Roaring ’20s Dinner Party at Sullivan’s. Celebrate the fact that prohibition is no longer relevant with a night of food and drinks at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. This multi-course evening pairs several cocktails with fancy dishes, including a French 75 cocktail with seared scallop, smoked salmon deviled eggs and grapes; the Barrel-Aged Vieux Carré cocktail with a Manhattan strip steak and glazed fingerling potatoes; and the Blood & Sand cocktail with a cheese plate of gorgonzola, fig preserve, truffle oil and much more. Here’s to a better ’20s than a century ago. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. 1785 E. River Road. $65. RSVP at sullivanssteakhouse.com 21+

Radiant Vermin. This modern morality play with a darkly comic twist has been called “nasty and energetic fun” by the New York Times. It tells the story of a young couple who is offered their dream house by a mysterious stranger, and then forced to answer the question of just how far they’re willing to go to get it. Director Maryann Green says the show is about greed but also about the slippery slope of abandoning your morals for what seems too good to be true. Preview shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, and Friday, Feb. 21. Opening night 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays through Saturday, March 28 (with a special matinee on closing day). Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, $18 military/senior/student, $15 Thursdays and previews.

Singin’ in the Rain. If you’re a fan of the sweet love stories, technicolor costumes and showstopping numbers of classic musicals, there’s nothing quite like Singin’ in the Rain. Set in the 1920s, the show tells the story of a group of performers dealing with Hollywood’s move from silent films to “talkies.” Pima Community College’s production of the show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. On opening night Thursday, they’ve got pre-show activities, refreshments and prizes starting at 6:30 p.m. Singalong shows are Friday, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, and an ASL interpreter is present on Thursday, Feb. 27. Show runs through March 1. PCC Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. GA $18 to $24, or $12 for PCC students.

Spring Ikebana Festival. If you don’t think Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging, is a gorgeous and special art form, then—no offense—you’re probably just wrong. This tradition dates back to the seventh century, and one of the translations of “ikebana” is “making flowers alive,” which is just…so sweet. Come see dozens of floral compositions in a variety of styles at Yume Japanese Gardens throughout the week for this fantastic floral festival. Thursday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 29. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. $15 adults, $5 kids under 15.

Astronomy Night for Little Rangers. Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a star! It’s a black hole! It’s a future career in STEM! It could be any of these things at this night full of telescope observation and hands-on activities at Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District (East). The Tucson Astronomy Association is providing the telescopes, and there are also games, crafts and information about everything from alien worlds to careers in science. Perfect for kids ages 8 to 12. REGISTER IN ADVANCE by calling the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at 733-5153. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.

Laughing Stock
By Linda Ray

In a backwards ball cap, Andrew Rivers looks a little like Eminem without the pout or the baggage. His affect is a that of a slightly more animated Seinfeld. There’s no threat to his roll, but his comedy won’t let you get away.

Easily relatable, his jokes emerge unexpectedly from stories of life on the road with a not-that-weird upbringing in the rearview. His Dad was a well-known local radio personality and, as he tells it, his mom a lifelong chain- pot-smoker. Looking for love just leaves him bewildered.

Rivers’ laser-focused commitment to the comedy grind keep him on the road half the year. “Now that I’ve had some accomplishments and a comedy special. I’m hoping to take advantage of (it) and just book my own tours.

“I can’t keep plants or animals alive,” he says, “but there is something growing in my fridge right now. I haven’t named it yet.”

The comedy special Rivers’ cites drew 15 million Facebook views. His Dry Bar show, a 42 minute video of clean comedy, is available from his website along with two, full length CDs and a recording of jokes he made on his cell phone for each town he visited in 2016. He’s also in lots of podcasts.

“Having more outlets means more eyeballs on comedy. People can read this and then Facebook stalk me and buy tickets to the show within 5 clicks!”

Rivers performs at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at The O. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $12 to $30.

Estrogen Hour: Leap of Faith

There may never be a better name than “Leap of Faith” for this loosely-quarterly fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Like some ancient ritual, the event always coaxes a couple of Tucson’s leading women off the cliff into their first-ever standup comedy set. Miraculously, they find thunderous applause from a room full of friends and well-wishers. It almost always sells out.

On Sunday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m., long-time crime reporter, journalist and author A.J. Flick takes the plunge, along with former soldier, radiologist and attorney Ramie Fisher.

The rest of the lineup is seen more often on Tucson’s standup, improv and storytelling stages. Amy Beson, Andrea Victoria Carmichael, Cathy Sproul, Claire Maguire, Mo Urban, Nicci Radhe, Rebecca Tingley and Suzie (Agrillo) Sexton. Estrogen Hour co-founder and Tucson Comedy royalty Nancy Stanley hosts.

Reservations are available for $15 via co-organizer Mary Steed’s LLS fundraising page at https://pages.lls.org/tnt/az/hikepnw20/MSteed. Laff’s has a two-item minimum.

My Bloody Valentine: A Comedy Showcase

Comedy at the Wench explores all the ways love can go wrong with its monthly comedy showcase at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24. Comedians include locals Allana Erickson-Lopez, the stand-up half of the improv duo Allreddy; Aaron Panther, Eden Nault and recent Austin ex-pat Joe Tullar. Headlining is Curt Fletcher, who has been compared to Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg. Also featured is Tamale Sepp, stopping by while living the dream on a two-year tour in her van.

This event has been selling out, and the layout makes it wise to arrive early to get a seat and order food and drink before the show. Reservations are $5 on Eventbrite.com.

Cactus Flower Comedy Festival

This great annual festival of female funny runs Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27 through 29 at TIM Comedy Theater. There will be lots more about this in next week’s Laughing Stock, but it kicks off Thursday, with Tucson’s beloved F*ST (Female Storytellers) sharing their favorite stories of 2019 a 7:30 p.m. The 9 p.m. show features women from Allreddy, Harold Team Omega and sketch comedy by the women of TIM’s Baby Fish Mouth sketch team. The shows are $7, or included with a $30 fest pass.

Even More Laughs!

Friday, Feb. 21, Intimate Magic with illusionist Rod Wayne Housley, 8 p.m., The O ($15 via brownpapertickets.com; $20, door). Standup comedy with Gabriel Rutledge hosted by Mo Urban, 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laff’s Comedy Caffe ($12.50, $17.50). Improv with Harold Beta and Improv 101 Showcase, 7:30 p.m. ($5) and The Soapbox featuring Cero Tucson, 9 p.m., at Tucson Improv Movement (TIM Comedy Theatre) ($7 or $10 for both shows). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m.($5 kids and $8 adults), and Free Form Friday Fight Night 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater (free).

Saturday, Feb. 22, Standup headlining local comedy award winner John Raymond with John “Jon Jon” Hernandez, Nick Chant and host, Rich Gary, 8 p.m., The O ($5) Standup-improv mash-up, Set Unlisted, 7:30 p.m., and The Dating Scene at 9 p.m., TIM Comedy Theatre ($7 each, $10 both). Standup comedy with Gabriel Rutledge hosted by Mo Urban, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Laff’s Comedy Caffe ($12.50, $17.50). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m., and Unscrewed Double Feature at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8)

Wednesday, Feb. 26, Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss and a cast of scientists and comedians 7 p.m., 191 E. Toole. ($22)

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy. The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., The Screening Room; 8:30 p.m., The Mint; 9:30 p.m., The Rock.
Thursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Update Investigation in Picture Rocks

The skeletal remains located in the desert area northeast of Anthony Road and Massingale Road on February 12, 2020 have been identified as 38-year-old Sarah Galloway. The manner of death has yet to be determined.

Detectives are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1. You can also submit an anonymous tip, with the potential for a reward, by text, phone, or by going to 88CRIME.org.

Let's swing! Mayhem ensues when The Black Market Trust cut loose their infectious brand of traditional vocal-driven jazz at Club Congress...

DJ Mijito presides over Order of The Owl IV: Goth Night. At Owls Club...

Hey, Bucko! bring their eclectic blend of spaghetti western/folk/blues to Tap + Bottle Downtown...

This edition of Ladytowne Live—your favorite local feminist variety show—welcomes guests: Adiba Nelson, Ashley La Russa, Stells Di Rossi and Misty Tea. With a set of alternative fusion by Method to the Madness. At Club Congress...

Check out new art installations celebrating black women as part of Black History Month while shaking it to live DJ sets for a Silent Disco. At MOCA Tucson...

A taste of Spain in downtown Tucson? Alternating weekly, singer-songwriters Amanda Rochelle and Natalie Pohanic shall serenade for Tapas & Tonics. In the lounge at the AC Hotel Tucson...

Vocalist John Ronstadt joins Jed Parades' Jazz Trio. At The Coronet...

Esteemed pianist Elliot Jones hosts Piano Bar Thursdays. At The Dusty Monk Pub...

Pulling fresh finds out of the crates, Wooden Tooth Records DJ Night continues. At Che's Lounge...

The Arizona branch of American Friends Service Committee filed a ballot initiative called the Second Chances, Rehabilitation & Public Safety Act yesterday at Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs' office in Phoenix.

They have until July 2 to collect 237,645 valid signatures.

AFSC-AZ, headquartered here in Tucson, is a nonprofit organization that lobbies for criminal justice reform legislation at the state capital every year and conducts community outreach and research related to ending mass incarceration in Arizona.

Caroline Isaacs, the organization's director, described this ballot initiative as the "greatest hits" of all the reform bills they have tried to get passed in the legislature, but were unsuccessful.

If passed, the initiative would do four things:

1. Allow people in prison serving time for non-dangerous offenses to earn additional earned release credits for good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs. Arizona law mandates that every prisoner serve 85 percent of their sentence, no matter what. AFSC-AZ believes this will incentivize people in prison to rehabilitate themselves.
   
   
2. Allow judges the ability to impose lesser sentences for non-dangerous offenses when doing so is "justified in the interest of justice, taking into account input from victims, individual circumstances, and rehabilitative options." This would combat the impact of mandatory minimum sentences.
   
   
3. Clarify when a non-dangerous offender may be sentenced based on “a historical prior felony conviction.” Individuals are often faced with extensive prison sentences that come with the “repeat offender” distinction, which likely persuades them to take plea deals.
   
   
4. Establish a fund that will provide services for victims of violent crime and ultimately prevent future crime, as well as address trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by first responders in the line of duty.

If they meet the signature requirements, this initiative would be presented on the Nov. 3, 2020 general election ballot. For more information, visit betterwayaz.com.

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The Humane Society of Southern Arizona announced the selection of former state senator Steve Farley as the organization's next CEO.

Farley’s selection comes after a national search conducted for the HSSA board of directors over several months.

“Leading the Humane Society is the next step in my public service,” Farley said in statement. “My devotion to helping the lives of animals, my relationships with leaders throughout the community, and my experience in public communications, public policy, and public management will be put to good use leading this strong, innovative and purpose-driven organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and save lives every single day.”

The humane society will be hosting a public meet and greet Wednesday, March 4 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at HSSA Main Campus, 635 W. Roger Road.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief is offering a $1,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest after a javelina was stoned to death at Tanque Verde Elementary school last Friday night.

The remains were found surrounded by landscaping rocks covered with blood in the courtyard of the school. According to Game and Fish, the javelina died from blunt force trauma, and other physical evidence was found at the scene.

“This was a malicious act, that of a criminal, a person without regard for the state’s most precious resource, its wildlife,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson, in a statement. “The javelina suffered an especially cruel death. In addition, this happened at an elementary school, which could have had a negative impact on young children were it not for the prompt response of sheriff’s deputies.”

Those with information about the case are urged to contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline at 800-352-0700 and reference OGT #20-000302, anonymously if need be.

The maximum penalty for the crime of illegally taking wildlife is six months in jail and a $750 fine. Civil penalties may also apply.

Medicine for Melancholy (Free screening). The Loft Cinema is screening the debut feature film from Barry Jenkins, who would later direct the acclaimed Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. A swirling odyssey of sepia tones, Medicine for Melancholy follows two young people whose one-night stand turns into a 24-hour journey through San Francisco. Between bike rides and underground dance parties, they grapple with “popular culture and black identity amid a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.” This independent film was produced on a budget of $15,000, over the course of 15 days with a cast of only two. This free screening is presented by Barrio Brewing. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

In 1969, following the dissolution of The Mothers of Invention, legendary composer Frank Zappa released Hot Rats, self-described as a "movie for your ears," and hailed today as a masterwork of jazz-rock fusion. Keeping the legacy alive, Dweezil Zappa presents Hot Rats Live + Other Hot Stuff 1969 Tour. At Rialto Theatre...

At Club Congress you will find the polished neo-soul fusion of Street Blues Family. They promise to make you swoon...

Recently, drummer Tasha Bundy broke a hand while riding her horse, greatly limiting her ability to work. Comrades Howe Gelb, Tom Walbank, Golden Boots, Emilie Marchand, Naim Amor, Loveland, Thøger Lund, Katie Haverly and more will circle the wagons to help a cowgirl out. Bash For Tash at El Crisol...

Boasting Arizona Blues Hall of Famer Mike Blommer on guitar, blues institution Bad News Blues Band rip and tear. At Chicago Bar...

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the music that stopped World War II, The Finest Hour—featuring Davina & The Vagabonds and The Hot Club of Cowtown—showcases music from the '40s combined with modern-day stylings. At Centennial Hall...

"Born to be bad," The Other Troublemakers raise Cain. At Monterey Court...

Continuing the Singer-Songwriter Series, Jacob Acosta will perform at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort...

Southwestern Gothic soul shaker, Just Najima holds court at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

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