Monday, December 12, 2016
Amy Adams, on fire in 2016 even after you factor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, plays Susan Morrow, a bizarre art gallery owner stuck in a rut. Her bland but gorgeous husband (Armie Hammer—also having a good year) is ambivalent toward her, and she’s borderline broke and generally unhappy.
She gets a manuscript in the mail from ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal). He was a struggling writer when the two were together, but now he just might have the novel that could get his career going. Susan agrees to read the advance copy, and the story within freaks her out, to say the least.
The film’s screenplay, written by Ford and based on the novel by Austin Wright, then goes on an ultra-clever route. We see the story play out as Susan reads it and, as many of us often do, Susan casts the main character in the novel, Tony Hastings, as somebody she knows—her ex-husband.
So Gyllenhaal plays two roles in the film: Edward in flashbacks and Tony, husband of Laura (Isla Fisher) and father to India (Ellie Bamber), in her visualization of the novel. One of the great tricks of the movie is that it remains a mystery whether or not the events in the novel are based on events in the larger narrative, or just act as a symbolic representation of the cruelties Susan inflicted upon Edward when she left him.
Also, we never really know if Edward is somebody who simply wrote a chilling thriller and wants his ex-wife’s honest opinion, or if he’s sending her a “message.” Michael Shannon is excellent as a lawman living on borrowed time.
It’s an alternately scary, funny, thrilling movie that is expertly performed.
Tucson rapper and producer Sui Blue considers himself a listener more then anything. "That's pretty much what it come down to, pretty much," says Blue. You can see Blue perform Dec. 18 at R Bar and listen to his music on SoundCloud.
What was the first concert you attended?
As a kid, I used to go to garage shows. Like hardcore band and stuff like that, but I guess the first major show was Metallica in 2008. I'm pretty sure it was KFMA Day and I was in high school.
What was the first album you owned?
Cam'ron's Purple Haze. Seriously, I still have it at my house. I listen to it every other day. Its still fuckin' gold man, its so good and I was so fortunate to get my hands on that because I had no idea who Dipset was. I grew up on like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony so when I got that CD I was like, "What the hell is this?"
What are you listening to these days?
I listen to everything. Amy Winehouse, Young Thug, George Strait, John Mayer. I really listen to everything aside from like Mexican music just because I don't understand it, I don't speak Spanish. I've been on that new Isaiah Rashad, its pretty tight.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Dude, I can't mess with [Lil] Yachety. I get it, get your money and stuff, but I don't get it. It's downhill for me, honestly. It doesn't have any substance.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Amy Winehouse for sure. Also I've never seen Brand New, but I know when I see them, or if I see them, I'm going to cry.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Adele—and I shouldn't even feel guilty man, she's great. And you know what, Tegan and Sara, too, dude. I love Tegan and Sara. Its funny, people go through my iTunes on my laptop and see Tegan and Sara and they'll look at me and say "Are you serious?" which kinda sucks but whatever.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Damn. I don't know. I try not to think about that stuff. Probably—damn that's a tough one—Max B "Blow me a Dub."
What artist changed your life and how?
Kid Cudi. Kid Cudi for sure. When Man on the Moon II drop I was going through a serious thing and that album definitely saved me. Kid Cudi till this day makes incredible music.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one, man. I wanna say—fuck, I can't pick one—Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. Definitely.
What was the first concert you attended?
As a kid, I used to go to garage shows. Like hardcore band and stuff like that, but I guess the first major show was Metallica in 2008. I'm pretty sure it was KFMA Day and I was in high school.
What was the first album you owned?
Cam'ron's Purple Haze. Seriously, I still have it at my house. I listen to it every other day. Its still fuckin' gold man, its so good and I was so fortunate to get my hands on that because I had no idea who Dipset was. I grew up on like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony so when I got that CD I was like, "What the hell is this?"
What are you listening to these days?
I listen to everything. Amy Winehouse, Young Thug, George Strait, John Mayer. I really listen to everything aside from like Mexican music just because I don't understand it, I don't speak Spanish. I've been on that new Isaiah Rashad, its pretty tight.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Dude, I can't mess with [Lil] Yachety. I get it, get your money and stuff, but I don't get it. It's downhill for me, honestly. It doesn't have any substance.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Amy Winehouse for sure. Also I've never seen Brand New, but I know when I see them, or if I see them, I'm going to cry.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Adele—and I shouldn't even feel guilty man, she's great. And you know what, Tegan and Sara, too, dude. I love Tegan and Sara. Its funny, people go through my iTunes on my laptop and see Tegan and Sara and they'll look at me and say "Are you serious?" which kinda sucks but whatever.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Damn. I don't know. I try not to think about that stuff. Probably—damn that's a tough one—Max B "Blow me a Dub."
What artist changed your life and how?
Kid Cudi. Kid Cudi for sure. When Man on the Moon II drop I was going through a serious thing and that album definitely saved me. Kid Cudi till this day makes incredible music.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one, man. I wanna say—fuck, I can't pick one—Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. Definitely.
Governor Ducey tells deadbeat dads to "Man Up & Pay Up" in his 2016: Year in Review. But when it comes to talking about education funding, Ducey isn't man enough to tell the truth, and he sure as hell isn't planning to pay up the money our children need to pull them out of the per-student-funding cellar.
Where to begin? How about the beginning section of the flashy online 2016: Year in Review titled Educational Excellence, which says Prop 123 "is adding $3.5 billion to our K-12 education system over the next 10 years." Prop 123 gives back a portion of what the deadbeat dads and moms on the Republican side of the aisle at the Arizona legislature stole from the state's school children in 2009. Yes, stole. Lest we forget, the lege illegally violated the 2000 voter mandate in Prop 301 to use a new sales tax increase to increase K-12 spending. When you renege on child support mandated by law, then pay some of it back, you don't get to pat yourself on the back for your generosity.
Right under the Prop 123 lie, Ducey says the 2017 budget "injected an additional $142 million into K-12 education and an additional $38 million into universities." Nope. Most of the K-12 money was to cover inflation and increased enrollment—that's stay-even money—and to delay planned funding cuts to schools—that's we'll-get-you-next-year money. The $38 million for universities includes $8 million to cover increased student population, $5 million to pay for the "economic freedom schools" which were previously funded by the Koch brothers, and $19 million total in one-time money to our three universities. With the amount slashed from university budgets over the past few years, that $19 million is small change and small comfort.
Directly below that comes the next deception: "The governor’s Classrooms First Initiative is making sure new money for our schools remains a top priority for Arizona." Nope. The Classrooms First initiative isn't about new money. It's about redistributing the insufficient funding that's already there, most likely giving more of it to charter schools and to schools filled with children from affluent homes.
The last sentence in that part of the document says, "Arizona is committed to providing every student with a world-class education." Whoever wrote that should be grateful there's not an Education God sitting in a classroom in the sky. If there were, a lightning bolt, or maybe a giant wooden paddle with the words "Board of Education" written on it would have come crashing down on the lying wordsmith's head.
Where to begin? How about the beginning section of the flashy online 2016: Year in Review titled Educational Excellence, which says Prop 123 "is adding $3.5 billion to our K-12 education system over the next 10 years." Prop 123 gives back a portion of what the deadbeat dads and moms on the Republican side of the aisle at the Arizona legislature stole from the state's school children in 2009. Yes, stole. Lest we forget, the lege illegally violated the 2000 voter mandate in Prop 301 to use a new sales tax increase to increase K-12 spending. When you renege on child support mandated by law, then pay some of it back, you don't get to pat yourself on the back for your generosity.
Right under the Prop 123 lie, Ducey says the 2017 budget "injected an additional $142 million into K-12 education and an additional $38 million into universities." Nope. Most of the K-12 money was to cover inflation and increased enrollment—that's stay-even money—and to delay planned funding cuts to schools—that's we'll-get-you-next-year money. The $38 million for universities includes $8 million to cover increased student population, $5 million to pay for the "economic freedom schools" which were previously funded by the Koch brothers, and $19 million total in one-time money to our three universities. With the amount slashed from university budgets over the past few years, that $19 million is small change and small comfort.
Directly below that comes the next deception: "The governor’s Classrooms First Initiative is making sure new money for our schools remains a top priority for Arizona." Nope. The Classrooms First initiative isn't about new money. It's about redistributing the insufficient funding that's already there, most likely giving more of it to charter schools and to schools filled with children from affluent homes.
The last sentence in that part of the document says, "Arizona is committed to providing every student with a world-class education." Whoever wrote that should be grateful there's not an Education God sitting in a classroom in the sky. If there were, a lightning bolt, or maybe a giant wooden paddle with the words "Board of Education" written on it would have come crashing down on the lying wordsmith's head.
Tags: Governor Ducey , 2016: Year in Review , K-12 funding , Classrooms First Initiative
Friday, December 9, 2016
Chris LaBoda is on a mission to find a piece of family history. Last April, a telescope was sold from his parent's estate in Tucson. This particular telescope is is special: LaBoda's father built it by hand in the '60s.
Telescope is about 5' long, white with spotting scope on the side and wood tripod. Came in a nice wood box with green felt where the telescope came in contacted the wood ...The telescope was sold by a family member and a real estate agent without the consent of LaBoda, who is offering a $100 reward to anyone who finds it. If you see or hear anything pertaining to the telescope, reach out to LaBoda on Facebook and help him out.
My father, who was a mechanical engineer, built it and polished the lenses by hand back in the 60’s. We used to set it up in the backyard during the summer to look at stars.
The Carriage House is a very classy restaurant. But who said kids can’t appreciate fine cuisine? Certainly not Carriage House owner Chef Janos Wilder.
This weekend he makes that very clear with the Carriage House’s first-ever kids cooking class (more precisely, baking class), when children—and teens!—can learn how to make fine cuisine—or more precisely, dainty desserts.
Carriage House Chefs Ashley Chen and Devon Sanner will lead youngsters between the ages of 8 and 14 in a fully interactive class instructing them on baking and decorating holiday treats that are so fancy they can be given out as gifts this year. (Although you’d better not even pretend the young bakers won’t sample plenty of their wares.)
The class will cover such tricked-out treats as candy-cane white-chocolate hearts and truffles, cupcakes in mason jars and more, and all participants will get take-home gifts for their families—even if the goodies they make don’t quite turn out perfectly … this time.
The class takes place 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at The Carriage House, 125 S. Arizona Ave. Each child’s entry will cost $40 (and each must be accompanied by an adult). Make reservations at carriagehousetucson.com or by calling 615-6100.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Phoenix Union High School District issued a statement of its commitment to "excellence and equality for all students . . . every single one of the young lives entrusted to us." According to the press release, the statement was created "in response to the concerns of many parents, students and staff following the election cycle." It's a model for any school district wanting to affirm its commitment to the safety and welfare of all its students.
I'm including the entire statement, but first I want to spotlight the words at the end.
I'm including the entire statement, but first I want to spotlight the words at the end.
As a district, we make the following commitments:The entire statement is below:
We will continue to strengthen and implement processes that authentically raise up student voice.
We will work together - side by side and with all willing stakeholders - to address issues of race, of poverty, of discrimination, and of hate.
We will stand behind our Phoenix Union DACA recipients and DREAMers regardless of changes in law or policy. We will continue to work with community, city, state, and national leaders to create opportunities for our DACA and DREAMer students and their families so that they may thrive personally and academically. Our campuses will remain safe places for our students and their families.
Phoenix Union will continue to shun hate, judgment, violence, discrimination, and divisiveness. Instead, we will promote peace, acceptance, inclusivity, and compassion.
We choose love.
We choose our students and families.
Every single one of them.
Tags: Phoenix Union High School District , Presidential election , DACA , DREAMers
Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.
Pick of the Week
Fifth Annual Rock Lottery: In one of the most unique events of the year, the fifth annual rock lottery will feature 25 local musicians in an impromptu concert in makeshift bands. The concept is this: take 25 musicians, throw them together in five five-piece bands, give them 12 hours to write and practice four original songs and perform in front of an audience. The point of the rock lottery is to highlight the diverse musical culture the city has and to show how differing genres can, in fact, collaborate. All of the proceeds from the concert will go toward the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. show 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Flycatcher, 340 E. Sixth St. Tickets - $5 and/or bring two non-perishable food items for donation music, community, charity
Holiday & Shopping
4th Avenue Winter Street Fair: It is that time of year again! Fourth Avenue is donning it's tell tale white tents and stocking up on art, jewelry and food for the winter version of the Fourth Avenue Street Fair. Join more than 400 arts and crafts booths and 35 food booths for a weekend of one stop shopping. 10 a.m. to dusk Friday, Dec. 9- Sunday, Dec. 11.
Holiday Burlesque at The Rialto: The local burlesque crew Black Cherry Burlesque will put on a holiday themed show at the Rialto for one night only. General admission and VIP seating is available. doors 8 p.m.; show 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. General admission: $10; VIP with front row seating: $20.
CandyStrike & Anna Bronwyn Murphy Holiday Pop Up: Throw the entirety of your wardrobe in the garbage, you’re not going to need it anyone. Skip the Street Fair and head over to CandyStrike (which offers killer clothes, sizes small to 4XL) and Anna Bronwyn Murphy (a local lowbrow artist who deals in giclee prints and PULPtart jewelry) pop up shop of your dreams. Pick up a few pieces for yourself, obviously finish holiday shopping for your most fashionable of friends. Stop in sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. Studio ONE, 197 E Toole Ave.
Harry Potter Ball: Muggles now have a chance to live a night in the Harry Potter world at Barnes & Noble. The company will host a Potter party at all location across the country to celebrate the holidays in Yule-ball inspired style. Come in your best dressed or in your Hogwarts uniform for a night of dancing and Potter crafts. Make sure to check with your local store before the event for special instructions. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Free.
Food & Booze
Candy and Beer Pairing: Casa Film Bar has the perfect event for your favorite booze hound with a sweet tooth. The name says it all: this event meant to pick the perfect pairing between sweets and drinks. This event will also be wintered themed, so get those holiday sweaters out! 7 - 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Casa Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Bring money for candy and drinks.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl: Celebrate the holidays with alcohol at this community bar crawl. Come dressed in the ugliest holiday sweater you can find to be entered into the night's ugly sweater contest. Registration includes a wristband that gets you drink specials at the participating bars and admission into the crawl's after party. You can register online, wristband pick up is at The Hut from 6 - 8 p.m. 6 - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave. $10-$15.
UA Science Cafe at Boarderlands Brewery: This local brewery will host a lecture from Valerie Rountree, a Ph.D. candidate from the UA, who will share how staekholder participation in renewable energy shapes the policies the U.S. has involving the environment, sepcifically in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. This lecture is part of the brewery's UA Science Cafe series. 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 Boarderlands Brewery, 119 E. Toole Ave. bring money for drinks science, community, booze
Sentinel Peak Beer Dinner: In the mood for a really incredible dinner with the best beer matches possible? Chef (and former TW writer) CJ Hamm is putting together a four course meal featuring fried oyster and beet chips, pan seared halibut, cumin crusted lamb and fig tartlet paired with great beers from Sentinel Peak. Look up the Facebook event page for the rest of the mouthwatering menu. 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. Saguaro Corners, 3750 S Old Spanish Trail.
Tap & Bottle Spelling Bee[r]: Never won that spelling bee trophy in elementary school? Tap and Bottle's got you covered. The local beer house is planning an adult spelling bee—yes, you're encouraged to drink, why wouldn't you? Get the chance to earn your tipsy self some prizes and, of course, a trophy for the winner. Sign up: 6:45 p.m. Spelling Bee: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Free, bring money for booze.
Elf at the Fox: If you're dying to see the holiday movie of the generation on the big screen once again, you can catch it at the Fox Theatre. It's the story of a young baby named Buddy who crawled into Santa's sack and was taken back to the North Pole where he is raised as an elf. Once he is an adult, he decides to make the adventure back to his home town of New York City to find his father. 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 The Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Adults: $7, Students/Military/Seniors: $5. Children 12 and under are free.
Holiday sing along: Get ready for a holiday music party with The Loft Cinema. The theater will host its annual party with the best holiday music moments from classic movies, T.V. shows and music videos. Admission comes with one goodie bag filled with props to use during the show. If you bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Casa De Los Ninos, admission price is half-off. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. General Admission: $10; Members and kids under 12: $8.
Music
Sarah Watkins: This fiddler, guitarist, ukulele player and singer in Nickel Creek has recorded with everyone from Hank Williams Jr. to Fiona Apple to John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). But ever since releasing her first solo album in 2009 she’s proven herself to be a singing and songwriting force. Her songs and voice swing painlessly between country weepers, honky-tonk stompers, bluegrass-y testifiers and rock ’n’ roll rousers, and there’s a sense of optimism that streams through everything— even the sadnesses—and in that way she’s like Emmylou Harris. She has a way of seeing clear water beyond the mud. Get tickets soon, this show will sell out. With River Whyless on Thursday, Dec. 8. 191 Toole, 191 Toole Ave. 7 p.m. $20-$22. 21+.
Lil Durk: This melodic rapper from south Chi-town mellows down easy on smooth soulful flows. Even when he kicks it up he’s still chill. It’s compelling too ’cause he’s offering up monologues from the streets, without all the tired suckerpunch braggadocio. Dude’s got a super-sensitive side, kinda like a modern day Marvin Gaye, and women swoon at his shows. Durk’s only been around since 2011, but after rising out of the OTF collective, and releasing a series of monster mixtapes and signing with Def Jam, he’s getting close to a million monthly spins on Spotify, and his latest album (Lil Durk 2X) boasts stars like Yo Gotti and Ty Dolla $ign. Friday, Dec. 9 With Club XS, 5851 E. Speedway. $25-$28. 7 p.m. All ages.
Fat Nick: This 22-year-old rotund wonder rose to fame on YouTube (watch the perfectly preposterous and shoestring-budgeted Nick and Pouya Show), and cleverly titled group The Buffet Boys. Fat Nick came up a bored teen—skater, high school dropout, dealer etc.—who found his calling (with running bud Pouya) slinging with unbridled aplomb truthful yet filthy phrases, as if he was born to do it. So it’s little wonder the kids are diggin’ ole Fat Nick. That street sizzle is taking this underground rap superstar straight to the mainstream. With Lil Peep, Smokepurpp and Dom Krez on Saturday, Dec. 10. 191 Toole, 191 Toole Ave. 9 p.m. All Ages. $15-$40.
Elisabeth Geel: Tucson resident Elisabeth Geel has simply mastered smooth acoustic-driven jazz and folk with Judee Sill-like vocals that lift and soothe. She could lull even a screaming baby to quiet. This singer/songwriter, a Dutch-born daughter of a musician father and painter mother, spent many years living in Italy, and all parts Europe, is celebrating the release of her third expansive jazz, folk-tinged album, Lookin’ In from the Outside. This show will see Geel backed by renowned area instrumentalists including violinist/composer Nick Coventry, bassist/composer Mike Levy and keyboardist Doug Martin. It’ll be a rewarding show for fans of late-night jazz and early ’70s-styled West Coast folk, and gentle epistles to memories and melancholies fading in the rearview. Added bonus: all of her music is set to goosebump vocal melodies. Really engaging stuff by a tremendously skilled songwriting chanteuse. Saturday, Dec. 17 at Galactic Center, 35 E Toole Ave/ 8 p.m. 21+. Free.
Retch: This high-cheekboned New Jersey jailbird, whose infamy partially rose on storied Instagram pics (see him double-fisting blunts etc) is remarkable for many things including his wonderfully somnolent raps. In fact, it sometimes sounds as if he downed codeine or imbibed in heavy lean sippin’ before stepping up to the mic (listen to the expertly hypnotic “Codeine Gangsta Party”). No, Retch (or Retchy P) ain’t your old man’s crack-era gansta shit. But there’s more: Retch really is an up-to-the-moment authentic spitter; his raps are filled with savage non-fiction sketches of street hassles and gnarly druggies and associated addictions. If that sounds all played out in rap, hold on; what Retch offers is straight-up street reportage with no filters, and so far it’s not coming from an elevated perch of money and associated Trump-like goofiness. He even penned a track that sort of honors the Special Olympics. Who knows what perch he’ll be rapping from in five years time, but right now he’s about to hit it in Tucson. With Positive Satan at The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Sunday, Dec. 10. 7 p.m. $17-$20. All ages.
Grite-Leon: This Tucson quintet blends heavy funk and a kind of modern prog with moments of hardcore, light ska and good old-fashioned Grant Road and Alvernon street grit. Just add some guitar-pedal madness, mosh-pit funkin’ and gutsy sing-to-scream vocals and you’ll get the idea. Some of their songs are even catchy as hell. What’s not to love about a demented pop song with a Spanish-sung bridge and a refrain that extols the virtues of “living on the floor”? Exactly. It’s hard to believe this rock quintet has been lurking around these parts for a decade. It’s like their loud existence is kept quiet in Tucson, which, if you think about it, makes them even more of an Old Pueblo band. This show doubles as a great cause too; it’s a toy drive for Casa De Los Niños, the local, doing-God’s-work shelter for children. So this whole deal really is all about giving some holiday cheer for Tucson’s less fortunate youth. Come out and give it up! With Bordertown Devil’s on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Club Congress. 6 p.m. $5 or free with toy donation. 21+
Billy Sedlmayr & The Mother Higgins Children’s Band: Billy Sedlmayr pens frighteningly lovely glimpses into the lives of the horribly addicted, and the stalled existences of flawed dreamers. His are folk-rock-country tunes that most often brim with truth and tender regrets. There’s a heady sense of locale in his work too, to the point of mythology. In fact, his debut album, 2014’s Charmed Life—produced by golden-eared Gabe Sullivan—features “Tucson Kills,” an Old Pueblo anthem for the ages. The song’s replete with mournful Mexican brass and haunting wordplay that takes us from fading 6th Avenue whores and local drug barrios to the fire at the Pioneer Hotel that killed 29 people and “going crazy” in Florence prison yards. Billy’s a genuine Tucson lucky charm (and now a regular Tucson Weekly contributor) who starred in the area’s first punk band, The Pedestrians, and later co-founded Giant Sandworms. We here at the Weekly say that old Travis Edmonson—or Townes Van Zandt for that matter—ain’t got nothin’ on Sedlmayr. This show promises to be great: Sedlmayr’s performing with his complete backup combo The Mother Higgins Children’s Band (dedicated Tucsonans can’t miss the killer local reference in the band name). He’ll also be doing some songs from his forthcoming, Gabe Sullivan-helmed album Sophomore Slump. With Louise Le Hir, Friday, Dec. 16 at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress. 8 p.m. $10-$12. 21+.
Comedy
Jason Russell and Carlos Valencia: Jason Russell, the son of a white father and black mother, used comedy as a defensive strategy practically from kindergarten. Luckily, he was well armed. He says that every Saturday was a family party to Watch SCTV and Saturday Night Live. He learned character bits by heart, including those by Jim Carey, Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. Soon he began creating his own memorable characters; many turn up in the facial expressions and other silliness that became his trademark. Russell is featured with opener Carlos Valencia. See one of the four shows happening Dec. 9-10. Laffs Comedy Caffé, 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. $10-$15, plus a two item minimum.
Tucson Improv Movement offers a laugh break from the Fourth Avenue Street Fair this weekend. Free family-friendly improv shows are every hour, on the hour, from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12, at the TIM theater, 329 W. Seventh St., just off Fourth Ave.
Musical Mayhem Cabaret: Billing themselves as “Under-rehearsed and Over-dramatic,” the Musical Mayhem Cabaret delivers on that promise will all the commitment of the cast of Hamilton. Whether you love Broadway musicals or hate them, you are likely to find satisfaction in this evening of send-ups, loony sketches and inventive remakes. 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11. Unscrewed Theater, 3244 E. Speedway Blvd. $10.
Pick of the Week
Fifth Annual Rock Lottery: In one of the most unique events of the year, the fifth annual rock lottery will feature 25 local musicians in an impromptu concert in makeshift bands. The concept is this: take 25 musicians, throw them together in five five-piece bands, give them 12 hours to write and practice four original songs and perform in front of an audience. The point of the rock lottery is to highlight the diverse musical culture the city has and to show how differing genres can, in fact, collaborate. All of the proceeds from the concert will go toward the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. show 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Flycatcher, 340 E. Sixth St. Tickets - $5 and/or bring two non-perishable food items for donation music, community, charity Holiday & Shopping
4th Avenue Winter Street Fair: It is that time of year again! Fourth Avenue is donning it's tell tale white tents and stocking up on art, jewelry and food for the winter version of the Fourth Avenue Street Fair. Join more than 400 arts and crafts booths and 35 food booths for a weekend of one stop shopping. 10 a.m. to dusk Friday, Dec. 9- Sunday, Dec. 11.Holiday Burlesque at The Rialto: The local burlesque crew Black Cherry Burlesque will put on a holiday themed show at the Rialto for one night only. General admission and VIP seating is available. doors 8 p.m.; show 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. General admission: $10; VIP with front row seating: $20.
CandyStrike & Anna Bronwyn Murphy Holiday Pop Up: Throw the entirety of your wardrobe in the garbage, you’re not going to need it anyone. Skip the Street Fair and head over to CandyStrike (which offers killer clothes, sizes small to 4XL) and Anna Bronwyn Murphy (a local lowbrow artist who deals in giclee prints and PULPtart jewelry) pop up shop of your dreams. Pick up a few pieces for yourself, obviously finish holiday shopping for your most fashionable of friends. Stop in sometime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. Studio ONE, 197 E Toole Ave.
Harry Potter Ball: Muggles now have a chance to live a night in the Harry Potter world at Barnes & Noble. The company will host a Potter party at all location across the country to celebrate the holidays in Yule-ball inspired style. Come in your best dressed or in your Hogwarts uniform for a night of dancing and Potter crafts. Make sure to check with your local store before the event for special instructions. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Free.
Food & Booze
Candy and Beer Pairing: Casa Film Bar has the perfect event for your favorite booze hound with a sweet tooth. The name says it all: this event meant to pick the perfect pairing between sweets and drinks. This event will also be wintered themed, so get those holiday sweaters out! 7 - 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Casa Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Bring money for candy and drinks.Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl: Celebrate the holidays with alcohol at this community bar crawl. Come dressed in the ugliest holiday sweater you can find to be entered into the night's ugly sweater contest. Registration includes a wristband that gets you drink specials at the participating bars and admission into the crawl's after party. You can register online, wristband pick up is at The Hut from 6 - 8 p.m. 6 - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave. $10-$15.
UA Science Cafe at Boarderlands Brewery: This local brewery will host a lecture from Valerie Rountree, a Ph.D. candidate from the UA, who will share how staekholder participation in renewable energy shapes the policies the U.S. has involving the environment, sepcifically in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. This lecture is part of the brewery's UA Science Cafe series. 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 Boarderlands Brewery, 119 E. Toole Ave. bring money for drinks science, community, booze
Sentinel Peak Beer Dinner: In the mood for a really incredible dinner with the best beer matches possible? Chef (and former TW writer) CJ Hamm is putting together a four course meal featuring fried oyster and beet chips, pan seared halibut, cumin crusted lamb and fig tartlet paired with great beers from Sentinel Peak. Look up the Facebook event page for the rest of the mouthwatering menu. 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. Saguaro Corners, 3750 S Old Spanish Trail.
Tap & Bottle Spelling Bee[r]: Never won that spelling bee trophy in elementary school? Tap and Bottle's got you covered. The local beer house is planning an adult spelling bee—yes, you're encouraged to drink, why wouldn't you? Get the chance to earn your tipsy self some prizes and, of course, a trophy for the winner. Sign up: 6:45 p.m. Spelling Bee: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Free, bring money for booze.
Cinema
The Wizard of Oz Free Screening with Loft Jr.: The Loft will open its doors early for games with local toy store super heroes Mildred and Dildred, and a free screening of The Wizard of Oz. This event is family friendly and is a part of the theater's Loft Jr. series presented by Trail Dust Town. doors 9:15 a.m., film 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. bring money for popcorn and snacks.Elf at the Fox: If you're dying to see the holiday movie of the generation on the big screen once again, you can catch it at the Fox Theatre. It's the story of a young baby named Buddy who crawled into Santa's sack and was taken back to the North Pole where he is raised as an elf. Once he is an adult, he decides to make the adventure back to his home town of New York City to find his father. 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 The Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Adults: $7, Students/Military/Seniors: $5. Children 12 and under are free.
Holiday sing along: Get ready for a holiday music party with The Loft Cinema. The theater will host its annual party with the best holiday music moments from classic movies, T.V. shows and music videos. Admission comes with one goodie bag filled with props to use during the show. If you bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Casa De Los Ninos, admission price is half-off. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. General Admission: $10; Members and kids under 12: $8.
Music
Sarah Watkins: This fiddler, guitarist, ukulele player and singer in Nickel Creek has recorded with everyone from Hank Williams Jr. to Fiona Apple to John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). But ever since releasing her first solo album in 2009 she’s proven herself to be a singing and songwriting force. Her songs and voice swing painlessly between country weepers, honky-tonk stompers, bluegrass-y testifiers and rock ’n’ roll rousers, and there’s a sense of optimism that streams through everything— even the sadnesses—and in that way she’s like Emmylou Harris. She has a way of seeing clear water beyond the mud. Get tickets soon, this show will sell out. With River Whyless on Thursday, Dec. 8. 191 Toole, 191 Toole Ave. 7 p.m. $20-$22. 21+.
Lil Durk: This melodic rapper from south Chi-town mellows down easy on smooth soulful flows. Even when he kicks it up he’s still chill. It’s compelling too ’cause he’s offering up monologues from the streets, without all the tired suckerpunch braggadocio. Dude’s got a super-sensitive side, kinda like a modern day Marvin Gaye, and women swoon at his shows. Durk’s only been around since 2011, but after rising out of the OTF collective, and releasing a series of monster mixtapes and signing with Def Jam, he’s getting close to a million monthly spins on Spotify, and his latest album (Lil Durk 2X) boasts stars like Yo Gotti and Ty Dolla $ign. Friday, Dec. 9 With Club XS, 5851 E. Speedway. $25-$28. 7 p.m. All ages.
Fat Nick: This 22-year-old rotund wonder rose to fame on YouTube (watch the perfectly preposterous and shoestring-budgeted Nick and Pouya Show), and cleverly titled group The Buffet Boys. Fat Nick came up a bored teen—skater, high school dropout, dealer etc.—who found his calling (with running bud Pouya) slinging with unbridled aplomb truthful yet filthy phrases, as if he was born to do it. So it’s little wonder the kids are diggin’ ole Fat Nick. That street sizzle is taking this underground rap superstar straight to the mainstream. With Lil Peep, Smokepurpp and Dom Krez on Saturday, Dec. 10. 191 Toole, 191 Toole Ave. 9 p.m. All Ages. $15-$40.
Elisabeth Geel: Tucson resident Elisabeth Geel has simply mastered smooth acoustic-driven jazz and folk with Judee Sill-like vocals that lift and soothe. She could lull even a screaming baby to quiet. This singer/songwriter, a Dutch-born daughter of a musician father and painter mother, spent many years living in Italy, and all parts Europe, is celebrating the release of her third expansive jazz, folk-tinged album, Lookin’ In from the Outside. This show will see Geel backed by renowned area instrumentalists including violinist/composer Nick Coventry, bassist/composer Mike Levy and keyboardist Doug Martin. It’ll be a rewarding show for fans of late-night jazz and early ’70s-styled West Coast folk, and gentle epistles to memories and melancholies fading in the rearview. Added bonus: all of her music is set to goosebump vocal melodies. Really engaging stuff by a tremendously skilled songwriting chanteuse. Saturday, Dec. 17 at Galactic Center, 35 E Toole Ave/ 8 p.m. 21+. Free.
Retch: This high-cheekboned New Jersey jailbird, whose infamy partially rose on storied Instagram pics (see him double-fisting blunts etc) is remarkable for many things including his wonderfully somnolent raps. In fact, it sometimes sounds as if he downed codeine or imbibed in heavy lean sippin’ before stepping up to the mic (listen to the expertly hypnotic “Codeine Gangsta Party”). No, Retch (or Retchy P) ain’t your old man’s crack-era gansta shit. But there’s more: Retch really is an up-to-the-moment authentic spitter; his raps are filled with savage non-fiction sketches of street hassles and gnarly druggies and associated addictions. If that sounds all played out in rap, hold on; what Retch offers is straight-up street reportage with no filters, and so far it’s not coming from an elevated perch of money and associated Trump-like goofiness. He even penned a track that sort of honors the Special Olympics. Who knows what perch he’ll be rapping from in five years time, but right now he’s about to hit it in Tucson. With Positive Satan at The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Sunday, Dec. 10. 7 p.m. $17-$20. All ages.
Grite-Leon: This Tucson quintet blends heavy funk and a kind of modern prog with moments of hardcore, light ska and good old-fashioned Grant Road and Alvernon street grit. Just add some guitar-pedal madness, mosh-pit funkin’ and gutsy sing-to-scream vocals and you’ll get the idea. Some of their songs are even catchy as hell. What’s not to love about a demented pop song with a Spanish-sung bridge and a refrain that extols the virtues of “living on the floor”? Exactly. It’s hard to believe this rock quintet has been lurking around these parts for a decade. It’s like their loud existence is kept quiet in Tucson, which, if you think about it, makes them even more of an Old Pueblo band. This show doubles as a great cause too; it’s a toy drive for Casa De Los Niños, the local, doing-God’s-work shelter for children. So this whole deal really is all about giving some holiday cheer for Tucson’s less fortunate youth. Come out and give it up! With Bordertown Devil’s on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Club Congress. 6 p.m. $5 or free with toy donation. 21+
Billy Sedlmayr & The Mother Higgins Children’s Band: Billy Sedlmayr pens frighteningly lovely glimpses into the lives of the horribly addicted, and the stalled existences of flawed dreamers. His are folk-rock-country tunes that most often brim with truth and tender regrets. There’s a heady sense of locale in his work too, to the point of mythology. In fact, his debut album, 2014’s Charmed Life—produced by golden-eared Gabe Sullivan—features “Tucson Kills,” an Old Pueblo anthem for the ages. The song’s replete with mournful Mexican brass and haunting wordplay that takes us from fading 6th Avenue whores and local drug barrios to the fire at the Pioneer Hotel that killed 29 people and “going crazy” in Florence prison yards. Billy’s a genuine Tucson lucky charm (and now a regular Tucson Weekly contributor) who starred in the area’s first punk band, The Pedestrians, and later co-founded Giant Sandworms. We here at the Weekly say that old Travis Edmonson—or Townes Van Zandt for that matter—ain’t got nothin’ on Sedlmayr. This show promises to be great: Sedlmayr’s performing with his complete backup combo The Mother Higgins Children’s Band (dedicated Tucsonans can’t miss the killer local reference in the band name). He’ll also be doing some songs from his forthcoming, Gabe Sullivan-helmed album Sophomore Slump. With Louise Le Hir, Friday, Dec. 16 at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress. 8 p.m. $10-$12. 21+.
Comedy
Jason Russell and Carlos Valencia: Jason Russell, the son of a white father and black mother, used comedy as a defensive strategy practically from kindergarten. Luckily, he was well armed. He says that every Saturday was a family party to Watch SCTV and Saturday Night Live. He learned character bits by heart, including those by Jim Carey, Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. Soon he began creating his own memorable characters; many turn up in the facial expressions and other silliness that became his trademark. Russell is featured with opener Carlos Valencia. See one of the four shows happening Dec. 9-10. Laffs Comedy Caffé, 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. $10-$15, plus a two item minimum. Tucson Improv Movement offers a laugh break from the Fourth Avenue Street Fair this weekend. Free family-friendly improv shows are every hour, on the hour, from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12, at the TIM theater, 329 W. Seventh St., just off Fourth Ave.
Musical Mayhem Cabaret: Billing themselves as “Under-rehearsed and Over-dramatic,” the Musical Mayhem Cabaret delivers on that promise will all the commitment of the cast of Hamilton. Whether you love Broadway musicals or hate them, you are likely to find satisfaction in this evening of send-ups, loony sketches and inventive remakes. 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11. Unscrewed Theater, 3244 E. Speedway Blvd. $10.
Producer and sound provider DJQ's mission is to enlighten people with the sounds of the barrio. From bring the revolutionary sounds of the 70s to his music, to playing G-FUNK to set the ambiance at a party, Q will always bring the music him and his people have been and continue to listen to.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Sonora Santanera, bro. Cumbia straight up. They were old man, old old. The women was still shacking her rump on stage too. That was in Boise, Idaho with my parents. It was a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
What was the first album you owned?
The first hip hop album I owned was The Sound of Revenge by Chamillionaire. But the first album in general was this disco compilation that my dad had and he gave it to me. It had Curtis Mayfield, Donna Summer—just old disco hits.
What are you listening to these days?
My cassette adapter broke, so I made myself mix cds of all my favorite hip hop jams. There two mix CDs, on them is like Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, the homie MIKE CHEKC local talent, Combine Vibes also homies in town. But for whatever reason man, there are 19 tracks on both of them, I always get stuck listening to the one Big Pun song I have. "Twinz, Deep Cover" I thinks its called. The one where he's like "In the middle of Little Italy, little did we know dilly do diddly."
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
You know what? At this point, I feel like I am more accepting of stuff but, I guess noise man. I don't know if it's popular but I just don't understand noise.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see Funkadelic, man. George Clinton and his posse. To see how those dudes get down. Them or Sun Ra.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Indie pop, indie pop, man. Marina and The Diamonds and like, I mean it doesn't guilt me as much but I know to my hip hop homies and DJ friends I wouldn't play that shit to them. I wouldn't show them that or tell them I got this sample from that.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
I think the song that I would love for people to play at my funeral... "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" by The Smiths. That's the one.
What artist changed your life and how?
A Tribe Called Quest, man. The positivist in their lyrics and what they were going back too—summoning all types of different people. Like on their second album, the "Excursions" track, the sampling on that is ridiculous and they had The Last Poets on that and they are a big influence on me too man. Like their general idea of sampling the stuff that their parents had in their record collection and turning that out.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Between Super Fly by Curtis Mayfield and To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar. I think "Super Fly" is my favorite album of all time.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Sonora Santanera, bro. Cumbia straight up. They were old man, old old. The women was still shacking her rump on stage too. That was in Boise, Idaho with my parents. It was a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
What was the first album you owned?
The first hip hop album I owned was The Sound of Revenge by Chamillionaire. But the first album in general was this disco compilation that my dad had and he gave it to me. It had Curtis Mayfield, Donna Summer—just old disco hits.
What are you listening to these days?
My cassette adapter broke, so I made myself mix cds of all my favorite hip hop jams. There two mix CDs, on them is like Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, the homie MIKE CHEKC local talent, Combine Vibes also homies in town. But for whatever reason man, there are 19 tracks on both of them, I always get stuck listening to the one Big Pun song I have. "Twinz, Deep Cover" I thinks its called. The one where he's like "In the middle of Little Italy, little did we know dilly do diddly."
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
You know what? At this point, I feel like I am more accepting of stuff but, I guess noise man. I don't know if it's popular but I just don't understand noise.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see Funkadelic, man. George Clinton and his posse. To see how those dudes get down. Them or Sun Ra.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Indie pop, indie pop, man. Marina and The Diamonds and like, I mean it doesn't guilt me as much but I know to my hip hop homies and DJ friends I wouldn't play that shit to them. I wouldn't show them that or tell them I got this sample from that.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
I think the song that I would love for people to play at my funeral... "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" by The Smiths. That's the one.
What artist changed your life and how?
A Tribe Called Quest, man. The positivist in their lyrics and what they were going back too—summoning all types of different people. Like on their second album, the "Excursions" track, the sampling on that is ridiculous and they had The Last Poets on that and they are a big influence on me too man. Like their general idea of sampling the stuff that their parents had in their record collection and turning that out.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Between Super Fly by Curtis Mayfield and To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar. I think "Super Fly" is my favorite album of all time.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
“Let’s just get a sandwich or something.”
The latest commercials for national chain Panera Bread pooh-poohs this phrase. But if you ever visit Tucson’s own long-beloved Food Conspiracy Co-op—especially for its ready-made snacks and meals (notably, but not limited to, sandwiches)—you might be saying it more frequently, with gusto, to your friends (and/or yourself … to each their own inner dialogue).
Because yes, the Co-op’s Conspiracy Kitchen—one of Tucson’s latest, greatest “grocerants” (noun: in-store diner offering cooked dishes and take-out prepared foods)—has just opened a “sandwich bar” (noun: like a salad bar, but for sandwiches).
On the menu? All sandwiches on the existing Conspiracy Kitchen made-to-order menu (e.g., the tempeh BLT, egg-salad sandwich, roast-beef-provolone-and-green-chile panini)—but at the bar, they’re made by you. So if you want your a hummus wrap—but toasted, on sourdough rather than in a sprouted-wheat wrap, with sprouts, not lettuce—just grab your ingredients from the bread, protein and veggie sections and make it yourself. And grab a salad or other side dish while you’re at it.
The sandwiches all cost the same, sure, but now you can have the power.
(We admit when we first heard “sandwich bar,” we hoped it referred to a bar that also specialized in sandwiches. But maybe that’s coming next.)
The Conspiracy Kitchen Sandwich Bar, 412 N. Fourth Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 624-4821 or visit their website for more info.
In Tucson Stained Glass, bright glass items hang from the ceiling. The front windows display stained glass projects previous students and artists have completed, no one similar to any other. There are birds, cacti, animals, flowers, and kitchenware. Shelves of multicolored glass plates line the store, flanked by glassmaking supplies and equipment. And in the rear, a kiln and many work tables are laid out, with people hard at work on their next stained glass projects. This is the store Estelle Flores has created.
“All the tools and equipment are here for people to work on their projects, and do whatever they need to do to get done,” she said.
The shop, located at 4444 E. Grant Road in Tucson’s Garden District, is involved in more than just the sale of stained glass. The store offers many classes, and even does out of shop work on buildings around Tucson.
“We have done some church restoration, many years ago we did four very large stained glass windows for Valencia Middle School, for their library,” Flores said. They have also worked on many homes in Tucson.
Flores has been interested in stained glass for decades, and the shop was born out of her passion.
“Stained glass I got into back in 1985, very haphazardly through some friends that I knew at the time,” Flores said. She took a free class and fell in love with the art.
She said she was unable to devote much of her time to stained glass until she started working at another shop in Tucson. Partnering with another stained glass shop owner who has since retired, they opened Tucson Stained Glass in 2005.
The classes the shop offers are intended to teach many levels of making stained glass. The shop even offers a free glass cutting class to get people started. “Within two hours, you’re gonna know all the nuances you need to know,” Flores said.
In the free class, students will learn about different methods of glass cutting, curves, how to plan patterns, as well as time saving techniques.
“Once you do that, go into whatever aspect of glass one wants to go into.” she said. “You are ready. You’ve got the fundamentals, and you’ve got the main arsenal of tools you need to do whatever else it is you want to do”.
Her son, Adrian Flores, learned the skill from her, and has learned a lot from being in the shop himself.
