Thursday, September 7, 2017
Composer/performer Chris Black rode into town in the summer of 2007, from Austin, Texas, heartbroken. He left a successful musical career—and the girl he once loved—behind to start a new life in Tucson.
Before long, Black found acceptance in the comforting arms of the downtown arts scene. There, the former country crooner and gypsy/punk/cumbia violinist rose from the ashes of love, redefined himself and established the popular alt-classical concert series ChamberLab.
Black and a crew of local musicians take the stage to perform his latest recording, “Lullabies & Nightmares, Chamber Music, Vol 1,” this Friday, Sept. 8. Other pieces, including "Downtown Suite," and a narrated string trio "Cooper Must Die,” will also be on the bill.
Tucson Weekly caught up with Chris Black over lunch. Relishing in a happy domestic life with his wife of two years, Black says, “I rarely go out anymore.” So, to keep up with friends, Black started hosting “The Grilled Cheese Sessions.”
“Many from the local music scene have enjoyed grilled cheese and Wavy Lays at our house,” Black says.
Shop Local
Mercado Flea Market. There’s something for everyone at these second Sunday flea markets, which begin this month. Antiques treasures, collectible tchotchkes, vintage pieces, artwork—it’s fun for the whole family. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents. You can bring your own booth if you contact Mercado San Agustin in advance to get the details. But please do not bring fleas. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. Free.Good Times Silent Auction. The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society will be holding at least three silent auctions of cacti and succulents for this extravaplantza. After the auction concludes, a free area of pottery, plants and other garden-related items will open up, along with $2, $5 and $10 tables with items for purchase if you feel like being a big spender. Free ice cream, complete with all the fixins’, will be available as well. 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Sky Islands Public High School, 6000 E. 14th St. Free.
Tucson’s Fall Gem Show. The mega-event gem, mineral and fossil showcase isn’t hitting the city until January 2018, but the miniature fall version is this week! Shop for minerals, fossils, gems and beads at venues throughout town, some of which are open to the public. Quartz, turquoise, sterling silver jewelry, jade, crystals and agates are just some of the offerings at the event, where there will be jewelry and gemstones from all over the world. Thursday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road. $10.
Shows
Free Range Country. The “crown jewel” of Downtown Tucson is about to be joined by some of Tucson’s twangiest jewels. Fox Tucson Theatre is presenting a free concert series in conjunction with Second Saturdays Downtown. Singer Mike Loychick recently took over the vocals for The County Line, bringing a country twist to a group that started off in 2012 as a rock cover band. The Jim Howell Band will be playing songs from their debut album and an EP released in March that speak on humankind’s dichotomies. Tucson native Caiden Brewer, who is influenced by Blake Shelton, Johnny Cash and Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be playing as well. 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress. Free.
Tags: Mercado Flea Market , silent auction , Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society , Fall Gem Show , Free Range Country , Oro Valley , Steam pump ranch , Mike Loychick , Jim Howell Band , Caiden fewer , Amber Norgaard , Little Mermaid , thingamabob , Second SundAZe , TMA , historic properties , La Casa Cordova , J. Knox Corbett House , Etherton Gallery , James G. Davis , Archery after dark , International Wildlife Museum , Mother Earth art reception , daddy day care , daddy boot camp , boot camp for new dads , library , El Rio Riparian Reserve , spelling bee , accommodate , Tap & Bottle , free citizenship classes , Hurricane Harvey , Austin Counts , Tom Wallbank , The Muffulettas , Miss Olivia & The Interlopers , Nobody aka Willis Earl Beal , Chris Hall , Christopher T. Stevens , flycatcher , RiP Factory review , Odaiko Sonora , Flam Chen , Sol Axe , dueling pianos , putt for paws , dogs , bubbles , lights , Glow! Light the sky , Nightcrawler , lithe Shivas , So Pitted , Beth Hart , Dwight Smith
Thursday, August 31, 2017
In July, 2016, The Christian Science Monitor wrote a business article about an L. A. showcase of comedians who did not swear, discuss body parts or tell sex jokes. The promoter said many comedians wanted to perform clean, but didn’t want to be alone. He hoped to spin the showcase into a series.
The article even touted social benefits. “’Humor is rising to help close the gap that has been widening between religions, ethnicities, and different communities,’ says Joe Boskin, a professor emeritus of social history at Boston University.”
We wish we could report that it all worked out.
A year before that clean showcase made news, though, Marana residents Stephanie and Randy Jenkins had already launched a Meetup group with a clean comedy manifesto. The “About” section of their Clean Comedy Lovers Meet Up says, “In a world of increasingly low standards …. we are convinced that by replacing vulgarity with a variety of performers who say ‘No’ to objectionable material, our Meetup members don’t have to be worried about embarrassing moments with family (and) friends.”
Since June. 2015, that Meetup group has grown to 300 members, promoting its events only via the group and word of mouth. It now hosts shows the first Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Falcon Auditorium, Marana Middle School, 11285 W Grier Rd, Marana; the first Saturday at 2 p.m. at Safford Center for the Arts, 980 S 14th Ave, Safford; and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Vail Theater of the Arts, Empire High School, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Tucson.
The three-show weekend provides enough revenue to allow bringing a name comedian from the West Coast, with two openers chosen from the rich comedy scenes of Tucson and Phoenix.
All three shows this weekend are headlined by Hollywood’s Jason Love, who has appeared on Comedy Central and more than 20 other national TV broadcasts, as well as USA tours, cruises and well-known comedy clubs.
Opening for Love is Phoenix-area relationship comic Kristopher Royer, sharing insights from his life as a newlywed, and Tucsonan Amber Frame, whose comedy makes fun of her hipster life and her many tumbles into self-realization.
The September shows offer several discounts for members and groups. VIP reservations for the first few rows in each venue, are $20. Reservations are encouraged via meetup.com/Clean-Comedy-Lovers-Meetup. Join the group to keep up with clean comedy others who enjoy it.
Tags: Clean Comedy , Marana , Vail , Safford , Jason Love , Kristopher Royer , Amber Frame , Clean-comedy-lovers-meetup , Empire Highe School , Marana Middle School , Vail Theatre for the Arts
Sweat
48th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park 8-Miler. The Southern Arizona Roadrunners are hosting one of the few races that takes place on National Park land. The trail includes a number of hills, but it also has a number of aid stations to balance that out, and a 5k course if eight miles sounds a little too ridiculous. If you’re hesitant about waking up early on Labor Day to exercise, think about all of the extra room a morning workout will give you for calories at the afternoon barbecue. Over 1400 people registered for last year’s race, but this year, it will be capped off at 750. The event will raise money for SAR, the Children’s Fitness Fund and Friends of Saguaro National Park. 6:25 a.m. start time. Monday, Sept. 4. Saguaro National Park East 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd. $50 for 8-miler, $40 for 5k. 5th Annual Willcox Flyer Bike Ride. Take a ride up Highway 186 to the top of the Don Cabezas Mountains (elevation gain 1,129 ft), and, if those 33 miles aren’t enough for you, keep going for another 33 until you hit the entrance to Chiricahua National Monument (total elevation gain 1,965). Willcox is about 10 degrees cooler than Tucson at this time of year, and the ride starts early, so you probably won’t even be biking in 100 degree weather. Probably. Olympic cyclist Mike Allen will also lead a leisurely eight miler for kids, families or beginners. The course has 3 aid stations, and post ride festivities in Railroad Ave Park will include live music, food and vendors. Packet pick-up/Race day registration 6 to 6:45 a.m. 7 a.m. start for 66 miler, 7:05 start for 33 miler, 7:10 start for 8 miler. Festivities 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Sept. 2. Railroad Ave. Park, 100 S. Railroad Ave. $15-$50.
Animals
Say Goodbye to the Dog Days of Summer. But say hello to aquatic dog sports, brought to you by the original doggie paddlers. Dogs in pools are clinically shown to combine all the joys and therapeutic benefits of dogs and pools. The Pima Animal Care Center will have dogs up for adoption at Old Tucson Saturday and Sunday, Fun for K9s will present dog sensory shows (which sound sort of like scent scavenger hunts?) And K9 Dance will perform on Monday. One dollar from each adult admission all weekend will be donated to PACC. 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd. $18.95 for adults, free for kids 11 and under.
Tags: Saguaro National Park 8-milers , 8 miles , run , running , runners , 5k , Wilcox Flyer Bike Ride , Don Cabezas Mountains , biking , bikers , Mike Allen , Olympic Cyclist , 33 miles , 66 miles , 8 miles , dog days of summer , dog , doge , aquatic dog sports , Pima Animal Care CenterOld Tucson , K9Dance , Pets , Contreras Gallery , insert dog pun here , Gene Hall , Margot Huntington , Marcy Miranda Janes , Putt for Paws , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , bloody marys , kegs , IMPACT , ESL & Citizenship classes , black history , black lives matter , Bernard Wilson , Packrat party , packrats are an actual animal apparently and not just a phrase for referring to hoarders , packrats , hoarders , Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Cool Summer Nights , Sergio Avila , DeGrazia’s Fun and Games , Ted DeGrazia , Art Nature Devotion , MOCA , museum of contemporary art , Archery After Dark , International Wildlife Museum , Make ’n Take Creativity Workshop , Genie Joseph , Type-in Tuesday , Public Brewhouse , typewriters , Ernest Hemingway , dueling pianos , Tu Nitido , Friends , Joey , Rachel , Phoebe , Ross , Chandler , Monica , smelly cat , WHAT TEAM? WILDCATS , wildcats , UA , Bear Down , Bubbles , soap orbs , grab , Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas , Fayuca , Lethal Injection , Melvins
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Villa Peru. In early August, a new restaurant came on the scene, serving up authentic Peruvian cuisine. Try the anticuchos skewers or the lomo saltado, inside a wonton skin and topped with avocado. The Salazar family owns and runs the operation, and this Tucson restaurant is their second location. The first was in Tempe, where they did quite well, named best Latin American Restaurant in 2012. Originally, the family hails from Peru, so you know it’s authentic (and so yummy too!) Did we mention that they’ve got a full-service bar, with a Pisco Sour cocktail? Bless the Salazars. 1745 E. River Road #165.
Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue Expansion. With two new locations at Tucson Premium Outlets and over at The Hub, Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue is expanding your options for grub. No longer must you brave the roads and play a somber ballad while you drive all the way to the eastside to get a beef teriyaki salad. We only wish that this change could have happened soona’, but now’s a perfect time to dig into a Big Kahuna. 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd. and 1011 N. Tyndall Ave.
Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge. Living here in Tucson, it would be more or less obscene to say you don’t enjoy the trifecta of classic Southwest cuisine. Put salsa on your tacos! Try the Salsa Borracha with tequila! Try the habanero cotton candy or the mini chilaquiles! Though this poem opened with describing a trifecta, it has even more offerings than you may have expected. Bundt cakes, churro tots, Tikki Masala and beer. What more reason could you need to make sure your schedule’s clear? 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Drive. $55 in advance or $65 day of.
“Fighting Fire With Food: An Expert’s Inside Look at Nutrition and Inflammation… What Does the Science Say?” Arthritis and clogged arteries, and damaged tissues too. Do these symptoms of inflammations sound familiar to you? You may not feel this information relates to your palate’s predilections, but guess what! What you eat may have the power to alleviate your afflictions. Dr. Donato Romagnolo and Dr. Ann Skulas-Ray will separate fact from myth about nutritional science today. What is a Mediterranean diet? Is fish oil really so great? The answers to all of these questions and more (well, probably) relate. 6 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. Banner University Medical Center Tucson, DuVal Auditorium, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. Free.
Tags: Heritage foods festival , Hacienda Del Sol , Villa Peru , Chef Yim , Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue , Salsa , Tequila & Taco Challenge , salsa , tequila , tacos , Inflammation , healthy diet , Dr. Donato Romagnolo , Dr. Ann Skulas-RAy
Monday, August 28, 2017
The climb up Tumamoc hill has historically been closed to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in order to help preserve resources and, presumably, to prevent the trail from turning into a waterfall of sweat from people attempting the hike in the middle of the day.
Until now! Starting Sept. 5, the UA will be extending public access hours from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a solid 18 hours of available hiking time a day. Fencing will be installed at the top to mark the end of the trail and to continue preserving surrounding areas.
In addition, a new app, the Tumamoc Tour, will soon be available in both English and Spanish and for both iOS and Android devices. Narrators David Yetman and Alberto Burquez (English and Spanish, respectively) will tell the story of Tumamoc Hill and its place in the Sonoran Desert. Accompanied by the music of Calexico and Gabriel Naim Amor, the app’s six sections and 16 YouTube video will help listeners understand the significance of the reserve and the research, education and preservation missions it is a part of.
Tags: Tumamoc Hill , hiking , sweaty , Tumamoc Tour , David Yetman , Alberto Burquez , Sonoran Desert , Calexico , Gabriel Naim Amor , UA , University of ARizona
Thursday, August 24, 2017
¡Cultura!
Día de los Muertos Opening Reception. Tohono Chul’s next exhibit honors and remembers the dead in a celebration that is full of color and joy. Pieces by local artists will be displayed until the exhibit ends on Nov. 8, and artists whose work is on display will be present at the opening night reception. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. 7366 Paseo del Norte. Free.Closing Reception and Sewing Circle. Bordando por la Paz y la Memoria is a group made of citizens from Mexico and other cities abroad who embroider the names of victims of Mexico’s War Against Drug Trafficking onto white handkerchiefs. These stitched stories are a beautiful and sobering visualization of the suffering real people face in the reality of war. Handkerchiefs will be displayed in the café area, and, while supplies last, materials for visitors to embroider their own tributes and testimonies will be provided. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone Ave. Free.
Museums
Space Night 2017. Sleepovers at friends’ houses are fun, but are they educational? Are there opportunities to use state-of-the-art telescopes? Are there real meteorites available to be touched? We didn’t think so. The Children’s Museum Tucson will be showing sleepover guests how to get a party started with pizza, pajamas, binoculars, thermal cameras, and even meteorite-touching ops. Families are welcome to pitch tents in designated areas in the museum and in the main courtyard, for that highly sought after “pitch-a-tent-in-the-living-room-or-backyard-but-still-be-surrounded-by-fascinating-artifacts-and-unique-educational-opportunites” feel that many a sleepover party host has strived for and not attained. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 to Sunday, Aug. 27. Children's Museum Tucson 200 South Sixth Ave. $50, $45 for museum members.Tags: Dia de los Muertos , Tohono Chul , Bordando por la Paz y la Memoria , Joel. D. Valdez Main Library , handkerchiefs , Pima County Public Library , Space Night 2017 , Children’s Museum Tucson , Sensory Safari by Flashlight , International Wildlife Museum , 3D Printing , Oro Valley Public Library , 3D printing , fuuuuutuuuuure , Foraging Walkabout , John Slattery , foraging , Chinese Calligraphy , A-Long’s Kung Fu Academy , wax on wax off , Indoor Tin-smithing Demo and Craft Activity , Presidio Museum , blacksmiths , blacksmithing , luminary lanterns , William Turner , Composition in the Field , Digital Photo Academy , Reid Park Zoo , photography class , Angel’s Place for Girls Grand Opening , Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona , STEM , rock climbing , just girly things , Bookmans Midtown Block Party , potato salad , barbecue , Silly Tassie , Stories that Soar , The Loft , Free Family Fun Day , bowling , Vantage Bowling Centers , Fall Youth Bowling program , Sixth Annual EFF Spelling Bee at the Rialto Theatre , spelling bee , Curtis Mccrory , Rialto Theater , privilege , privlege , privledge , Akeelah and the Bee , Nintzel and the Bee , Friends Trivia Night , Ross , Rachel , Phoebe , Joey , Chandler , Monica , Gunther , Janice , Crooked Tooth Brewing Company , smelly cat , smelly cat , what are they feeding you , smelly cat , smelly cat , it’s not your fault , Old Folk’s Home Bing , bingo , adrenaline , Kappa’s Bar and Sandwich Place , Pablo Sandoval , Pueblo Lighting Women’s Rugby , The Riveters , 401 Comedy School , Comedy School Showcase , Tucson Improv Movement , Loft Cinema Movie Poster Sale , Andrei Tarkovsky , 2001: A Space Odyssey , cinephile , movie posters , Bench & Brew , do you even lift , The Nerd Gym , animals , dogs , Pets , Gene Hall , Margot Huntington , Marcy Miranda Janes , Contreras Art Gallery , Dog Days of Summer , DockDogs , Old Tucson , dogs , Pelican , Club Congress , worthwhile Metallica , Illinois , strangely aggressive pop , post-punk , Trail of the Dead , Pink Martini , Rufus Wainwright , Centennial Hall , classical , jazz , big-band pop
Friday Fish Fry. Have you checked this event at the Sabbar Shrine out yet? It’s open to the public, and, even if you have, they have an all-new menu now. It offers different combinations of cod and shrimp dinners, fried chicken, steak or steak and shrimp combinations and Sabbar hamburgers. Sides of coleslaw, French fries or sweet potato fries will also be served. Support the children’s hospital and enjoy a heaping helping of whatever menu item you choose. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Sabbar Shrine Center, 450 S. Tucson Blvd. Prices vary based on menu item.
Tags: End of Summer Pizza Party , Friday Fish Fry , Sabbar Shrine , Harley Davidson , pizza , ice cream , free pizza , free ice cream , steak , shrimp
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Rose Wine Pairings Dinner. Wildflower American Cuisine hosts this four-courser with food prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Handt and wine pairings selected by Regan Jasper. Wildflower is known for its desserts, but you’re not going to want to miss the courses leading up to it: a compressed melon salad, roasted Alaskan Halibut, and Tortellini pasta with white beans, pancetta and mushrooms. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5:30 Monday, Aug. 28. Wildflower American Cuisine, 7037 N. Oracle Road. $50.
Tags: Sangria , spanish guitar , paella , empanadas , Arizona Sangria Festival , Beat the Heat Sangria & Salsa Festival , Rose Wine Pairings Dinner , Wildflower , Kevin Handt , Regan Jasper , Alaskan Halibut , Tortellini pasta , wine , fine wines
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
It’s the event that your 3 to 5 year olds have been waiting for for up to 3 to 5 years! The Tucson J’s 2nd Annual “Itty Bitty Open,” a golf tournament for children ages 3 to 5. Plastic putters will be provided, as will a golf professional who goes over basic golf terms and etiquette. (That’s right kids! You want the lowest score possible!)
Each tiny pro-golfer-in-training is required to bring an adult caddy with them (no rolling up to the tournament solo in mom’s minivan), and prizes will be awarded for best-dressed golfer and best-dressed caddy for each tee time.
Tee times are at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., on Sunday, Sept. 10, with a limit of 25 participants per tee time. Golfers should arrive 15 minutes prior to tee time, and must pre-register by Friday, Sept. 8. $5.
Tags: Tucson J , golf , mini golf , mini golfers , mini golfing , golf , golf tournament , Itty Bitty Open , 3 to 5 , plastic putters , little birdies , best-dressed golfer , best-dressed caddy , tee time
