On Thursday, Feb. 27, the University of Arizona broke ground on The Refinery, the first building at UA’s Tech Park at The Bridges. The Refinery will be four-stories and 120,000 square feet, and is expected to serve as an example of the technology-driven workspace found at the Tech Park at The Bridges. The building is planned to be completed in summer 2021.

“This will be a place for innovators to take advantage of our established programming, and work in a new environment with state of the art resources,” said Eric Smith, executive director for the UA Center for Innovation, at the groundbreaking. “This will also be a place for entrepreneurs to meet with other entrepreneurs, as well as those in established companies. These collisions will create opportunities for learning and entrepreneurial thinking. Those who choose to learn and work here at The Bridges will certainly be supported.”

UA has committed 50 percent of The Refinery’s space for commercialization and innovation of small-to-midsize tech-focused businesses. Activities housed at The Refinery will include the UA Applied Research Corporation, the UA’s cyberoperations program, new offices for Tech Launch Arizona, and space for students and faculty.

“What we have the opportunity to do, not only with a building like this, but with a location like this, is to accelerate the pace at which research has impact,” said Betsy Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation at UA. “So for us that’s meaningful; it’s meaningful for our students who want to participate in an institution that has impact; it’s meaningful for our faculty who more and more want to do research that has impact. They do not want to occupy their ivory tower, they do not want to look at a narrow problem for their entire career. They want to have the opportunity to have impact. And this is the place where that will happen.”

The Refinery is part of the 20-acre “Technology Zone” within the 65-acre Tech Park at The Bridges. Long-term development plans for the Technology Zone include up to five office and lab buildings for public, private and academic users. Other Tech Park zones are the University Zone, which will house academic “centers of excellence”; the Business Zone, designed for large technology companies; and the Corporate Zone, which allows corporations to become anchor tenants of the tech park.

UA’s Tech Park itself is part of the larger 350-acre mixed-use development project that includes a Costco, Walmart and Cinemark movie theater.

City council member Richard Fimbres described this expansion as part of the ongoing “Renaissance of the South side.”

“Today, with this groundbreaking, we now have all aspects of the Tucson Marketplace at The Bridges under construction,” Fimbres said.

Fimbres also highlighted the benefit of Tech Park at The Bridges’ location, being roughly three miles from the UA campus, as well as a five-minute drive from downtown and a five-minute drive from the Tucson airport.

In addition to The Refinery’s groundbreaking, UA also announced the street names throughout the Tech Park at The Bridges. Catalyst Drive will be the main passage through the park, with streets like “Tomorrow” and “Innovate” branching throughout. The Refinery will be located at the corner of Idea Street and Catalyst Drive.

“I’ve been in a lot of communities where the innovation ecosystem is just beginning to bubble up, and I will say, in my estimation, that’s exactly what’s happening in Tucson right now,” Cantwell said.

For the UA, and the Tucson community in general, the Tech Park at The Bridges is a long time coming. UA sought partial funding for the development via an economic development proposition in 2015, which ultimately failed. Construction is now overseen by UA’s development partner The Boyer Company, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City and also maintains an office in Phoenix.

“We see this new park as another catalyst and driver for university-based economic development in the region, a place where new ideas are incubated and businesses are formed, a place where university innovation can move at the speed of business,” said Carol Stewart, associate vice president for Tech Parks Arizona.

The Tech Park at The Bridges’ long-term plan calls for 1.8 million square feet of “developed office and laboratory space” that could support between 7,000 to 10,000 employees.

“This is going to be the catalyst that helps put us on the map to simply make the world a better place,” said UA president Robert C. Robbins. “We have to have great professors, we have to have fundamental discovery, and investment and basic science, but not stop there, to transplant those discoveries into commercializable products and companies to build our economy. It’s part of our responsibility as the University of Arizona.”

Raise a glass in support of animal conservation at Reid Park Zoo’s fourth annual Wine Gone Wild, which returns to town Saturday, April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The wine tasting and food pairing event benefits the zoo’s operations and will help “provide quality animal care through innovative medicine and enrichment and to inspire the next generation through conservation and educational programs.”

Wines and spirits will be provided by local and international wineries, distilleries and distributors, and will be paired with finger food from local eateries.

Other activities include wine glass painting, meeting ambassador animals and plenty of live music.

Pre-sale tickets are $65 per person and $60 for Zoo members. Designated drivers get in for $25. VIP Packages are $125 per person (only 30 VIP tickets available). Day-of event regular admission tickets will be sold at the door for $75 per person and $70 for Zoo members. Buy tickets online at https://reidparkzoo.org/event/wine-gone-wild-2020/.

The VIP “Winos for Rhinos” package will include an opportunity to meet one of the zoo’s white rhinos and a special T-shirt and bottle of wine. VIP guests also start the night at 5:30 p.m.

Guests at Wine Gone Wild must be 21 and older only with valid photo ID.

The Reid Park Zoo is tending to a baby tamandua after the male pup began to grow sluggish and lose more weight than is normal post-birth.

The pup was born on Dec. 21, 2019 and is the third pup Xochi the tamandua has given birth to.

Though he was born healthy and active in his first few days of life, several days later his health began to decline. Animal care staff stepped in to provide extra feedings for the baby tamandua and continue to administer care to the young animal. Several times a day, the team bring the pup into the Zoo’s Health Center for a feeding. He's weighed before and after each feeding, and veterinarian Dr. Roth performs a physical exam to make sure the pup's health is good.

The pup, who has not been named by staff yet, is currently at a normal weight and continues to improve. The animal care team will keep providing him extra food and nutrients.

Tamanduas are a member of the anteater genus and are often, unfortunately, taken illegally from their habitats and sold as exotic pets.

The Reid Park Zoo views their tamanduas, who live behind the scenes at the zoo, as animal ambassadors, serving as a reminder of the plight of tamanduas in the illegal exotic pet trade.

Sometimes the zoo features tamanduas during animal presentations at the Conservation Learning Center, education programs and behind-the-scenes tours at the Zoo.

For more information on the Reid Park Zoo, visit www.reidparkzoo.org.

As the name suggests, the new release Precarious Time was written during great changes for the members of Tucson rock band Infinite Beauties, or, more accurately, Doxy Lamine. Consisting of two of the three members of Infinite Beauties, Doxy Lamine recorded Precarious Time with Matt Rendon of Midtown Island Studios and Jim Waters of Waterworks Recordings.

“The process and inspiration for writing was often inspired by what was in front of me or within my surroundings, such as books, television and relationships,” said writer and singer Adam Lopez. “Then I would edit and squeeze words in where it would be appropriate. The finished product sounded and felt like a separate entity than what we had before, so I used a pseudonym ‘Doxy Lamine’ which I have used in the past and it felt appropriate for this project.” 

Precarious Time’s most obvious difference from Infinite Beauties’ album Get Up Morning is an embrace of pop music in multiple ways. Whereas Get Up Morning is a spacious and occasionally sparse fusion of folk and rock, nearly every song on Precarious Time features multiple vocal layers – both male and female – and stronger melodies. The songs are less meandering than their predecessors, and even leave room for flute flourishes and catchier hooks.

Precarious Time also makes room for emotional diversity. While Get Up Morning focuses on human struggles, such as the songs "Tower of Life According to AL" and "Into Denali," the latter of which mentions Into The Wild subject Chris McCandless, Precarious Time jumps from humor in "Western Doctor" to hope in "Just A Dream" to philosophical conundrums in “You Belong To God."

While each release features impressionistic lyrics celebrating both nature and humanity, the accessible song structures of Precarious Time lend themselves to easier understanding. Simply put, Precarious Time is a lush EP that improves on a few of the weaknesses found in Get Up Morning. From jangly guitar lines to doo-wop-inspired vocal melodies, Precarious Time is an uplifting collection of songs about an uncertain world.

Listen to Precarious Time on Infinite Beauties/Doxy Lamine’s bandcamp

“Meow! My name is Maurine and I’m am easy, low energy girl who will talk your ear off! I love people, and I love attention. I just want to be pet and loved on all the time. I came to HSSA as a stray, but all my paws are declawed so I need to be an indoor cat only. HSSA thinks I’m about 8 years old. I will sit in your lap and purr all day if you let me! Come meet me at 635 W. Roger Rd or call for more information at (520) 327-6088 ext 173.”

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.

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...

The still life captured in "This Old Porch," embodies the spirit of the evening. "And this old porch is like a steaming, greasy plate of enchiladas/With lots of cheese and onions/And a guacamole salad/You can get 'em down at the LaSalle Hotel/In old downtown." Acclaimed singer/composer/actor Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group perform at Fox Theatre...

Making modern indie pop "For Lovers Only." Luna Luna are at Club Congress. Pro Teens and The Trees help shake out the love...

“Hey I’m Collins and I’m 3 years old and have SO much energy! I LOVE treats and I LOVE to play! I’m a bouncy boy who loves to jump around, and I still have a lot to learn about manners. Bring your other dogs to meet me today and bring me home with you! Come meet me at 635 W Roger Rd or call (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.”

Scream Blacula Scream. Part of the Black Renaissance Film Series, The Screening Room is showing a classic “Blaxploitation” film from 1973. A follow-up to the iconic Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream is a prime example of the cheesy blaxploitation horror films of the ’70s: goofy special effects, over-the-top blood spurts, hilarious acting, and murky atmosphere. The film stars the great William Marshall as Blacula, the doomed vampire former Prince Mamuwalde. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17. 127 E. Congress St. $7.

Turning first hand experiences into compelling songs, Canadian folk singer Lucie Blue Tremblay expresses her desire for world peace and LGBT rights on President's Day. At Club Congress...

"Perfect for late-night karaoke comedowns, plaintive morning walks, and conjuring the spirit world," Molly Sarlé (from Durham via Big Sur) brings open-hearted, unflinching songwriting to El Crisol. Songwriter Chelsey Trejo adds appreciably to the evening...

With songs about "Stripper Poles" and "Cherry Pop Tarts," Funky Bonz provided reason to take a "Walk on the Wild Side" on a Monday night. At Elliott's on Congress...