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Make friends and talk books at the Library's monthly Rainbow Reads!

 

Alternating between book chats and book clubs, this reading circle is held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Woods Memorial Library at 3455 N. First Avenue (map). There will not be a program in March, but you can still get your book fix at the Tucson Festival of Books!

 

Please note this is a new location. The program was previously offered at Exo Roast Co.

 

Next up in Rainbow Reads?

Book Chat
Sunday, January 19 from 1 to 3 pm

 

Come ready to share your favorite LGBTQ+ books of all kinds. Gush about your selected book, then add more to your to-read list as others gush about theirs.

 

Book Club
Sunday, February 16 from 1 to 3 pm

 

Stop in for a facilitated discussion about Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue, an "exquisite debut" (The New York Times Book Review) that Entertainment Weekly called "A fireworks in the sky, glitter in your hair joyous royal romance."

 

Can't join us in January or February? Don't worry... mark your calendars for other months (no program in March). All programs run from 1 to 3 pm.

April 19
Book Club: In the Dream House

May 17
Book Chat

June 21
Book Club: These Witches Don't Burn

July 19
Book Chat

August 16
Book Club: Gender Queer

September 20
Book Chat

October 18
Book Club: We Have Always Been Here

November 15
Book Chat

December 20
Book Club: This Is How You Lose the Time War

While this is a queer-themed book club, readers across the gender and sexuality spectrum are welcome to attend and engage in fun, respectful dialogue. Light refreshments will be available.

With a hypothetical $100 and a dream, join Weekly betting guru Tyler Vondrak (aka The Dragon) as he takes his fictional dough and places bets on the big games of the week. This time around, The Dragon places his bets on the NFL playoff picture.

Game 1: Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans (Texans -2.5)

The whole season, bettors have jumped on and off the Buffalo Bill bandwagon. Josh Allen is a stellar sophomore season, and the supporting cast of John Brown and Devin Singletary catered a 10-win season and a slot in the opening weekend of the playoffs. The real star of this team however has been its defense, keeping teams to an average of 16.2 points per game.

Unfortunately for the Bills, they are running into one of the next generation of the NFL’s two greatest players: Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. Playoffs are often decided by experience and Josh Allen just doesn’t have any yet. While the whole country seems to be on Bills bandwagon I’ll fade and go with the short home favorite to pull this one out by more than a field goal.

Pick Texans -2.5 for $20 to win $18

Game 2: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots (Patriots -5)

Two recent, lengthy reviews on charter schools are both worth taking a look at.

One is a series of articles by the Arizona Republic reporter Craig Harris, who visited seven states to put together a big picture look at the charter school scene. Harris is probably the most even-handed reporter I've read on the subject. Most writers, including me, come at charter schools with some set agenda, which means the analyses are shaped by the writers' educational preconceptions. That's what makes Harris' reporting so refreshing. He detests charter waste and fraud and has gone after financial corruption in Arizona's charter sector with a passion. But when he looks at schools themselves, he tries to evaluate them on their merits. He finds things to like and dislike.

Harris' most recent investigative report focuses on charters in states other than Arizona which have a record of increasing the performance of students from low income families. The article links back to the earlier articles if you want to read the whole series.

The other important piece of investigative reporting comes from the Network for Public Education, a group begun by educational historian Diane Ravitch and others which has grown into a significant force in the educational battles raging across the country. NPE is decidedly against education privatization and the so-called "education reform" movement in general, which means you're not likely to hear much from them in the way of praise for charter schools. The recent report from NPE details the $1 billion in federal money wasted on charter schools which either never opened or closed since receiving the funds.

Beginning Beading: Young Artist Series. Do you have a kid in your life who loves to be creative? This imaginative jewelry making workshop is a great activity for his or her winter break. They’ll learn some key skills, like how to organize beads and attach clasps, and then they’ll create a charm necklace or bracelet with Czech glass and metal findings. Then they get to take their beautiful piece home! All materials and tools are included with the admission fee, and so are some snacks and drinks. Parents to creative kiddos rejoice! 10 to 11:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Catalyst Arts & Maker Space–Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Ste. 110. $20. Ages 8 and up.

The Arizona State Home Show. Do you have one of those modifications you’ve been meaning to make to your home for years, but just haven’t gotten around to yet? How about a set of countertops, new lighting for the living room, or even just a coat of paint for your bedroom that you haven’t been sure how to get started with? What better time to get started than in the new year, and at this entire convention center full of exhibits, many with discounted products or services. (And FYI, the first 100 attendees each day get free coffee and donuts). Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $8 GA, free for kids 16 and under, free for seniors on Friday. Visit asihomeshows.com for a $2 coupon.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Jose Barracuda. Let’s get the new year started by supporting our local hockey team! This week, they’re facing off against this sharp-toothed California team on Friday and Saturday night. On Coors Light 1-2-3 Friday Night, enjoy $1 soft drinks, $2 hot dogs and $3 beers. And on Saturday, grab a ticket to the pregame “Whiskey and Wings” event, where you get to sample whiskey and wings from a variety of different vendors. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, pregaming with a selection of whiskey and wings is a good way to make pretty much any event enjoyable, right? 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 and Saturday, Jan. 4. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $10 to $61.

Newjaarsreceptie at The Dutch. We’re going back to the old country at The Dutch Eatery & Refuge, celebrating the New Year the Dutch way. They’ll be serving up treats and drinks from the Netherlands, including Dutch meatballs, potato cakes, Dutch doughnuts (Oliebollen), champagne and Dutch pea soup. The Eatery says they’ll even have plenty of “Kopstootjes, Grolsch and Bischopswijn!” And as is tradition, be sure to wear orange when you attend. 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 943 E. University Blvd. $13 per person.

Spiny Succulents. Everyone loves a good succulent. And here in the Southwest, we sure do have a lot of them. They’re among the most water-wise plants in the region, which makes them not just beautiful, but functional. In this class at Tohono Chul, nursery owner and author Jeff Moore will be giving an overview of some the region’s spiny succulents, including our beloved cacti. He’ll also be showcasing plants in cultivation and offering tips on how to grow and care for your own. Pick up a copy of his book “Spiny Succulents and get it signed, while you’re there! 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. Education Center $1. Free with admission, which is $15 GA, $13 military/student/seniors, $6 kids 5 to 12 and free for members and kids under 5.

Jittercat Jive: 1920s Edition. Well, the ’20s are officially here, so if you’ve ever had any desire to learn how to swing dance, now is the time. Every first Saturday, Movement Culture his hosting this beginning Lindy Hop lesson and DJ’ed social. No experience or partner required, but all levels are welcome! So whatever your past experience with jumpin’ and jivin’, come on down to learn more, and to have fun with other people who enjoy the dance as much as you do. The lesson lasts for an hour, and DJ Anna provides a soundtrack to another 2.5 hours of social dancing. 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Movement Culture, 435 E. Ninth St. $5, cash only.

The RunAround Tucson Relay. Running can be a very solitary sport (that’s one reason many people like it), but relays have lots of teamwork. This one-of-a-kind, 53-mile relay along The Loop involves seven exchange stations, and distances vary from 4.85 to 8.6 miles. You need at least two to make a team, but you can also have as many as eight—one per leg. Grab a friend, grab a coworker, grab anyone you know who resolved to exercise more this year, and give it a shot! Why not? 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road. $55 to $60 (or you can run the race for free as a buddy runner – you must accompany a registered runner, and you don’t qualify for prizes). Registration ends at noon Friday, Jan. 3.

Classic Car Show. You know the drill! Or, since this event is at the much-loved Little Anthony’s Diner, should we say, “you know the grill?” Or, since this is a car show, should we say “you know the grille?” The point is, Little Anthony’s has been faithfully holding this Saturday morning car show for a long time now, and it remains one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning in the Old Pueblo. Honestly, breakfast at a diner is already a great way to spend a weekend morning, but throw in a free classic car show on top of it? That’s the energy we want going into 2020. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Little Anthony’s Diner, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Free.

Instrument Petting Zoo. The Oro Valley Kids Concert Series, which brings different performers together to play for young music lovers, is always a good time. This month, they’re doing something a little different, by letting the audience members become the performers. Kids can head to the children’s museum to interact with musical instruments, and then spend the day exploring the rest of the museum’s offerings. 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Oro Valley Children’s Museum, 11015 N. Oracle Road. Oro Valley. Admission to the museum is free during the event, and $7 after. Kids under 12 months get in free.

Where the Border Wall Ends. The Screening Room is hosting a series of short films created by Bryan Sanders, documenting the “now of the border.” The films include a short movie about The Battle of Ambos Nogales; Hard Man to Get to Know, a music video starring Tucson’s Howe Gelb; and the titular film, Where the Border Wall Ends. This evening of film, music and dance also includes performances by Jillian Bessett and Kinetic Arts Tucson. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 127 E. Congress St. $10.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day. James Cameron really is just too good at making sequels. He managed to follow up one of the best sci-fi sequels ever, Aliens, with the best action sequel, Terminator 2. Casa Video is screening the film that taught robots to cry, Linda Hamilton to fight, and the movie-going audience that CGI villains were the wave of the future. But unlike much of the computer animation that came out after it, the effects in T2 somehow look good as ever, even though they’re coming up on 30 years old. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Free.

Sonoran Dog Sundays at Catalina Brewing. It’s a quartet worthy of the Sonoran Desert’s name. For those in the mood for a nice carby meal, Catalina Brewing Company is offering up authentic Sonoran hot dogs, a side of chips, fresh guacamole and one of their craft beers, all for $10. Can you really call yourself a Tucsonan if you haven’t already worked through a Sonoran hot dog brimming with green salsa, pinto beans, mustard, jalapeños, cotija cheese and more? And at a local brewery no less! Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. 6918 N. Camino Martin, #120.

Circle of Poison (Free screening!). This community rental of the Loft Cinema follows what happens once a pesticide is banned in the United States for its dangerous health and environmental effects. It’s a documentary examining how pesticides are still exported, leading to the impression that American lives are more valuable. Yet ironically, these toxic pesticides find their way back into the U.S. Featuring interviews with Noam Chomsky, Jimmy Carter, the Dalai Lama and more, this screening is presented by Physicians for Social Responsibility Arizona and International Indian Treaty Council. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Free. Sunday, Jan. 5 at 4 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 3

Not for the faint of heart: Sonoran Violence is a hardcore punk festival. This year features performances by Infest (one of the pioneers of the extremely dissonant/fast powerviolence subgenre), Iron Lung (purveyors in destructive hardcore), Sex Prisoner (Tucson hardcore/powerviolence punks) and more. At Club Congress...

Succeeded by a dust-up at Owls Clubs. Sonoran Violence After-Party features: Arizona hardcorists Get A Grip, Concrete Evidence and Lychee (Phoenix emo/punk/garage rockers). DJs Castle, Freak and Nitro throw down...

Hailing from Guadalajara, indie rock songstress—and founder of the Now Girls Rule movement in Mexico intended to inspire women in the arts—Elis Paprika & The Black Pilgrims play at The Boxyard. Local cumbiancheros Santa Pachita round out the night...

Ready to rock yo' body, Cra$h Magic's repertoire covers a lot of ground, except "probably, not country or zydeco." At Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

Here is a kid-friendly event. Dance to the uncategorizable world beat music of Baba Marimba imbued with a very special ingredient: Joy. At Monterey Court...

An undoubtedly 21+ event. Centennial Celebration: 100 Years of Tease strips away the past to welcome the next gen. Ms. Trixie Phillips has assembled a sensational cast—Stormy Leigh, Nikki Riot, Bunny Boom Boom and many others—to recap the decades from the 1920s to the present day through the art of striptease…At Surly Wench.

The Kinda Cool Quintet plays brisk post-war jazz sorta awesomely. At The Dusty Monk Pub…

Local imprint Diet Pop Records presents a House Party showcasing the talent of candy-coated punk poppers Big Bad, the intersectional bummer pop of California’s Sarchasm and the punk ’n’ roll of teen sensations Stripes. “It’s at a house. So be cool...”

Resident DJs W3$T Friday and Elektra Tek host some of the Old Pueblo’s top and up-and-coming turntablists. Funk Yo House Fridays goes off at Irene’s Holy Donuts…

Tattered and Torn, Black Cat Bones strew their “Dead Broke Blues” at Chicago Bar…

House beats meets whiskey and donut pairings? Yes. It’s delish. Beatz & Sweetz hosted by DJ Nic, finds Phatal, DJ Hart and ZAW spinning a baker’s dozen of the freshest house music. First Fridays at Batch Cafe & Bar…

Diminutive but mighty. Connie Brannock’s Tiny House of Funk invites all to come get “boogie oogie oogie till you just can’t boogie no more.” At Sand-Reckoner…

Saturday, Jan. 4

Experience your favorite bands in a different way. It’s time again for The 27th Annual Wooden Ball. Your chance to see some of Tucson’s finest—Sweet Ghosts, Bekkah Rolland, Billy Sedlmayr, Chris Holiman, David Slutes & Robin Johnson, Joe Peña & Joe Novelli, Josh Brown, Katie Haverly, Little Cloud, Mute Swan and Rough Draft—stripped down to naked (Er, well almost) and unplugged. At Club Congress…

And, if your efforts to ring out the old were indefatigable—killin’ ‘em like a rockstar—you may need a little hair of the dog. 80’s Hangover features Cured, Arena, Blonde Day and Careless Whisper paying tribute to the music of The Cure, Duran Duran, Blondie and George Michael & Wham. Break out a can of Aqua Net and kohl eyeliner. At The Rialto Theatre…

Some say he was born a country outlaw with a classic rock attitude, Caiden Brewer shimmies and sways in the Paradiso Lounge at Casino Del Sol…

Like the title of her 2017 album announces, Ven y Baila, tejano singer Natajja welcomes all to come out and dance. In the Tropico Lounge at Casino Del Sol…

Folk harp and viola delicately commingle to arrive at a mysterious landing. Mariah McCammond and Deanna Cross are The Hatpin Duo. In the tasting room at Sand-Reckoner…

Holding steady after 34 years, reggae institution Neon Prophet demonstrate just “How The West Was Won.” At Chicago Bar. DJ Papa Ranger mans the decks between sets…

Sunday, Jan. 5

Before coming to America, as one-half of French avant-pop outfit Amor-Belhom Duo, this accomplished guitarist started out on the Parisian underground punk scene. Gabriel Naim Amor performs the more introspective, jazzier side of his repertoire. At The Coronet…

Known for her prodigious electric and acoustic violin work, soulful blues belter Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy performs at Chicago Bar

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Trivia and karaoke are so last decade

This is the year to take the crew to something new. Every night but Saturday there’s a fun bar with a comedy open mic. They are all listed at the bottom of this column every week.

Open mics are especially suited to packs of friends because everyone has opinions to share about new comedians or comedians working on new material. And all their opinions are right. Co-workers, D and D team members, night crawlers, loners, bandmates, extended family, trivia team or a rugby crew can see, or even be, the next big thing in local comedy.

At an open mic, comedians are friendly and accessible. Audience laughter is nowhere more precious. But without “civilians,” comics and wannabees are left to the biased support of Tucson’s big, and growing, comedy family.

It takes unimaginable nerve for people to put themselves out there for the first time, even for the first couple of years. Just a handful of friends may be all it takes for that one funny buddy to actually make it to the stage.

Laff’s Comedy Caffe is ground zero for comedy beginners. The three-minute sets at its 8 p.m., Thursday open mic (signups are at 7) have launched nearly every comedian and producer in town, and more than a few who have gone on to bigger reputations on streaming channels, podcasts, comic books and stages in New York, Los Angeles and Austin, TX.

Comics at the Laff’s mic tread 30 years of Tucson comedy history on that stage. In a 2016 interview, we asked owner Gary Bynum how he saw Laff’s role. “I think just developing the local comics is important in the comedy scene in general. You have to start locally. Forty comics come every Thursday to open mic nights.”

His sons Casey and Ian have mostly taken over the business and the mic still draws 40 comics a week, more than twice that of any other mic in town.

But stage time is the exchequer of local comedy, and the more you have the more you can get. Three minutes is daunting at first, but in a year or so, ten minutes is too little. Local comics continue to refine their jokes at Laff’s in hopes of getting a guest set there. But most also visit the indie mics that offer sets of at least five to seven minutes. Some have a combination of booked and open mics, offering more experienced comedians 10 minutes or more. Experienced local and visiting comedians working out material for paid gigs can sometimes arrange even longer times.

Hosts often rearrange a signup list to make the best show. Signups at Laff’s are at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. start. Other mics start taking signups from a half hour to 15 minutes ahead. It’s in a newbie’s interest to arrive early and meet the folks.

Tucson comics love newbies, before and after their sets, no matter how ugly and stupid they may feel. All comics feel ugly and stupid a lot of the time. At its best, every open mic is group therapy.

If you’d like to try comedy but are freaked out about looking foolish, there’s a class for you. Tucson Improv Movement’s (TIM) Standup 101, starting Jan. 5, teaches how to craft great jokes from daily life and/or personal pain. Instructor Mo Urban is an experienced comedian, producer and social worker—basically a unicorn of good humor, organization skills and professional-level empathy.

The class is $150 for 6 weeks and a “graduation” performance. Details are at tucsonimprov.com/school. It usually sells out, so keep an eye out for the next one.

If, instead, you crave turning your curling club or cat yoga group into an improv team, check out improv classes beginning this week at both TIM and Unscrewed Theater https://www.unscrewedtheater.org/training-center.

Comedy at The Rock

Good for The Rock, Tucson’s longtime underground music space, for taking in some comedy lately. We are especially looking forward to Steve Hofstetter on Tuesday, Jan. 28, during the Tucson Comedy Crawl, Jan. 25 through Feb. 1.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Jan. 3, fledgling producers Tony Kanani Bruhn and Darryl Graves Bruhn debut For Shits and Giggles, a standup show featuring Ashley Tappan, Stephanie Lyonga, Dominic DiTolla and Jared Martin. Ad mission is free but random audience members win gift cards and the luckiest gets $100 cash.

Still more comedy

Friday, Jan. 3, standup with John Hastings featuring Jill Kimmel at 8 and 10:30 p.m. ($12.50 and $17.50), Laffs Comedy Caffe. Improv with long- and short-form teams at 7:30 p.m. and The Soapbox at 9 p.m. ($7), Tucson Improv Movement (TIM Comedy Theatre). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. ($5 and $8), Unscrewed Theater.
Saturday, Jan. 4, standup with John Hastings featuring Jill Kimmel at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ($12.50 and $17.50), Laffs Comedy Caffe. Improv long- and short-form teams at 7:30 and 9 p.m. ($7) p.m., TIM Comedy Theatre. Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. ($5 and $8), Unscrewed Theater.

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench, The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy at The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m., The Screening Room and 8:30 p.m. at The Mint.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Stout Night at Arizona Beer House. It’s an evening full of big, brawny beers, courtesy of Modern Times and Odell Brewing. Arizona Beer House will have beers from both breweries available, including the Modern Times Golden Hammer, an 8 percent oak-aged golden dessert stout with cacao nibs and vanilla; the Odell Barreled Treasure, an imperial stout aged in both bourbon and rum barrels with cold brew coffee; and the Modern Times Black House Vanilla Latte, Modern Times’ classic Black House oatmeal coffee stout brewed with creamy vanilla. These hefty beers are available all night, along with savory Maltese Pastizzis from Malta Joe’s Baked Goods. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. 150 S. Kolb Road.

Free First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Tell me about the last time you went to an art museum for free and regretted it. Probably never, right? So why would you not want to spend the first Thursday of the new decade doing just that? Jillian Bessett is playing live music, author Laila Halaby is facilitating gallery exploration and you can even make some art of your own. Let’s art the new year off right, shall we? 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Free.

Wednesday Night Cruise-in. Looking for something laid back to do now that the holiday season is winding down (and if you’re perhaps nursing a hangover from New Year’s Eve celebrations)? Head over to Hot Rods Old Vail Restaurant and Bar for this cruise-in, which happens every Wednesday night. Local cars, good food and cold beer will be there to stimulate all of your senses. That’s really all there is to say about it, but what more do you need to hear? 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Hot Rods Old Vail Restaurant and Bar, 10500 E. Old Vail Road. Free.

Batch’s Fourth Anniversary. Batch whiskey bar is turning four years old, and to celebrate the occasion, they’re hosting a round of fours: Old Fashioneds all day are $4, select drafts are $4, Moscow mules are $4, doughnuts are two for $4, and they’re serving special rare whiskey flights with four pours each. It’s gonna be an un-four-gettable night! 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday, Jan. 1. 118 E. Congress St.

Sixth Annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk. Happy new year! If you want to start the new year off right, but not, like, right away, this race, which starts later in the morning, might be your saving grace. Whether you’re walking it to kickstart a new fitness routine or shooting for one of the overall or age-group categories in this professionally timed race, it’s going to be a good time for all. The race includes snacks, water and—of course—hot cocoa. T-shirts will be available as well. And proceeds benefit Oro Valley’s Round Up for Youth Recreation Scholarship Program! 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. $20 in advance, $25 on race day.

Catalina State Park First Day Hike. Happy New Year! Unless you’ve broken a body part, been attacked by an animal or gotten seriously lost, have you ever regretted going on a hike? There’s nothing like connecting with nature, breathing in some fresh air and getting that heartrate up all at the same time. State parks throughout Arizona are hosting these hikes to kick off the new year, and this is the one closest to us. Assistant manager Jack McCabe will lead a tour of the Romero Ruins Trail, and the whole family can learn about the history and mystery of the Hohokam’s largest ruin site in Catalina State Park. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Romero Ruins Ramada in Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road. Park entrance fee is $7 per vehicle.

New Year’s Day! It has been said that singer-songwriter Mike Kanne possesses “the voice of an angel in the body of a steel worker.” Soothe your aching head at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co…