Not sure why the art of storytelling isn't everyone's cup of tea, but hell, it should be. So take a look at the 2014 theme line-up for Odyssey Storytelling, the Tucson group that's organized storytelling events around Tucson since 2004. The monthly storytelling evenings are the first Thursday of the month at FLUXX Studios and Gallery, and six invited storytellers share a 10-minute story on the theme—never memorized and no notes.

Admission is $8, and if you like the themes (below) and have a story to tell, send an email to [email protected] or call 730-4112.

Here’s the dates and themes (and curators for each evening):

FRIDAY January 10: Greener Grass? New Places, Faces and Spaces
Curated by Tony Paniagua

February 6: Odd Couples
Curated by Carolyn Fort & C. Michael Woodward

March 6: Anniversaries: Ten Years of Odyssey Storytelling!
Curated by Adam Hostetter & Penelope Starr

As many of us are getting ready to watch the debut of the Walking Dead's new season, here's a video of Dr. Dragos Zaharescu cutting a watermelon with a demonstration Shaolin sword. Don't try this at home, kids! Dragos is trained in martial arts.

To study Shaolin sword, classes are offered through the Chinese Cultural Center.

• John de Dios
• Walking Dead Debuts Tonight

• John de Dios
• Tucson Meet Yourself brings food, fun and festivities to Downtown Tucson until Sunday night. Booths like this one that sells Turkish ice cream is just one of scores that invaded downtown for this year's festival.

A rich tapestry of cultures and a smörgåsbord of ethnic foods comes together once again in Downtown Tucson this weekend.

Tucson Meet Yourself celebrates their 40th Anniversary this weekend, bringing together more than 100 artisans, music and diversity. The "folklife" festival invades the downtown area until Sunday night.

Listen to Robert Alcaraz's report below.

• Joan Marcus
• The traveling cast of 'Sister Act'

And may blessings abound for Broadway in Tucson, which has opened its season with an exuberant touring production of the hit Sister Act.

The show first rocked out on the Broadway stage in 2011, picked up five Tony nominations and has been beckoning the faithful ever sense.

This is a high caliber professional production, in scale and in talent. And we are thankful that the huge cast delivers plenty of heart and soul, because, Lord knows, the story is not what we come to see.

In the way it seems to work these days, if there’s a successful blueprint in one medium, then you might as well exploit the hell—uh, heck—out of it.

• ©Kathleen Dreier, Esens Photography

Tucson photographer Kathleen Dreier's atest project, Bus Stop Dreams, is quintessentially Tucson: Dreier approaches people at bus stops, asks them where they are going and what they hope for in the future.

From Dreier's blog:

It is a project that I hope connects all of us to our common humanity of wanting to be something more than what our present circumstance allows for whatever reason. Eventually, this project will be a hard cover and e-book. If you know any one who would like to support this project, please let me know. I extend my gratitude to each person who allows me, a stranger with my camera and notebook, to capture their vulnerability and private wishes.

Dracula - choreography by Mark Schneider

Under My Skin (world premiere) - choreography by Chieko Imada and Mary Beth Cabana
Celebration in dance of the time honored Cole Porter song book.

Gemini (world premiere) - choreography by Daniel Precup
Dynamic dance interpretation of the legend of Castor and Pollux.

Time to drop some science and educate you on who and what has been instrumental towards civil equality.

Kara Bishop is trying to raise money to print a 24" x 36" poster featuring a colorful tribute to those that paved the way for the LGBT of today. The poster celebrates 60 important LGBT "elements" in a big, colorful, rainbow-shaped periodic table. Bishop is creating this project in honor Wingspan's 25th anniversary and their accomplishments and support for the LGBT commuinty in Southern Arizona.

There's a $30 pledge for supporters in continental United States or $40 for international shippers.

• Photograph by John de Dios
• Attendees enjoy the Cardboard Ball revelries at the restored Steinfeld Warehouse to help raise funds for this year's All Souls Procession.

The second annual Cardboard Ball was held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at the restored Steinfeld Warehouse on the outskirts of Downtown Tucson. Hosted by artist Mykl Wells, the event showcased 2D and 3D works by local artists, and a cardboard themed dance party.

The event, which led well into the early hours of Sunday, was held to help fundraise for the All Souls Procession in November. Listen to Robert Alcaraz's report below.

• Photograph by Robert Alcaraz

The Confucius Institute at the University of Arizona collaborated with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Canyon Ranch Center to host the closing events for the Second Annual Chinese Cultural Festival in Tucson.

Held at Gene C. Reid Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, the festivities included performances from several groups tied to the Chinese Cultural Center and the Confucius Institute. Singers, musicians, martial artists and taiji masters took to the stage for the celebration. Different organizations, including the UA College of Public Health and Tucson Medical Center, held booths to promote health and wellness.

The event concluded 11 days of celebration, which included a Moon Festival concert and several lectures that promoted Chinese culture and arts.

• Photograph by Robert Alcaraz