Saturday, September 14, 2019

Posted By on Sat, Sep 14, 2019 at 1:00 AM

XOXO: Where to Rock This Weekend, Sept.14-15
Courtesy photo (Bandcamp)
La Cerca
Saturday, Sept. 14

"I Remember Now." In 1988, the release of landmark concept album Operation: Mindcrime garnered this "thinking man's progressive metal band" critical acclaim and comparisons to epic works: Pink Floyd's The Wall and Tommy by The Who. Led by Queensrÿche's operatic vocalist, Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime expose conspiracy theories at the Rialto Theatre. Flanked by Irish rock singer Mark Daly and Tribulance...

Twenty years in the waiting, Southern rock legends The Outlaws perform their latest album It's About Pride at 191 Toole. The psycho country skirmish that is Hank Topless gets this hoedown underway...

Eva Sierra and Isaac Kirkman launch The Reading Series: A new open mic platform. Esteemed poet Teré Fowler-Chapman will read as part of this inaugural event. At La Pilita. DJQ mans the tables...

Hard rockers Her Name Echoes, Pyrotechnica and Echoes spark into flames. At Club Congress...

La Cerca's latest is dark and loud. Decidedly, Night Bloom is less of a pop record than Sunrise For Everyone (2014). This album revels in the guitar. Andrew Gardner explains the new sound: "The pop elements have been exchanged for louder guitars. We wanted the guitars to express as much emotion as the vocals." And, to that end they have succeeded. At Exo Bar...

They're back. Those bass-driven purveyors of psychedelic/post-punk/folk rock/cabaret, Breaking Glass, will raise a dust. At Saint Charles Tavern...

The Jacob Acosta Band, Big Grin and Brian Berggoetz Band cover a wide spectrum at Skybar...

Recording 28 Days in the Valley was anything but "Flawless." After being lambasted by producer Linda Perry for showing up wasted to a recording session, vocalist Dorothy Martin received a wake-up call. "You know, the main message of this album is to not live in fear; It's to transform everything in your life to be on the frequency of love, which is so powerful and all healing." Dorothy are at The Rock with blue-haired rock 'n' rolla with a show-stopping voice, Diamante...

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to Rock This Weekend, Sept.14-15
Courtesy photo
Laura Carbone
Sunday, Sept. 15

Unlike their previous albums, Summer of Sorcery (2019) swears off political discourse. "I wanted to get away from those things," Steven Van Zandt explains. "The politics seemed necessary in the '80s...but now it's too obvious. It's attacking us 24/7 and people need a break from it." Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul spread sunshine and love at the Rialto Theatre...

Out on The Empty Sea Tour, Berliner Laura Carbone brings her distinct brand of noisy "dreamadelica" to the American heartland. At Club Congress. Local newcomers jrown are up at bat first...

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Posted By on Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 2:45 PM

Local Nonprofit Hosting Fundraiser at Boxyard Friday Night
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A Tucson nonprofit providing character development for children through outdoor and group activities is hosting a benefit party on Fourth Avenue this Friday, and the whole town’s invited.

The Engage Foundation, which teaches youth how to “engage in life” through free events designed to build character, teamwork and sportsmanship, is throwing a fundraiser Sept. 13 at The Boxyard. The venue, located at 238 N. Fourth Ave., hosts four on-site food vendors and will offer $1 Firestone 805 beers for the event.

Other activities include a raffle, jersey grab, music and a poker tournament. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m.

The foundation provides several programs, primarily its yearly youth co-ed touch rugby team for anyone ages 6 to 18. Participants receive coaching, participate in league matches and receive rugby gear and a jersey all at no cost to the families.

The youth rugby league launches Sept. 29 at Rillito Regional Park, 4502 N. First Ave., and takes place Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. Register for the league and RSVP online at engagearizona.com by Sept. 20.

While much of the year is spent having fun on the field and donating balls to groups like the Boys and Girls Club, Engage Foundation Board Member Matt Stamp said this Friday’s fundraiser is integral to the success of the group’s mission.

“Our goal is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to participate in fun activities that they might not have the chance to otherwise,” Stamp said. “We are grateful for the community support and look forward to a great event and impactful season ahead.”

A $20 ticket to the event comes with a dinner, custom pint glass and $1 beers. A $40 ticket includes a seat at the speed poker tournament—where the best prizes are up for grabs. All proceeds from the events go directly to Engage. Buy tickets online here.

Those who can’t attend the event but would like to contribute to Engage’s mission may do so online here.

Engage is officially recognized and supported by USA Rugby, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tucson and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson.

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Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Posted By on Tue, Sep 10, 2019 at 1:00 AM

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to rock tonight, Tuesday Sept. 10
Courtesy photo
Nancy McCallion
Singer-songwriter Nancy McCallion performs original Americana acoustically as part of Plaza Live! Tuesday Night Concert Series in the courtyard at St. Philip's Plaza.

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Monday, September 9, 2019

Posted By on Mon, Sep 9, 2019 at 10:35 AM

Arizona's only premier underground cult film festival is returning to for the 12th year in a row! The Arizona Underground Film Festival is on a "sole mission to showcase the work of filmmakers with defiantly independent visions," ranging from documentaries to horror to experimental and more. The fest runs from Friday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 22. Ahead of a week of cinematic goodness at The Screening Room, we asked AZUFF founder David Pike to share the 10 films he's most excited about this year. 

click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Artik film
Artik
A critically acclaimed action horror film that takes the viewer into a world where a comic book obsessed serial killer clashes with a straight edge purist. The screening includes lead actor Jerry G. Angelo in attendance. (Screening at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13)

click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Name film
Name
A look at the significance of names, how they affect our lives and shape the world around us. (Screening at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Man in Camo film
Man in Camo
Critically acclaimed documentary about what it means to be a modern artist. (Screening at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Impossible Monsters film
Impossible Monsters
A fun and twisted story that has critics calling it a fantastic and unforgettable thriller. A film that is not to be missed. (Screening at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Mentally Al film
Mentally Al
A look at the life of one of the best comedians that no one has heard of, Al Lubel. (Screening at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / The Phantom 52 film
Thursday night Shorts
Some of the best shorts on the festival circuit with many filmmakers in attendance. Shorts with Tom Skerritt, Jason Schwartzman, Jennifer Morrison and others. (Screening at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Foosballers film
Foosballers
A quirky and heartwarming story of a group of professional athletes the world doesn't know exists. Starring Tucson native Robert Mares, and directed by Tucson native and UA alumni Joe Heslinga, who will both be in attendance. (Screening at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / Bronko film
Bronko
Ascetic vision about a being who detests the dysfunctional social model that this society proposes and opts for the way of self-destruction. Spanish filmmakers will be in attendance. (Screening at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / A Ship of Human Skin film
A Ship of Human Skin
A gothic tale of mysticism told like a true crime story. Filmmaker will be in attendance. (Screening at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21)
click to enlarge The 2019 Arizona Underground Film Festival in 10 Films
Credit AZUFF / The Duckpond film
The Duckpond
A wild and funny film that is not be missed from Sweden. (Screening at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22)

The Arizona Underground Film Festival runs from Friday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 22 at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress Street.
 For more information, visit azuff.org

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Thursday, September 5, 2019

Posted By on Thu, Sep 5, 2019 at 3:46 PM


Have you read Jacob Tobia's (pronouns: they/them) national bestseller, Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story?

You really should!

Then join us on October 6 at Murphy-Wilmot Library (530 N. Wilmot Rd.) from 6 to 8 pm for an open and honest discussion about how we can build a world free from gender-based trauma and bursting with trans-inclusive feminism.
"A story of audacity and courage," (Billie Jean King), Sissy explores gender, stereotypes, and growing up not  sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above.

Among their many remarkable achievements, Jacob is a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Out 100. They served as the Social Media Producer on the Emmy Award-winning series, Transparent and collaborated with Instagram and GLAAD to produce #KindComments, a campaign for Trans Day of Visibility that was viewed over 14 million times.

This event is brought to you by the Library's LGBTQ+ Services Team, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018. It is generously funded by the Friends of the Pima County Public Library.

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Posted By on Thu, Sep 5, 2019 at 1:00 AM

XOXO: Where To Rock on Thursday, Sept. 5
Metalachi
In July 2018, after snorting rails of cocaine that were "left in my room," chugging "a friend's" THC-infused lean and chasing it all with tequila at a nearby bar, this emo-rapper—after going outside for a smoke—felt an "explosion" detonate inside his chest. He woke up in a hospital bed. A nurse informed that he suffered a heart attack. "My whole left side was numb." Lil' Tracy does "Awful Things" at 191 Toole. Local emcee Manny Sosa drops heat during the opening slot.

With seven albums to their credit, Naked Prey formed in '82 by Van Christian, who also had stints with The Pedestrians and Green on Red. Catch this storied multi-instrumentalist as he mines for nuggets from the past and presents new material at Tap + Bottle-Downtown.

Chameleonic neo-soul/jazzers Mesquite kickoff their summer tour. Mexican post-rockers Pirámides and Sei Still share the stage at Club Congress.

Chris Hall performs heartfelt country blues at R Bar.

"If you're not ready to party, get the fuck out!" From Juarez, Mexico via Hollywood, "The World's First and Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band," Metalachi go off the rails in the Paradiso Lounge at Casino Del Sol.

Traditional bluegrass? Not quite. The band describe their sound as "their own version, mixing the acoustic stomp of a stringband with the rule-breaking spirit of rock & roll." Musical mavericks Greensky Bluegrass go against the grain at the Rialto Theatre. Blues rocker Andy Frasco opens.

Exploring the sounds of the Mediterranean, Moroccan vocalist/oudist Khalid El Boujami and Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist Anton Shekerdziev set the tone at Free First Thursday. The occasion? The unveiling of I'm Every Woman: Representations of Women on Paper and Ralph Gibson: Photographs, the latest additions to the Tucson Museum of Art's permanent collection.

Vocalist Diane Van Deurzen and pianist Lisa Otey perform jazz, sultry blues and boogie woogie at Harbottle Brewing Company.

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Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Posted By on Wed, Sep 4, 2019 at 10:56 AM

Casino Del Sol Launching Tailgate Chef Contest at UA Football Games
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Casino Del Sol Executive Chef Ryan Clark: “As a Tucson native, I’m a huge Wildcats fan so tailgating has always been something I look forward to.”
Get out your aprons and spatulas, Tucson. It’s time to find the best tailgate cook in the Old Pueblo.

At each University of Arizona home football game, starting this Saturday, Sept. 7 against Northern Arizona University, Casino Del Sol Executive Chef Ryan Clark will search for the best tailgate dishes. His goal? To crown one cook as the “Sol Bowl Tailgate Champion of the Week.”

“As a Tucson native, I’m a huge Wildcats fan so tailgating has always been something I look forward to,” said Clark in a release. “I thought it’d be a fun way to show our support for the home team and let local chefs and foodies boast their game day specialties.”

The weekly competition will take place at each of the six Saturday home games at Arizona Stadium: Sept. 7 vs. NAU, Sept. 14 vs. Texas Tech, Sept. 28 vs. UCLA, Oct. 12 vs. Washington, Nov. 2 vs. Oregon State and Nov. 23 vs. Utah.

Starting three hours before kick-off, Clark will be at the tailgate section of the UA Main Campus Mall looking for tailgaters with the best tailgate masterpieces. He will taste one dish from each contestant and select one winner.

Each week’s winner will join Clark on the field during the game, where they will be presented with an official Sol Bowl chef’s apron from Chef Works, and $500 in gift cards.

Tailgate cooks are encouraged to register online prior to each game at casinodelsol.com/solbowl. Entrants must be 21 or older, have tickets to the game and an official tailgating location at the tailgate section of the UA Main Campus Mall.

May the best chef win!

Friday, August 30, 2019

Posted By on Fri, Aug 30, 2019 at 11:34 AM

Friday, Aug. 30

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to rock this weekend, Aug.30-Sept.2
Courtesy photo
Ms Nina
Neoperreo is a mashup of reggaetón and digital culture. Chilean singer, "La Reina del Neoperreo," Tomasa Del Real rose up from the L.A. underground—where she slogged away as a tattoo artist—to the vanguard of reggaetón's freakiest offshoot. Perreo is a sexually uninhibited dance that challenged the sensibilities of Puerto Rican status quo, where it originated, during the '90s. Female-led reggaetón is moving the genre forward. For Del Real this is natural and "parallel to our generation, who is more accepting." Feel the heat when El Tambó presents Tomasa del Real, Ms Nina, San Cha, Mexican Jihad y un chingo mas. At Hotel Congress.

Death metalists Gatecreeper descend into "Sweltering Madness" at 191 Toole. With Candy, Show Me The Body and others.

Club '90s L.A. presents Get Low: Throwback Hip Hop Night. DJs spin 1990s and '00s hits. At the Rialto Theatre... "

And as the Waters Go." Downtuned guitars generate squalls of feedback that set off a sonic cascade. Montreal's BIG|BRAVE share the stage with ambient experimentalists Trees Speak. At Owls Club...

Humphouse spins at Cobra Arcade...

Bay Area post-hardcore trio, Holy Fawn are four creatures making "loud, heavy, pretty noises." They will just do that at Wooden Tooth Records. Flanked by Super Unison and Lychee...

From Illinois, this singer-songwriter tweeted that he "is making indie rock history by being the first artist to eat a whole catering tray of impossible meatballs backstage." Ryley Walker is at Che's Lounge with Wild Pink and Pearl Charles...

During the 1920s, Claire Higgins ran the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center. An austere woman, the mere mention of "Mother Higgins" instilled fear in would-be juvenile delinquents. Billy Sedlmayr & The Mother Higgins Children's Band keep the legend alive at Exo Bar. With folk singer Melaena Cadiz...

Following the arrest of 12 people after a noise demo outside of Pima County Jail on Aug. 14—noise demonstrations are held outside of detention facilities to protest the isolation experienced by prisoners with a display of festive joy and caring towards those held captive on the inside. Perish, BYOM, Hallow, It Might Not Change and Igloo Martian gather to perform a benefit show. At Blacklidge Community Collective...

The polished neo-soul fusion of Street Blues Family along with the R&B/Europop of Seanloui promise to make you swoon. At R Bar...

At once sophisticated, yet whimsical, if not quirky. Two-Door Hatchback perform in the tasting room at Sand-Reckoner...

Pushing Buttons: A Monthly Producer Getdown create beautiful noise at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery...

Fiendishly rad indie rock 'n' rollers The Exbats smack their bubblegum and crank out The Monkees-inspired pop goodness. At Saint Charles Tavern...

Mexican-American singer-songwriter/actor Pepe Aguilar croons at AVA Amphitheater...

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to rock this weekend, Aug.30-Sept.2
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XIXA
Akin to a shaman-led ayahuasca ceremony—through a surreal desert landscape where grinding cumbia rhythms melt like a Willy Wonka chocolate bar into darkwave synth patches propelled by a wicked "Mexican Thin Lizzy" twin-lead guitar attack—XIXA preside over the ritual at Hotel Congress. With Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Maggot Heart, Las Chollas Peligrosas y más...

With roots in witch house and early 2010s rap culture, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal shapeshift sound. While former metalhead turned rapper Dana Dentata will "Make It Bounce" at 191 Toole...

They are Original Hot. Yes, freewheeling retro hell riders Taco Sauce add a sprinkle of glitter to Rockstar Wrestling Aliance's Día De Las Luchas. At The Rialto Theater...

Featuring DJs, live music, freestyle b-girl/b-boy breakdance battles and more, Southwest Shogun Jam slams at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery. Runt and Roch host...

"Do You Really Want Me?" Dogbreth deliver huggable power-pop with a youthful tinge of self-doubt. All-ages mayhem. At Wooden Tooth Records. With L.A. (by way of Tucson) riot grrrl inspired punk rockers Foxx Bodies and others...

From Vancouver, BC, minimalviolence offer a full-throttle ride through a raw techno landscape. With Brazilian avant-garde/experimentalists DEAFKIDS and more. At Owls Club...

In a 2016 project, Cumbia Corridos, Tucson cumbiancheros Vox Urbana explored the plight of the immigrant; Their hopes and heartbreaks too often encountered on a journey through the unforgiving Sonoran Desert. They perform at The Boxyard...

Over the years, man about town Clif Taylor (aka Chick Cashman) has worn many hats (that of filmmaker, musician, designer) as well as his signature Texas cowboy hat and is a beloved fixture in the Tucson music scene. Cashman adds with excessive modesty, "I started playing guitar at age 11 and have not gotten any better." Cashman performs at Che's Lounge with the legendary Kid Congo Powers (The Cramps/Nick Cave), The ExBats and Anchor Baby...

"I'm the most unprofessional DJ...I just youtube and mp3 songs up there on stage on the spot," L.A. producer Nedarb tweeted. He spins along with FoxWedding and Positive Satan at Cobra Arcade...

When this DJ "isn't robbing banks with baseball bats, he's rocking late night discotheques with soul songs for the Armageddon." Zackey Force Funk, Phatsoul and Alias smash at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery...

Take a plunge: Black Renaissance: Immersion is a night of mixed media performances at R Bar...

Little Cloud, Origami Ghosts and Human Ottoman form a trifecta for the win. At Sky Bar...

Singer-songwriter Amy Rude and Mamma Coal unite for an evening of folk songs, country and storytelling. At Exo Bar...

Sunday, Sept. 1

Their mission statement: "Not a band. Not DJs. We throw parties for the music we love." The infamous Emo Nite L.A. hits the Rialto Theatre for the very first time...

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to rock this weekend, Aug.30-Sept.2
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Injury Reserve
With roots in Arizona, this off-kilter L.A. hip hop trio's first two albums, Live From the Dentist Office and Floss, were literally recorded after hours in their producer's grandfather's dental office. The lyrics to "Oh Shit!!!" demonstrate their sense of comedy. Injury Reserve are at 191 Toole. With Fat Tony, Psypiritual & Sadgalnina and Yung Davon...

Lo-fi folkster Bill Callahan's voice conveys solitude. His words hold the power of shared human experience. And on his lo-fi recordings he whispers his presumptions into your ear. Callahan shares the plaza stage with Howe Gelb, Jake Xerxes Fussell, June West and Casey Golden. At Hotel Congress...

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

Mashing-up Latino/Indigenous/Caribbean/African beats, from Brooklyn, NY, DJ Bembona's work aims to empower and bridge the gap between POC communities and beyond. Sonido Tambó add their distinct flavor to this cultural remezcla. Poolside at Hotel McCoy...

Canadian indie rockers The Courtneys' infectious brand of sunny Flying Nun-influenced pop songs, like worms, burrow into your ear canals. At Wooden Tooth Records. Backed by Hotline TNT, Toner and Stripes...

Roy the Cat presents Loveland—the wonderful and expansive country collective stewarded by the inimitable David Bryan—at Che's Lounge...

click to enlarge XOXO: Where to rock this weekend, Aug.30-Sept.2
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Droll
Death Bells are Standing at the Edge of the World. Well, perhaps metaphorically. But along with Cold Showers, Marbled Eye, Lié and Droll they are bringing HOCO Fest 2019 to an equally morose and raucous close. Djentrification spins, firing off the final salvos. At Club Congress...

Monday, Sept. 2

Wanna jam? Tucson Eclectic Jazz Jam kicks off at Solar Culture. Trumpeter Glen Gross, saxophonist Malik Alkabir, bassist Michael Grigsby and pianist Gehrig Burnett comprise the core band...

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Posted By on Fri, Aug 30, 2019 at 11:08 AM

Copia Edibles Hosts Statewide Blood Drive With American Red Cross
Bigstock
Peggy Noonan, founder and CEO of marijuana edibles company Copia Edibles, knows first hand how vital blood donations can be.

Diagnosed with Leukemia in 2017, Noonan felt inspired to shine a light on the importance of donating blood. Now, Copia will be organizing a statewide blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross association.

“Having relapsed with Leukemia, I became aware of the shortage of blood supply," she said in a press release. "Being directly affected I thought, OK, we need to do something about it and determined to hold statewide blood drives."

"I request that the whole community join us in these drives. As far as I’m concerned, I truly appreciate everyone's love and support. And remember, I’m Magic and Miracles, Health, Love and Light. Vibrant Health.”

Copia will have it's first official blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at Prime Leaf Dispensary, 4220 E Speedway Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To be eligible to donate blood, people must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

Registered medical marijuana patients who donate blood will get a free infused goodie from Copia and Prime Leaf.

Their first goal is to get blood donations from at least 20 people, which be enough blood to potentially save 60 lives in the United States.

Copia is also accepting cash donations which will go to directly to the American Red Cross.

To schedule an appointment at the bloodmobile or for more information, contact 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. 

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

Posted By on Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 12:01 PM

click to enlarge Laughing Stock: Funny how food goes with comedy.
Cinnamon Studios
The Tennessee Tramp visits Laffs for the long weekend.

Oh, that Tennessee Tramp!

National touring comedian Janet Williams has brightened some of my favorite holiday weekends at Laff’s Comedy Caffe. Last year her set tickled me so that I bought an extra LeCave’s donut the next morning.

Like me, Williams is up there in years. But so is Dolly Parton! Their boss attitudes and wicked sense of humor are alike enough they could be cousins. Dolly would wear Williams’ handle, the Tennessee Tramp, with pride, but Williams would laugh at the idea of all of Parton’s cosmetic surgery.

Williams’ comedy is as natural as daily life, spun by a force of nature. Her subject matter encompasses all ages, genders, and ethnic groups, and she’s a USO favorite. She’s performed for dozens of fundraisers and appeared on two seasons of BET Comic View.

She’ll be at Laffs Comedy Caffe at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and at 8 p.m., Sunday. Reservations are $12.50 and $17.50 at laffstucson.com. There’s also a two-item minimum.

Because connections are what Tucson is all about . . .

Tucson downtown’s biggest night of the month will include a sampler of Tucson’s amazing indie comedy scene at The Screening Room starting in November. Producer Chris Quinn says his new Second Saturday series will feature two-hour, booked events with all local comedians. Admission will be $5.

In the way of so many Tucson things, the opportunity arose from serendipitous connection of people and inspiration.

Quinn’s best friend, Tyron Engle is a sound engineer and business partner in Cquinn-Ty. Engle owns an eponymous recording studio and handles sound for The Strada Company’s Reel Tucson show at The Screening Room. Reel Tucson, featuring shorts by local filmmakers, is run by drag queens Rew Bee Renard (Andrew Baughman) and Mary Jane (Alexander Robinson). Quinn knows Baughman as his wife’s former co-worker at Bookman’s.

In May, Reel Tucson featured comedy shorts and included a standup comedy show. It was such a success that The Strada Company began looking for other ways to bring comedy into the organization’s orbit. Engle encouraged the leadership to talk to Quinn, who had been thinking along the same lines.

“I've known (Baughman and Robinson) for almost five years,” Quinn says, “and they're like, ‘Hey, we're putting on a comedy show!’ And I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I do comedy.’ And they're like, ‘We know! You're the first name on the list.’ I was like, ‘Perfect’.

In June, Quinn, a relative newcomer in Tucson’s comedy scene, launched Open Mic Comedy Wednesdays at The Screening Room. “The first few mics had 12 to 15 people, which we were anticipating because it was brand new,” Quinn Says. “The last three shows we’ve had 20. We’ve gotten the numbers we were hoping for and we've been getting a bunch of great comics out.”
He and Engle believe there will be plenty to keep the Second Saturday crowds laughing between the bands and food trucks.

Let’s do this again! Comedy at Tony’s Deli

This party was so good in July, they ran out of beer. But there was still plenty of all kinds of pasta for the crowd jammed under the striped tent out back. A great time was had by all, like a family reunion with no kids, where everybody’s laughing, and you all get along.

Organizer and host Roy Lee Reynolds promises another big helping of the same at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31. The lineup will comprise Andrew Scott, Rebecca Tingley, Paul Fox and local superstar Pauly Casillas.

A $15 ticket includes dinner and the show. Tickets are at outlaw-comedy.ticketleap.com/comedy-at-tonys. Reynolds posted on Facebook, “If 25 people pre-order tickets . . . then Rebecca Tingley, Paul Fox, Andrew Scott and I will post a video of us telling our favorite street jokes while eating wings doused in The Last Dab (hot sauce).” You may still get in under the wire.

Last Friday, Last Laughs

Hotel McCoy’s free monthly comedy series continues at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. The line-up includes Andrea Salazar, Joel Martin, Drake Horner, Chinna Garza, Em Bowen, Mariah Dickson, Jacob Breckenridge, Linda Ray (me) and Pauly Casillas. There’s usually a food truck

More Laughs

Thursday: Free open mics at 8 p.m. at Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m. at Rockabilly Grill.
Friday: Sebastian Maniscalco,(sold out) at Desert Diamond Casino. Improv with The Riveters and Shatfan at 7:30 p.m. and The Soapbox featuring Kristel Foster at 9 p.m. at Tucson Improv Movement ($5). Improv with NBOJU (Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed) at 7:30 p.m. at Unscrewed Theater ($8 adults, $5 children).

Saturday: Improv with The Game Show Show and Laugh Tracks at 7:30 p.m. and the Dating Scene and The Family of Things at 9 p.m. at Tucson Improv Movement($5). Improv with family friendly NBOJU at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Unscrewed Theater ($8 adults, $5 children).

Sunday: Free Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Chuckleheads in Bisbee.

Monday: Free Open Mic at 7 p.m. at The Surly Wench.

Wednesday: Free open mic at 7 p.m. at The Screening Room.

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