Monday, June 8, 2020

Posted By on Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 11:34 AM

click to enlarge Ben's Bells' Tips to Stand Up for Kindness
Mari Herreras
The Ben's Bells mosaic mural at Tucson High Magnet School.
Anyone who is in Tucson for any amount of time is bound to hear about Ben's Bells. The organization has embraced "Be Kind" as its motto, greatly benefiting many in our city as it has spread its message to young and old alike.

In light of recent events that have taken our nation and the world over, Ben's Bells would like to reiterate the message to be kind to one another by asking each and every one of us to Stand Up for Kindness:

At Ben’s Bells we stand for kindness. Kindness for everyone. We believe that Black lives matter and that each of us must actively oppose racism. Kindness is doing for the benefit of others. It is not the same as being nice. It is not condescending. It is about doing the hard work of ensuring an inclusive community for all, and that means opposing injustice and oppression. If you stand for kindness you must be anti-racist.

Below is a list of things that Ben's Bells believes you can do to help Stand Up for Kindness in our community.

Friday, June 5, 2020

Posted By on Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 1:00 PM

In her June 5 video address to the community, Pima County Health Department Director Theresa  Cullen had a simple message for anyone planning to attend this Saturday’s rally at the University of Arizona: Don’t forget about COVID-19.

“We want to remind you that there is a pandemic, and there are things you can do to keep safe,” Cullen said.

In her address, Cullen provided several common-sense tips: Stay safe if you decide to participate by practicing social distancing, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer. If you’re sick, don’t attend any demonstrations. If you’re nervous while at an event, hang out on the peripheries.

None of the information Cullen shared was new, though she did also provide some clothing tips.

“Because we live in Arizona and it will be warm this weekend, please consider wearing long clothes; long loose clothes,” she said. “This will protect you from the sun as well as any other elements that you may encounter.”

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Posted By on Thu, May 28, 2020 at 4:00 PM

Are you ready to rock? How about some swing dancing? Luckily, the Gaslight Music Hall has both queued up next month when Backroads Country Band and Vinyl Tap! perform in the drive-in concert series June 10 and 11, respectively.

“We have never had Backroads Country Band at the Gaslight Music Hall, but so many of their fans have reached out to us so we knew we had to have them on June 10 for all of our country music fans,” said Gaslight general manager Heather Stricker. “And on June 11, we bring back one of our most popular dance bands, Vinyl Tap! We are so excited to keep bringing Oro Valley and Tucson live music in this difficult time. We are committed to keeping the entertainment going."

Billed as “The Ultimate Country Cover Band,” Backroads Country Band plays No. 1 hits from the biggest names in country, like George Strait, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn, and all the way to today’s hits from Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band and more.

Posted By on Thu, May 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM

click to enlarge Here's Where to Celebrate National Burger Day Today!
Lindy Reilly
Fire N' Smoke's Farlow's Revenge—1/3 lbs. house-ground patty topped BBQ rib patty (yes, you read that right), bacon, pecorino & truffle cheese, grilled onions, spicy pickles, and chipotle sauce.
When it comes to fake national holidays it's hard to top the one that celebrates charbroiled ground chuck on a toasted sesame bun.

National Hamburger Day is upon the Republic and it is every citizen's duty to devour at least one at every meal today—including breakfast, especially if it's got a fried egg on top. While a burger is traditionally defined as a beef patty, fictitious lawmakers have loosened the definition allowing turkey, pork and meatless patties to be acceptable despite objections from the White House.

Here are a few places around the Old Pueblo that are more than willing to help you fulfill your civic duty:

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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Posted By on Tue, May 26, 2020 at 2:00 PM

Just because venues are closed doesn’t mean live shows aren’t taking place, and The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley is on a tear this summer, hosting several concerts a week in its parking lot.

This week’s shows, featuring Mr. Boogie Woogie Trio and The Tributaries, are already sold out, so the Gaslight is already selling tickets to the next round of concerts: The Rillito River Band and the George Howard Motown & Soul Band.

"We at the Gaslight Music Hall are overwhelmed and delighted at the amazing response to our new outdoor drive-in concert series,” said Gaslight General Manager Heather Stricker. “To see a community come together to support our small, local business and enjoy live music again in these unusual times is truly remarkable.”

The Rillito River Band, which plays Wednesday, June 3, is composed of longtime Tucson residents with musical roots including rock n’ roll, folk-rock, and folk. Their influences range from mariachi to Cream, from James Taylor to The Cure, and from The Beatles to Kris Kristofferson ( all of which you may hear at a show).

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Posted By on Tue, May 12, 2020 at 12:30 PM

The Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will move its summer camp experience to the internet this year, the organization announced Tuesday. “Camp Log On” will take place over six weeks, beginning June 1 through July 10.

According to an email to members sent by CEO Marsha Tank, the decision to move the program online was made “based on many factors including current Federal and State guidelines, guidance from the CDC, restrictions from the Forest Service, and dialogue with other local youth-serving organizations.”

“This decision was made The importance of girls' safety, their health, and wellbeing— as well as that of staff and you, [Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s] extended family— is at the forefront of every decision,” Tank wrote.

Each week, campers will receive a box of supplies in the mail. Campers will also check in with counselors on Zoom, and participate in virtual group activities like campfire talks and sing-alongs.

Registration and more information is available online at girlscoutssoaz.org/camplogon. Campers do not need to be Girl Scouts to attend.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Posted By on Mon, May 11, 2020 at 10:35 PM

Some local events and offerings to enjoy that either allow for plenty of physical distancing or don't require leaving the house at all.

Digital Programs at MOCA
. Since you can’t go visit the art on display at MOCA in person, the museum is providing you the tools to emulate these artists yourself. Learn how to make your own flipbook animation, inspired by Diana Shpungin’s drawings and videos, and see her work in action online. Try making a still life with objects from around your house, in the style of Amir H. Fallah. And create your own text blocks in a wordplay game that would make Gary Setzer proud.

Oro Valley Online Concerts. If you were planning to attend the Oro Valley Concert series, the good news is you still can, without leaving your house! The Thursday-night concerts are about 60-90 minutes long, and videos of each show are available at the SAACA website and YouTube channel after they air. This week, Canyon Currents, a bluegrass/swing/country group, is playing a mix of original songs and well-loved tunes. Lex Browning is on fiddle and guitar, Brian Davies is on bass and national flat-pick guitar champion Peter McLaughlin is on guitar. 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14.

Pop-Up Sculpture Park at Hacienda del Sol. This sculpture park is a great way to get an art fix and treat yourself to a trip out of the house, but with the safety of not having to leave your car. Just under 20 popular artists, many of them local, have large-scale sculptures on display in this exhibit organized by Sculpture Tucson. Just drive through the Hacienda del Sol parking lot (5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. any day through the end of the month. See the Sculpture Tucson website for artist statements and more information on the displays.

Unscrewed Theater House Party. We could all use a laugh right about now, yeah? Come have one with this beloved local improv group, from the comfort of your couch. They’ll be creating characters, games, scenes, and songs based on your suggestions. Just head over to the website to register and get the Zoom link. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

The White Chip: A Live Benefit Reading. If you missed the reading of this dry comedy by the Arizona Theatre Company on Monday, you can still view it online through Friday, May 15. Written by Sean Daniels and directed by Sheryl Kaller, the play tells the story of Steven, who is just about to land his dream job running one of the hottest theaters in the country when his life spirals out of control. Performance is free, but donations, which will support the Voices Project and Arizona Theatre Company, are welcome.

Tohono Chul Online Plant Sale. Looking for some plants to spruce up your work-from-home office? Maybe you just feel like you need another living thing around, even if it’s not sentient? Tohono Chul has got you covered! Purchas plants online through this Thursday, and, when you’re checking out, schedule a time to come do curbside pickup. Just have your order number ready when you swing by, then get your space all spruced up!

The Loft Cinema is offering about a dozen streaming options this week, ranging from a witty rom-com to a documentary exploring wealth inequality to collections of short films from the New York International Children's Film Festival. If every night has become movie night in your household and you're looking for something fresh, check out these titles!

Friday, May 8, 2020

Posted By on Fri, May 8, 2020 at 2:30 PM

Looking for something to do tonight while stuck inside?

Turn down the lights and get the cognac ready tonight because Tucson's favorite neo-soul singer, Seanloui, isn't letting the pandemic stop him from live-streaming his baby-making music live for our viewing pleasure.

"It's my live show that a lot of people haven't seen but heard it worldwide on Spotify," Seanloui said. "A lot of people out there don't get to see what we do for the songs in a live capacity."

Tonight, Seanloui will be the first guest on No Audience Needed, a new live-streaming project from the mind of local stage and lighting guru Kevin Dowling. The project plans on live-streaming twice a week on its YouTube channel, noaudience.live.

Dowling works for Total Lighting Support, a company that provides lighting for events and large concerts. With the company's schedule cleared, as well as the schedules of other local audio/visual companies due to the shutdown, Dowling got a great idea.


Posted By on Fri, May 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM

Trying to track down your stimulus check from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act? Look no further than the Internal Revenue Service’s “Get My Payment” program. Use the program by next Wednesday, May 13, if you want direct deposit to your bank account.

Approximately 130 million individuals have already received payments worth more than $200 billion in the program’s first four weeks. Starting later this month, the number of paper checks being delivered to taxpayers will sharply increase, according to the IRS. For many taxpayers, the last chance to obtain a direct deposit of their Economic Impact Payment rather than receive a paper check is coming soon.

People should visit this website by noon Wednesday, May 13, to check on their payment status and, when available, provide their direct deposit information.

Posted By on Fri, May 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Are you an FC Tucson fan? Do you want to give blood and potentially save a life? Do you like signed memorabilia? Well, you’re in luck: FC Tucson is partnering with the American Red Cross next Wednesday, May 13, to host a blood drive.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tucsonans are invited to the Food City parking lot located at 2950 S. Sixth Ave. to donate. To sign up, go to this website and use the code FC Tucson. Donors must register to participate.

The Red Cross will only collect blood from individuals “who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation.” At the drive, Red Cross employees will follow thorough safety procedures, including checking temperatures, wearing gloves and PPE, wiping down donor areas after every collection, and using sterile collection materials for each donor.

FC Tucson staff and players will be on hand signing posters and bandanas as a thank you.