Zocalo Magazine - September 2013

Z贸calo Tucson arts and culture / ZOCALOMAGAZINE.COM / september 2013 / no. 44

index September 2013 05. Business 07. Community 13. Events 14. Arts 34. Food&Drink 44. Tunes 50. Locally Owned

on the cover:

Zocalo Magazine now printed in Tucson at Sundance Press.

Zócalo Magazine is a hyper-local independent media organization, focusing on Tucson’s arts and culture.

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Olsen EDITOR Jamie Manser CONTRIBUTORS Jon D’Auria, Marisa Bernal, Andrew Brown, Emily Gindlesparger, Jamie Manser, Rebecca Naylor-Sanchez, Miguel Ortega, CJ Shane, Ed Sipos, Herb Stratford, Colin Wilkinson.

LISTINGS Marisa Bernal, listings@zocalotucson.com PRODUCTION ARTISTS Troy Martin, David Olsen

CONTACT US:

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

Subscribe to Zocalo at www.zocalomagazine.com/subscriptions.

Zocalo Magazine is available free of charge in Tucson, limited to one copy per reader. Zocalo Magazine may be distributed only by the magazine’s authorized independent contractors. No person may, without prior written permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue. The entire contents of Zocalo Magazine are copyright © 2009-2013 by Media Zoócalo, LLC. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Zocalo Magazine is published 11 times per year.

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Z MADE IN TUCSON.

After years of printing Zócalo Magazine regionally in the Southwest, we are pleased to bring the print portion of our operation all the way home. We couldn’t be happier to announce that Zócalo is now printed in Tucson, at Sundance Press less than a mile from Downtown!

As you can imagine, our biggest expense is printing, and printing locally here in Tucson has been a goal of ours since the beginning.

Due to the difference in technology and associated higher costs, it is rare to find a city-wide glossy magazine in Tucson that is printed here. Zócalo is glad to have made the switch, spending as much as 98% of our annual budget in Tucson and doing our part to support the local economy.

In addition to this great news, we’d like to welcome back our founding editor, Jamie Manser, who returns from hiatus. Jamie has been an integral part of Zócalo since the beginning and we are excited to have her back on board. If you have editorial questions, feedback or suggestions, feel free to reach out to Jamie at editor@zocalomagazine.com.

– David Olsen, publisher

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photo: Gerardo Leyva

business Z

Port in a Storm

The ladies of MAST (left to right): Tasha Bundy, Mellow Dawn Lund, Sofie Albertsen Gelb.

by Emily Gindlesparger

Several years ago in the Lost Barrio, 299 S. Park Ave., three designers started a store that collected and sold vintage and local handmade jewelry, handbags, accessories and furnishings.

“There's a whole genre of artisan people bringing back well-made things. That's who we are and what we do,” explains Mellow Dawn Lund, one of the founders of MAST. If you've been looking for MAST in the past few months, they've been undocked since May, drifting as they wait for a new port at the Mercado San Agustín to be readied for arrival. Despite the change in moorings, MAST is alive and well. Their designers are creating new beautiful pieces and are hard at work on the new space, which will feature a refined selection.

Mellow's home workshop is patchworked with multicolored bobbins and rolls of leather waiting to be turned into something pretty and functional. She shows off a roll of white and blue leather dyed like alligator skin, and another marbled in black and gold. On her work bench is a preview of a new design element: red clutches she's made for a bridal party - detailed with turquoise leather laces woven in the center. A loose beaded panel is waiting to add a bright yellow flash to another piece. Another owner, Tasha Bundy, reveals some new selections for men: locally made straight razors and leather shaving strops. And Sofie Albertsen Gelb is working on chain hoop earrings with antique Afghani mercury glass beads.

Until they can display their wares in the new shop, opening in October, you can shop MAST from their new and improved website or in person

at Thee Collection Agency, LaFleur Atelier and at La Cabaña. The trio is using the time to define MAST and what they love more fully. In their own words, they sell things that are practical and pretty; handmade, durable and unique. “Each item has an aesthetic beauty, but is multi-use,” explains Sofie.

They're taking a collection of loved objects that drove the beginning of the store and nurturing those seeds into maturity with the new space. “We did it fast and we've done it by the bone the whole time,” Mellow says. “But that's given us an ability to see where we want to go and invest in the way we want to do it, how to do it.”

Now MAST is coming into its own. “It feels a little bit to me like we were toddlers and now we're growing up a little bit,” Tasha says, “so we're able to be a little more refined. It's still got the same aesthetic and sensibility, but it's just got a little bit more of a focus.”

And look out, Mellow says, for when the ship comes to harbor. “We're going to have a real throwdown when we open. We're going to celebrate it, big time.” Until then, go online and buy yourself something lovely. n MAST, coming soon to Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 120. Wares are currently available at three locations: Thee Collection Agency, 222 E. 6th St.; LaFleur Atelier, 410 N. Toole Ave. and La Cabaña at Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 140. For more info, dial 495-5920 or click on iLoveMast.com.

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Marking the Sites

photo courtesy TPAC

The Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) and the Warehouse Arts Management Organization (WAMO) invite community members of Downtown’s Warehouse Arts District to participate in Marking the Sites, an project conceived to increase visibility and awareness of the Warehouse Arts District.

Marking the Sites aims to heighten public appreciation of the creative spirit shaping the Warehouse Arts District by allowing passersby to “look through building walls,” so to speak. Starting in November, area visitors will be able to point a smartphone at a sign posted on one of the scores of properties housing artist studios and creative industries and learn about what goes on inside via a QR code.

The project has been conceived by local artists Bill Mackey and Rand Carlson, as part of the Our Town Initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Tucson Pima Arts Council and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Interested Warehouse Arts District community members can attend an informational meeting at Borderlands Brewery, 119 E. Toole Ave., on Sept.

11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

See a sample web page at WarehouseArtsDistrict.com/citizenswarehouse. Current Warehouse Arts District property owners or users can get started creating a Warehouse Arts District webpage by registering the building at WarehouseArtsDistrict.com.

Sally Krommes (Public Art Coordinator) with intern Freda Epum.

Cell Phone Film Festival Competition

Technological advancements have leveled the playing fields for many different artistic mediums, and Maker House’s upcoming competition is a great example of that. Its upcoming festival is open to anyone with a cell phone or camera-equipped mobile device with video recording capabilities. In fact, only those devices are allowed to be used for this film competition.

Filmmakers will have four weeks to shoot and edit their five minute film, which will be submitted to the panel of judges Oct. 1, and uploaded on the festival’s YouTube channel. Judges will choose nine films as their top contenders, and a public online vote will determine the 10th entry.

The top 10 films will be screened at Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave., on Oct. 12 with the winner announced at the end of the screening. An after-party will occur at Maker House. The public is invited to both events.

Organized and promoted by the Downtown Innovation District, this event is expected to draw in Tucsonans from all walks of life.

Maker House Executive Director, Vanessa Ford, says contestants don’t need to be professional filmmakers to enter. “This is absolutely open to anyone who wants to enter, and what’s great about this format is you don’t have to have thousands of dollars in gear to make a great film. Tucsonans are a creative bunch, and we’re incredibly excited to see what the community will come up with.”

More information can be found at MakerHouse.org.

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TIDBITS Herbert Residential Offering Tours

The renovation of Herbert Residential, the former Armory Park Apartments located at 202 E. 12th St., is nearing completion. Tours for prospective residents will be held every Thursday evening through Sept. 26, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Following each tour, participants will have the opportunity to complete lease applications.

While the Herbert’s lobby is under construction, tours will start at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., where guests can enjoy happy hour tour specials offered by the brewery, giving prospective residents an opportunity to see the neighborhood, experience living downtown and see the Herbert in one evening. An RSVP is requested via email contact@ herbertliving.com, by calling 777-5771 or visiting the property’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HerbertResidential.

Originally built in 1974 as the Armory Park Apartments, the building was acquired in late 2012 by Holualoa Companies and Peach Properties.

It has been extensively renovated with new mechanical systems, modern kitchens and bathrooms, polished concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling windows providing unparalleled views to both the north and south. The upper floors of the eight-story, 144-unit property are expected to open by late September and with full availability in mid-October.

“People have practically been knocking down the doors with anticipation so we are pleased to provide an opportunity for a sneak peek of the property and an evening downtown,” said Anne Lawrence of Holualoa Companies.

Annual 911 Day of Arts Service

The Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB) invites Tucsonans to join them on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at 29th Street and Columbus Boulevard to clean and revitalize the “Inside the Overpass” mural and surrounding area. The “Inside the Overpass” mural is located on the interior of the intersection’s pedestrian overpass, and was designed and painted by students in the Arts Brigade Mural Arts after-school program. This program continues to meet every Wednesday from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. at TAB’s headquarters, 738 N. 5th Ave., in the Historic YWCA building.

The 911 day of arts service is a way to commemorate and remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and do something positive for our community. By coming together to beautify and unify our neighborhoods through the arts we are building a better world. This is an event for the entire family! Please bring gloves, work clothing, rakes, trash bags, a hat and water. We will be weeding, picking up trash and painting. At the end of the work session we will circle up to share our feelings, memories and thoughts.

Inquiries about the Tucson Arts Brigade or this event can be answered by calling 623-2119 or visiting TucsonArtsBrigade.org.

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Courtesy of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Z community

Volunteer Matt O’Bright is cuddling an adoptable pup at one of HSSAs many community events.

Mosey for Mutts

Humane Society of Southern Arizona Hosts a Fundraising Walk This Month

by Jamie Manser "We have approximately 525 animals on site at any give time," explains Samantha Esquivel, public relations lead for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), regarding the number of critters the center regularly shelters. "They have as much time to be adopted as they need, we try and compensate for the lack of behavior training, we take the necessary time to work with them. Every dog is different and we comfort them as much as possible."

The sad reality is that some creatures HSSA receives aren't able to be adopted out. "We do humanely euthanize animals that are medically or behaviorally untreatable."

Esquivel is expounding on HSSA's modus operandi, which is a deep dedication to taking care of and finding forever homes for the animals that come through their doors. The organization - an independent, locally run 501c3 - was established in 1944 and has been on the same property since its inception. According to its 2012 annual report, HSSA received 9,515 animals in fiscal year 2011-2012. Over 6,000 were critters given up by their owners during that time period. Close to 7,000 were adopted out.

And these are pets of all ilk, Esquivel says, in addition to dogs and cats, the center receives "pocket pets - gerbils, hamsters, bunnies - sometimes we get fowl, roosters, geese. We try to adopt them out too, they have their own area (on the property)."

The role of HSSA in the Old Pueblo goes beyond sheltering and adopting out companion animals, it also provides veterinary care, has a spay and neuter clinic, a vaccination clinic, a feral cat trap/neuter/return program, and classes for people on pet safety and pet first aid. For its shelter 8 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

dog guests, HSSA has a Canine College program to get the pooches ready for their new homes.

Needless to say, it takes time and money to be this deeply involved in Tucson's human and animal community. HSSA has "zero affiliation" with the national organization, Esquivel clarifies, and the organization is "always trying to incorporate the community with fun activities that involve animals and families."

With the Mosey for Mutts event coming up on Saturday, Sept. 28, HSSA is bringing those elements together with a human and canine walk around Reid Park, at Country Club Road and 22nd Street, starting at 7 a.m. The idea, Esquivel says, came up in a meeting. "It is something we know people would like, plus early mornings or late evenings are the best times to walk dogs!"

"It is the first walk we are doing, we will have local vendors on hand, plus a photo booth - you can get some shots afterward for free! There is a $25 registration fee, which includes a tee-shirt, a collapsible water bottle and each dog gets a bandana."

In addition, there will be demonstrations by DMAFB K9, Tucson Police K9, Ruff House, Snake Aversion Training and Agility Training. n Kids under ten and dogs can walk for free, but make sure your canine companions are harnessed or leashed, with the leash length no longer than six feet. Get more details and register online at HSSAZ.org/mosey or call 321-3704, ext. 188.

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photo: Jon D'Auria

community Z

El Rio Vecinos

The inaugural El Rio Viscinos.

A New Organizational Benefactor for El Rio Health Center

by Jon D’Auria For 43 years, El Rio Community Health Center has been serving Tucsonans by providing remarkable health care for one in 12 residents while also assisting the homeless and citizens lacking insurance with vaccinations, treatments, dental care, education and general check ups. It has grown to become the 14th largest community health center in the United States. Now, thanks to the vision of El Rio Health Center Foundation Board of Directors member Dan Chambers, the center is welcoming a new extension to their already impressive array of services with the newly formed young professionals group called the El Rio Vecinos.

Chambers founded the group in late 2012, putting together his lifelong passions of mentoring and community service to create a legacy that benefits young business people who are driven, community-minded and looking to enhance their city with generosity through strong leadership and virtue. As a long-standing member of the Conquistadors and organizations all over the country, Chambers is the perfect overseer to mobilize such a diverse assemblage.

“It’s been a long-standing tradition for my family to help mentor and enhance the lives of young professionals in Tucson,” says Chambers. “I had always been interested in doing some form of mentoring and helping young people get connected, find jobs, teach them to write resumes and give them a push to help them along, so I knew that I would start a young professionals group once I retired. But the one thing I didn’t know was which organization to pair it with. Once I learned more about El Rio, I just knew that it would be the best organization for us to join forces with.”

In no time, Chambers had already accumulated a strong base of members who were striving in their own professional fields and were hungry to dedicate their time outside of work to the service of others. The main goal of the Vecinos, under the tutelage of El Rio Health Center Foundation, is to raise money for the center that will help contribute to the center's long list of community health programs; the money raised from the group’s multiple yearly events will be donated entirely to the health center.

“The uniqueness of this group is that it is directly linked to El Rio Community Health Center and our our sole mission is to be a fundraising entity that supports their various programs. It’s not so different from how the Centurions operate with St. Mary’s Hospital,” says Vecinos President Jon

Davison. “There’s a lot of camaraderie amongst the group and that comes from rallying around the mission and working together. It also provides an opportunity to interact and meet with other motivated and successful professionals and it creates a culture of collaborative effort.”

The name is Spanish for neighbors, and was chosen by the group with the goal of having a name that went with community and unity. The Vecinos meet twice monthly with one session serving as a business meeting for the board and the members and the other taking place in a social setting of a local restaurant or bar. The members get a chance to experience the benefits of networking and connecting with like-minded young professionals. But for many, the best part of the experience is bonding together in the name of charity for their community by putting their organizational skills and fundraising efforts to good use.

“We’re developing a fellowship here, and we’re a very diverse group and we have people from all walks of life and all of them are successful and have a lot of success ahead of them in their futures,” says Chambers.

“The way people get successful in this town is by getting to know a lot of different people. When people first get started in this town or move here after college it can be hard time for them to meet others and make connections. That’s where we come in to help.”

The next big steps for the Vecinos are organizing their launch party for 2014 and their “Black Tie Block Party” fundraiser for El Rio that will be taking place in Sept. 2014. The next recruiting event for the Vecinos is at Hotel Congress' Copper Hall on Friday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. It is open to anyone who is interested in joining the group.

“This is our first social meeting of this operating year and it’ll be a chance for our current members to get together to relax and an opportunity for our recruited prospects to get a feel for our group,” says Davison.

“We’re always excited about doing recruitment events that coincide with our social meetings that really let people check us out to see what we’re all about.” n For information on joining the Vecinos, contact Dan Chambers at danchambers6314@comcast.net or ring him at 909-6821.

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events Z

september Sat 7

Sat 21

FIRST SATURDAY ART WALK Opening receptions for downtown galleries

YOUR HEALTH, YOUR PLANET A day-long presentation with five speak-

in the 6th Avenue and 6th Street district. Free. Times vary. FirstSaturdayArtWalks.com

ers presenting information about how best to improve individual health and to reduce the epidemic of chronic diseases crippling the U.S.,along with discussing the profound effects food choices have on the sustainability of the planet. 9am-5pm.

Registration is $35, includes lunch catered by Urban Fresh, deadline Sept 18. Fox Theare, 17 W. Congress St. 275-7999, HealthyYouNetwork.org

Fri 13-Sat 21 ARIZONA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL

Arizona’s only cult film festival features Arizona, national, and worldwide premiere screenings. Some films include: Worm, Dust of War, Truth or Dare, White Reindeer, Fateful Findings, In The House of Flies, Loves Her Gun, more. Costs/times/locations vary.

AZUnderGroundFilmFest.com

Sat 14

5TH ANNUAL COOKS & CHORDS

A benefit for the Arizona chapter of the MS Society. Chef-prepared dishes and wine tasting. 6pm-9pm. $50. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Rachel Zuckerman, 325-0755, rachel. zuckerman@nmss.org

Sat 28

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN

A free, family-friendly urban block party! 5pm-10:30pm. Performers include: Roth D’Lux, Cirque Roots Production, Annon & The Late Show and Carolyn Martin on Scott Avenue. Last Call Girls, and Borderlands Brewing, at TOP of Pennington Street garage. Congress Street.

2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com

Thu 19-Sun 22 TUCSON SPANISH FLAMENCO FESTIVAL Thu: Moda Flamenca and a fiesta Flamenca; Fri: Sal con Son!; Sat: Original performances by special guest artists; Sun: Tradiciones Flamencas featuring Kayla Lyall and Carlitos Menchaca.

Costs/times vary. See website for details. Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, TucsonFlamencoFestival.com

Fri 20 2nd ANNUAL BORN & BREWED: TUCSON’S BEER CUP Tucson’s only celebration of all-local brews! Price unavailable as a press time. 7pm10pm. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com

Fri, Sept 20-Sat, Sept 21 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. See the website for prices. 7pm-11pm. Triangle L Ranch, Oracle. 520-623-6732, TriangleLRanch.com/glow.htm

27TH ANNUAL GREAT TUCSON BEER FESTIVAL

Beer tasting festival is fundraiser for Sun Sounds Of Arizona. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way. 296-2400, AZBeer.com

ONGOING TUCSON FOOD TOURS

Tucson’s only walking food tour. Combination of foods and a little history of downtown Tucson. Takes you through the historic downtown and 4th Avenue districts of Tucson. See website for dates. 477-7986, FoodToursTucson.com

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

Thu-Sun NIGHTFALL

Old Tucson transforms into a haunted town with monsters and ghouls! Sept 27-Oct 31, Thu-Sun nights. $25 adults, $20 children 4-11. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Rd. 883-0100, NightFallAz.com

Fri 20-Sun 22 FLUXX FEST

A Three Day Queer Arts Festival with drag performances, burlesque, circus, live music, art, film, workshops and demos. Day passes start at $20; Weekend pass $60. Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway. FluxxFest.com

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Z arts

Artistic Homage to the Suds

by Jamie Manser “We should do a beer art show,” Nathan Saxton declared at Borderlands Brewing Company about a year ago. “Everyone laughed,” Saxton recounts, “and then, everyone kind of looked at each other and said, ‘We should do a beer art show!’”

So the planning began, and the Beer-Flavored Art Show was born.

“It’s been in various stages for almost a year,” says Saxton, proprietor of Borealis Arts Custom Framing and this exhibit’s curator. Saxton culled together artists through a general announcement, but many of the pieces were acquired by contacting people he had worked with for previous exhibits – specifically shows he produced that celebrated the sports of bicycling and soccer through artistic renderings.

Admittedly, Saxton said via email, he tends to organize art shows around his personal interests. “I love bicycles, so I started an annual exhibit of bicycle-themed posters every November. Soccer is another passion of mine, so I produce a similar show for my fellow soccer fanatics in February. I like beer, so an art show about that just seemed like the natural thing to do!”

And, naturally, the best locales to host a beer-themed art show are at local breweries. Approximately 25 pieces will be hung between Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., and Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd.

“Both Borderlands and Thunder Canyon have shown themselves to be strong supporters of the arts and community in general,” Saxton explains, and further explicates that he has been curating the art at Thunder Canyon Brewery since this May and “Will Skate for Beer,” Screenprint by at Borderlands Brewing Company for about a year.

“We’re confident in his taste,” says Mike Mallozzi, co-owner of Borderlands Brewing. “We met because Nathan’s framing shop (Borealis Arts) was next door. We always wanted to have local art, and it was a chance to work with him; it made sense because he is already involved in the art community.”

Anyone who really understands brewing and brewers knows that crafting beer is a combination of art, science, passion and dedication. It isn’t that much different than the processes an artist goes through to produce their creations.

Saxton’s exhibit statement fleshes out the concept: “Have you ever had 14 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

a chance to meet a brewer of beer? If not, I strongly recommend you seek one out. You’ll find him or her to be one of the most creative, passionate, articulate and intelligent people around. Have you ever had a chance to meet an artist? You’ll find that an artist almost always shares those some qualities. It is partly for this reason that I created The Beer-Flavored Art Show: to pay homage to the creations of a brewmaster through the creations of an artist.

“Another fascinating aspect of this show is that the approaches to creating art are as diverse as the varieties of beer. This show includes very inexpensive prints, stencils and larger paintings, so that just as there is a beer for all tastes, we are hopefully providing art for all tastes.”

This show will no doubt provide art for all tastes, as the current lineup of artists (as of press time) include: Devin Acadiz, Timothy Avila, Tracey Brown, Mel Dominguez, Matt McCoy, Joe Marshall, Joe Pagac, Rich Rogowski and, the curator himself, Nathan Saxton.

The exhibit shall include pieces that were previously made by some the artists and other work created specifically for this themed show.

Although there “will be print runs at both venues, some (of the art) will be original work only available at one or the other venue,” Saxon elucidates.

“Each venue is going to have its own opening night ‘gimmick.’

Thunder Canyon will host New Belgium Brewing offering promotions and Borderlands will have growlers painted by local artists on sale.

“Opening night will be the most interesting night to attend,” Saxton Rich Rogowski intones, because, in addition to the aforementioned, there will also be “tee-shirts and limited run pint glasses with the show’s logo.”

Besides, having the event split between the two breweries encourages people to meander through Downtown to enjoy all of what is happening during 2nd Saturdays on Sept. 14, especially since the venues are a mere five to ten-minute walk from each other, depending on your speed.n The Beer-Flavored Art Show opens on Saturday, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Details can be found at BorealisArts.com or by emailing borealisart@mac.com.

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Z arts

Performing Arts Season Highlights The depth and breadth of Tucson’s artistic offerings never ceases to amaze us! Our burg hosts organizations that span the gamut of entertainment genres, from the passionate theatrics of opera to home spun stage shows and pretty much everything in between. We want to give a big bravo to these companies for finding creative ways to hang in during this Great Recession and to the arts patrons for providing economic support. Of course a deep bow must go to the audiences and fans - without whom there would be no reason to for these productions to be brought to the stage.

Please join us in celebrating and enjoying all of the Old Pueblo’s cultural aspects; we are blessed to have so many delightful entertainment options that suspend our daily troubles and toils, even if just for a few hours.

Photo Courtesy of Village Theatre. Photo by Mike Hipple

photo courtesy Broadway In Tucson

Arizona Theatre Company

photo courtesy Ballet Tucson

photo courtesy Arizona Rose Theatre Company

Jessica Skerritt as Kira and Dane Stokinger as Sonny, in Xanadu, presented by Arizona Theatre Company

Arizona Rose Theatre Company brings “Tombstone: The Musical” to the Berger Performing Arts Center stage

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Broadway In Tucson showcases Jersey Boys

Ballet Tucson’s rendering of The Nutcracker

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Performing Arts Season Highlights Stage/Theatrical Arizona Opera

Beowulf Alley Theatre

Arizona Opera fans in Tucson caught a lucky break with the 2013-2014 season thanks to an anonymous donor. The state company, which performs in both Tucson and Phoenix, was set to deliver one fewer production in Tucson this year due to budget constraints, but a generous patron has made sure the entire season will take the stage. Look for classics from Gilbert and Sullivan (HMS Pinafore, Oct. 19-20), Wagner (The Flying Dutchman, Nov. 23-24) and Verdi (La Traviata, March 8-9). Also, the tragic and immensely popular La Bohème from Puccini is on deck Feb. 1-2. Visit AZOpera. org for more information and tickets. All shows take place at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. - Herb Stratford

Led by Michael Fenlason, the Beowulf Alley Theatre Company is presenting a great lineup of productions for their intimate space. Look for The Little Dog Laughed, by Douglas Carter Beane from Oct. 4-20, Savage Bond from Nov. 8-24 (by 2012 Arizona Playwright award winner Steve Holiday); Tartuffe by Moliere (March 14-30) and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo from April 4-20, directed by Eva Tessler from Borderlands Theatre. Beowulf Alley is located at 11 S. 6th Ave., online at Beowulfalley.org, and at 882-0555. - H.S.

Arizona Rose Theatre Arizona Rose Theatre Company is a 27-year-old, locally established, family-run affair with a couple of shows on the books. As of press time, its holiday production was venueless, but info will be on their ArizonaRoseTheatre.com website once it all gets ironed out. In February, ART is producing Barefoot in the Park, by Neil Simon, at the Temple of Music & Art’s Cabaret Theatre, 330 S. Scott Ave., Feb. 14-16, 2014. The spring will see performances of Tombstone: The Musical, by Terry and Brandon Howell, on the Berger Performing Arts Center stage March 21-23. Tickets available online or by calling 888-0509. - Zócalo

Arizona Theatre

photo courtesy AZOpera.org

Despite the headlines and management changes at the Arizona Theatre Company, 2013-2014 looks to be promising for the “state’s theatre.” With the return of longtime ATC managing director Jessica Andrews and artistic director David Ira Goldstein, professional theatre will continue to take the stage at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. This year, three Arizona premiers are on tap: The Mountaintop, which details a re-imagining of the events just prior to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King (Oct. 19–Nov. 9); Other Desert Cities, the Broadway smash about a family crisis over an impending tell-all book (Jan. 18–Feb. 8); and Venus in Fur, which is about an audition and the interaction between the playwright and potential star (April 5–26). For the full schedule visit ArizonaTheatre.org. - H.S.

Borderlands Theater Borderlands Theater had yet to announce its season as a press time, but some website sleuthing unearthed a few shows currently scheduled. In October, 10-20, is Grounded - about a “F16 pilot whose pregnancy ends her career in the sky, and is re-assigned to maneuver drones from an airconditioned trailer near Vegas; it’ll target our assumptions about war, family, and the power of storytelling.” From Feb. 13-March 2, are “Two New Transnational Plays” - Maria’s Circular Dance and Trash. March 27-April 13 sees performances of Burning Patience. These shows take place at the Zuzi Theatre, 738 N. 5th Ave. Get more details at BorderlandsTheater.org or call 882-7406. - Zócalo

Broadway In Tucson Broadway In Tucson moves into their new home this season at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., following their “breakup” with the city-run Tucson Convention Center’s Music Hall due to scheduling conflicts in previous years. Show highlights for the 20132014 run include fan favorite Sister Act, Oct. 8-13, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz (Feb. 25-March 2) and Jersey Boys from June 17-22. Given the recent movement to turn Jersey Boys into a film, this is a great chance to see how it plays on stage first. Also of note this year are two special events: Green Day’s American Idiot, Dec. 7-8, and the Broadway smash Mamma Mia! running Dec. 27-29. More information with the full schedule is available at BroadwayinTucson.com. - H.S.

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Performing Arts Season Highlights

photo: Tim Fuller

Stage/Theatrical

Rogue Theatre

Invisible Theatre

Invisible Theatre Invisible Theatre continues its astounding history with a full plate of performances this season. Since 1971, the company has been a touchstone for local and regional playwrights and has presented some of the most fun and exciting works in Southern Arizona. This year the schedule includes: a musical (Good Rockin’ Live, Jan. 11-12), a mystery (Dead Guilty, Feb. 6-23), a comedy about Buddy Hackett (Buddy – March 8-9), and of course an obligatory mad-cap performance (Olive and the Bitter Herbs, April 17-May 4). The Invisible Theatre productions mostly take place at their space, 1400 N. 1st Ave., but some performances are at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. Visit InvisibleTheatre.com for complete details and ticket information. - H.S.

Rogue Theatre The Rogue Theatre — a recipient of the 2012 American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company grants — is unlike any other theatrical entity in Tucson. For its ninth season, “The Season of Lust,” the company will again present a rich and diverse mix of classic fare from various eras on its intimate and comfortable stage at 300 E. University Blvd. Highlights include: Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure (Nov. 7-24), Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, about affairs of the heart, mind and cosmos (Jan. 9-26), and Betrayal, by Harold Pinter (Feb. 27-March 16), which details the collision of passion against marital fidelity. But also don’t miss the presentation of Dante’s seminal work Purgatorio, April 24-May 11, which is a poetic re-telling of the classic visit to hell as guided by the poet Virgil. Find out more at TheRogueTheatre.org or call 551-2053. - H.S.

UofA’s Arizona Repertory Theatre UofA’s Arizona Repertory Theatre is an oft overlooked local theatrical presenter. The university’s School of Theatre, Film and Television presents a series of dramatic works every year at the Marroney and Tornabene Theatres on campus. This year the schedule includes standards such as The Fantastics (Oct. 20-Nov. 10), the musical Oklahoma from March 9-April 6, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on April 13-May 4. One newer show of note is the Broadway hit Boeing Boeing, the season opener, which is on stage Sept. 22-Oct. 13. With excellent student performers and a crack technical staff, these shows are every bit as professional and entertaining as any other theatrical performances in town. Visit TFTV.Arizona.edu for the full schedule of performances and ticket information. - H.S.

Winding Road Theatre Ensemble 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,” as well as “a special commitment to developing new work by living American playwrights.” The five plays showing at the Temple of Music & Art Cabaret Theatre appear to fill that charge. Continuing through Sept. 15 is The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion - based on her memoir; on stage Dec. 5-22 is Cabaret, “set in the seedy underbelly of the infamous Kit Kat Klub, and revolves around 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with a young American writer. A sub-plot involves a doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.” Boom, “Sex to Change the Course of the World,” runs Jan. 23-Feb. 9; Gruesome Playground Injuries has the same date run. More information at WindingRoadTheater.org and 749-3800. - Zócalo September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 19

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Performing Arts Season Highlights Dance photo: Larry Hanelin

ZUZI! Dance Company celebrates its 16th season this year with performances in the fall and spring.

Artifact Dance Project In late August, Artifact Dance Project was hard at work getting ready for its performance and late night dance party on Saturday, Sept. 7, happening from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The event, apropos of its name “wear.house” takes place at LoveSmack Studios along the Toole Avenue Warehouse District. Co-Artistic Director Ashley Bowman describes the event: “DJ SYNC will provide his unique sound of spinning big bass drum, bass vibes and soulful electronic music which ADP artistic directors, Claire Hancock and Ashley Bowman, will set new choreography of ‘installation-like’ pieces on professional dancers throughout the entire night. The idea of this one-night-only event is to gather people together in the warehouse district of the downtown Tucson area for an all-night experience.” Get more at ArtIfActDanceProject.com. - Zócalo

Ballet Tucson Ballet Tucson is kicking off its 10th season with fall concert performances, Oct. 11-13, which include the works Dracula, Under My Skin and Gemini in matinee and evening shows at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre on the UA campus, 1737 E. University Blvd. Holiday classic The Nutcracker is on stage at UA’s Centennial Hall, Dec. 14-15, followed by the Winter Concert with three different dances, in collaboration with Tucson Desert Song Festival, Feb. 15-16 at the Temple of Music and Art. The Dance and Dessert concerts will again return to the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre with the traditional pairing of desserts from Tucson’s finest restaurants and a mélange of ballet favorites on April 4-6. For more details on these and other performances, visit BalletTucson.org or call 903-1445. - H.S.

ZUZI! Dance Company Tucson’s ZUZI! Dance Company celebrates its 16th season this year, an impressive accomplishment for any dance company.

Known locally for both ground and air-based dance work, ZUZI offers a unique and exciting expansion on traditional modern dance works. Headquartered in the Historic Y, at 738 N. 5th Ave., their events are a unique and an exciting blend of dance, music and culture that feature both youth and adult dancers. Highlights of the upcoming season include: No Frills-Cheap Frills Dance Happenin’ Oct. 25-26, the annual Solstice Celebration on Dec. 19-21, and the Spring Concert on April 24-25.

Find more information at ZUZIMoveIt.org or by dialing 629-0237. - H.S.

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Performing Arts Season Highlights Jerusalem Quartet performs for the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Evening Series.

Arizona Repertory Singers has fall and spring concerts for its 30th Anniversary, 2013-2014, seaon.

Photo: Jenni Long

photo courtesy Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

Music

Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Nested in the 511-seat Leo Rich Theatre are the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music performances, which showcase the “world’s finest chamber musicians” playing both classic pieces and new, commissioned works. AFCM offers a three-part season: the Evening Series, Piano & Friends and the 21st Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival. Evening Series’ highlights include: two concerts by the Jerusalem Quartet (Oct. 15-16), Vienna Piano Trio (Nov. 13) and Imani Winds with Anne-Marie McDermott on piano (Feb. 19). The Piano & Friends series hosts Hye Jin Kim (violin) & Ieva Jokubaviciute (piano) on Nov. 10, Jonah Kim (cello) & Sean Kennard (piano) on Jan. 12, Ravinia on the Road Voice Concert on Feb. 1, and Nikita Mndoyants (Finalist of the Van Cliburn Piano Competition) on April 13. The Chamber Music Festival runs March 16-23. Visit ArizonaChamberMusic.org or call 577-3769 for more details. - Zócalo

Arizona Repertory Singers Celebrate with the Arizona Repertory Singers as they inaugurate their 30th anniversary season with performances of J. S. Bach’s Magnificat in D major and Respighi’s distinctive yet seldom-heard work, Laud to the Nativity, on Dec. 8 (St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 5150 N. Valley View Rd., 2 p.m.), Dec. 13 (Benedictine Monastery, 800 N. Country Club, 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 15 (Benedictine Monastery, 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.) ARS will perform a choral music and artistic multimedia celebration for the 30th Anniversary of ARS in late April/early May of 2014 with the Voices at an Exhibition, featuring original commissioned compositions that demonstrate the relationship between choral music, written text and visual media. Call 792-8141 or visit ARSingers.org for further details and ticket information. - Zócalo

Tucson Symphony Orchestra Tucson Symphony Orchestra, per its norm, is presenting Tucsonans with a full schedule of excellent shows in a variety of programs from classics to pops. No discussion of the 2013-2014 season can begin without first mentioning the performance of violin master Itzhak Perlman, performing with the TSO for the first time in 30 years. That performance — one night only — is Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. The eight Classic Works concerts will feature world-class soloists and works by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. The Masterworks series features iconic works by Schubert, Strauss, Beethoven and others. Neil Sedaka will join the symphony on March 15. Additionally, the symphony’s award winning Just For Kids! Series continues with free, intimate gatherings at TSO’s HQ, 2175 N. 6th Ave., that expose children to the instruments and music of a symphony. Visit TucsonSymphony.org for more details on the company’s robust schedule, and its performance venues. - H.S.

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Performing Arts Season Highlights photo courtesy Carnival of Illusion

photo by Skwid Inc.

Variety

Carnival of Illusion photo by Jimi Giannatti

Black Cherry Burlesque

Black Cherry Burlesque

Bryan Robert Sanders portrays David Foster Wallace in “The Ship is Sinking Normally.”

Black Cherry Burlesque is Tucson’s longest running burlesque production, headquartered at the Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave. BCB was started by the pub’s owners, Inga Kaboom and Stephka von Snatch, in 2006 after they fell in love with the art of burlesque. The show features a wide variety of performers, styles, themes and music. Performances are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Additionally, Black Cherry Raw shows are on the third Friday of the month, also at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Contact info is 882-0009 and TucsonBurlesque.com. - Zócalo

Carnival of Illusion Carnival of Illusion continues its record-breaking run of shows at the Doubletree Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Rd., starting Sept.

20. Last season the Carnival celebrated their 180th sold out show, so one of Tucson’s best kept secrets may be finally out. The intimate parlor magic show is limited to just 50 guests per show, and has expanded with a regular Phoenix presence at the Historic Arizona Biltmore Resort. For the Carnival’s fifth season, it will continue to present their signature vaudeville-inspired illusions that will leave you wondering how they accomplished such feats, especially since the audience is so close to the performers. Make sure to reserve your seats well in advance, visit CarnivalofIllusion.com for reservations and tickets. - H.S.

Fluxx Productions Fluxx Productions believes that queer people of all genders and sexual orientations deserve to party, and it aims to be accessible financially, emotionally and physically to all queers and non queers alike. Its special productions this fall include the Fluxx Fest, a three-day queer arts festival featuring performances, workshops, films, live music, art, vendors and dance parties - happening at the River Park Inn, 350 S. Freeway, Sept. 20-22. Get the full schedule and pricing info at FluxxFest.com. On Oct. 12 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. is the Pride After Party at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. “Dance, rejoice and make love with justice in mind,” emails Media Director Rachel Castillo. Details are at FluxxProductions.com. Its studio and gallery at 414 E. 9th St. hosts regular events. See the website for more information. - Zócalo 24 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

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Performing Arts Season Highlights UApresents Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet

photo by Jo Stromgren

photo by Peter Honnemann

Variety

UApresents pianist extraordinaire Lang Lang

Odyssey Storytelling Series The Odyssey Storytelling Series hosts the ancient art of oratory on a mostly monthly basis at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 414 E. 9th St. Events feature six storytellers (average folks, reflecting Tucson’s diversity) to tell 10 minute true, personal stories on a pre-determined theme. Topics this fall are: Sept. 5: Wild Kingdom: Animal Encounters, Sept. 19: Tradiciones y Transiciones/ Traditions and Transitions (collaborating with Wingspan for the Latin@ Pride Event), Oct 3: The Spontaneous! Show (collaborating with Tucson Improv Movement), Nov. 7: Revenge: Stories of Getting Even, Dec. 5: Big Bad Words: The B*tch Show. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door or online at OdysseyStorytelling.com. Call 730-4112 with inquiries. - Zócalo

The Ship Is Sinking Normally The Ship is Sinking Normally is a play by Bryan Robert Sanders, being presented in September, featuring a special musical performance by Kiss the Killer - a supergroup formed for the occasion by Keli Carpenter and Taylor Bungard of The Tryst along with Derek & Amy Ross of Nowhere Man & Whiskey Girl. Kiss the Killer will play a set of originals and strange covers before a live production of the play - which incorporates acting, filmed elements and real time musical scoring by Paul Jenkins of Music Video. The play centers on the psyche and writing of novelist and essayist David Foster Wallace and is an attempt to explore the aftermath of Wallace’s suicide. Check it out at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 - for free! - on Cafe Passe’s back patio at 415 N. 4th Ave. Search on Facebook.com for “The Ship Is Sinking Normally” for event details. - Zócalo

UApresents As usual, UApresents’ new season is packed with “can’t miss” events at Centennial Hall. Starting with an opening night concert by Melissa Etheridge on Saturday, Sept. 7, the 2013-2014 season has highlights in a number of different genres. For classical music fans the rescheduled performance by pianist extraordinaire Lang Lang is a highlight set for Oct. 22. Also look for a strong crowd for diva Renee Fleming on May 4. Get the kids involved and inspired with The Zoppe Family Circus, (returning to Tucson for a third visit under their intimate tent on Jan. 11-12), and the Bahia Orchestra Project on Feb. 7. Dance fans should look forward to the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet on Feb. 6 and the Joffrey Ballet on March 23. Other shows of note include Bobby McFerrin on April 27 and Jungle Jack Hanna on Jan. 26, who is bringing with him 30 exotic animals. For the full schedule of events and specific ticket info visit UApresents.org. - H.S. September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 25

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Xerocraft A Place To Learn, Collaborate & Create

by CJ Shane

photo by Jeremy Briddle

Top: Victoria Hermosilla working at Xerocraft Hackerspace. Middle: Steven Bowtie creates sparks at Xerocraft Hackerspace. Bottom: Pictured (left to right): Tanya Rich (Art Coordinator at Bicas), Steven Bowtie, Stefanie Gershon (bike mechanic at Bicas). photo courtesty Xerocraft Hackerspace

Do you like to tinker and make new things? Or maybe you wish you were that person, but you don’t know where to start? Try Xerocraft Hackerspace. The non-profit celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 7 in new, expanded quarters at 101 W. 6th St. at the old Steinfeld warehouse.

So what’s a hackerspace? Jeremy Briddle, Xerocraft’s treasurer says, "I always describe a hackerspace as being like a glorified tool shop where anyone can come in and build the things they see in their minds. It's a collaborative space where inventors, artists, engineers, tinkerers and makers can collaborate and share information."

“It's a community resource that gives people a space, tools and skills to make anything they can imagine with our current level of technology,” adds Josh Banno, former Xerocraft president.

Current Xerocraft president Connor Barickman says, “There’s a stigma round the term ‘hacker’ which we are doing our best to kick. A hack is to use something in a creative way far from its original intended purpose.”

Briddle reviews options at Xerocraft: “For metal working we do welding, molten metal casting, milling, lathing. For wood working we mill and lathe. We also have a computer-controlled laser cutter that can cut out thin pieces of wood or acrylic sheeting. We have three 3D printers which allow us to turn 3D files on the computer into tangible objects.”

Xerocraft also offers weekly workshops. Most popular, according to Barickman, are introductions to welding, woodworking and 3D printing.

“This is a place for beginners to come and get their feet wet.”

Briddle adds, “We ask that anyone who comes in regularly pay the $40 monthly membership. From people who attend the workshops we ask for a $5 donation. However, we do not turn anyone away if they don't pay.”

There are several “Open Hacks” weekly where he says, “Anyone can get a tour, ask questions and use tools.”

Lauren Pring adds that WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Open Hack Night will be every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pring, the WTF Night Coordinator explains that “the WTF Open Hack will create a space where women and transgender folks can feel empowered. Workshops and skills shares will be offered by and for women.”

Community is an important aspect of Xerocraft. “The folks are Xerocraft are like family now," says Banno. "With each new member, we have a new friend and a chance to learn something new." Community involvement also includes education. This summer, Xerocraft participated in FAIR for Education, where, according to Alex Barton, “We showed kids, parents and teachers using a 3D printer, live 3D scanning demonstrations and several micro controller projects.”

Tucson’s Xerocraft is part of the national growth in “hackerspaces.”

There are hackerspaces and “makerfaires” cropping up all over the country, explains Xerocrafter David Lyttle.

The grand opening on Sept. 7, starting at 4 p.m., includes a workshop, project demos, body and mural painting, BBQ, DJs and dance party, robots, and lasers. It’s a “typical Xerocraft extravaganza,” says Banno. n Learn more details at Facebook.com/Xerocraft or Xerocraft.org.

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Exploring Face & Form

“Circus” by Carolyn Gibbs

by CJ Shane The Drawing Studio's (TDS) fall season begins this month with an opening reception for Go Figure: On Being Human—Face and Form, an exhibit of portraits and figurative artwork by TDS associates. The reception is being held Saturday, Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the gallery's downtown locale, 33 S. 6th Ave. According to Rebecca Olson, the exhibit’s committee chair, “Our goal with this exhibit is to promote our ongoing life drawing sessions at TDS, and the practice of life drawing generally. TDS offers four life sessions per week, five in the fall and winter months. And it is an important benefit for our associates to be able to show figurative work that can be difficult to place in galleries.”

“The public loves this show,” says Katrina Lasko, TDS Exhibit Director, “and especially the members love it. For many, this may be the first time they have exhibited their work in a gallery. I think it is always an exciting exhibit. The theme changes each year. We have found at least in the past year our figurative and plein air exhibits are the most popular.”

Olson adds, “Go Figure includes a wide range of media and prices. In addition to drawings there are monoprints, collographs, encaustic, sculpture, watercolors and paintings in acrylic and oil, including a larger-thanlife likeness of Johnny Depp.” Forty three artists submitted 83 works of art into the juried show and 67 pieces were accepted.

Katrina Lasko is showing two paintings. “Happy New Year is acrylic. I do work in oil, too. My narrative paintings are meant to function on several levels. Usually, the first level is tongue-in-cheek or rather sarcastic, and often hinted at with the title. Then, as one goes deeper, other connotations may occur to the viewer. In this painting, I am thinking of disappointments, a renewal that does or does not happen to my dismay, a general 30 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

overwhelming sadness. The blues.....”

Carolyn Gibbs says of her oil painting, Circus, “I got very tight in painting portraits, and I wanted to take a looser, fresher approach. So I decided to let the paint and the shapes go where they will. I followed the shapes and created a red oil painting of a circus.”

Of her painting Actor, Christine Dawdy says, “The subject is a stuntwoman from Trail Dust Town and she's very expressive. I called it 'Actor' as a working title. I studied with David Park at UC Berkeley in the late 50s. He was one of the Bay Area Realists. He was a great influence. I think people are important. I look at portraits and figure painting by the old masters, the Impressionists, etcetera, and think they are still very much alive."

What’s coming up next at The Drawing Studio? Lasko says, “After Go Figure in October we’ll have plein air show with interpretations of the Santa Rita Mountains and the proposed Rosemont mine. This exhibit will call attention to the area, the beautiful mountains and the fact that the mine may be happening there. This exhibit is called Seeing the Santa Ritas. These will be artworks about protecting our cultural natural heritage.”

A second exhibit in October is Monothon 2013. “We’ll have two days of workshops on monoprinting on September 28 and 29. Students donate one monoprint to TDS as part of an October fundraiser exhibition,” Lasko adds. n Go Figure is on view from Sept. 7 through Sept. 28. In addition to the opening reception on Sept. 7, the gallery will be open Saturday, Sept.

14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., during 2nd Saturdays Downtown. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit TheDrawingStudio.org or call 620-0947.

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“Ann Woodin” by Stephen Romaniello shows at the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery starting Tue, Sept 3 as part of “The Faculty Exhibit.” Photo courtesy of Pima Community College.

art Galleries/exhibits CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Todd Walker, Anticipating Digital continues through Oct. Photo Fridays: The Civil Rights Movement (Volkerding Print Viewing Room) Fri, Sept 6. 11:30am- 3:30pm. Shelby Lee Adams: 4th Generations (lecture) Thu, Sept 12; 5:30pm. The Landscape and Things in the Way (lecture) Wed, Sept 18; 5:30pm. Water: Where Science and Art Meet (lecture) Tue, Sept 24; 5:30pm. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun, 1pm-4pm. 1030 N. Olive Rd. 6217968, CreativePhotography.org

CONTRERAS GALLERY

Fresh Eyes On The Old Town opens Sat, Sept 7 with a reception from 6pm-9pm, shows through Sept 28. Tues-Fri; 11am-5pm, Sat; 11am-4pm. 110 E. 6th St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com

DAVIS DOMINGUEZ GALLERY

Our 38th Season premieres Thu, Sept 26 with an exhibit by five women artists: Julia Andres, Moira Geoffrion, Claire Park, Barbara Penn and Kathryn Polk. Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 154 E. 6th St. 629-9759, DavisDominguez.com

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN “Degrazia’s Wild Horses” continues through January. Daily, 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org

THE DRAWING STUDIO Go Figure shows Sat, Sept 7-Sat, Sept 28 with a reception opening from 6pm-8pm. Also open for 2nd Saturdays Downtown on Sat, Sept 14; 6pm-8pm. Tue-Sat; 12pm-4pm. 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org

ETHERTON GALLERY

Sonnets of Light, featuring Charles Grogg, Mayme Kratz, and Masao Yamamoto, opens Sat, Sept 14 with a reception from 7pm-10pm.

Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY

Subdivision #3 by Cheryl Molnar opens Fri, Sept 6. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA. arizona.edu/galleries

LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY Faculty Exhibit shows Sept 3-Oct 11. Gallery Talk: Thu, Sept 19; 2pm. Reception: Thu, Sept 19; 5pm-7pm. Mon-Thu; 10am-5pm. Fri; 10am-3pm. 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

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MADARAS GALLERY 2014 Calendar Celebration takes place Sat, Sept 7 with an “Official Calendar Signing” from 11am-2pm. Mon-Sat; 10am-6pm. Sun; 11am5pm. 3001 E. Skyline Dr, #101. 623-4000, Madaras.com

PHILABAUM GLASS GALLERY & STUDIO Off The Wall, a summer exhibit featuring glass wall art, shows through Sat, Sept 28. Tue- Sat; 10am-5pm.

711 S. 6th Ave. 884-7404, PhilabaumGlass.com

PORTER HALL GALLERY

85712, a group exhibit by Tucson artists living and working within this zip code, continues through Mon, Sept 30. Daily; 8:30am4pm. $8, Adults; $7, Student/ Senior/Military, $4, Children 4-12; Free, Children 3 and younger. 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

SACRED MACHINE Soul of Science: The Artwork of Daniel Martin Diaz continues through Sat, Sept 7. Wed-Fri, 5pm-8pm; Sat, 4pm-9pm. 245 E. Congress St. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART Art + The Machine continues through Sun, Sept 8. Museum As Sanctuary: Giving Voice to Tucson’s Refugees continues through Sun, Sept 15. Flight continues through Sat, Sept 14. Wed, Fri, Sat; 10am-5pm, Thu; 10am-8pm, Sun; 12pm-5pm. $10, adults; $8, seniors; $5, students 13+; free, children under 18. Free to all the first Sunday of the month. 140 N. Main Ave. 6242333, TucsonMuseumofArt.org

TUCSON PIMA ARTS COUNCIL Prismatic, a pioneer exhibition featuring works by Ann Tracy-Lopez, Mary FrancesDondelinger, Lynn Rae Lowe and Diane Ekings Fairfield, continues through Fri, Oct 4. Mon-Fri; 9:30am-4:30pm. The Pioneer Building Lobby, 100 N. Stone Ave. 624-0595, TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org

UA ART MUSEUM No Ordinary Place continues through Sun, Sept 8. Tue-Fri; 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun; 12pm- 4pm. $5 adults; children/students/faculty, free. 1031 N. Olive Rd. ArtMuseum.arizona.edu

YIKES TOYS AND GIFT-O-RAMA Circus Show opens Wed, Sept 18 and features new works by Mel Dominguez, Melissa Daye, Valerie Galloway, Sam Esmoer, Catherine Eyde, Vicki Lázaro, Nadia Walsh and Mykl Wells. Opening reception Sat, Sept 28; 6pm-8pm. Mon- Sat; 10am-5:30pm. Yikes Toys and Gift O-Rama, 2930 E. Broadway Blvd. 320-5669, YikesToys.com

photo courtesy AZUFF

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Arizona Underground Film Fest Digs Deep

by Herb Stratford The sixth annual Arizona Underground Film Festival is like a curated trip through several genre film festivals, all rolled into one. With a diverse mix of styles - horror, documentary, narrative, experimental and even animated - the fest is a great way to see the highlights without having to see the other less spectacular films that you might encounter.

Festival director/founder David Pike has done an impressive job again this year with his line up of eclectic titles that are at times mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful. Not only is Pike nabbing Arizona premieres and screenings of films that have premiered at fests like Sundance and South

By Southwest (SXSW), he has also created a name for his scrappy fest on the circuit that enables him to get world premieres occasionally.

According to Pike, the core vision for the AZUFF is “a best of midnight and underground film festival, along with world premiere films.” With submissions increasing every year, and the reputation of the fest growing globally, Tucsonans again are in for a real treat.

One film in this year’s line up that stands out for me as a must-see is the film Worm. I can be a bit jaded as a film writer and critic, seeing between 750-1000 films a year, but occasionally something causes me to rave to anyone who will listen, that they must see what I’ve just witnessed.

Worm is that film for a number of reasons. The story itself is that of a man wrongly framed for a murder and his quest to find the real killer and clear his name. But what makes Worm special is the technical and aesthetic sides of the production. The black and white film is shot as one continuous take, a 90 minute shot without edits or breaks. And on top of that it is the first film to be shot entirely with a chest-mounted GoPro Hero 2 camera strapped to its lead actor, Andrew Bowser. The resulting film, a Neo-Noir affair of sorts is mesmerizing.

A strong documentary film in this year’s line up, Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction, is hauntingly beautiful for both its cinematography and at the times when the film’s subject breaks into song. Long used as a character actor by a legion of directors, Stanton has a chance to shine in this film, which serves as a retrospective through his amazing career as well as a look at his personal life. The film debuted at SXSW in March and left audiences stunned. Its screening at the AZUFF will be followed by a wide release from the distributor who bought it at the festival.

Another narrative film of note is Loves Her Gun, which also came out of this year’s SXSW film festival. The story is about a woman who flees New York City following a mugging to start over in Austin, Texas; the film details her struggles to feel truly safe. Before long she falls in with the local firearm culture of Austin and begins to fancy herself an avenging angel. As you can imagine, complications arise. The film has generated some controversy for its portrayal of gun culture and violence. The resulting film is a romantic tragedy of sorts. It features an excellent cast and the soundtrack was done by Tucson's Howe Gelb.

Additional films of note on this year’s schedule include: White Reindeer about a woman’s quest for “normal” following her husband’s death near Christmas, Very Extremely Dangerous is about singer Jerry McGill’s battle with cancer, In The House of Flies, a new horror film from Henry Rollins and the campy new film Fateful Findings, which premiered this year at the Seattle Film Festival. n The Arizona Underground Film Festival takes place Sept. 13-21 at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. Opening night takes place at the Crossroads Cinema at 4811 E. Grant Rd. For more information on films and tickets, visit AZUFF.com.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 33

GD2 Garden

by CJ Shane

The word “garden” usually brings up thoughts of vegetables and flowers. Now another word associated with “garden” that is gaining traction is “community.” Tucson has a very active community garden scene organized by Community Gardens of Tucson. In coming months, we’ll visit community gardens around the city and take a look at what’s currently growing and being harvested.

My first visit was to the GD2 Community Garden in Tucson’s mid-town Garden District, bound by Grant Road, Swan Road, Speedway Boulevard and Alvernon Way. The GD2 garden is on Bell Street near Pima Street and Swan Road. A few gardeners were already tending their plots when I showed up, awaiting the arrival of Pima County Extension Master Gardener Giulio Grecchi. This gave me the chance to chat with the gardeners and to learn more about what they were doing.

Brad Holland, who donated the land for the garden, spoke about the evolution of the plot. “Originally I was planning on building my dream house, but the economic crash of 2008 changed all that,” Holland said. “I pondered what might be the highest and best use for the lot.” He decided on a garden so he contacted Community Gardens of Tucson to get started.

How about the name “GD2”? Holland grinned and said, “Garden District’s Garden!”

Congresswoman Gabby Giffords lived across the street from GD2 garden and her office was located at Pima /Swan Roads at the time of the January 8, 2011 shootings in Tucson in which six people were killed and 13 others, including Giffords, were wounded. Holland reminded me of the shrines for victims that arose at Giffords’ office, at University Medical Center and at the scene of the shootings. “The material items at the shrines, such as cards and gifts, were archived,” Holland said. “All the plant material from flowers was brought to GD2 garden and composted to become part of GD2’s soil.”

Holland, a retired prosecutor with the Pima County District Attorney’s office and self-described “lounge act” (he’s a jazz musician), is convinced that GD2 has had a role in dropping the neighborhood crime rate. “There are so many more people now walking their dogs and kids riding bikes.

There are more eyes and ears on the street,” he said. Holland’s next project is to introduce chickens to GD2.

LaRae Barnes recently became the new coordinator of GD2 garden.

She showed off her burgundy-colored okra and waxed poetic about how delicious the butternut squash has been this year. “Actually, every vegetable we've grown has just blown away any store-bought veggie,” she said. “Onions were probably the all-time favorite. I can't even describe the 34 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

photo: C.J. Shane

Z food&drink

Doug Merkle and LaRae Barnes.

subtlety of flavor and how it changed depending on which day you picked it.”

Barnes credits the garden for helping her recover from a concussion that led to painful nerve damage. In an article that she wrote for Community Gardens of Tucson’s newsletter, Barnes said, “Almost everything about the garden was good for me. It gave me a reason to get up in the morning after suffering through another tortuous night… my plants needed me.”

The word “community” came up when Barnes talked about GD2. She said, “I feel like our modern society has so many things that isolate people.

Being that we are social beings, I think we are all a little bit starved for good old-fashioned conversation.” She has found good conversation at GD2.

Community is also a key aspect for Doug Merkle, who recently became the volunteer irrigation meter monitor for GD2. Merkle was active in building GD2 and digging plots. Then Merkel said, “I found I’m not a natural gardener. But the more I came, and the more I saw people, I began to see the community aspect. We started eating the food, and that’s when another piece of the puzzle fell into place. The variety and taste of the food is so much better than from the grocery store.”

Community is important for Mark Fleming and Lisa Ealy who have a garden at their home and also a plot in GD2. “We wanted to meet people in the neighborhood and be more sociable,” Fleming said.

Part of the GD2 community is a refugee family who came here from Bhutan, the Dhitals. They grow flowers and vegetables on their plot. Meg Johnson, who produces the Garden District email newsletter, said that two other plots are gardened by a group of disabled adults. There’s lot of diversity at GD2.

When Master Gardener Grecchi arrived, he gave a presentation on transitioning from summer to fall gardens this month.

“In summer we eat fruits and flowers, and in winter, we eat roots, leaves and shoots.” Grecchi said. Winter crops for Tucson include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, chard, kale, lettuce, radish, spinach, turnips, garbanzos (chick peas), lentils and more. We can begin planting seeds in September for many fall crops. Grecchi reminded us to organically fertilize our gardens (compost and manure), and to use mulch to hold in moisture and keep plants warm in winter. Grecchi suggested pulling out summer plants that are no longer producing well and replace them with winter veggies. n To learn more about our community gardens, visit www.CommunityGardensofTucson.org.

photo: C.J. Shane

Okra Blossom

Recipe Our featured veggie for September is okra, an easy-to-grow plant that loves heat, is drought-tolerant and will produce abundantly until frost.

Okra is a staple of Southern cooking, especially Cajun gumbo and is also popular in Arab cuisine. Of course, the best dish of all is Southern-fried okra. Think crunchy and delicious, not slimy!

Southern Fried Okra 1 cup okra, sliced in 1/4 inch pieces (about 10 pods) 1 egg, beaten (optional) 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup cornmeal 1/2 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1. In a small bowl, soak okra in buttermilk (and optional egg) for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper.

3. Remove okra from buttermilk with slotted spoon, dredge okra in the cornmeal/flour mixture, and turn gently until all pieces are coated. Avoid clumping.

4. Sift a few pieces at a time in your hand to allow the loose extra coating to fall off and to avoid clumping, then set aside in another bowl.

5. Into a large heated skillet, pour oil to a depth of about 1/4 inch, medium-high heat.

6. When the oil gets hot enough to sizzle a wet piece of cornmeal, carefully drop a few pieces of okra at a time into the skillet.

7. Repeat until the skillet bottom is covered with a layer of okra no more than 1 inch deep.

8. When okra pieces are browned on one side, gently turn okra to other side with a spatula.

9. Don’t stir or turn again until second side is browned.

10. Drain on paper towels. Serves 2.

Thanks to Terry Dyke, Austin cook and gardener, for the basis of this recipe.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 35

Brandon Merchant, proprietor of Southwest Victory Gardens, in his home garden in June.

Merchant will teach attendees how to make organic pesticides and herbicides from common household items.

Learn! Know! Grow!

by Jamie Manser

Pima County Public Librarians are a cool, inspiring bunch. With all of the offerings at local libraries, it is apparent that the staff is constantly on the lookout for engaging and interesting activities to bring to the people.

Take a spin around Library.Pima.gov's calendar and it is clear that the mission to "enrich lives and build community through opportunities to learn, know, interact, and grow," is being met.

To that end, the main library Downtown is hosting DIY (do it yourself) Day, with over 30 Tucsonans teaching other Tucsonans everything from practical skills (like changing a tire), to music, photography, hypnosis and more on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The idea, says Librarian Kassy Rodeheaver, came "from an article in Library Journal about a library in Kentucky doing a DIY day and we thought, 'Tucson is the perfect place for this kind of event.'

"The people in Tucson are willing to come out and teach new things and teach what they are passionate about and share those things with people. We had a committee brainstorm ideas we hoped people would volunteer to do, and we received over 60 responses during the application period."

While there are activities happening for all ages, most of the programming is "geared toward older teens and adults," Rodeheaver explains.

There will be "lots of crafts as well practical applications to your everyday life, and other activities you may not have thought of trying, like the pole fitness class being taught by Tucson Pole Fitness. The inspiration there was reading about a public library in Scotland that had a pole fitness class."

Rodeheaver says she has taken classes at Tucson Pole Fitness. The advanced aspects of the sport require a physicality of muscle control and skill, but there are basic moves accessible to beginners and people of all body types and sizes.

Sara Ivester, a Tucson Pole Fitness instructor teaching an entry-level class on DIY day, says, "We'll do a few spins, a static hold and strength building exercises."

Ivester has been teaching pole fitness for about two years, and said media coverage on the sport piqued her interest so she decided to check it out. "I've taken dance my whole life, and thought I'd naturally be good at it, 36 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

which I wasn't. There's a bigger strength component that I didn't realize."

However, she says that one doesn't have to build their upper body before trying it - a person just has to start and keep working on it. That is one of the three main misconceptions about pole fitness, Ivester elucidates.

"Of course there's always the stripper connotation, but that's not what we do. Also, that they are too heavy or not in shape to do it. You (beginners) are always going to have to work hard and keep showing up and trying.

People develop and change and get stronger."

She adds that being a part of DIY day "is good for the sport, to have public events and encourage people to give it a try and hopefully try it again."

If gardening is more your speed and working to control plant pests with organic solutions has you intrigued, then Brandon Merchant is instructing a class you'll want to attend. Merchant, proprietor of Southwest Victory Gardens, is set to demonstrate how to make organic pesticides and herbicides from typical household goods.

Merchant was hipped to the opportunity via his neighborhood library at Himmel Park. "I'm there quite a lot and I have gotten to know my librarians and they thought of me. Himmel Park has a seed library," he further explains, "and I'm an avid gardener and have been donating seeds (there), and they know I started a businesses where I help people with organic gardening and garden coaching."

Beyond Merchant's botany expertise, he embraces volunteerism and the do it yourself spirit. "I've always been interested in DIY ethics, I was part of a punk scene with a DIY ethos that I carried through to gardening.

"There's a whole organic industry out there trying to make a buck when there are common household items - like vinegar or garlic and chili peppers - that can do the same job. I'm going to make a couple (organic pesticides) on the spot and will have products for people to see and plan to do a Q&A afterward with questions regarding specific pests." n Come ready to learn - bring your notebooks! - to the main library, 101 S. Stone Ave. Questions can be answered by calling 791-4010. See Library. pima.gov for details.

photo by Amber Merchant

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September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 37

38 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

food&drink Z

Saint House

A Desert Twist on Caribbean Cocktails & Cuisine

by Emily Gindlesparger

Nicole Flowers and Travis Reese

photos by Andrew Brown

Stepping across the threshold of Saint House is like entering a private club in the heydays of Havana. The lighting is low, the booths are plush and the rum list – 40 labels strong – seems straight from a private collection. Decorating the high walls above the bar is a local stamp on this otherwise Caribbean locale. Artist Gonzalo Morales has painted a mural in three pieces, swirling figures that get more fascinating after every drink.

“If you spend time looking at it you’re going to discover the different shapes and forms,” Morales explains of the work. “On the second or third drink, just look at the art. It’s there to entertain the people who come.”

Against the dark walls of the rum house, Morales’ bright canvas colorfully pops in the light with yellow, magenta, green and purple hues. In a unique artistic twist, the mural is done in watercolor, a medium normally reserved for fine paper, but in Saint House, Morales has splashed it across his gesso-primed board.

“I was thinking of the Caribbean Sea, the colors and the jungle; I was thinking of Miami, and I made bright colors to match the restaurant. What inspired me was the Caribbean, and when you see the design on the wall you’ll see the waves.”

The signature drink here, even in the midst of a creative palate, is the simple daiquiri: rum, sugar and lime. And each spirit poured into this simple cocktail creates a wildly different experience.

“We carry a lot of rum because rum is the most diverse spirit in the world, and in some ways the most misunderstood,” explains Nicole Flowers and Travis Reese, co-owners who began their downtown ventures with 47 Scott and Scott & Co. Rum is constantly pegged as sweet and syrupy – not surprising with its foundation in sugarcane – but as Saint House proves, there are styles and flavors from all over the world to be explored. On every table sits a little yellow chapbook titled The Book of Rum, and in it 17 countries are represented: from Brazil to Java with many islands in between.

Each environment and distillation produces a different signature. The Mount Gay Eclipse Gold from Barbados is fruity and bright, with an aftertaste of sucking on a chip of coconut, whereas the Rhum Clement Agricole from Martinique is described as “grassy and wild” in the restaurant’s Book of Rum, and it’s both spunky and distinguished. Those two terms could describe so much about the experience of Saint House, which has such clean-cut styling that’s still faintly reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, with snappy servers and hostesses who coordinate the party.

Woven into this tropical diversity is a little taste of Sonora. From the Vicious Virgin #3, based on Bacanora and grapefruit, to the shrimp ceviche styled with pico and clamato and Caribbean-inspired tacos, local ties thread through this restaurant right where it belongs, Downtown on the corner of Congress Street and Arizona Avenue. n Saint House is located at 256 E. Congress St. Call 207-7757 or visit SaintHouseRumBar.com for hours, menus and more details.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 39

Z food&drink

Brewing History in a Desert Environment

by Ed Sipos

40 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

food&drink Z The abundance of beer brands and styles available for us to choose from today is staggering, and the success of the craft beer industry is nothing less than a remarkable story of American ingenuity.

According to the Brewers Association, as of March 2013, there were 2,416 breweries in the United States, of which 2,360 are small, independent craft breweries. Arizona is home to 44 craft breweries, with more preparing to open.

If one could only travel back in time to Arizona’s territorial days, it would be interesting to bring back Alexander Levin - the first brewer to embark on brewing beer commercially in Arizona - to get his reaction to the state of today’s beer industry.

Levin was a Prussian-born and trained brewer who, at 30 years of age in 1864, established the Pioneer Brewery in the dust-laden settlement of Tucson.

Unlike today’s brewers, who have all the provisions and resources for starting a brewery available virtually at their fingertips, Levin built his brewery with limited means in a nearly impossible environment for supporting a brewery at a time when the science of brewing beer was not fully un-

Advancements in brewing science, technology, and completion of the railroads in the Arizona Territory, led to beer with a longer shelf life being shipped in at an alarming rate by the 1880s.

Consequently Anheuser-Busch, Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Lemp, and others, began to distribute beer nationwide. They, and many more like them, became behemoths in the industry while smaller regional breweries either fell by the wayside or were gobbled up by larger entities.

Primarily after World War II, a mindset was set in place dictating the size of a brewery as the determining factor to its success. Advertising budgets for the largest American breweries increased exponentially, leading to a handful of breweries controlling the market. As a result, crystal clear premium light beer became the top seller and by the 1970s and 1980s, some rightfully claimed beer had largely become uninteresting. Beers with a more complex character were primarily available from specialty stores or foreign markets.

Thankfully, there were some individuals who sought to change the direction of the brewing industry. Individuals like Fritz Maytag, who managed to save one of the few small breweries under threat of closure, purchased photo courtesy Eric Greene

photo courtesy Dennis & Tauna Arnold

The original Gentle Ben's in 1991 while under construction.

derstood. Water and raw materials were scarce, artificial refrigeration had not yet been devised, hops - not a native crop in Arizona - was imported from other regions and pure yeast cultures were virtually unattainable. The crushing, malting and roasting of the grain was accomplished manually by sight and feel over long hours of back-breaking work.

This was at a time when pasteurization had not yet been discovered and ice, if available, came only on a seasonal basis. Therefore, Levin’s beer did not travel well prior to the 1880s. Completion of the railroad was still a thing of the future so he delivered his beer in kegs and bottles by wagon across treacherous terrain to various military forts and mining camps.

The finished beer was at best served at room temperature or worse.

What level of sanitation was used during brewing is unknown. It was likely inconsistent from one batch to the next and, because of exposure to airborne wild yeast strains and bacteria during fermentation, was likely sour.

Dennis Arnold, the owner of Gentle Ben’s and Barrio Brewing Company in Tucson, concludes, “The odds of brewing a beer (under Levin’s conditions) that somebody today would drink here in southern Arizona are infinitesimal.”

Levin’s brewery had its limitations, but it surely improved over time and quite possibly achieved brewing a quality beer prior to its closing in 1886.

Tristan White and Eric Greene at Dragoon Brewery.

the century old Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco in 1965 so it could continue its brewing tradition of producing unique beers.

Then in 1974, a small number of beer enthusiasts rekindled the art of home brewing by launching the country’s first home brew club, the Maltose Falcons. Two years later, the New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California became the first microbrewery to open in the U.S., at a time when British beer journalist Michael Jackson began a writing crusade that espoused the finer points of beer styles.

Arizona joined the craft beer renaissance in 1987, when the state legislature passed two laws that allowed microbreweries and brewpubs to sell their own beer. Electric Dave’s Brewing Company was established in Bisbee in 1988, a few months after Bandersnatch opened in Tempe. The first microbrewery in Tucson was the short-lived Southwest Brewing Company, which operated from 1988 to 1990.

In 1991, Arnold opened Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company of Tucson.

He built his brew house in Tijuana, Mexico because stainless steel was cheaper. He had zero brewing experience and virtually “faked it” going in, but succeeded because of a little ingenuity and a lot of business savvy.

continued on next page September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 41

continued from previous page He admits upon opening, “It was a catastrophe. The beers were really bad… (but) the food was great because my ability was to cook.”

He continued, “If I were to do the same thing today that I did then, I would have been out of business in six weeks.”

Some of the flash-in-the-pan breweries that closed within a short time period in Tucson during the 1990s include River Road, Habaneros, Breckenridge and Pusch Ridge. Veterans such as Barrio, Thunder Canyon and Nimbus offer an example to newbies of what it takes to continue in the long run.

The Address Brewing Company, Dragoon, Borderlands and Ten 55 Brewing Company represent the newest lineup of breweries in Tucson.

They, along with Sentinel Peak Brewing Company, which is under construction, in many ways have a leg up to their predecessors because of the groundwork the early breweries provided.

Inevitably, however, the craft beer industry will change as its predecessors have throughout history, especially since the giants in the industry have taken notice and joined the fray, and consumer tastes continue to evolve. For now, we should simply enjoy the ever-growing variety of beer styles, and if you are a little adventurous, sours.

Flemish Red, Lambic, Gueuze. These beer types may sound alien to the average person, but I bet if you were to pony up to the bar of any establishment specializing in craft beer today, there is a chance you might run across one of these sour beer styles and even spark conversation with someone familiar with them.

Sour styles were, up until recently, Belgian brewed and not available in the United States. Historically, the process which contributes the tart Image courtesy Ed Sipos

Park Brewery ad from an 1881 Tucson City Directory.

element in the beer happened when the wort cooled and was left exposed to the open air where fermentation occurred spontaneously. Wild Lactobacillus and the Pediococcus bacteria, as well as Brettanomyces yeasts, contribute to the acidic, “funky” off flavors and aromas.

Recently in Tucson, Dragoon brewed a Berliner-Style Weisse, and Borderlands offered a Gose, a sour style that originated in Leipzig, Germany and a non-traditional sour ale called Jasmine Sour.

Those who enjoy sour beers relish their complex and engaging tart flavors and aromas. However, the sometimes “barnyard-like” like comparisons may not suit all palates. Brewing sours can also be risky because - if not properly controlled during the process - yeast strains, especially Brettanomyces, can cross-contaminate and ruin other beers because of the yeast's ability to survive in low nutrient environments.

Who would have ever guessed ten years ago that sour beer, similar to what Levin may have inadvertently brewed, and brewers for decades meticulously tried to avoid, is gaining popularity among today’s local brewers?

Levin just might feel right at home. n Ed Sipos is a past president of the A-1 Chapter of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America and has been the editor of the A-1 Chapter’s newsletter, the Can-o-Gram, for more than fifteen years. He has written extensively for Beer Can & Brewery Collectibles Magazine and is author of “Brewing Arizona: A Century of Beer in the Grand Canyon State,” set for release next month.

42 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

CHEF BOY/R/C

food&drink Z

culinary tidbits for the home kitchen and bar

summer’s end

BOTTLING COCKTAILS: MORE IS MORE . The ritual of mixing myself an

awesome and stiff Martini after a long day is deeply satisfying, sure, but if that long day turns out longer even the simplest of drinks feels demanding.

Imagine instead your favorite cocktail on tap, and then imagine no more.

By batching your efforts, you can take an extra few minutes on Sunday to enjoy effortless cocktails all week long, on demand. You’ll be entertaining with grace as you deliver expert drinks to guests without skipping a beat.

Bring the bar with you and be the hit of the party when you show up with a bottle or two of your now-famous mezcal margarita. Just add ice.

Please don’t confuse this as promotion for the corporate, preservativeladen ‘ready to drink’ cocktails at the store. The increasingly popular Skinnygirl brand of bottled cocktails, for example, are both watered down and loaded up. Whole Foods pulled it off their shelves in 2011 for including (and not labeling) the potentially carcinogenic ingredient, sodium benzoate.

I’m talking convenience without the compromise. It’s the finest ingredients you can find, to your specifications, with a homegrown shelf-life of anywhere from three days to 20 years (an aged Manhattan, for example, will mature and improve with time.)

Now that you are sold on the concept, some considerations: 1. RECIPES: Nearly any cocktail recipe can be made in volume (just

multiply), but citrus and other fresh ingredients cut down the shelf life to 3-4 days. Drinks made with only booze can last almost indefinitely.

2. STORAGE: Air tight and refrigerated is what you are looking for. If you are planning to age that Manhattan 20 years you should tape the seal, and while jars certainly work, do yourself a favor and find a resealable glass bottle (or even a recycled liquor bottle).

3. DILUTION: Since your cocktail will now be coming out refrigerated, it won’t melt the ice as fast when shaken or stirred. That water is important, so add 10% water to any bottle before it goes in, and always taste to adjust. •

A RECIPE: THE MARTINEZ

Predecessor of the Martini, and a summer’s Manhattan, scaled to size. In a one liter bottle mix: 9 ounces gin, 9 ounces sweet vermouth, 1 1/2 ounces Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 12 dashes orange bitters. Add 3 ounces purified water before it goes in the fridge. Serve up, stirred over ice, with an orange twist. Keeps for months.

Like wine: well sealed, age your Martinez from 6 months to years for a unique profile.

COOK WITHOUT COOKING: CEVICHE . It’s hot out. As romantic a notion

as the summer barbecue may be, let’s be honest, in Tucson the days are longer and hotter and the idea of firing up anything let alone an outdoor grill is terrifying. Lo and behold, fire is but one way to cook, and ceviche is delicious.

The acid of citrus denatures seafood proteins in a similar manner as fire would, and the results are as refreshing as they are simple to prepare.

While you should be using “sushi grade” fish (more on that later), the process is a time-tested and safe means to a classic summer appetizer.

Usually made with sea bass or flounder (from its South American origins), just about any fish or shellfish will work, and freshness is your friend. That’s to say no matter what your recipe calls for, always opt for what’s most fresh—don’t be shy; ask your fishmonger. Keep in mind that some ingredients, like shrimp, lobster, and octopus, require precooking.

As for that “sushi grade” bit, the FDA doesn’t offer any clear regulations and it’s mostly marketing, but the fish should be suitable for serving raw which is typically achieved through deep freezing. Did I mention to ask your fishmonger? Yeah, do that.

So your fish is in the cart, and you have a big bag of limes to squeeze; now it’s up to your imagination. Chiles are a must, says I, but what about coconut, mango, or prickly pear? Rick Bayless’ famous Frontera Ceviche employs olives and sun dried tomato. Jicama and avocado are popular additions. Cilantro, tomato, red onion…Just don’t forget some sturdy local tortilla chips to serve as salted spoon for your now-favorite lazy summer refresher. •

A RECIPE: THE MOST BASIC HALIBUT CEVICHE

In a bowl, toss together: 1 pound halibut diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 1/2 red onion, chopped; 2 Serrano peppers, 4 garlic cloves, minced; a handful of chopped cilantro. 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Drizzle and mix with 1-1/2 cups fresh squeezed lime juice. Cover and refrigerate between one to three hours to desired done-ness. Drain and discard juice.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Colin Wilkinson is CHEF BOY/R/C and learning to cook changed his life.

Find recipes and more culinary adventures at chefboyrc.com.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 43

photo by George Howard

Z tunes

Peter McLaughlin

Gabriel Ayala

George Hawke

Honoring Tucson Musicians

Tucson Musicians Museum Hosts Its Annual Induction Ceremony & Fundraiser Jon D’Auria “All of our inductees are uniquely special and it’s our goal to educate the Tucson community on the amazing talent that we have in this town,” explains Tucson Musicians Museum co-founder and president George Howard.

“Our mantra is to cultivate, preserve and perpetuate Tucson’s rich musical heritage. Everybody that plays folk or rock or jazz or classical is contributing to this scene that provides such a diversity of music. Where else can you go that in one night you’ll hear classical music and mariachi music from some of the best people doing it in the world.”

Sunday, Sept. 29 marks the Tucson Musicians Museum’s 2013 inductee ceremony - Celebration of Music & Culture - taking place at the Tucson Convention Center’s Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. Now in its seventh year, the ceremony will honor Tucson’s most talented local musicians from all genres that have impacted their community, as well as the music industry, with their skill and dedication to their craft.

This year’s diverse range of musical talent covers every genre from rock to mariachi to country. Among those being honored are Rich Hopkins, JD Daniel, George Hawke, Ann Iverson, Bob Meighan, Duan Suarez, Peter McLaughlin, Robert Thames, Gabriel Ayala, John Coinman and posthumous honors will be given to Tombstone Slim and Bobby Smith. Each inductee will be given their award at the ceremony and will get a chance to play two songs for the attendees.

“It’s a big celebration of the artists, so it’s such a great thing to have them perform their music for the audience and the shows have always been just spectacular,” says Howard. “Bud Foster from KOLD 13 is our emcee and we have some comedians who will be performing throughout the show and overall it is just such a wonderful musical environment. Our mariachi kids will be performing at the event as well. Really it is a very special evening for the arts scene of Tucson.”

Howard and co-founder Susan French created the Tucson Musicians Museum in 2006 as a way to honor the tremendous musical talent of Tuc44 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

son by creating an online presence that would shine light on the artists of this town. Howard and French’s efforts have since made a big impact on the community with their music education programs that provide instruments and lessons for kids who can’t afford an opportunity to explore music. Now TMM offers various programs including classical musical training for children, and a heralded mariachi program run by Ruben Moreno.

“The Tucson Musicians Museum is so diverse and that’s what makes it so special. It’s great that they don’t highlight just one genre and it’s a very multicultural organization,” says 2013 TMM inductee Gabriel Ayala. “The programs they have for kids are really inspiring because not every child has the opportunity to study music even if they have the desire to. Music education is such a huge part of what I do and it’s so important that we pass the torch to the next generation.”

No stranger to awards or accolades, Ayala’s career as a guitarist and songwriter has taken him to heights few musicians experience including world tours, playing for the Pope and even playing for the President of the United States. The guitar virtuoso has even created his own genre of music mixing jazz and flamingo fusion that he calls “JazzMenco.” While Ayala is honored frequently for his work with Native Americans and educating youth, the TMM is a big honor that he is grateful to receive.

“As a musician, it seems like you’re never really respected by your own community. It’s the old story that you have to travel all over the world to be acknowledged for what you do,” says Ayala. “So the fact that my home community loves what I’m doing and accepts me for it is an incredible thing. I’ve won awards all across North America, I’ve traveled all over the world, but it’s so meaningful to me to get this award from my home town.”n Tickets for the event are $20 and the proceeds go to the TMM Youth Mentorship Program. For more information about the event and TMM, visit TucsonMusiciansMuseum.org.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 45

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photo by Pablo Martinez

tunes Z

Guitarist Misael Barraza is performing at the Tucson Flamenco Festival.

Guitar Competition Heats Up Flamenco Fest

by Rebecca Naylor-Sanchez

If you ask classical guitarist and local music teacher Michael Lich what is unique about Tucson’s guitar community, he will tell you that it is “arguably the best guitar city in the world.” Between having one of the highest rated university guitar programs in the country, being home to the Tucson Guitar Society and having a specialized outreach program for struggling public school students, there is a tremendous amount of passion and local talent here in the Old Pueblo.

It is with those elements in mind that the Tucson Flamenco Festival decided to establish an annual Spanish and Flamenco Guitar Competition this year. The festival’s competition features an open category for musicians of all ages specializing in flamenco and/or Spanish classical guitar and two separate divisions for youth contestants. The finalists will face off on the festival’s Sept. 19 opening night, vying for over $2,000 in prizes.

In terms of authenticity, there is no better place for this competition to be born than at the Tucson Flamenco Festival, organized by local Spanish restaurant Casa Vicente, the Spanish Club of Tucson and the Flamenco del Pueblo Viejo dance studio. Every September, part of Casa Vicente’s parking lot is blocked off, glimmering lights are strung up, and the sound of flamenco footwork emanates from this intimate outdoor affair as international and local artists alike take the stage for a uniquely Spanish experience. The four-day festival, now in its fifth year, showcases up and coming flamenco fashion designers and becomes home to exceptionally talented dancers, singers and musicians.

These artists captivate the audience by exuding the sort of passionate drama that flamenco is known for. It is just this sort of connection between artist and audience that Misael Barraza says keeps him playing and improving. Barraza, who has been playing for over 10 years and is one of the performers at this year’s festival, explains that the guitar is “a very intimate and expressive instrument” that allows for an artist to musically “expand to many different horizons.”

He believes part of the reason a guitar competition such as this is so important in promoting Tucson’s guitar community is because it allows art-

ists to perform for a new audience, who in turn “might be inspired to hire them or simply go hear them at a different occasion.”

Michael Lich, a classical guitarist, banjo-player, arranger, composer and a faculty member at the Academy of Music and Dance of Tucson/ Oro Valley, points out that it also gives some of the younger students a chance to “fine tune their skills” and “meet, jam, and exchange ideas.” He explains that “there are a lot of distractions for young musicians and this gives them something to really focus on.”

Barraza, an experienced competitive guitarist who has been one of the competition’s planning consultants, agrees that in a competitive setting musicians will spend more time preparing and the preparation “will raise the level of the performance.” In addition, he points out, by witnessing a live competition such as this, audience members may be inspired to pick up a guitar and start learning for themselves.

So what exactly will the judges be looking for at this year’s inaugural competition? Barraza would look for “a solid technical ability, but also for a good understanding of the music and its inflections.” He says it is possible to produce great music without necessarily being great technically, but “a balance between these two aspects is always present in the best guitarist.”

Apart from that, he feels competitions are an excellent place to “show your personality” and would therefore value originality in any performance.

Integrating originality and dedication is what makes the guitar competition a wonderful addition, and one which will no doubt become an integral part of the festival experience. So whether you plan on discovering brand new talent, learning about Spanish culture, or are simply out to enjoy an evening downtown, the 1st Annual Spanish Classical Guitar Competition is an excellent place to start. Who knows, you might even feel inspired to start making music of your very own. n The Tucson Flamenco Festival runs from Thur, Sept. 19-Sun, Sept. 22 at Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave. Prices, times and activities vary. Details are at TucsonFlamencoFestival.com or by calling 884-5253.

September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 47

Z tunes

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN Congress Street, 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com Sat 14: Roth D’Lux, Cirque Roots Productions, Annon & The Late Show, Carolyn Martin on Scott stage; Last Call Girls at T.O.P, 6:30pm-9:30p.m.

AVA AMPHITHEATER at Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. CasinoDelSol.com Thu 5: Kid Cudi Thu 12: Creedence Clearwater Revisited Sat 14: Marc Anthony Thu 19: Luis Miguel Sat 21: Tejano Showcase

BORDERLANDS BREWING 119 E. Toole Ave. 261-8773, BorderlandsBrewing.com Wed 4: Tommy Tucker Thu 5: Hank Topless Fri 6: Tortolita Gutpluckers Sat 7: Mustang Corners Wed 11: Joe Novelli Fri 13: Hans Hutchison Sat 14: Hey, Bucko!

Wed 18: Proper Operator Thu 19: Al Foul Fri 20: Kyle Bronsdon Sat 21: Tommy Tucker

“Kenny Loggins” performs at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Thu, Sept 26.

Wed 25: Stephanie Meryl Jensen Thu 26: Amy Mendoza Fri 27: Widow’s Hill Sat 28: Aztral Folk

BOONDOCKS LOUNGE 3306 N. 1st Ave. 690-0991, BoondocksLounge.com Mondays: The Bryan Dean Trio Tuesdays: Lonny’s Lucky Poker Night Wednesdays: Titan Valley Warheads Sundays: Lonny’s Lucky Poker Night Sat 7: Equinox

CAFE PASSE 415 N. 4th Ave. 624-4411, CafePasse.com Wednesdays: Jazz Wednesday w/ Jazz Telephone Thursdays: Songwriter Thursdays w/ Al Foul Fridays: Blues Fridays with Tom Walbank & Roman Barten Sherman Saturdays: Country Saturdays

Photo courtesy of ThisSongIsSick.com

LIVE MUSIC

Photo courtesy of KennyLoggins.com

Photo courtesy of TogetherBoston.com

"Gold Panda" performs at Club Congress on Tue, Sept 17.

“Krewella” performs at Rialto Theatre on Thu, Sept 12.

Wed 11: Terraplane Sun Sat 14: The Tubes Sat 14: The Love Language Mon 16: Midlake Tue 17: Gold Panda Wed 18: Cold Cave Sun 22: Pinback Mon 23: Fidlar Tue 24: Jared & The Mill Wed 25: The Octopus Project Thu 26: Butch Hancock Fri 27: Man Man Mon 30: Wild Belle

LA COCINA 201 N. Court Ave. 622-0351, LaCocinaTucson.com Sat 7: The Hot Club of Tucson Sat 14: Nancy McCallion, Catherine Zavala, Sabra Faulk Sat 21: JC and Laney Sat 28: Jacob Acosta w/The Tryst

DELECTABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING 533 N. 4th Ave. 884-9289, Delectables.com Fri 6: Puca

CLUB CONGRESS

FOX TUCSON THEATRE

311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com/club Sun 1: Hoco Fest Day 4- The Finale Tue 3: Into It. Over It. Fri 6: Tobacco Sun 8: Sean Price Tue 10: ZZ Ward

17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Wed 4: Don Williams Sat 14: Solvei and ZumaSol Sun 15: The Zombies Thu 26: Kenny Loggins Sat 28: Jazz For St. Demetrios

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THE HUT 305 N. 4th Ave. 623-3200, HutTucson.com See website.

MONTEREY COURT 505 W. Miracle Mile, MontereyCourtAZ.com Tue 3: Eric Schaffer Wed 4: Peter McLaughlin & Alvin Blaine Thu 5: Al Foul & the Shakes Fri 6: Bad News Blues Band Sat 7: TKMA Presents at the Monterey

PLUSH 340 E. 6th St. 798-1298, PlushTucson.com Sun 1: The Electric Blankets, St Ranger, Horse Black Wed 4: The Grahams, Leila Lopez Thu 5: Shrimp Chaperone, Fairweatherfriend, Clear Black, Good Friends Great Enemies Fri 6: Sketching in Stereo, St. Valera Sat 7: The Breakup Society, JoDee PurkeyPile, The Modeens, Silver Ships Fri 13: Earth and the Next Society, Broken Romeo, Vintage Sugar Sat 14: The Jits, The Tryst, Greyhound Soul, Sugar Stains Thu 19: The Early Black, The Monitors, Secret Meetings Fri 20: Dirty Dice, The Wayward

tunes Z Photo courtesy of ThisSongIsSick.com

“Marc Anthony” performs at AVA Amphitheater on Thu, Sept 19.

Saints, gHostcOw Sat 21: Igor & The Red Elvises Thu 26: Loves It!, The Lonesome Heroes Fri 27: Funky Bonz, 8 Minutes to Burn

Wednesdays: Open Mic Thursdays: Live Music

SOLAR CULTURE

Plaza Palamino, 2970 N. Swan Rd. 319-9966, RhythmandRoots. org Thu 26: Butch Hancock

31 E. Toole Ave. 884-0874, SolarCulture.org Sun 8: S (Jenn Ghetto), Night Cadet Tue 10: Matt Pond PA Fri 13: On and On Sat 14: Erin Inglish, Kyl Burt Mon 16: Bleeding Rainbow

RIALTO THEATRE

SURLY WENCH PUB

318 E. Congress St. 740-1000, RialtoTheatre.com Tue 3: Pepper Wed 4: Chief Keef & The Glo Gang Thu 5: Cafe Tacvba Sat 7: Mobb Deep Sun 8: Back 2 Basics Thu 12: Krewella Fri 13: Local Love Punk Fest Sat 14: Craig Gass Sun 15: Ra Ra Riot Mon 16: Godspeed You! Black Emperor Tue 17: Tech N9NE Wed 18: Ottmar Liebert Thu 19: Morgan Page Sun 22: Hanson Sun 29: The Naked and Famous

424 N. 4th Ave., 882-0009, SurlyWenchPub.com Tue 3: Artphag Fri 6: Black Cherry Burlesque Fri 13: BlackOut Mind Over Metal Sat 14: Fineline Revisited Sat 21: Club Sanctuary Sat 28: Fineline Revisited

RHYTHM & ROOTS

SKY BAR 536 N. 4th Ave. 622-4300, SkyBarTucson.com Mondays: Team Trivia Tuesdays: Jazz September 2013 | ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com 49

Z locally owned

by Miguel Ortega

Accessible Localism It’s an Actual Thing

Relax. It’s ok. So you ate at a chain recently. You shopped at a big box store. It’s alright. Really. Well, if it was at that one big box, I’ll need you to provide a proper and viable excuse.

But, really, it’s ok. You see, as much as I absolutely, positively support all things locally owned - it’s the name of this dang column, after all - I also live in the real world. And I practice a specific brand of localism that I like to call Accessible Localism. Yeah, I made that up all by myself and, yeah, my wife pretended to be impressed with me.

But I say it really is a thing. So, after googling it first like a big dork to see if I can really annoy my wife and claim I coined it, I created a definition for it: Accessible Localism, a non-hipster, guilt-free approach to localism that encourages the entire population to participate in the building of a movement to grow and strengthen independent, hometown economies rather than celebrate as an exclusive, elitist club of do-gooders.

In other words, get over yourself, do the best you can and don’t judge.

Chances are, you may run into me at some point walking towards my truck with a set of keys in one hand and a venti-capa-frapa-moca-poca-loca in the other. Again, don’t judge. If my mother-in-law wants a venti-capafrapa-moca-poca-loca, I’m going to get her a venti-capa-frapa-moca-pocaloca. She is a bona fide, professional Nana, with curandera-like powers. I mean she is a 3-year-old-whisperer who loves and takes great care of my son so the least I can do is pick up whatever damn drink she wants.

You see, it’s like this: If we really want to convert localism into an actual, viable, national movement, we need to admit that you and I are the weird ones. I am talking to you, the one holding this awesome magazine in your hands. And me, the nerd writing this column. We are the crazy ones, not the rest of the mainstream population.

You and I are obsessed — or at least inspired — with being independent and hyper local, as Zócalo’s own mission statement puts it. And we are freakin’ proud of it, as we should be. But we are outnumbered by normal people. Most people want to do the right thing, if not for the world, at least for their themselves and their families.

It’s not like anyone says, “I would love to eat food delivered to my grocery store that has been frozen in a truck from Michigan for the past five days. Yes, I prefer that to something local and fresh.” Right? Normal 50 ZOCALOMAGAZINE.com | September 2013

people just don’t see it that way because normal people are tired after work and alternative stuff is just too damn expensive and too complicated to think about.

Now, if you want a real localism movement, find a way for these normal folks to participate. Tear down economic barriers that make it hard for them to join our club and push elected officials to pass localism policies with teeth.

If you want a real localism revolution, recognize that it is us who should join them. We should join small business owners, every day Republicans and Democrats, the young and old and build accessible ways for everyone to participate.

Ironically, the corporate world already gets this. While many of us have been celebrating our indie cred within a limited sphere, national companies have spent millions on consultants and focus groups to find out that localism is catching on and does, in fact, resonate with the masses. So now, more and more, you find “locally owned” this and “independent that” in much of their advertisements.

Meanwhile, our credit unions, our local mom and pops - in fact entire cities and towns - have actual, authentic, built-in, locally owned assets that go unused. National chains have to spend millions to manufacture localism. We, on the other hand, are made up of the essence of localism and don’t need to manufacture anything.

Do we allow our movement to be co-opted? Will we let them beat us to the punch and reach everyday people with our own cause before we do?

Think about it.

So the next time you see me rushing to my truck at 5 a.m. with a venticapa-whatever or coming out of a pizza chain with my kid, just hug me.

Obviously, I would rather have a much better, locally owned cup of joe or slice of pizza, so life must really be kicking my butt to have to breakcorporate-glass-for-emergency situation! n Miguel Ortega is an independent business development consultant.

His radio program, “Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega”, airs on KVOI 1030AM every Saturday at 11 a.m. You can also listen to his radio columns on KXCI 91.3FM and follow his blog at LocallyOwnedAZ.com.