Posted By Linda Ray on Thu, Aug 2, 2018 at 1:00 PM

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samueljcomroe.com

Samuel J. Comroe performs at Laff’s Comedy Caffe Aug. 3 and 4

Samuel J. Comroe’s performance at Houston Baptist University ended abruptly when, in a post-show Q & A, one student asked the one question, face it, on everyone’s mind, “What’s sex like for people with Tourette’s Syndrome?”

He may answer that for you when he appears at Laff’s Comedy Caffe on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3 and 4, or we may never know. The person in charge of the University’s entertainment program stopped the show and cleared the room before Comroe could respond.

Comroe addresses his Tourettes and related visual tics in his routine, no doubt to put the audience at ease, but he points out that the issue with Houston Baptist is really free speech. Good point.

So what happens when the reins are off? Like everyone else, Comroe jokes about sex, family and life in general. But not everyone is funny enough to make his debut on Conan.

Comroe’s also appeared on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood, won both Ricky Gervais’ and the San Francisco comedy competitions and has over 20,000 fans subscribed to his YouTube channel. You may also have seen him in Season 13 of America’s Got Talent.

See him at Laff’s at 8 and 10:30 p.m.,Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3 and 4. Reservations and more information are at laffstucson.com

However you spell it, burlesque history is no grind

The Surly Wench, a long-time supporter of Tucson comedy, may also be our town’s longest-running burlesque venue. On Friday, August 3, the club’s First Friday Burlesque series presents What’s Burlesque?, a performance inspired by the legends of burlesque in the art form’s ‘40s though ‘60s heyday. The Ribald Stephka Von Snatch hosts Tucson favorites including Bunny Boom Boom, Stormy Leigh, Natasha Noir, Lela Rose, Kitten Minx LaFemme, Nikki Riot and Scarlotta Sparkle, all dancing to popular music of the era.

Doors are at 9 p.m. Reservations are via Brown Paper Tickets. Guests should dress to impress and bring tipping money for the dancers. VIP seats, $20, are closest to the stage and sell out early. General admission, $10, does not include seating.

Pining for Comedy in Sierra Vista?

SV Best Open Mic moves its regular Saturday show to 7:30 p.m. at The Horned Toad, 526 W. Fry Blvd. Cover is $5 to see comedy, performance art, poetry, dance, improv, storytelling and music. Search for SV Best Open Mic on Facebook for signup details. Performance time is ten minutes, and a full sound system is provided to run all instruments.

Tags: Samuel J. Comroe , Laff's Comedy Caffe , SV Best Open Mic , The Horned Toad , The Surly Wench , burlesk , Stephka Von Snatch , Bunny Boom Boom , Stormy Leigh , Natasha Noir , Lela Rose , Kitten Minx LaFemme , Nikki Riot , Scarlotta Sparkle , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Thu, Aug 2, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Surf into the Beach House show on Thursday, Aug. 2.

Beach House pen cool, dreamsicle pop for summer. For whatever season, listeners are transported to beach land, Cali or Brooklyn, sand in hair, waves breaking offshore with every repetitive melodic synth line. For 14 years, Beach House have been materializing the ethereal into those rolling sonic waves of instant nostalgia, sped up and slowed down in the way that memory alters time. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally spin music that floats, drifts or dreams its way into listener psyche—and makes them feel like it’s been there all along. Fans of Tame Impala and Yo La Tengo will appreciate the dynamic dude-chick interplay of chi and the soft, gentle builds that mimic euphoria while interjecting a subtle longing—if only moments like this could last. With Ed Schrader’s Music Beat Thursday, Aug. 2, Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress. Doors at 7 p.m. $30-$45. —B.S. Eliot. Details here.

The Western Attraction. The Wilde Meyer Gallery is hosting a monthlong group show featuring artwork that’s all about the West and why we love it. From contemporary cowboy and Native American interpretations to western landscapes to some of the area’s most iconic features, you’ll walk through the gallery and be reminded of why we love where we live, even in the heat of summer. With artists like Karen Bezuidenhout, Judy Choate, Ka Fisher and Jim Nelson, there will also be plenty of variety.  Through the month of August. Gallery summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, when there is a weekly art walk from 5 to 7 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 170. Details here.

Southwest Wings Summer 2018. Did you know that the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival is the oldest birding festival in Arizona? Pop over to Sierra Vista to check out free programs, wildlife exhibits, vendors and a keynote buffet. There are about 200 species per festival, on average, and you can see them on guided field trips through areas like Carr Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Cave Creek and all over the Huachuca Mountains. Rick Taylor, founder and director of Borderland Tours, is the keynote (which is only $35, and includes dinner). 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 4. Cochise College, 901 Colombo Ave. Sierra Vista. Prices vary widely. Some events are free, while an overnight field trip is $250 (including transportation and meals). Details here.

Tucson Museum of Art. TMA is the place to be this Thursday with three events happening throughout the day. First, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be Storytime in the Creative Space with a craft activity afterwards. Next, starting at 5 p.m. it is Free First Thursday in the galleries and kids can make pipe cleaner crafts and see mingle with Arizona Biennial artists. Lastly, to round out the evening, it is a Cinema La Placita night in the Plaza of the Pioneers at 7:30 p.m. Entrance is $3 and includes popcorn. So, head over to the Tucson Museum of Art for not one, not two but three great events! Details here.

Odyssey Storytelling Presents: Red Flags. That guy you were dating who said he still lived with his parents because “it’s complicated.” That job you had in college where your boss told you he’d “pay you when he could.” The 2016 presidential campaign season. At this event, seven local storytellers will tell true tales about times in their own lives that they’ve ignored red flags—or even failed to notice them. After all, hindsight is 20/20. It’ll be a fun way to support local artists, and to remind yourself that you’re not the only one who’s made this mistake. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh St. $10 GA, $7 student with ID. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: things to do , events , today , activities , art , film , family , friends , fun , summer , evenings , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Wed, Aug 1, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Liquid Sky. Invisible aliens in a flying saucer come to Earth looking for heroin. That’s just the set-up for the zany ’80s cult hit. With neon-lights, crazy costumes and an event crazier plot, this forgotten gem is just as much a feast for the mind as it is for the eyes. The Loft Cinema recently got their hands on a better-than-ever digital restoration, and you are invited to the freakshow. 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, August 1. 3233 E Speedway Blvd. Regular admission prices. Details here.

Southwest Wings Summer 2018. Did you know that the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival is the oldest birding festival in Arizona? Pop over to Sierra Vista to check out free programs, wildlife exhibits, vendors and a keynote buffet. There are about 200 species per festival, on average, and you can see them on guided field trips through areas like Carr Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Cave Creek and all over the Huachuca Mountains. Rick Taylor, founder and director of Borderland Tours, is the keynote (which is only $35, and includes dinner). 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 4. Cochise College, 901 Colombo Ave. Sierra Vista. Prices vary widely. Some events are free, while an overnight field trip is $250 (including transportation and meals). Details here.

Watermelon Wednesdays. It is you last chance. You do not want to miss this. There will be animals. There will be watermelon. Reid Park Zoo's Watermelon Wednesdays sadly comes to a close this week so make sure you head over to the zoo to enjoy watching the animals chow down on their summer favorite fruit. Watermelon slices and Eegee's will also be for sale for humans to eat. Reid Park Zoo, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: things to do , fun , events , Tucson , family , fun , movies , zoo , birds , Image

Posted By TW's Fun & Games Desk on Tue, Jul 31, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson Trivia and Costume Party. Dear reader, please disregard the following palaver and rigmarole if you are not of the cultivated mold. Casa Video humbly petitions your appearance for a most festive gala lauding the preeminent auteur of our time, one Wes Anderson. The trivia comprises factoids from Anderson’s first eight films (Bottle Rocket to Grand Budapest), and you are of course obliged to adorn yourself with any befitting cravat, periwig, or tunic. Properly ornamented personages receive a dollar off their aperitifs. And they’ll also be celebrating the release of Isle of Dogs on DVD/Blu-Ray. 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Details here.

Rivers and Tides. The critically-acclaimed documentary is a vision of the natural world molded by currents, driftwood, ice and mud, all modified with human hands. Andy Goldsworthy’s art forms sculptures from the natural world and inherently degrade and return to the soil. Hosted by the Loft Cinema, in partnership with Sky Island Alliance and UA Water Resources Research Center. Also featuring a panel discussion from the aforementioned groups. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Regular admission prices. Details here.

Mars Magnified. Tuesday, July 31 is a special day, and not just because it’s Harry Potter’s birthday. Cosmically speaking, Mars is going to be closer to Earth on this day than it has been in many years, and Flandrau and the Steward Observatory are celebrating by pointing their telescopes up to the Red Planet and opening up to the public. Planetary scientist Steve Kortenkamp will start off the night with a “Mars Madness” presentation, explaining why Mars is so close right now, and what other planets you can look out for in the night sky. After his talk, there will be planetarium shows every hour. There will also be telescopes pointed up at the other planets, so you can get a planet fix even if Mars doesn’t do it for you. Fair warning, the telescope viewing is weather permitting, because there’s hardly a point in staring up at the clouds through a telescope. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, July 31. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, Steward Observatory, UA Mall. Telescope viewing is free, and the “Mars Madness” presentation, planetarium shows and laser music shows are $5. Details here.

The Western Attraction. The Wilde Meyer Gallery is hosting a month-long group show featuring artwork that’s all about the West and why we love it. From contemporary cowboy and Native American interpretations to western landscapes to some of the area’s most iconic features, you’ll walk through the gallery and be reminded of why we love where we live, even in the heat of summer. With artists like Karen Bezuidenhout, Judy Choate, Ka Fisher and Jim Nelson, there will also be plenty of variety. Through the month of August. Gallery summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, when there is a weekly art walk from 5 to 7 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 170. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: things to do , events , Tucson , today , July 31 , family , fun , movies , cinema , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Tucson Children's Museum

Make it Mondays! Another Monday, another visit to the Tucson Children’s Museum, where this week’s theme is “Schoolhouse of Rock–We’ve Got the Beat!” We’re assuming there’s going to be some Schoolhouse Rock involved, so kids can learn all about how a bill becomes a law (or at least how it’s supposed to work). But hey, based on the title, maybe the Go-Go’s are going to get involved too. Regardless, you’ve gotta love the extended hours and reduced admission prices! 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 30. Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave. $3. Details here.

Mondo Mondays. It is your last chance to get in on the Trashy Time Travel month of Mondo Mondays at the loft. This week's cinematic spectacular will be "Warlock: Satan Also Has One Son" featuring Julian Sands and Lori Singer. Watch as the murderous warlock escapes and magically enters the future 300 years ahead. Monday, July 30 8p.m. General admission $3, Loft members $2. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: Things to do , event , July 30 , Monday , fun , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Fri, Jul 27, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Tohono Chul

Monsoon Madness Plant Sale. The old saying is that April showers bring May flowers, but in Tucson, summer monsoon showers bring much a much wider, weirder and more wondrous selection of desert-friendly plants. Local growers and nationally-renowned plant owners alike will be at this annual Tohono Chul event, which will be enjoyable for both botany nerds and people who can’t keep houseplants alive. In fact, it’s not just a sale—you can also learn about plant care from the professionals. So this event might just be extra beneficial for the succulent-over waterers of the world (like us). 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. Admissions to the gardens are FREE during the sale. Details here.

The Western Attraction. The Wilde Meyer Gallery is hosting a monthlong group show featuring artwork that’s all about the West and why we love it. From contemporary cowboy and Native American interpretations to western landscapes to some of the area’s most iconic features, you’ll walk through the gallery and be reminded of why we love where we live, even in the heat of summer. With artists like Karen Bezuidenhout, Judy Choate, Ka Fisher and Jim Nelson, there will also be plenty of variety. Head down this weekend! Through the month of August. Gallery summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, when there is a weekly art walk from 5 to 7 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 170. Details here.

Shinrin Yoku “Forest Bathing” Walk. Join integrative health and wellness coach Carol Roberge on this twilit walk atop Mount Lemmon. These walks, in which you observe and experience the transition from day to night, have become a trend around the world. And it makes sense. Can you imagine a more peaceful or tranquil way to end the day than to head up to the forest and be as present as possible for the sunset? A tea ceremony and snacks will be included on this non-strenuous walk. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 27. Call Carol at 206-714-0544 to RSVP and receive directions. $30. Details here.

Tags: Things to do , this weekend , Friday fun , events , Tucson , zoo , plant sale , Trapfest , wine , beach , giraffes , movies , food , fun , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Thu, Jul 26, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Hotel Congress

Christmas in July at Hotel Congress. It’s a sentiment shared by Americans everywhere on Christmas morning: “Wht a wonderful day. If only it were 105 degrees outside, then it would be perfect.” Well, at long last, HoCo is making all of our dreams come true. Holiday drink specials! Sexy elves! Mistletoe! There’s even going to be a snowball fight hosted by Santa Claus himself. Summer Christmas attire is not required, but is heavily encouraged (a Hawaiian shirt with reindeer on it? A red and white pool cover up? Flip flops decked out with jingle bells? It’s up to you to decide). 10 p.m. Thursday, July 26. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Free. Details here.

The Effect. Ah, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of new love: Pounding heart, sweaty palms, libido through the roof, thinking for the first time in a long while that maybe the world’s not all that bad. You know the drill. Unfortunately, the lead characters and lovers in this show, Connie and Tristan, aren’t totally confident that all of these symptoms aren’t just side effects of the antidepressants they’re taking as clinical trial participants. This clever look at love, attraction and all the mysteries that come with them is the second show in Live Theatre Workshop’s 2018 to 2019 season. Thursday, July 26 through Saturday, Aug. 25. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. $15 to $20. Details here.

Cinema La Placita Outdoor Movie. It's time for a classic. Get out and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures and beautiful Tucson sunsets at La Placita tonight with "Cabin in the Sky" (1943). $3 admission includes popcorn! Grab a blanket and snuggle up under the stars for this classic film starring Ethel Waters, Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson, and Lena Horne. The event runs 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 140 North Main Avenue. There will be movies shown every Thursday night through August as part of the Cinema La Placita series. Details here.

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Tucson Museum of Art

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: things to do , Tucson , Thursday , July 26 , events , family friendly , movie , Christmas in July , adult event , dancing , Hotel Congress , Live Theatre Workshop , Image

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 1:00 AM

Tohono Chul Park

Birds of Tohono Chul Walking Tour. It’s easy these days to look up at the sky and see only a fickle force of nature, which seems like it’s trying to set you on fire until it starts unpredictably pouring down water. But when you look up at the sky, you also have a pretty good shot at seeing one of the 140 species of birds that have visited Tohono Chul Park (on any given morning, you’re pretty likely to see at least a dozen). From our state bird the cactus wren to sweet little families of quail, from woodpeckers hiding in cactus holes to one of our year-round hummingbird species, they’re everywhere! Head over to Tohono Chul and a docent will walk you through it, teaching you how to identify birds and guiding you down the easy-to walk paths. 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through September. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. $10 seniors/military/student, $13 adults, $3 kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5. Details here.

Cocktail Classic. Calling all cocktail connoisseurs! This is the event for you, so mark your calendars. Sullivan’s Steakhouse will host a dinner that pairs four cocktails with a four-course meal. Enjoy a Venetian Spritz, Sparkling Lemon Cooler, Summertime Cocktail and Spiced Old Fashioned with menu items ranging from chicken and waffles to wagyu sirloin sliders. $65 per person. 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 25. 1785 E. River Road. Make your reservations online at sullivanssteakhouse.com/menu/cocktail-classic/. Details here.

Watermelon Wednesdays: What better way to cool off than with some watermelon? It's the perfect summer snack, at least the animals think so. Hang out with the lions and tigers and bears and say oh my as they chow down on watermelon treats at the Reid Park Zoo. The zoo doesn't make it easy for the animals to get to their sweet treat, so watch them figure out puzzle feeders filled with watermelon slices. Wednesday, July 25, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. This event is included in general zoo admission. Watermelon Eegee's and fresh watermelon slices will be for sale throughout the zoo if you want to join the animals indulging in their sweet and thirst-quenching snacks. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: things to do , fun , family , events , July 25 , Wednesday , watermelon , cocktails , birds , Image

Posted By Ava Garcia on Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 12:30 AM

Tags: The Loft Cinema , movies , things to do , events , Avengers , The Greatest Showman , Rivers and Tides , First Friday Shorts , The Doctor from India , Image , Video

Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Tue, Jul 24, 2018 at 1:00 AM

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Troubadour Theatre — Facebook

Troubadour Theatre Workshops. This week, a local youth theatre company is putting on two workshops for your favorite little Liza Minelli or Lin-Manuel Miranda. On Tuesday, July 24, they’re holding a musical theatre workshop for kids ages 10 to 18. Instructor Jake Walters will be working with participants on vocal skills from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At 4:30, attendees will put on a performance for parents and anyone else who wants to attend. The next day, Wednesday, July 25 is the Play in a Day! Workshop, in which participants ages 11 to 18 will LITERALLY WRITE AND PERFORM A WHOLE PLAY in one day. The times are the same, including the 4:30 p.m. performance, after which these kids should be taken out to a well-earned dinner. Both classes are at the Troubadour Classroom, 204 W. Grant Road, and are $65. Details here.

Space Camp. There’s a little bit of a space geek in all of us, but if you’re between the ages of 3 ½ and 12, and if you have an extra big dose of space geek in you, this camp might be the perfect way to spend a week—or just a day—of your summer. From space-themed games to imaginative crafts, from open playtime to lots of active learning, it’s the type of camp that’s going to keep your brain—and your muscles—moving all week. Don’t forget to bring a sack lunch if you’re staying all day. Just head over to the Heart and Soul Kids Activity Center, and from there, you’ll take off to infinity… and beyond. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27. Heart and Soul Kids Activity Center, 8363 N. Oracle Road. $215 for the full week, $60 for one day, $30 for a half day and $5 each for morning care from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and after care from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Details here.

Coco Movie & Book Signing. Did you know that the wildly successful Disney/Pixar movie Coco was based off a book? "Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes" author Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford will be at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, July 24. You can really get into the spirit of the movie by painting your face for the Day of the Dead contest. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7 p.m. Roni will be signing books before and during the film, books are for sale at the event. Tickets are $5 at the door, or $25 for a family pack of four tickets, one book and two popcorns.
Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Tags: Things to do , Tuesday , Tucson , Summer , kids , family friendly , camp , summer camp , theater , movies , Coco , Fox Theatre , Image , Video