Friday, Feb. 21

Many of activist/rhymesayer Brother Ali's lyrics cry out against racial inequality and slavery, criticizing the United States' political system. "I started beatboxing when I was 7," he told Huck magazine. "Eventually, that led to me falling in love with the words." In 2007, the music video for "Uncle Sam Goddamn"—a rebuke of America's checkered past and latter-day economic slavery—quickly gained the attention of the Department of Homeland Security, who froze a money transfer to his record label. Brother Ali spits the The Undisputed Truth. At 191 Toole..

From 1953-'58, country music superstar Charlie Pride pitched for the Memphis Red Sox of the American Negro League before becoming RCA Records best-selling recording artist since Elvis Presley. Pride croons at Desert Diamond Casino...

Formed in a UK boys school in 1975, Steele Pulse's first release for Island Records was "Ku Klux Klan," a chastisement at the evils of racism. Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, these reggae legends return with a vengeance. At the Rialto Theatre...

Formed in Dublin in 1963, The Chieftans first gained prominence in America in '75 when their otherworldly Irish folk music—in particular the love theme "The Women of Ireland"—appeared on Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon soundtrack. Led by Paddy Moloney's Uilleann pipes, The Chieftains give an Irish goodbye at The Fox Theatre...

Erstwhile member of Green on Red and The Pedestrians, singer-songwriter Van Christian brings his hard roots sound to Saint Charles Tavern. Flanked by The Minds and Loren Dircks... Australian Wildlife Relief Benefit Concert sees L.A. indie rockers Sorry Party and locals Dirt Friends play for a cause. Donations to aid WIRES Wildlife Rescue. At Gentle Ben's...

Most immigrants who come to the United States with dreams of a better life end up scraping by. For Norteño musician to California as teenager, that dream is now a reality: Six of his songs have charted in the Top 40 on Billboard Regional Mexican charts. Kanales is at Club 4th Avenue...

The dance floor may spontaneously combust. Funky Bonz and Santa Pachita provide the catalyst. At Monterey Court...

Singer-songwriter Jacob Acosta and harpist Hannah Blair Akins perform at Sand-Reckoner...

It's all ages fun at The Rock. Manhigh, Bury Me Alive, Pyrotechnica, Lethean, Elyzian, Ash To Dust and By the Gods perform epic feats...

Featuring an ever revolving cast of esteemed pickers, Freddy Parish's monthly residency, Dry 'n' Dusty, takes the listener on a musical journey from Bakersfield to the Appalachian Mountains. At El Crisol...

The Desert Blooms with the acoustic guitar-driven sounds of the Paul Opocensky Project. At Sentinel Peak Brewing Company East...

Paying tribute to the greatest rock 'n' roll party band ever: Van Halen. Mean Streets offer a verisimilitude of the real thing. At Encore. Taken By Drones kicks things off...

Modern jazz and psychedelic dance music collide. The Paper Airplanes Project is ready for takeoff. At Crooked Tooth Brewing Company...

Phoenix Latin-tinged reggae rockers Fayuca's music has played on MTV, Univision and FOX Sports. Their instrumental track "La Venganza" was chosen by director Robert Rodriguez as the title theme to El Rey Network's Matador. At The Hut with Desert Fish and SYNRG...

DJs M Rocka and Century blast Latin hip-hop, trap, reggaeton and cumbia. Lengua Latin Dance Party at Cobra Arcade...

Legion: The darkness continues. DJ Black Flagg drops a megaton of industrial, EBM, Goth and synth-pop. At Surly Wench Pub...

Spinning the best of Southern hip-hop, DJs Jahmar and Quise pay Tribute to Pimp C. At Mr. Head's Art Gallery and Bar...

DJ Hart + Friends celebrate four years of dropping heat. At Batch...

Saturday, Feb. 22

In short order, Virginia-based indie/folk rock duo Illiterate Light's ascent has taken them from small-town organic farmers to Atlantic Records signees. Mixing together vibrant indie rock and postmodern confusion, laced with subtle streams of psychedelia, their self-titled debut album earned them a spot on NPR's Slingshot: Artists to watch list with the advisory: "Sure to do big things in 2020." At 191 Toole...

Sampling from different genres, this UK electronic music producer has amassed a catalogue of bass heavy dance floor anthems. Tisoki brings the North American Tour to Gentle Ben's. With special guest Minesweepa...

Pucker up. Rising country singer Michael Ray promises to "Kiss You in the Morning." At Desert Diamond Casino...

In a special matinee Rodeo Week performance, Western Grammy winners Riders In The Sky perform on the Plaza stage at Hotel Congress. ...

Santa Pachita are up on the rooftop at Playground Bar & Lounge. Their highly danceable, horn-propelled Latin fusion raining down...

Exploring the Dark Corners of the Night, indie pop/folk singer-songwriter Joshua McCormack and The Suspense of Oro Valley (via Schererville, Indiana) are at John Henry's (just possibly Tucson's newest cocktail bar downtown)...

World renowned for his superb musicianship, this grammy-winning classical guitarist was inducted into the Guitar Foundation of America's Hall of Fame in 2018. Tucson Guitar Society presents David Russell. At Holsclaw Hall...

Bryan Thomas Parker & Friends are at Saint Charles Tavern...

With flamenco, tango and Afro-Cuban rhythms to seduce and draw one in, Cuban Night, featuring Acerekó, continues. At Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

Prepare to be dazzled. Metallists Stands With Fists presents a 3-D Glow Show. With The Ruin, Sworn Apart and W.O.R.M. At Encore...

With one foot in the '60s, the other in the '70s, Muskhog play "dirty rock 'n' roll." At Che's Lounge. Pigmy Death-Ray and Technical Difficulties contribute to the filth...

Accompanied by up-right bassist Thøger Lund and vibraphonist Ben DeGain, Parisian guitarist Gabriel Naim Amor entertains in the courtyard at Mercado san Agustin...

Vocalist/violinist Heather Hardy, and her quintet, A Taste of Jazz, return to Monterey Court...

Led by vocalist Amy Virnelson, Soul Essentials perform classic and modern R&B and soul. In the Tropico Lounge at Casino Del Sol...

The Rock transforms into a '90s Dance Club. DJs spin bangers by NSYNC, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and more to "rock your body right" all night long...

The Three Corners Tour brings "cage-free" rock 'n' rollers Le Trebuchet to Sky Bar. With Dead West, Cosmic Cowboys and Tonight's Sunshine...

"Bow wow wow, yippy yo, yippy yay..." Yes, it's Dr. Dre Day Tucson 2020: A celebration of West Coast Hip-Hop. DJs Alias, Bonus, SmashLames and Herm spin West Coast and P-Funk classics. Jivin' Scientists slam out the bangers live. It all goes down at La Cocina...

The Hustle is Critical Tour brings West Coast MC Jon Black, with his signature brand of flow, lyricism and hard-hitting beats, to Thunder Canyon Brewstillery. Trahma, Benny Loc, REY, Dienamik, Psypiritual and BIG 520 share the mic...

Sunday, Feb. 23

From Maui, bringing their unique island sound to the mainland, Maoli (in Hawaiian meaning "native") Rock Easy. At 191 Toole. Island soul-infused poppers CRSB open...

Deeply rooted in the history of orchestral percussion, this trio founded at the University of Georgia, seeks to preserve and expand upon traditions. Lineage Percussion perform at Berger Performing Arts Center...

From Rennes, France, armed with only a guitar and an old rhythm machine, Sébastien Thoreux is the one man band, Wonderboy. He shares the stage with Golden Boots and Gene Tripp. On the back patio at Che's Lounge...

Freddy Parish traces back the roots of country music through old time, bluegrass, Appalachian Folk and honky tonk. At The Coronet...

Singer-songwriters Dylan LeBlanc and Anthony da Costa tell stories without judging the characters. At Club Congress...

Friday

Iberian Peninsula wine tasting. Maynards Market & Kitchen is hosting a special wine tasting event celebrating everyone’s favorite southwestern European peninsula. Home to Spain and Portugal, and the oft-overlooked Andorra, Iberia is known for its rich, full-bodied wines. But there are more than reds and whites to be found; Portugal is known for its specialty green wines, and strong ports abound. Maynards is letting you taste some of the more overlooked wines of this special region. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. 400 N. Toole Ave. $12. Free for Maynards Wine Club members.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. Head on down to the hockey rink for this week’s home games! Friday is 1, 2, 3 Night, with $1 soft drinks, $2 hot dogs and $3 beers, plus the T-Mobile 55+ night. On Saturday, the Roadrunners will be wearing their Kachina jerseys, and the first 1,000 kids (ages 14 and under) to arrive will receive their own free Roadrunners Youth Jersey! Save your ticket for the Saturday game, and, once the Roadrunners win, redeem it at the Tucson Arena box office to get a free ticket for Wednesday Feb. 26. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61+.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. If you’ve ever been to Mardi Gras, you probably had a blast. If you’ve ever seen photos of anyone at Mardi Gras, they probably looked like they were having a blast. So, seize this opportunity to go all-out at a masquerade ball with Cajun food, Cajun musicians, specialty drinks and—of course—plenty of beads. Your ticket includes food, two drink tickets, entertainment, dancing, a souvenir photo and some. Did we mention proceeds benefit the Hero Support Charity? Not to be missed! 7 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Tucson Mardi Gras, 1102 W. Grant Road. Tickets start at $175.

Black Renaissance: Hotel Congress Takeover. Have you been keeping up with this month’s Black Renaissance events, which celebrate the contributions of black artists to popular culture? If not you’ve totally been missing out, but here’s another chance to jump in. Head over to Congress Friday for a night full of music. El Tambo and DJ Lady Staliet have got afrobeats on the outside mainstage, while Mattea, Stevie Rose, ASKE and more artists will be playing R&B and hip hop inside. You’re gonna wanna be there, trust us. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Free.

42nd Quilt Fiesta. This sounds like exactly the kind of cozy party I want to go to. And it’s going to be beautiful, too! The Tucson Quilters Guild started with 10 women back in 1976 and has since grown to more than 450 people. They’ve got a small quilt auction! They’ve got a professional quilt appraiser (a real certification that exists!) on deck to appraise your quilt! Last year, they gave out prizes ranging from “Best Hand Applique” to “Best Use of Color.” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $10 per day or $20 for all three days.

Sorry Party // Dirt Friends–Australian Wildlife Relief Show. Sometimes it feels like there’s so much bad stuff going on in the world that we’re powerless to do anything about. So when a chance, comes along that makes it simple to contribute to a good cause, we always get excited. When that chance involves an indie rock concert at Gentle Ben’s, by LA band Sorry Party and Tucson band Dirt Friends, even better! You get to enjoy a concert, but in lieu of a cover, they’re collecting donations for WIRES Wildlife Rescue. What could be more rock and roll? 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Blvd. No cover, but donations (obviously) welcome.

Puzzling the Past: Fossils, Minerals, and Meteorites. Planetariums are places where we look at celestial bodies thousands of lightyears away. This new exhibit at Flandrau explores the Earth’s geologic history, giving us the opportunity to look at events that happened thousands of years ago. See a giant T-Rex skull, gems and minerals and trilobites while you learn about everything from the dawn of life to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs. Test your wits with hands-on puzzles throughout the exhibit. Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 21 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $16 adults, $12 kids 4 to 17/senior/military/college students, free for kids 3 and under.

Saturday

Donut Bar opening. The San Diego-based artisan donut shop is coming to downtown, and they’re giving away free donuts and swag throughout the day. Donut Bar is known for their wild and fancy pastries, such as the Nutella donut and the bacon and bourbon donut. The first 100 people in line will get exclusive Donut Bar bags, and there will be free donuts and balloons for kids. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close when they sell out. Saturday, Feb. 22. 33 N. Sixth Ave.

Cupping Coffee at Catalyst. SAACA’s new Catalyst art and makerspace at the Tucson mall is hosting Yellow Brick Coffee for a class teaching you how to perceive coffee like the experts. What do words like mouthfeel and acidity have to do with coffee? You’re about to find out. This tasting class features three coffees, and instructors will discuss “their origins, producers, milling process, and roasting recipe.” 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 22. Catalyst is located on the bottom floor of the Tucson mall. 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110. $15 for non-members, $13 for members.

Weekend brunch at Penca. In getting ready for the warm springtime, Penca Ristorante owner Patricia Schwabe is bringing back their weekend brunch specials. The new menu is inspired by Central Mexican dishes and includes dishes like Encacnhuatadas, which are corn tortillas filled with mushrooms, hominy, greens and garlic with a guajillo peanut sauce; Molletes, which is toast topped with refried beans, avocado and queso Menonita; and Lonche de Pancita, which is a special braised pork belly on bread with avocado, cream, salsa and beans. And it wouldn’t be brunch without some fancy drinks to start your day, in this case Penca is serving beverages like the “Solanum” with tequila, tomatoes, tomatillos, rotating chiles and lemon, garnished with pickled nopal. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. 50 E. Broadway Blvd.

How to Talk to Trees. Have you heard of Subspace Collective? Built by and for emerging artists, the collective has been around for about two years, operating a small art venue in the basement of the historic Steinfeld Warehouse. This weekend, they’ve got their very first juried exhibit, exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. You’ll get to see multimedia works by local artists and show your support for what they do just by showing up. What a win-win! 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. 101 W. Sixth St. Free.

Apex Short Film + Music Video Festival. The Screening Room is hosting the sixth Apex Short Film + Music Video Festival, which features short films from around the world, as well as a red carpet photo shoot and Q&A panels with filmmakers from across the Southwest. Selections from this year’s festival include “Withorwithout” a home-invasion-horror meets music video starring Milla Jovovich; “Sunrise” about a city couple rebuilding their relationship during a stay in a hippie village; “The Bag” about a father on his way to his daughter’s birthday party, who discovers a taxi at an abandoned gas station with hundreds of thousands of dollars in the trunk; and “New Bronx” about a girl’s crush on a boy becoming an obsession. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. 127 E. Congress St. $8. For more information, visit apexfest.org.

The Cat Video Fest 2020. We get it: there’s a lot of videos of cats being weird and funny on the internet. But sometimes there are too many to sort through. Well, curation is coming your way in the form of the Cat Video Fest, hosted by the Loft Cinema. This collection of some of the most noteworthy cats on the net includes approximately 100 videos. A portion of ticket sales from these screenings will benefit the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary and HOPE Animal Shelter. Now that’s a cause worth going “pss-pss-pss” at! 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10.

Cat Meditation Class. Have you been to El Jefe Cat Lounge yet? For cat lovers, it’s three stories of cuddly bliss. The lounge partners with Hermitage Cat Shelter to bring healthy, even-tempered cats to hang out with the public. If you fall in love with one while you’re visiting, they’re all up for adoption! Come have your kitty cuddles with a side of mindfulness at this event, where you can meditate right alongside the stars of the show. Bring a yoga mat or blanket (or rent one while you’re there). And hey, maybe you’ll find your Nirvana in a cat and end up taking one home. 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3024 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 141. $20.


Sunday

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum Lecture Series. It’s time to learn more about trains in this monthlong lecture series at one of downtown’s most charming museums. This week, Mike Bording will be telling you all about the Golden State Passenger Train. This puppy operated between Chicago and Los Angeles through the first half of the twentieth century, and, at more than 2,300 miles, was one of the longest continuous passenger railroads in the United States. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Free.

TMC Sunrise at Old Tucson Trail Run. There’s something uniquely hopeful about getting up early and actively watching the sun rise. Like forcing yourself to do this combination of living in the moment and looking forward to the day ahead. So, watching the sunrise at Old Tucson is like living in the past, present and future all at once, right? There’s a four-mile trail run, or a one-mile version, both of which take you through the dusty Main Street of Old Tucson Studios. Then, enjoy free admission to the park for the day! First race starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road. $50.

Mike Wallace is Here. This documentary tells the story of the legendary reporter and host of 60 Minutes, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in his 50+ years on the air. Not only does it show his reporting style, but tells the story of the humble beginnings of 60 Minutes. This screening is part of the Loft Cinema’s “Journalism on Screen” series, and includes a post-film discussion with Andy Rosenthal, the former assistant managing editor of The New York Times. Noon to 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival. This touring film festival highlights a selection of films celebrating nature, and ranging from “love of wild places to social justice and scientific discovery.” This screening at the Loft Cinema is a fundraiser for Tucson’s first-ever Climate Jubilee, and also includes several Arizona environmental organizations working on conservation-oriented issues. These films, both gorgeously shot and covering gorgeous subjects, showcase how the natural world is worth celebrating, and certainly worth defending. This is a rental of The Loft Cinema, presented by Defenders of Wildlife. 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $11.

Roaring ’20s Dinner Party at Sullivan’s. Celebrate the fact that prohibition is no longer relevant with a night of food and drinks at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. This multi-course evening pairs several cocktails with fancy dishes, including a French 75 cocktail with seared scallop, smoked salmon deviled eggs and grapes; the Barrel-Aged Vieux Carré cocktail with a Manhattan strip steak and glazed fingerling potatoes; and the Blood & Sand cocktail with a cheese plate of gorgonzola, fig preserve, truffle oil and much more. Here’s to a better ’20s than a century ago. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. 1785 E. River Road. $65. RSVP at sullivanssteakhouse.com 21+

Radiant Vermin. This modern morality play with a darkly comic twist has been called “nasty and energetic fun” by the New York Times. It tells the story of a young couple who is offered their dream house by a mysterious stranger, and then forced to answer the question of just how far they’re willing to go to get it. Director Maryann Green says the show is about greed but also about the slippery slope of abandoning your morals for what seems too good to be true. Preview shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, and Friday, Feb. 21. Opening night 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays through Saturday, March 28 (with a special matinee on closing day). Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, $18 military/senior/student, $15 Thursdays and previews.

Singin’ in the Rain. If you’re a fan of the sweet love stories, technicolor costumes and showstopping numbers of classic musicals, there’s nothing quite like Singin’ in the Rain. Set in the 1920s, the show tells the story of a group of performers dealing with Hollywood’s move from silent films to “talkies.” Pima Community College’s production of the show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. On opening night Thursday, they’ve got pre-show activities, refreshments and prizes starting at 6:30 p.m. Singalong shows are Friday, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, and an ASL interpreter is present on Thursday, Feb. 27. Show runs through March 1. PCC Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. GA $18 to $24, or $12 for PCC students.

Spring Ikebana Festival. If you don’t think Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging, is a gorgeous and special art form, then—no offense—you’re probably just wrong. This tradition dates back to the seventh century, and one of the translations of “ikebana” is “making flowers alive,” which is just…so sweet. Come see dozens of floral compositions in a variety of styles at Yume Japanese Gardens throughout the week for this fantastic floral festival. Thursday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 29. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. $15 adults, $5 kids under 15.

Astronomy Night for Little Rangers. Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a star! It’s a black hole! It’s a future career in STEM! It could be any of these things at this night full of telescope observation and hands-on activities at Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District (East). The Tucson Astronomy Association is providing the telescopes, and there are also games, crafts and information about everything from alien worlds to careers in science. Perfect for kids ages 8 to 12. REGISTER IN ADVANCE by calling the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at 733-5153. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.

Laughing Stock
By Linda Ray

In a backwards ball cap, Andrew Rivers looks a little like Eminem without the pout or the baggage. His affect is a that of a slightly more animated Seinfeld. There’s no threat to his roll, but his comedy won’t let you get away.

Easily relatable, his jokes emerge unexpectedly from stories of life on the road with a not-that-weird upbringing in the rearview. His Dad was a well-known local radio personality and, as he tells it, his mom a lifelong chain- pot-smoker. Looking for love just leaves him bewildered.

Rivers’ laser-focused commitment to the comedy grind keep him on the road half the year. “Now that I’ve had some accomplishments and a comedy special. I’m hoping to take advantage of (it) and just book my own tours.

“I can’t keep plants or animals alive,” he says, “but there is something growing in my fridge right now. I haven’t named it yet.”

The comedy special Rivers’ cites drew 15 million Facebook views. His Dry Bar show, a 42 minute video of clean comedy, is available from his website along with two, full length CDs and a recording of jokes he made on his cell phone for each town he visited in 2016. He’s also in lots of podcasts.

“Having more outlets means more eyeballs on comedy. People can read this and then Facebook stalk me and buy tickets to the show within 5 clicks!”

Rivers performs at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at The O. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $12 to $30.

Estrogen Hour: Leap of Faith

There may never be a better name than “Leap of Faith” for this loosely-quarterly fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Like some ancient ritual, the event always coaxes a couple of Tucson’s leading women off the cliff into their first-ever standup comedy set. Miraculously, they find thunderous applause from a room full of friends and well-wishers. It almost always sells out.

On Sunday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m., long-time crime reporter, journalist and author A.J. Flick takes the plunge, along with former soldier, radiologist and attorney Ramie Fisher.

The rest of the lineup is seen more often on Tucson’s standup, improv and storytelling stages. Amy Beson, Andrea Victoria Carmichael, Cathy Sproul, Claire Maguire, Mo Urban, Nicci Radhe, Rebecca Tingley and Suzie (Agrillo) Sexton. Estrogen Hour co-founder and Tucson Comedy royalty Nancy Stanley hosts.

Reservations are available for $15 via co-organizer Mary Steed’s LLS fundraising page at https://pages.lls.org/tnt/az/hikepnw20/MSteed. Laff’s has a two-item minimum.

My Bloody Valentine: A Comedy Showcase

Comedy at the Wench explores all the ways love can go wrong with its monthly comedy showcase at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24. Comedians include locals Allana Erickson-Lopez, the stand-up half of the improv duo Allreddy; Aaron Panther, Eden Nault and recent Austin ex-pat Joe Tullar. Headlining is Curt Fletcher, who has been compared to Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg. Also featured is Tamale Sepp, stopping by while living the dream on a two-year tour in her van.

This event has been selling out, and the layout makes it wise to arrive early to get a seat and order food and drink before the show. Reservations are $5 on Eventbrite.com.

Cactus Flower Comedy Festival

This great annual festival of female funny runs Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27 through 29 at TIM Comedy Theater. There will be lots more about this in next week’s Laughing Stock, but it kicks off Thursday, with Tucson’s beloved F*ST (Female Storytellers) sharing their favorite stories of 2019 a 7:30 p.m. The 9 p.m. show features women from Allreddy, Harold Team Omega and sketch comedy by the women of TIM’s Baby Fish Mouth sketch team. The shows are $7, or included with a $30 fest pass.

Even More Laughs!

Friday, Feb. 21, Intimate Magic with illusionist Rod Wayne Housley, 8 p.m., The O ($15 via brownpapertickets.com; $20, door). Standup comedy with Gabriel Rutledge hosted by Mo Urban, 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laff’s Comedy Caffe ($12.50, $17.50). Improv with Harold Beta and Improv 101 Showcase, 7:30 p.m. ($5) and The Soapbox featuring Cero Tucson, 9 p.m., at Tucson Improv Movement (TIM Comedy Theatre) ($7 or $10 for both shows). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m.($5 kids and $8 adults), and Free Form Friday Fight Night 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater (free).

Saturday, Feb. 22, Standup headlining local comedy award winner John Raymond with John “Jon Jon” Hernandez, Nick Chant and host, Rich Gary, 8 p.m., The O ($5) Standup-improv mash-up, Set Unlisted, 7:30 p.m., and The Dating Scene at 9 p.m., TIM Comedy Theatre ($7 each, $10 both). Standup comedy with Gabriel Rutledge hosted by Mo Urban, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Laff’s Comedy Caffe ($12.50, $17.50). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m., and Unscrewed Double Feature at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8)

Wednesday, Feb. 26, Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss and a cast of scientists and comedians 7 p.m., 191 E. Toole. ($22)

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy. The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., The Screening Room; 8:30 p.m., The Mint; 9:30 p.m., The Rock.
Thursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Let's swing! Mayhem ensues when The Black Market Trust cut loose their infectious brand of traditional vocal-driven jazz at Club Congress...

DJ Mijito presides over Order of The Owl IV: Goth Night. At Owls Club...

Hey, Bucko! bring their eclectic blend of spaghetti western/folk/blues to Tap + Bottle Downtown...

This edition of Ladytowne Live—your favorite local feminist variety show—welcomes guests: Adiba Nelson, Ashley La Russa, Stells Di Rossi and Misty Tea. With a set of alternative fusion by Method to the Madness. At Club Congress...

Check out new art installations celebrating black women as part of Black History Month while shaking it to live DJ sets for a Silent Disco. At MOCA Tucson...

A taste of Spain in downtown Tucson? Alternating weekly, singer-songwriters Amanda Rochelle and Natalie Pohanic shall serenade for Tapas & Tonics. In the lounge at the AC Hotel Tucson...

Vocalist John Ronstadt joins Jed Parades' Jazz Trio. At The Coronet...

Esteemed pianist Elliot Jones hosts Piano Bar Thursdays. At The Dusty Monk Pub...

Pulling fresh finds out of the crates, Wooden Tooth Records DJ Night continues. At Che's Lounge...

Medicine for Melancholy (Free screening). The Loft Cinema is screening the debut feature film from Barry Jenkins, who would later direct the acclaimed Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. A swirling odyssey of sepia tones, Medicine for Melancholy follows two young people whose one-night stand turns into a 24-hour journey through San Francisco. Between bike rides and underground dance parties, they grapple with “popular culture and black identity amid a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.” This independent film was produced on a budget of $15,000, over the course of 15 days with a cast of only two. This free screening is presented by Barrio Brewing. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

In 1969, following the dissolution of The Mothers of Invention, legendary composer Frank Zappa released Hot Rats, self-described as a "movie for your ears," and hailed today as a masterwork of jazz-rock fusion. Keeping the legacy alive, Dweezil Zappa presents Hot Rats Live + Other Hot Stuff 1969 Tour. At Rialto Theatre...

At Club Congress you will find the polished neo-soul fusion of Street Blues Family. They promise to make you swoon...

Recently, drummer Tasha Bundy broke a hand while riding her horse, greatly limiting her ability to work. Comrades Howe Gelb, Tom Walbank, Golden Boots, Emilie Marchand, Naim Amor, Loveland, Thøger Lund, Katie Haverly and more will circle the wagons to help a cowgirl out. Bash For Tash at El Crisol...

Boasting Arizona Blues Hall of Famer Mike Blommer on guitar, blues institution Bad News Blues Band rip and tear. At Chicago Bar...

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the music that stopped World War II, The Finest Hour—featuring Davina & The Vagabonds and The Hot Club of Cowtown—showcases music from the '40s combined with modern-day stylings. At Centennial Hall...

"Born to be bad," The Other Troublemakers raise Cain. At Monterey Court...

Continuing the Singer-Songwriter Series, Jacob Acosta will perform at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort...

Southwestern Gothic soul shaker, Just Najima holds court at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

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Molly Sarlé, formerly of folk-trio Mountain Man, is performing tonight at El Crisol/EXO in downtown Tucson in support of her debut solo album, Karaoke Angel. We recently spoke about the album and what’s next for the neo-folk singer:

TW: Your debut album, Karaoke Angel, is more produced than the previous work with Mountain Man. How did production come into play when putting it together?

Sarlé: Sam Owens of the project Sam Evian produced Karaoke Angel with me at a studio called Dreamland in Woodstock, NY. We wanted to prioritize the vocals and my ability to feel the music that was being made. So, instead of using headphones everything was played out of monitors into the space (Dreamland used to be a church). Most of the songs on the record were recorded live.

TW: On that note, what was the inspiration behind the album’s title as well as the concept.

Sarlé: I’m a storyteller at heart. To me, song writing is about storytelling. I love the concept of karaoke in that we are taking a story someone else has written and retelling it as ourselves. Which I think is incredibly important.

TW: Do you plan on going back to more minimalist folk using lo-fi recording in your upcoming work?

Sarlé: Naw, dog.

TW: What’s the next project, if any? Any new Mountain Man projects?

Sarlé: It’s still in the incubator.

TW: Have you been to Tucson before? If so, what’s your impression of our city?

Sarlé: I have! I love Tucson. I’m hoping to go for a hike and excited to hang out at EXO.

TW: What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Sarlé: Currently it’s “Why” by Annie Lennox.

Sarlé will be supported by local Chelsey Trejo. For ticket information and more info, check out El Crisol’s website at exocoffee.com. 

Check out Sarlé's performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk in October 2019.

“Hey I’m Collins and I’m 3 years old and have SO much energy! I LOVE treats and I LOVE to play! I’m a bouncy boy who loves to jump around, and I still have a lot to learn about manners. Bring your other dogs to meet me today and bring me home with you! Come meet me at 635 W Roger Rd or call (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.”

Scream Blacula Scream. Part of the Black Renaissance Film Series, The Screening Room is showing a classic “Blaxploitation” film from 1973. A follow-up to the iconic Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream is a prime example of the cheesy blaxploitation horror films of the ’70s: goofy special effects, over-the-top blood spurts, hilarious acting, and murky atmosphere. The film stars the great William Marshall as Blacula, the doomed vampire former Prince Mamuwalde. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17. 127 E. Congress St. $7.

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"Perfect for late-night karaoke comedowns, plaintive morning walks, and conjuring the spirit world," Molly Sarlé (from Durham via Big Sur) brings open-hearted, unflinching songwriting to El Crisol. Songwriter Chelsey Trejo adds appreciably to the evening...

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