In preparation for the main event, this year's HOCO Fest soft pedals into the fray with a Warm Up featuring the psychedelically soulful, middle-of-the-road croon of Omar Apollo. "So Good." Bolstered by the radical badassery of local artist collective Ojalá Systems, whose mission is to bring hip-hop and Latino art and culture to the wider creative world. Chingon at Hotel Congress. The fest runs through Sunday, Sept 1. See hocofest.com for all the details.

Taking Back Tomorrow, from Buffalo, New York, hip-hop artist Chuckie Campbell and his six-piece horn section, The Black Den, bring the Beats and Brass Tour blasting into Sky Bar.

The Lookout Tucson Jazz Concert Series continues. Vocalist Diane Van Deurzen and pianist Lisa Otey perform jazz, sultry blues and boogie woogie in the Lookout Bar and Grille at the Westward Look Resort.

Gearing up to present their latest album, Back To The Garden, to audiences across the pond, the illustrious Rich Hopkins and the Luminarios play the Tap + Bottle-Downtown.

“Hi friends, my name is Hyalite. I am a sweet 2-year-old girl who LOVES meeting new people! I fall in love instantly with everyone I meet and enjoy giving them hugs. I am smart girl who already knows sit when you have a treat. I am searching for a loving, active family that will take me on regular walks, jogs, runs, hikes, bike rides, or swims!” Hyalite (867787)

For more information give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173, or visit me at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. See you soon!

Friday, Aug. 23

"People Are People." No? '80s Monsoon captures the essence and spectacle of, what for some amounts to, "The Holy Trinity" of English electronic/post-punk/art rock bands—Depeche Mode, The Smiths and David Bowie—in their heydays. Strange Love, This Charming Band and Electric Duke evoke a likeness to truth. All-ages fun at the Rialto Theatre.

Diluvio, Santa Pachita, Salvador Duran, Aztral Funk y mas bare their Hearts for The Barrio: A Community Benefit for Petroglyphs at 191 Toole. Proceeds to aid this emporium after sustaining the bulk of the fire damage when a two-alarm blaze erupted in the Lost Barrio Historic Warehouse District in May.

NiteCall: Future Rave sees guest DJs Betty Blackheart and Self.Destrukt join resident DJ Mijito to drop massive synthwave/techno/electro/cyber dancefloor bombs at R Bar.

Digging through the crates to keep eardrums happy. Wooden Tooth Records' Vinyl Night happens in the beer garden at Tucson Hop Shop.

Performing music from his acclaimed album Desert Sounds—a cinematic ode to the desert Southwest—and material staged during the Night Rider Tour, The Jacob Acosta Band are at Harbottle Brewing Company.

With a known penchant for effortlessly dabbling in various genres, The AmoSphere's intention is to make bodies move at Monterey Court. Denver native singer/guitarist Zach Heckendorf is up to bat first.

Pool party? Indeed. Mama's House continues at Hotel McCoy. Resident DJ Mother Tierra spins an eclectic mix poolside.

Backed by some of Tucson's finest, Parisian guitarist Naim Amor's A Jazz Trio execute jazz classics with aplomb at Exo Roast Co.

Performing a soulful union of acoustic Música desde el Corazón, FebboFuentes are Westbound.

From Bozeman, Montana, out on the We Want More Summer Tour, 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 Sur Block add dimensionality to the lineup.

Following in the tradition of Lee "Scratch" Perry and King Tubby, Tucson's dub/reggae masters Dub Society skank at the Chicago Bar.

Dash Pocket, blazing up-and-comers, play Americana, folk and alt-country at The Parish.

The Eugene Boronow Trio spread bossa nova's heart-warming sound at La Cocina.

Euphoria unleashed. Specto Entertainment presents Back 2 School Edition: Featuring DJ sets by HouseKneckt, Slama B2B Billy Gatt, Gram B2B Bray, Cursor and Karli. Feel the bass shake the walls at Gentle Ben's.

DJs wei, Alex Anders, Lunarfluxx, Pins & Needles and Kody Black kick off another season of late night vibes (and debauchery, perhaps). Project Atlas: Episode III slams at Solar Culture.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Seanloui presents his latest single, "Bad Things," a simply wicked R&B/Euro pop dance track at Wooden Tooth Records flanked by indie rockers The Rifle and Phoenix rising stars The Deadbeat Cousins.

Under the Sudden Sky, metalcorists Crown The Empire top the bill at Rage Fest with Attila, Veil Of Maya, Gideon and others at Encore.

A brass-propelled Latin fusion soundstream will resound from the rooftop, literally. Santa Pachita are at Playground Bar and Lounge.

Michael P. & The Gullywashers (Americana) ride their big "Pink Bicycle" onto the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin.

Armando Moreno, Crøøked Saints and Juju Fontaine rock at Club Congress, unabashedly.

Benefit Bash for the Hungry finds The Legion of Mario performing the music of Jerry Garcia at Public Brewhouse. Proceeds benefit Felicia's Farm to provide food for Tucson's homeless and vulnerable.

Blues vocalist/violinist Heather "Lil' Mama" Hardy and crew are at Monterey Court.

Blues Hall of Famer guitarist Mike Hebert accompanied by bassist Koko Matsumoto are at Button Brew House in Marana.

Mixing pop, jazz and classical compositions into their repertoire, this eight piece ensemble—comprised of a string quartet and rhythm section—offer a little something for everyone. Hall Full perform for the people at Exo Roast Co.

These desperados make a run for it. Country rockers The County Line kick up some dust at Whiskey Roads.

Country to the core. KIIM-FM 99.5 Country Night features Southern Reins in the Paradiso Lounge at Casino Del Sol.

"A Brain, A Beauty, A Jock, A Rebel and A Recluse." Yes, The Breakfast Club '80s Dance Party explodes with glorious nostalgia. DJ NoirTech spins the hits at the Surly Wench Pub.

The metallic gates of Hades shall part open to release something menacing. Epherum, Conquest Of The Aphids, Decrown The Heir, Sigils Of Summoning and Evasion defile the sanctity of Irene's Holy Donuts.

Sunday, Aug. 25

True to form, country superstars Travis Tritt and The Charlie Daniels Band comprise The Outlaws & Renegades Tour. Pairs well with ice cold beer at the AVA Amphitheatre.

Who says one song can't make a career? The despair of obsessive love captured in "Wicked Game" (1989) triggered a domino effect: A supermodel-cast music video, a mercurial ride to No. 6 on Billboard's Hot 100, a spot in David Lynch's Wild at Heart and a balls-out cover by Finnish gothic metal band HIM. Feel the compulsion when Chris Isaak returns to The Fox Theater.

Hungover? Funk and eggs may be the remedy. Mik and The Funky Brunch serve it up at La Cocina.

Be tragic, or whatever else you may fancy. Tunes From The Crypt finds DJs Nullus and SET spinning goth and industrial from the '80s and '90s to darkwave and witch house from today. Darkness knows no bounds at the Surly Wench Pub.

As the low-watt drone of swamp coolers wears on, acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter/storyteller Kevin Pakulis and his Band offer relief at Borderlands Brewing Company.

The St. Andrew's Bach Society presents The Art of the Fugue with the acclaimed Amernet String Quartet at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Calling all artists who live or work in Pima County!

Get ready for the next Call to Artists October 17–23. Submit up to five images as examples of your work—not necessarily the pieces you will show—and an artist statement of no more than 250 words. All types of media will be accepted and considered.

A jury—consisting of members of the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, the arts community, and library staff—will convene in early November to go through submissions and select artists who will display their work in month-long shows at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library gallery during the 2020 exhibit season.

The Joel D. Valdez Main Library welcomes more than 40,000 visitors each month. This level of visibility is unheard of in a regular art gallery. The space is incredibly visible to a vibrant and growing downtown community.

During the Call to Artists, artists should enter their pieces via Submittable. JPG, TIFF, and PNG files will be accepted. If you don't already have a Submittable account, a valid email address is required to sign up.

Need help applying? Come to our drop-in help session on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Bring a flash drive containing your images.

Weird.
Irreverent.
Meta.
Nerdy.
Genius.

That would be my laundry list of words to describe Gutenberg! The Musical!, written by Scott Brown and Anthony King, as the debut production for Southern Arizona Performing Arts Company. It’s the perfect show for the person who doesn’t take themselves, or their love of musicals, so seriously that they can’t have fun exploring the tropes and cliches often found in the world of theatre.

Gutenberg! The Musical! is a musical about making a musical. Writers Bud and Doug (played by Carson Wright and Tyler Wright respectively) perform a whirlwind mock-up of their show about the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg and the kinda sorta, probably made up, wikipedia-sourced journey of his invention. The show starts with Bud and Doug introducing each other, the musical, and the fact that there are Broadway producers in the audience who hopefully will provide a nod of approval and a contract once they’ve seen the audition. As it progresses, Bud and Doug take on the roles of a variety of characters, delineated by a displayed cache of trucker hats emblazoned with the character’s name (Woman, Beef Fat Trimmer, Daughter, Gutenberg, Monk #2, and more).

Carson and Tyler portray their characters with a grounded humor reminiscent of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. There is a beloved earnestness and sincerity that permeates their comedic choices, making them believable and yet ridiculous (in all the best ways). This groundedness is what really sells the rest of the often cliched wrongness of the story they’re trying to tell. Carson has a fantastically confident agility about him that allows him to glide effortlessly between characters both in voice and in physicality. Tyler has a pointed seriousness about him that gives him the unique ability to deliver absurdity with beautiful patience, keenness and impeccable timing.

Given a suggested PG-13 rating; misogyny, antisemitism and abusive relationships are just some of the interwoven themes of the made-up musical, but because of the grounded portrayal by Carson and Tyler, and the truth of the tropes of which they’re making fun, I found myself laughing out loud again and again. OK, there may have even been a snort (or two). Reminiscent of shows like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, the sometimes shock value of what was being sai, was absorbed by the sincerity of the actors’ spot-on delivery and the super clever, word-nerd level lyrics.

Carson and Tyler, billed as both directors and designers on the show, were able to do what few self-directed casts can achieve. Often it’s difficult to step outside of the creative brain to add a critical eye to the overall performance. But this production doesn’t suffer from that difficulty. The choreography is prudent, funny and a well-oiled machine. The finesse they display in telling both stories (both of the writers and the actual musical) while physically shifting hats, props, and each other, was incredibly deft and polished. All of this was accented and made even more magical by the actors’ incredible singing voices and their equally talented musical accompanist, Khris Dodge.

The show is being performed at Unscrewed Theater, known typically for its improv comedy. The sparse black-box style theater made for a perfect backdrop for the show. Lighting was sometimes lacking, but almost gave the overall intention of the show a bit more integrity as it’s intended to be a grassroots, self-produced show. There were a few times when there were props or choreography that took place on the proscenium or floor of the stage when I couldn’t see what was happening. This was only frustrating because I didn’t want to miss any of the action.

Go see Gutenberg! The Musical! Laugh at the jokes, sing the songs, and allow Carson, Tyler, and Dodge to simultaneously charm, offend, and amaze you with their utterly brilliant performance.

Gutenberg! The Musical! plays at Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway Blvd., for only one more weekend with remaining shows on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2p.m.

Tickets are $25 general admission; $20 military, students, teachers. For details and reservations visit www.sapactucson.org, email boxoffice@sapactucson, or call 520-780-6119.

WHY RESEARCH HISTORY WHEN YOU CAN MAKE IT UP?
In collaboration with Not Those Wright Brothers and Unscrewed Theater, this hit two-man musical spoof is back by popular demand after being nominated for a MAC Award in 2018.

Two desperate songwriters perform a backers’ audition for their new musical about Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud Davenport and Doug Simon (portrayed by real-life brothers Carson and Tyler Wright) sing all the songs and play all the parts in their hilarious historical epic!

Who: Some adult content, PG-13 recommended
When: Thursday, August 22 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 24 – 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 25 – 2 p.m.
Where: Unscrewed Theater
4500 E. Speedway #39
How Much: $25 General
$20 Military, Student, Teacher
$75 for season tickets (4 shows)
All seating is reserved
Tickets: Website: www.sapactucson.org
Call: 520-780-6119
Email: [email protected]
David Shack, Box Office Manager

GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
CAST
Bud Davenport – Carson Wright
Doug Simon – Tyler Wright
Charles the Pianist – Khris Dodge
Originally Directed and Designed by
Carson and Tyler Wright
Original Production was presented in August 2018 at Catalina Foothills High School by Not Those Wright Brothers

In 2010, Oregon native, guitarist/singer Matthew Paige moved to Nashville and hooked up with drummer Zach Murphy. They performed as a duo, surviving on "Potatoes and Whiskey" until the present powerhouse quartet coalesced. The Blackfoot Gypsies aim to take their swamp blues cool, downhome hillbilly funk with a light Mott the Hoople sear To The Top (Plowboy Records, 2017) at 191 Toole.

In Yoruba, she is the mother of African sweet waters. Indie soul/hip-hop divas Oshun connect with their ancestral spirits to transmorph into the embodiment of Afrofuturism at Club Congress.

"Hi there, I'm Paulie. I am a 3-year-old boy who is searching for my forever family! I love attention and will stretch out when getting scratches." Paulie (874709) Visit Paulie at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. For more information give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

Friday, Aug. 16

NME proclaimed this festival as The Greatest Musical Event Ever. Originally billed as An Aquarian Exposition, the event brought together 400,000 young people who coexisted in peace for three days without any visible form of security. It was August 1969. Still, years later, some search for cultural significance. For some the scene conjures up images of Dante's Inferno. Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead recalls, "It was filthy. It was muddy. There wasn't enough food or facilities." Nor was it much fun for activist Abbie Hoffman, allegedly high on LSD, who took to the stage uninvited to pontificate during The Who's set—"I think this is a pile of shit while (White Panther Party founder) John Sinclair rots in prison"—and whose head was swiftly introduced to the headstock of Pete Townsend's guitar. Ouch. For others, the event became a cultural touchstone. Festival organizer/The Road To Woodstock author Michael Lang reflects, "During a time of great challenges in America...a sense of possibility and hope was born and spread around the globe. The spirit embraced at Woodstock continues to grow." As does the intrigue and legacy surrounding the event. Woodstock: A 50 Year Celebration features Anthony Aquarius Mystery: A Jimi Hendrix Tribute, The Who Experience and Creedence and Company—is at the Rialto Theatre.

Meanwhile, Club Congress celebrates Woodstock on the plaza with the likes of Katie Haverly, Little Cloud, Sqwrl, Gabe Kubanda, Jeremy Cashman, Silver Cloud Express, Miss Olivia, Pete Fine and Katherine Byrnes covering Joni Mitchell, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Sebastian, CSN, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Rock 'n' roll with swagger? Led by dynamic frontman/guitarist Josh Kennedy, Tempe's The Black Moods "Say It For the Last Time." At The Rock. Backed by Alien Atmosphere.

 In a Rabelaisian celebration of liberation from restraint and societal dogma, under the stewardship of Tucson Libertine League's Lola Torch, Reveal: A Debut of Burlesque Performances unveils itself at 191 Toole.

The World's Only Heavy Metal Tribute to the Material Girl, Mastodonna will take you far beyond the "Borderline." Celebrate Madonna's 61st birthday at Club Congress.

Bearing No Cross, No Crown, hardcore/metallists Corrosion of Conformity, on a quest to believe, answer a call to the void. At Encore. With Crowbar.

Enjoy jazz in the glorious twilight, outdoors. This installment of Friday Night Live! Free Concert Series finds saxophonist/composer Mike Moynihan's Purple Spectre pushing boundaries at Main Gate Square...

Saturday, Aug. 17

Tucson Weekly and Tucson Electric Power present Woofstock: One Day of Peace, Music and Pets. This dog-friendly concert features epic performances by Leila Lopez as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Novelli as Jimi Hendrix, Keli and The Big Dream as Jefferson Airplane, Johnny Zapp & Paul West as The Band, Ice-9 as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Canned Heat, Southbound Pilot as Janis Joplin, Greyhound Soul as Richie Havens and The Wayback Machine as The Grateful Dead. At the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium.

Reggae Against Hunger finds ZeeCeeKeely, Petey and Zoe of Phoenix's Kill Babylon Coalition performing an acoustic set, The New Current, Jay Lava and Gonzo of Rilen'Out spreading irie vibes and collecting canned goods for the community. With live painting by Keri Ercolini. At Irene's Holy Donuts.

For those not holding tickets, your chance to catch indie/folk stalwarts Calexico and Iron & Wine present their latest, Years to Burn (Sub Pop, 2019), just got slimmer. The show at the Rialto Theatre has sold out.

Sarah Catherine hosts Vamp: Bible Study. Dixon DuMay, Grandma Steven, Brookeback Mountain and others perform in this drag extravaganza.

Alt/indie/ambient trio Moontrax and Phoenix rockers Panic Baby are at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. DJ Resonance spins.

Performing on tiny keyboards, musical instruments and non-instruments both variegated and amusing—Thøger Lund, Dimitri Manos and Jeff Grubic—SRS (Spontaneous Response Squadron) explore ambient improvisation at Exo Bar.

Dance afterhours? Nite Lite sees DJs Atom Energy, Malice and Cactus keeping the EDM bangin' until the dawn, literally. At Solar Culture...

Sunday, Aug. 18

"Once upon a time, in your wildest dreams." The voice of The Moody Blues, Rock Walk Hall of Famer Justin Hayward, draws material from his near 50-year career. At the Fox Theatre. Acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist Mike Dawes opens the show.

"My one goal is to bring motherfuckers together with this music, enjoy the vibes and stay golden." Hip hop/rap artists Natho x $inclair, RJ, 9Boys, Desertclan and Rated R emerge from the loam. Underground Rising at Club Congress. Positive Satan x Based Hoezer supply the beats...

"Can You Hear The Stars Cry?" This L.A. band asks this question on "The Thirteenth Hour," their latest release.  This multimedia performing arts group fuses electronica/world/rock and dance with surrealism and video projections. AL1CE is at Bar Passé.

By day, this award-winning fiddler's signature black-framed glasses scream mild-mannered Clark Kent. At night, watch this virtuoso transform into a Southwestern country rock Superman. The Billy Shaw Jr. Band is at The Maverick.

This month's installment of the smorgasbord of artistic expression known as Ladytowne Live features candid conversation with mayoral candidates Randi Dorman, Steve Farley and Regina Romero with a musical set by the mighty Just Najima at Club Congress.

It's free jazz! Lookout Tucson Jazz Concert Series—presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance—continues. This week sees the dynamic configuration of pianist Chris Peña, upright bassist Thøger Lund and Josh Carruthers on drums in the Lookout Bar and Grille at The Westward Look Resort.

Bohemian folk rockers Little Cloud scatter rain showers of joy to lead you heavenward at Tap + Bottle-Downtown.

Putting an electrified twist on stripped-down acoustic covers—from retro hits to the indie underground—husband and wife, guitar and violin duo Dos Sueños entertain at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Sky Bar sees October Intuition, BTP & Friends and Sad, Sad Girls cry in their beers.

Nashville music crusader, Virginia Cannon presents a Thursday Night Singer-Songwriter Showcase. Six performers, four original songs, taking turns round robin at Monterey Court.

Accompanied by a revolving cast of guest performers, Joshua Butcher hosts The Butcher's Block at Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress.

This Canadian experimental music collective have amassed a significant cult following since their 1994 inception. GodSpeed You! Black Emperor will have you "Lift[ing] Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas" in reverence at the Rialto Theatre. New York saxophonist/drummer/synthesizer player/composer Devin Brahja Waldman opens.