“I am a sweet 7-year-old girl. I came to HSSA shortly after my owner passed away and I can’t wait to be back in a comfortable home. In my previous home I did great with other cats. Great news, because of my age my adoption fee is only $50. Visit me at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.” - Lazarus (874019)

Tucson will be hosting its own sky lantern festival this August in a magical night of music, games and the sky lantern event. Sky lanterns, lit and let off into the sky, have been used in many cultures to symbolize release – whether it’s to make a wish, release a worry, for good luck, or to celebrate. 

There will be a challenge course, lawn games, face painting and food vendors. Cozy up to the fire pits and listen to live music until dusk, then get ready to set your lantern off into the night sky.

When: Saturday, August 31

5  – 10 p.m.

Where: 4600 N Silverbell Road

Tickets: General admission $55

Kids 4-11 $15

Kids 0-3 Free

*Sky lanterns are 100% biodegradable and are tracked for easy cleanup. Sky lanterns will not be released if bad weather is expected. They are designed to descend only when low on fuel and run no risk of causing a fire.

Friday, Aug. 2

Hosted by KXCI's Marty Kool, the eighth annual House Rockin' Blues Review is a West Coast Blues explosion. This year's event features Junior Watson, Billy Watson and Taryn Donath, backed by  the all-star rhythm section of Troy Sandow and Marty Dodson at El Casino Ballroom. The Bryan Dean Trio kicks off this barnburner. Proceeds will benefit KXCI Community Radio.

During the '90s, this alt-folk singer fronted a noisy post-grunge band, Verbena. In 2003, after the band dissolved, he found a piece of himself that had been missing and began recording American Hearts (Fat Possum Records), a transmutation towards a minimal folk sound. Despite a few modern conventions—the sparing use of a synth or drum machine—the sorrow at the heart of his music is timeless. A.A. Bondy renders "Images of Love" at Club Congress.

As humanity plunges into its darkest hour, the fog of existence has finally cleared thanks to the fruits (and campy VHS tape clips) of your favorite found footage collective, Everything Is Terrible! at 191 Toole.

"We're all just out of college. By the time you're out of school, you'll have it all figured out, we were told. But that's not really how it is," said bandleader Cleto Cordero. Red Dirt country outfit Flatland Cavalry of Lubbock, Texas, storm The Rock with The Cole Trains of Safford, Arizona, in tow.

Bryan Thomas Parker & Friends dole out "lizard-flavored roots and rhythm," enough to make you shed your skin at Sky Bar.

Led by vocalist (retired Command Sergeant Major) Connie Brannock, Little House of Funk, like a violent thunderstorm, will energize the evening air with R&B as part of the Friday Night Live Free Concert Series at Main Gate Square.

"Round & Round": Niki J Crawford, one of L.A.'s hottest soul/blues/funk bands, return to Monterey Court.

Mother's House finds August resident DJ Mother Tierra spinning an eclectic mix poolside at Hotel McCoy.

Beloved acoustic performers Sam & Dante play original jazz and ragtime with a twist of whimsy at Westbound.

From Barrio Santa Rosa, this bajo sexto and accordion-driven conjunto specialize in a polka and música norteño so intoxicating that one can easily lose their volition and dance with abandon. Pedro Y Los Liricos are at Exo Roast Co.

The Telecasters will surely howl and snarl, during this psycho country skirmish, when The Hank Topless Band (featuring ax-man Loren Dircks) and Kentucky country/rockabilly picker Michael Monroe Goodman take to the stage outdoors on the plaza at Hotel Congress.

Saturday, Aug. 3

In 2017, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees appointed this Japanese pop star as a Goodwill Ambassador for his work visiting refugee camps around the world. "Under the Same Sky," Miyavi brings the No Sleep Till Tokyo Tour in for a stop at 191 Toole.

Fronted by vocalist Randy Cordeiro, Super Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond play a verisimilitude of the hits that transformed the real Diamond into an international pop icon at the Rialto Theatre. Like a pearl handled pistol, The Lola Torch Trio lend dangerous intrigue.

DJ Jahmar International hosts Locals Only Saturdays. This installment sees J Sims, Jase, Super Sick, Pharaoh Abstract and Suuugggaaarrr perform at Mr. Head's.

Mutiny: DJ NoirTech spins alt/'80s/indie/electronic/industrial at the Surly Wench Pub.

Guitarist extraordinaire Pete Fine is Beyond Words at House of Bards.

An evening of time-honored Latin American music with Tradiciones Entre Peruanos unfolds at Exo Roast Co.

Hosted by Marley B and Johnny Rubix, For The Love: Sanctuary features performances by Jaca Zulu, Lizzy Page, Vinney Mendez, EZ Goin, UG Desert Artists, Jaron Ikner, Street Blues Family y mas. Donations support the political committee Tucson Families Free & Together in the effort to persuade voters to make Tucson a sanctuary city this November at Thunder Canyon Brewstillery.

Break out your holy water sprinkler. Los Diablos, Drug Thirsty Mule, Conqueror Worm and Gun Runners play "The Devil's Music" at Irene's Holy Donuts.

Imagine that... It's an art party! Artist Dimitri Manos' latest work, "Up to Bat," is a 3-dimensional installation utilizing salvaged materials. The opening reception features a live set by Golden Boots at How Sweet It Was. DJ Ponytail Cruiser provides ambience.

"Train, Train, take me on out of this town." With no original members, Southern fried hard rockers Blackfoot perdure at Encore.

Sunday, Aug. 4

On Lucas Acid (Fake Four, 2018), frontperson/lyricist Chris Martinez came out as a transgender  woman. The result: An unflinchingly ferocious album of trans anthems with a glitch-laden industrial edge. "The biggest difference was just being able to write freely, openly and honestly," said Martinez. "Once you come out, there's a whole host of issues that you don't really consider. This record has a lot of that in there." Pioneers in noise rap, Moodie Black are at Club Congress with Coolzey, Liquid Space and Atmosphere.

Like your toast with jam? Mik & The Funky Brunch provide family-friendly funk at La Cocina.


Jazz saxophonist Autumn Dominguez leads her quartet at Bar Passé.

All for One and One for Ball sees FebboFuentes, Billy Sedlmayr, Heroes Reunion, Amy Mendoza & the Strange Vacation, The Bennu, Golden Boots and Loveland circle the wagons in support of beloved local guitarist Joe Fanning, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer at Tap + Bottle–Downtown.

Is it real? Out on The Simulation Tour, Born Of Osiris wheel into The Rock with Michigan harcore/punks Spite.

Join Pima County Public Library for a screening of Maggie Smith’s award-winning short film Tucson Salvage The Documentary, inspired by the book "Tucson Salvage" by Brian Jabas Smith. Following the film, Brian will perform a reading from his book and host a discussion.

Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Rd.
Saturday, August 17 from 3–4 p.m.

Brian Jabas Smith is an award-winning journalist, editor and the author of "Spent Saints & Other Stories" and "Tucson Salvage: Tales and Recollections from La Frontera." 

Maggie Smith is a filmmaker, writer, mother and human rights activist. She has adapted, co-written and executive produced the web series Spent Saints and co-written and directed the festival-winning documentary Tucson Salvage.

Tucson Salvage is based on Smith’s columns for the Tucson Weekly. Offering sharp, empathic commentary on diverse subjects, Smith channels the people not usually seen or valued in society, and in doing so, holds a mirror to us all. The Asheville Scene called it “an artful collection that reads like the diary of an observant poet.”

Tucson Salvage the Documentary is a 30-minute meditation on five humans profiled in Smith’s columns. Forged by adversity and united by humanity, the people in this documentary allow us to witness those we might never approach and hear them tell their own life stories.

Brian and Maggie have traveled across the United States stunning audiences at such well-known places as The Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles, Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle, Bookbeat in Detroit, and Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville.

This event is free and open to the public. Copies of "Tucson Salvage" will be available for sale. For more information visit library.pima.gov or call Infoline at (520) 791-4010.

August 1st is Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs. It’s a day to celebrate all of the homeless dogs who are in shelters waiting to meet their forever families. At the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) it will be a special day.

HSSA’s Dog Days in the Desert Summer Campers learned how to make dog friendly Frosty Paw treats during their last week of camp. HSSA’s volunteers will be going around on Thursday, Aug. 1st giving each dog a delicious Frosty Paw treat and giving them some extra TLC.

Frosty Paw treats are easy to make and you only need a few ingredients.

Ingredients:
· 32 ounces of plain yogurt
· 1 jar of baby food carrots, or baby food meat, or one mashed banana
· 2-3 Tablespoons of Honey
· 2-3 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter

Mix all the ingredients and freeze in an ice cube tray. Once fully frozen you can give the treats to your pup to enjoy.

You can help make a difference for homeless dogs at HSSA by making a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/DONATE.

*Always check with your veterinarian before giving to your pet to verify there are no health risks for your pet.

Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward—that still bears the indelible cicatrices of Katrina's fury—this trumpeter/vocalist and his ace band are the definition of New Orleans. Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs are ready to "Sleep All Day, Party All Night" at 191 Toole. Tucson's debonaire Street Blues Family will get the festivities underway.

From Grenoble, France, electronic duo Lovataraxx bring their intoxicating darkwave/coldwave minimalist sound to Blacklidge Community Collective. Locals Lav Andula, Glacier.WAV and Sally Roundhouse add warm and light. Details here.

Wizards, muggles and fantastic beasts, rejoice! Harry and the Potters are returning to the Library for their 2019 Summer Tour!

Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W. Wetmore Rd.

This event is free, but space is limited to the first 200 people who arrive.

What would happen if Harry Potter quit the quidditch team, stole a time turner and started a punk rock band with himself from an earlier point in the time-space continuum? The answer is Harry and the Potters!

Costumes are encouraged.

Looking for a new friend with stylish clothes you can wear as well? Girlfriend's Closet is the new best friend you need. Located on the East Side, Girlfriend's Closet is a consignment shop that caters to those sizes 0 through 3x. The shop is owned by Ivonne Haskins.

Deeming itself "the chic resale boutique", the shop gives customers a collection of designer items as well. You can find an assortment of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. A $5 sales rack is also accessible daily. Girlfriend's Closet is a veteran-owned boutique that gives other veterans a 10% off discount. You can find Girlfriend's Closet at 60 N. Harrison Rd. and you can learn more about it at www.girlfriendscloset.shop.

Hello! I’m a mellow 1-year-old boy named Dex. I am friendly, happy-go-lucky, and enjoy meeting new people. I walk well on a leash but prefer to be cuddled up next to your or sitting on your feet. My favorite thing in the world is food! I’ll do anything for a treat. I already know sit, down, roll over, but am best at beg,” Dex (873432)

Fall in love with Dex at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

Reading while snuggled up to a dog is a wonderful way for kids to practice their reading skills. The Pima Animal Care Center is bringing a team of therapy dogs to Pima County Libraries to sit with kids while they read.

Kids are welcome to sit and read with a dog, practice reading aloud, sound out words, or just find joy in reading. Dogs will never judge, so kids can practice without worry of making a mistake. It gives kids the freedom and the enjoyment to begin a lifelong love of reading.

You can also read to your child while sitting with the dog if your child is not of reading age.

Read to a dog is a regular event held at participating Pima County Libraries. See the event schedule for dates, times, and locations.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library
Children's Room, 1st Floor
Time: 11 a.m. - Noon
(This event is recurring, see event schedule for other dates, times, and locations)