Zocalo Tucson Magazine, September 2011

september 2011 / TheZMag.com

2011-12 Performing arts season spotlight

zó•ca•lo Mexican Spanish.

1. a public square or plaza, esp. in the center of a city.

2. a gathering place or the center of activity in a community.

Zócalo Tucson Magazine is an independently published community magazine, showcasing Tucson’s urban arts and culture.

EDITOR Jamie Manser PRODUCTION ARTISTS Troy Martin, David Olsen CONTRIBUTORS Sydney Ballesteros, Marisa Bernal, Corey Dane, VK Embee, Gerald Gay, Polly Higgins, Kelly Lewis, Jamie Manser, Troy Martin, Phoenix Michael, Amber Mortensen, Matthew Nelson, David Olsen, Rafael Otto, David Schaeffer, Herb Stratford..

ADVERTISING Marie Hancock PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Olsen

CONTACT US: frontdesk@zocalotucson.com P.O. Box 1171 Tucson, AZ 85702-1171 520.955.ZMAG (9624)

September 2011

04 EVENTS 05 FOOD&DRINK 13 FILM 17 ARTS 21 PERFORMING_ARTS 28 ESCAPE 44 TUNES 47 CROSSWORD 54 FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: 2011-12 Performing Arts Season Spotlight, original Zócalo photograph.

Photographer: Steven Meckler.

Producer: David Olsen.

Fashion & Prop Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros.

Creative Director: Sydney Ballesteros.

Makeup Artist: Carly Bonar, The Source Salon & Spa. Hairstylist: Beka Root, The Source Salon & Spa. Model: Emma Clauson.

Photo assistant: Joseph Boldt.

Location: The Temple of Music & Art, courtesy of the Arizona Theatre Company.

Dress and Props: Black Cat Vintage and Razzle Dazzle Vintage.

Zócalo Tucson Magazine is a proud member of All content copyright © 2011 by Media Zócalo, LLC. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and author.

No person may, without prior written permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue.

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Z from the editor

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Seek first to understand, then to be understood. - Stephen R. Covey I constantly fail in this. Certainly not all of the time; my goals and intentions are to work diligently to understand people, to know where they are coming from in order reconnoiter their behavior. But it is difficult, especially when the counter-productive mental transmissions declare: “But, damn it, I’m right and here’s why! Let me just tell you about it! Hear me and my position!”

We aren’t listening to others at that point, and we aren’t effectively communicating.

I know you do it too. We all do. It’s part of the ongoing challenge of being human. The beautiful and empowering aspect of being self-reflective, intelligent beings is the ability to see ourselves in the moment and change direction. Of course, this is only accomplished if we are willing to switch gears, be flexible and open-minded.

Remember how we all came together after Sept. 11, 2001 and Jan. 8, 2011? Can we take into account and resolutely recognize the fact that we all want the same things: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

We can re-train our perspective. It is a matter of stepping out of our comfort zones to acknowledge, accept and possibly embrace opposing viewpoints.

Tucson and its populace extend many opportunities to become expanded beings for the greater good of humanity, community and the planet.

Between the slew of community events and artistic offerings, we can challenge ourselves to be open to other ideas. Check out a stage performance that might twist your mind, and possibly free it; if you believe that drought will be the death of us, learn about rainharvesting; if you are tapped for funds and think nothing is worth seeing, take in a free gallery show or local concert.

Options abound. Be open to them.

– Jamie Manser

photo: Jan Schwartz

events

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Lasso the Rain! by Polly Higgins While monsoon season seemed woefully short in Tucson this summer, there is a way to make the annual rainfall last: water harvesting.

From the iconic — and rather expensive — steel cistern systems to cheaper, earth-scaping options, it isn’t difficult to capture water. But getting started can be intimidating.

For inspiration, the sustainability-minded Watershed Management Group (WMG) is offering a self-guided tour of homes with water-catchment systems constructed by members of its co-op program on Sept. 17. Homeowners will be at a dozen residences, answering questions about how they have reduced their dependency on delivered water via an array of steel, plastic and cement cistern, greywater (from dishwashers, showers, etc.) systems and more, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eight of the tour sites are centrally located and bikeable, co-op coordinator Rhiwena Slack says, and if you pedal or bus your way through, you’ll save $5 off the $10 cost.

Among the midtown homes is a single-story residence owned by Judith McDaniel and Jan Schwartz. Painted an earthy moss green, it looks modest enough from the front, but walk around to the backyard and you’re instantly nooked in an oasis of trees, yard art, a small garden and a rather deluxe chicken coup with eight residents.

McDaniel stands in the shade of a 1,500-gallon, steel culvert cistern, which was installed by about a dozen co-op members during two consecutive Saturdays last July. The tank stretches nearly to the roof, and, on this mid-August day, it is full. If Ma Nature is cruel and keeps the rain away, McDaniel says she would still be able to water their peach, fig and other trees for several months.

This wasn’t always the case. When the couple moved into their home a decade ago, “We weren’t thinking in sustainability terms,” McDaniel says.

But in the last five years they have been, from solar panels that cover

nearly all of their electricity needs (save during the a/c season) to the steel culvert barrel, gutters and other components of the cistern setup the co-op put in, led by WMG instructor, and Jan’s son, Adam Schwartz.

Here’s how it works: Anyone interested in hands-on education can attend one of WMG’s free “workshops,” i.e., real-world projects at people’s homes under an instructor’s guidance. To get such a team to help with your own residential project, you have to log a certain number of workshop hours.

“It’s the sweat-equity model,” Slack says.

WMG has a number of programs spanning neighborhood improvement, demonstration sites and water harvesting-certification classes. But it’s the burgeoning co-op, which offered more than 30 workshops last year, Slack says, that can take the fear out of transforming a dusty, sun-baked Tucson yard.

“It’s a pretty amazing process, to see something like that go up in a very short amount of time,” Schwartz says, nodding to the impressive tank at his mom’s and McDaniel’s house. After two five- to six-hour workshops, “You’ve got this huge cistern in your yard.”

While the primary topics have to do with water harvesting, co-op classes cover other areas of sustainability — composting, chicken coops and, eventually, Slack says, solar power.

McDaniel — sporting a blue tee emblazoned with a Gandhi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,”— notes that her water harvesting setup works well.

“What hasn’t worked for a while is there was no rain,” she says, laughing. “But that’s nothing Watershed Management can control.”

For more on Watershed Management Group and to sign up for the tour call 396-3266, or see Watershedmg.org.

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Events

photo: Trip of PunkAssPhoto.com

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Botticelli’s “Fortitude” painted by Annie Margarita and the 2011 GAMC logo.

The Mission Creeps

star Muralists by Rafael Otto “You’ve got to have experience on the canvas and be able to produce a mural quickly,” says Annie Margarita, founder of the first Great American Muralist Competition. Muralists will compete in two categories, “Star” or “Rising Star” (based on self-identified skills) and will need to fill an approximately 40 inch by 60 inch canvas over three days.

Margarita was inspired to create the competition after a 2005 trip to Italy, where she competed in the only international mural competition available. She placed fourth in that contest and soon discovered that no other opportunities existed for the international community. She expects about twenty muralists for the inaugural event and hopes it will grow into a robust competition that attracts artists from around the world.

The event takes place at the Tucson Convention Center during the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) annual home show, which means that muralists will have an audience of more than 12,000 people. Those interested in viewing the competition can attend by purchasing tickets to the home show for $8.

Charles Kowalski is a Tucson-based painter and muralist who registered for the competition as a Rising Star. “Art has always been a part of my life – painting, song writing, guitar – and this competition will be a great way to get some exposure while having to produce quickly.”

Registered muralists will receive the theme of the competition on Sept.

3, giving them just a few weeks to prepare their mural. Competition prizes include Best of Show ($2,000), Best Trompe L’Oeil ($1,000), and People’s Choice ($1,000).

The day after the competition, on Oct. 3, Margarita has organized a silent auction at Hotel Tucson, 475 N. Granada Ave., featuring contributed work from participating muralists. Artists will select a charity and split proceeds 50/50. Funds raised will go to one of six Tucson-based organizations: the Boys & Girls Club, UNICEF, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Las Artistes, Battered Women’s Shelter and Youth On Their Own. Tickets for the event are $50. Bushi Catering will provide food with live music by Tesoro and a performance by Joe Elliott. n

Schedule: Friday, Sept. 30-Saturday, Oct. 1: 10am-7pm; Sunday, Oct. 2: 10am-2pm, awards 4pm; Monday, Oct. 3: 7pm-11pm, benefit auction.

Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. For details about the competition and silent auction, visit GAMC.AnnieMargarita.com; visit SAHBAHomeShow.com for its information.

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Gettin’ Freaky by Kelly Lewis It’s not every day that hoards of scooters ride down Congress to watch Agent Orange play alongside of fire dancers, trick skateboarders and a giant Gorilla head—but that’s exactly what you can expect from Friki Fest II at Rialto Theatre on Sept. 17, and it all started with Miss Frankie Stein of The Mission Creeps and her love for motorized scooters.

“I am a scooter fanatic and I have this dream that if everyone rode a scooter, it’d be like a little utopia,” said Stein, who is promoting the event with her husband James as part of their company, Friki Inc. “I decided I wanted to throw a scooter rally and so as we were touring, we kept an eye out for bands that we really liked and invited them to come out and play.”

Last year’s event at The Hut was dubbed Friki Tiki and over 500 people attended, some of which had scooted all the way from Washington and Maryland. Rikki Sixx from Los Angeles was there, performing with a band called The Woolly Bandits.

“When Frankie first asked us to play, I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” said Sixx, from her home in LA. “But it was a really great turnout.

Frankie knows how to put together a great bill and it was an all-around good time.”

This year, Sixx will be playing drums with The Mission Creeps, but said she’s most excited to see Lords of Altamont, a group known for setting their keyboard on fire during performances.

“I know a lot of people probably aren’t familiar with some of the bands in the lineup, but this is really a killer bill,” Sixx said.

This year’s theme is Skull Island and Stein has gone all out. In addition to a full line-up of seven bands including Agent Orange, Lords of Altamont, The Omens and The Mission Creeps, Friki Fest II will also feature a tribal dance group, multi-media projections and food vendors.

“I’m really excited about the multi-media aspect, the tribal-meets-hightech stuff we’re doing,” Stein said. “We’re trying to recreate Skull Island in the Rialto, and it’s a challenge.”

Curtis McCrary, booking manager at Rialto Theatre, said this is the first time that Agent Orange has played Rialto in recent years.

“We saw that this was a great event last year, and we’re happy to host it at the Rialto,” said McCrary, “We think it’s a great lineup, and it’s a Saturday night, so we’re hoping a lot of people will turn out for it.” n Friki Fest II kicks off at 5 p.m., Sept.17. Other performers include Scorpion Vs. Tarantula, Vicki and the Vengents, Denver City Saltlicks, Poi-Zen Fire troupe, Wyld Vybe dance troupe and The King of Surf Drums. Tickets are $10 pre-sale, $18 day of show, available at RialtoTheatre.com. Visit FrikiInc.com for more information.

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Events

Go! Guide Guides author Kelly Lewis, left, and photographer Krissy Sauter, right.

Empowering Female Adventurers

by Polly Higgins

Kelly Lewis loves traveling. Travel guidebooks, well, these she finds lacking, especially for women on their own.

So the UA journalism grad wrote one: “Go! Girl Guides: A Woman’s Guide to Traveling in Thailand,” which sees a release party Sept.

17 at La Cocina. The result of much planning and saving — the project is completely self-funded — as well as two months spent in Thailand with photographer Krissy Sauter, the guidebook speaks to the specific concerns of female tourists.

One of the 15 sections in the book, for example, focuses on health and includes information on where to find tampons, “because they are really hard to find in Thailand,” says Lewis, a 25-year-old writer who is also a freelancer for Zocalo.

“They’re only carried in maybe two or three chains.” Good luck finding that in Fodor’s.

At its core, Go! Girl is meant to empower the woman traveler, to give her tools to take on a potentially intimidating country with confidence — and not a lot of money.

“I have talked to so many women who say to me constantly, ‘I want to travel, but I don’t know how. I don’t have anyone to go with and I’m scared.’”

Go! Girl Thailand’s framework is built upon safety and budget, then, but with Lewis as the template traveler, it’s also infused with ways to experience the country as an energetic woman.

“I really thought to myself, ‘Okay, what do I want to know, visiting here?’ I want to know where the cool markets are; I want to know where I can get really awe-

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some, cheap, cool clothes.”

Of course those clothes don’t amount to a thing if they get ripped off, so while Lewis privileges inexpensive accommodations, security is just as important.

“That’s what differentiates us from other guidebooks. We really looked for clean, safe places to stay in safe areas of town,” she says. “I really wanted to make sure that our girls, because they’re traveling alone, are in a safe place.”

Readers benefit from the Lewis’ hits and misses, from the basics (what to pack, how to order food) on through experiencing the country on a deeper level via quality volunteer opportunities. Q&As with female travelers occur throughout, as do helpful anecdotes such as when Lewis and Sauter encountered what turned out to be a common scam: a thief dressed as a monk.

And, much like its author, the paperback guide is active, presenting Thailand via a conversational tone and plenty of color photographs.

Anyone can explore a country solo, Lewis notes, offering herself as proof. After finishing her undergraduate work in 2008, the virgin traveler went to New Zealand for a year. She cried. She got homesick. But she also made lifelong friends, she says, and started a blog that helped her connect with other females with wanderlust.

Three years on, GoGirlGuides.com pools the experiences of women bloggers from San Francisco to South Korea. And Lewis plans the next print guide to inspire women to Go! to Argentina. n The free book release party begins at 6 p.m. on Sept.

17 at La Cocina, 201 N. Court Ave., and includes live music and Thai cuisine. “Go! Girl Guides to Thailand” will be available at Barnes and Noble and on GoGirlGuides.com and Amazon.com (and for its Kindle).

events september EVENTS Thu 1 MINI-TIME MACHINE MUSEUM’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY Free admission all day with free cake and punch served from 6pm-8pm. Museum opens at 9am. 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. 881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org

Thu 1 - Sun 4

Fri 9 - Sat 10 GLOW Annual multimedia art event coinciding with the full moon, showcasing an array of illuminated sculpture, light projections, installations, a gallery exhibition, performances, music, food. $10 adults, $5 under 18, free under 3. 7pm-11pm. Triangle L Ranch, Oracle. 520-623-6732, TriangleLRanch.com/glow.htm

Sat 10 2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN

featuring Le Castle Vania, Sergent Garcia, Devotchka, Calexico, Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra, Richard Buckner, John Rauhause, Luca and more. $20/advance, $23/door. Times vary. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com

Familyfriendly music & arts urban block party with food vendors, kids activities, sidewalk performers, more. Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with Ted Ramirez, A Son y Sol and Suerte on Scott Avenue stage; Descarga at the Fox Theatre. Free. 6pm-10:30pm. Congress Street, 2ndSaturdays.com

Sat 3

UA DOWNTOWN OPENING A celebration of

HOCO FEST

MONSTER MASH

Dark amusements include Scream Queen Contest, Transfiguration Chamber, Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout, The Faustians, more. $6. 8pm. The HangArt, 520 N. Echols Ave. TheHangArt.org

FESTIVAL NORTEÑO Noches Norteñas bands, dance performances, food, awards presentation. $5.

5pm. AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Rd. 1-800344-9435, SolCasinos.com

FIRST SATURDAY ART WALK Opening receptions for downtown galleries in the 6th Avenue and 6th Street district. Free. Times vary.

RENDEZVOUS ON THE AVENUE

Fourth Avenue welcomes back UA students & snowbirds with live music, merchant sidewalk sales & a 7:30pm fashion show at Winsett Park, 316 N. 4th Ave. Free. 4pm9pm. 624-5004, FourthAvenue.org

Sun 4 MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Music, food and drink, featuring Chuck Wagon and the Wheelchairs. 11am-4pm. Mount Lemmon/Summerhaven, 12901 N. Sabino Canyon Pkwy. LavaMusic.org

Mon 5 SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK LABOR DAY RUN The Southern Arizona Roadrunners present a morning run through Saguaro National Park in the Rincon Mountain foothills. Visit website to register.

6am. Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd. 326-9383, Azroadrunners.org/races/detail/saguaro

Thu 8 PLAZA CENTRO DEDICATION

The new parking garage/mixed use structure, designed by Santa Monica architect Aleks Istanbullu, features Tucson artist Daniel Martin Diaz’s work Desert Splendor. Free.

8:30am. Centro Parking Garage, 345 E. Congress St. 837-6501

UA Downtown in the historic Roy Place Building with music, hors d’oeuvres and exhibits. Students from the UA College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (CALA) along with artist and instructor Bill Mackey of Worker, Inc., will present Food, Paper, and Alcohol: an Exhibit on Downtown Tucson. Free. 6pm9pm. 44 N. Stone Ave.

Sat 16 CONVENTO NIGHTS “VIVA” A celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day with art, entertainment, more. $10. 7pm-midnight. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. TucsonSocialSociety.com

Fri 16 - Sat 24 ARIZONA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL Arizona’s only cult film festival features Arizona, national, and worldwide premiere screenings. Costs/ times/locations vary. AZUnderGroundFilmFest.com

Sat 17 FAMILY DAYS AT THE POETRY CENTER Participants from the Hopi Foundation & Owl and Panther Project recite original work on themes of war and peace. 10am-1pm. UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St. 626-3765, Poetry.Arizona.Edu

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and more than 20 local and guest flamenco artists from around the country. Thurs: “Cante” flamenco music; Fri-Sat: “Baile” featuring guest dance performances; Sun: “Toque” featuring flamenco performances. 10 lectures, workshops. Costs/times vary. Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, TucsonSpanishFlamencoFestival.com

Thu 22 - Sun 25 ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK FESTIVAL Greek food, drink, music, dance lessons, children’s activities, tours of the church & vendor displays. $3. Times vary.

1145 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 888-0505, StDemetriosTucson.org

Sat 24 A STAR STUDDED NIGHT

Wings of Hope presents a benefit to assist homeless women and children. 6pm. Savory Opera House, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 886-5012, WingsofHopeTucson.com

2ND ANNUAL DIAMOND CHILDREN’S MEDICAL GALA Silent auction, multi-course dinner, cocktails and performances by illusionist Michael Grandinetti and The Walkens to benefit the medical center. 6pm. Westin La Paloma Resort, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr. 742-6000, DiamondChildrens.org

Sat 24 - Sun 25 TUCSON REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SHOW Vendors from across the country selling reptiles, clothing, art and jewelry. Displays of alligators, snakes, tortoises, more. Adults $7; 6-12 $3; 5 and under free.

9am-6pm, Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Rd. 405-7020, TucsonReptileShow.com

Ongoing Wed-Sun NIGHTFALL AT OLD TUCSON

Old Tucson transforms into a haunted town with monsters and ghouls! Wed-Sun nights through Mon, Oct 31. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd. 883-0100, NightFallAz.com

Thu SANTA CRUZ RIVER FARMERS’ MARKET

Watershed Management Group is offering a self-guided tour of residential rainwater harvesting systems.

10am-4pm. Call or visit the website for locations and map. 396-3266, WaterShedMG.org

Locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, canned goods, honey, baked goods, eggs, gourds, herbal remedies, and more. 4pm-7pm. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, MercadoSanAgustin.com

FRIKI FEST II - SKULL ISLAND Music fes-

Weekly

RESIDENTIAL WATER HARVESTING TOUR

tival and scooter meet up featuring over 10 bands and other entertainment. 5pm-1am. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. 740-1000, RialtoTheatre.com

Thu 22 - Sun 25

WALK IN THE PARK

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays explore nature trails and landscaped gardens at Tohono Chul Park through Fri, Sept 30. 9am. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte.

742-6455, TohonoChulPark.org/wordpress

TUCSON SPANISH FLAMENCO FESTIVAL Featuring authentic Spanish fare, fine wine tastings,

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Events

9/11 – Together We Remember This series of events commemorates 9/11/2001 as both a memorial remembrance and an inspiration to help build our community, our country, and our world for good, for life, and for peace – striving for a better future for us all.

Visit Tucson911.org for more information.

Thu 1 - Sun 4 Elevator

Once in a Promised Land

A stage play of six people trapped in a World Trade Center elevator and what happened to the passenger elevators on the day of 9/11; an examination of the American spirit and inherent hope and compassion that resides in all of us. $14-$29. 7pm nightly and 1pm Sunday. Proscenium Theater, PCC West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 477-PLAY

Book discussion led by author Laila Halaby; about Jassim and Salwa who left the deserts of their native Jordan for those of Arizona, each chasing mirages of opportunity and freedom. Although the couple lives far from Ground Zero, they cannot escape the dust cloud of paranoia settling over the nation. Free. 3pm. Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.

Sun 4 Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath A documentary by Valarie Kaur, who drove across the U.S. in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept.

11 and compiled stories from Sikh, Muslim, and Arab-American communities to examine issues of race, religion and security post 9-11. A dialogue panel follows the film. $10 donation. 7pm. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 490-1165

Tue 6 History, Culture, and Politics: The Setting for 9/11 A panel discussion on the circumstances that surrounded the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and its place in historical, political and cultural contexts. Free. 6pm.

UA Education Building, Room 211 (Kiva Auditorium), 1430 E. 2nd St. 626-3846

Wed & Thur 7 & 8 What does it mean to be “Post9/11”: Politics, War, and Security A panel discussion by academic experts and retired U.S. Army Brigadier General John Adams explores the broader macro-level effects of 9/11 in the arenas of security, politics, and war. Free. 6pm. UA Education Building, Room 211 (Kiva Auditorium), 1430 E. 2nd St. 626-3846

Fri 9 - Sun 25

photo: David Olsen

A Human Equation

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Sat 10

This play tells the story of Kenneth Feinberg and the process of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, by Philadelphia playwright Peter Bonilla. Opening night hosts Bonilla. Performances are at 7:30pm Sept 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25; 2pm Sept 18 & 24. Prices vary. Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd. 401-3626

Human Flag Thousands will gather to form a giant Human Flag in red, white and blue. Free. 4pm. University of Arizona baseball field

Sun 11 Laying of the Wreath Mayor Bob Walkup will be present at the commemorative laying of the wreath. Free. 8am. Fire Station One, 265 S. Church St.

Remembrance and Renewal Tucson Chamber Artists’ professional choir and Tucson Symphony Orchestra combine to perform Mozart’s Requiem to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. $19-$64. 3pm. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. 621-3341, UAPresents.org

Memorial Dr. Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS will be the featured speaker. Free. 9:30am. Reid Park Bandshell, 1100 S. Randolph Way

Rebirth This feature length documentary was created by a team of seasoned, successful Hollywood filmmakers who have been working together since 9/11. Project Rebirth film crews have chronicled the lives of five people coping with 9/11. Free. Noon. Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson Pops Concert Free. 6:30pm. Reid Park, 1030 S. Randolph Way.

Sun 11 - Thu 22 United United shares the stories of the heroes and victims of United Flight 93, a developmental piece that will be open to audience feedback after each reading. Prices and times vary, Sept 11, 17, 22. Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd. 401-3626

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photos: Jamie Manser

food&drink

Zwiebelkuchen

Sausage salad

Out To Lunch

by Jamie Manser

You know those days, something cosmic must be in retrograde when people just can’t seem to get along or get it right or be nice. Maybe it’s the planet Mercury, or perhaps it’s the mercury rising in the thermostat. Whatever was going on last month, my husband Dan and I were both having one of those completely frustrating days.

We sought calming relief at 4th Avenue’s Café Passe. Owner Sabine Blaese provided us with a sneak peek of the café s Oktoberfest menu, set to be served the weekends of Sept. 17-18, 24-25 and October 1 from noon to 9 p.m.

Dan and I knew we were in for a real treat when she dropped off the goods and said, “This is some of my favorite food in the world, I hope you enjoy it too.”

We dove right in and both dishes - sausage salad and sweet onion pie (zwiebelkuchen) - were delicious. The sausage salad was cool and satisfying without being heavy. It included a mellow Swiss cheese, white onions, baby dill pickles, drizzled with canola oil, topped with fresh ground pepper and parsley. I had never experienced these ingredients together and my taste buds were delighted by the complementary, yet distinct, flavors.

The sausage (called Lyoner and mixed with Fleischkaese) is from The German Sausage Company in Phoenix. Dan asked Blaese if the sausage was a bologna. She grimaced a bit, but indulged his observation by saying, “You might call Lyoner a really, really good bologna.” I concur; the quality of this sausage is definitely in a different league from Oscar Meyer’s sandwich bologna. Accompanying the sausage salad was a slice of Bauernbrot, a hearty, medium-dense farmer’s bread from the Old Heidelberg German Bakery in Phoenix.

The zwiebelkuchen, plated up with the café’s fresh salad (mixed

greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions), looked like a slice of cheese pizza – but as we all know, looks can be deceiving. While I love a good slice o’ za, this is nothing in comparison. The crust was pastry-like; Blaese said the crust is called Quarkteig, made with sour cream. I erroneously thought that there was cheese in there, it’s not so – it is simply comprised of “sautéed white onions, lots of caraway seeds, some cream and eggs,” Blaese clarified. I call it melt-in-your-mouth heaven.

It was obvious these Oktoberfest menu items were made with loving consideration; this food is from her German homeland. Originally from the southwestern region of Deutschland (Swabia), Blaese explained that “The Swabian kitchen is very unique; it has many distinct dishes such as the sausage salad and sweet onion pie. My mom is a great cook and most of the recipes I’m using are hers, of course, and it’s growing up in her kitchen that made me love food, I think.”

Celebrating their first Oktoberfest (coinciding with their recent liquor license acquisition), Café Passe is offering the above authentic German selections along with plates of bratwurst and German potato salad, and weisswurst with pretzels. A German Oktoberfest beer shall also be on tap, clearly brewed in compliance with the Reinheitsgebot!

Entertainment during the weekend celebrations includes Tucson polka band, The Bouncing Czechs, from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Sat., Sept. 17 and Oct. 1; Jimmy Carr and the Awkward Moments perform on Sat., Sept. 24 and Sun, Sept. 25 from 2pm-4pm. n Be sure to wish Café Passe early birthday wishes, as their five year mark comes up in October. They are located at 415 N. 4th Ave., online at CafePasse.com or by calling 624-4411.

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Drink

by Kelly Lewis Drinking beer rarely pays, unless you’re Jericho Davidson: musician, local personality and bar manager at Mr. Heads Art Gallery and Bar at 513 N. 4th Ave. In a 2010 Budweiser competition in search of the nation’s greatest crew of friends, Davidson and three local buddies partied their way to a $100,000 grand prize and wound up inside the pages of Rolling Stone.

The whirlwind experience has brought Davidson a lot of attention, but it hasn’t changed him much. By and large, his daily life is still full of exactly what rewarded him in the first place: awesome friends, a carefree attitude and a sense of humor in which anything goes.

“It’s pretty new to me to be able to pay my rent on time and in full every month,” said Davidson, laughing. “I’m 31 and it’s the first time in my life that I’ve done that.”

So what else has he done with all of that cash?

“I bought a camera, a computer and a Cadillac,” he said. “And the rest I’m saving for some more epic plans I have for the future.”

Spend a few minutes at the bar talking to Davidson and there’s a good chance you’ll crack a smile. His long beard, contagious laugh and history of ridiculous exploits have given him more than enough material to keep you entertained— especially if you find yourself on the patio at Mr. Heads on a Wednesday night, when Davidson performs stand-up comedy.

“Comedy is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Davidson said. “I always said I would do it, and then one night I was called up on stage and was just thrown into the deep end of the pool with it.”

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happy hour

by V. K. Embee

Mixology As a kid growing up in the Old Pueblo, Davidson was convinced all he ever wanted was to be a musician. These days, he’s changed his tune.

“All I want is to be an international man of leisure,” Davidson said. “I want to be like the Dos Equis guy.”

On Trends in Mixology: There’s this prohibition-era cocktail thing that’s huge with everyone, and I like it and appreciate it, but it also has its drawbacks. I’m still in the mindset of a poor dude who wants to get drunk, so to spend $8 on a cocktail would cost end up costing me like $100 a night. Here (at Mr. Heads), all of the bartenders can make a pretty with-it cocktail, but we also offer $4 beer and shot specials. We’re a high-volume bar, and we’re trying to balance between both worlds.

Favorite Ingredients: I like working with items that have a big flavor, like whiskey and citrus. And whiskey.

Signature Drink: Dry Heat 1 ½ oz. Hangar One Chipotle Vodka 8 leaves Cilantro ½ of a lime 4 drops of Tamarindo Squirt Lucas Muddle cilantro and lime together with Tamarindo. Pour with vodka into a glass and fill with Squirt. Rim the glass with Lucas, garnish with lime and a cilantro leaf. n

photo: Kelly Lewis

A Man of Spirited Leisure

photo: Vikki Dempsey

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For generous portions and consistent quality, you can’t beat the appetizers at Old Pueblo Grille. They’re $5 each during the daily happy hour from 3pm to close, in the bar lounge or on the bar patio.

Try the Rattlesnake Eggs, seven baconwrapped crunchy jalapenos filled with smoked shrimp cream cheese, served on a nest of cabbage. The whimsical Fried Hatch Green Chile Mac & Cheese are sure to tease and please you.

They’re shaped like innocent ping-pong balls, resting on a fiery red chile sauce. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Tacos are four hearty “bowls” of lettuce filled with juicy seasoned chopped chicken breast. Drizzled with cilantro sour cream and served with tomatillo salsa on the side, they’re a favorite among the regulars.

All drinks are $1 off, including draft pints ($4), house martinis ($5.25), and wines by the glass ($5-$8.50). Signature drinks include the minty mojito ($8) and a variety of margaritas.

Live large and conquer the behemoth Gila Monster ($11.50), a 42 oz. prickly pear margarita.

After 7:30pm, house martinis and house margaritas are $5. The tequila primer on the menu will tempt even a novice to sample several of the 60+ varieties. Splurge on a Herradura flight ($34) and soar to the stratosphere of high-end tequilas, served on a horseshoe-shaped wooden rack.

Ambience, like the service, is friendly, upbeat, and unpretentious. Southwestern décor features exposed wooden beams and earthy colors, with floral and spiral motifs on the upholstery and carpet. No glitz, no glam; just pure comfort, like your favorite walking shoes.

Bring the whole family, or go alone. Don’t miss the live jazz and jam on Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm-10pm. n Old Pueblo Grille is located at 60 N. Alvernon Way. Find out more at MetroRestaurants.com/ restaurants/opg.asp or call 326-6000.

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Film

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It’s Alive!

by Herb Stratford

German comedy/horror film “The Sandman” screens at the Arizona Underground Film Festival.

Tucsonan David Pike is a man on a mission: to continue growing and expanding his homegrown, underground film festival to greater heights. He aims to showcase filmmakers outside of the “studio system” to have their work seen by an appreciative audience, and hopefully find a larger fan base for cult films.

If you haven’t given cult films a second thought, give them a chance this year. Pike has some great selections for the fourth annual Arizona Underground Film Festival (AZUFF), taking place Sept. 16 to 24.

While consistently drawing rave reviews from filmmakers and audiences alike, the AZUFF is unique in Arizona, and in fact, is one of the largest genre film festivals in the country. The festival draws more than 1,000 viewers to 50 feature film screenings along with several dozen short films, spaced out over nine days.

Pike, a filmmaker himself, decided that “there needed to be a cult film festival in town,” and decided he was the man to do it. Together with some assistance from friends, Pike managed to craft a festival that now draws films from around the world. Dividing films into different programming genres including experimental, narrative, exploitation, documentary and anima-

tion, the festival gives fans a chance to see what films are being made underground, or outside the system, which may otherwise not find an audience.

While the final slate of films will not be announced until Sept. 5, Pike was able to tease a few for Zocalo, which include several Arizona premieres as well as US premieres. For example, Dragonslayer, a South by Southwest winner this year makes its Arizona debut at the festival.

Documenting skate culture, this flip-cam flick chronicles the lives of some Fullerton, California skaters in a way previously unseen.

The German comedy/horror film The Sandman looks fantastic, as does the documentary Of Dolls and Murder, narrated by John Waters.

Also on the schedule is Some Guy Who Kills People, from Executive Producer John Landis (Werewolf in London, Blues Brothers and the epic music video Michael Jackson’s Thriller).

There are two ways to experience the film fest this year, either by purchasing a festival pass (limited to 100 people), or by buying individual screening tickets. Films will be exclusively shown at The Screening Room,127 E. Congress St. Visit AZUndergroundFilmFest.com for final screening dates and times after Sept. 5. n

Confirmed Films Dragonslayer, DragonslayerMovie.com Karate Robo Zabogar, YouTube.com/ watch?v=vyhJB7ta_AE Marianne, MarianneMovie.com Of Dolls and Murder, OfDollsandMurder.com The Sandman Sennentuntschi: Curse of the Alps Some Guy Who Kills People, SomeGuyWhoKillsPeople.com White Knight, WhiteKnightfilm.com

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exhibits

photo: David Olsen

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museums/Exhibits ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM DOWNTOWN Exhibits showcase early Tucson businesses, homes & artifacts from John Dillinger’s Tucson experience. Regularly $3, adults; $2 seniors & students, 12-18; free, children under 12.

Tue-Fri, 10am to 4pm. 140 N. Stone Ave. 770-1473, ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Changing Boundaries: Historic Maps of the U.S.- Mexico Frontier continues through Sept 30. Featuring Southern Arizona history including Geronimo’s rifle and 18th-century Spanish silver artifacts. $5, adults; $4 seniors & students, 12-18; free, children under 12 & first Saturday of the month. Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm. 949 E. 2nd St. 628-5774, ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM Biodiversity in the art of Carel Pieter Brest van Kempen continues through October 30. Detailed and vivid wildlife art is showcased. $12 adults, $3 children (6-12), 5 and under free. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd. 883-2702, DesertMuseum.org

ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM

Many Mexicos: Vistas de la Frontera - objects from 3000 years of Mexican history including Mayan vessels and Spanish colonial retablos continues through Nov 2012.

Permanent collections include Ancient Architecture of the Southwest, The Pottery Project, more. 3pm-5pm.

Free. Regularly $5 for adults, children free. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. UA Campus, 1013 E. University Blvd.

626-8381, StateMuseum.Arizona.edu

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COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK The

POSTAL HISTORY FOUNDATION Exhibits

History Room features artifacts from Hohokam and earlier native people; the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum traces the establishment of the park in the 1930s by the corps. Guided tours, spelunking history, more. Daily, 8am-5pm. $11 adults; $6 children 5-12.

16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, 647-7275, ColossalCave. com

on the history of the U.S. Postal Service in Arizona, youth educational programs, rare stamp collections, research materials and a fully functional post office.

Highlights of the Civil War Collection continues. MonFri, 8am-3pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. 920 N. 1st Ave. 623-6652, PostalHistoryFoundation.org

CHILDRENS MUSUEM TUCSON Explore children’s exhibits including Ocean Discovery, Enchanted Rain Forest, Mind Your Own Body, Dinosaur World, Electri-City Gallery, Build it, Whistle Stop Gallery, Pet Vet and Public Safety. $8, adults; $6, seniors & children 2-18. Mon, 9am-8pm Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. 200 S. Sixth Ave. 792-9985, ChildrensMuseumTucson.org.

JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM

History and Nostalgia: The Southern Arizona Jewish Experience exhibit shows through the end of 2011. Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun, 1pm-5pm; Fri, noon-3pm. $5 non-members.

Free for members, students with ID and children. 564 S. Stone Ave. 670-9073, JewishHistoryMuseum.org

MINI-TIME MACHINE MUSEUM

Antique and contemporary miniatures and artifacts with over 200 miniature houses. 1st Thursdays, open until 8pm.

Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm. $7, adults ($5 Thu); $6, seniors/ military; $5, 4-17. 4455 E. Camp Lowell. 881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Permanent exhibits of aircraft & space memorabilia, flight history, art, youth programs. Daily, 9am-5pm. $15.50; $12.75 seniors & Pima County residents; $9 children; under six free. 6000 E. Valencia Rd. 574-0462, PimaAir.org

SOUTHERN ARIZONA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM Trains and state-of-the-art media. View Locomotive #1673 Saturdays, 10am-1pm.

Free. Tue-Thu & Sun, 11am-3pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-4pm.

414 N. Toole Ave. 623-2223, TucsonHistoricDepot. org

TOHONO CHUL PARK Hummingbirds continues through Sept 12 in the Entry Gallery. Día de los Muertos runs Sept 1-Nov 6 in the Main Gallery featuring artworks with the holiday’s central themes of mortality, loss and remembrance. Art Journaling runs Sept 15- Nov 14 in the Entry Gallery. Book-sized or pocketsized art journals are showcased. Daily events: Reptile Ramble, Eco-Station Walks, more. Details at website.

Mon-Sun, 8am-5pm. $7, 13+; $5, 62+ & military; $3 students; $2 children. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 7426455, TohonoChulPark.org

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

The 5-1/2 acre grounds feature 16 specialty gardens plus art exhibits in the Porter Hall Gallery. See website for events. $7, adults; $3, children 4-12. Daily, 8:30am4:30pm (except holidays). 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

Film

film listings Cinema La Placita La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave. Thursdays at 7:30pm, $3 suggested donation. CinemaLaPlacita.com Sept 1: His Girl Friday Sept 8: The Grapes of Wrath Sept 15: Sabrina Sept 22: The Quiet Man Sept 29: Footloose Fox Theatre 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Fri, Sept 2: Chinatown, 7:30pm Thurs, Sept 8: Pedal Driven: A Bikeumentary, 7pm Fri, Sept 9: LA Confidential, 7:30pm Sun, Sept 11: LA Confidential, 2pm Sat, Sept 17: West Side Story, 7:30pm Sun, Sept 18: West Side Story, 2pm Sat, Sept 24: Can’t Stop the Serenity: Screening of Serenity & Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog, 6pm.

The Loft Cinema 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. 795-7777, 322-LOFT, LoftCinema.com Times and admissions vary. Dates indicate first date of movie run.

Fri, Sept 2: Tabloid, First Friday Shorts, Jaws Wed, Sept 7: The Names of Love: Loft Film Fest Showcase Fri, Sept 9: Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation 2011, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Tree Sun, Sept 11: Rebirth Thurs, Sept 15: The Massive Movie Mu-

sical Sing-A-Long Fri, Sept 16: Farmageddon, Nuremberg: Its Lesson for Today, World on a Wire, Dead Alive Sat, Sept 17: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Tues, Sept 20: Pearl Jam Twenty Fri, Sept 23: Life, Above All; Lolita Sat, Sept 24: The Grease Sing-A-Long Saun, Sept 25: Cries and Whispers Thurs, Sept 29: The 2011 Manhattan Short Film Festival Fri, Sept 30: Brighton Rocks, Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, The Boondock Saints

Pima County Public Libraries 594-5500, Library.Pima.Gov Mon, Sept 12: Campaign (6pm-8pm, Himmel Park) Tues, Sept 13: Family Movie (3:30pm, Salazar-Ajo Library) Sat, Sept 17: El General (2pm, Eckstrom Columbus) Sat, Sept 27: Family Movie (3:30pm, Salzar Ajo Library) Rocks and Ropes 330 S. Toole Ave. 882-5924, RocksAndRopes.com Wed, Sept 7: Chuck Fryberger’s Rock Climbing, 8pm The Screening Room 127 E. Congress St. 882-0204, azmac. org/scroom Sept 16-Sat, Sept 24: Arizona Underground Film Festival, AZUndergroundFilmFest.com

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by Herb Stratford

This month, as Zocalo turns its eye to the upcoming performing arts season, Arts and Culture Guy highlights some visual arts offerings for the coming months.

Tucson Museum of Art Two big shows that will grace the Tucson Museum of Art this season are worth the trip. Starting out with Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present, will be on display from October 22 to January 15. This exciting survey, organized by the Brooklyn Museum, features 140 images by photographers including Annie Liebovitz, Jim Marshall, Mark Seliger and others. With iconographic images of musicians from Elvis to The Sex Pistols, this is a show for every rock and roll fan. Next up is Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Murray, on display from January 28 through June 3, 2012. The portraits of the famous Mexican artist were taken over a ten-year period in the 1930s and feature well-known favorites.

Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., TucsonMuseumOfArt.org

Etherton Gallery Continuing its tradition as a world-class art institution, Etherton Gallery enters its 31st season with a stellar lineup of shows. Starting with work by photographers Baron Wolman and Lynn Goldsmith in a show entitled Rockin’ the Desert. The photographers are exhibiting some of their timeless rock and roll images of legends, including: Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and many others. Opening September 6 and running through November 12, this show is a great partner to the Tucson Museum of Art’s Who Shot Rock and Roll exhibit. Work by artists Craig Cully, Chris Rush and James Reed will share the gallery from January 24 through March 17, and local painter Nancy Tokar-Miller will be paired with former Tucson resident Joe Forkan and photographer Lisa Robinson from March 20 to May 26. The gallery is located at 135 S. 6th Ave. and online at EthertonGallery.com.

Center for Creative Photography

Pedal Driven: A Bikeumentary screens at the Fox Sept. 8.

On display at the Center for Creative Photography through November 27 is the exhibit Creative Continuum: The History of the Center for Creative Photography. Reflecting back on the history of the Center after 35 years, this exhibit highlights the work of the five founding photographers whose archives began the Center in 1975. Seminal work by those artists - Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind and Frederick Sommer - will be on display. Center for Creative Photography is at 1030 N. Olive Rd. and CreativePhotography.org. n

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web

Lights, Cameras, Yelp!

by Corey Dane All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely - yelpers.

Clearly the bard did not pen those exact words, but you can bet that were our bud Bill S a yelper, he’d probably have a lot to say about performance venues perfect for taking in a show. Now don’t you think for a minute that just because the neon lights are bright on Broadway you need to take flight for the Great White Way. The Old Pueblo offers a plethora of places to get your act together, and this month we’re grabbing the best seats in the house no matter what your art desires.

Also this season, Yelp is raising the curtain on a series of partnerships with some of Tucson’s most exciting performing arts organizations. Eye over event listings on Yelp.com and learn about preshow receptions, backstage tours and post-show discussions at the city’s coolest cultural destinations, some of which will include complimentary nosh and sips. (It’ll be like the Tony Awards, but better!)

Yelpers give a round of applause to four of Tucson’s top spots for taking in a show. Visit the websites to check out upcoming performances, dates and times.

(Ratings based on 5 stars: 1=Eek! Methinks not. 2=Meh. I’ve experienced better. 3=A-OK. 4=Yay! I’m a fan. 5=Woohoo! As good as it gets!)

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY (HHHHH) Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 622-2823, ArizonaTheatre.org “Bravo, ATC for having an adorable, quaint theater located in a nice area of town with plenty of street parking and restaurants to explore. I’m surprised at how elaborate the costumes and sets are.” – Laura D.

BROADWAY IN TUCSON (HHHHH) Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. 903-2929, BroadwayInTucson. com “Phenomenal. Amazing. Wonderful. Outstanding. These are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind. How great to have this kind of talent perform in T-town.” – Heather M.

GASLIGHT THEATRE (HHHHH) 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-9428, TheGaslightTheatre.com “Looking for a fun place to take out-of-town guests with lots of guar-

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Yelp Community Mangaer Corey Dane channels his inner Hamlet.

anteed laughter? Do watching people sing and dance put a smile on your face? Then you’ve come to the right place. New shows are always in the works, so these talented performers keep Tucson clapping and smiling throughout the season.” – Peg P.

LIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP (HHHHH) 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. 327-4242, LiveTheatreWorkshop.org “They have a small on-site performance area that features local talent in a wide variety of shows. It’s a great way to support local businesses and the arts, and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than going to the movies! Two thumbs WAY up.” – Tia H. Yearn to see your yelpy wisdom in print? Perfect! Review all of your locally loved places and spaces on Yelp.com and you may find yourself featured in a future edition of Zócalo Magazine.

In Other Yelp News…

Yelp Has An App For That - The Ultimate Food Fight & Wrappetizer Party Hungry for an oven-gloves-off, jaw-dropping battle? From Sept. 6 to Sept. 11, 18 of Tucson’s ruling restaurants go fork-to-fork in the ultimate food fight, while you play referee. Nosh on $5 exclusive appetizers at contending kitchens, vote for ones that knock you out, then cheer on the chefs at the Wrappetizer Party at Fox Tucson Theatre on Tue, Sept. 13, 7pm-9:30pm. A mere $10* donation includes light bites, live music, New Belgium Brewing samples and more!

Participating restaurants include: 47 Scott, Contigo, Cup Cafe, Delectables Restaurant & Catering, DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails, J Bar, Jax Kitchen, La Cocina, Lodge on the Desert, Maynard’s Market & Kitchen, Neo Of Melaka, OM Modern Asian Kitchen, Onyx Room, Pasco Kitchen and Lounge, Renee’s Organic Oven, Rio Café, Tavolino Ristorante Italiano & The Abbey.

Visit Yelp.com/events to RSVP for the winner’s circle soiree and read more about these champs of the chomp. n *Proceeds benefit the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, helping to keep this historic institution fighting for a number of rounds.

photo: Jamie Manser

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76.21.5 Weston, Edward, 1886-1958 Nude, 1936 ©1981 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents

Lens-Based Culture

arts

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76.62.9 Siskind, Aaron, 1903-1991 Terrors & Pleasures of Levitation, No. 99, 1961 ©The Aaron Siskind Foundation

by Phoenix Michael Shutterbugs and art lovers in general shall be delighted to learn that, after going dark this summer for restructuring designed to streamline its research capabilities, the Center for Creative Photography has reopened with a unique exhibit celebrating thirty-five years of excellence.

Creative Continuum: The History of the Center for Creative Photography features carefully culled selections from the some 90,000 photographs and approximately four million archival objects the Center holds. Placed on display are pieces representative of the full collection’s diversity. Creative Continuum also spotlights venerated 20th century practitioners Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan, Frederick Sommer, Aaron Siskind and Wynn Bullock, whose work in 1975 together made up the Center’s inaugural show. The considerable talents of CCP’s founding contributors cannot be overstated.

The best evening to attend may be Thursday, Oct. 13 at 5:30pm, when University of Arizona English Honors Composition students host a public gallery walk incorporating their original writings, readings and performances inspired by the exhibition. “It will be so exciting to hear how the students see it,” says CCP administrative assistant Janet Livingstone. Otherwise, the not-to-be-missed, highly informative exhibit runs through Nov. 27.

In other CCP news, a new program launches Sept. 2 which affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy rare photographs up close. Photo Friday, a free public print viewing from 11:30am-3:30pm on the first Friday of every month, will feature a preselected collection highlights and lesser-known acquisitions usually made available only to specialists. “They will be different each month,” Livingstone tells us. From figure studies to landscapes and still lives to portraits, ever-changing subjects will keep folks coming back for more on Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Campus location and parking

information are online at .

“Come and be surprised,” says CCP curator of education Cass Fey, emphasizing that Photo Friday is in harmony with the internationally renowned Center’s mission to make its collection readily available to the public. “Seeing in person is remarkable.”

Additional upcoming happenings at CCP include a day of lectures in conjunction with the Tucson Museum of Art’s Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History 1955 to the Present Oct. 22-Jan. 15 show (itself part of Tucson Rocks!, a citywide celebration of the art of rock and roll this fall). On Saturday, Oct. 22 exhibiting artist Lynn Goldsmith and exhibition curator Gail Buckland will speak in the CCP auditorium from 1pm-3pm.

Campus location and parking information are online at CreativePhotography.org.

Panel discussions and book signings are also common at the Center.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 5:30pm photographer Randy Efros previews his new book on working as a field assistant to “child genius of American photography” Brett Weston. And in keeping with its stated commitment to the creation of new knowledge “beyond our four walls,” traveling exhibitions from the CCP collection will have made appearances in New York, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands before the close of 2011.

The result of CCP’s summer reorganization will be the debut later this year of the Laura Volkerding Study Center allowing, for the first time, fine print viewing side-by-side with archival materials. The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona - a “cultural gem,” according to Fey - is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 1pm-4pm, at 1030 N. Olive Rd., with parking behind the center free on weekends.

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arts

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Arte y La Luna

by Rafael Otto Sharon Holnback, owner of the Triangle L Ranch and founder of GLOW, remembers walking through her property nearly ten years ago thinking, “What could I create that would be unique and unexpected while walking through the desert at night?” As a multi-media artist herself (metal, glass, photography), she began developing a sculpture pathway populated with pieces that included light.

In 2004, GLOW was born as an “art party” where artists came to enjoy the desert after dark and perhaps draw inspiration from a dramatic rising moon that lights up the landscape. It has since grown to include dozens of artists, performers and bands, and it always takes place on a weekend with (or near) a full moon.

Andre Newman of Flight School Acrobatics performed at GLOW for the first time last year. “It’s a somewhat mystical environment with lots of surprises. People don’t know what to expect,” he says. “And it’s a great venue for live performance, great for engaging the audience and young people.”

Seven other members will join Newman this year on Friday night, including his four-year-old daughter Savan. Their acro yoga show will use light and dark to give the illusion that the “flier” (the person on top) is levitating or floating in mid air.

Additional highlights for the weekend include telescopes for star and moon gazing courtesy of the University of Arizona Planetary Sciences Department, blacksmiths hammering steel by the light of the forge, Poi-Zen fire troupe illuminating the night with fire dancing performances, and a physics bus dazzling kids with interactive science projects.

Live music on Friday, Sept. 9 includes Billy Sedlmayr (7pm), Rey (8pm), and Kevin Pakulis Band (9pm), and on Saturday, Sept. 10 Kidd Squidd DJs (7pm), Imperial Blue Bloods (8pm), and Carnivaleros (9:30pm). The performance stage on Friday night will feature the fire troupe Poi-Zen and Orbital Evolution – a tantalizing display of flowing hoop dancers with impressive glowing hoops.

And don’t forget that the “nighttime art experience” encourages illumination. It’s not required, of course, by why not join forces with the moon and the rest of the community to light up the desert on a beautiful September night?

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for those under 18.

Children under 3 attend for free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at Bohemia at 2920 E. Broadway Blvd. (BohemiaTucson.com). n More information about the event is available at (520) 623-6732 or TriangleLRanch.com/glow.htm.

Location Triangle L Ranch 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road Oracle, Arizona 85623

photos: © A.T. Willett 2010

Dates Friday, Sept. 9 Saturday, Sept. 10 7pm-11 pm

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Galleries/exhibit

arts

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ART GALLERY The Time is Now opens on Fri, Sept 23 with the artists reception from 4pm-7pm. Exhibit continues until Oct 23. Open Thurs-Sat, 11am-4pm and by appointment, 405-5800. 1122 N. Stone Ave.

ARTS MARKETPLACE GALLERY Mary Vaneecke, Subversive Stitcher- A solo exhibit of mixed media textiles opens Thurs, Sept 1 through Wed, Sept 28.

Opening reception on Sat, Sept 3 from 7pm-8pm and artist talk on Thurs, Sept 15 from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Thurs-Sat, 12pm-6pm and by appointment. 403 N. 6th Ave., 882-3988. ArtsMarketplace.org

BLUE RAVEN GALLERY

Highlands, Lowlands: A Green Journey: a juried exhibition featuring local artists. Opens with a reception Sept. 10, 4pm-8pm and shows through Nov. 5. Thu, noon-4pm; Fri, noon-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm. 3042 N. 1st Ave. 623-1003, BlueRavenGalleryandGifts.com

BOHEMIA

A regular showcase of local artists of mixed media. Sun-Mon, 11am to 4pm; Tue-Sat, 10am to 6pm. 2920 E. Broadway Blvd. 882-0800, BohemiaTucson.com

BOREALIS ARTS Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm & by appointment. 150 S. Camino Seco # 108. 885-2157, BorealisArts.com

CONTRERAS GALLERY Concepts, Wrapped in Satire, Inside a Red Herring: An exhibit showcasing oils, watercolors and giclees by Gary Aagaard from Sept 3-24.

Opening reception Sat, Sept 3 6pm-10pm. Tues-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4. 110 E. 6th. St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com.

Rockin’ the Desert: Photographs by Baron Wolman and Lynn Goldsmith.

Sept 6-Nov 12 at Etherton Gallery.

Image: Lynn Goldsmith, Keith Richards and Patti Hansen (1981) gelatin silver print ©Lynn Goldsmith, courtesy Etherton Gallery

DECO Dog Days of Summer: Animal art show continues through Sept 30. 10% of artwork sales donated to Humane Society of So. AZ. Tue-Wed, Sat, 11am-4pm; ThuFri, 11am-5pm. 2612 E. Broadway Blvd. 319-0888, DecoArtTucson.com

“Joker’s Wife,” by Alex Arshansky, shows at Art Gallery.

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN Six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest with rotating exhibitions of the 15,000 DeGrazia originals housed at the gallery, including oils, watercolors, sketches, serigraphs, lithographs, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry. Daily, 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org

DAVIS DOMINGUEZ GALLERY

Gallery re-opens for public viewing on Tues, Sept 6. Thu-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 154 E. 6th St. 629-9759, DavisDominguez.com

THE DRAWING STUDIO

The Figure Show: Studies of the Human Figure continues through Sept 24. Tue-Sat, noon-4pm. 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org.

ETHERTON GALLERY

Rockin’ the Desert: Photographs by Baron Wolman and Lynn Goldsmith. Sept 6-Nov 12. Reception on Sat, Sept 10. Tue-Sat, 11am5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY

Art by Gregory Euclide will be showcased through Nov 17 . ‘Impetus’ by Thinkspace Gallery premieres Tues, Sept 6 though Wed, Nov 9. Reception on Thurs, Sept 8 from 5pm-6:30pm. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA.Arizona.edu/galleries

LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY

Coastal Issues: Art, Science and the Sea: work by Moira Geoffrion, Heather Green, Ellen McMahon shows through Oct. 7. Gallery talk: Thu, Sept.15, 1:30pm-2:30pm.Reception: Sept. 15, 5pm-7pm.

Panel: Sept. 15, 7pm. Mon, Wed 10:30am-5pm; Tue, Thu 10am-5pm; Fri 10am3pm. 2202 W. Anklam Rd., 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Gerben Mulder: The Tucson Work and DUST presents La Playa. The Kiss & The Tells perform on Sept. 17, 8pm. WedSun, noon-5pm. $8, adults; free, children under 12, members, military; free to all second Wednesday of the month. 265 S. Church Ave. 624-5019, MOCA-Tucson.org

Galleries continued on page 26

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ARTS

Calexico: A Retrospective at Sacred Machine through Nov. 6.

PHILABAUM GLASS STUDIO & GALLERY The annual summer exhibit continues through Sept 3 featuring Tom Philabaum’s sculpture along with some of his long time colleagues, including the cast work of Susan Gott. Tue-Sat, 10am5pm. 711 S. 6th Ave. 884-7404, PhilabaumGlass.com

RAICES TALLER 222 ART GALLERY

Mí Musica: Artwork based on songs or musical themes. Sept 3-Oct 1. Fri-Sat, 1pm-5pm & by appointment. 218 E. 6th St. 881-5335, RaicesTaller222.webs.com

SACRED MACHINE

Calexico: A Retrospective: opens with a reception on Sept. 8, 7pm-11pm and runs through Nov 6. Wed-Fri, 1pm-4pm; Sat, 4pm-9pm; Sun, 3pm-6pm. 245 E. Congress St. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com

STONE DRAGON STUDIO

Lawrence W. Lee: Paintings and Sculptures opens Fri, Sept 23 and shows through Sat, Oct 29. Open Thurs-Sat, 11am-4pm and by appointment. 1122 N. Stone Ave. 405-5800

TEMPLE GALLERY Stephen E. Strom: Earth and Mars runs from Sept 9-Oct 18. Reception Fri, Sept 23 at 5:30pm. Mon–Fri, 10am-5pm 330 S. Scott Ave. 6247370, EthertonGallery.com

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART Faces of Transformation: Mexican Masks from the Lazar Collection continues through September 18. The Legacy of Surrealism: Collection from the Permanent Collection continues through September 18. Arizona Biennial ’11 continues through Oct. 2. Art of Latin America continues through Feb 28, 2013; Latin American art including pre-columbian art produced by Native Americans prior to the Spanish conquest. Han and Beyond- The Renaissance of China: The James Conley Collection continues through Jan 31, 2014; Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, noon-4pm. $8, adults; $6, seniors; $3, students 13+; free, children under 12, members Free to all the first Sunday of the month. 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumofArt.org

UA ART MUSEUM Andreas Nottebohm’s aluminum exhibit continues through September 11 at the main gallery. Jackie Battenfield: Moments of Change runs through September; Battenfield explores abstract qualities of landscape. Artist talk on Sept 16, 5pm. Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, noon-4pm. $5 adults; children/students/faculty, free. 1031 N. Olive Rd. ArtMuseum.arizona.edu

UA POETRY CENTER Soldiering/Dreams of Wartimes begins Tues, Sept 27.

A collaboration between visual artist Noah Saterstorm and poet Anne Waldman.

Mon/Thurs, 9am-8pm; Tues/ Wed, 9am-6pm; Fri, 9am-5pm. 1508 E. Helen St, Poetry.Arizona.Edu

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2011-2012

PERFORMING ARTS Season Spotlight

In our mind’s eye, we are all actors. I think everyone secretly wants to be on stage, in the spotlight, getting the standing ovation. And why not! Performers bring alive the themes of humanity and enjoy undivided attention during their parts. They present us with tales told in perhaps cheeky or fantastical ways, dramatic or titillating, funny or sad – but these tales counsel us, challenge us to see with different eyes how to live, how not to live and how to live better and with imagination.

While the entertainer may partially be on that stage for his or her own edification, the role they play in our lives is beyond their ego. They speak to our intellect, they employ our spirits, and they dare us to dream of a better world, a better reality.

Live performance, a truly communal experience, engages our senses and creates a shared energy between artist and audience. We react to their actions, they are further buoyed. This can’t happen with television.

t Beautifully

Z

Described by nutritionist Joshua Rosenthal as primary food, the arts and music, self-expression and fun are all “essential forms of nourishment.”

Well, then, feast on this! Zócalo Magazine presents you with a platter of local performing arts companies and their 2011-2012 seasons. The array of offerings is staggering, from opera and classical to comedy and horror; there is plenty to chew on from September to next May. We cover a synopsis of the seasons, so please check out the websites for all of the goods.

Be sure to give a round of applause to the writers who helped bring this section together: Gerald Gay, Kelly Lewis, Phoenix Michael and Herb Stratford.

Special thanks to stylist/fashion director Sydney Ballesteros and photographer Stephen Meckler for the photos that illustrate the cover and page 28.

– Jamie Manser

Baroque

A palette of pastels, jewels & gold. An original Zócalo photograph.

Photographer: Steven Meckler. Producer: David Olsen. Fashion & Prop Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros. Creative Director: Sydney Ballesteros. Makeup Artist: Carly Bonar, The Source Salon & Spa. Hairstylist: Beka Root, The Source Salon & Spa. Model: Emma Clauson. Location: The Temple of Music & Art, courtesy of the Arizona Theatre Company. Vintage undergarments: Desert Vintage. Photo Assistant: Joseph Boldt. Assorted vintage jewelry and props: Razzle Dazzle Vintage, Sydney Ballesteros. Cupcakes: Red Velvet Cupcakery.

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STAGE/THEATRICAL

Arizona Opera presents Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci on October 1 and 2.

Arid Rose Theatre begins their season Sept. 1 with the preview of Agnus of God, a drama about a young nun named Agnus who is accused of murdering her baby. After a court appoints a psychiatrist to evaluate her, claims that the child had no biological father emerge. Watch as drama unfolds between the convent, Agnus and her psychiatrist. Arid Rose will also show A Midsummer Night’s Dream beginning Oct. 6.

Visit Arid Rose Theatre in their new space, 127 S. 4th Ave. and check out AridRoseTheater.com for more details. ­ – K.L.

Arizona Onstage Productions, a nonprofit organization devoted to musical theatre, will begin their season with See Rock City and Other Destinations, an urban tale featuring original music and dialogue that won the 2011 Drama Desk award for best book and will show from Nov. 3-20. Stick around after the show for AOP’s first late-night feature Devils From Beyond, a 1950s low-budget sci-fi spoof full of aliens, drag queens and hard-boiled newspaper men and women. From Jan. 19-Feb. 5 is Tony Award winning play, Avenue Q. All shows take place at Temple of Music & Arts Cabaret, 330 S. Scott Ave. Visit ArizonaOnstage.org for more information.

– K. L.

Arizona Opera continues to present both classic operas as well as lesser-known works to their audiences in both Tucson and Phoenix.

Their 2011-2012 season has something for everyone, including a presentation of the classic Madama Butterfly, Feb. 4-5. The final Opera of the season, Orfeo Ed Euridice, is by composer Cristoph Gluck and is based on the myth of Orpheus. It’s scheduled for April 21-22 at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. For more information and tickets go to AZOpera.org.

- H.S.

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STAGE/THEATRICAL Arizona Rose Theatre Company has traditionally produced musicals since 1986.

This season, they’re mixing things up with the showing of Bus Stop, the first non-musical the theatre has produced, beginning Oct. 15. Bus Stop is a play that takes place at a roadside diner in the Midwest. After a snowstorm leaves passengers stranded until morning, romantic and quasi-romantic relationships ensue between eight fascinating characters. Their season continues in December with The Magic of Christmas, an original piece by Terry Howell.

In March, the company presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Performances are held at Temple of Music & Arts Cabaret Theatre, 330 S. Scott Ave. Call 888-0509 or visit ArizonaRoseTheatre.com for more details.

– K.L.

Arizona Theatre Company will present Sherlock Holmes and the Adventures of the Suicide Club, from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8. A world premiere presentation, written by Jeffrey Hatcher and includes local actors, the play finds Holmes snooping about in an exclusive club that holds dark secrets. The season continues with Tony Award Winning play, God of Carnage, Oct. 22Nov. 12; Daddy Long Legs, Nov. 26-Dec. 17.

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps bows in late February followed by The Great Gatsby and finally, Red in April. As with the Arizona Opera, the Arizona Theatre Company performs in both Tucson and Phoenix, but we Tucsonans get to see everything first. All performances take place in the historic Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. ArizonaTheatre.org – H.S.

Beowulf Alley Theatre Company will continue to present works by playwrights you may have heard of during their upcoming season. Rough Crossing, by Tom Stoppard will be on stage from Sept. 8 to Oct. 2. Set on an ocean liner, the SS Italian Castle, this 1984 comedy follows two playwrights and a composer and their unlikely romantic entanglements during a seas crossing. Next up is Lear, by William Shakespeare from Oct. 27 to Nov. 20. Their season wraps up in May, with Sins of the Mother, a play about a man uncovering the unknown history of his recently deceased mother. 11 S. 6th Ave. BeowulfAlley.org – H.S.

photo: Creatista/Scott Griessel

Arizona Theatre Company presents The 39 Steps, in February.

Beowulf Alley Theatre presents Rough Crossing, through October 2.

Arizona Theatre Company presents Red, in April.

Arizona Rose Theatre Company presents “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” March 2012.

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STAGE/THEATRICAL

©2009, Joan Marcus

Broadway in Tucson presents Rock of Ages in March.

“Trailblazing the Global Village” is the theme of Borderlands Theater’s 2011-2012 season, to be realized through works by female playwrights of diverse ethnicity. Cuban-American and Pakistani cultures, among others, permeate the worldview of these up-and-comers.

Sept. 15-Oct. 2 Borderlands’ itinerant troupe brings 26 Miles, a mother-daughter road trip tale by Quiara Alegría Hudes, to the Temple of Music and Art’s Cabaret Theatre at 330 S. Scott Ave. Arizona: No Roosters in the Desert, based on Anna Ochoa O’Leary’s fieldwork with undocumented immigrant women, lands Oct. 20-23 at Zuzi’s Theater, 738 N. 5th Ave. And don’t miss A Tucson Pastorela at the Tucson Convention Center Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave., Dec. 15-18. BorderlandsTheater.org has details.

– P. M.

Broadway In Tucson will present five shows fresh from the “Great White Way” during their 2011-2012 season. The classic tale of forbidden love, West Side Story, will hit Tucson from Sept. 20-25. This revival of the 1957 play won rave reviews in New York and stirred a small bit of controversy for its inclusion of Spanishspeaking dialog for the first time. Telling the tale of two star-crossed lovers in 1950s New York City, the musical is peppered with many songs that are now classics. Next up is Shrek, the Musical in October, and Rock of Ages in March.

Mary Poppins ends the season in May. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. BroadwayInTucson.com – H.S.

Hilarity and hijinks are commonplace at The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd., where over-the-top musical numbers provoke peals of laughter from the young and young at heart. Founded in 1977, the Gaslight specializes in parodies and spoofs borrowing liberally from pop culture iconography. Gnatman, a Batman send-up designed to tickle and amuse all comers, brought down the house this summer.

The Gaslight also offers more sophisticated fare: a Mariachi Extravaganza! family concert, featuring Mariachi Sonido de Mexico and Mariachi Cielo de Mexico with special guest Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, takes place Oct. 24. The Gaslight’s current show, the satirically-titled Wizard of the Rings, makes way for Christmas in the Big Apple from Nov. 17-Jan. 1. TheGaslightTheatre. com has box office information.

– P. M.

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STAGE/THEATRICAL Invisible Theatre, one of Tucson’s smaller homegrown theatre companies, kicks off its “Season of Possibilities” in September with In The Mood; Nov. 2-20 is the Tucson premiere Circle Mirror Transformation. The New Year will begin with Haley’s Comet, starring TV, film and stage actor John Amos on Jan.14-15. Comet, is a one-man piece where Amos takes the audience through 76 years of the American experience, both its ups and downs. the Southwestern premiere of The Blond, The Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead will take place April 11-29.

See the website for other plays and season extras. The Invisible Theatre’s intimate space holds just over 100 for each performance, guaranteeing a unique experience. 1400 N. 1st Ave., InvisibleTheatre.com – H.S.

Invisible Theatre presents Haley’s Comet, starring John Amos, Jan. 14-15.

Live Theatre Workshop, a non-profit that entertains while helping to develop local talent, will kick off the season with Three Viewings, a comical play that connects three tales set in a small town funeral parlor, showing until Oct. 2. The season will also feature The Foreigner, an award-winning off-Broadway production that shows what can happen when a group of devious characters interact with a stranger they think knows no English, beginning Oct. 6. Be sure to check out their late-night series, Etcetera, which will show challenging, contemporary and controversial plays in its ninth season. 5317 E. Speedway Blvd., LiveTheatreWorkshop.org – K. L.

Pima Community College’s West Campus is the arts incubator for up and coming thespians. Each season, PCC’s theatre arts program presents four productions with its season starter geared toward younger lads and lassies.

The other three shows include “a fully-staged American musical complete with pit orchestra, a contemporary and a classic drama.” Featured this season is: Treasure Island, Sept. 21-Oct. 2; Roosters, Nov. 9-20, is a Southwestern American drama that “interlaces scenes of tempestuous drama with moments of dream-like imagery.” Curtains - a murder-mystery, madcap musical comedy set in a theatre in 1959 Boston - takes the stage Feb. 22-March 4. Closing the season is Inherit the Wind, reminiscent of the clashing themes brought up during the Scopes “Monkey” Trial. Performances take place at either the Black Box Theatre or the Proscenium Theatre, both on the campus at 2202 W. Anklam Rd. Pima.edu/cfa – J.M.

Live Theatre Workshop hosts “Three Viewings,” a comical play set in a funeral parlor.

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STAGE/THEATRICAL UA Arizona Repertory Theatre presents Julius Caeser.

The Rogue Theatre presents As I Lay Dying, Nov. 3-20.

Since 2005, The Rogue Theatre has been “fearless about expecting intelligence from our audience.” Thought-provoking productions from Animal Farm to Othello have eschewed theatrical gimmickry in favor of elegant and eloquent simplicity. Accolades bestowed upon the Rogue’s directors and performers include an Arizona Daily Star Mac Award received by actress Danielle Hecht in 2010 and a Tucson Pima Arts Council Lumie presented to Board President Norma Davenport this past June. From its intimate location within the Historic Y at 330 E. University Blvd., and with characteristic bravery and aplomb, The Rogue presents Major Barbara

by George Bernard Shaw Sept. 8-25. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner arrives on the stage Nov. 3-20. Complete 2011-2012 season details are at TheRogueTheatre.org.

– P.M.

UA Arizona Repertory Theatre is opening their season with The Voice of the Prairie, a theatrical folk tale chock full of American nostalgia that weaves a story by combining memories of a boy’s first love with the art of storytelling, showing from Sept. 11 to Oct. 2. Later on in the season, the theatre will release a few classics, most notably Julius Caesar and The Secret Garden. Be sure to check out Necessary Targets, a psychological drama that explores the pain and humor within a group of female refugees during the aftermath of the Yugoslavian Civil War, that’s sure to be a season highlight. For more information, call the Fine Arts Box Office at 621-1162 or visit Arizona.tix.com.

– K. L.

Winding Road Theatre Ensemble’s mission is to “tell dynamic, theatrical stories that illuminate the human condition and celebrate the theater’s power to entertain us, to move us, and to bring us joy,” with a schedule of performances set to fill that goal. Opening the season are two plays that reflect on the events of 9/11.

From Sept. 9-25 is A Human Equation - the story of Kenneth Feinberg and the process of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, by Philadelphia playwright Peter Bonilla. On Sept. 11, 17 and 22, United shares the stories of the heroes and victims of United Flight 93, a developmental piece that will be open to audience feedback.

Coming January 2010, the ensemble presents its first musical, The Last Five Years, with April bringing Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd., WindingRoadTheater.org – J.M.

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photo: Ed Flores

dance

ArtIfAct Dance Project

Art.If.Act Dance Project returns for its third season in Tucson, fresh from its “Great American Dance Tour,” playing packed venues across China. The company, which swelled to 43 mostly guest dancers and musicians for the trip, might not have the same publicity in Tucson as they did overseas. “We saw billboards promoting our show that were 30 feet high,” said co-artistic director Ashley Bowman. But we still expect an impressive performance when Bowman and fellow director Claire Hancock team up with some of Tucson’s most talented dancers and mimes for Fairy Tales Three; a collection of classic stories adapted for the stage, including The Riddle, Rip Van Winkle and Rumpelstiltskin. Ben Nisbet, Artifact’s music director, will provide live accompaniment with his Kingfisher String Quartet at the Stevie Eller showing. ArtIfActDanceProject.com – G. G.

Ballet Tucson soldiers on as the city’s fully professional ballet company, in what it is calling a “Season of Transformation.” The troupe will blend the old with the new, with pieces that “represent the ever evolving nature of life and the arts,” according to press materials. Ballet Tucson’s opening weekend (Oct. 28-30 at Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. Univeristy Blvd.) has two premieres in store; Ascending, a joint work between artistic director Mary Beth Cabana and assistant artistic director Chieko Imada; and Don Quixote Suite, which revolves around the storybook wedding of the characters Kitri and Basilio. Mark Schneider’s Firebird is also on the menu, along with its annual Nutcracker production at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., Dec. 22-24; the Dance and Dessert XV Stevie Eller performance, March 9-11; and its finale presentation of Cinderella at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., May 5-6.

– G.G

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dance photo: Larry Hanelin

It’s poetry in the flesh when New ARTiculations Dance Theatre presents Emily Dickinson Dances, at Pima Community College’s Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Rd., on Nov. 12. The production, the only performance set in stone for New ART this fall, is a collaboration with Kore Press and part of the National Endowment For the Arts’ “Big Read” literacy campaign. It leaves New ART dancers and choreographers with the challenging task of setting Dickinson’s sometimes dark and mournful works to movement. NewArticulations.org

– G.G.

Pima Community College Dance under the direction of Aurora Gonçalves-Shaner, explores ballet, tap, modern and jazz styles that culminates in two yearly performances: Dance Fushion takes place Dec. 9-10 and Four Seasons is May 11-12. Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Rd. Pima.edu/cfa

NEW ARTiculations photo: Ed Flores

UApresents continues to bring world-class dance to the Old Pueblo this season with several outstanding offerings. First up is Pilobus on Oct. 23, followed by the annual UA dance department’s Premium Blend series which presents several dance showcases from November 17-December 4. Trisha Brown Dance Company will be in town in February followed by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in March. Also in March the world famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Company returns, and the River North Dance Chicago Group will round out the dance season on April 14. All performances take place at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. UAPresents.org

– H.S.

Dancer Alan Gonzales with PCC Dance under the direction of Aurora Gonçalves-Shaner. photo: Larry Hanelin

Zuzi Dance Company brings back two of its time-tested performances this year: Its No Frills Dance Happenin’ (Oct. 28-29) and its annual Winter Solstice Celebration (Dec. 16-22) at its own theater at 738 N. 5th Ave. With an emphasis on community, both productions will include dancers from all walks of life. This year’s Solstice Celebration revolves around the concept of “Sombra y Luz - Shadow and Light” and will include an art exhibit that explores the same themes. ZUZIMoveIt.org

– G.G.

Zuzi Dance Company’s No Frills Dance Happenin’ is Oct. 28-29.

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music

Arizona Friends of Chamber Music presents Takács Quartet on Dec. 7. photo: courtesy of Pima Community College

Chamber Music Plus begins its 2011-12 season with the world premiere of Rachmaninoff Remembered on Nov. 27 at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. With its usual mix of music and theatrics, the company will take audiences into the world of one of greatest Russian romantic composers and the never ending nostalgic reverence that he held for his homeland. CMP will follow that up in the new year with tributes to Lili Boulanger (Jan. 8), Tchaikovsky (March 18), a bevy of Slavic and American composers in a Clark-Schuldmann Duo recital (Feb 19) and Arizona at 100, in the company’s second premiere of the season, Ghost Towns: A Theatrical Odyssey on Jan. 22. More at ChamberMusicPlus.org.

– G.G.

photo: Ellen Appel

The Arizona Friends of Chamber Music are set to impress this season with six evening concerts at the Tucson Convention Center’s Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. Israel’s Jerusalem Quartet starts it all on Oct. 5, hot off of its Music Choice BBC win for the album Mozart String Quartets K157, 458 & 589. The Morgenstern Trio from Germany follows on Nov. 9, with a performance from the highly celebrated Takács Quartet on Dec. 7. Arizona Friends will take the series through March with the Jupiter Quartet on Jan. 25, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio on Feb 22 and The Mandelring Quartet takes the stage on March 21. Then there’s AFCM’s annual Tucson Winter Chamber Festival March 4-11, along with their three Piano & Friends concerts! Check it all out at ArizonaChamberMusic.org – G.G.

Pima Community College’s music program offers its students experience and training in all aspects of classical and popular music – along with performance opportunities to delight and engage the Tucson community. The 2011-2012 season features 15 performances that feature everything from classical guitar, jazz ensembles, jazz improv, chorale singing, opera, tuba, wind ensembles and more. Performances are held at the West Campus’s Recital Hall and Proscenium Theatre, both located at 2202 W. Anklam Rd. Visit Pima.edu/cfa for the season’s schedule.

– J.M. Rhythm & Roots has a stellar lineup in store for its 14th fall season with a tightly packed schedule ranging from Cajun string bands and awardwinning bluegrass groups to acoustic blues singers and tango ensembles.

The series kicks off with Ruby Jane on Sept. 1; an insanely talented fiddle player, with skills that have earned her touring gigs with Willie Nelson and a slot at this year’s Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago. The Savoy Family Cajun Band (Sept. 9), RAHE (Sept. 10), Telluride bluegrass champs, The Hillbenders (Sept. 24) and modern folkie Kelly Joe Phelps (Oct. 7) round out the shows inside Plaza Palomino’s Suite 147. Gigs in the Plaza Palomino (2970 N. Swan Rd.) courtyard include: the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet on Sept. 17 and Q Tango Orchestra on Oct. 22. Americana roots-rocker Dave Alvin plays the plaza on Sept. 23, with blues belters, Janiva Magness on Oct. 28 and Maria Muldaur on Nov. 5. RhythmandRoots.org – G.G.

Pima Community College wind ensemble

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music

Tucson Jazz Society hosts Toronto-based Four80East at Loews Ventana Canyon on Sept. 4.

The Tucson Jazz Society has best been known in recent years for its annual New Year’s Eve to-do at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. But the society has also managed to keep a steady stream of jazz musicians, often times skewed more toward smooth jazz, passing through town.

This season’s big smooth jazz act is the Toronto-based Four80East, led by keyboardist and guitarist Rob DeBoer and percussionist Tony Grace, at Loews Ventana Canyon on Sept. 4. Other major acts this season include: Latin Jazz Dance Party with Tito Y Su Nuevo Son at the Rialto Building, 300 E. Congress St., on Sept. 16; Los Angeles session players Doug Webb on sax and Dave Tull on drums on Sept. 23; Latin jazz ensemble Hiram Perez and Manteca on Nov. 4, as part of the society’s Jazz Under the Stars series at Tohono Chul Park. See TucsonJazz.org for locations and more information.

– G.G. Tucson Spanish & Flamenco Festival Looking for a transport to España sans passport and travel costs? This local September festival is the answer! For four days, from Sept. 22-25, revelers can delight in authentic Spanish fare, fine wine tastings and an outdoor stage featuring more than 20 local and guest flamenco artists from around the country. The 3rd annual event is also educational with its offerings of workshops and lectures on flamenco history, dance, guitar, singing, and more. The fiesta happens at Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. Details at TucsonSpanishFlamencoFestival.com.

– J. M.

TSO presents the Bill Ganz Western Band, Feb. 25 & 26. photo: LuciÎnne van der Mijle

UA Presents Yamato, the Drummers of Japan, Oct. 9.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra The TSO kicks off its season of classics on Oct. 14-15 with a Fantastique opening featuring Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini. This concert will also include Dvorak’s Symphony Number 9 and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in celebration of Arizona’s centennial. Mozart and Prokofiev are on the program in December and Russian Masters will close out the season in April. Other season highlights include the return of Doc Severinsen, the Bill Ganz Western Band and, a Classical Mystery Tour Tribute to Paul McCartney. TSO classics concerts take place at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., with other pops and special performances scheduled at different locations around Tucson. Visit the symphony’s website for specific dates and locations. TucsonSymphony.org – H. S. A diverse mixture of music is part of UA Presents 2011-2012 season - from Patti LaBelle (Sept. 23) to Manheim Steamroller (Dec. 4)! Also gracing the stage at Centennial Hall will be crooner K.D. Lang (Oct. 15), The Chieftains (Feb. 19) and Yamato, the Drummers of Japan (Oct. 9).

For classical fans, two not-to-be-missed shows are Itzhak Perlman (Feb. 12) and Yo-Yo Ma (April 21). UA Presents also has a robust Sabor Latino series of music guaranteed to get your feet moving! Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. UAPresents.org – H. S.

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variety photo: Emily Jones

All Souls Procession Entering its 22nd year with the Nov. 6 procession, ASP features a month of activities and fundraisers leading up to this spiritually reverent event. Attended by upwards of 20,000 people, ASP is a giant undertaking coordinated by a small group of people. Think about the amount of blood, sweat, time and energy its takes them to pull of this incredible community event that honors life and death, inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos. New this year is the Flam Chen and friends finale location at downtown’s west end, Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. AllSoulsProcession.org

– J.M. Black Cherry Burlesque Packed with striptease, sequins and sexual empowerment, the 5-year old troupe intelligently titillates its audience at the Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave., every first Friday of the month with shows starting at 8pm and 10pm. BlackCherryBurlesque.com All Souls Procession, Nov. 6.

photo: Skwid, Inc.

Boys R Us “We are a collective of gender queers,” explains their website, “coming together to create a rollercoaster ride of emotion, imagery, ideas and entertainment.” Full of provocative and sensual energy, BRU celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2012. The troupe is also the proud creator of Fluxx Studio & Gallery/Productions. At its 414 E. 9th St. home, BRU practices for its raucous shows, and also hosts performances in the space. This season of events includes: Cuban Night, A Fundraiser for Art & Community, dinner and dancing Sept. 2; QueerFecta, performances by Boys R Us, The Human Project & Switchblade Parade Sept. 10; Personal Vendetta, presented by Fluxx Productions & The Human Project Sept. 1617; The Queer Monologues Oct. 7; Fever The official Pride After Party at Hotel Congress Oct. 15; Creep Show: The 9 Layers of Hell, Oct. 21-22, 2829. Other upcoming shows to look out for: Burlyesque, A different look at Burlesque!, TLIDS (The Tucson Lesbian Interpretive Dance Society), The Lady Gaga Love Show, Fluxx One Anniversary Show. TucsonDragKings. com, FluxxStudioandGallery.com

– J.M.

Black Cherry Burlesque, celebrating 5 years.

Flam Chen Tucson’s premiere fire troupe continues to outdo itself with new shows that feature live musicians and a multi-media experience.

The All Souls Procession finale is always a mind-blowing experience. This season the troupe is collaborating with music group Ensphere to bring Electropolis: A Modern Daredevil Performance Ritual, Feb. 9-11. “Inspired by the 1923 film Metropolis, by Fritz Lang, our performance elaborates upon those concepts and updates them for a modern age.” FlamChen. com

– J.M.

photo: Aengus Anderson

Carnival of Illusion Openings its third season Sept. 30, the Vaudeville-inspired theater show features illusionists Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed. National recipients for the Excellence in Magic award, the couple promises to “push the limits of the theater and really try something different to heighten the thrill level of our guests.” Performances are at the Doubletree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way. CarnivalofIllusion.com

– J.M.

Flam Chen presents Electropolis: A Modern Daredevil Performance Ritual, Feb. 9-11.

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variety Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed perform Carnival of Illusion, opening Sept. 30.

The historic Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., is embracing all genres this season, from music to dance and other specials events. The schedule thus far is: Sept. 22, Tapas at Twilight – a Tucson Mayor and Council candidates’ forum; Sept. 23, Emmylou Harris; Oct 6., Kris Kristofferson; Oct. 20, Official Blues Brothers Revue; Oct. 28, Don McLean; Nov. 4, Judy Collins: Chasing Rainbows Gala; Nov. 13, Classic Albums Live: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours; Nov. 15, Pink Martini; Nov. 18, John Prine with Loudon Wainwright III; Nov. 19, From Broadway to Vegas; Dec. 3, Warren Miller’s Like There’s No Tomorrow; Dec. 16, Christmas with Aaron Neville; Dec. 17, Neshama Carlebach with Gospel Choir; Dec. 22, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. FoxTucsonTheatre.org

– J.M.

Odyssey Storytelling On a monthly basis at Hotel Congress, the series features “six invited storytellers taking ten minutes to talk about a specific theme. The stories are not read or memorized, they are told from the life experiences and creativity of the teller.” They also join forces with other organizations and events to build connections, “one story at a time.”

This fall features: Sept. 1: Guess What? Stories of the Unexpected (Hotel Congress); Sept. 19: Latin @ Gay Pride, Fluxx Studios, 414 E. 9th St.; Oct.3: Double O Story Slam presents BOO: Scary Stories, Fluxx Studios; Oct. 14-16: The Story Cart at Tucson Meet Yourself; Nov. 3: Falling: Taking the Plunge (Hotel Congress); Dec. 1: Superpowers:The Extraordinary Show (Hotel Congress). OdysseyStorytelling.com

– J.M.

UA Presents Bill Maher, Oct. 2.

Rhythm Industry Dedicated to the “creation and rehearsal of performance art, we manufacture loud, large and unusual art at the Factory, so that it may be presented elsewhere.” The space, at 1013 S. Tyndall Ave., houses Tucson’s top troupes including: Odaiko Sonora, Flam Chen, Batucaxé, Thom Lewis Dance, Theatrical Mime Theatre, Movement Salon and more. Quarterly reviews features “an opportunity to interact informally with audiences, show works in progress, provide students with an opportunity to show off what they’ve learned, and to get feedback.” See this season’s first review on Sat., Sept. 24, 7pm. RhythmIndustry.org

– J.M. UA Presents The University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., is known for staging a wide range of dance and music, but also hosts comedy and other special events. This season features a bevy of heavy hitters with: Bill Maher Oct. 2, well-loved humorist Garrison Keillor Feb. 1, comedic magicians Penn & Teller Feb 24., Shirley MacLaine March 18, and Larry King March 27. On March 15 is a live taping of NPR’s weekly hour-long quiz program Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! UAPresents.org

– J.M.

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escape

Fossil Creek—Wild & Free!

by Matthew J. Nelson For millennia, Fossil Creek flowed from the limestone cliffs of the Mogollon Rim into the Verde River, creating the most diverse riparian area in Arizona. Along its 14-mile course, you’ll find 30 types of trees and shrubs, over a hundred bird species, and most of our state’s native fishes. Prolific springs gush 20,000 gallons per minute into the creek, making Fossil Creek a natural gem unlike any other in this part of the world.

But one hundred years ago that all changed.

In order to support mining activities in Jerome and to supply power to Phoenix’s burgeoning population, a hydroelectric facility was built.

The majority of Fossil Creek’s flow was diverted into a flume, and the river practically ran dry. It was an ecological massacre that many thought would be irreversible. But history changed on June 18, 2005, when the power plant was decommissioned and Fossil Creek was set free.

Now, only six years later, it is once again a ribbon of life in an arid land.

The miles pass quickly as you lose 1,800 feet of elevation in 3.6 miles. After an hour or so you’ll arrive at the canyon bottom. When you find the sign for the Mail Trail (to the northeast), turn left and head west toward the creek. Within a few minutes you’ll be at the water’s edge, and

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standing in awe at the sight of Fossil Creek.

Cool water cascades over sandstone shelves where deep pools await weary hikers. There are abundant places to sun on the warm rocks like a lizard, and cool cataracts where you can sit for hours and watch the clouds race across the clear blue sky. Believe it or not, it gets better the farther you walk downstream.

Less than one-half-mile later you’ll encounter Fossil Creek Falls, a gorgeous addition to this already magical hike. One hundred meters downstream from the falls are some of the most incredible swimming holes in this part of the state.

Beautiful surprises await adventurous hikers around every corner, and each pool will seem even more refreshing than the last. Wander downstream for as long as you’d like, but remember it’s a long hike back out. Fossil Creek is one of the Mogollon Rim Country’s natural wonders, and one day spent here may inspire you to fight for its preservation.

Making Your Escape From Tucson, the most scenic route is north on Oracle Road (Hwy 77) to Globe. Just outside of Globe, head north on Hwy. 88 toward Roosevelt Lake. Continue north on Hwy. 188 and 87 toward Payson. Just north of Payson, go

through the town of Pine (your last chance for gas and groceries) then go west on Fossil Creek Road. Less than 10 miles west of the town of Strawberry you’ll turn right and head east for a short distance to locate the Fossil Creek Trailhead. There is also great access to the creek from Fossil Creek Road (Forest Road 708), just 10 miles west of the trailhead. Excellent swimming holes and secluded areas can be found near the Sally May, Purple Mountain and Mazatzal access areas. Check out the map of Fossil Creek through the Forest Service website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_ rock/fossil-spgs-wild.shtml If you continue west on Fossil Creek Road, it will take you to the town of Camp Verde (turn left at the stop sign), just off I-17, and you can head back to Tucson via I-17 and I-10.

A River Reborn Before you go, check out the award-winning documentary film about the restoration of Fossil Creek, A River Reborn. Information about the film is available online: www.mpcer.nau.edu/riverreborn/ n Matthew J. Nelson is a local outdoor educator, guide and conservationist.

photo: Matthew J. Nelson

Although a hydroelectric power plant sucked the life out of the river for decades, the roar of Fossil Creek Falls announces the rebirth of this natural wonder.

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Tucson’s Troubadour Keeps History Alive

by Kelly Lewis

Teodoro ‘Ted’ Ramirez can tell you a tale or two about old Tucson. The local musician comes from a long line of storytellers dating back to the late 1600s who have worked hard to keep history alive.

“My family was among the first settlers in this area during the Spanish era,” Ramirez said. “From generation to generation, they would just pass down the history of the family and that influenced me quite a bit. I see Tucson through those eyes, I understand the different phases it’s gone through during the years, and that’s influenced my writing and my music.”

Ramirez has earned praise locally and internationally for his style of music, known as Southwestern Folk. In 2001, the Mayor and Council of Tucson proclaimed him “Tucson’s Official Troubadour,” and in 2004, Ramirez was the recipient of the Arizona Culture Keeper Award.

“Tucson is a neat place because we’ve been blessed to have some amazing historians and folklorics who have maintained the oral history from generation to generation,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez, 58, has been performing in Tucson as a musician since he was 12 years old and said he has no plans of slowing down. His former band, the Santa Cruz River Band, toured extensively through Europe and the United States before retiring two years ago, and Ramirez has worked as a solo artist since then.

“The music of this place is really intricate, very special and very unique,” Ramirez said. “I only do concerts that present that kind of idea and imagery of Tucson in words.”

When he’s not on stage, Ramirez likes to spend time with family and said he is currently in the early stages of writing a book of stories about his life and this land.

photo: Eric Ho lm

“The things that we might have lost, the missing pieces, the things we don’t understand, that’s the kind of stuff that helps people understand this place much better,” Ramirez said. “It’s not just about Wyatt Earp and Tombstone, there are other parts of the story as well.” n

More information on Ramirez is at TedRamirez. com and BorderlandArtists.com. He performs at 6pm on Sat., Sept. 10 for 2nd Saturdays on the Scott Avenue stage.

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Música de Septiembre

tunes

by Gerald M. Gay

Emmylou Harris performs at the Fox Theatre, Sept. 23. photo courtesy UA Presents

They say you can’t please everyone. Unless, of course, you’re talking about Tucson’s music scene in September.

The city is in store for an epic month of live acts, starting with the multi-day HoCo Fest, running Sept. 1-4 at Hotel Congress and the Rialto Theatre (Sept. 2).

With appearances from Calexico, DeVotchka, Sergio Mendoza y la Orkesta, Tom Russell and quite a few other ear-pleasing artists, HoCo promises both quality and quantity as it continues to mark its territory as one of the best festivals in the city. Its Latin Night, on Sept. 2, looks particularly impressive, with the Mexican Institute of Sound and Molotov at Club Congress and Sergent Garcia, and his hip-shaking blend of Salsa and reggae, at the Rialto.

HoCo leads music fans straight into a month of big shows and a surprising amount of fests, including Casino del Sol’s Festival Norteño (Sept.

3) and its Tejano Music Showcase, featuring accordionist, Flaco Jiménez (Sept. 16); Mega 106.3-FM’s Old School Summer Jam with the Delfonics, Rose Royce and other back-in-the-day artists at the Tucson Arena (Sept.

10); and PHATfest, Tucson’s inaugural two-day electronic-and-dance music festival, to be held at Club Congress (Sept. 23) and the Rialto (Sept.

24).

PHATfest celebrates the 10-year anniversary of PHAT Entertainment, the Old Pueblo’s leading purveyor of electronic music, bringing in the likes of DJ Irene, Christopher Lawrence and Donald Glaude, in years past.

Glaude will return for the festival as a headliner, alongside Infected Mushroom and Dirtyphonics, both making their Tucson debuts.

Big names, past and present

Patti LaBelle opens the season for UA Presents at Centennial Hall, Sept. 23.

A lot of oldies-but-goodies return to the Old Pueblo this month, with a few of contemporary hit-makers thrown into the mix.

Santana will hold court at the AVA (Sept. 20), while the Rialto hosts Jefferson Starship (Sept. 10) and Queensryche (Sept. 14). Decisions must be made on Sept. 23, with singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris playing the Fox and Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones performing at Plaza Palomino as part of the Rhythm & Roots courtyard concert series, the same night. It’s the Kentucky-fried track, “Harlan County Line,” from Alvin’s latest album, Eleven Eleven that earned the California musician a cameo as himself on the Timothy Olyphant FX series, “Justified” in February.

You can spend all your cash on Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson at the Kino Sports Complex or watch Latin pop star, Alejandro Fernández make the ladies swoon at the AVA, both on Sept. 10.

Better yet, save your money and check out Train at the AVA (Sept. 18), Ziggy Marley at Desert Diamond (Sept. 9) or Patti LaBelle, as she opens the season for UA Presents at Centennial Hall (Sept. 23). LaBelle was honored with a lifetime achievement award from BET earlier this year.

Pure Hilarity

Flaco Jiménez is part of AVA’s Tejano Music Showcase Sept. 16.

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Fancy a good chuckle over good tunes? Try Doug Benson at the Rialto (Sept. 10). Benson is an avid advocate for the legalization of pot.

He also happens to love movies and has a wildly popular weekly podcast that speaks to that fact. Bring a name tag to the show and you might get called on stage to play the Leonard Maltin game. Or just take in the ha-has as Benson breaks out material from his recently-released album, Potty Mouth.

Good ol’ boy-types might prefer Ron White, the slow-talking, scotch drinking Texan, slated to perform at the Desert Diamond Casino (Sept. 30).

White is well known for his smartass antics and repeating some of his more well-known bits until they aren’t funny anymore. Here’s to hoping he sticks to the newer material from his latest release, Behavioral Problems. n

Combo Westside

Full Bloom (Tortuga Records)

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Heather “Lil Mama” Hardy Get Out of the Road (Lil’ Mama Records) Hardy’s third release, and her first since since 2000, showcases the musician’s sweet violin electrified in a positive bluesy/soul album with spiritual overtones. All of the songs were written by the talented Hardy, fleshed out by Ed DeLucia on guitar, Larry Lee Lerma on bass, Ralph Gilmore on drums and percussion, Michael P. on guitar, Sabra Faulk on guitar and vocals, Don Nottingham on vocals and Jacob Hardy on drums. All of the album’s musicians will perform at The Boondocks CD release show on Sept. 4.

These amazing musicians come together to create a beautiful album, centered around Hardy’s electrified violin, something uncommon and special that totally showcases her virtuosity. According to Hardy’s website, she trained at the Manhattan School of Music and she explored improvisational violin while playing on New York City subways.

Moving to Tucson in 1989, she soon joined the Sam Taylor Band, crediting the late, great Taylor as a mentor. “I never, ever, did a gig with Sam that he didn’t bring chills to my arms or just blow my mind with his mastery of his Church of the Blues.”

While there are many notable tunes on this disk, raising my arm hairs was track nine, Give Me A Love. It’s a beautiful song with amazing harmonies and great guitar work. You’re going to find yourself singing along with the chorus by the end of it.

The title track, Get Out of the Road, is about being stuck in a bad place and needing a hard push to get unstuck. “Get up, nobody’s making you stay...you are standing in your own way. Get out of the road, we don’t want to see you die.” The violin breakdown at the end of that song is so very tasty and makes me want to see her rip it live.

The Lil’ Mama performs at Boondocks Lounge, 3306 N. 1st Ave., Sept 4;Amity Foundation,188 E. Broadway Blvd., Sept 9; The Mint,3540 E. Grant Rd., Sept. 23; The Hut, 305 N. 4th Ave., Sept 30. More details at HeatherLilMamaHardy.com.

- Eric Johns

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photo: Donna Malech

I strongly recommend this alin a transcendent ballad that refobum at any time, but especially for cuses our consciousness on what those days when musical remedy is important. “I’m in full bloom is absolutely crucial. The beauty of and I don’t wanna get picked by Full Bloom is its power to sonically no passerby. Well, life is just too right your bent when life has you short, it can be plucked away. cranked at a difficult and random Gotta live life with open eyes. Soak 278 degree angle. up the sunshine day after blessed Combo Westside, a five-piece day, feel the moonbeam as it lights ensemble of masterful musicians, your face.” takes listeners on an auditory jourThe mood changes with a cover ney - mostly (but not solely) adof Sonny Bono’s dark Bang Bang dressing the romantic aspects of – and it is haunting, creepy-cool. life - through a melding of jazz, The last three minutes of the tune bossa nova, bolero, disco and funk features a fabulously percussive originals and covers on its sophoinstrumental that also highlights more release.

Graham’s adept guitar soloing with Vocalist/keyboardist Sara Gascho’s ethereal wailing.

Gascho, guitarist Aaron Graham, An entrancing funky, jazzy, bassist Phil Anderson, percusdance-y almost club tune again sionist Carolina changes the Reisenman and mood. Between drummer Jonais a sexual titilthan Crowe relating song of corded in Duncan a “committed” Hudson’s Tortuga woman teasRecords studio. ing a man she The album was is clearly atalso produced by tracted to. “I’d Hudson (KXCI’s love to have music director) you read bealong with the tween the lines. band; Jim BlackI’m taken, baby Album art by Rand Carlson wood mastered I’m not free, the fantastic 12you’re shaksong album. ing the wrong tree. A head rush, Opening track It Takes Time is is your crush on me. I thank you a funky, upbeat and uplifting jazz for the fantasy. Love comes in so tune about honoring friendships many ways, like clouds on a sumthat adroitly transitions into a mer day, some last long, some just dreamy break midway through the float away. I’m a cloud, baby, that song; following is Bart Howard’s, just can’t stay.”

Fly Me to the Moon, featuring a The last six tracks are also pepLatin stance on the jazz standard. pered with originals and covers, all Waiting for the Rain, penned by professionally rendered and well the band’s guitarist Aaron Graham, worth the listen. Overall, the album has Gascho vocally conveying the is richly textured with beautiful romantic longing of unrequited layering; featuring Gascho’s vocal love, through sensual and mellow punctuations dancing gorgeously jazz, with lyrics: “All the miracle with the instrumentation. cures and all the magic pills, it’s a world gone mad, and I’m just too The CD release is at Hotel Concritically sane. All dried up and gress, 311 E. Congress St.,on Fri., waiting for the rain. 32 flavors and Sept. 16. It kicks off with Combo none will do, ‘cause is all I want Westside at 7pm, followed by Kate is you.”

Becker & The Zodiacs. Visit ComOn Full Bloom, Gascho’s singboWestside.com for more informaing washes all away all of life’s pain tion. with motherly goddess tenderness

– Jamie Manser

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Latin Music Hits Downtown

Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute of Sound

by Kelly Lewis Salsa, tejano and flamenco are filling the streets of downtown throughout this month as part of “Calle Congresso,” an event that puts the spotlight on Latin music through a partnership between local music directors, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Tucson Partnership and 2nd Saturdays.

“Tucson is probably the most Latin-Anglo integrated community in America,” said David Slutes, booking director at Club Congress. “It’s what we do here, and we’re proud of it, but at the same time, one thing that’s underrated in our arts and music community is the talent that comes out of it.”

Between HoCo Fest at Hotel Congress on Sept. 1-4, the Flamenco Festival at Casa Vicente Sept.

23 and the timing of Hispanic Heritage Month beginning Sept. 15, local arts organizers realized it was ideal timing to bring Latin music to the forefront.

“In September we had a spate of Latin events and we thought, ‘Why don’t we celebrate this and tie it together under one roof?’” Slutes said. “It gives us another way of putting a little more attention to this part of the community.”

Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute of Sound will be performing at HoCoFest on Sept. 2 and says he’s excited to return to Tucson.

“What I see is (Tucson) has a very tight creative community,” he said via email from his home in Mexico City. “It feels like a movement is gestating. I had that feeling a long time ago with other cities such as San Francisco, Austin or Monterrey. It’s magical.”

Downtown’s monthly 2nd Saturdays music festival is also taking part in Calle Congresso on Sept.

10, with Ted Ramirez, A Son y Sol and Suerte performing on the Scott Avenue Stage and Descarga playing at the Fox Theatre.

“It came together pretty quickly once we realized we had a flamenco festival and that we could create an event that was the entry into the entire Hispanic Heritage month,” said Michael Keith, CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. “We saw a great opportunity to celebrate this incredible musical heritage we have here in Tucson.”

Lea Marquez-Peterson, president of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said she thinks Calle Congreso will add to the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“We think a lot of our members within the Chamber will be excited to participate in these events,” Marquez-Peterson said. “It’s something that’s interesting not just to the Hispanic community, but to the greater community as well. We’ve got so much diversity in our Latin music here… it’s a real asset to Tucson.” n

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Schedule of Events

Please visit websites below for up-to-date details. Information is accurate as of press time.

Sept. 2: HoCo Fest’s Latin Music night with Molotov, Sergent Garcia and Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute of Sound. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St., and Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $20 advance/ $25 day of. 21+ HotelCongress.com Sept. 9: Tesoro. Club Congress. 9pm. Free. 21+ TesoroTucson.com Sept. 10: 2nd Saturdays: Ted Ramirez, A Son y Sol, Suerte, Descarga. 6pm. Free. All ages.

2ndSaturdays.com Sept. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off, various locations.

Sept. 16: Latin Jazz Dance Party with Tito Y Su Nuevo Son. Rialto Building, 300 E. Congress St. 7pm. $10. TucsonJazz.org Sept. 22-25: 3rd Annual Tucson Spanish Flamenco Festival. Casa Vicente. 8pm. $25-$30 depending on day. TucsonSpanishFlamencoFestival.com Sept. 29: ¡Viva Nuestra Historia! Save Ethnic Studies Fundraiser. Club Congress. 7pm.

photo: Marcelo Prieto Moffat

Arriba!

photo: Chris Zukowski

A Son y Sol perform at 2nd Saturdays Sept 10, as part of Calle Congreso.

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2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN Congress Street, 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com Sat, Sept 10: Ted Ramirez, A Son y Sol, Suerte on Scott Ave stage.

Descarga at the Fox Theatre

AVA AMPHITHEATER at Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. 800-3449453, CasinoDelSol.com/AVA Sat, Sept 3: Festival Norteño Sat, Sept 10: Alejandro Fernandez Fri-Sat, Sept 16-17: Tejano Music Showcase Sun, Sept 18: Train Tues, Sept 20: Santana

BLUEFIN 7053 N. Oracle Rd. 531-8500, BluefinTucson.com Fri, Sept 2: George Howard and Larry Loud Fri, Sept 9: Stefan George Fri, Sept 16, 23, 30: George Howard and Larry Loud

BOONDOCKS LOUNGE 3306 N. 1st Ave. 690-0991, BoondocksLounge.com Mondays: The Bryan Dean Trio Thursdays: Ed Delucia Band Fridays: Live Music with Neon Prophet Sat, Sept 3: Tony and the Torpedoes Sun, Sept 4: Heather “Lil’Mama” Hardy CD Release Party Sat, Sept 10: Kitchen on Fire Sun, Sept 11: The Railbirdz Sun, Sept 18: Last Call Girls Sun, Sept 25: Cochise County All Stars

CANYON’S CROWN 6958 E. Tanque Verde. 885-8277, CanyonsCrown.com Fri, Sept 16: Celtic Music with Jamie O’Brien

CASA VICENTE 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, CasaVicente.com Tuesdays: Live Classical Guitar Wednesdays: Live Guitar Thursdays: Spanish Classical Guitar

Fridays: Flamenco Guitar and Flamenco Dancers Saturdays: Flamenco Guitar and Flamenco Dancers Sept 22-25: 3rd Annual Tucson Spanish Flamenco Festival

CHE’S LOUNGE 350 N. 4th Ave. 623-2088, ChesLounge.com Saturdays: Live music

CLUB CONGRESS 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com/club Mondays: Retro-Lution Tuesdays: Geeks Who Drink Quiz Thursdays: Optimist Club Saturdays: Bang Bang Thurs, Sept 1: HoCo Fest Kick Off with Le Castle Vania Fri, Sept 2: Molotov, Segent Garcia and Camilo Lara Sun, Sept 4: Devotchka, Calexico, Sergio Mendoza and La Orkestra Tues, Sept 6: Boreas, Radiation City and Rcougar Fri, Sept 9: Tesoro Sat, Sept 10: James McMurtry Tues, Sept 13: Davila 666 with Cheap Time and Lenguas Largas Thurs, Sept 15: The Moondoggies with Romany Rye Fri, Sept 16: Combo Westside CD Release Party Sat, Sept 17: Del the Funky Homosapien Sun, Sept 18: The Shondes and Seashell Radio Wed, Sept 21: Two Gallants Fri, Sept 23: PHATfest: EDM Festival Sat, Sept 24: Namoli Brennet CD Release Show Sun, Sept 25: Lei’d Back Tour: Iration with Tomorrows Bad Seeds and Through the Roots Mon, Sept 26: Neon Indian Wed, Sept 28: Colin Hay

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

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DELECTABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING 533 N. 4th Ave. 884-9289, Delectables.com Fri, Sept 2: Scott Ramsey Fri, Sept 9: Jazz Telephone Fri, Sept 16: Scott Ramsey Fri, Sept 23: The LP’s String Trio Fri, Sept 30: Scott Ramsey

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN + COCKTAILS 135 S. 6th Ave. 623-7700, DowntownKitchen.com Thu, Sept 1: Nancy and the Blues jazzmen Fri, Sept 2: Stefan George Sat, Sept 3: Shaky Bones Thu, Sept 8: Shaky Bones Fri, Sept 10: Big Tony and the House Boys Sat, Sept 11: Bluz Nite Thu, Sept 15: Genevive and The LPs Fri, Sept 16: Tom Wallbank Sat, Sept 17: Sabra Faulk Thu, Sept 22: Ryan Green and Paul Jenkins Fri, Sept 23: Big Tony and the House Boys Sat, Sept 24: Bluz Nite Thu, Sept 29: Ryan Green and Paul Jenkins Fri, Sept 30: Bluz Nite

FOOTHILLS MALL 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.

219-0650, SAACA.Org/ FoothillsMallMusicArtSeries Sat, Sept 19: Nossa Bossa Nova

FOX TUCSON THEATRE 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Fri, Sept 23: Emmylou Harris

THE HUT 305 N. 4th Ave. 623-3200, MySpace.com/thehuttucson Fri, Sept 2: King Roach, Planet Jam and Super Dread, 9pm

J BAR 3770 E. Sunrise Dr. 615-6100, Janos.com Fri, Sept 2: Treehouse Fire Sat, Sept 3: Last Call Girls Fri, Sept 9: Bluz Nite

Sat, Sept 10: Sabra Faulk Fri, Sept 16: Amber Norgaard Sat, Sept 17: Big Tony and The House Boys Fri, Sept 23: Wayback Machine Sat, Sept 24: Shaky Bones Fri, Sept 30: Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen

KINGFISHER 2564 E. Grant Rd. 323-7739, KingFisherTucson.com Sat, Sept 3: Mark Noethen Quartet featuring Cass Preston Sat, Sept 10: Larry Redhouse Mon, Sept 12: Stefan George Sat, Sept 17: Nick Stanley Duo Mon, Sept 19: George Howard and Larry Loud Sat, Sept 24: Roscoe’s Art of Swing Mon, Sept 26: George Howard and Larry Loud

LA COCINA @ OLD TOWN ARTISANS 201 N. Court Ave. 623-6024, LaCocinaTucson.com Wednesdays: Rock Star Fantasy Karaoke with a live band Thursdays: Stefan George, Tom Walbank Fridays: Greg Morton, Queer the Air! Coming Out! A Queer Dance Party!

Saturdays: Dance! Dance! Dance!

With DJ Herm.

Sat, Sept 3: Acoustic Summer Evening Sat, Sept 10, 24: Maya Caballero Sundays: Elizabeth Blin

LUNA BELLA 2970 N. Swan Rd. LunaBellaRestaurant.com Saturdays & Sundays: Melody Louise

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN Summerhaven, Mt. Lemmon, LavaMusic.org Sun, Sept 4: Chuck Wagon and the Wheelchairs Sat, Sept 10: Tim Wiedenkeller Sat, Sept 17: The Tumbling Tumbleweeds

tunes RHYTHM & ROOTS

265 S. Church Ave. 624-5019.

Moca-Tucson.org Sat, Sept 17: Kiss and the Tells.

Plaza Palamino, 2970 N. Swan Rd. 319-9966, RhythmandRoots. org Thurs, Sept 1: Ruby Jane and Peter Mclauglin and Evan Dain Fri, Sept 9: Savor Family Cajun Band Sat, Sept 10: RAHE and illumination Sat, Sept 17: Gypsy Jazz- Gonzalo Bergara Quartet Fri, Sept 23: Dave Alvin and The Guilty Ones Sat, Sept 24: The Hillbenders

Burlesque Sat, Sept 3: Underworld Revel Tues, Sept 6: Artphag Fri, Sept 9: Kiss & The Tells Sat, Sept 10: Fineline Revisited Fri, Sept 16: Church of Rock Revelations Sat, Sept 17: Club Sanctuary Thurs, Sept 22: Brass Tax CD Release with War Torn Beaver, Kamikaze Autopilot, Young Hunter Sun, Sept 23: Goddamn Gallows, Jake Orvis & The Broken Band,The Furys, James Hunnicut Mon, Sept 24: FineLine Revisited.

RIALTO THEATRE

THE Z MANSION

PLUSH 340 E. 6th St. 798-1298, PlushTucson.com Thurs, Sept 1: The Possibles Fri, Sept 2: Faster Than Light, Megafauna, Some of Them Are Old and Shrimp Chaperone Sun, Sept 4: Jamie O’Brien Mon, Sept 5: Michael Fracasso Thurs, Sept 8: Amy LaVere, Nowhere Man and Whiskey Girl Fri, Sept 9: Young Dubliners, The Dusty Buskers Sat, Sept 10: Spiders Can Fly, Caught on Film and Light Echo Thurs, Sept 15: Ty Segall, Mikal Cronin and Acorn Bcorn Sat, Sept 17: The Horrors Mon, Sept 19: Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs, Lella Lopez Fri, Sept 23: The Stone Foxes, The Modeens and Saint Maybe Sun, Sept 25: Junior Boys, Young Galaxy Mon, Sept 26: Stefan George Tues, Sept 27: Serene Dominic Wed, Sept 28: Some of Them Are Old Thurs, Sept 29: Fatigo Fri, Sept 30: American Android, Mergence

RED ROOM AT GRILL 100 E. Congress St. 623-7621, RedRoomTucson.blogspot.com Mondays: Magical Powers Record Show with Matt and Dan Wednesdays: Residency: Acorn Bcorn Saturdays: Happy Hour with George Rosenberg Fri, Sept 2: Al Foul Tues, Sept 6: Piano Dog Pile!

Fri, Sept 9: Shark Pants, Otherly Love Sat, Sept 10: Lenguas Largas and Ryan Rousseau Sun, Sept 18: Steff Koeppen and The Articles + You, Me, and Apollo

318 E. Congress St. 740-1000, RialtoTheatre.com Thurs, Sept 1: Explosions in the Sky Fri, Sept 2: Sargent Garcia Sat, Sept 10: Jefferson Starship Wed, Sept 14: Queensryche Sat, Sept 17: Friki Fest II Skull Island Featuring: Agent Orange Sun, Sept 18: Electric Summer Vol. 4 Tues, Sept 20: Nashville Pussy and Dwarves Sat, Sept 24: PHATfest Fri, Sept 30: We Came As Romans

288 N. Church Ave. 623-4889, LisaOtey.com Mon, Sept 19: Diane Von Deurzen Mon, Sept 26: Hurriane Carla

photo: Jade Beall

MOCA

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Namoli Brennet celebrates the release of her 9th CD, We Were Born to Rise, with a show at Club Congress on Sat, Sept. 24.

Tim Wiedenkeller performs at LAVA’s Music on the Mountain, Sat, Sept 10.

SKY BAR 536 N. 4th Ave. 622-4300, SkyBarTucson.com Mondays: Team Trivia Tuesdays: Live jazz Wednesdays: Open mic Thursdays: DJs DubWall and the Midnight Marauder Fridays: Fire dancers, dance party Saturdays: Live music or live DJs with no cover

SOLAR CULTURE 31 E. Toole Ave. 884-0874, SolarCulture.org Fri, Sept 2: LoCura Sat, Sept 10: Carla Bozulich Wed, Sept 14: Ariana Saraha Thurs, Sept 15: Luisa Maita

SURLY WENCH PUB 424 N. 4th Ave., 882-0009, SurlyWenchPub.com Fri, Sept 2: Black Cherry

September 2011 | THEZMAG.com 53

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crossword

Answers to this and last month’s crossword puzzles are posted online at theZmag.com.

Crossword by David Schaeffer

54 THEZMAG.com | September 2011