Monday, November 11, 2019
Veterans Day Half Marathon & 5K at Tucson Mountain Park. Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks is
a local group that puts on races for people of all fitness levels, from those who are brand-new to
exercise to the most seasoned runners. This event, now in its 14th year, features gorgeous views of the Tucson mountains and something to brag about to your coworkers when you go back to work on Tuesday. There will be a stroller division for the 5K, and there are discounts available for veterans or active duty. 7:15 a.m. half marathon start, 7:25 a.m. 5K start. Monday, Nov. 11. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. $82 half marathon and $40 for the 5K. Registration ends at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. Information.
American Dharma. Part of the Loft Film Fest, this screening is the Arizona premiere of documentarian Errol Morris’ new portrait of controversial Breitbart honcho, Trump advisor, “populist” warrior and (oddly enough) long-time movie-lover, Steven Bannon. Set in a Quonset hut set modeled after one of Bannon’s favorite films, Morris faces off with the alt-right icon, and questions him about the most “disturbing and divisive” milestones in his career. This documentary has also screened at New York, Toronto and Chicago film festivals. 2:45 Sunday, Nov. 10, and noon Monday, Nov. 11. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Information.
The Last Night of Ballyhoo. It’s 1939, and change is afoot all over the world. While Hitler is invading Poland on one side of the world, the Jewish community in Atlanta is making fervent preparations for Ballyhoo, a big cotillion ball that marks the social event of the year. The Freitag family is looking forward to finding some eligible bachelors for their two daughters to marry. But when a handsome bachelor who is also an Eastern European Jew enters the scene, the family is prompted to examine their biases, beliefs and Jewish identities. This comedy/drama won the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Saturday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 24 with 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $15 students, $30 seniors/military/UA employees, $32 adults. Information.
American Dharma. Part of the Loft Film Fest, this screening is the Arizona premiere of documentarian Errol Morris’ new portrait of controversial Breitbart honcho, Trump advisor, “populist” warrior and (oddly enough) long-time movie-lover, Steven Bannon. Set in a Quonset hut set modeled after one of Bannon’s favorite films, Morris faces off with the alt-right icon, and questions him about the most “disturbing and divisive” milestones in his career. This documentary has also screened at New York, Toronto and Chicago film festivals. 2:45 Sunday, Nov. 10, and noon Monday, Nov. 11. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Information.
Tags: Veterans , Veterans Day , Ballyhoo , Image
Friday, November 8, 2019
The main reason I began watching HBO's new series, Watchmen, was because I heard the show incorporated the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre as a central part of its narrative. (And, I should add, I'm a fan of comic-book-noir television series.) The show is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in an alternative present where descendants of the Massacre receive reparations — you know right there it's an alternative reality — and an underground group of white supremacists is waging war on the city's black population and the police.
The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of many horrifying chapters in this country's racist history. It is made that much more shameful by the fact that it has been purposely omitted from our historical narrative, as have many similarly horrific events. The 1898 Wilmington Massacre was misrepresented for decades as a victory of whites over a black uprising, when it was spoken of at all. The more recent 1968 Orangeburg Massacre was largely ignored and misrepresented by the contemporary press and has been little spoken of since.
I didn't know about the three events until recently. I would feel more ashamed of my ignorance of these and, I'm certain, other examples of large scale, racially motivated violence, except that I can't really blame myself for not knowing about what has been blacked out of the historical record. That being said, I willingly accept the collective guilt and shame for the white, "history is told by the winners" rendition of history which has glossed over, misrepresented and left out some of the greatest outrages perpetrated against minority groups in this country.
I have been working to remedy my ignorance for at least a decade. I posted about the Wilmington Massacre last year when I stumbled on a mention of it and did some research. Watchmen was my link to the Tulsa Race Massacre. I only learned of the Orangeburg Massacre a few days ago by chance when I was reading some biographical information on one of my favorite newspaper columnists.
Below are brief summaries of the three incidents with links to more complete histories.
The Wilmington Massacre, 1898
In the late nineteenth century, Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina and home to a large, reasonably affluent and educated black populace. The state's Republican Party, which at the time deserved the label "the Party of Lincoln," had joined with the Populists to form the Fusion Coalition. By 1894, the Fusion party had taken the governorship and every other statewide office. Blacks served in local and state governments.
Tags: The Wilmington Massacre , The Tulsa Race Massacre , HBO's Watchmen , The Orangeburg Massacre , Eugene Robinson , Image
All Bets Are On is back with a new episode, breaking down the latest college basketball and football information.
Friday's episode starts with a breakdown of Arizona's 91-52 win over NAU on Wednesday and previews the Wildcats' home game against Illinois on Sunday night.
The duo of Christopher Boan and Tyler Vondrak also hand out their weekly Pac-12 Superlatives for Saturday's football games, followed by their Picks of the Dragon, which cover the CFB world at-large.
Tune in to a new episode of the Tucson Weekly's sports podcast each Friday.
Friday's episode starts with a breakdown of Arizona's 91-52 win over NAU on Wednesday and previews the Wildcats' home game against Illinois on Sunday night.
The duo of Christopher Boan and Tyler Vondrak also hand out their weekly Pac-12 Superlatives for Saturday's football games, followed by their Picks of the Dragon, which cover the CFB world at-large.
Tune in to a new episode of the Tucson Weekly's sports podcast each Friday.
Tags: All Bets Are On , Arizona Wildcats , NAU Lumberjacks , Sean Miller , Pac-12 , College Basketball , College Football , Stanford Cardinal , Oregon State Beavers , Washington Huskies , Image
Friday, Nov. 8
Viva La Verde. Every drop of natural water counts. Arizonans knows this better than most. The Screening Room is showing a locally made documentary about the Verde River, one of the last free flowing desert rivers surviving in Arizona. Not only does this film show the importance rivers play, but offers how they can be saved by professionals and regular people alike. This screening also includes a talk from director Hugh Denno, along with Jon Fuller, author of Verde River Elegy, and Evan Canfield, Pima County Regional Flood Control District Project Liaison for the Living River project. Let’s celebrate Arizona rivers, and maybe even get active about keeping them around! 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. 127 E. Congress St. $10 suggested donation. Information.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. It seems dangerous to have an ice hockey team whose mascot is a firebird, but our local team’s opponents this week like to take risks, apparently. Come watch the two teams face off at the Tucson Arena. Whether you’ve got on your UA colors or are sporting some PCC Aztec Pride, show your pride for your school for college night on Friday, Nov. 7. College students can take advantage of a special offer that includes a ticket, two drink tickets (for soda or beer) and a giveaway item for just $25 bucks. College budgets rejoice! You can also get a ticket for both the UA hockey game and this game, on the same day for $30. Saturday, Nov. 9 is military appreciation night, with specialty jerseys modeled after the A-10 Warthog Fighter Jets that will be auctioned off after the game. 7 p.m. both nights. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61. Information.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
Saturday, Nov. 9
15th Annual Tucson Record Show. Are you one of those people that could just listen to vinyl records for hours? Who views getting up to turn a record over as an integral part of the music-listening experience, rather than an inconvenience? Are you just getting into the record collecting game, or do you just like looking at old collectibles? Don’t miss this record show, featuring dealers from all over the Southwest selling records, CDs and music memorabilia. Presented by Cassidy Collectibles, it’s really an event for music lovers of all types. Saturday, Nov. 9. Fraternal Order of Police Hall, 3445 N. Dodge Blvd. Admission from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is $4, but to get in at 7:30 a.m., it’s $48. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. If you missed your chance last weekend to get a firsthand look into the place where some of our lovely local artists do their work, then don’t fret: You can do it this weekend, too! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting this DIY tour through studios south of Grant Road. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramic, wood, photography, textiles, you name it. Tucson has got some seriously talented artmakers, and on this tour, you get to see where the magic happens—for free! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. Various locations. Free. Information.
All the World’s a Stage. This week, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra is bringing you several treats as part of their Masterworks Series. The night begins with Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, which he wrote when he was 21 years old. Then, enjoy Haydn’s Symphony No. 60 in C Major “II Distratto,” and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte. Shaw wrote the Pulitzer-winning piece, inspired by Haydn, when she was just 30 years old. Closing out the night is Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, which he himself described as “the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.” How could you miss that? 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. $45 to $56. Information.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. It seems dangerous to have an ice hockey team whose mascot is a firebird, but our local team’s opponents this week like to take risks, apparently. Come watch the two teams face off at the Tucson Arena. Whether you’ve got on your UA colors or are sporting some PCC Aztec Pride, show your pride for your school for college night on Friday, Nov. 7. College students can take advantage of a special offer that includes a ticket, two drink tickets (for soda or beer) and a giveaway item for just $25 bucks. College budgets rejoice! You can also get a ticket for both the UA hockey game and this game, on the same day for $30. Saturday, Nov. 9 is military appreciation night, with specialty jerseys modeled after the A-10 Warthog Fighter Jets that will be auctioned off after the game. 7 p.m. both nights. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61. Information.
The Last Night of Ballyhoo. It’s 1939, and change is afoot all over the world. While Hitler is invading Poland on one side of the world, the Jewish community in Atlanta is making fervent preparations for Ballyhoo, a big cotillion ball that marks the social event of the year. The Freitag family is looking forward to finding some eligible bachelors for their two daughters to marry. But when a handsome bachelor who is also an Eastern European Jew enters the scene, the family is prompted to examine their biases, beliefs and Jewish identities. This comedy/drama won the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Saturday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 24 with 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $15 students, $30 seniors/military/UA employees, $32 adults. Information.
Living History Day at the Tucson Presidio. It’s time for another day of historical reenactments at the Tucson Presidio Museum, this month with the special theme of “Honoring Our Veterans.” Representatives of the military that have served in Arizona, from the time of New Spain to Arizona becoming a U.S. state, will be on hand. There will also be plenty of other sights to see, from watching demonstrations of children’s games and weaving, to witnessing soldiers fire their muskets and practice their drills, to tasting handmade tortillas and bread. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Tucson Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave. $5 GA, $1 kids 6 to 14, free for members and kids 5 and under.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
Sand-Reckoner Celebrates 10 Years. Local vineyard Sand-Reckoner has now been around long enough to be considered a fine-aged winemaker. Founders Sarah and Rob Hammelman invite the community to help them celebrate a decade of award-winning wines with a weekend of tastings and snacks. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the tasting room will be open, with fresh oysters and live music by Anna Warr. On Sunday, Nov. 10, a special tasting event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring “vertical flights” of wines selected from the Sand-Reckoner, plus a selection of gourmet cheeses. 510 N. Seventh Ave #170. Information.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Queen of Hearts. When the troubled teenage son from her husband’s previous marriage moves in, Anne forms an intimate bond that threatens to jeopardize her seemingly perfect life. What initially seems like a liberating move soon turns into a “disturbing story of power, betrayal, and responsibility.” Part of the Loft Film Fest, this drama comes from Danish director May el-Toukhy, and recently won the Audience Award for World Cinema at the Sundance Film Festival. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 & 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Information.
Opening Celebration of El Nacimiento & Second SundAZe Family Day at TMA. The holidays are here! How can we tell? Well, for one, El Nacimiento, the largest and longest-running nativity scene in the southwest, opens this weekend. Celebrations for the opening are at the Tucson Museum of Art, and will be accompanied by performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and Los Changuitos Feos. Enjoy some Mexican treats and refreshments while you’re at it, then head over to an exploration station where you can create your own peg dolls. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures will also be onsite leading a special activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave. Free. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. If you missed your chance last weekend to get a firsthand look into the place where some of our lovely local artists do their work, then don’t fret: You can do it this weekend, too! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting this DIY tour through studios south of Grant Road. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramic, wood, photography, textiles, you name it. Tucson has got some seriously talented artmakers, and on this tour, you get to see where the magic happens—for free! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. Various locations. Free. Information.
All the World’s a Stage. This week, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra is bringing you several treats as part of their Masterworks Series. The night begins with Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, which he wrote when he was 21 years old. Then, enjoy Haydn’s Symphony No. 60 in C Major “II Distratto,” and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte. Shaw wrote the Pulitzer-winning piece, inspired by Haydn, when she was just 30 years old. Closing out the night is Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, which he himself described as “the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.” How could you miss that? 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. $45 to $56. Information.
The Last Night of Ballyhoo. It’s 1939, and change is afoot all over the world. While Hitler is invading Poland on one side of the world, the Jewish community in Atlanta is making fervent preparations for Ballyhoo, a big cotillion ball that marks the social event of the year. The Freitag family is looking forward to finding some eligible bachelors for their two daughters to marry. But when a handsome bachelor who is also an Eastern European Jew enters the scene, the family is prompted to examine their biases, beliefs and Jewish identities. This comedy/drama won the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Saturday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 24 with 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $15 students, $30 seniors/military/UA employees, $32 adults. Information.
Hats Off to Heroes. There’s never a bad time to express your gratitude to our veterans, but this week is an especially good time, and you can have fun doing it. Head over to this annual event to see a cross-section of U.S. military equipment on display, performances by artists including 80s and Gentlemen and singer-songwriter Jeordie, and a fireworks show at 6 p.m. If you’re a veteran yourself, don’t miss the veterans resource fair from noon to 4 p.m. full of info on everything from disability compensation to VA home loans to financial planning. Noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. DeMeester Bandshell at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. Free. Information.
Sand-Reckoner Celebrates 10 Years. Local vineyard Sand-Reckoner has now been around long enough to be considered a fine-aged winemaker. Founders Sarah and Rob Hammelman invite the community to help them celebrate a decade of award-winning wines with a weekend of tastings and snacks. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the tasting room will be open, with fresh oysters and live music by Anna Warr. On Sunday, Nov. 10, a special tasting event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring “vertical flights” of wines selected from the Sand-Reckoner, plus a selection of gourmet cheeses. 510 N. Seventh Ave #170. Information.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
15th Annual Argentina Heart & Soul. The soul is coming back to Hacienda Del Sol! This shindig features wines exclusively from Argentina, live music and a regionally inspired buffet. There’s just too much going on at this buffet to list comprehensively, but some of the tastiest portions include mint marinated lamb, pistachio pesto, pomegranate quinoa salad, and desserts like tiramisu, sweet potato empanadas and traditional Argentinian cookies. And plenty of wine from down under. 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. $69 per adult with alcohol, $49 per adult without alcohol. Information.
Healthy Living Expo at Rillito Park Farmers Market. Who says eating is all about gorging yourself with the latest seven-layer pizza? Arizona Complete Health presents Heirloom Farmers Markets’ second annual Healthy Living Expo. It’s a celebration of “locally grown food and good health for all.” The event includes local farm fresh produce, chef demos, healthcare services, and community health partners. Eat food and get healthy at the same time, what a concept! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 4502 N. First Ave. Information.
VegOut! You know the best part about a vegan food festival? The food, obviously. What did you think I was going to say? The Whistle Stop Depot is hosting this healthy, sustainable food fest that includes more than 40 vendors, educational speakers, chef demonstrations and fitness talks. This one-day event is a celebration of vegan food and drink, so you know that no matter what you eat there, you can leave happy and healthy. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 127 W. Fifth Street. $10 entrance. Information.
Pints with a Purpose. Dillinger Brewing Company is hosting a day of great local brews to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. Each ticket purchased will include the brewery tour, a choice of a brat or hot dog from Haus of Brats, chips, and a pint of any beer on tap or a soda. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 3895 N. Oracle Road. $35. Information.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. It seems dangerous to have an ice hockey team whose mascot is a firebird, but our local team’s opponents this week like to take risks, apparently. Come watch the two teams face off at the Tucson Arena. Whether you’ve got on your UA colors or are sporting some PCC Aztec Pride, show your pride for your school for college night on Friday, Nov. 7. College students can take advantage of a special offer that includes a ticket, two drink tickets (for soda or beer) and a giveaway item for just $25 bucks. College budgets rejoice! You can also get a ticket for both the UA hockey game and this game, on the same day for $30. Saturday, Nov. 9 is military appreciation night, with specialty jerseys modeled after the A-10 Warthog Fighter Jets that will be auctioned off after the game. 7 p.m. both nights. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61. Information.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
Saturday, Nov. 9
15th Annual Tucson Record Show. Are you one of those people that could just listen to vinyl records for hours? Who views getting up to turn a record over as an integral part of the music-listening experience, rather than an inconvenience? Are you just getting into the record collecting game, or do you just like looking at old collectibles? Don’t miss this record show, featuring dealers from all over the Southwest selling records, CDs and music memorabilia. Presented by Cassidy Collectibles, it’s really an event for music lovers of all types. Saturday, Nov. 9. Fraternal Order of Police Hall, 3445 N. Dodge Blvd. Admission from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is $4, but to get in at 7:30 a.m., it’s $48. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. If you missed your chance last weekend to get a firsthand look into the place where some of our lovely local artists do their work, then don’t fret: You can do it this weekend, too! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting this DIY tour through studios south of Grant Road. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramic, wood, photography, textiles, you name it. Tucson has got some seriously talented artmakers, and on this tour, you get to see where the magic happens—for free! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. Various locations. Free. Information.
All the World’s a Stage. This week, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra is bringing you several treats as part of their Masterworks Series. The night begins with Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, which he wrote when he was 21 years old. Then, enjoy Haydn’s Symphony No. 60 in C Major “II Distratto,” and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte. Shaw wrote the Pulitzer-winning piece, inspired by Haydn, when she was just 30 years old. Closing out the night is Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, which he himself described as “the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.” How could you miss that? 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. $45 to $56. Information.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. It seems dangerous to have an ice hockey team whose mascot is a firebird, but our local team’s opponents this week like to take risks, apparently. Come watch the two teams face off at the Tucson Arena. Whether you’ve got on your UA colors or are sporting some PCC Aztec Pride, show your pride for your school for college night on Friday, Nov. 7. College students can take advantage of a special offer that includes a ticket, two drink tickets (for soda or beer) and a giveaway item for just $25 bucks. College budgets rejoice! You can also get a ticket for both the UA hockey game and this game, on the same day for $30. Saturday, Nov. 9 is military appreciation night, with specialty jerseys modeled after the A-10 Warthog Fighter Jets that will be auctioned off after the game. 7 p.m. both nights. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61. Information.
The Last Night of Ballyhoo. It’s 1939, and change is afoot all over the world. While Hitler is invading Poland on one side of the world, the Jewish community in Atlanta is making fervent preparations for Ballyhoo, a big cotillion ball that marks the social event of the year. The Freitag family is looking forward to finding some eligible bachelors for their two daughters to marry. But when a handsome bachelor who is also an Eastern European Jew enters the scene, the family is prompted to examine their biases, beliefs and Jewish identities. This comedy/drama won the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Saturday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 24 with 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $15 students, $30 seniors/military/UA employees, $32 adults. Information.
Living History Day at the Tucson Presidio. It’s time for another day of historical reenactments at the Tucson Presidio Museum, this month with the special theme of “Honoring Our Veterans.” Representatives of the military that have served in Arizona, from the time of New Spain to Arizona becoming a U.S. state, will be on hand. There will also be plenty of other sights to see, from watching demonstrations of children’s games and weaving, to witnessing soldiers fire their muskets and practice their drills, to tasting handmade tortillas and bread. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Tucson Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave. $5 GA, $1 kids 6 to 14, free for members and kids 5 and under.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
Sand-Reckoner Celebrates 10 Years. Local vineyard Sand-Reckoner has now been around long enough to be considered a fine-aged winemaker. Founders Sarah and Rob Hammelman invite the community to help them celebrate a decade of award-winning wines with a weekend of tastings and snacks. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the tasting room will be open, with fresh oysters and live music by Anna Warr. On Sunday, Nov. 10, a special tasting event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring “vertical flights” of wines selected from the Sand-Reckoner, plus a selection of gourmet cheeses. 510 N. Seventh Ave #170. Information.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Queen of Hearts. When the troubled teenage son from her husband’s previous marriage moves in, Anne forms an intimate bond that threatens to jeopardize her seemingly perfect life. What initially seems like a liberating move soon turns into a “disturbing story of power, betrayal, and responsibility.” Part of the Loft Film Fest, this drama comes from Danish director May el-Toukhy, and recently won the Audience Award for World Cinema at the Sundance Film Festival. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 & 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Information.
Opening Celebration of El Nacimiento & Second SundAZe Family Day at TMA. The holidays are here! How can we tell? Well, for one, El Nacimiento, the largest and longest-running nativity scene in the southwest, opens this weekend. Celebrations for the opening are at the Tucson Museum of Art, and will be accompanied by performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and Los Changuitos Feos. Enjoy some Mexican treats and refreshments while you’re at it, then head over to an exploration station where you can create your own peg dolls. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures will also be onsite leading a special activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave. Free. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. If you missed your chance last weekend to get a firsthand look into the place where some of our lovely local artists do their work, then don’t fret: You can do it this weekend, too! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting this DIY tour through studios south of Grant Road. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramic, wood, photography, textiles, you name it. Tucson has got some seriously talented artmakers, and on this tour, you get to see where the magic happens—for free! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. Various locations. Free. Information.
All the World’s a Stage. This week, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra is bringing you several treats as part of their Masterworks Series. The night begins with Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, which he wrote when he was 21 years old. Then, enjoy Haydn’s Symphony No. 60 in C Major “II Distratto,” and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte. Shaw wrote the Pulitzer-winning piece, inspired by Haydn, when she was just 30 years old. Closing out the night is Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, which he himself described as “the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.” How could you miss that? 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. $45 to $56. Information.
The Last Night of Ballyhoo. It’s 1939, and change is afoot all over the world. While Hitler is invading Poland on one side of the world, the Jewish community in Atlanta is making fervent preparations for Ballyhoo, a big cotillion ball that marks the social event of the year. The Freitag family is looking forward to finding some eligible bachelors for their two daughters to marry. But when a handsome bachelor who is also an Eastern European Jew enters the scene, the family is prompted to examine their biases, beliefs and Jewish identities. This comedy/drama won the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Saturday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 24 with 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $15 students, $30 seniors/military/UA employees, $32 adults. Information.
Hats Off to Heroes. There’s never a bad time to express your gratitude to our veterans, but this week is an especially good time, and you can have fun doing it. Head over to this annual event to see a cross-section of U.S. military equipment on display, performances by artists including 80s and Gentlemen and singer-songwriter Jeordie, and a fireworks show at 6 p.m. If you’re a veteran yourself, don’t miss the veterans resource fair from noon to 4 p.m. full of info on everything from disability compensation to VA home loans to financial planning. Noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. DeMeester Bandshell at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. Free. Information.
Sand-Reckoner Celebrates 10 Years. Local vineyard Sand-Reckoner has now been around long enough to be considered a fine-aged winemaker. Founders Sarah and Rob Hammelman invite the community to help them celebrate a decade of award-winning wines with a weekend of tastings and snacks. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the tasting room will be open, with fresh oysters and live music by Anna Warr. On Sunday, Nov. 10, a special tasting event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring “vertical flights” of wines selected from the Sand-Reckoner, plus a selection of gourmet cheeses. 510 N. Seventh Ave #170. Information.
Pueblo Vida’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend. High five to Pueblo Vida! They’re taking all weekend to celebrate their big day, and releasing nine (9!) different cans to celebrate the occasion. Brews will include the “Vida Beer” Premium Southwest Lager; their first anniversary double IPA with El Dorado, Galaxy and Simcoe hops; their second anniversary double IPA with Galaxy and Nelson hops; their third anniversary double IPA with Mosaic, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops. You get the picture. But beer releases just aren’t enough. They’re also hosting food from local restaurants like Tumerico and Buddha Belly Pizza Kitchen. It’s a celebration worthy of five years. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Information.
15th Annual Argentina Heart & Soul. The soul is coming back to Hacienda Del Sol! This shindig features wines exclusively from Argentina, live music and a regionally inspired buffet. There’s just too much going on at this buffet to list comprehensively, but some of the tastiest portions include mint marinated lamb, pistachio pesto, pomegranate quinoa salad, and desserts like tiramisu, sweet potato empanadas and traditional Argentinian cookies. And plenty of wine from down under. 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. $69 per adult with alcohol, $49 per adult without alcohol. Information.
Healthy Living Expo at Rillito Park Farmers Market. Who says eating is all about gorging yourself with the latest seven-layer pizza? Arizona Complete Health presents Heirloom Farmers Markets’ second annual Healthy Living Expo. It’s a celebration of “locally grown food and good health for all.” The event includes local farm fresh produce, chef demos, healthcare services, and community health partners. Eat food and get healthy at the same time, what a concept! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 4502 N. First Ave. Information.
VegOut! You know the best part about a vegan food festival? The food, obviously. What did you think I was going to say? The Whistle Stop Depot is hosting this healthy, sustainable food fest that includes more than 40 vendors, educational speakers, chef demonstrations and fitness talks. This one-day event is a celebration of vegan food and drink, so you know that no matter what you eat there, you can leave happy and healthy. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 127 W. Fifth Street. $10 entrance. Information.
Pints with a Purpose. Dillinger Brewing Company is hosting a day of great local brews to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. Each ticket purchased will include the brewery tour, a choice of a brat or hot dog from Haus of Brats, chips, and a pint of any beer on tap or a soda. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. 3895 N. Oracle Road. $35. Information.
Tags: Things to do , fun , food , music , activities , events , Image
"Honky-tonk ain't what it used to be/Somewhere along the way the lines got blurred." Guitars ablaze, Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts dole out their Southern fried, honkyfied, backseat rhythm & blues for mass consumption. At Club Congress...
This Canadian guitarist was blown away at a young age by the album Friday Night In San Francisco by Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin. "I was captivated by the sheer virtuosity and freedom, that people could play whatever they wanted." Juno Award winner Jesse Cook performs at The Fox Theatre...
The organizers of this event—utilizing state-of-the-art lighting and sound—promise to create an ambiance of extreme euphoria, not usually available to kids aged 14-18. Dream lucidly. Teen Night Experience. At 191 Toole...
"Monday morning you sure look fine/Friday I got traveling on my mind." A fine night nonetheless for Rumours of Fleetwood Mac to transport you back to the band's glory days (including a blues set revering the Peter Green era). At The Rialto Theatre...
Spektrum presents SULK: A TR/ST tribute night. Resident DJ Vamp Feline and special guest Plastic Disease spin darkwave/synth-pop/coldwave at R Bar...
Fronted by vocalist Raquel Willand (voted best Female Vocalist by Phoenix New Times 2018), indie soul rockers Panic Baby are at The Boxyard. With the Bazooka Joe bubble gum sweet rollick and roll of Weekend Lovers...
Enter The Underground. Trance Forever finds DJs Atom Energy, Ryan Carlson, ZAW and I11IVAN dropping needles on wicked EDM sides. At Zen Rock...
Musical shapeshifter Jacob Acosta's music ranges from the bucolic to the blue-collared. Hear the sounds of the expansive desert At Exo Bar...
Portland's Megan Diana says of her latest collection of Wurlitzer-driven pop, Women In My Head, "These are songs I wrote for all the women in my life that meant something to me." With the '60s tinged witchcraft of Hannah Yeun and Mattea. At Owls Club...
Saturday, Nov. 9
The intergalactic mashup of arts, gastronomy and cutting edge music that could only have been paired together in a galaxy far away as rogue stars collide, returns to downtown Tucson on Nov. 9-10. Kaskade, Rezz, Two Door Cinema Club, Fitz and The Tantrums and A R I Z O N A headline Dusk Music Fest 2019. At Armory Park. Check out duskmusicfest.com for all the details...
"See triumph comes from dying some/And joy comes from crying/Sometimes healing comes from killing." ... Hip-hop duo Earthgang bring the unrestrained looseness of their wordplay and booze addled grooves to 191 Toole. Up to the mic first, rappers Guapdad 4000 and Benji spit rhymes...
In 2008, "Raised by Wolves," singer Ronnie Radke was involved in an altercation in Las Vegas that resulted in a fatal shooting. Although Radke did not shoot Michael Cook, his probation violations—and a past riddled with narcotics abuse—he still ended up sentenced two years in prison on battery charges. While incarcerated Radke was able to launch a demo that would later become the band's debut album, The Drug in Me Is You (Epitaph, 2011). Champions of the underdog, Falling In Reverse are at the Rialto Theatre. Flanked by Crown The Empire and Tom MacDonald...
"Fuck You." Fronted by Penelope Houston, in the late '70s, these first wave American punk rockers gained a reputation for the ferocity of their stage show. So much so, they were rumored to have blown The Sex Pistols off the stage. From San Francisco, The Avengers bring the The American in Me to Wooden Tooth Records. With Man Hands and Anchor Baby...
In 1990, Stick It To Ya (Chrysalis Records)—on the strength of hit singles "Up All Night" and "Fly To The Angels"—propelled these Glam metallists from obscurity to the top of the charts. Now, frontman Mark Slaughter plays the hits. At EncoreTucson...
Cochise County All-Stars play honky-tonk and jukebox country in the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin...
Led by guitarist extraordinaire Pete Fine, Beyond Words is an instrumental fusion quartet performing powerfully moving original material. At Club Congress...
The Fourth Annual Musicians For Veterans Benefit features performances by Skoville, Chakalo, Escape Goat, Sindicate, The Roilers, Stubborn Old Bastard and more. At Todd M. Harris Sports Complex...
In its heyday, this dance club was notorious. The Fineline Revisited: DJ Stubbie keeps the infamy alive. At the Surly Wench Pub...
DJs Jahmar, Freshwaves and Quise spin Latin and hip-hop party jams into the night. At Mr. Head's Bar...
Roch hosts Pushing Buttons: A Monthly Producer Getdown. Lommol, Halsero, Kalter Trost, DVOID and Chrome Unicorns pass the AUX cable. At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery...
After Dark presents Disco Obscura. Resident DJ Mijito drops deep, dark and sexy electronica. With a special guest set by Twelve Inches. At Passé...
Sunday, Nov. 10
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," country superstar Toby Keith rolls the That's Country, Bro Tour into AVA Amphitheatre. Country rapper Colt Ford kicks up the dust first...
Known for her DIY ethics, indie tunesmith Greta Kline better known by her stage name, drawing inspiration from the poetry of Frank O'Hara, emerged from the early 2000s NYC anti-folk scene. Frankie Cosmos is hanging "Outside With the Cuties." At Club Congress. With Stephen Steinbrink and Dear Nora...
Veteran singer-songwriter Joe Peña muses, "I'll be playin' on some stranger's porch, I guess?" At the Fourth Annual Mountain & First Neighborhood Porch Fest. Bringing neighbors together...
Singing drollishly about modern love and life, this New Zealander's synth and string laden sound has been described as dark Disney. On "Fuck It," Jonathan Bree makes a case for the "survival of the dimmest" and infidelity. On the Hotel Congress plaza. With the downcast minimalism of Sad Reptilian and "dirty crooner" Ryder The Eagle...
From the unsullied mountains of the American Northwest, these sibling's harmonica, upright bass and acoustic guitar driven repertoire spans from heart-rending ballads to barn-burning bluegrass numbers. The Brothers Reed bring their Dreams Tour to the Monterey Court...
Tags: xoxo , music , country , concerts , live music , entertainment , hip hop , djs , rock , Image
Thursday, November 7, 2019
This week's Skinny looks at the political dynamics here in Arizona surrounding the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump's Ukrainian shakedown, noting Sen. Martha McSally doesn't have any kind of response whether Trump's quid-pro-quo was a legitimate use of presidential power.
CNN is among the news outlets trying to get McSally to let the American people know where she stands—and, true to form, McSally is dodging another tough question. From yesterday's report:
Several Republicans have avoided answering questions about whether it's OK for Trump to ask Ukraine to probe his rivals.Kinda reminds me of Brave Sir Robin...
One, Sen. Martha McSally of Arizona, took the long route — around the Capitol and around parked cars — to avoid cameras. Her aide stepped in front to say: "No comment."
Tags: McSally , impeachment , Republicans , CNN , Ukraine , Arizona , politics , Image
If you’ve attended an Arizona Wildcats basketball game over the past two decades, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve met Robert Wagner.
Wagner has been a steadfast presence at Arizona sporting events, serving as an usher at men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as working football and softball events.
Wagner is a tall and amiable gentleman, with a trademark mustache that’s occasionally dyed various shades of red and blue.
His path to joining the University’s athletics department began two decades ago, after the former Tucson Fire Department employee shattered his leg when his motorcycle was hit by a semi.
Wagner was told he’d never walk again, but willed himself to do just that, thanks in part to taking on a role as an usher at Arizona Stadium in 2000.
“They told me I’d never walk again, so I came to [then-University of Arizona Assistant Athletic Director] Suzy Mason and said, ‘I need a job Suzy, I need to walk.’ They hired me in 2000 to work football and now I do football, softball, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball,” Wagner said. “I love it. It keeps me young; it keeps me moving and being around the kids is a blast.”
Wagner has worked a host of athletic events, but said he feels most at-home inside the friendly confines of McKale Center, a venue he’s been intimately involved with for more than four decades.
His time inside the palatial basketball arena dates back to 1983, when his adult league team used to scrimmage against then-coach Lute Olson’s roster during the hall of fame coach’s first season in Tucson.
Wagner and his longtime ushering colleague, Barry Scofield, were inside the venue for the Wildcats’ home opener against Northern Arizona University, which the Wildcats won in a walk, 91-52, last Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The pair have worked together for eight years, with Scofield coming over from Kino Stadium where he ushered for the city’s former AAA baseball team, the Tucson Sidewinders. Before that, he had a long career in the Navy and with Boeing, where he built some of the company’s most well-known aircraft.
A former member of the Blue Angels demonstration team, Scofield has seen a lot of highs and lows in his eight seasons as an usher, including Pac-12 regular season championships in 2014, ’15, ’17 and ’18.
The highlight for the former Washington State resident is the people he’s met along the way, many of whom he’s on a first-name basis with.
“I enjoy mingling with the season ticketholders as they come through and I’ve gotten to know them and it’s always good to see them,” Scofield said. “I enjoy the people, I enjoy helping them, I enjoy being around them. I enjoy solving their problems for them. I treat them like I would my family.”
Two of those regulars include John and Linda DeCastro, who sit midway up the upper concourse level of section three.
The couple are second-year season ticketholders, receiving the golden tickets from their son and daughter-in-law.
The DeCastros were the first people to arrive in their section last Wednesday night, settling into their plush seats about 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Attending Arizona home games has been a rite of passage for both members of the DeCastro family for decades, as Wildcat basketball is a way of life for the family.
The couple agreed that the pageantry of college basketball is what they love most about attending games. They enjoy watching the Pride of Arizona pep band launch into its setlist and actively scout players from both teams to see who’s hot and who’s struggling with their shot.
Both believe the Wildcats will be much improved from a year ago, when the team suffered through a 17-15 season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
Their faith looked rather prescient last Wednesday, as the Wildcats shellacked an overmatched Lumberjacks team, with 6-foot-11-inch freshman forward Zeke Nnaji scoring 20 points to lead the team to a one-sided romp.
“I think they’re going to have a really successful season this year and I’m glad that we’re going to be here to see it happen,” John said. “We were basketball fans before we got these seats, but we’re really, really big fans of Arizona basketball now.”
Home court advantage
Arizona coach Sean Miller, who’s entering his 10th season in Tucson, praised the likes of John and Linda after Wednesday’s game.
Miller said announced crowd of 12,960 gave his players a jolt of energy, allowing them to come out hot and bury the Lumberjacks early.
“We had a great crowd here on opening night,” Miller said. “All you need to do is look around America and you see that the opening game, especially on a weekday, isn't always filled.
“I'd like to thank them for showing up and being as active as they were. It was exciting to return to McKale. And our players feed off of that. This is a magical arena and I think all of us feel a great sense of pride to perform well and to play with great effort because of the crowd and the tradition that we have here.”
Nnaji admitted to being a bit awestruck at first by the crowd, before acquiescing and thriving off their collective energy.
“It was great,” he said. “It was so fun to make a big play or getting a defensive stop and hear the crowd cheering you on. I think just gave everyone extra energy.”
Longtime Arizona employees like Wagner and Scofield can attest to the effect that the McKale Center crowd can have on opposing teams.
A glance at the school’s record book will tell you that the Wildcats have won 602 of their 709 games at the arena, which opened its doors in 1973.
The uniqueness of McKale Center, according to Wagner, is its ability to bring together a ravenously passionate fanbase that spans age groups.
The veteran usher believes the fanbase in Tucson is among the best in the nation, which makes his role all the more entertaining.
“I feel very fortunate to be alive and in McKale,” Wagner said. “Every game’s great, every game’s exciting. They’re fun to be around. They keep you young.”
Wagner has been a steadfast presence at Arizona sporting events, serving as an usher at men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as working football and softball events.
Wagner is a tall and amiable gentleman, with a trademark mustache that’s occasionally dyed various shades of red and blue.
His path to joining the University’s athletics department began two decades ago, after the former Tucson Fire Department employee shattered his leg when his motorcycle was hit by a semi.
Wagner was told he’d never walk again, but willed himself to do just that, thanks in part to taking on a role as an usher at Arizona Stadium in 2000.
“They told me I’d never walk again, so I came to [then-University of Arizona Assistant Athletic Director] Suzy Mason and said, ‘I need a job Suzy, I need to walk.’ They hired me in 2000 to work football and now I do football, softball, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball,” Wagner said. “I love it. It keeps me young; it keeps me moving and being around the kids is a blast.”
Wagner has worked a host of athletic events, but said he feels most at-home inside the friendly confines of McKale Center, a venue he’s been intimately involved with for more than four decades.
His time inside the palatial basketball arena dates back to 1983, when his adult league team used to scrimmage against then-coach Lute Olson’s roster during the hall of fame coach’s first season in Tucson.
Wagner and his longtime ushering colleague, Barry Scofield, were inside the venue for the Wildcats’ home opener against Northern Arizona University, which the Wildcats won in a walk, 91-52, last Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The pair have worked together for eight years, with Scofield coming over from Kino Stadium where he ushered for the city’s former AAA baseball team, the Tucson Sidewinders. Before that, he had a long career in the Navy and with Boeing, where he built some of the company’s most well-known aircraft.
A former member of the Blue Angels demonstration team, Scofield has seen a lot of highs and lows in his eight seasons as an usher, including Pac-12 regular season championships in 2014, ’15, ’17 and ’18.
The highlight for the former Washington State resident is the people he’s met along the way, many of whom he’s on a first-name basis with.
“I enjoy mingling with the season ticketholders as they come through and I’ve gotten to know them and it’s always good to see them,” Scofield said. “I enjoy the people, I enjoy helping them, I enjoy being around them. I enjoy solving their problems for them. I treat them like I would my family.”
Two of those regulars include John and Linda DeCastro, who sit midway up the upper concourse level of section three.
The couple are second-year season ticketholders, receiving the golden tickets from their son and daughter-in-law.
The DeCastros were the first people to arrive in their section last Wednesday night, settling into their plush seats about 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Attending Arizona home games has been a rite of passage for both members of the DeCastro family for decades, as Wildcat basketball is a way of life for the family.
The couple agreed that the pageantry of college basketball is what they love most about attending games. They enjoy watching the Pride of Arizona pep band launch into its setlist and actively scout players from both teams to see who’s hot and who’s struggling with their shot.
Both believe the Wildcats will be much improved from a year ago, when the team suffered through a 17-15 season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
Their faith looked rather prescient last Wednesday, as the Wildcats shellacked an overmatched Lumberjacks team, with 6-foot-11-inch freshman forward Zeke Nnaji scoring 20 points to lead the team to a one-sided romp.
“I think they’re going to have a really successful season this year and I’m glad that we’re going to be here to see it happen,” John said. “We were basketball fans before we got these seats, but we’re really, really big fans of Arizona basketball now.”
Home court advantage
Arizona coach Sean Miller, who’s entering his 10th season in Tucson, praised the likes of John and Linda after Wednesday’s game.
Miller said announced crowd of 12,960 gave his players a jolt of energy, allowing them to come out hot and bury the Lumberjacks early.
“We had a great crowd here on opening night,” Miller said. “All you need to do is look around America and you see that the opening game, especially on a weekday, isn't always filled.
“I'd like to thank them for showing up and being as active as they were. It was exciting to return to McKale. And our players feed off of that. This is a magical arena and I think all of us feel a great sense of pride to perform well and to play with great effort because of the crowd and the tradition that we have here.”
Nnaji admitted to being a bit awestruck at first by the crowd, before acquiescing and thriving off their collective energy.
“It was great,” he said. “It was so fun to make a big play or getting a defensive stop and hear the crowd cheering you on. I think just gave everyone extra energy.”
Longtime Arizona employees like Wagner and Scofield can attest to the effect that the McKale Center crowd can have on opposing teams.
A glance at the school’s record book will tell you that the Wildcats have won 602 of their 709 games at the arena, which opened its doors in 1973.
The uniqueness of McKale Center, according to Wagner, is its ability to bring together a ravenously passionate fanbase that spans age groups.
The veteran usher believes the fanbase in Tucson is among the best in the nation, which makes his role all the more entertaining.
“I feel very fortunate to be alive and in McKale,” Wagner said. “Every game’s great, every game’s exciting. They’re fun to be around. They keep you young.”
Tags: University of Arizona , Tucson , McKale , Arizona Wildcats , basketball , Robert Wagner , sports , Image
Find more Claytoonz here.
Tags: Claytoonz , comics , politics , Trump , MAGA , transcript , Image
courtesy of Jake Fromm
Sean Finnerty opens up Dillinger Brewing Company to comedy on the Craft Craft Comedy Tour.
The Screening Room hosts the first Second Saturday comedy show.
With earlier sunsets on the way, Tucson’s most popular monthly downtown event, Second Saturdays, opens up to comedy in the cozy indoors of The Screening Room.
Chris Quinn, host of the weekly Wednesday open mic at the venue, will host The Second Saturday Comedy Showcase at 7 p.m., beginning November 9. The show is $5 and recommended for ages 18 and over.
Ten local comedians perform in the debut. Headlining are Autumn Horvat, Dom DiTolla and Amber Frame. Also featured are Tony Kanani Bruhn, Eli W.T., Paul Fox, Rich Gary, Tim Maggard and Stephanie Lyonga.
Dillinger Brewing Company hosts Sean Finnerty
Is this the first time Dillinger Brewing Company has hosted a comedy show? They’re getting off to a great start with Sean Finnerty and Kevin Casey White on the Craft Comedy Tour. The show is at 8 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 12. Reservations are $15 via Eventbrite.com.
Finnerty considers it his highest honor to have been the first Irish comedian to perform on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. He was selected for Comedy Central’s Up Next competition in 2013, and in 2014 he won a competition to open for WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. Every year since has brought ever more impressive notes to his biography, leading to his current status as the number-one ranked roast comic in NYC.
Kevin Casey White was indelibly pegged in The Chicago Tribune as “a physical expression of an exclamation point.” The Chicago Reader crowned his podcast, Arguments and Grievances, “Best Variety Show.” It could hardly be named more appropriately for our anxiety-bound era. White got his start as founder of Bare Knuckle Comedy, the longest-running indie comedy showcase in St. Louis. He recently moved to NYC.
With comedy shows at Borderlands Brewing Company, Crooked Tooth Brewery, Corbett Brewery and Black Rock Brewery, Tucson, not-surprisingly, is ahead of the curve. The Craft Comedy Tour website says its aim is to “change the comedy landscape” by providing affordable comedy in locally-owned breweries, to celebrate their success as “pillars of their communities.” Hear, hear!
KMKR launches Tucson Comedy Radio
The Clash and Black Flag aside, our personal favorite punk legacy is the DIY ethic. It’s what we love about the whole maker movement. We particularly celebrated Xerocraft, a maker space for artists, in the historic Steinfeld Warehouse.
KMKR radio, housed in a closet-sized space at Xerocraft, allows anyone to broadcast what they create. Its signal covers only the downtown area, but the station is an on-ramp for podcasting, the new must-have techno skill that allows audio artists to be heard around the clock around the globe.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, KMKR (the MKR stands for maker. Get it?), opened a new frontier for Tucson comedy with the first episode of Tucson Comedy Presents.
Phil Gordon, the show’s founder and director, says it will be broadcast on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 p.m. He hopes to cover the 10 to 11 p.m. hour as well by the first of the year.
A rotating cast of local comedians will host the broadcast. Gordon is the founder of Laughing Liberally. Dave Margolis created and hosts the semi-monthly Casa de Comedy showcase in Marana. Roxy Merrari co-founded and hosts the Comedy the Wench weekly open mic and monthly themed showcase.
The team would like to add more hosts to the rotation. Contact Gordon via Facebook to apply.
All three hosts have local radio experience. Gordon worked as a news reporter at KCTV-TV in Wyoming and as station manager at WXAV-FM in Chicago. According to Gordon, “We’re going to feature news about Tucson’s vibrant comedy scene, interviews with local and touring comedians, and a current performance calendar. It’ll be chock full of laughs from classic comedy bits to live in-studio performances. We’re going focus on Tucson’s rich spoken word culture including stand- up, Improv and storytelling.”
More Laughs!
Continuing through Saturday, Nov. 9: Tucson Comedy Arts Festival featuring improv, standup, improv for kids and improv in Spanish at TIM Comedy Theatre ($5 each show). Visit tucsonimprov.com/tcaf for the complete schedule.
Friday, Nov. 8: Standup with Daniel Tosh, 8 p.m., Tucson Music Hall ($47-$77), and Sid Davis with DJ Sandhu, 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m., and uncensored Freeform Friday at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theatre.
Saturday, Nov. 9: Standup with Sid Davis, featuring DJ Sandhu, 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50); Carcajadas: Una Noche de Comedia (todo en español), 7:30 p.m., TIM Comedy Theatre ($5) and Kristine Levine and Friends presents Butch Lord, 10 p.m., Circle S Saloon. Improv at 6:00 p.m. with Unscrewed Theater Family Hour featuring Comic Chaos and From the Top followed at 9 p.m. with NBOJU Uncensored at Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8)
Free Open Mics
Sunday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., The O and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench, The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy at The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., The Screening Room and 8:30 p.m. at The Mint.
Thursday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.
Tags: Laffs Comedy Caffe , Rockabilly Grill , The Mint Bar , The Screening Room , Neighborhood Comedy , Music Box Lounge , Surly Wench Pub , The Surly Wench , Chuckleheaes , The O , NBOJU , Unscrewed Theatre , Comic Chaos , From the Top , TIM Comedy Theatre , Kristine Levine , Butch Lord , Carcajadas , Sid Davis , DJ Sandhu , Daniel Tosh , Tucson Music Hall , Freeform Friday , TCAF , Tucson Comedy Arts Festival , tucsonimprov.com , Phil Gordon , David Margolis , KMKR , Xerocraft , Kevin Casey White , Arguments and Grievances , KMKR , Borderlands Brewing Company , Black Rock Brewery , Corbett Brewing , Crooked Tooth Brewery , Craft Comedy Tour , Sean Finnerty , Autumn Horvat , Dom DiTolla , Amber Frame , Tony Kanani Bruhn , Eli W.T. , Paul Fox , Rich Gary , Tim Maggard , Stephanie Lyonga. , Image
This comedy duo scored a Top 10 hit with Earache My Eye (Ode Records, 1974), a Glam-rock-era scorcher in which Cheech Marin becomes the orange-haired character Alice Bowie. The song is a teenage fantasy eschewing his father Tommy Chong's authority—becoming a narcissistic rock star, being disowned for wearing his sister's pantyhose and kicked off the basketball team for acting like a "queen"—devil-may-care. Cheech and Chong bring their counter-culture hilarity and irreverence to the Fox Theatre...
"Can't You See?" In a celebration of border existence and resistance to the white-washing of queer experiences, electronic dance artist Flor de Nopal shines light in the darkness. At Owls Club. With ambient indie rockers Moontrax...
Vocalist Sheryl Ann & Starlight pick jazz, blues, pop and a few surprises from the American Songbook. In the Lookout Bar & Grille at the Westward Look Resort...
Two-Door Hatchback—Dante Rosano, Samantha Bounkeua and friends—return to Tap + Bottle-Downtown for a night of eclectic and melodic merrymaking...
Performing transcendental music of the world, Khalid el Boujami on oud/voice will join Balkan Spirit on the patio at Agustin Kitchen...
Deeper: DJs Atom Energy and Lunarfluxx spin house at Passé...
Traveling like a "Subsonic Bullet." Ska-punks Epic XVIII, invoking the spirit of calamity, "Divide By Zero." At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery. Ted Riviera's Gun Runners aid and abet...
Heart gaping open, L.A. slowcore/indie rockers Cryogeyser transition through the liminal space of the "Basement" into clear "Focus." On the Club Congress stage. One they will share with jangle popsters Nanami Ozone...
Drawing from a well of acoustic originals and country/folk covers, Mark Insley backed by guitarist Damon Barnaby are Americana's Most Wanted. At Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress...
Accompanied by percussionist Will Clipman and bassist Johnny Walker, world renowned flautist R. Carlos Nakai performs at the second annual Flutes For Vets Benefit. At Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church...
On "The Mountain" vocalist Vasanta Weiss uses metaphor to spread a message of inspiration. Southbound Pilot (swampy blues/roots/jazz) are at Monterey Court...
From Las Vegas, Midnight Clover sink their sweet tooth into delectable alt-rock. At The Rock. Sandwiched between Tucson's Cra$h Magic and Method to the Madness...
"Can't You See?" In a celebration of border existence and resistance to the white-washing of queer experiences, electronic dance artist Flor de Nopal shines light in the darkness. At Owls Club. With ambient indie rockers Moontrax...
Vocalist Sheryl Ann & Starlight pick jazz, blues, pop and a few surprises from the American Songbook. In the Lookout Bar & Grille at the Westward Look Resort...
Two-Door Hatchback—Dante Rosano, Samantha Bounkeua and friends—return to Tap + Bottle-Downtown for a night of eclectic and melodic merrymaking...
Performing transcendental music of the world, Khalid el Boujami on oud/voice will join Balkan Spirit on the patio at Agustin Kitchen...
Deeper: DJs Atom Energy and Lunarfluxx spin house at Passé...
Traveling like a "Subsonic Bullet." Ska-punks Epic XVIII, invoking the spirit of calamity, "Divide By Zero." At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery. Ted Riviera's Gun Runners aid and abet...
Heart gaping open, L.A. slowcore/indie rockers Cryogeyser transition through the liminal space of the "Basement" into clear "Focus." On the Club Congress stage. One they will share with jangle popsters Nanami Ozone...
Drawing from a well of acoustic originals and country/folk covers, Mark Insley backed by guitarist Damon Barnaby are Americana's Most Wanted. At Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress...
Accompanied by percussionist Will Clipman and bassist Johnny Walker, world renowned flautist R. Carlos Nakai performs at the second annual Flutes For Vets Benefit. At Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church...
On "The Mountain" vocalist Vasanta Weiss uses metaphor to spread a message of inspiration. Southbound Pilot (swampy blues/roots/jazz) are at Monterey Court...
From Las Vegas, Midnight Clover sink their sweet tooth into delectable alt-rock. At The Rock. Sandwiched between Tucson's Cra$h Magic and Method to the Madness...
Tags: XOXO , music , concerts , live shows , Image
