Friday, January 24, 2020

Posted By on Fri, Jan 24, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Friday, Jan. 24

Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 24 - 26
Naim's A Jazz Trio
“No Justice, No Peace, No Hope.” Piecing together an album reflective of the present, Good Luck Everybody (2020) is “pessimistic and sad, with small pockets of love and grace.” Despite an aversion to writing political songs, songwriter Sean Bonnette expands on the underlying theme, “Basic human connection is the path to our collective return to sanity.” Phoenician indie/folk punks AJJ—skirted by the irrepressible Tacocat and The Exbats—usher in the “New World.” At 191 Toole…

From the City of Angels—spinning a ridiculously fun blend of danceable indie rock interspersed with live elements and special guest performers—Electric Feels is an experiential party with a festival feel. At the Rialto Theatre…

Windows into Song is a program of sacred music by Rossini, Respighi and the world premiere of Vokas Animo by Tucson composer Robert Lopez-Hanshaw. It points the spotlight on soprano Federica Lombardi, who made her Metropolitan Opera debut in January 2019. She joins conductor José Luis Gomez and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. At Tucson Music Hall…

A “night of rock under the stars” awaits. Country-western/psych rockers, Jim McGuinn & The Cosmic Cowboys and Pocket Sand—as popularized by King of The Hills’ Dale Gribble—fend off any would-be assaulters. With Abes Bones. At SkyBar…

Musical shapeshifter Jacob Acosta’s music ranges from the bucolic to the blue-collared. Hear the sounds of the expansive desert. At Harbottle Brewing Company…

“Love, love is a verb.” This installment of NiteCall finds resident DJ Mijito + special guest Tristan Iseult (Lilith) pit Massive Attack and Sneaker Pimps against Portishead and Tricky in a trip-hop battle royale. At R Bar…

The Dead of Winter Fest is an annual heavy metal festival with showcases in Tucson, Kingman, Flagstaff and Phoenix that benefits local youth music programs. This year’s lineup: Cutthroat Gorgeous, Scattered Guts, Adavant, Deadspawn, Shadows of Algol, Pain Patterns and Despair. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Keep Children Rockin’. At The Rock…

With a focus on classics, Naim’s A Jazz Trio is at El Crisol. Makes a perfect pairing for date night…

Club Z sees local tech house bad bois, Low Audi0 and ZAW, dropping that heat. At Zen Rock…

Saturday, Jan. 25

click to enlarge Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 24 - 26
Tom Walbank
With a keen eye for detail—from spot-on renditions handpicked from the Beatles extensive catalog to a stage show with costume changes reflecting every era of their career—The Fab Four tip a velvet hat. At the Fox Theatre…

A “New Consciousness for a New World.” A new late night experience. The Techno Alliance V1.0 features special guest WYGHT (DarkBlack Records). This hard techno artist’s tracks landed on Umek’s “Behind The Iron Curtain” podcast, Binary Hertz and charted on Beatport. With sets by local turntablists: Chris Miranda, Lunarfluxx, Toby Roberts, Justin Silva and Cat Child. Rave into the morning. At Solar Culture Gallery…

Arguably, “rock’s newest supergroup”—comprised of Deen Castronovo (Journey, Bad English), Tim Gaines (Stryper), Joey Tafolla (Jag Panzer) and Kevin Goocher (Omen)—Of Gods & Monsters make their first Arizona appearance. At EncoreTucson…

Holding steady after 35 years, reggae institution Neon Prophet demonstrate just “How The West Was Won.” At Chicago Bar…

No two shows could ever be the same. Landing somewhere between David Lynch, Ennio Moriccone and Earth, the high desert-noir of The GRAL Brothers perform alongside absurdist, lo-fi folk/pop/rock deconstructionists Golden Boots. At El Crisol…

Spinning new wave, gothic and industrial, DJ Stubbie upholds three generations of delicious infamy. Fineline Revisited At Surly Wench Pub…

From Bozeman, Montana, vocal centric electro/soul duo Dash promise to have you “out on the dance floor, rocking out to the unknown.” At Sky Bar. Locals Juju Fontaine and Moontrax add sass to the lineup…

From the island province of Newfoundland, Canada, lo-fi singer-songwriter Aaron Powell aka Fog Lake creates music that’s been described as “a complex collage of nebulous angst and heartfelt nostalgia.” At Club Congress. With NYC’s Foxes in Fiction and Video James

Blue-collar singer-songwriter Paul Opocensky tells stories of love, loss and redemption through song. At Borderlands Brewing Company…

“Up on the Roof.” Latin fusionists Santa Pachita make bodies cha, cha, cha. At Playground Bar and Lounge… “In Living Hell.” Pyrate Punx presents an all ages punk rock extravaganza. Social Conflict, The Afraid, Conflict Resolution and Drizzle rebel against dullness. At Spark Project Collective…

“Soul, blues and funky fun.” It’s a dance party with Little House of Funk. It’s like “WD-40 for the hips, Baby!” In the clubhouse at El Rio Golf Course…

In honor of this 4th Avenue venues’ 1st Anniversary, Hank “Cry ‘em All” Topless performs a solo set of his not so “Happy Time Blues.” At The Boxyard…

This English blues harpist/guitarist plays guitar like a drum. “I play the harmonica like a drum as well, very rhythmically. If I get too far from the rhythm, I know I am doing something wrong.” Tom Walbank stays on point. In the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin…

¡Qué candela! Acerekó performs Afro-Cuban/jazz at Crooked Tooth Brewing…

Waxing poetic, Chicago indie folksters Barefoot on Bumblebees sing “Songs That No One Knows.” At Irene’s Holy Doughnuts. Backed Hairbrain and Stripes

Sunday, Jan. 26

click to enlarge Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 24 - 26
Hank Topless
It started informally, “...just getting together and doing some picking,” says vocalist Todd  Sheaffer. Shortly thereafter, on the strength of their five song demo they landed a spot at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival before even playing their first gig. But, what kind of music is this? Afterall, they use amplifiers and drums; Instrumentation considered anathema by many in the bluegrass world. “Souped-up string band,” Railroad Earth perform at the Rialto Theatre. The familiar yet innovative sounds of Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra stir up the dust first…

Beware of the Green Fairy’s bite. Songs of heartbreak, romance and light are on the menu when For Love or Absinthe perform at the Royal Sun Lounge…

Leading the funeral dirge, Sworn Apart, No Paradise, Flying Half Full and Rich Young pay respect to the music of Type O Negative and Carnivore. At The Rock…

With its origins deeply rooted in the Gypsy culture of Spain, this traditional art form presents the interactions between song, dance and guitar, executed atop a percussive wooden platform. Tablao Flamenco perform at El Crisol…

Country blues guitarist Christopher T. Stevens leads the congregation at the Last Sunday Revival. At Tap + Bottle-Downtown…

PD Ronstadt & The Co. tag team with Sweet Ghosts in a mellifluous lucha libre of sorts. At Monterey Court…

Smash the winter chill with the psycho/post-country sounds of Hank Topless & The Dead Horsemen. On the patio at Che’s Lounge…

Tipping a hat to the music of Jerry Garcia, Legion of Mario presides over Sunday church. At The Hut…

No matter what size, Tiny House of Funk will make you “Shake, shake, shake...Shake yo’ booty.” At Public Brewhouse…

Tags: , , , , , ,

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Posted By on Thu, Jan 23, 2020 at 1:00 AM

1912 Pie Pairing. 1912 Brewing Co. is celebrating national pie day, and that turns out to be even more fun than the 3.14 kind. 1912 is teaming up with Daniela’s Cooking to bring you a specialty “pie flight.” This includes three home-made pies from Daniela’s, paired with three 1912 craft beers. If only they can figure out how to get pies on tap next time… 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.


Island of the Hungry Ghosts
. On Christmas Island, an Australian territory off the coast of Indonesia, millions of migratory crabs travel between jungle and ocean, while at the same time asylum seekers are held indefinitely in a high-security detention center. This “hybrid documentary” follows a “trauma therapist” on the island, and examines migrations both natural and political. And all the while, local islanders perform rituals for the “hungry ghosts” who died on Christmas Island without a proper burial. The Screening Room is showing one of the most celebrated, and certainly one of the most surreal, documentaries of 2019. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. 127 E. Congress St. $8.

Beautiful Marvelous! Before we even explain what this event is, can we all just agree that we should go to it? Who couldn’t use a little bit more of the adjectives “beautiful” and “marvelous” in their lives as we march forth into 2020? So, this exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Gardens is in honor of Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscapes architect known for both introducing modernist landscape architecture to Brazil and being one of the earliest people to call for the conservation of Brazil’s rainforest. Tucson Landscape designer Jason Isenberg and his team are transforming 2,000 square feet of the Exhibition Garden into a modernist, Roberto Burle Marx-inspired garden with a Southwest twist for this exhibit. On display Jan. 24 through May 24 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 to a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 GA.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted By on Thu, Jan 23, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Extra, Extra. It’s a punk rock party. Burger Records recording artists Soda Boys are “All Jammed Up.” Watch them flail about at Sky Bar. Phoenix garage punks DOMS—who Don Bolles (Germs/Ariel Pink) describes as, “So powerful. So Cool”—and homies, local provocateurs, Lenguas Largas form a phalanx…

Propelled by sound and vision, Reveal: A debut of burlesque performances tantalizes the senses. With special guest entertainers from Tucson Libertine League. At 191 Toole…

Melding Americana, hip-hop and sample-based electronics with soulful lyricism, Nocturnal Theory promises to “Set Our Bodies On Fire.” At Club Congress. Reggae rockers Desert Fish and Viane share the stage…

Their music is a smooth blend of Hollywood, Broadway, R&B and soul. Silk and Soul is a musical husband and wife duo comprised of soprano Arlette and pianist Mark. In the Lookout Bar & Grille at Westward Look Resort…

Like a tropical hurricane on a trajectory to level all in its path, Miss Olivia and the Interlopers hit land at Tap + Bottle-Downtown…

“Sing-a-long, drink-a-long.” Elliot Jones hosts Piano Bar 2020. At The Dusty Monk Pub…

Learning to increase sight from the third eye, “prog-adelic” rockers Still Life Telescope and Southbound Pilot expand consciousness at The Boxyard…

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Posted By on Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Amir H. Fallah: Scatter My Ashes on Foreign Lands. Amir H. Fallah, originally from Iran, received his MFA in painting at UCLA back in 2005 and has gone on to become one of America's most prolific contemporary artists. This exhibit marks the first time that he showcases a wide array of thematic projects under one roof. From botanical paintings inspired by 17th-century Dutch pieces to portraits of American immigrants that examine how displacement shapes identity, it's a powerful body of work. This exhibit also features a new series of autobiographical pieces centered around themes of fatherhood, belonging, legacy and family. On display through May 3 at the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. $5 GA, $3 students & seniors, free for members, youth under 17, veterans, active military and public safety officers.

Color Out of Space. The Loft Cinema is hosting an advanced screening of this new adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's work. This sci-fi horror follows the madness that ensues after a meteorite lands on a rural farm, unleashing mind-infecting monsters on the quiet land. It's got all the classic Lovecraftian spooks: cosmic entities, surreal horror and the maddening macabre. Directed by cult filmmaker Richard Stanley, starring Nic Cage, Joely Richardson, Madeleine Arthur and Brendan Meyer, as well as Tommy Chong. This advance screening even features exclusive bonus content. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10.

"I had to learn that the helping hand can be the same one that holds the knife/And no, I'm not well but I'm alright." On "Hard of Hearing" indie folkster Ben Cooper, aka Radical Face, depicts the frustration of struggling to cope with the toxic positivity created by a society at large too quick to stigmatize depression. Of needing but never receiving the validation that comes from someone actually listening and saying, "It's OK to feel that way." At 191 Toole. Originally from the remote fishing village of Húsavík, Iceland, indie folk singer-songwriter Axel Flóvent opens...

Celebrating over 73 years at the forefront of music-making in the UK, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform at Centennial Hall...

click to enlarge Things to Do, Wednesday, Jan. 22
Eric Johnson
Possessing Herculean chops and an ear for melodicism, Guitar Player has hailed this Texas hurricane as "One of the most respected guitarists on the planet." Eric Johnson plays the classics, past and present, at the Rialto Theatre...

"Coursing Through," Houston alt-rock/shoegazers Narrow Head "Make It Hurt" when they return to Club Congress. With support from Lychee, Hikikomori and Evergreen...

Tucson Desert Song Festival presents renowned British tenor and 15-time Grammy nominee Ian Bostridge and classical guitarist Xuefei Yang from the Royal Conservatory of Music in a recital. At Holsclaw Hall...

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Posted By on Tue, Jan 21, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Delighting audiences for six decades—with vivid costumes, traditional dance styles and music that showcases the diversity of the Mexican culture—the world renowned Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México perform at the Fox Theatre...

For kids of all ages. "Move your feet to the beat" and sing along to fantastically light-hearted songs. From Minneapolis, comedic dance-pop duo Koo Koo Kanga Roo bring "My Jam," their newest single, to 191 Toole. Ex-Groovie Ghoulies frontman, Kepi Ghoulie takes you on a joyride through the "Tunnel Of Love..."


The Thing.
Nearly 40 years after releasing, John Carpenter's chilly sci-fi horror still stands as a masterwork in atmosphere, tension and practical effects. (Not to mention being one of the greatest remakes in any genre.) At a remote Antarctic research station, a group of workers uncover a parasitic alien lifeform with the ability to copy the forms of other animals, including humans. Ironically, the film originally released to very negative reviews, before becoming a cult classic in horror. Perfect for the middle of winter, Harkins Theatres is screening this 1982 film for their Tuesday Night Classics series. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21. 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz and 5755 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive. $5.

Tags: , , , , ,

Monday, January 20, 2020

Posted By on Mon, Jan 20, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Mother Road Brewing at Tap & Bottle. To celebrate the new year, Tap & Bottle's downtown location is hosting a variety of Mother Road Brewing's beers on tap: the 8th Anniversary Doppelbock, Sunday Drive Lager, Tower Station IPA and Lost Highway Black IPA. In addition, Pop's Hot Chicken Food Truck will be serving up food for the event. 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. 403 N. Sixth Ave.

Selma (Free Screening). For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Loft Cinema is hosting a free screening of this Oscar-winning drama about the Civil Rights movement. The film follows the fight for equal voting rights and the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. Starring David Oyelowo as MLK, Selma was particularly lauded for John Legend and Common's original music, and Ava DuVernay's directorial ability. The epic march from Selma culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. What more could be worth celebrating? 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Free.

It's MLK Day! Featuring performances by The Yolo County Line, Katherine Byrnes, Tongs, Two-Door Hatchback, Crystal Stark and more, the Downtown Jazz Fiesta will transform downtown Tucson into a concert destination with bands performing in 4 venues, including 2 outdoor stages, bringing Tucson Jazz Festival 2020 to a close...

"Life is walking on a tightrope/With nothing but a blindfold/It's a long way, it's a long way down." On their fifth full-length How It Feels to Be Lost (Sumerian Records, 2019) these post-hardcore/alt-rockers re-centered, recalibrated and realigned. "We needed to get back into a room and not care about the out come," explains vocalist Kellin Quinn. "We needed to write something from our hearts...without regard for opinion." Rock 102.1 FM KFMA presents Sleeping with Sirens. At EncoreTucson...

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Friday, January 17, 2020

Posted By on Fri, Jan 17, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Pucks for Paws. Are you ever watching a live hockey game and thinking, "This is fun, but I just really wish my dog could be here, because that would make it so much better"? Of course you are! So thank goodness the Humane Society is hosting this opportunity to bring your favorite canine to the Tucson Convention Center to help you cheer on the University of Arizona Wildcats. This dream-come-true event for anyone who's equal parts Wayne Gretzy & Siberian husky fan is also for a good cause, with all doggie ticket sales benefiting the Humane Society. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $5 doggie tickets are sold at the door, with human tickets sold separately.

Abstract Conversations: Color Line and Gesture. Another month means another exhibit at the Wilde Meyer Gallery. This time, Debora Stewart and Ka Fisher are the exhibiting artists and, at this opening reception, they'll be presenting and discussing their work. Stewart uses the color in her work to express moments in time, such as walking through nature. And Ka Fischer likes to use painting to reinterpret ideas about figurative and abstract elements and how they can coexist. Come on down to see the way they put moments on canvases. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive. Free.

Wings Over Willcox. Can you believe this Southern Arizona birding and nature festival is celebrating its 27th year? This year's event is full of tours of varying lengths and free seminars on everything from turtles to jaguars to eBird. Keynote speaker and featured guide Rick Taylor has led tours in places including Arizona, Alaska, Africa and Asia, and has authored several location checklists. His most recent project is a statewide photo field guide for Arizona, and his presentation on Saturday evening is called "Six Seasons: A Birding Year in the Land of the Apache." Times and prices of tours vary, but all tours, seminars and events except for the Saturday night banquet are held at the Willcox Community Center, 312 W. Stewart St. A free nature expo is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 20.

Roadkill Zip-Tie Drags. If you've heard of the internet show Roadkill, you probably know hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, and would agree with one assessment of the show as "guys behaving badly with cars." This weekend, they're hosting this live event in Tucson that includes a chance for drag racers to test their skills for the opportunity to race against the hosts. The weekend also includes a car show, swap meet and an awards show. There's also a Hooptie Challenge, in which Roadkill stars will judge race cars built and purchased for under $3,000. If you're more of a spectator, enjoy the food trucks, bonfires and s'mores. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, and 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Tucson Dragway, 12000 S. Houghton Road. Prices range from $10 for a single-day spectator ticket to $70 for a two-day participant ticket.

"Las Hermanas" release at Borderlands Brewing. This release party celebrates a cross-border collaboration of female brewers. How awesome is that? The "Las Hermanas" hazy IPA was brewed throughout December by the women of Borderlands Brewing Company and Cerveza Rrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The new brew will be sold throughout Mexico and Arizona, and is expected to be the first of many "transnational collaborations amongst the beer sisterhood," Las Hermanas. To celebrate the occasion, Borderlands Brewing is hosting a beer release party at the same time as Cerveza Rrey in Monterrey. According to Borderlands, this hazy IPA was crafted with a WLP067 Coastal Haze Yeast Blend, donated by White Labs Yeast. The international brew features tropical, fruity flavors, including mango and pineapple notes. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 119 E. Toole Ave.

Artisan Popcorn Flights at Dillinger Brewing. We all know popcorn is a classic bar snack, but is it a classic brewery snack? Dillinger Brewing Company is getting craft popcorn to go along with four of their craft beers, courtesy of POPPED Artisan Popcorn. These "Artisan Popcorn Flights" are each paired with a special brew: the Serrano Seduction American wheat is paired with Green Chile Popcorn, the English Stout is paired with churro-flavored popcorn, and there are multiple other combinations to try out. 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 3895 N. Oracle Road.

Free Mead Tasting at 1912 Brewing. Try out one of the oldest forms of alcohol when 1912 Brewing Co. invites Superstition Meadery to share their wares. Mead (occasionally known as honey wine, although there are some differences) is created by fermenting honey with specialty fruits, spices and grains. Superstition uses Arizona honey for their craft mead, which can range from dry to sweet. Representatives will be on site to talk shop. Enjoy the free tasting from Superstition, and then get 10 percent off a flight, or a glass. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.

Vivian's Music, 1969. On a summer day in 1969, a white police officer shot and killed a 14-year-old black girl named Vivian Strong in Omaha, Nebraska. It sparked three days of race riots over a girl no one knew anything about: just her name, age and how she died. This play put on by Invisible Theatre Company brings Vivan to life as a young girl with a family and a love of music who is searching for her real father. It's a powerful story brought to life masterfully for this weekend only. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway. $45 GA.

La Encantada Fine Art Festival. Whether you're a lover of fine art, entertaining out-of-town guests or just looking to spend a little bit more time outside in this lovely January weather, you'll want to pay a visit up to La Encantada this weekend, where you can buy handcrafted work from both local and national artists and enjoy live performances along the scenic pathways of the shopping center. From jewelry, woodworking and ceramics to paintings, textiles and photography, this festival has something everyone will find beautiful. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Drive. Free.

"Master Harold"... And the Boys. The year is 1950, and the setting is a small tea shop in apartheid-era South Africa. Harold is the 17-year-old white son of the tea shop owners, and Sam and Willie are black servants who have worked in his parents' household and taken care of "Hally" since he was a baby. This semiautobiographical play by Athol Fugard examines how institutionalized racism and hatred can affect even the closest, most familial relationships by following the trio through a rainy afternoon at home. It's a powerful depiction of how issues of family, race and power aren't easy to ignore, and, of course, the Arizona Theatre Company never seems to put on a bad show. Including preview shows, show runs from Saturday, Jan. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 8 with shows at various times. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $40 to $70 regular, or $25 to $55 for preview shows.

Butterflies & Their Plants. If you don't want to do anything exorbitant this weekend, let this be the Saturday or event that you check out the weekly tour at Tohono Chul. Whether you're a butterfly enthusiast, a photographer or just someone who loves being in nature, this tour, focused on some of nature's most delightfully flamboyant insects, is an all-around pleasant way to spend a morning. Grab the kids, grab your parents, heck, grab that new coworker that you've been wanting to get to know, even if you're not sure what their interests are. Because who doesn't love a good butterfly photo op? 11 a.m. to noon. Saturday Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19. Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. Entry is $15 adults, $13 military/student/senior, $6 kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5.

Aretha Franklin and the Soul of America. Before you get your hopes up that the world's best scientists have spent the last two years creating resurrection technology so that we can have the Queen of Soul back, understand that this is a tribute to Aretha Franklin, not a miraculous Aretha Franklin concert. But (and yeah, we realize this is a bold statement) vocalist Capathia Jenkins is so talented that it might as well be. Soul musician Ryan Shaw is also bringing killer vocals, while Lucas Waldin conducts the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as accompaniment. We're talkin' "RESPECT," "Natural Woman" and "Chain of Fools" here, so get your butt over to this concert. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $31 to $79.

The History of Tucson's Chinese Community: A Salon and Saloon Lecture.
The Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation takes seriously its mission to educate the public about the history of the Presidio and of Tucson. At this lecture, take a deep dive into the history of Tucson's Chinese population, from 1875 to the present. Speaker Sandy Chan will discuss their successes and challenges, important Chinese Tucsonans and the community's role in an international and local context. Note that this lecture is across the street at the Dusty Monk, where food and drink are available for sale. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Dusty Monk Pub, 201 N. Court Ave. $5.

Dillinger Days. Oh yeah, it's that time of year again! A time when history buffs, pop culture fans and Hotel Congress devotees come together downtown to celebrate the downfall of one the most notorious gangsters of the 1930s. Dillinger and his gang, "The Terror Gang" were accused of robbing 24 banks and four police stations, and eluded the FBI for years before being captured in Tucson in 1934. (He escaped from prison after that, but that's another story.) The speakeasy portion of the event, with whiskey tastings, appetizers and premium cigars, is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. The family-friendly portion, full of reenactments, historic lectures and a vintage car show, are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Speakeasy event is $45 and the Sunday festivities are free.

Vegan Brews and BBQ at Crooked Tooth. Southern Fried Vegan food company is coming to Crooked Tooth Brewing, showcasing their special brand of vegan soul food. Their menu includes organic as well as gluten free options, all vegan of course. Menu highlights include fried "chickun," mac and cheese, jambalaya, Cajun corn, beer-cheese battered Beyond Burgers and more. Mix this vegan soul food with one of Crooked Tooth's specialty beers for a fully craft meal. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 228 E. Sixth Street.

Dillinger Days Speakeasy and Food Truck Roundup. It's back! Hotel Congress is traveling to the 1930s for this annual celebration of the capture of "public enemy" John Dillinger right here in Tucson. But this event is more than historical reenactment, it's a resurrection of all things fun about the '30s. The "Dillinger Speakeasy" at Hotel Congress on Saturday is an exclusive party featuring whiskey tastings, appetizers, cigars, live music and reenactments. Proceeds go to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to assist with unmet needs in the fire service community. The Dillinger Food Truck roundup on Sunday is a big tasty bonus to the Dillinger festivities, featuring Black Market BBQ, Don Pedro's Peruvian Bistro, Sonoran Snoballs, You Sly Dog, Haus of Brats and more food trucks. The Dillinger Speakeasy takes place on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $45. The Dillinger Food Truck roundup takes place Sunday, Jan. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. just across the street at Maynards Market & Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave.

Animated Arizona Film Festival. The Screening Room is home to the fourth annual Animated Arizona Film Festival, the first short film festival in the state dedicated to the art of animation. Animated films date back all the way to the late 1800s, meaning animation is almost as old as movies themselves. While the technology has developed greatly, the creativity and passion are as just as strong as ever. The festival hosts independent films that are either animated, or semi-animated. The films are often shorter than 15 minutes, and feature a wide variety of animation styles. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 127 E. Congress St. $6.

Inequality for All. The Pima County Democratic Party is hosting a screening of this 2013 documentary that examines critical economic issues affecting the U.S., such as increasing the minimum wage and unemployment. The documentary follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he raises awareness about the country's widening economic gap. This film was directed by Jacob Kornbluth, who has had three films premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 4639 E. First St. Suggested donation of $5.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Casa Video is screening Tarantino's latest film, fresh off winning three Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt), and Best Screenplay. The film is a surreal romp through 1969 Hollywood, examining the film industry, shifting societal norms, and the history of LA. Or, as Casa Video puts it, "It's a Tarantino movie. It's going to be good, it's going to be crude, and it's going to be a little violent." 9 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Free.

Zoom Zoom! No, it's not a Mazda commercial—it's a special event at the children's museum to help kids learn about different modes of transportation. They'll have police vehicles, city buses and garbage trucks all on hand for kids to climb aboard. They can also check out TEP's bucket trucks, see how Caterpillar digs in the ground and decorate a car with Tucson's Mobile Chalkboard. There's even smaller options like bicycles and go-karts. This is fun for anyone who loves to... go! And museum admission is free all day, so hop in whatever mode of transportation suits you and head on down. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Free.

Grassroots Studio Reception. Two art tours, Art Trails and Heart of Tucson Art, are happening in the coming months, giving visitors and potential art collectors a chance to see work by dozens of local artists. The Tucson JCC is holding a preview show for both tours until Jan. 30. At this reception with the artists, learn more about the two tours and all of the works in paints, pastels, mixed media, clay, glass, beads, metal, books and photography you can see. This is a great chance to plan your itinerary for the tour and meet with the artists in a more low-key setting. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road. Free.

Hacienda Del Sol Poetry Reading. Tucson is truly a city of artists, and low-key events like this one are a great way to take some of it in. Meg Files, Tom Speer and Jefferson Carter are Pima Community College professors who have each published several poetry collections. Blessed be poetry for how it allows us complicated, tangly humans to put voice to what's going on inside, and say so much with so little. Take this line from Carter's poem, Thunder. "Lightning, then, of course, thunder. / We can get used to anything. / The window, lit up, shakes / & we're comforted, pulling the blankets to our chins." 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Hacienda Room at Hacienda Del Sol. 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road.

REVEL's Grand Tasting Sunday. REVEL wine bar is celebrating their third anniversary weekend by pouring "some of the most sought after and prestigious Champagnes" in their catalog. And even more exciting, the side-by-side tasting will be blind! Can you tell the difference between a Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007 and a Petit-Bajan Ambrosie Grand Cru? How about a Krug Grand Cuvee from a Pierre Gimonnet & Fils "Special Club" 2012? If not, after this special REVEL event, you might be able to. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. 416 E. Ninth St. $80. Reserve online.

Promise at Dawn. Multiple actors play French novelist Romain Gary in this biopic that follows the writer through childhood, adolescence, WWII and more. Gary is the only author to have won the Prix Goncourt French literary prize twice, under two different names. Part tragedy, part romance, this film weighs identity through history, and writing's enduring presence. This screening is part of the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival. 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. 3800 E. River Road. $10.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted By on Fri, Jan 17, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Friday, Jan. 17

click to enlarge Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 17-19
Luiz C. Ribeiro Photography
Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars: Friday, Jan. 17 @ Rialto Theatre
A central figure in Cuban music, bandleader Juan de Marcos González—whose oeuvre includes  the Buena Vista Social Club, Rubén González, Ibrahim Ferrer, Sierra Maestra and others—has been on a mission to demonstrate to the world the wealth, diversity and vitality of Cuban music for the past three decades. The Afro-Cuban All Stars play the Rialto Theatre...

The Secret Jazz Series Night Two: Crooner Night sees Howe Gelb backed by local luminaries. At El Crisol...

Club Z sees local tech house bad bois Low Audi0 and ZAW dropping that heat. At Zen Rock...

This Chicago duo's sound has been described as "sultry vocals and dreamy yet alt-rock-driven guitar soundscapes floating over a rhythmic whiplash of drumming." Bernie & The Wolf bring the Haughty Banter Tour to Sky Bar. Bolstered by the "Hello Kitty-colored fuzzy post-grunge garage" of Feverfew and the thinking man's prog rock of Still Life Telescope...

The Dive Bar and Kitchen is ground zero for a death metal hardcore extravaganza. Featuring Creeping Death, Sanguisugabogg, Languish, Bloodlust and Skin Ticket...

Vermont's own traditional roots power trio, Pete's Posse are at Monterey Court. With Matt Rolland & Freddy Parish...

Saturday, Jan. 18

click to enlarge Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 17-19
La Cerca: Saturday, Jan. 18 @ Crave Coffee Bar
On Aug. 28, 1963 at the March on Washington, Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to go off-script, shouting out, "Tell 'em about the dream, Martin." King began to improvise the speech's most iconic passage. "I'm really interested in these pivotal details that kind of shape things," says violinist David Harrington. UA Presents Kronos Quartet performing a mixed repertoire including Peace Be Till, a new composition based on that historic moment in Washington, D.C. At Crowder Hall...

Transforming passion into infectious joy, this renowned bassist effortlessly has crossed genres lending his virtuosity to projects with jazz and pop legends and classical masters alike. People Music (Mack Avenue Records), the title to his 2013 release, is his personal mantra. "Sometimes jazz musicians get too caught up in their own heads. I figure the best way to communicate is to let the people navigate where you should go." Christian McBride leads his hard-swinging acoustic quintet Inside Straight at the Fox Theatre...

Inspired by the cult films cherished by these L.A. indie rockers, Heaven Surrounds You (Danger Collective Records, 2019) acts as a Map to the Stars, if you will, for disaffected youth. And, their live show is said to be akin to a coming-of-age ritual. Surf Curse at Club Congress. Laika and Stripes provide wicked backing...

Eschewing the lion's mane wig, the dragon suit, the vintage Ludwig Vistalite drum kit, they chose a different path than other tribute acts: To stand on the music alone. Zeppelin USA gives an all-American salute to the music of the very British Led Zeppelin. At The Rialto Theater...

Spinning your favorite jams from the '80s, '90s and early 2000s, Rewind: The Ultimate R&B, Reggae and Hip-Hop Throwback Party takes shape at 191 Toole...

After 11 years, Club Sanctuary is calling it quits. DJs Plastic Disease and Black Flagg promise to drop some sinister industrial, electro and goth tracks for the Grand Finale. At the Surly Wench Pub...

The Secret Jazz Series Night Three: Electro Night features The Jazz Pyramid Scheme. At El Cirsol.

Need a reason to head east? Silver Cloud Express and La Cerca are playing at Crave Coffee Bar...

Ultra '80s Dance Party: DJs Sunanda and Elektra Tek spin your pop favorites. At Passé...

"A Momentary Relapse." After a hiatus groove death metallists By the Gods reincarnate. With Elyzian, Within A Dream, Decrown The Heir and Guardians. At The Rock...

Revel Wine Bar turns 3. Illuminaughty supplies the jams. Cheers...

Sunday, Jan. 19

click to enlarge Where to Rock, This Weekend, Jan. 17-19
Mavis Staples
Among her numerous distinctions, she is both a Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a civil rights icon. "One of America's defining voices of freedom and peace," she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy's inauguration and sang in Barack Obama's White House. "I'm the messenger. That's my job. And I can't just give up while the struggle is still alive. We've got more work to do." The mighty Mavis Staples performs at the Fox Theater. Vocalist Suzanne Santos opens...

Paying one's dues. Five years of constant touring with Albert Collins, followed by another decade on the road with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, turned this Stratocaster-wielding guitarist into a fire-breathing monster. Eight solo albums later—and a significant portion of his life living out of a suitcase—Coco Montoya delivers the blues' hardest truths. At 191 Toole...

This former mechanical engineering student, found a connection between sound, design and fabrication amid the din and dust of a University of California machine shop. Harnessing the power of noise, doom and metal in unparalleled ways, Tristan Shone aka Author & Punisher takes Club Congress by siege. Up first, experimental/electronic/IDM artist Vytear hits the ground running...

Groove to Motown classics like "Respect," "A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools" and more. Featuring vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, The Tucson Symphony Orchestra perform a musical tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin and the Soul of America. At Tucson Music Hall. Lucas Waldin is at the podium...

"Don't Let The Bass Get Ya." This installment of Resonance Monthly sees DJ/producer Cazztek, who "Came To Get Funky," drop bass and tech house. At Gentle Ben's. Enri, Kevek, Low Audio and Mikkey lend support...

From San Diego, post-hardcore/rockers Secrets bring The City Sleeps In Flame: 15th Anniversary Tour to The Rock. Backed by In Lessons, Echoes and The Abstract...

This week's Sunday Patio Sessions features singer-songwriter Joe Peña, guitarist Joe Novelli and drummer Rick Bailey playing an early set. At Che's Lounge...

The Gabrielle Pietrangelo Trio, playing timeless romantic love songs from the 1930s and '40s, brings Dillinger Days to misty-eyed close. On the plaza at Hotel Congress...

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Posted By on Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 9:14 AM

click to enlarge Laughing Stock: The Sound of Music
Simone Turkington
Neil Hamburger is a mess, a joke and a very smart guy.

Comedy so outsider it’s insider

Neil Hamburger is an awful comedian. His affect is palpably awkward. A Sartorial disaster, his clothes look like Goodwill rejects from the sixties. His hair needs a hot bath. His singing is like Leonard Cohen’s as it might sound in The Upside Down, which is to say it’s near perfect in spite of itself.

As colorful and character-drenched as his most obvious features are, they say little about the man. They provide cerebrally irreverent Gregg Turkington with cover for his subversive take on contemporary culture and values. If you don’t laugh at your life, you’re not listening. “Some might say this is a lowbrow show,” Turkington says. “but when I’m making doo doo jokes or jokes about Elton John, it's all in service of, you know, making larger points.”

He acknowledges that his Hamburger character requires a little more intellectual commitment than the average club comic. But his fans also expect more music. Turkington’s been recording for Drag City’s venerable indie record label for more than twenty years, from the moment he overthrew youthful punk immersion for fanzine-level commitment to deeply sincere emotional expression and top shelf musicianship.

“It’s got nothing to say,” says Turkington of current punk music. Perhaps it’s enough to say it’s just another genre, now. “I feel like punk became more regimented than just about any other style of music. Now, my favorite stuff to listen to is really well-produced pop records from the sixties. I just want something with some personality.”

Hamburger’s musical performance owes roughly 20% to Tiny Tim and another 20% to Steve Allen. The music, though, is splendid. Drag City, released his 12th record, Still Dwelling, a year ago in all formats. It inspired half a dozen visual artists around the world to create videos for it; four are now available online, including one animation and a puppet show.

“When Still Dwelling came out, people said the music is incredible because of the musicianship,” Turkington says, Songs include compositions by Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Mark Eitzel and Nancy Wilson. Instruments include a sitar, a saw and a clarinet. Jack Black contributes vocals.
“But I’ve got people saying, ‘Yeah, but I don’t know about the vocals.’ I’m thinking 95% of the songs on the charts are autotuned. That sounds like robotic voices.” No one would confuse Turkington or and Hamburger with robots, though. In fact, they are sui generis.

Turkington appears as Hamburger at 191 Toole on Friday, Jan. 17. Tickets are $20 and $25, including fees, at rialtotheatre.com

Funnier than he looks

John Green was named “Best of the Fest” at the Burbank comedy festival, no mean feat in metropolitan area where you can’t swing a blunt without a half-dozen comics taking a hit.
Green was a long time coming back to his childhood dream of standup notoriety. He studied music through school, then trod the path to success as a Phoenix-area businessman. In his ‘30s, he fell in love with improv. First as a fan, then as a talented improviser, he honed the skills and, even more, the confidence to face an audience alone, even with what he calls his “resting murder face”.

Now Green’s set occasionally includes a song improvised at an audience member’s request to embarrass their friend or mate. Mainly, though, Green’s comedy backbone is good, clean fun. He says in his bio, “There seems to be a stigma about calling yourself a ‘clean’ comic, almost like you’re not a true artist. My only mission with comedy is to make people laugh and feel good about laughing.”

Green is featured at The O at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18. Reservations are $7, $5 in advance via Eventbrite.

MLK Weekend reminder

John Roy’s Jesuit father and psychotherapist mom may have had higher aspirations for him than to be a standup comedian. Alas for them, he absorbed the influence of their diverse, artsy and gritty Rogers Park, Chicago, neighborhood. It gave him the breezy confidence and wide-ranging comic flair that made him champion of CBS’s 2003 Star Search and led to appearances on The Tonight Show, Craig Ferguson, Last Comic Standing and Conan. He’s also performed regularly on cable network TV, independent comedy shows and satellite radio via his record, Dressed for Recess.”

Roy appears at Laffs Comedy Caffe on Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., And Sunday at 7 p.m. Reservations are $12.50 and $17.50 via laffstucson.com.

More Laughs!

Friday, Jan. 17, long-form improv with TIM Teachers Lounge and The Flower Boys at 7:30 p.m. ($5,) and The Soapbox featuring Bryan Sanders (flag shirt guy)($7) at 9 p.m., at Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) (both shows $10). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m., Unscrewed Theatre ($5 kids and $8 adults).

Saturday, Jan. 18, Improv with The Ugly Sweater Show and Harold Alpha at 7:30 p.m., and another Ugly Sweater Show with The Dating Scene at 9 p.m., TIM ($5). 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)

Monday, Jan. 20, standup showcase Brew Ha Ha features Leland Long, Jimmy Callaway, Monte Benjamin and Stephanie Lyonga at Borderlands Brewing at 8 p.m., $5.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, standup with Tom Briscoe at the Desert View Performing Arts Center at 7P30 p.m. ($22)

Thursday, Jan. 23, standup showcase Casa de Comedy is at Casa Marana at 8 p.m., free.

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench, The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy at The Music Box Lounge.
Weds, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., The Screening Room
Thursday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted By on Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Mineral Madness. This event up at the Desert Museum is the perfect way to whet your appetite for the big Tucson Gem and Mineral Show that is coming up. Or, if you're looking for something a little less overwhelming (and, in many cases, cheaper prices), this might even be a good alternative. Check out rock-bottom prices (seriously, they start at 50 cents, and kids can collect some for free) on these mineral and fossil treasures, including special sales of fluorescent minerals, quartz crystals and chalcedony, fossilized shark poop, "decorator" rock and new gem stone donations. There's thousands of specimens that will appeal to everyone from serious collectors to folks who just think rocks are pretty. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 19. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. $21.95 ages 13 to 64, $19.95 seniors, $9.95 youth, free for members and kids under 3. Discounts available for military and Arizona/Sonora residents. (Special preview for Desert Museum members from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16).

Copper Rock Craft Eatery Grand Opening. Alvernon Way's Doubletree Hotel is getting a new eatery with Copper Rock, which features a wide variety of foods from Chef Alan Lambert. Dishes range from Ahi nachos to Greek salad to ribeye and a wide selection of specialty burgers. The menu also includes multiple vegan and vegetarian options. But where Copper Rock really shines is their drink menu, featuring more than a dozen specialty cocktails, as well as plenty of wine and beer. While Copper Rock Craft Eatery has already served up dishes for a few specialty events, this is their official grand opening event, and that means you can get 30 percent off your meal, excluding alcohol. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. 445 S. Alvernon Way.

Tags: , , , , , ,