Our fine state’s opera company is again delivering an impressive season of performances for audiences in both Phoenix and Tucson. With six operas spread out over the 2014-2015 season and a mixture of classics and lesserperformed works to choose from, this season is quite exciting. Most anticipated in many circles are two classic works: Verdi’s Rigoletto, (Nov. 22/23) a dark tale set in 16th century Italy featuring a court jester with revenge on his mind, and the Mozart classic The Magic Flute (March 7/8) which features some of the composers most famous music and wonderful sets and is always a crowd favorite. However, it is the company's first performance of the year that is of historic significance. Cruzar la Cara de la Luna is the world’s first mariachi opera to hit the stage, with only two Tucson performances (Oct. 18/19). Featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, the story "revolves around a modern immigrant family struggling with issues of home, family and identity." Visit AZOpera.org for more information and tickets or ring (520) 293-4336. All shows take place at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. - Herb Stratford

Arizona Rose Theatre Company

Borderlands Theater presents "Absence/El Ausente," Feb. 12-March 1.

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The home-grown, family-run company lists three productions on its website for the 2014-15 season, including: Robin Hood – The Musical (Oct. 10-12); Crazy For You (Feb. 20-22) and Steel Magnolias (April 18-19). The first two shows are at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd., and the last performance is at Temple of Music and Art’s Cabaret Space, 330 S. Scott Ave. Visit ArizonaRose.cc or call (520) 888-0509 for updated information. – Zócalo


Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Arizona Theatre Company Tragedy, love and art appear to be the central themes of the 2014-2015 season at the Arizona Theatre Company. With thrillers like Wait Until Dark (Oct. 18–Nov. 8) and tragedies like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Feb. 28–March 21) on tap we’ll like need the respite of the madcap comedy Murder for Two (Nov. 29–Dec. 20) to lighten the mood with its 13 characters played by just two actors. Another season highlight is the world premiere of Five Presidents (Jan. 10–Jan. 31) that imagines the scene when five past presidents are all gathered in a room prior to Richard Nixon’s funeral. Productions take place in both Phoenix and Tucson. The local digs for ATC are at Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. More details and tickets available by calling (520) 622-2823 or online at ArizonaTheatre.org. - Herb Stratford

Photo: Joan Marcus

Stage/Theatrical

Borderlands Theater

Broadway In Tucson

The Community Players Previously located at the Red Barn Theatre on Main Street south of Speedway Boulevard, as of this past summer The Community Players have a new location and a new name. The group strives to provide affordable, quality plays, musicals and revues for the community, by the community. This season brings several productions: 6 Rms Riv Vu (Sept. 12-28), Gypsy (Oct. 31Nov. 23), A Community Christmas: A Holiday Revue (Dec. 12-21), Guys On Ice (Jan. 9-25), Duets Revue (Feb. 13-22), The Complete History of America (abridged) (/March 6-22), and Rumors (May 8-24). The new location is at 1881 N. Oracle Rd. Get more details by calling (520) 887-6239 or visiting CommunityPlayersTucson.org. – Zócalo

Suzanne Warmanen, Isabell Monk O’Connor and Charles Janasz in Arizona Theatre Company’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” onstage Sept. 13-Oct. 4.

Image designed by Andres Volovsec

Since relocating from the Tucson Convention Center's Music Hall to UA’s Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., Broadway in Tucson continues to present world class Broadway productions for the Tucson market. This season again features a mixture of revivals; Guys and Dolls (Feb. 24–March 1), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jan. 7-11), and hot current Great White Way favorites like Once (March 31-April 5) and Flashdance (Nov. 4-9). But perhaps the most anticipated show may be Beauty and the Beast, on stage Dec. 12-14. Further information and tickets are online at BroadwayInTucson. com or call (520) 903-2929. - Herb Stratford

Ian Lowe and Joe Kinosian in Arizona Theatre Company’s “Murder for Two.”

Photo: Joan Marcus

Celebrating its 29th season, Borderlands was formed as an official non-profit in 1986 and its “mission from the start was to present the diverse voices of the U.S./Mexico Border region.” Continuing with that goal, the company brings to the stage three plays for 2014-2015, two of which are world premieres. They Call Me a Hero, by Guillermo Reyes, starts the season and is based on Daniel Hernandez’s memoir of the same title. Hernandez, credited with saving the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords during a 2011 shooting spree, was thrown into a whirlwind of publicity after he became a national hero. Reyes examines how, “as his private life becomes public, Daniel’s family and upbringing in South Tucson provide the backbone that empowers him.” The show runs Sept. 25-Oct. 5. Absence/El Ausente is a drama about three generations of a Mexico City family who endure the absence of a son, husband, and father who have left for the United States in search of work. As the family’s situation deteriorates, a sighting of their absent loved one catapults the play to its surprising ending. Performances alternate between English and Spanish, Feb. 12-March 1. Closing the season April 9-19 is the world premiere of River City by Diana Grisanti. Shaken by her father’s death, Mary sets off to uncover three generations’ worth of secrets buried in the West End of Louisville, Kentucky. All performances are at ZUZI’s Theatre, 738 N. 5th Ave. Call the box office at (520) 882-7406 for tickets or go to BorderlandsTheater.org for more details. – Zócalo

Borderlands Theater presents "They Call Me a Hero," Sept. 25-Oct. 5. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 41


Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Stage/Theatrical Gaslight Theatre This is, without a doubt, Tucson’s home for melodrama and old-fashioned theatre hi-jinks. The 2014-2015 season features a few not-to-miss shows like Cronan The Barbarian from Sept. 4–Nov. 9 and The Secret Santa from Nov. 13–Jan. 4. The Gaslight’s interactive theatre experience is a real family treat with excellent writing, acting and performances; their innovative stage design is not to be missed. It also hosts concerts throughout the year, so keep an eye on their website for those. This is one Tucson institution that never gets old, book tickets for the Christmas show months ahead or be left out in the cold. The theatre is located at 7010 E. Broadway Blvd., by phone at (520) 886-9428 and online via TheGaslightTheatre. com. - Herb Stratford

Invisible Theatre This Tucson institution is celebrating its 44th season with a slate of six different shows and two special events. IT’s unique mixture of comedy, mystery, drama and unique storytelling is unmatched by any other theatre company on local stages. Highlights this year include four Southwest premieres and two Tucson premieres as IT presents tales of family guilt (Cannoli, Latkes and Guilt), murder mystery (Sheer Madness) and family comedy (A Kid Like Jake). Performances take place at with the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd., or at IT's stage, 1400 N. 1st Ave. Visit InvisibleTheatre.com or dial (520) 882-9721 for details. - Herb Stratford

town before they make their way to the Great White Way. This season they will present six shows, including: Frankenstein (Oct. 19–Nov. 9), The Full Monty (Nov. 9–Dec. 7), and Othello (March 8–April 5). Shows take place on the UA campus in the intimate Tornabene Theatre black box space and in the Marroney Theatre, just off Speedway Boulevard and Park Avenue. Find the full season's schedule, and tickets, at Theatre.Arizona.Edu. - Herb Stratford

Winding Road Theatre Ensemble According to its website, “WRTE has a particular commitment to developing new work by American playwrights. We fulfill our mission by producing seasons of contemporary and classic works representing diverse styles, themes, and perspectives; and by presenting readings, workshops, and full productions of new plays.” This season it brings three productions. From Nov. 6-23 is Arthur Miller’s classic Death of a Salesman; United, by Toni Press-Coffman,hits the stage Feb. 5-22 and “explores the lives of the passengers and crew members of United Flight 93, who came together on September 11, 2001 in an attempt to take back the plane from terrorists, and saved the lives of an incalculable number of people.” Rough Magic, by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, rounds out the season April 16-May 3 with its “hilarious contemporary riff on The Tempest, it presents a Caliban who has escaped Prospero’s island and is on the run from his powerful master. He finds himself in modern-day New York where he joins forces with a dramaturg with magical powers and a love-struck lifeguard who might just be the child warrior fated to save the world.” Performance locations, tickets and more details are available at WindingRoadTheater.org or by calling the box office at (520) 401-3626. – Zócalo

Live Theatre Workshop Photo courtesy Invisible Theatre

For two decades, LTW has worked to provide “performance and education to entertain, enlighten and uplift our community and to develop theatrical talent.” It maintains a year-round schedule, with the 2014-2015 starting this past June and running through June 2015. Mainstage productions include: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged and revised) (Sept. 4-Oct. 6), 9 Parts of Desire (Oct. 16-Nov. 15), The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays (Nov. 20-Dec. 28), The Savannah Disputation (Jan. 8-Feb. 14), Move Over Mrs. Markham (Feb. 19-March 28), Enchanted April (April 2-May 10), and The Columnist (May 14-June 13). LTW also hosts a family series, All Together Theatre, with four performances running from September through June 2015. It all happens at 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. Details are available by calling the box office at (520) 327-4242 or visiting LiveTheatreWorkshop.org. – Zócalo

The Rogue Theatre This season marks the company's tenth anniversary, which has developed a reputation for presenting classic stage works with a unique twist. This year includes plays by luminaries such as Clifford Odets (Awake and Sing, Sept. 11-28), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot, Jan. 8-25), Virginia Woolf (The Lady in the Looking Glass, Feb. 26-March 15) and William Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, April 30-May 17). The Rogue’s intimate space at 300 E. University Blvd. in the Historic “Y” is an ideal location to re-experience the classics. Go to TheRogueTheatre.org for more information or ring (520) 551-2053. - Herb Stratford

UA Repertory Theatre An often overlooked gem on the local theatre scene, the University of Arizona’s Repertory Theatre program presents an annual season of shows that are excellent in their execution, and that also provide a chance for the public to see the next generation of professional stage talent right here in 42 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

Invisible Theatre presents award winning pianist and storyteller Richard Glazier in “Broadway to Hollywood” on Dec. 7 at the Berger Performing Arts Center.


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Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Photo: Ed Flores

Dance Artifact Dance Project Artifact Dance Project begins its 2014-2015 season on a high note, having relocated their home base over the summer to a historic Downtown warehouse at 17 E. Toole Ave. While most of their performances will still take place at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd. on the UA campus, one season highlight is sure to be the fundraiser performance Wearhouse, which is taking place at the troupe's headquarters on Oct. 24. The warehouse is the company’s home for classes and business operations and will no doubt be inspiring many works to come in the future. As in the past, Artifact continues to offer unique collaborations this year with local composers and artists to create performances which are unlike any other group in town. Collaborative concerts this year include: Down In Town (Dec. 13), An Artist’s Proof (Jan. 9-11), Until (Feb. 6-7) and the return of Speak Easy (April 3-5). Get specifics and tickets at ArtifactDanceProject.org. - Herb Stratford

Ballet Tucson

Artifact Dance Project company dancers

Photo: Ed Flores

Tucson’s only professional ballet company kicks off its season with a triple bill premiere performance of the Phantom of the Opera along with Joplin and Boler-O. The Phantom piece is an original piece inspired by the 1925 silent film, and should be a real treat when it hits the stage at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd., Oct. 1719. Two other highlights of the 2014-2015 season, its 11th as a fully professional company and the 29th overall, include the presentation of The Nutcracker at the TCC, 260 S. Church Ave., on Dec. 26-28 and the group’s presentation of Sleeping Beauty on May 2-3 at Centennial Hall. See BalletTucson.org for complete details and tickets. - Herb Stratford

University of Arizona School of Dance

Ballet Tucson Company Dancers

Photo: Ed Flores

This year the UA Dance Ensemble celebrates 10 years of performing in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd., with six productions slated for the 2014-2015 season. First up is JAZZ in AZ, featuring a fast-paced show with a sampling of jazz, tap and contemporary dance from Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Following is Premium Blend, an amalgam of several pieces being presented Oct. 23-26 and Oct. 30Nov. 2. Next is In Focus–Student Spotlight, concerts showcasing student creativity through choreography and performance, on stage Dec. 4-7. Color Wheel is another presentation with a fusion of dance performances happening Feb. 18-22. Another student spotlight, titled Boundless, takes place April 23–May 2. Spring Collection offers new multigenre works by faculty from April 24-May 3. Get more information at Dance.Arizona.edu. – Zócalo

ZUZI! Dance Company The non-profit community arts organization is a professional dance company, a school for dance and movement arts, and a theater for the performing arts community. The group is committed to "affirming diversity and collaboration through educational programming, community participation, and local and national outreach and exchange," according to their website. Three events of note are on its calendar this fall. First up is the annual No Frills-Cheap Thrills Dance Happenin', set to take place Oct. 24-25 at 7:30pm. The yearly Family and Friends Sharing event is Dec. 6 and the Solstice Celebration happens from December 19 to 21. All shows take place at the ZUZI! Theater, located in the Historic Y, 738 N. 5th Ave. Find out more at ZUZIMoveIt.org. - Herb Stratford

UA Dance

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Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Photo courtesy Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

Music Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

Arizona Friends of Chamber Music presents Hermitage Piano Trio, Wednesday, Jan. 21. Photo: Benjamin Ealovega/courtesy Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

According to its press release, AFCM has, since 1948, “brought internationally renowned musicians to Tucson, presenting exquisite chamber music in the comfort of a small concert hall — one where the audience becomes part of the performance. It is intimate, engaging, and friendly…..a worldclass experience!” Performances happen at the Tucson Convention Center complex’s 511-seat Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. AFCM offers a three-part season: the Evening Series, Piano & Friends and the 22nd Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival. The 67th annual Evening Series features six concerts, the 20th season of the Piano & Friends series hosts four concerts and the Winter Chamber Music Festival runs from March 15-22. Affordable season and individual concert tickets are available online at ArizonaChamberMusic.org or by calling the box office at (520) 577-3769. – Zócalo

Tucson Pops Orchestra This season, Tucson Pops celebrates its 60th Anniversary of Music Under the Stars™. The 2014 Fall Concert Series takes place on Sundays in September at 7 p.m. at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, Reid Park. Sept. 7 hosts the Conductor’s Choice with Music Director/Conductor László Vere presenting a wide-range of favorites; Sept. 14 sees Orchestral Favorites, again with László Vere at the helm and Sept. 21 features Rob Wright, one of the premier four-string banjoists in the world. There is a limited amount of seating at DeMeester, which fills up quickly. Bring folding chairs or a blanket. The Parks and Recreation Department runs three shuttles from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. from the parking lot at El Con Mall. Find out more at TucsonPops.org. – Zócalo Arizona Friends of Chamber Music presents Behzod Abduraimov, piano, Sunday, Nov. 9.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra Each year the Tucson Symphony presents an ambitious mix of programs for the community that combine classics, pops programs and innovative new work. This year is no exception as their 2014-2015 slate features works by Gershwin and Copland (Sept. 26/28), Tchaikovsky and Greig (Oct. 24/26), Brahms and Mozart (Jan. 10/11) Ultimate Symphonic Rock (Feb. 7/8), Texas Tenors (Feb. 28/March 1) and The Canadian Brass (March 21). Also not to miss this year is a performance by Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth on March 31. With performances at the Tucson Convention Center and other Tucson locations there’s no excuse not to have a symphonic art experience this year. See TucsonSymphony. org for the full schedule, ticket and location information. - Herb Stratford

Tucson Symphony Orchestra Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth on March 31 46 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014


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Performing Arts Season Highlights 2014/2015 Variety Black Cherry Burlesque Tucson’s longest running burlesque production hosts a live, theatrical production involving the art of striptease. Many performers pay homage to the extensive history of burlesque with vintage style costumes and classic 30s and 40s music of burlesque’s heyday. Headquartered at the Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave., BCB was started by the pub’s owners, Inga Kaboom and Stephka von Snatch, in 2006 after they fell in love with the art of burlesque. The show features a wide variety of performers, styles, themes and music. Performances are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. On Sept. 19, BCB debuts a new production, Burlesque For The Soul, a benefit for Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. Doors are at 7 p.m., the show is at 8 p.m. with an encore at 10 p.m. $10 cover at the door, $20 VIP seating available for advance purchase at BlackCherryBurlesque.com. Call (520) 882-0009 for more details. – Zócalo

Carnival of Illusion One of the hottest tickets in town for the past three years has been Carnival of Illusion's intimate parlor magic experience. Having sold out the last three seasons in a row, the Tucson-based magic duo of Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed have expanded their base to include performances in Phoenix and Mesa. Their sixth season opens locally at the Doubletree by Hilton, 445 S Alvernon Way, on Sept. 26. It is a not-to-be-missed show due to its intimate and fun nature as well as the quality of the stage work. Tickets and dates are online at CarnivalOfIllusion.com. - Herb Stratford

Comedy We admit we haven’t been hipped to the local comedy scene, and we hope the 2014-2015 season changes that! A few local comedy troupes are currently on our radar. Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed, online at UnscrewedComedy.com, hosts weekly improv shows at its new mid-town digs at 3244 E. Speedway Blvd. every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The LaughingStock Comedy Company, Laughing.com, brings their unique brand of improvisational comedy to two Tucson venues in October. On Oct. 3 at Tanque Verde High School, 4201 N. Melpomene Way, LaughingStock performs at 6 p.m. to raise money to benefit the TVHS Theatre Department in their efforts to purchase new curtains. The Saturday, Oct. 4 7:30 p.m. performance at St. John on the Desert Presbyterian Church, 2695 N. Houghton Road, to raise funds for the church’s missions and outreach. Tucson Improv Movement (TIM, TucsonImprov.com) recently moved to a location on 4th Avenue, see page 51 for the story. Of course, we can’t cover comedy without mentioning Tucson’s mainstay Laff’s Comedy Caffe! Running continuously since 1988, Laff’s has live stand-up shows by nationally touring comedians every Friday and Saturday night – with two shows a night. Laff's also hosts a weekly “Open Mic Nite” every Thursday, “where you can get a glimpse at some of the Southwest's up and coming stars in the comedy world and even jump on stage yourself.” Laff’s is located at 2900 E. Broadway Blvd., online at LaffsTucson.com and by phone at (520) 32-FUNNY. – Zócalo

Stop Violence IV, Sept. 21; Get The Led Out/Led Zepplin Tribute, Sept. 28; Kansas, Oct. 3; Nils Lofgren, Oct. 4; Paul Reiser, Oct. 9; Girls Night: The Musical, Oct. 11; Asia, Oct. 13; Lee Ann Womack, The Way I'm Livin' Tour, Oct. 16; Tuson Fashion Week, Oct. 18; Ray Lamontagne, Oct. 23; David Broza, Oct. 30; Darlene Love, Nov. 2; David Sedaris, Nov. 6; James Van Praagh, Nov. 7; Senegal Gospel Choir, Nov. 9; Late Night Catechism, Nov. 22; Judy Collins, Dec. 2; Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Dec. 6; Dr. John, Dec. 7; Merry-Achi Christmas, Dec. 18; The Fab Four: Ultimate Beatles Tribute, Jan. 17; Dianne Reeves, Jan. 18; The Hot Sardines, Jan. 23; Roger McGuinn, Feb. 13; Audra McDonald, March 15; Ladies Sing the Blues, April 18. Specifics on the events are available at FoxTucsonTheatre. org or by calling the box office at (520) 547-3040. – Zócalo

Odyssey Storytelling Every month, this Tucson institution hosts community storytellers bringing their slice of life to local audiences. As its website states, “The act of sharing stories about our journey connects us to other people and in this way, the audience is a vital part of the event. Odyssey Storytelling provides the container to bring together a collection of diverse tellers.” Topics on the docket for the fall are: Sept. 10, Out of this World: Amazing, Supernatural or Unforgettable (at the University of Arizona’s Flandrau Science Center); Oct. 2: Peer Pressure; Nov. 6: Breaking Bread; Dec. 4: OMG! The Cringe Show. All shows are at 7 p.m. at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 414 E. 9th St., unless noted. Learn more at OdysseyStorytelling.com or call (520) 7304112. – Zócalo

UAPresents UApresents' season is again full of different and interesting offerings this year with a few familiar returning shows mixed in as well. Back for a third year is the family-friendly Zoppe Family Circus (Jan. 9-18), along with other perennial favorites Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre (April 12) and the KODO drum group (Feb. 8). Other shows of note include singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega (Feb. 22 at Fox Theatre), A Conversation with Alec Baldwin (Nov. 15), Comedian Jay Leno (Oct. 25) and perhaps the hottest ticket of the season Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly (Oct. 26). Shows are at the Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. on the UA Campus, and at other locations around town. Find further details at UAPresents.org. - Herb Stratford

Dubbed as Downtown’s crown jewel, the historic Fox Theatre (17 W. Congress St.) is offering a robust line-up of heavy hitters in the live music events category, several variety shows and classic films for its 2014-2015 season. Highlights include: Mavis Staples, Sept. 5; Last Comic Standing, Sept. 16; La Musique TYP annual Fashion Show, Sept. 19; Stand Up to 48 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

UApresents hosts Rachel McLaren this season.

Photo: Andrew Eccles

Fox Theatre


Photo: Open Lens

Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/courtesy UApresents

The intimate setting of the Carnival of Illusion show. Photo: Takashi Okamoto

UApresents hosts Comedian Jay Leno on Oct. 25.

UApresents Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery on Feb. 8. Lela Rose performs with Black Cherry Burlesque; the troupe performs monthly at Surly Wench Pub.

Photo: Hannah Gaber

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arts Z

Mishell Livio and Daniel Kirby during an improv sketch.

Photo: Patrick Moore

Comedic Improv on the Ave by Craig Baker

Ever seen someone hit in the face by an imaginary pie or chased through an imaginary forest by an invisible flying purple people-eater? Well, neither have I, but if this sounds like something that could be your cup of, er, imaginary tea, a comedy show at the Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) is your perfect prescription. And come the middle of this month, a night of laughing your butt off will mean nothing more than an easy jaunt down 4th Avenue. Though they are the youngest improv comedy troupe (and probably the youngest performance troupe in general) in Tucson, the TIM crew is rising quickly to the forefront of the local funny-folk scene, and their new location next to D&D Pinball on 7th Street promises them even more visibility — and more regular shows — than ever before. TIM’s Producer and Founding Member Justin Lucasewicz came to Tucson in 2012 by way of North Carolina, where he performed and trained future cast members with a comedy group called DSI Theater. In October of that year he taught his first local improv class to a group of five students in the back room of Lotus Massage and Wellness Center (“so, lots of good jokes there,” he says) and by May of 2013, he and his first ensemble players were performing weekly shows and holding regular classes at the Red Barn Theater on North Main Street just south of Speedway. But, as enrollment in TIM’s workshops continued to increase, Lucasewicz and team saw that the small theater was not going to be able to meet their needs indefinitely. “We’ve outgrown our digs at the Red Barn Theater,” says Lucasewicz. He explains that TIM has had to work around the schedule of the house performance troupe there, meaning severe limitations on the number of shows that the comedy troupe can put on, as well as limits to the avail-

ability of the space for teaching classes. The new space, he says, will allow TIM to bump the number of weekly performances from one to upwards of five right off the bat, and will also allow for much greater flexibility with respect to catering to improv students. Since June, cast members have been working to get the new space ready (soundproofing the wall shared with the neighboring pinball arcade, building a stage, getting the lighting and sound systems up to snuff, painting) to prepare for their “Backers-Only” soft open on Saturday, Sept. 6, which will feature performances for the fans that contributed to their $10,000 Kickstarter Campaign toward renovations. The following Friday, though, performances will open to the public for the first time and needless to say, the TIM comedians are jazzed for the big day. Not only will TIM be the best (and, often, only) place to catch a live theatrical performance on 4th, but Lucasewicz says that being on the Avenue means that the crew is “getting a lot of really good buzz, which,” he asserts, “is cool.” Super cool. If you’re looking to have your gut-busted on a Friday or Saturday night or are searching for a way to sharpen your funny bone, 4th Avenue is now officially Tucson’s primary proprietor of the world’s best medicine. No, I'm not talking about medical marijuana — I’m talking about laughter. And when it comes to that good stuff, I think we could all afford to up our dosage. n The new TIM location can be found at 329 E. 7th St. The grand opening is Saturday, Sept. 13. Showtimes and information on registering for improv classes are available at TucsonImprov.com. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 51


Z arts

Auditions When Actors Fly by Dave Sewell Diane Schwartz was not one to throw herself into the arms of a man she barely knew. But after a marathon audition session for a community theatre production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives, Diane couldn’t help herself. She had endured reading after reading for the part of Sybil, holding her own opposite a blur of Elyots, Amandas, and Victors. But in the end, when Diane was the last Sybil standing, and the director cheerfully informed her that she was in, she lost it at last. With a whoop of triumph, the normally reserved petite mother of two went airborne. Diane’s director, unharmed by the impact of his new Sybil’s joyful leap, knew how she felt. Though it may seem irrational, actors invest an enormous amount of time, energy, and emotional capital into competing for what amounts to a temporary job, with little to no compensation (except for a lucky few), and scant opportunity for advancement. But for most actors it’s more than a job: it’s a mission. Preparation is everything, but even the most prepared actor may fumble the execution. Meagan Jones, a tall, attractive redhead is one of many actors who pursue acting roles throughout Tucson, home to a vibrant community of talented artists. To a director’s eye, Jones is at an optimal age. She can “project” a wide range of characters from a classic ingénue in her twenties to a worldly but twisted Lady Macbeth. For Meagan, auditions are part of the process, though not one she relishes. Still, she arrives at every audition ready to compete against a small herd of local hopefuls. “I feel I’m really competing against myself; I don’t compete with other actors,” says Jones, enjoying a cup of house brew on the shady patio of Raging Sage Coffee Roasters, not far from the University of Arizona. She has a regimen that has served her well in a wide variety of audition situations, part of a discipline that includes mastery of short monologues tailored to the type of play she may be reading for. That discipline, combined with eight years of classes in comedy improv, provides Jones with the confidence needed to face unknown situations. Experience helps, but every audition presents a whole new set of challenges. An actor like Jones may be asked to perform one or both of her monologues (one “up” and one “down,” that is: one from a comedy and one from a drama), and then given “sides”: one or more scenes from the play 52 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

to read with other actors. Perhaps whoever she’s pared with will have a comparable skill level, possibly a friend she’s worked with before. That’s the best scenario. Or, she may be teamed with a partner who may attempt — without warning — to wow the director by propelling himself off the walls and furniture, thus earning the quick dismissal of both actors. The luck of the draw. Long time professional stage director Sheldon Metz has seen his share of careening actors. Over an omelet at the eastside Millie’s Pancake Haus, Metz pulls out one anecdote after another, even referring to two pages of typewritten notes to refresh his memory. After more than 45 years in L.A. and six in Tucson, Metz has close to 180 directing credits to his name, which means 180 opportunities to dodge the occasional airborne Sybil, or wonder what to do with the vastly proportioned woman encased in a megaplus-sized muumuu with her heart set on reading for the svelte and sultry Maggie of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. (He let her read, of course.) Although Metz has no doubt seen legions of actors who arrive at auditions on-time, well-prepared, and dressed appropriately, it’s the flakes and the blissfully oblivious who stick in his memory. He recalls one actor who only wanted to audition backstage, explaining, “I get nervous in front of an audience.” Another shy actor — or perhaps it was an ill-advised artistic choice — placed a chair upstage and performed his entire audition monologue facing the chair with his back to the audience. And then there was the young woman who arrived in costume to read for a specific part. When Metz asked if she would be kind enough to read for another part as well, she cheerfully assented by stripping down to bra and panties on stage in front of the stunned director and a house full of actors, pulled a fresh costume out of her bag, and prepared herself for the reading. Over the years Metz has compiled a list of dos and don’ts he wishes all actors would keep in mind when they come to auditions. He avidly recites some of his favorites: • Don't tell me your life’s story. • Slate yourself. (That is, tell me your name and what monologue you’re going to do.)


Photo: Dave Sewell

Tony Eckstat and Meagan Jones performing with Golden Age of Radio Theater in August.

• Don't apologize for being late. In fact, don't be late. • Don't say this: “Do you mind if I go first? I have an appointment for another audition.” • Don’t say this when your phone rings in the middle of your audition: “Excuse me a minute.” Classes, workshops, and books galore provide tips, techniques, and admonishments that actors ignore at their peril. Most heed the wisdom gleaned over 2,500 years of theatre practice. Innovation, such as bouncing off of walls to emphasize key moments or stuffing a pillow under one’s shirt to simulate a character’s portly build, is risky and likely to blow up in the actor’s face. For one thing, the pillow may suddenly shift to the left mid-reading. Cue a roomful of people trying valiantly not to erupt in hysterics. Like Meagan Jones, Tony Eckstat believes in relentless preparation for every audition. Eckstat, an energetic, personable man in his 40s, has been acting for more than 15 years. His résumé not only includes numerous plays of every type, but also several films and TV ads for Vantage West Credit Union, Basha’s Bakery, Eegee’s, and Hyundai, among others. Eckstat almost never walks into an audition cold, having researched every aspect of the production he can gather. He arrives with contrasting monologues rehearsed and ready to go, tailoring his approach to the type of job and time allotted. According to Eckstat, the differences between auditioning for film or commercials and reading for a play are few, but some adjustments need to be made for the intimacy of the camera.

“An actor must be much bigger for a play, much more of a presence," says Eckstat, noting that actors have to be seen and understood in the back row just as well as they can be in the front. For filmed performances, Eckstat says, “information and energy must be conveyed with smaller movements because the camera picks up and magnifies everything. Performances must be more nuanced. A raised eyebrow might be a significant movement on film. A raised eyebrow might be invisible on stage.” Wall bouncers please take note. Both Eckstat and Jones were asked if going into an actual job interview was the same or different than going to an audition. Both actors were quick to mention a malady common to both endeavors: jitters. Eckstat notes that he never gets nervous before performing onstage, but he definitely gets butterflies before an audition. He assumed that his extensive auditioning experience would make non-theatre job interviews less nerve-wracking, but “that hasn’t been the case for me.” Jones draws a greater distinction between interviewing for a job and auditioning for a role. At an audition, she says, “I’m more nervous in the sense that acting is my passion. I take it more seriously. I put 110 percent into it." What makes it all worthwhile, of course, are those moments when the director calls with good news: the part the actor really, really wanted. Then the audition marks the pinnacle of the actor’s career, at least for a little while. But most of the time, as Meagan Jones says with a wink and a wry grin, “Auditions suck. I hate them!” n

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Z lifeintucson

by Andrew Brown / @aemerybrown

Left column: Romo getting at tattoo at Flycatcher; Jaime J at Think Tank; Neon Eon at Think Tank; Think Tank Pool Party; TFA at Optimist Club.

54 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

Right column: Baby at Ruiz’s. Prom Body album release; Prom Body album release; Prom Body album release; Tucson Summer Fun Club.


Photo courtesy Run Boy Run

tunes Z

Run Boy Run

Run Boy Run’s “Something to Someone” by Dan Rylander

The quintet comprising Run Boy Run is a tightly knit group, playing together since 2009 when they blended as a band through that most-common connection vehicle in greater Tucson, the UofA. Driven by virtuoso fiddle, cello, stand-up bass, guitar, and, above all, beautiful melodies and unearthly female vocal harmonies, they’ve carved a regional name for themselves squarely at the intersection of bluegrass, Americana, folk and classical. Friday, Sept. 5 sees the CD release party for “Something for Someone,” an eleven-track recording that is deep, complex, and often melancholy; ten of which are original compositions. Recorded in Seattle and released on their own Sky Island Records label, the second full-length album finds the band displaying the instrumental virtuosity that characterized last year’s release “So Sang the Whippoorwill,” with a songwriting maturity. Violin, guitar player and band manager Matt Rolland addresses the band’s songwriting process: “We approach songwriting individually, but song-arranging collaboratively. We have five songwriters in the band. The songs (on this album) are largely born out of our first national tour in 2013, traveling 25,000 miles in two and a half months. We all wrote songs on the road and after we returned home... we were hungry to get together and work up band versions of those songs.” The album was constructed from those songs, and taken from bare idea to fully arranged and recorded in two months. “It was an experiment of sorts to try to do the album the way we did – learning all those new songs, arranging them, and then recording them – in a two month period. The end product is a testament to the group’s creative process and also a painting of where we are at right now as musicians and songwriters,” elucidates Rolland. The band connections run deep with Rolland married to Bekah Sandoval – writer, fiddler, guitarist and one of three female power-house vocalists in the group, her songwriting sister Jen Sandoval also sings and plays mandolin, and cellist, vocalist, and Rolland’s sister Grace Rolland is also a part. The band is rounded out by bassist Jesse Allen. “At the end of the day, it helps to be related because you’re committed to putting back together whatever is broken. There’s a shared history with siblings that is just a reality for us – it helps in some ways and challenges us in just as many ways. Fortunately, nothing has been broken that badly in the band other than a collarbone and an ankle,” Rolland gratefully states. Notable album tracks include The Lord Taketh Away and Heavy the Sorrow – both require more than one listen! On these cuts, the writers are clearly

pulling deeply from the sad proud Americana tradition of composing slower, heart-wrenching songs about betrayal, death, loss, and faith. Third track Dream in the Night is a lilting melancholy number which could have been composed after walking Tucson’s North 4th Avenue, and to the listener, begs the question: Was it? “In a way, it was,” Rolland explains. “Bekah (Sandoval) wrote this song while we were on the road, missing Tucson. The imagery comes from the Dia de los Muertos parade that takes place downtown. We recorded this song live at the studio – one of the only songs on the album we did this way. We wanted to sound like you could be hearing it in a club, lights low, candles flickering… (a) sensory experience reflective of the parade itself – sights, sounds, colors, and music in all directions.” If one has experienced Tucson’s soul-stirring All Souls Procession, which Rolland references, that feeling rings true through the cut. There are also foot-moving toe-tappers here. Song six, an instrumental entitled Sunday for Larks, has a classical chamber-music feel and a dance feel at the same time. And the last track on the release, is both sad, emotionally, and moving, physically, as the lyrics of Far From My Home carry us through the ultimately fruitless empty search for love away from home, and, as the tune progresses to the second and final movement of the piece, called The Lion and the Fawn, a dance again breaks out for the listener, who is sent away from the listening experience with a spring in their step. The band is definitely gaining national exposure. By the end of 2014, they’ll have logged six regional tours at years-end, performing over one hundred live shows. From Sept. 3 through Nov. 16, Run Boy Run will perform twenty-one times in ten different states. “We’ve learned that three weeks is our ideal tour length; much longer and our voices wear out, limbs get tired, we get roadweary,” says Rolland. “We’ve learned that booking a balance of show types on tour – clubs, festivals, concerts, house concerts, radio spots – helps us come away feeling energized from a tour.” Catch them before they hit the road! Run Boy Run performs on Friday, Sept. 5 at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., along with Ryanhood before embarking on its ten state odyssey. The official release date for the album is Oct. 28. Pre-orders – CD, digital or vinyl – are available at RunBoyRunBand.com. Read the full interview at ZocaloMagazine.com. For more show details, see RialtoTheatre.com. September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 55


Photo courtesy of Kati Astraeir

Photo courtesy of SanDiegoRed.com

Photo: Chris Strong

Z tunes

“Temenos Quartet” plays at the Galactic Center on Sat, Sept 20.

Marco Antonio Solis performs at Ava Ampitheater on Sat, Sept 13.

Mavis Staples performs at Fox Tucson Theatre on Fri, Sept 5.

LIVE MUSIC Schedules accurate as of press time. Visit the websites or call for current/detailed information.

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN Congress Street, 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com Sat 13: The Vexmen, Belly Dance Tucson, Domingo Degrazia, Kevin Pakulis Band.

ARMITAGE WINE LOUNGE AND CAFE 2905 E. Skyline Dr #168. 6829740, ArmitageWine.com Tue 2: Tommy Tucker Sun 7: Carlie & Cameron Tue 9: Ashbury Sun 14: The Hot Club of Tucson Tue 16: The Bryan Dean Trio Sun 21: R & P Music Factory Tue 23: Naim Amor Sun 30: Special Performance

AVA AMPHITHEATER at Casino Del Sol

BOONDOCKS LOUNGE

BORDERLANDS BREWING

3306 N. 1st Ave. 690-0991, BoondocksLounge.com Sundays/ Tuesdays: Lonny’s Lucky Poker Mondays: The Bryan Dean Trio (except Mon, Sept 29) Wednesdays: Titan Valley Warheads Thursdays: Ed Delucia Band Fri 5: Angel Diamon & The Blues Disciples Sat 6: Straight Shot Again Sun 7: Heather Hardy & Lil’ Mama Band Fri 12: Equinox Sat 13: Johnny Ain’t Right Sun 14: Kevin Pakulis Band Fri 19: Jacques Taylor & The Real Deal Sat 20: Heather Hardy & Lil’ Mama Band Sun 21: Last Call Girls Fri 26: Anna Warr & Giant Blue Sat 27: Whole Lotta Zep! Sun 28: Black Skillet Revue Mon 29: Mitzi & The Valiants

119 E. Toole Ave. 261-8773, BorderlandsBrewing.com Thu 4: Widows Hill Fri 5: Stefan George Sat 6: Mustang Corners Thu 11: Science Cafe- Stephanie Doerries Fri 12: The Guilty Bystanders Sat 13: Tortolita Gutpluckers Fri 19: V. Lundon & Tell Me Something Good Sat 20: Tommy Tucker Thu 25: Louise Le Hir Fri 26: Aztral Folk

5655 W. Valencia Rd. Sat 13: Marco Antonio Solis 56 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

CAFE PASSE 415 N. 4th Ave. 624-4411, CafePasse.com See website for details.

CLUB CONGRESS 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com/club Mon 1: Lenguas Largas & White Night Wed 3: Ty Seagall Fri 5: Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven Mon 8: Mini Mansions Thu 11: Haunted Summer &

Human Behavior Fri 12- Sun 14: Tucson Fringe Festival Wed 17: Sebadoh Thu 18: Laura Kepner- Adney & The Killed Men Thu 25: Metalachi Fri 26: Brian Lopez Sat 27: Brian Lopez and Friends Mon 29: Jeff The Brotherhood

LA COCINA 201 N. Court Ave. 622-0351, LaCocinaTucson.com Sundays: Mik and the Funky Brunch Saturdays: DJ Herm, Harpist Wednesdays: Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Michael Mayfield Thursdays: Stefan George Fridays: The Greg Morton Band Wednesdays: Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Michael Mayfield Sat 6: Wayback Machine Sat 20: NuNu Fridays

CUSHING STREET BAR & RESTAURANT 198 W. Cushing St. 622-7984, CushingStreet.com Saturdays: Jazz


tunes Z 533 N. 4th Ave. 884-9289, Delectables.com Fridays and Saturdays: Live music

THE FLYCATCHER

Thu 25: Buckwheat Zydeco Sat 27: Raul Midon and Gaby Moreno

SEA OF GLASS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

340 E. 6th St. 207-9251, TheFlycatcherTucson.com Thu 4: Bob Log III

330 E. 7th St. 398-2542, SeaOfGlass.org Sat 27: K-Bass and Farafina Musiki

FOX TUCSON THEATRE

SKY BAR TUCSON

17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Fri 5: Mavis Staples Fri 12: Restless Heart Sun 28: Get the Led Out

536 N. 4th Ave, 622-4300. SkyBarTucson.com Thu 4: Latin Surf Rock NightJustin Valdez Y Los Guapos Thu 18: Americana & Roots NightJustin Valdez, Stephen Howell and Adam Block.

HACIENDA DEL SOL 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol. 2991501, HaciendaDelSol.com Sun 7: Kathy Davis & The Groovetones Sun 14: Black Skillet Revue Sun 21: TBA Sun 28: Zo & The Soul Breakers

MONTEREY COURT 505 W. Miracle Mile, MontereyCourtAZ.com Wed 3: Peter McLaughlin & Alvin Blaine Sun 28: Kathy Davis & The Groove Tones

ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES Venues vary, 797-3959. AACA.org Thu 11: Gabriel Ayala Fri 26: Jazz Legends Live

PLAYGROUND TUCSON 278 E. Congress. 396-3691, PlaygroundTucson.com See website for details.

RIALTO THEATRE 318 E. Congress St. 740-1000, RialtoTheatre.com Wed 3: Feed Me Teeth Fri 5: Run Boy Run & Ryanhood Sat 6: Maria Bamford Tue 9: Porter Robinson Thu 11: Salif Keita Thu 18: Lil Jon Fri 19: Boogie On The BayouFeaturing Marcia Ball and Terrence Simien Tue 23: Kaiser Chiefs Wed 24: Problem

SOLAR CULTURE 31 E. Toole Ave. 884-0874, SolarCulture.org Tue 2: Mother Falcon Wed 17: Zeahorse Sat 20: Temenos Quartet at the Galactic Center

ST PHILLIPS PLAZA St. Phillip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Ave. 222-7277, FriendsOfMusicTucson.org Sun 7: Esperanza Chamber Ensemble

SURLY WENCH PUB 424 N. 4th Ave., 882-0009, SurlyWenchPub.com Fri 5: Black Cherry Burlesque Sat 6: Electro-Boom Fri 12: Lariats Sat 13: Fineline Revisited Fri 19: Burlesque for the Soul Sat 20: Club Sanctuary Sat 27: Fineline Revisted

TAP & BOTTLE 403 N. 6th Ave.,344-8999, TheTapandBottle.com See website for details.

Facebook photo Sept. 2010 by David Noriega

DELECTABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING

In Memoriam: Howie Salmon

Howie Salmon at Club Congress’ 25th Anniversary.

Howard Salmon was an integral part of Tucson's burgeoning arts and music scene since he started championing local punk and new wave bands through his SLIT fanzine back in the early 80s. I was lucky enough to get to know Howie when I wrote about him for the August 2007 Downtown Tucsonan, documenting the extraordinary life he lived and the passion he had to support all that was good and right and true in the Old Pueblo. Not to mention, he was one of the kindest, selfless and most amazing human beings I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rest in peace Howie. We will miss you brother. - Brent Miles Howie Salmon was also a drummer, a prolific artist who won the 2007 Tucson Pima Arts Council Lumies arts award for Individual Achievement/Emerging Artist, an adjunct professor at Pima Community College and a beloved Tucsonan. In September of 2012, he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and was given three months to live. He lived for almost two years past that diagnosis when he passed away on Aug. 7, 2014. Following his postings on Facebook, he stayed involved in art, appreciating the beauty of life and nature and created his "Brain Tumor Man" graphic epic poem. In Oct. 2012, he wrote a beautiful reflection on the responses to his cancer diagnosis. (The following is an excerpt.) "Ever since my predicament was mentioned on Facebook I've been the subject of a huge outpouring of love and good feeling, and all of this has been very helpful for me. I can tell you, going public with my cancer diagnosis had a profound effect on my life: it's stimulated some things in people that have in turn brought about some amazing encounters. “All of this attention directed at me from the media (social media, to print media, to writers with a long view of history) to how I'm spending my time has re-energized me. I'm being referred to as a culture creator, a builder of community, an historian, a teacher, a visionary, a story teller, an 'elder' (all of it's true, by the way, don't you forget it!!), but I'm now feeling a little sheepish about it all. I've been told that I'm dying in three months. “Three weeks ago, I weighed down with the heavy thoughts of being 'cut down in my prime.' Now, I really don't have time for that. I've got art to make! Comics to draw! Memories to record! People to see! Music to hear! Things to do! Plans to make! Life has suddenly jolted into fast forward. If death comes slinking around my door, so be it. I don't have the time to hang around playing chess with death, like in the Ingmar Bergman film, The Seventh Seal. I'm past that. I'm turned on by life! There's too much to do! “Thanks Facebook! Thanks Internet! Thanks social media! And to all of my friends and followers who use it! Staying connected saves and improves lives." Howie's strength and wise words inspired his friends and family and even those who didn't know him that well. Salmon's contributions to the Tucson community will be remembered and cherished for a long time to come. Thanks for all you did for Tucson Howie, memories of your awesomeness is in the hearts of many. - Jamie Manser September 2014 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 57


Z escape

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park by Niccole Radhe

David Douglas Gowan, an early wild west prospector from Scotland, accidentally stumbled upon this gorgeous natural bridge when fleeing from Apaches in the late 1800s. While hiding throughout its various caves, he explored for days and ended up claiming squatter’s rights to this picturesque landscape in 1877. Gowan later encouraged his nephew and his nephew's family to emigrate from Scotland in 1898. It has been protected as a historic state park since 1990, though the state had been working to acquire and protect it since 1967. Many improvements and restorations have taken place within the old lodge, as well as to the scenic park's access points. Tonto Natural Bridge is the largest known travertine bridge in the world and at its prime, thousands of years ago, was more than double the size it is today. The 400 foot tunnel reaches widths of up to 150 feet throughout the interior and caps out at 183 feet tall. There are four distinct and easy access viewpoints to see different angles of the bridge and three short but technical hiking paths. The immensity and wonder of the bridge and its outside cave cannot be fully appreciated without delving into the depths of the canyon, and this short journey will prove to be an unforgettable experience. On a recent trip, we explored the first stop on the map - Waterfall Trail. After a cool five minute trek down hundreds of steep stairs, we found ourselves standing in front of a mossy rock face that was covered in endless bright green vines and wild blackberries. I picked and ate a berry, that proved deliciously sweet, while I stood watching the water eloquently flow into the depths of the canyon. The bright yellow columbine flowers arched overhead and dripped spring water on our faces; our eyes gazed upon the greenest canyon any of us have witnessed in Arizona. This pathway takes you 300 feet down to explore the caves and springs that would otherwise be inaccessible. Pine Creek Trail is the best way to see all of the other wonders offered by this hidden place. It is a fun and short half-mile hike that starts out in the higher shrubs and slowly meanders through increasingly deeper and more lush terrain until you reach the majestic Tonto Natural Bridge. Travertine stalactites blanket the entire bridge from the inside out and there are small and large caves to be explored along the way, with limitless photo opportunities. After some tame rock climbing and sliding down the slippery slopes inside the tunnel, you will arrive at a deep pool with a waterfall cascading from over 200 feet onto a formation of mossy rocks. This is the quintessential desert oasis! After a nice, humid hike we stood in awe as the cold water fell around us. Once you are ready to wrap up the Tonto adventure, you can take the Gowan Trail up to the parking lot. This trail is a short and steep half-mile trek that takes you directly to and from the bridge. Tonto Natural Bridge is 58 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2014

The Gowan Trail, named after David Gowan, is a fast and steep half mile trail that takes you directly to the entrance of the under belly of the bridge.

only 13 miles outside of scenic Payson, which many call the heart of Arizona. Payson sits literally in the middle of the state and shows the diversity of the plants and animals that can be found where the Sonoran Desert flirts with the ponderosa pine forest. This trip can be a one day getaway or a whole weekend of forest exploration. Flowing Springs Campground is only three miles outside of Payson and 10 miles from the natural bridge. You can set up camp on the East Verde River, wake up in the morning with the shade of the Oak trees and sounds of the rushing river below. This inviting campground is just one of about 30 in and around the quiet town of Payson, where you will find limitless outdoor excursions of every kind and stunning riparian landscape that rivals any in this fine and diverse state.

Making your escape The town of Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge and Flowing Springs Campground are all conveniently located right off of Highway 87. From Tucson, head westbound towards Phoenix on I-10 for about 115 miles until you reach Phoenix and continue on 1-10 towards Mesa. Take exit 161 heading to the AZ 202 Loop E and get off on to merge onto AZ-101 Loop. You will then get back on the AZ 202 Loop E from exiting on 51A-51B. Exit 13 or Country Club Drive will take to on 87 N for about 87 miles on the scenic mountain highway until you reach Payson. From here you continue on the 87 until you reach the Nf-583A in, this winding road will lead you straight down the canyons to the beautiful Tonto Natural Bridge. n For more information, visit: AZStateparks.com/Parks/TONA/




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