How does an elephant celebrate her birthday? At the Reid Park Zoo, the occasion is marked with songs, pachyderm treats and cupcakes for her human friends.

Nandi, the zoo’s African elephant, turns 5 this Sunday, and the whole town’s invited. Learn all about this amazing elephant species, sing Nandi “Happy Birthday,” watch her eat her favorite treats and enjoy some African Music and entertainment.

The celebration kicks off this Sunday, Aug. 18, at 8 a.m. at the Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court.

Schedule of Activities

· 8:10 a.m. Free birthday cupcakes for the first 100 guests
· 8:15 a.m. African drumming and dancing presented by African Diaspora Showcase
· 8:30 a.m. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Nandi and watch her receive her favorite treats
· 8:45 a.m. Elephant dance performance by African Diaspora Showcase
· 9:00 a.m. Elephant-themed activities and keeper chats

“Nandi is an ambassador for her species,” said Sue Tygielski, PhD, director of zoo operations. “We are celebrating her life and birthday, but we are also celebrating the lives of wild elephant herds too.”

Nandi’s Fifth Birthday Bash is free with zoo admission of $10.50 for adults; $8.50 for seniors and $6.50 for children. Zoo members receive free admission. For more information on Reid Park Zoo, visit the website at reidparkzoo.org.

Dysthymia runs rampant. Black metallists Suicide Forest and Shadows of Algol share comorbid conditions at Club Congress with grunge punks Hallow.

Esteemed bluesman Tom Walbank holds court as part of the Plaza Live Tuesday Night Concert Series in the Courtyard at St. Phillips Plaza.

Entre Los Dos ["Between The Two"] is the title of their soon-to-be-released EP. "I am another you" is a Mayan thought that blurs the limits of personal bonds, allowing us to find something shared in each other's stare.

"These are songs and powerful prayers, created to protect the land and its people, recognize the ancestry that burns in our hearts, and treasure wisdom weaving healthy bonds that reflect self-love with dignity."

Singer-songwriter Luz Elena Mendoza will lead us through the places that we are afraid to go. Y La Bamba are at Club Congress. The velvety dream pop of Andria Rose creates painterly music.

"Hi there. I'm a four-year-old boy named Jake! I love tennis balls and am learning how to play fetch. I sit before being asked and am working on shaking hands. I'll be a loyal boy to a family that's willing to take me on regular walks and hopefully give me a massage afterward." - Jake (858235)


Bring your family to meet Jake at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

Friday, Aug. 9

Straight from "Jackass Acres," Phoenix cowpunks The Earps have been on a big bender, "Shitkickin'" and chasing "Rockabilly Girls" since 2003. They will share the Brodie's Tavern stage with Tucson's The Gem Show and Cubes.

"Trance around the world." Forever Trance is a monthly EDM happening at The Underground.

The Freddy Parrish Trio with Hank Topless unite with the expressed intent of making fine country music come to life at Sky Bar.

Like a good mixtape, guitarist Mike Sydloski, bassist David Hostetler, drummer Daniel Thomas and ever-wicked vocalist Olivia Reardon crossfade to form Miss Olivia & The Interlopers. They pair with dedicated mistresses of maritime trauma The Surfbroads for a romp at 191 Toole.

Experience traditional bluegrass in the spirit which it was indeed. Cadillac Mountain play it at lightning speed and adorn it with harmony vocals capable of resounding off canyon walls at Westbound.

Choro ["little lament"] is an instrumental music genre which originated in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. Despite its name, the music is often uptempo and happy. From São Paulo, Choro Das 3 perform at Sea of Glass-Center for The Arts.

Sasami returns to fill Club Congress with ethereal synth musings that bolster shoegazey guitar textures. With the '60s tinged witchcraft of Hannah Yeun and the positive punk of Stripes520.

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

To help Ten55 Brewing Company celebrate its first anniversary downtown, musical shapeshifter Jacob Acosta performs.

Latin Legends glides into the AVA Amphitheater featuring the smooth uptown soul of Brenton Wood ("Gimme a Little Sign"), Tierra ("Together"), Malo ("Suavecito"), Thee Midniters ("Whittier Blvd") and El Chicano ("Tell Her She's Lovely").

Cruisin' For A Bluesin', Bad News Blues Band have their dukes up at Monterey Court.

On the 24th anniversary of Jerry Garcia's passing, The Paper Airplanes Project celebrate his legacy at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

"When the lights go down in the city," from the luminescence of the Las Vegas Strip, Another Journey pays tribute to one of rock's enduring legends at the Rialto Theatre.

Saturday, Aug. 10

Be the Void (ANTI-Records, 2012) was recorded at these Philadelphian's "Meth Beach" studio, yet bears a distinct Tucson watermark: The album features Golden Boots founding member Dimitri Manos on drums and was co-produced by Nathan Sabatino. Neo-psychedelic/baroque poppers Dr. Dog will be at the Rialto Theatre.

Irene's Holy Donuts is the site of Return of The Mermaids Late Night Afterparty. With performances by The Surfbroads—"hot broads playing cool surf" who add the briny tang of the sea—and IllumiNaughty, a tribal fusion dance troupe known to shake their flukes. DJ Nation hosts this semi-human aquatic event of mythic proportion.

"Ray of Sunshine" pop singer Belinda Esquer, accompanied on bass by Jon D'Auria, perform "Elevator Music" on the patio of Hotel Congress.

It's the songs. Imbued with universal themes—loss, desperation, self-loathing, shattered dreams, and an existential longing unfulfilled—that resonate deeply with a faithful audience decades after the band's formation. Greyhound Soul perform at Che's Lounge.

His "Daddy Was a Badass." This outlaw Americana singer-songwriter's tear-stained voice and lost soul sensibilities were nudged listening to Johnny Cash, his big sister's folk records, three-chord punk rock rave-ups and '70s AOR FM radio; By doing so he has managed to create a distinct hybrid. Jesse Dayton is at Club Congress with Houston singer-songwriter, with "No One To Drink With," Mike Stinson.

This guitarist's influences span from clever pop of The Beatles to the rhythmic bossa novas of Brazillian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. The Eugene Boronow Trio play The Dusty Monk Pub.

Only God knows? The August edition of Resonance Monthly finds DJ/producer Angelz—known for his love of house, hip hop and bass—dropping Heat at Gentle Ben's.

They are a little folk, a little country and a whole lot of trouble, with a Southwestern tan to boot. Eric Schaffer & the Other Troublemakers are at Monterey Court.

Bound by a mutual love of Green Day, a fascination with B-movies and a heart for social justice, high schoolers/sodapop punks Mudpuppy extract incisors at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Some say he was born a country outlaw with a classic rock attitude. Caiden Brewer shimmies and sways in the Paradiso Lounge at Casino Del Sol.

Dash Pocket, blazing up-and-comers, play Americana, folk and alt-country at BlackRock Brewers.

Bleach Party USA, D.B.F.O.S., The Dead Beat Hymns, The F.I.S.T., Bring Your Own Molotov, Los Diablos Gordos and Mickey Siixx perform to raise funds and awareness for Southern Arizona Gender Alliance at Spark Project Collective.

Metallists Stands With Fists share their Cinematic Mind when they headline a 3D Glow Show. They share the stage with Sorrows Ruin, Elyzian, Gila Byte, Within a Dream and Decenvir. Artist Donovan White will paint live. All-Ages at Encore.

Palm Sunday and Hemlock—songstresses from Louisiana touring the West—offer somber bedroom folk tunes at Exo Roast Co. Chanteuse Louise Le Hir adds appreciably to the evening.

Tour of Tucson: Battle in The Old Pueblo is a drag show spectacular to benefit Tucson Pride at 191 Toole.

Featuring guitarist Damon Barnaby, bassist Duane Hollis and Tom Larkins on percussion, Mark Insley y Trés Burros are at Iron John's Brewing Company–Congress on Downtown Saturday Night.

Cochise County All-Stars play honky-tonk and jukebox country in the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin.

From the Tohono O'odham Nation, Gertie and the T.O. Boyz perform waila music—along with speakers, poets, dancers and more—as part of World Indigenous Peoples Day at Alliance For Global Justice.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Fueled by hits "Glycerine," "Swallowed" and "Everything Zen"—selling over 20 million records worldwide—these Londoners went on to become one of the defining alt-rock bands of the '90s. In a 2014 interview, with regard to Man on the Run, frontman Gavin Rossdale spoke about "staying true to your path, to your vocation and your passion." But does this statement of intent still apply today? Find out. "Selling The Drama," The ALTimate Tour—featuring Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace—rolls into the AVA Amphitheater.

A Celebration of Friends sees an impressive lineup of pals—Anchorbaby, Barely Bipedal, Freezing Hands, The Gem Show, Pork Torta and Shit Knife—gather to help raise cash to aid of guitarist Leo Schwamm with mounting medical expenses due to protracted illness at Alliance For Global Justice.

This blues singer/guitarist's repertoire includes 1930s Depression Era blues and Ginsbergian Beat Generation poetry. Michael P. Nordberg engages at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

The Limes celebrate the release of their debut album at Club Congress. AM Waves, Somniac, Logan Greene and Carnival add to the merriment.

Hungry? Like a side of funk with your scrambled eggs? Multi-instrumentalist Mik Garrison & The Funky Brunch stacks layer upon layer of musical loops in real time at La Cocina.

Brace yourselves; An epic night of hardcore awaits. South Floridians Ecostrike and Envision and North Carolina's Magnitude team up with Arizona's Get A Grip, Construct and Concrete Evidence. Mayhem is sure to ensue. All-ages at Ward6.

Harnessing power directly from the red rock mountains and vortexes of Sedona where he resides—or so we are asked to believe—decker. (psychedelic/desert folk) channels electromagnetic Earth energy at Club Congress. He is flanked by Phoenicians Banana Gun and Wyves.

This Brooklyn-born rapper’s parents—two college professors—christened him “The seeker of truth.” Known for his activism and strong political views on police brutality, racial stereotyping and the prison-industrial complex he told HuffPo that the youth possess the energy to take to the streets. Cautioning that activism cannot be done by just sitting at a computer, Talib Kweli brings Hip Hop for Respect to the Rialto Theatre. Tucson institution Jivin’ Scientists kick things off.

Pianist and vocalist Sly Man & Sheryl Ann pick jazz, blues, pop and a few surprises from the American Songbook in the Lookout Bar & Grille at the Westward Look Resort.

DJs Atom Energy and Lunar Fluxx drop a motherlode of house. Deeper happens at Bar Passé.  

The paralyzed dog that united the Tucson community last year has found his forever home and will soon leave for Durango, Colorado. A public farewell party for Gil will take place this Saturday, Aug. 10, at Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Team Gil is holding a pet food drive during his party for dry dog, puppy, kitten and cat food to replenish the shelves of Cody’s Friends Charity, a local pet food pantry, as a show of appreciation to the Tucson community that did so much to help Gil.

More than 40 human services organizations that serve people in need with pets depend on Cody’s for more than 35,000 pet food meals every month. Increased need this summer has left their shelves bare. Any kind or sized bag of dry dog and cat food would be appreciated, especially Purina and Pedigree.

For those unable to attend the party but who still want to donate to help, donations may be brought to one of several locations listed on Cody’s Friends Charity website, or monetary donations to purchase food may be made at https://codysfriends.org/wheretodonate/.

Gil was found paralyzed last July on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and was brought to Tucson where it was discovered he’d been shot point-blank in his spine. The Tucson community and others donated thousands of dollars to provide surgical care, physical therapy and medical equipment to help Gil regain the use of his hind legs. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Gil will never walk again, but gets around very well with his wheelchair.

Gil’s new family saw a video that Gil’s team sent to the “Walkin’ Pets” company and contacted his foster mom, Kim Kelly. Gil will have other animal friends, including dogs, cats and Alpacas, and lots of room to roam.

“I’m in awe of how much has been involved to repair and nurture Gil through his life so far,” said Alena Alvarez-Mroz, Gil’s adopter. “It truly amazes me how much he’s come through and is now thriving. Gil inspires me, and I feel truly lucky to have found him.”

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) will begin offering American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen training starting Wednesday, August 14.

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training Program is designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. This program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training and good manners for dogs. The CGC TEST consists of 10 skills needed by all well-mannered dogs including meeting new people, grooming basics, walking on a loose leash, and commands such as sit, down, stay, and come.

“I love teaching people and their dogs. It’s amazing to witness the bond that forms when people are able to better communicate with their dogs. Canine Good Citizen is a great way to connect, bond, and learn how to interact with your dog so you can have a rewarding relationship with your dog as a well-mannered family member and community member. I hope that through CGC training that we are able to avoid any issues in the home and have more dogs stay with their forever families,” said Veronica Zimmerman, HSSA’s CGC Trainer.

Classes will be held each Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for six weeks. Upcoming programs will be held on different days and times. The cost per dog is $150, or $125 for dogs adopted from HSSA. Each dog must be partnered with their own handler. All dogs who pass the 10 step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

To register, or get more information, visit www.HSSAZ.org/CGC.

As cooler nights set in during the summer, the Mercado San Agustin Annex invites you to their Summer Night Market. Every last Friday of the month through September, the annex is turned into an open-air market with local makers and vendors.

Come for the live music from DJ Herm, grab some Japanese food from Kukai and browse some rescued potted cactus from DIRT shop.  This family-friendly event features Now or Never boutique store, Why I Love Where I Live and MESA shop, among many others.

When: Friday, August 30

6 – 10:00 p.m.

Where: MSA Annex

267 S Avenida del Convento

Next Night Market:

Friday, September 27

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

White supremacist Bryon Widner (Jamie Bell), after being raised on a doctrine of hate within a skinhead camp, has a change of heart when he finds love with a single mother (Danielle Macdonald). Of course, putting a skinhead past behind you, especially when you’ve opted to tattoo your face with hate images, is not an easy thing.

Writer-director Guy Nattiv, basing his film on the true story of Bryon Widner, does a nice job of showing that redemption sometimes comes at a high price. Bell is great here as Widner, as is Macdonald as the woman who manages to love him even though he’s a complete asshole.

The film feels like a distant cousin of the Edward Norton-starring American History X, although it doesn’t have near the artistry of that movie. Still, the movie is a solid story, well-acted, and proof that Bell is perhaps a bigger actor than his resume has revealed. Supporting cast includes Bill Camp as the leader of the skinhead camp, and Vera Farmiga as his nurturing yet classless and evil wife. Blink and you’ll miss a quick appearance by Mary Stuart Masterson as Agent Jackie Marks. She acts that part like she’s in a different movie, but it’s fun to see her all the same. (Available to stream during a limited theatrical release).