Mezcal Tastings at Exo Roast Co. Feel like drinking and learning at the same time? How about learning about what you drink? Mezcal-tasting proprietor Doug Smith is at Exo Roast, and will give you a high-quality education about high-quality mezcal. Come on, you live in Tucson—you’re surrounded by agave! You might as well know a bit about the plant and the drinks made from it. 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. 403 N. Sixth Ave. $20. Details here.

Resilience. The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence is hosting a screening of this documentary at the Northwest YMCA. The film examines how stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children. But it also showcases a movement that is determined to fight back, using therapies to “protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress.” A Q&A with local experts follows the screening. 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. 7770 N. Shannon Road. Details here.

National Park Star Party. If you go to the right place in the Sonoran Desert, every night is a star party. One of the right places is Saguaro National Park—especially tonight, where park naturalists will share telescopes and binoculars and offer an introduction to astronomy. Celebrate the end of the shortest month of the year (which felt like it dragged on forever, no?) by looking upward at the stars and remembering that, to them, February was just the blink of an eye. Call ahead to make the required reservations! 733-5153 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. Saguaro National Park. Details here.

The Secret in the Wings. Set in a basement play space, this play by Mary Zimmerman is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast and seven other fairy tales. So it’s got romance! It’s got danger! And it’s got intrigue and rich scenes full of fantasy. When young Audrey’s parents leave her with a terrifying babysitter, he starts reading her a book of fairy tales, and then the characters all come to life. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Thursday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 17. The Rogue Theatre at the Historic Y, 300 E. University Blvd. $38, or $28 for preview performances the first two days. $15 student rush tickets sold starting 15 minutes before curtain, pending availability. Details here.

A Conversation With Edith Head. Hollywood’s most famous costume designer worked on more than 1,100 movies over the course of more than five decades, picking up 35 Academy Award nominations and eight Oscars along the way. This play is based on Edith Head’s Hollywood, a biography of the designer which was written with the help of more than 13 hours of recollections recorded by the legend herself, and chock-full of what she herself liked to call “Edithisms.” Susan Claassen is the show’s actor, director, producer and designer, and was there to help the book’s author sort through the hours’ worth of recordings and talk to people who knew Head best, like her sketch artist and her friends. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28 and Friday, March 1. 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave. $35, with discounts available for groups, seniors, active military and students. Details here.

Poetry Circle. Did you know the Oro Valley Public Library has monthly poetry discussions led by docents from the UA Poetry Center? It’s truly a pleasant opportunity to share knowledge about your favorite poets and to learn about new ones. Docents provide reading material from the center’s world-renowned collection as well. This month’s topic: “Donald Justice: One of 20th Century America’s most quietly influential poets.” Here’s a bit from his poem, A Dancer’s Life. “On the train window trembles the blurred / Reflection of her own transparent beauty, /and through this, beautiful ruined cities passing, dark forests, and people everywhere.” 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive. Free. Details here.

BANFF Mountain Film Festival. Summit Hut and the Fox Theatre are coming together to screen three nights of films on “remote journeys, ground-breaking expeditions, and cutting-edge adventures told through the eyes of adventurers.” From snowy peaks to green forests, these films document the most exciting hikes and climbs around the world. Maybe you can’t scale the front face of Half Dome, but watching someone do it on the big screen is almost as good. Proceeds from the festival will support local outdoor-oriented non-profits. Doors open at 6 p.m., films start at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, to Saturday, March 2. $15 or $60 VIP. 17 W. Congress St. Details here. 
Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Revel’s Northern Italian Wine Dinner. Revel Wine Bar is taking you on a taste tour of the old country, from Piedmont and Liguria to the Veneto and Friuli. The dinner features four courses of Northern Italian cuisine prepared by local chef Janet Jones paired with a selection of wines curated by the Revel team. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. 416 E. Ninth Street. $48 (Gratuity not included). Details here.
In-Depth Tour at the Museum of Natural History Research Collections. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how many hidden treasures there are right here in our hometown. For example, these research collections, maintained by the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, include birds, reptiles, mammals and fish from different periods of history. So maybe you can’t afford to take a trip around the world this year, but you can take a trip through time right in your own backyard just by heading over to the UA. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. Biological Sciences East Building, Room 129, 1311 E. Fourth St. Free. (Closest parking is the Sixth Street Garage or the Cherry Avenue Garage) Details here.
Shen Yun. If you don’t have a friend or family member that has seen Shen Yun in their city and had rave reviews for it, are you even living in the 21st century? With classical Chinese dance, stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops and a live orchestra, this show aims to bring 5,000 years’ worth of Chinese civilization to life. Take it from the show’s website: “The traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun presents cannot be seen anywhere else in the world—not even in China.” This is a whole new level of authentic. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $80 to $150. Details here.
Singing Our Way to Freedom (Free screening!) University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theatre presents the Tucson premiere of this documentary on the life and music of Chicano musician, composer and community activist Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez. His music drew influence from both sides of the border, a theme clearly present in much of the Tucson music scene. Followed by Q&A with filmmaker Paul Espinosa. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. 1303 E. University Avenue. Free. Details here.

To Sleep with Anger (Free screening!) This free screening is of the third feature by acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett (Killer of Sheep), whom The Loft Cinema recently awarded their “Lofty Achievement Award.” Using a gospel and blues mythos, and combining it with contemporary and experimental filmmaking techniques makes this a unique and important pillar in the Black film world. Danny Glover’s incredibly awesome performance helps, too. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. 3233 East Speedway Boulevard. Free. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Eos Foundation Planetarium Theatre. At the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, the newly renovated Eos Foundation Planetarium Theatre features Tucson Sky & Beyond show. An immersive experience awaits visitors. Fandrau Science Center & Planetarium. 4 p.m. 1601 E. University Blvd. Details here.

Spring Ikebana Floral Festival. Enjoy dozens of signature floral compositions and flower arrangement styles in one of Japan's cherished art forms during the Spring 2019 Ikebana Floral Festival. The festival runs from Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, March 1. $15 for admission. Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson.  2130 N Alvernon Way. Details here.

STRFKR. A show that is described as a non-stop dance party, these Billboard Top 200 artists are coming to the Rialto Theatre. See them along with Shy Boys. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $22 to $33. Details here.

Brains & Brews–Science Trivia. Nothing gets those neurons firing like pounding a brew. Just kidding—we suspect that’s not true. But appearing at this week’s Borderlands event, perhaps to tell us just exactly how not true it is, is the UA Department of Chemistry. If you’ve never been to a Brains & Brews, this is how it works: The first hour is all about soaking up knowledge, and the second hour is all about showing off your knowledge in five rounds of trivia. So you can sip intellectually on your beer while you listen patiently for the first half, then slosh your pint around like a confident science aficionado during the second. 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25. Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave. Details here.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Bakersfield Condors. This weekend, our home hockey team is facing off against its Southwest neighbors, with two games that are all about the youth. Saturday night, DentalPros is hosting a youth jersey giveaway. And this plays perfectly into Monday night’s promotional special, where kids 14 and under wearing their favorite team jerseys get in free with a paid adult. Ah, to be young again. If you’re not 14 or under, grab your favorite person who is and treat them to a free jersey or hockey game. 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, and Monday, Feb. 25. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $11 to $61. Details here.

41st Annual AzJazz Week. Celebrate the start of Arizona Jazz Week and get jazzy at this tribute to Tom Harrel and Kenny Wheeler at the Fred Fox School of Music Crowder Hall. UA faculty will be performing including Jason Carder on trumpet, Angelo Versace on piano and Fred Hayes on drums. 7:30 p.m. Free. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Cuban Night at the Crooked Tooth Brewing. It’s getting lively at Crooked Tooth Brewing! The funky tropical Cuban trio “Acerekó” is performing, with additional music from jazz musician Max Goldschmid. Food will be provided by Cuban Twist Cafè, with a special menu of bean and rice bowls, special Cuban chicken and citrus red cabbage slaw. Plus, there are always plenty of great in-house drinks from Crooked Tooth. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. 228 E. Sixth Street. Details here.

Wines from Another Hemisphere. Maynards Market & Kitchen’s own personal sommelier Will Olendorf invites you to explore a series of wines from below the equator. You’re always saying you want to be more worldly, and you know you always are in the mood to drink wine, so this is the perfect fit. Tastings are $12, but free for Wine Club members. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. $12. 400 N. Toole Ave. Details here.

Farmers Market Roundup
As we slowly move away from wintertime, more and more farmers markets are returning from hibernation around town, though some toughed it out all winter through.
The Lazydays Farmers Market is every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; next up is Feb. 22. Details here.

The St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market runs every Saturday at St. Philip’s Plaza, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; next up is Feb. 23. Details here.

The Picture Rocks Farmers Market is on every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; next up is Feb. 24. Details here.

The 5 Points Farmers Market is every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon; next up is Feb. 24. Details here.

The Farmers’ Market at Mercado San Agustin is every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.; next up is Feb. 28. Details here.

St. Matthew Passion. What were you doing in 1727? Probably nothing monumental. And certainly nothing as monumental as what Johann Sebastian Bach was doing in 1727: writing one of the great masterpieces of classical sacred music. This work tells the story of Christ’s final sufferings using text from the Book of Matthew, German poetry and chorales, and the sheer number of musicians needed to perform it means it’s not often seen outside of major metropolitan areas. But with ten soloists, several choirs (including the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus) and two orchestras, True Concord has put together a crew to make it happen. 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley, 2800 S. Camino Del Sol. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway Blvd. $25 GA and $40 for premium seating. Details here.

Sharks: Magnificent and Misunderstood. You might be familiar with Flandrau for all of its astronomy-themed events, but their latest exhibit takes us into the deep ocean rather than deep space. With interactive displays, full-size shark models, a deep-sea sub simulator and models of giant tail fins, this is going to be too cool to pass up. Since the science of sharks is also connected to the health of our oceans, visitors also get a chance to learn about the oceanographic research going on at the UA. AND a new planetarium show, Great White Shark, is starting that will take you beneath the waves with these predators. Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 22. Great White Shark screening times are 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Flandrau hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. 1601 E. University Blvd. Admission + one planetarium show is $16 adults, $12 kids 4 to 17 and free for kids 3 and under. Details here.
Catalina Organ Festival: Douglas Cleveland. Internationally acclaimed organist (he won first prize in the 1994 American Guild of Organists National Young Artists Competition in Dallas, and has gone on to record four CDs, appear on all sorts of radio and perform across the nation and world) is currently the John Delo Faculty Fellow in Organ at the University of Washington School of Music, as well as the director of music and liturgical arts at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. At this event, he’ll be playing the western premiere of UA professor Pamela Decker’s huge, award-winning new work The Last Seven Words and Triumph of Christ. The night will also feature performances by UA dancers for an irresistible experience. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway Blvd. $20, or $15 for seniors and $5 for students. Details here.

Tucson Quilter’s Guild 41st Annual Quilt Show. Most of you have literally missed the Tucson Quilter’s Guild’s Annual Quilt Show for the last 40 years in a row. This is your chance to redeem yourself, and to ooh and ahh over the work of more than 300 quilters over three days. Or, it might just be your chance to get an old quilt you have lying around finally appraised. With demonstrations, vendors, a raffle quilt and door prizes, this has something for everyone. Guest speaker Joanne Hillestad will talk about her journey from being a database and business analyst to opening her own quilt business, and why life is too short to not have chickens. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church St. $10 a day or $20 for all three days. Details here.

The Dark Crystal. This haunting “children’s movie” introduces you to a world of uncanny-valley elf puppets and morose crow monsters who look constructed of burnt plastic. How exactly did this cult classic get made? Well, Muppets-mastermind Jim Henson had just brought his puppets to the big screen, and Hollywood was embarking on its ’80s fantasy/adventure obsession. At the same time, Disney was entering its Dark Age with films like The Black Cauldron. This all fused together for a perfect storm, resulting in a spooky experience I still haven’t recovered from. 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24. 3233 East Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Cupping at Savaya Coffee Market. If you’ve always wanted to be more of a coffee connoisseur, Savaya has your back. Join their coffee professionals with a class on cupping, the ways those in the industry determine the “uniformity, sweetness, mouthfeel, and taste of coffees before deciding to bring them to market.” Now you too can be a barista-in-spirit. Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. 2958 North Swan Road. Free. Details here.
Caribbean Indian Fusion at Desert Island Eatery. Well, India isn’t an island, but the Caribbean holds plenty, so I guess this checks out for Desert Island Eatery. They’re fusing Caribbean and Indian food, with dishes such as vegetable samosas, curry chickpeas, red lentils, cauliflower, curry chicken and potatoes, naan and more. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. 2513 N. Campbell Ave. Details here.

Ansel Adams Public Celebration. Every day should be a public celebration of the iconic photographer and conservationist Ansel Adams, if you ask us. But the UA’s Center for Creative Photography is setting aside some special time for it on this day. Enjoy some self-guided archival object tours, a vintage cameral display and hands-on family activities like making a chalk mural and sun prints. Photographer Mark Burns will also be speaking at 1 p.m. in the auditorium. If you’re still not convinced you should go, then please note there will be cake. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road. Free. Details here.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Bakersfield Condors. This weekend, our home hockey team is facing off against its Southwest neighbors, with two games that are all about the youth. Saturday night, DentalPros is hosting a youth jersey giveaway. And this plays perfectly into Monday night’s promotional special, where kids 14 and under wearing their favorite team jerseys get in free with a paid adult. Ah, to be young again. If you’re not 14 or under, grab your favorite person who is and treat them to a free jersey or hockey game. 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, and Monday, Feb. 25. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $11 to $61. Details here.

David Huckfelt. He wrote his upcoming debut solo album, Stranger Angels, in two weeks, and it shows. Not in a rushed or unfinished sense, but in a sense of intimacy, cohesion and connection. Huckfelt, founding member of The Pines, sings with subdued vocals, romantic instrumentals, and an all-around dark atmosphere. Describing his music as “Transcendental Folk,” Huckfelt channels Leonard Cohen, acoustic psychedelia, and the natural world around him. The music video for the title track off Huckfelt’s new album is dedicated to the protectors and stewards of America’s national parks and wild places—the nighttime pastoral reminiscence certainly shines through. Catch David Huckfelt’s album release show at Club Congress, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Details here.
Picture This… Life Through a Different Lens. Saguaro National Park has all sorts of events going on this month. At this one, take a walk through the west district and learn some photography basics for how to capture the desert’s beauty and emotionality. Maybe you’ll finally capture some photos you can show to your friends and family from out of town to show them exactly why you love Tucson so much. Call the Visitor Center at 733-5158 on the day of the program, as it is subject to change. 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Tucson Mountain District, 2700 N. Kinney Road. $20 for a weekly pass. Details here.

Colorguard Classic 5K Run/Walk. What will you choose? Run to Win, which means that your race through the Omni Tucson National Resort will be eligible for a first, second or third place medal? Or Run for Fun, which means you can make a more leisurely journey, and maybe make some friends along the way? Either way, getting up early to exercise and join hundreds of other participants in supporting the Colon Cancer Coalition is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Throw in a breakfast, snacks, beverages and a race shirt, and you’ve got yourself some serious fun. Starts at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Omni National Resort, 2727 W. Club Drive. Race day registration is $45 for adults and $20 for youth 12 and under. Details here.
Winds of Change: New paintings by Lawrence W. Lee. It’s always wonderful to see artists supporting other artists. So, it will be wonderful to head over to the Madaras Gallery this weekend and see some new works by Southwest artist Lee, who’s made a living with his paintings of shamanistic imagery and whimsical landscapes for nearly 50 years. As he says on his website “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. I have known love and loss in near equal measure… I continue to paint.” This new series depicts the abstractness of wind in brilliant swirls and colors. See him unveil them at this event. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Free. Details here.

Fifth Annual Apex Short Film + Music Video Festival. This short film festival gathers some of the most fascinating and underrated films from across the world, as well as right here in the Southwest. The event also includes Q&A panels with local filmmakers, as well as a red-carpet photo opportunity. The Screening Room is your home for independent films for the day. 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. 127 E. Congress St. $8. Details here.

Oscar Viewing Party at Brodie’s Tavern. A Marvel movie nominated for Best Picture—it’s been that bad of a year, huh? Well Brodie’s Tavern is embracing the occasion, giving you drink specials to get through the evening. Plus, you can submit your guesses for each category and the customer with the most correct answers get free drink tickets! 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. 2449 N. Stone Ave. Details here.
Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Joey “Coco” diaz may be from Cuba, but he’s the very soul of New Jersey. He looks and talks like central casting’s dream of a thug from The Sopranos. In fact he’s played to type in several movies and TV shows, including The Longest Yard, Spider-Man 2, Taxi and and the Robert DeNiro and Sylvester Stalone 2013 boxing flick Grudge Match. 

With his comedy, he’s toured the country’s largest clubs for more than 20 years, in recent years building audiences through his podcast, The Church of What’s Happening Now, regular appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and a series of straight-to-download comedy shows called The Testicle Testaments, some of which broke into Billboard’s Top 100.

The 2018 Netflix special The Degenerates seems to have given him a late-career boost. The series features Diaz among six standup comics walking on the “mature audiences only” side. Now, Diaz is being booked into the likes of the Fox Tucson Theatre, where he performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. 

Diaz’ longtime pal Ron Reid, a recent transplant from L.A., who now runs his multi-million-dollar comedy management and promotion business out of Northwest Tucson, was happy for his friend’s good fortune, but a little surprised. “I guess that’s the power of Netflix!” 

He has lots of stories from Diaz’ salad days, but only one he dares to tell. One of the many years Reid ran the storied Seattle International Comedy Competition, a venue cancelled at the last minute and he had to move the show to St. Martin’s University, run by the Order of St. Benedict. 

“They agreed to take the show,” Reid says, “but they said it has to be clean, and we want one of our brothers to be a judge. We get to the show and the brother is right in front. He’s got robes, the haircut…the full monk. 

“Joey Diaz didn’t have five clean minutes, and not really any interest in doing that. So, he would swear or have inappropriate content, and every time, he would look over at the monk and apologize. Joey has a very strong New Jersey accent, and he would say it with that edge, like ‘I’m so sorry faddah.’  At one point, he said something really outrageous, then looked at the monk and said, ‘Faddah, I’m sorry but I gotta tell ya, the last time I went to confession, they told me to get a fuckin’ exorcism!”

Tickets are $30.50 to $39.50 via foxtucsontheatre.ticketforce.com.  

The dynamic troupe from the Big Apple is in town Thursday night only to perform Mr. TOL E. RAncE (Mr. Tolerance).

A dance/theater work that excavates the history of black performance, the show combines comedy, animation, theater, live music and dance styles from hip-hop and African to modern, ballet and tap.

Mr. TOL E. RAncE celebrates black humor while drawing on popular and scholarly sources to investigate blackface, minstrelsy past and present and sundry other indignities black performers have been forced to tolerate.

The troupe’s founder and director, Camille A. Brown, regularly choreographs Broadway shows, but in her work for her own company, she says, she creates dance “stories and dialogues about race, culture and identity.”

Her dancers are regularly haled as “incredibly inventive and energetic.” One critic wrote that the eclectic Mr. TOL E. RAncE “had it all-heart, mind, soul, passion, full-out dancing and introspective solos.”

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 Centennial Hall. Tickets $19 to $65. Discounts for students, seniors, military and first responders. Tickets at the box office, by phone at 520-621-3341 or online.

Lagunitas Beer Dinner. For their specialty February Beer Dinner, Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ is serving up a specialty four-course dinner. They will be pairing brand new dishes from their kitchen with beers from Lagunitas Brewing Company. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. 1801 N. Stone Ave. Call (520) 867-6787 to reserve a spot. Details here.
Founders Beer Dinner at Craft Republic. Founders Brewery is pairing their beer with food from Craft Republic. In this three-course beer dinner extravaganza, you’ll have courses accompanied by Founders Solid Gold beer, their All Day IPA and their Rubaeus. And on top of all this at the evening’s reception, you get to try out their porter. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. 7625 N. La Cholla Blvd. $30 individual or $55 for a couple. Details here.

Portals–Tim Fain Violin. Tim Fain plays violin, yes. But he also put together this multimedia concert that explores the way humans long for connection in the digital age. With music by leading living composers like Philip Glass and Nico Muhly, film choreographed and directed by Black Swan’s Benjamin Millepied, more films by Kate Hackett and spoken-word poetry by Leonard Cohen, this night really is going to be a portal, straight up to the next level of existence. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $30. Details here.

Time Stands Still. Live Theatre Workshop’s latest show is a piece by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies. When Sarah, a photojournalist returning from a tour in a war-torn country, and her boyfriend James, a foreign correspondent who returned home earlier than Sarah because he needed a change of pace, are reunited, settling in isn’t simple. How do you find happiness, peace and purpose in a world that seems like it’s going totally crazy? The characters in this play explore a question we’ve all faced at one time or another. Preview shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, and Friday, Feb. 22. Show run is 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., plus a special 3 p.m. Saturday show on March 30, the last day of the run. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, $18 military/senior/student, $15 Thursdays and previews. Details here.

Mamma Mia! At Pima Theatre. Pima Community College is stepping it up for their next production of the iconic musical based on the songs of ABBA and guaranteed to get “Dancing Queen” stuck in your head for at least 24 hours. Especially because this run is going to feature Friday night sing-along performances for those of you who just can’t resist singing along to that title track. The PCC Pit Orchestra provides live music, a newly designed set transports the audience to a small Greek island and PCC students sing their faces off. Don’t miss it! Thursday, Feb. 21, through Sunday, March 3. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. ASL interpreters Thursday, Feb. 28. PCC Center for the Arts West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $24/$21/$18, or $12 for Pima students. Details here.

Black Box Theatre Festival. Black box theater is all about taking things back to basics, with a simple, unadorned stage space, usually with black walls and a black floor… kind of like you’re inside a big, black box. Anyway. The minimalist aesthetic of black box is a great way for theater artists to display their raw talent without the distractions of big set pieces and elaborate props. Come support your local theater students and faculty members with a whole weekend of experimental black box theater—and treat yourself to a heaping helping of local art and talent. Thursday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 24. Harold Dixon Directing Studio, Drama Building Room 116, 1025 N. Olive Road. $7. Details here.

Camille A. Brown & Dancers. In 1903, W.E.B. Du Bois coined a term called “double consciousness” in his work The Souls of Black Folk, to describe the duality of African-American existence. “One ever feels his twoness, an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” In 2000, Spike Lee directed Bamboozled, a movie about race and network television. Mr. TOL E. RAncE, a dance performance by Camille A. Brown and Dancers, with live music by Scott Patterson, takes its inspiration from these sources, as well as from Mel Watkins’ book, “On The Real Side: From Slavery to Chris Rock.” The performers use dance as a dialogue to engage, provoke and move a conversation forward about where we go next. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. $19 to $65+. Details here.

Mr. TOL E. RAncE "reel talk" from Camille A. Brown & Dancers on Vimeo.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA: Yappy Hour. You know the drill with the local museum of contemporary art third Thursdays: performances, live music, art making activities, a cash bar and plenty of food trucks are the icing on top of a chance to explore the museum. At their quarterly “Yappy Hour,” you can bring your pup down to the museum to play! Or, you can adopt a dog at the event from Saving Animals From Euthanasia. Humans can enjoy the signature drink, the classic Greyhound, and pups can enjoy a special dog cocktail and a peanut butter-eating contest. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. Tucson MOCA, 265 S. Church Ave. Free. Details here.

Gilbert Gottfried. You might know him from his performances on Saturday Night Live in the ’80s, or from his appearances on The Cosby Show and Late Night with David Letterman. Or maybe you liked his improvised scene as business manager Sidney Bernstein in Beverly Hills Cop II, or from roles in films like Problem Child or Look Who’s Talking II. That’s right, folks! Gilbert Gottfried is comin’ to Laffs. It’s not his first rodeo here, but it is the first one in more than 25 years. Local attorney and comedian Elliot Glicksman opened for him last time he was here, and attests that Gottfried is the funniest comic he’s ever seen. And Glicksman has opened for Seinfeld. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. Laffs Comedy Caffe, 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. $25, plus two-item minimum. 21+. Details here.
Traces of the Trade. Giving Ancestry.com a run for their money, one woman discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history, and embarks on a quest to retrace her dark heritage. The YWCA of Southern Arizona presents this free screening, co-sponsored by the Culture of Peace Alliance, Community Conversations and Veterans for Peace. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. 525 North Bonita Avenue. Free. Details here.

2019 Oscar Nominated Short Films. The Loft Cinema is filling your week with special screenings of this year’s best short films. Whether they’re animated, live action, or documentaries, they’re worth your time (especially since they’re only a few minutes). Live Action Shorts: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Documentary Shorts: noon Saturday, Feb. 16. Animated Shorts: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

The Truman Show. Stripping away any doubt of his acting ability, Jim Carrey plays the unwitting main character of a television show about his own life. He is constantly being filmed for the world’s amusement, but has no idea of any of it. It’s a satirical and humorous film, grappling with deeply psychological and dystopian themes underneath. 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. Center for Creative Photography. 1030 N. Olive Road. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

It's been a long, grueling season for the Arizona Wildcats, who find themselves in the midst of their longest losing streak (seven games) since the 1983-84 season.

Lucky for them, however, there is a team of human punching bags descending upon Tucson this Thursday, when the California Bears will play the Wildcats at McKale.

The Bears (5-20, 0-13) and Wildcats (14-12, 5-8) will play at the venerable venue in Tucson at 7 p.m. this Thursday.

Would you like to witness this example of basketball excellence? Well, if so, then you're in luck, as The Weekly is giving away two tickets to the battle royal!

Enjoy the game from the plush navy-blue seats of the 14,655-seat stadium and take solace in the fact that you'll (probably) witness the end of the longest losing streak Arizona will suffer in decades.

Winners of the tickets MUST be able to come to Tucson Local Media's office to collect the tickets. We are located at 725 N. Mona Lisa Rd. You may have a friend or family member pick up the tickets.