Zocalo Magazine January 2012

Z贸calo Tucson Urban Scene Magazine / January 2012 / TheZMag.com

zó•ca•lo Mexican Spanish.

1. a public square or plaza, esp. in the center of a city.

2. a gathering place or the center of activity in a community.

Zócalo Tucson Magazine is an independently published community magazine, showcasing Tucson’s urban arts and culture.

EDITOR Jamie Manser PRODUCTION ARTISTS Troy Martin, David Olsen CONTRIBUTORS Marisa Bernal, Carli Brosseau, Sarah Burton, VK Embee, Emily Gindlesparger, Eric Johns, KXCI, Kelly Lewis, Jonathan Lowe, Jamie Manser, Troy Martin, Jared R. McKinley, Matthew Nelson, David Olsen, Daniel Rylander, Herb Stratford, Eric Swedlund.

ADVERTISING Marie Hancock PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Olsen

CONTACT US: frontdesk@zocalotucson.com P.O. Box 1171 Tucson, AZ 85702-1171 520.955.ZMAG (9624)

January 2012

04 EVENTS 05 FILM 19 ARTS 20 BUSINESS 32 COMMUNITY 35 FOOD&DRINK 40 TUNES 45 ESCAPE 50

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER: Photo by Jeff Smith. Jeff’s exhibit, Drivescapes, appears at the Temple Gallery January 6 through February 21. Details on page 24.

Zócalo Tucson Magazine is a proud member of All content copyright © 2009-2012 by Media Zócalo, LLC. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and author. No person may, without prior written permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue.

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“It’s the sunset of our old ways and the sunrise of a new day.” – Mitzi Cowell Last year, Tucson musician Mitzi Cowell knew she needed to contribute to the January 8 memorials for the shooting’s victims to bring, with friends, music’s healing power. Cowell wanted to make a sign, but had limited time. She said that the first thing that came to mind was: “It’s the sunset of our old ways and the sunrise of a new day.” Cowell put the phrase on a sign, a phrase which later turned into “Shine from the Valley,” a curative song that honors hope and the power of love. It was made into a gorgeous video by University of Arizona Professor and filmmaker Beverly Seckinger with a crew of University of Arizona students. Screened at last October’s Tucson Film & Music Festival, the music video deeply affected the viewing audience. After the screening, Cowell said her vision was “for it to be a gift to the community, however it could be used; if only for people to watch it and feel the healing.” Cowell, with a fabulous line-up of gifted local musicians, fulfilled her vision. If you haven’t seen the video, please do so by searching for it on YouTube. com.

A year later, Tucson is commemorating January 8, 2011 with city-wide activities to honor the people we lost and a community coming together in the aftermath. As Sabra Faulk sings on Cowell’s song, “We’re going to shine from the valley below.”

Read Emily Gindlesparger’s articles about the BEYOND happenings on page 9 and the Concert for Civility on page 11.

While we remember the victims and work for a kinder, more respectful community, we must keep it going by celebrating and supporting our town – an artistic locale filled with great events comprised of and/or curated by local talent.

– Jamie Manser

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Jon Russell competes in last year’s Flame Off.

Photo: Nadine Roselle Ruiz-Carlson

Notes From A Plant Freak It’s easy to forget in a climate with such extreme summer highs that there are indeed some mornings where frost or even snow covers the ground. A low of 22°F is really not all that cold and it is because of our mild climate that you might still have pansies blooming up a storm, or why you have an abundance of cilantro.

Speaking of abundance, when you grow your own vegetables and herbs, you often encounter the dilemma of what to do with that abundance.

You may love cilantro, but what does one do with so much? There are lots of wonderful books on this subject: check out “Keeping The Harvest” by Chioffi & Mead. Think of freezing, drying, and best of all, trading with other gardeners who grow crops you aren’t.

Believe it or not, it is already time to be thinking about starting warm season crops. Start planting seeds of peppers and tomatoes indoors by the end of the month. You can continue to keep planting seeds of cool season herbs and vegetables for many months but choose crops that mature faster. Seed packets from reputable companies list how many days to maturation.

Species of Interest Living Stones, Lithops spp.

South Africa is the origin of many strange plants, including these gems. Plants vary in flower color and patterns and color on the succulent leaves. They can be grown outside (with some frost protection, or on a window sill. Because they are small, they are easy to find a spot for. Be aware: some birds find them delicious, especially in dry summers. n Living Stones Nursery, known locally as Plants For The Southwest (50 E. Blacklidge Dr., 6288773), grow more properly identified species than anyone else in the country. Their cultivation suggestions are found on their website Lithops.net (click on the Lithops link).

Photo by Nick Henry

by Jared R. McKinley

Flame Off! Returns Downtown

by Jamie Manser For the 10th annual Flame Off fundraiser, the Sonoran Glass Art Academy (SGAA) is gifting downtown with its white-hot glassblowing competition. Hosting the event at the historic Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., ups the hip factor.

“For the last two years, the Flame Off has been held in a warehouse near the airport on South Tucson Boulevard,” explained Alexandra Berger, SGAA’s associate director. “The event lost the excitement of a big crowd in a venue so far out of downtown, so this year, we focused on finding a venue that would bring back our Tucson audience and gain momentum in the public eye. After some searching, we made a connection at the Rialto Theatre. We cannot wait and are so excited about this great new downtown partnership! We hope to hold the Flame Off at the Rialto for years to come.”

Started in 2001, the event has outgrown several venues (Philabaum Glass Studio, SGAA’s studio, Barrio Brewing Co.) and with the size of the Rialto it is sure to be a good fit. Berger said the event will have 24 flame workers both on the stage and in front of the stage with a streaming video feed to insure great viewing.

Make sure you eat your three squares on Friday, February 3 as you’re going to want to enjoy this affair from start to finish. Doors open at 6 p.m. with sizzling entertainment (a combo of fire dancers, burlesque and hooping troupes, Berger said) at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The competitive glassblowing is set for two sessions, 7 p.m.-8p.m. and 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Here’s how it works: “The first heat will include 12 individual competitors making pieces within the theme ‘Fantasy of Fire,’” Berger said. “The second heat will feature four teams of three artists.

Two teams will face off in a head-to-head competition. We’ll leave those themes as a surprise. This year’s competitors will include a mix of devoted, seasoned competitors along with a slew of fresh blood.”

The glass artists are from all over, giving their time and talent to creating pieces SGAA then auctions off that night in order to raise money for SGAA’s youth development programs.

Seattle artist Sabina Boehm, who has been blowing glass for 18 years, said she has participated once before and does it because of her “love of the school and love of this kind of event! The people, and the friendly competition and support” has her coming back.

“After the competition, local band 8 Minutes to Burn will bring down the house with their great grooves!” Berger said. The band plays from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. n Advance tickets are $15 general admission, $22 for reserved balcony seating; door prices are $18 general admission, $25 for reserved balcony seating. More details at SonoranGlass.org and 884-7814.

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Beyond the Gems

Things to know when reconsidering the annual gem and mineral show

by Sarah Burton The last week of January every year Tucson becomes an international marketplace for thousands of exhibitors, wholesale buyers, jewelers, rock hounds, exporters, private collectors, importers, and artists. One of the largest gem shows in the world, people travel here each year to barter, sell, and buy everything from African masks to rare gems. Dozens of separate shows pop up across town, many along the I-10 frontage road and downtown. Yet there is a contingent of locals (you know who you are) who have never once been, or maybe went to look at specimens as a kid at the TCC with your nerdy rock collecting neighbor, surmised that’s all there is and never looked back. Well, you’re missing out.

Sure, you can see wall size geodes cut out of a cave, work with the jeweler himself to choose a custom setting for a that rare black Australian opal, handle strand after strand of all walks of beads, or hunt through endless bins of sparkly this and glittering that. But if you don’t get over it and check it out yourself, you’d never know about the other non-gem, well, gems. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint in advance precisely who will offer their wares and the exact spot they’ll set up shop, here is a sampling seen in previous years. Besides, you don’t want a specific destination with this thing. Exploring these tents and booths, overhearing languages from across the globe, and people watching while you make your away through it all is what makes it an adventurous treasure hunt.

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Vintage Bangles Keep your eyes out at the Tucson Electric Park show for a table completely covered with vintage Bakelite pieces in every color of the rainbow. You can find the boldly-colored costume jewelry made of the first synthetic plastic in antique stores or vintage boutiques, but here rings, bracelets, and necklaces in any color you can think of are offered up in a one-stop shop.

Magic Carpets Ok, not really magic, but certainly breathtaking. Whether you’re in the market for one or just want to admire the intricate and ancient art, you can find rugs—both new and antique—from far away locales such as Persia, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and China throughout all the various gem shows around town.

Artful Artifacts Dozens of on-site booths offer artifacts from nearly hundreds of origins, dots on the map both unfamiliar and those more recognizable. At New Guinea Art’s booth each year, find collected items like a crocodile canoe prow, a coastal ramu mask, a babakumbu (helmet mask) from the Abelam people, or a sago basket used by the women of the Sepik.

From Russia with Love Traditional matryoshkas (nesting dolls) abound at Russian import booths in spots along the frontage road. Some simple and wood, oth-

ers elaborate with gold flourishes, sided by other interesting Eastern European crafts such as a plethora of gilded boards displaying the elaborate images of many Russian Orthodox saints.

Buddhas Abound From nearly the size of a quarter to largerthan-life scale—sculptures and figurines of the Buddha can be found everywhere during the gem show. Antique statues brought from India, laughing Buddhas in every size, carved wooden Buddhas, jade Buddhas, and don’t forget the paintings! The shows are simply awash with this beloved figure.

Textile Talk From fine pashmina shawls embroidered by hand in Kashmir, to silky Indian sari’s and fuzzy cashmere wool scarves in any color you can think of, this is a serious opportunity to stock up for gift giving or your own collection. n There are several shows all over Tucson from late January through early February. For a list of all the shows, locations, schedules, and additional info, visit xpopress.com/AZ-showschedule.html. Contact individual shows for parking information (some offer free parking), or visit ParkWise.tucsonaz.gov/parkwise/wherecan-i-park-downtown.

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Photo by Paul S. Hamilton/BiodiversityPhotography.org

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“Sewing Spots Together,” a social and environmental art project that is part of BEYOND’s events, taking place on “A” Mountain, 8am-4pm.

Beyond Tragedy Into Promise

by Emily Gindlesparger As Gabrielle Giffords’ congressional aide, Gabriel Zimmerman drew up of points of interest in his district. He pointed out trails, observatories, parks, and native species, in the hope that people could identify the beauty in their own backyards.

“We’re keenly aware that getting out and getting active makes your brain and body work better,” says Ross Zimmerman, Gabe’s dad. In response to the January 8, 2011 tragedy that took Gabe’s life, his family created the Tucson Trails Tribute Fund to commemorate the losses that day and get Tucson outside.

The Tucson Trails Tribute Fund created BEYOND, a collection of over 20 events taking place on Saturday, January 7, created by the fund and contributed by other organizations to “commemorate the tragedy, celebrate what we have together, and commit to a better future,” Zimmerman says, echoing BEYOND’s tag line.

Dawn will break on Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Rd., with meditation and interactive music making at 7:15 a.m., followed by a health and wellness fair. As the sun rises, hikes will be led at trailheads all around town, including an imaginative display on Sentinel Peak: a social art project—fabric panels sewn by volunteers, creating a jaguar—will slink up “A” Mountain as hikers pull invasive buffelgrass from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The project, “Sewing Spots Together,” will grow ever longer as it is sent down to the Amazon, covering the range of the jaguar and gaining new panels on its collaborative journey.

“I love that symbolism of having the freedom to move around, sewing geographical spots together,” says creator and artist Stephanie Bowman, who collaborated with the local Defenders of Wildlife office on the project.

Biological diversity is also a theme at the main event of BEYOND, held at Reid Park, with an adventure walk inspired by last fall’s BioBlitz at Saguaro National Park, to connect people back to nature with activities on land resources, survival skills, native flora and fauna, and the health benefits of being outdoors. Ben’s Bells and Beads of Courage will have interactive tributes; students from Tucson Unified School District will put on a “Move Your Body” flash workout, and elsewhere you’ll find zumba, yoga,

dance and Tai Chi. Stories That Soar will be collecting tales from the community to turn into later performances.

Storytelling can also be found at Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Rd., where “Stories to Remember, and Beyond...” will present favorite childhood tales of Gabe Zimmerman and Christina Taylor-Green in the historic fairyland park.

In Oro Valley, contributors can help artist Tidi Ozeri, who collected drawings of flowers from survivors and first responders to create metal sculptures of flowers for a “garden” in James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia, part of Oro Valley Family Fun Day. Downtown, an art walk will tour our vibrant gallery scene. Maps can be picked up at 1 p.m. at The Toole Shed, 197 E. Toole Ave. Along the way, people can help Tucson Arts Brigade design and repaint the Together We Thrive mural in Winsett Park, 316 N. 4th Ave. As dusk draws the day to a close, ceremonies at Kino Stadium will set the community’s commitment for a better future. Members of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform “Walk Without Fear,” a piece composed

by Brian Goodall and commissioned for those affected by the tragedy.

“We wanted it to be collaborative and inclusive,” says Ross Zimmerman. “We want as many different entities as possible involved; it has nothing to do with politics or a particular set of beliefs; it’s the idea that we’re all human and we can get out and do things together that we all enjoy.”

Come January 7, Gabe Zimmerman’s points of interest will be lighting up in tribute. n For a full list of event locations and times, visit Beyond-Tucson.org. Opening event is at Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Rd., 7:15am-10am.

Main event is at Reid Park, 22nd St. and Country Club Rd., 10am-2pm.

Closing ceremony is at Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, 4pm-6pm. Also visit RememberingJanuary8.org for information on other local happenings.

On Jan. 5 at 8pm and Jan. 8 at 6pm, PBS TV Channel 6 airs “Together We Heal,” a documentary on the emotional healing after the Jan. 8, 2011 shootings.

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Events

Photo courtesy of Our Family Services Senior Companion Program

Jose Hernandez & Leatha Mae Reed

Senior Companions Call To Action MLK Day of Service takes place January 19

by Sarah Burton

Inspired by President Obama’s call to action in 2009 to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day “A day on, not a day off,” the Senior Companions group in Tucson began a new tradition: the MLK Day of Service.

Senior Companions is part of Senior Corps, the lesser known of branch of the Corporation for National and Community Service (which includes AmeriCorps). Although a government program, Senior Companions must have a sponsor in each community. In Tucson that sponsor is Our Family Services, a nonprofit offering many services in the community, from shelter for homeless youth to substance abuse prevention.

The Senior Companions in the local program went through training as well as a background check before beginning their work with less fortunate seniors in town. These companions (who must be 55 or older, and qualify as low-income themselves) help older, more fragile, or more in-need seniors any way they can whether that’s simply taking the time to sit and visit, read mail, transportation to doctor appointment, or even watering plants.

Senior Companion Program Manager Fran Coleman explains this year’s

focus for the day of service: “After the volunteers identified and agreed there was a great need in the South Tucson area, we decided our next MLK Day of Service would reach out specifically there.”

So on January 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Senior Companions will host their event in the sanctuary of Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St. Clothes from Our Family Services clothing bank and food items collected with help from retirement community Academy Village will be distributed to South Tucson seniors in need.

Famed Southwest folk singer Ted Ramirez is performing throughout the event, a resident from University Medical Center will be on hand doing free blood pressure checks, and for a little added fun, attendees can get their fortunes told via gypsy-palm reading by Miss April. n Anyone interested in donating food or clothes for this event should visit OurFamilyServices.org. For more information on the Senior Companions or Senior Corps, check out SeniorCorps.gov

Together We Thrive Photography by Janet Marcotte

by Jamie Manser “We may not be able to stop all the evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another… that is entirely up to us.” - President Barack Obama Have plenty of tissue before opening this book. Janet Marcotte, executive director of YWCA Tucson, beautifully weaves her gorgeous photos of the January 8, 2011 memorials with the words from President Obama’s McKale Center speech on January 12, 2011.

I challenge any Tucsonan to keep a dry eye while turning these pages. This book is emotionally powerful; it brings back all the feelings from that heart-shattering day. But it is also a potent testament to our community and how we responded after the tragedy. In our core, underneath all of the layers, we are loving, caring and beautiful people. For this we are blessed.

At the press conference, Marcotte said the project started as “a collection of images for Congresswoman Giffords who wouldn’t have a chance to see it (the memorials).”

Publishing these photos to share with everyone is a wonderful tribute to Tucson’s compassionate spirit. The book is a community effort, a joint venture between the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding and YWCA Tucson. Arizona Lithographers printed the book for cost and the layout was done by TBRich Design. Of the $20 price, $17 goes to support the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding’s anti-bullying programs.

The heart-rending work is available by visiting FundForCivility. org and YWCATucson.org; the YWCA site also lists retail partners selling the book. n

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Image courtesy of Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding

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Ben Folds and Calexico headline the Concert for Civility on Sun, Jan 15.

Concert for Civility

Bringing Tucson Together Through Music

by Emily Gindlesparger

“We created the Fund while I was in the ICU,” Ron Barber says about the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, developed by Barber and his family while he recovered from the tragic shootings of January 8, 2011, during Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ Congress on Your Corner event.

Tucsonans immediately jumped into loving action, with artistic memorials and vigils springing up all over town for the victims, showcasing a community spirit that was energetically palpable.

“Two things motivated us: first of all, we wanted to thank the community; but more importantly we wanted to hold on to the support and energy that we felt pouring out from everywhere.”

That community support solidified into the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding (FCRU), which in turn is raising money for mental health awareness and anti-bullying programs in Tucson schools. This year, FCRU will reach out to Tucson congregations of all faiths to teach civility from the pulpit.

At the forefront of the fundraising efforts are amazing performances like the Concert for Civility, which takes place at the Fox Theatre for FCRU’s second concert on January 15. The first concert was at the Tucson Convention Center Arena last March and featured Jackson Browne, Alice

Cooper, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Sam Moore, Nils Lofgren, Jerry Riopelle, Keb’ Mo’, Jennifer Warnes, Ozomatli, Dar Williams, Calexico, Roger Clyne and others. According to the Arizona Daily Star, that concert raised $153,000 from ticket sales.

“Our mission statement for the Fund from the very beginning included the use of artistic entertainment events as a way of healing the community and bridging the divide,” says Barber.

Ben Folds headlines the show with Calexico and a cast of local performers including Silver Thread Trio, Mariachi Luz de Luna, Salvador Duran, members of Odaiko Sonora, and Mitzi Cowell, who wrote a poignant anthem for Tucson about emotional recovery after the tragedy.

“The old ways are left behind so we’re going to shine from the valley below,” Barber quotes from Cowell’s song, titled “Shine from the Valley.”

“That’s exactly the kind of message we’re trying to send with the Fund.”

The Concert for Civility is Sunday, January 15, 6:30pm at the Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St. Tickets, $30-$75, are available at FoxTheaterTucson.org and 624-1515. More on FCRU at FundForCivility.org

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Events A Slice of Americana

by Jonathan Lowe

Photo courtesy of UApresents.

Garrison Keillor

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events Garrison Keillor may seem, to some, a throwback to the age of “Ozzie & Harriet” or “Leave It to Beaver.” But if you’ve never heard “A Prairie Home Companion,” you’ve missed out on a true slice of Americana.

With his traveling road show, heard every week on NPR, Keillor brings his quirky characters to life and all of them are funnier than the folks you find these days at your typical suburban shopping mall. Keillor and company perform at Centennial Hall February 1.

Jonathan Lowe: You often tour the country with your radio show, besides teaching at the University of Minnesota. What gives you most satisfaction - writing, performing, or teaching?

Garrison Keillor: I don’t associate work with feelings of satisfaction. Rather, guilt, frustration, and resentment of people who write better than I do. Writing is the main gig around here, and teaching and performing are sidelines, an excuse for not writing more. Working on a novel and on an opera make me seriously want to retire and find a volunteer job as a docent at the zoo explaining to schoolchildren where frogs go in the winter.

Jonathan Lowe: What inspired you to begin this journey? Who influenced you?

Garrison Keillor: I was inspired by the need, as an English major, to earn a living in the world and to pay the rent and purchase coffee and cheese Danishes. I spent most of the 60s in college, imagining I was brilliant, and then, in 1969, my son was born and I had to find work that someone would be willing to pay me to do, and the choices were limited in the extreme. Fortunately, I caught on as a deejay in public radio and I’ve clung to this raft ever since. My last job interview was in 1969. I will never write another resume. This is my earnest prayer.

Jonathan Lowe: In your novel “Lake Wobegon Summer 1956” you mention a lady who hypnotizes chickens before chopping their heads off. Then there’s the Doo Dads singing “My Girl” while repressed 14-year-old Gary tries to both indulge and conquer his adolescent urges. With all the description and depiction going on, your town of Lake Wobegon really comes to life, and has people asking you if the place really exists. Do you see that question as a compliment or a nuisance?

Garrison Keillor: Nothing that readers

say or do strikes me as a nuisance. Anyone who cracks open a book of mine is, to me, a gem. And I am impressed that you know about the chicken hypnotizer and the Doo Dads and the boy’s adolescent urges.

Most interviewers don’t have time to read my books. They ask questions like “What’s your favorite TV show?” or “What’s it like to be your age and know that the twilight years are near?” As for Lake Wobegon, it’s a real place, so the question is easily answered.

Jonathan Lowe: You live in St. Paul, in the land of 10,000 oft-frozen lakes. I was born there, but haven’t been back since age six. How has the area changed, and is the longing for simplicity and family values more alive there than elsewhere?

Garrison Keillor: In the time since you left, son, Minnesota hasn’t changed all that much, except the Twins won the World Series twice, and we elected an irate oaf for a governor, and a lot of farms have been lost to housing developments with names like Woodlawn and Riverwood and Floodcrest.

I don’t detect a longing for simplicity so much as a longing for a 28 hour day. People are ferociously busy, and it’s taken a toll on all the leisurely arts, such as friendship and humor and good Samaritan-ship.

There isn’t time for it. As for family values, they are whatever they are--some families are tight, others are blown away like dandelion puffs. A main value in Minnesota is still: don’t waste my time, don’t B.S. me, I wasn’t born yesterday.

Jonathan Lowe: What is audience reaction to your shows and signings? Any anecdotes to share?

Garrison Keillor: I did a reading in Seattle in which a little girl in the front row fell sound asleep. She slept for more than an hour. It was sweet. I seem to have a God-given ability there. Some people in the room were hooting and slapping their knees, and she simply leaned her head against the fat lady next to her and dozed off. It’s good to be useful. A boy wrote me once to say that he loved it when the news from Lake Wobegon came on the radio because it meant that his parents stopped arguing. That was an eye-opener for me. You work hard to polish your act and then you find out that it does people good in ways you couldn’t predict. The audience is invisible and that’s good. Somewhere my voice

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is drifting through a swine barn and the sound of it seems to perk up the sows’ appetite. Or a lady is listening on headphones as she jogs along a beach, running to my cadence. Or a dog sits in front of the radio, head cocked, and the sibilants excite him in some mysterious way. A dog’s humorist, that’s me.

Jonathan Lowe: Your guests are an eclectic mix of musicians and storytellers.

Who are you most proud of having had on the show, and who do you wish would appear or come back?

Garrison Keillor: Chet Atkins was a classy act. Nobody like him. The man never had a bad night. And Willie Nelson. A great musician, very underrated. Bogan, Martin, and Armstrong were great, an old black string band from Knoxville. And Emmylou Harris and Gilliian Welch and the Fairfield Four. And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

When they left, at the intermission, the hall was suddenly half empty. I wish Willie would come back, but then I also wish I were 36, so what can you do?

Jonathan Lowe: On the show you also have comedy radio drama skits and fake commercials. Are those items advertised ever real?

Garrison Keillor: They’re all real, actually. Bertha’s Kitty Boutique, and the American Duct Tape Council, and Bebopareebop Rhubarb pie, and Powdermilk Biscuits. And if you’d like to buy a few shares of stock, see me.

Jonathan Lowe: What does Garrison Keillor do during off hours, if there is such a thing as off hours for you?

Garrison Keillor: Sleeps, cooks, reads, plays with the kid, goes to movies, shovels snow, sits and yaks with friends. I’m a lucky guy. I get to sit around every day and indulge in make believe and get paid for it.

UA Presents hosts Garrison Keillor at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., on Wednesday, February 1. Visit UAPresents.org for ticket information or call 6213341. n Tucson novelist Jonathan Lowe edits TowerReview.com, (where this interview originally appeared) and is a judge in the Audie awards, given to the best audiobooks of the year. His latest novel, set in Tucson, is “The Miraculous Plot of Leiter & Lott,” both an ebook and audiobook.

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Photo: Donovan Durband

Dillinger Rides Again

by Jamie Manser

Olsen photo: David

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It was 78 years ago this month when Tucson’s Police Department captured the nation’s Public Enemy #1, John Dillinger. The tip came from the Tucson Fire Department, after firefighters were given cash by members of Dillinger’s gang to retrieve a rather heavy bag from their Hotel Congress room when the building caught on fire.

Without firing a shot, TPD brought national attention to the sleepy Old Pueblo, a locale the gang figured was too podunk to recognize the notorious bank robbers.

To commemorate the arrests, Hotel Congress hosts Dillinger Days on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21. Friday night features a 1930s speakeasy party in the hotel’s club, lobby and Copper Hall. Era dress is encouraged for the fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation’s efforts to restore the 1923 American LaFrance Fire Engine – the very engine that responded to the Hotel Congress fire on January 22, 1934. Attendees can expect to enjoy big band tunes from Kings of Pleasure and music from Duo Vibrato, a premium whiskey tasting and an exhibit of 1930s memorabilia.

Saturday’s family-friendly festival includes re-enactments of the Dillinger gang’s Tucson exploits, lectures, games, live music, tours and a vintage car show.

Screenings of the “Hot Pion” documentary, which details the tragic 1970 fire at the Pioneer Hotel, take place both Friday and Saturday. n Friday’s bash runs from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $10; Saturday’s free fiesta is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Details at HotelCongress.com, information on Greater Tucson Fire Foundation is at TucsonFireFoundation.com.

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2nd Saturdays Downtown

January EVENTS Sat 7 BEYOND TUCSON Main Event & Closing Ceremony: Fun activities, entertainment, and easy exercise will be on tap, suitable for children and adults of all ages. Participate in the “pilgrimage walk” by visiting interesting stations throughout the park. Collect hand stamps and trade them in for a free lunch. 10am-2pm.

Reid Park, 22nd St and Country Club. Kino Stadium Closing Ceremony is 4pm-6pm, 2500 E. Ajo Way. Many other BEYOND events occur throughout Tucson on Sat, Jan 7 to commemorate the tragedy of Jan 8, 2011. See website for more details. Beyond-Tucson.org

SONORAN GLASS ART CHILI FESTIVAL 3rd Annual Chili Festival! Complimentary chili mug, all-you-can-eat chili, and a chance to Blow Your Own Chili. 3pm-7pm. $20. Sonoran Art Glass Academy, 633 W. 18th St. 884-7814, SonoranGlass.org

FREE HOLIDAY SWAP Pima County Public Libraries and FREECYCLE offer a swap, bring your stuff (in good condition) and trade with your neighbors.

2pm. Free. See website for various times/locations.

791-4010, Library.Pima.gov

UPTOWN

SATURDAYS Featuring classic swing/jazz group, Retro Swing 7. 4pm. Free. St Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave. 797-3959, StPhilipsPlaza.com

Thu 12-Sun 22 TUCSON INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Showcasing the Jewish experience, current and historic, locally and internationally.

See page 19 for more. Costs/times/locations vary. TucsonJewishFilmFestival.org

Fri 13-Sat 14 FLEALESS MARKET Find treasures at Kismet Boutique’s 2-day outdoor Flealess Market. Furniture, knick-knacks, toys, linens, home and fashion accessories at the outdoor event plus an indoor, storewide sale. Proceeds benefit Tucson CARES, nonprofit companion animal welfare organization. 12pm-5pm.

Kismet Boutique, 2627 E. Broadway Blvd. 207-9994, KismetTucson.org

WOODEN BALL Local musicians perform (mostly) acoustically. 8pm, $5. Fri, Jan 13: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St., 622-8848, HotelCongress.com.

Sat, Jan 14: Plush, 340 E. 6th St., 798-1298, PlushTucson.com

Fri 13-Sun 15 SOCCER SHOOTOUT

A soccer extravaganza for U.S. Youth Soccer and Arizona Youth Soccer teams.

Times/costs vary. Ft. Lowell Park, North Craycroft Road/East Glenn Street. FortLowellShootOut.com

Sat 14 2ND SATURDAYS

Downtown’s monthly urban street fest features Last Call Girls, Heather Hardy ‘Lil Mama’ Band, Mitzi Cowell & The Valiants, Deceptively

Innocent on Scott Stage, Tucson Jazz Institute’s Ellington Band at the Fox Theatre (7pm-9pm), Southwest Soul Circuit on 5th Avenue Stage. 4pm-9pm.

Free. Along Congress Street & side streets in-between.

2ndSaturdays.com

Wed 18 FIGHT MS WITH TEAM AWESOME! Bumstead’s Bingo - win great prizes! Team Awesome! takes home 20% of the evening’s sales for the fight against MS. 8pm-10pm. Bumsteads, 500 N. 4th Ave. 622-1314, Facebook Team Awesome Orange Out.

Fri 20 THE DRAWING STUDIO GALA CELEBRATION Drawing The Perfect Circle, an exhibit of 200 drawings by master artists, takes place from 6:30pm-9pm. Meet the artists preview Thu, Jan 19 from 5pm-7pm. Gala admission: $90-$100. The Drawing Studio, 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org

Fri 20-Sat 21 DILLINGER DAYS Look back at the 1930s! Friday night’s gala (7pm-10pm, $10 donation) features Kings of Pleasure performing a Speakeasy-style fundraiser for the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation. Saturday’s free event, 10am-5pm, features re-enactments of the Dillinger gang’s exploits in Tucson, tours, lectures, car show, live music. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com

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January events continued from page 17

Fri 20-Sun 22 TUCSON QUILT FIESTA

More than 300 quilts and other quilted items displayed. 9am-5pm, Fri-Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. $10/day, $20/3 days. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 5475463, TucsonQuiltersGuild.com

OLD WEST ROUND UP

Collectable trade show & auction with Cowboy & Indian collectables and Western decor from across the nation. Fri-Sat, 10am6pm; Sun, 10am-3pm. $8/tradeshow only; $18 combination ticket for tradeshow & Old Tucson Studios. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Rd. 602-482-9758, OldWestRoundUp.com

Sat 21 TUCSON ROLLER DERBY

Copper Queens vs FTW; Vice Squad vs Bad News Beaters. 6pm. $10/advance, $15/ door. Bookman’s Event Center, 5120 S. Julian Dr. TucsonRollerDerby.com

Sun 22 TRY IT! TASTING EVENT

The launch of “Smart Choices for Health Dining” program, part of the Pima County Health Department, showcases 25+ local restaurants, including Janos, Kingfisher, Eclectic Café, V Thai, Jonathan’s Cork.

2pm-5pm. Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. 907-6725, HealthyPima.org

Tue 24 WWE SMACKDOWN See WWE Su-

Fri 27 VEGRANDIS

The Grandest of Galas: The Mini Time Machine’s first galafeatures a Centennial theme and a sneak preview of new exhibit, “Shaping Arizona History: The George Stuart Historical Figures of the Movement West.” Meet the artist and indulge in an evening of fine food, drink and enchantment. 6:30pm-10pm. $90-$135.

The Mini Time Machine Museum, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. 881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org

CHINIESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Chinese Calligraphy, face painting, crafts, and music from the University of Arizona’s Puple Bamboo Ensemble. 10:30am. Free. Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. 594-5305, Library. pima.gov/locations/himmel

BENS BELLS’ “GIRLS KIND NIGHT OUT” Live music by Jovert (Tucson High School Steel Drum Band), a welcome from Jeanette Maré (founder of Ben’s Bells), an award winning documentary showing and more. 5:30pm. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 628-2829, BensBells.org

SAT 28-SUN 29 MERCURY PORTAL

An interactive art and music extravaganza for the venue’s launch. See page 31 for event details.

Sat-Sun, 11am-3pm, $6; Sat, 5pm, $16.

906-8177, MontereyCourtAZ.com

Sat 28-Sun, Feb 12 TUCSON GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWCASE The international marketplace of gems, minerals, fossils, beads and jewelry-making supplies as well as museum exhibits and other treasures includes more than 40 different locations across town. Various locations/ admission. 1-800-638-8350, Visittucson. org/visitor/events/gemshow/

Ongoing Fridays & Saturdays

film listings The Loft Cinema 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. 795-7777 (show times recording), 322-LOFT, LoftCinema.com Times and admissions vary. Dates indicate first date of movie run.

Mon 2: Impulse starring William Shatner Fri 6: Young Goethe In Love, My Reincarnation, First Friday Shorts, True Romance, Serenity Mon 9: Return to Horror High Wed 11: The 2011 Sundance Shorts Fri 13: The Conquest (La Conquête), Dragonslayer, The Round Up (La Rafle) Presented by the Tucson Jewish Film Festival Sun 15: The Collaborators (National Theatre Live) Mon 16: Do The Right Thing (Free MLK Day Screening) Thu 19: Chasing Legends Fri 20: Shame, Drive Tue 24: The City Dark with director Ian Cheney in person Thu 26: Goats (Sundance Film Festival USA) Fri 27: In The Land of Blood and Honey Sun 29: Citizen Kane Mon 30: Death Promise Fox Theatre 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Wed 18: Bicycle Dreams Sat 28: Finding Kind (5:30pm) Sat 7: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (7:30pm) Wed 18: Bicycle Dreams (7pm) just adding the time on this one

Sat 21: 3:10 to Yuma (7:30pm) Sun 22: 3:10 to Yuma (2pm) Fri 27: The Searchers (7:30pm) Sun 29: The Searchers (2pm)

Pima County Public Libraries 594-5500, Library.Pima.Gov Mon 9: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, 6pm (Himmel Park) Wed 11: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, 6pm (Joel D. Valdez) Fri 13: Family Movie Night, 5:30pm (Flowing Wells) Sat 14: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, 1:30pm (Woods Memorial), 3:30pm (Miller-Golf Links) Mon 23: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, 4pm (Mission) Fri 27: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, 2pm (Joyner-Green) Tucson Jewish Film Festival See website for times and locations.

TucsonJewishFilmFestival.org Thu 12: The Round Up (La Rafle) Fri 13: Eichmann’s End Sat 14: My Father, Joe, Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness Sun 15: Beyond the Forest, Ingelore, Strangers No More, War Against The Weak, The Jazz Baroness Tue 17: An Ordinary Execution, Little Rose Wed 18: The Matchmaker, Naomi Thu 19: Habermann, Cohen on the Bridge, I Shall Remember Fri 20: The Tailor, Gefilte Fish, Lenin in October Sat 21: Mabul ( The Flood) Sun 22: We Were Here, Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement, Mary Lou Photo courtesy of UKJewishFilm.org

perstars Randy Orton, Sin Cara and Wade Barrett. 7pm-10pm. Tickets start at $15.

7pm. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. TucsonAZ.gov/tcc

Sat 28

FILM

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ICECATS HOCKEY: Jan 6-7, (San Diego), Jan 13-14 (Michigan State), Jan 20-21 (Davenport). 7:30pm. $5-$15. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. ArizonaWildcatHockey.org

“I Shall Remember” will be shown on Thu, Jan 19 as part of the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival.

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Photo: Ben Martin. Copyright: Time & Life Pictures

The Jazz Baroness screens at 7 p.m., Mon, Jan 16.

photo courtesy Tucson Jewish Community Center

photo courtesy Tucson Jewish Community Center

The Matchmaker (Pa’am Ha’iti) screens Wed, Jan 18, 1:30 p.m.

An Ordinary Execution screens Tue, Jan 17, 1:30 p.m.

Tucson Jewish Film Festival Returns!

by Herb Stratford While Tucson is home to many unique and interesting film festivals each year, one of the highlights for many film lovers every January is the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival, which takes place this year from January 12-22.

The festival features a wide range of screenings, including features, shorts and even an animated movie, dealing with issues relative to Jewish history as well as the contemporary Jewish experience. It’s not just for Jewish audiences however. The films are universal stories placed in a Jewish context. Drawn from around the world, many of these films are making their Tucson debut at the festival, and promise to be excellent.

Lynn Davis, Director of Arts and Culture for the Tucson Jewish Community Center (TJCC), praised this year’s films as having a “great range and being full of diversity.” Finding a balance that is appealing to both an older generation as well as a younger group is a challenge, as is not highlighting too many films in a specific genre.

“The volunteer-driven festival has established a niche that enables the festival co-chairs and committee to seek out compelling films and not rely on submissions,” Davis explained.

Unique to the Tucson festival is the LGBT series that screens at the Grand Cinemas Crossroads 6, 4811 E. Grant Rd. “No other Jewish Film Festival in the country has a dedicated program for LGBT issues” said Davis.

Many of the films on the schedule have YouTube trailers in order to help guide your choices in advance, and here are a few films that caught my eye: Eichmann’s End Set in Buenos Aires in 1957, this film tells the story of a young woman who discovers her boyfriend is the son of fugitive Nazi

Adolph Eichmann. Her work to help Israeli agents capture him is similar to the recent Hollywood film “The Debt.” Friday, January 13, 1:30 p.m.

Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness This documentary traces the life of Yiddish author Sholem Aleichem through writings, photographs and old film clips, to trace the immigrant experience and how cultures become entwined, while retaining their core spirit. Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m.

Strangers No More The 2011 Oscar-winning documentary explores the success of a school in Tel Aviv that has students from 48 different countries and cultures. It explores how all of the students work together despite their differences. Sunday, January 15, 1:30 p.m.

The Jazz Baroness A true story of an unlikely relationship between British heiress Lady Rothschild and jazz legend Thelonious Monk. This is a riveting mystery that is unraveled by documentary filmmaker and relative, Hannah Rothschild. Monday, January 16, 7 p.m.

An Ordinary Execution The tale of Stalin’s secret Jewish doctor, in 1952.

Tuesday, January 17, 1:30 p.m.

The Matchmaker (Pa’am Ha’iti) 16 year-old Arik gets a summer job as apprentice to the neighborhood matchmaker and learns about the world of love and friendship. Wednesday, January 18, 1:30 p.m.

Lenin In October When a Russian immigrant’s dream to open up a restaurant in Israel finally comes true, thanks to an inheritance, the strings of the gift cause problems. Friday, January 20, 1:45 p.m. n Most films, other than the LGBT series, screen at the TJCC auditorium, 3800 E. River Rd. For a full schedule visit the festival’s website TucsonJewishFilmFestival.org. Call 299-3000 for other details.

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Arts

The Jupiter String Quartet

The Genius of Bartók’s Sixth Quartet

by Kitty Katt Hungarian is one of the most widely-spoken of the non-Indo-European languages in Europe. Yet it is still an unusual language. Language plays an integral role in informing the phrasing and rhythms of music. Hungary has produced some of the most challenging, innovative and eclectic of composers of the 20th century including György Ligeti, Zoltán Kodály, György Kurtág and most famous, Béla Bartók, whose last finished string quartet, Quartet No. 6, will be performed by Boston’s Jupiter String Quartet (with guest cellist Rachel Henderson) on January 25 at the Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. They will also perform Franz Joseph Haydn’s, Quartet in F major, Op. 77 No. 2 and Franz Schubert’s Quintet in C Major, D.956.

Bartók’s Quartet No. 6 was the last thing he composed in his native Hungary before he fled to the United States to escape the madness of World War II. He had a difficult time composing in his new home, and this might have been his last composition if not for the encouragement and commission of director of Boston Symphony Orchestra and champion of modern music Serge Koussevitzky, who elicited from Bartók the Concerto for Orchestra and an unfinished 7th String Quartet, among a few other pieces.

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Each of the movements in Quartet no. 6 begins with a “mesto” or “sad” opening. This is not a light piece of music. Europe was being torn apart by prejudice and those drunk with power, and it is not difficult to imagine that Bartók was responding to the terror that had already wreaked havoc on Europe, especially on the eve of the worst war to ravage the world. This isn’t to say this work is entirely mournful and gloomy. In fact, what makes this bit of music so genius is how such a wide range of emotion is still conveyed in a work that is so marked with sadness, especially using the tonalities and moods of modern music. For this reason, many who dislike the jarring tonalities of modern music often make an exception with Béla Bartók.

The Jupiter String Quartet, JupiterQuartet.com, is no stranger to modern music. Their performances might remind you of the Takács Quartet, or the Emerson String Quartet, who don’t shy from challenging music and even have a knack for making modern music feel more mainstream. n The Evening Concert Series, presented by The Arizona Friends of Chamber Music for over 60 years, consists of six concerts by a wide variety of chamber music ensembles. Tickets are available at ArizonaChamberMusic.org or by calling 577-3769.

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Photo by Michal Daniel

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by Herb Stratford

Photo: courtesy UApresents

ATC Delivers a Theatrical Confection

by Herb Stratford

Zoppe Family Circus

Zoppe Family Circus UApresents hosts a classical European big-top circus on January 13-15 for six performances. An intimate 600-seat tent is home to the world-class Zoppe Family Circus performance of acrobatic feats, clowns and canine acts. Led by sixth-generation Zoppe family leader and clown “Nino,” this circus is a return to the classic acts of old.

Look for the big tent at the UA Rincon Vista Sports Complex, 2300 E. 15th St. UAPresents.org, 621-3341.

New Exhibits at the Tucson Museum of Art Two new and exciting exhibits open this month at the Tucson Museum of Art. First up is “Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Murray.” This show, featuring 46 prints from the original negatives, depict Kahlo over a 10-year period from 1938-1948. Murray, who photographed every major public figure and celebrity, is little known as an artist, but his work is widely recognized as his portraits were reproduced widely. The second is “Tesoros del Pueblo: Latin American Folk Art,” which is drawn largely from the museum’s permanent collection and features many objects that have never been on display previously. Tesoros del Pueblo means treasures of the people, and the show includes works in ceramic, cloth, wood, clay and metal. Both exhibits are on display at the museum through June 3. TucsonMuseumOfArt.org, 140 N. Main Ave.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra The TSO presents the next in its Classics Series on January 13 and 15 with a program featuring Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and guest pianist Ilia Ulianitsky performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

Ulianitsky, who wowed Tucson audiences in 2010, is back in town at the request of TSO musical director George Hanson to perform as part of this exciting program at TCC’s Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. TucsonSymphony.org, 882-8585.

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The Arizona Theatre Company’s production of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” is a modern day melodramatic mash-up. Its director Joel Sass explains it as a piece of “euphoric and unabashed storytelling” that could only exist on stage.

The play, featuring just four actors playing 150 roles is a madcap experience for the audience and the performers, and uses every trick in the book to transport the audience into a variety of worlds.

Born out of an English production and morphed into a four-act play that was in New York for an extended run, this production comes to Tucson via Minnesota which will feature the same cast and director when it hits the Temple of Music and Art stage this month.

Sass describes the play as having “transformative performances” from the actors who need to have solid acting chops as well as musical skills, clowning ability and excellent timing.

“The play is a fun challenge to produce and perform in,” says Sass, due to the quick costume changes and rapid pace of the story.

When mild-mannered Richard Hanney finds himself with a dead body in his lap at the theatre, he begins an outrageous journey that takes him from England to the Scottish Moors and back, meeting an ever growing cast of characters whom may or may not help him solve the mystery of the 39 Steps.

Drawing inspiration from Hitchcock, Monty Python and classic spy novels, the production also is played with a wink and a nod to the audience, who must be in on the joke.

“The audience is invited into the conspiracy of make-believe” says Sass, which makes the experience all the better for both them and the performers.

A winner of two Tony Awards in 2008, the original production was the first Broadway play to jump down to an off-Broadway run when it closed— a testament to its staying power. It has also has become a staple around the country due to its fun and daft performances that appeal to a broad cross-section of audiences.

Director Sass says, “If we’ve done our job, you’ll leave with a spring in your step.” n Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” is on stage at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., January 14-February 4. Tickets available at ArizonaTheatre.org or by calling 622-2823.

Art Galleries/exhibits

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ARTSEYE GALLERY

Chris Gall: Please Don’t Tell continues through March 15. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm. 3550 E. Grant Rd., 327-7291. ArtsEye. com

BLUE RAVEN GALLERY Crazy For Color opens Sat, Jan 28. A juried exhibition featuring any type of media, abstract or representational styles. Thu, noon4pm; Fri, noon-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm. 3042 N. 1st Ave. 623-1003, BlueRavenGalleryandGifts.com Thu, noon-4pm; Fri, noon-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm. 3042 N. 1st Ave. 623-1003, BlueRavenGalleryandGifts.com

CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ansel Adams: The View From Here runs through Feb 5. Photo Fridays, an exclusive look at the Center’s renowned fine art and photography, is Fri, Jan 6 from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Free.

Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. 1030 N. Olive Rd. 621-7968, CreativePhotography.org

CONRAD WILDE GALLERY High Contrast continues through Sat, Jan 28.

Wed-Sat, 12pm-5pm. 439 N. 6th Ave. #171. 622-8997, ConradWildeGallery.com

CONTRERAS GALLERY Indigenous Intentions, an exhibition by Contemporary Yaqui Artist David Moreno shows. Tues-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm. 110 E. 6th St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com

DAVIS DOMINGUEZ GALLERY

Abstract paintings by Joanne Kerrihard, abstract sculpture by David Mazza and narrative paintings by Jean Stern in the Alcove continues through Jan 28. Thu-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 154 E. 6th St. 629-9759, DavisDominguez.com

DECO

Ignite Neon and Light Show continues through Jan 15. Tue-Wed, Sat, 11am-4pm; Thu-Fri, 11am-5pm. 2612 E. Broadway Blvd. 319-0888, DecoArtTucson.com

This narrative painting by Jean Stern is featured in the Davis Dominguez gallery through Jan 28. Other artists in the exhibit include: David Mazza and Joanne Kerrihard.

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN

Portraits of DeGrazia continues through Fri, Jan 20 with an opening reception from 5pm-7pm. See more than 50 portraits of DeGrazia from dozens of artists. Way of the Cross, the annual exhibit of DeGrazia’s interpretation of the Stations of the Cross, opens Fri, Jan 20. Musical Compositions of Ted DeGrazia, an exhibition exploring DeGrazia’s love for art and music, continues through Mon, Jan 16. The Little Gallery presents: Fused Glass and Jewelry by Veta and Daniel Carney from Mon, Jan 2- Fri, Jan 13; Photography

by Sam Angevine Sun, Jan 15- Fri, Jan 27; Watercolor, Colored Pencil, Pen and Ink

by Debra Little from Sun, Jan 29- Fri, Feb 10. Daily, 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org

THE DRAWING STUDIO Drawing the Perfect Circle, a gala with an exhibit of 200 drawings by Master Artists, is Fri, Jan 20 from 6:30pm-9pm. Meet the artists preview Thu, Jan 19 from 5pm-7pm. Tue-Sat, noon-4pm. 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org.

ETHERTON GALLERY Slow Light, landscape images taken over 30 years, by Kate Breakey continues though Jan 21. Don’t Look Now: Craig Cully, Chris Rush and James Reed opens Sat, Jan 28 with an artist reception from 7pm-10pm. Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

FLORENCE QUATER GALLERY BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition continues through Fri, Jan 20. The Art Center Design College, 2525 N. Country Club Rd. 3250123, TheArtCenter.edu

GEORGE STRASBURGER STUDIO AND GALLERY

Oil and linen portraits and character studies. Thu-Sat, 11am- 4pm and by appointment. George Strasburger Studio and Gallery, 172 E. Toole St. 882-2160, GeorgeStrasburger.com

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“Love Is Blue” by James Reed is part of Etherton Gallery’s newest exhibit “Don’t Look Now.” Exhibit continues through March 27.

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ARTS Photo credit: Sean Murtha ©2011

“Sewa Masso” acrylic on canvas, by David Moreno at Contreras Gallery.

Art Galleries/exhibits

Black Ducks Napping is part of the Art of Conservation exhibit that opens Sat, Jan 14 at the Arizona Desert Museum.

continued

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY Terraria Gigantica: The World Under Glass by Dana Fritz continues through Jan, 19. The Current Past, curated by Jackson Boelt, opens Wed, Jan 25. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA.arizona.edu/galleries

RAICES TALLER 222 ART GALLERY Poco A Poco (Little By Little) continues through Jan 7. An exhibition of small works all priced at $222 or less. Fri-Sat, 1pm-5pm & by appointment. 218 E. 6th St. 881-5335, RaicesTaller222.webs.com

SACRED MACHINE

Featuring the art of Daniel Martin Diaz. Wed-Fri, 1pm4pm; Sat, 4pm-9pm; Sun, 3pm-6pm. 245 E. Congress St. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com

Expedition by Camden Hardy continues through Jan 5. MFA Photography Show shows Tue, Jan 10-Thu, Jan 19. La Tapiz Fronteriza, curated by John Michael Warner, opens Tue, Jan 24 with an opening reception on Fri, Jan 27 from 5pm-6:30pm. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm.

1031 N. Olive Rd. 624-4215, CFA.arizona.edu/galleries

THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA WATERCOLOR GUILD Creme De La Creme will be held at SAWG gallery from Wed, Jan 4- Sun, Jan 22. Works in the show are done by members with signature status, having been included in at least five juried shows. Awards Judge: Thomas J. Owen with awards reception on Fri, Jan 13 from 5pm-7 pm. Tuesday-Sunday; 11am-4pm. River Center Plaza, 5605 E. River Rd, Suite 131. 299-7294, WaterColor-Sawg.org

LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY

STONE DRAGON STUDIO Avian Personae: A tribute to Nature continues

LIONEL ROMBACH GALLERY

East/Pacific/West: Confluence opens Fri, Jan 30. Mon, Wed 10:30am-5pm; Tue, Thu 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-3pm.

2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

MADARAS GALLERY

15 Year Calendar Celebration featuring Diana Madaras’s favorite paintings from the past 15 years. Diana will give away one complete set of calendars (15 in all) from Sun, Jan 1- Tue, Jan 31. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5:00pm. 3001 East Skyline Dr, #101. 615-3001, Madaras.com

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Wed-Sun, noon-5pm. $8, adults; free, children under 12, members, military; free to all second Wednesday of the month. 265 S. Church Ave. 624-5019, MOCA-Tucson.org

OBSIDIAN GALLERY Figures & Frames: sculpture by Curt Brill and Michael Cajero and drawings and paintings by Curt Brill, Michael Cajero, Brooke Grucella, Laurel Hansen, Joe Hatton and Don West. Exhibits through Jan 14. 410 N. Toole Ave. #120. 577-3598, Obsidian-Gallery.com

PHILABAUM GLASS GALLERY & STUDIO

TPAC Studio Hotshots continues through Wed, Jan 28. Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm. 711 S. 6th Ave. 884-7404, PhilabaumGlass.com

PORTER HALL GALLERY An exhibit by Mary Rosas continues through Jan 17. Daily, 8:30am-4:30pm. Tracy Ledbetter, Bugs & Blooms, opens Thu, Jan 19 with an opening reception on Fri, Jan 20 from 5pm-7pm. $8, Adults; $4, Children 4-12; Free, Children 3 and younger. 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

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through Sat, Jan 7. Artist’s Reception Fri, Dec 9 from 4pm-7pm. Wed-Sat, 11am4pm & by appointment, 405-5800. 1122 N. Stone Ave. 624-7099, StoneDragonStudio.com

TEMPLE GALLERY Jeff Smith: Drivescapes opens Fri, Jan 6 and continues through Tue, Feb 21. Opening reception Fri, Jan 20 at 5:30pm. Mon–Fri, 10am5pm. 330 S. Scott Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART

Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photography History, 1955 to the Present continues through Jan 15. El Nacimiento continues through Mar 18. Opening Jan 28 is Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Murray and Tesoros del Pueblo: Latin American Folk Art; both show until June 3. TueSat, 10am-4pm; Sun, noon-4pm. $8, adults; $6, seniors; $3, students 13+; free, children under 12, members Free to all the first Sunday of the month. 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumofArt.org

UA ART MUSEUM

Good Vibrations: The Guitar as Design, Craft and Function—A ‘Tucson Rocks’ Exhibition continues through Jan 15. Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, noon-4pm. $5 adults; children/students/faculty, free. 1031 N. Olive Rd. ArtMuseum.arizona.edu

UA POETRY CENTER Portraits of Poets by Gwyneth Scally exhibit continues through Jan 13. The Idea of North: Work by Gwyneth Scally continues through Sat, Jan 28. Mon/Thurs, 9am-8pm; Tues/ Wed, 9am-6pm; Fri, 9am-5pm. 1508 E. Helen St. 626-3765, Poetry.Arizona.Edu

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Museums/exhibits ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM DOWNTOWN

Exhibits showcase early Tucson businesses, homes & artifacts from John Dillinger’s Tucson experience. Regularly $3, adults; $2 seniors & students, 12-18; free, children under 12. Tue-Fri, 10am to 4pm. 140 N. Stone Ave. 770-1473, ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM 15th Annual SAWG Fiesta Sonora continues through Sun, Jan 8. Art Of Conservation opens Sat, Jan 14 with an opening reception from 2pm-4pm. 2011 Art Institute Student Art Show and Sale continues through Fri, Jan 13 in the Baldwin Education Building. $14.50, adults; $4.50, children 6-12. Daily, 7:30am-5pm. 2021 N. Kinney Rd. 883-1380, DesertMuseum.org

ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM Hopi Quilts: Unique Yet Universal opens Sat, Jan 21. Experience 20 inspiring examples of cozy Hopi quilts from the 1970s to today. Through the Eyes of the Eagle: Illustrating Healthy Living continues through Sat, Jan 7. $5, children free. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. UA Campus, 1013 E. University Blvd. 626-8381, StateMuseum.Arizona.edu

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TUCSON Bodyology and Techtopia now open!

Explore the wellness exhibit complete with farmer’s market, garden and orchard and take a digital trip through bugs and shadow mosaics. Regular entry fees are $8, adults; $6, seniors & children 2-18. Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. 200 S. 6th Ave. 792-9985, ChildrensMuseumTucson.org

MARS & BEYOND: The Search for Life on Other Planets. Learn about our solar system’s planets, asteroids, and next steps planned for space exploration. Featuring the cutting-edge scientific work by UA teams. Sun/Mon/Thu, 9am-5pm; Fri/Sat, 9am-6pm; 9am-9pm Sat, Jan 14. $10, ages 6-17, $14 military/seniors, $18 regular admission. Science Downtown, 300 E. Congress St. 622-8595, ScienceDowntown.org

JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM 4th Annual Ketubah Exhibit opens Sun, Jan 1 with an opening reception from 2pm to 5pm. All items in the exhibit have been worn in a Jewish wedding ceremony. Opening reception tickets: $10/person. WedSun, 1pm-4pm. $5 non-members. Free for members. 564 S. Stone Ave. 670-9073, JewishHistoryMuseum.org

MINI-TIME MACHINE MUSEUM Shaping Arizona Statehood: The George Stuart Historical Figures of the Movement West opens Tue, Jan 31. George Stuart creates one-quarter-life-size historic figures of individuals who were the driving force that shaped history throughout the world. 1st Thursdays, open until 8pm. Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm. $7, adults ($5 Thu); $6, seniors/military; $5, 4-17. 4455 E. Camp Lowell.

881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org

TOHONO CHUL PARK

Wordplay continues through Sun, Jan 22. Arizona Centennial Exhibition opens Thu, Jan 26 and continues through April In celebration of Arizona’s centennial birthday, the exhibit features artworks that focus on the flora, fauna, landscape and culture that defines Arizona. Daily events: Reptile Ramble, Eco-Station Walks, more. See the website for other events. Daily, 8am-5pm. $7, 13+; $5, 62+ & military; $3 students; $2 children. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455, TohonoChulPark.org

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

Butterfly Magic, Arizona’s only live tropical butterfly exhibit, continues through April (special pricing for this exhibit).

Regular entry fees are $7, adults; $3, children 4-12. Daily, 8:30am-4:30pm (except holidays). 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

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ARTS Photo by Tim Fuller

“Shipwrecked” at The Rogue Theatre

by Herb Stratford We often think of tabloid journalism and the cult of celebrity as a modern day invention. And while the level of exposure, or perhaps overexposure, some current “celebrities” enjoy may be unprecedented, the practice of telling tall tales and elaborating on truths is as old as storytelling itself.

“Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont” is a new production at The Rogue Theatre that presents an engaging, fun look at one man’s journey and his “embellishments” that make his tale all the more entertaining.

The play tells the story of a young man who longs to see the world and does so for 30 years while on an adventure that takes him around the globe. When his memoirs are published, he becomes the toast of the town, and his exploits begin to grow, questioning the validity of the original tale.

Cynthia Meier, the play’s director, as well as The Rogue Theatre’s managing and associate artistic director, sees the production as an “encouragement to use your imagination.

“This is a great adventure story that raises the question of ‘What is truth?’.”

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The play also represents an opportunity for younger audiences to have an interesting introduction to theatre. While slightly shorter, at 90-minutes long, the production also has a lighter tone than some Rogue presentations that make it perfect for the 7+ age set.

One unique element of the play that will appeal to all ages is the elaborate on-stage sound effects. The play’s small cast is augmented by a live Foley, or sound effect, crew of three people who provide a wide array of sonic effects and live music to augment the production. Much like watching live radio theatre, this production will amaze and entertain due to its unique story and presentation.

Ironically, this production of “Shipwrecked!” will travel to a far corner of the world itself when it is presented in Bangalore, India for three weeks next year. Do yourself a favor and see it here, first. n “Shipwrecked!” shows at The Rogue Theatre, 300 E. University Blvd., from January 5-22. Details are at TheRogueTheatre.com, or by calling 551-2053.

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Photo by Larry Hanelin.

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Performances ARCHITECTS DANCE

Improvisologies present an evening of spontaneous compositions featuring members of the Architects and Movement Salon on Sun, Jan 8 at 7pm. Zuzi Theater, 738 N. 5th Ave. 629-0237, ArchitectsDance.org

ARID ROSE THEATRE

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead continues through Sun, Jan 15. Thu-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. Arid Rose Theater, 127 S. 4th Ave. 690-2616, AridRoseTheater.com

ARIZONA FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC

Yelizaveta and Yelena Beriyeva on Sun, Jan 8 at 3pm. Jupiter String Quartet performs Wed, Jan 25 at 7:30pm. TCC’s Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. 577-3769, ArizonaChamberMusic.org

ARIZONA ONSTAGE PRODUCTIONS The Marvelous Wonderettes, debuts Thu, Jan 19. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 270-3332, ArizonaOnStage.org

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps opens Sat, Jan 14. Witness four actors play over 150 characters dealing with murder, espionage and flirtatious entanglements. Various show times. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 884-8210, ArizonaTheatre.org

BEOWULF ALLEY THEATRE COMPANY We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay! tells a comical tale of a housewife who steals groceries as part of a spontaneous community action where 300 women do the same. Opens Thu, Jan 26. Various show times. Beowulf Alley, 11 S. 6th Ave. 882-0555, BeowulfAlley.org.

BLACK CHERRY BURLESQUE Tantalizing burlesque performance on Fri, Jan 6 at 8pm and 10pm. Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave. 882-0009, TucsonBurlesque.com

CARNIVAL OF ILLUSION Weekends in January witness Sarlot and Eyed’s mind bending performances. See website for various dates and times. Tucson Double Tree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way. 615-5299, CarnivalOfIllusion.com

Improvisologies presents an evening of spontaneous compositions featuring members of the Architects and Movement Salon on Sun, Jan 8.

FOX THEATRE Cab Calloway Orchestra performs Fri, Jan 13 at 7pm with special guest Alice Tan Ridley. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org

THE GASLIGHT THEATRE Where there is injustice, you will find The Two Photo by Patrick McArdle.

Amigos! Opening this month, various days/times. Concerts include: David Fanning in My Life on Mon, Jan 9 at 3pm and 7pm. Justin William in Justin Kredible on Thu, Jan 16 at 3pm and 7pm; Robert Shaw in his famous Elvis Tribute Heartbreak Hotel on Thu, Jan 23 at 7pm; It’s Magic with special guest Chris Blackmoor on Thu, Jan 30 at 7pm. Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-9428, TheGaslightTheatre.com

INVISIBLE THEATRE John Amos’ Halley’s Comet premieres Sat, Jan 14 at 8pm and Sun, Jan 15 at 3pm. Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. 882-9721, InvisibleTheatre.com

LIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP

The Tortoise and The Hare continues Sunday afternoons until Jan 29. All My Sons by Arthur Miller opens Thu, Jan 5. Etcetera, the late-night arm of Live Theatre Workshop, presents a one-night only staged reading of Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph on Sun, Jan 8 at 8pm.Various times and prices. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. 327-4242, LiveTheatreWorkshop.org

Arizona On Stage Productions present “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” an upbeat 50’s/60’s musical, debuting Thu, Jan 19.

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NOT BURNT OUT JUST UNSCREWED

The improv comedy troupe performs Fri, Jan 6 at 7:30 pm at Revolutionary Grounds Coffee House, 606 N. 4th Ave., for audiences of all ages. Another performance will be held on Fri, Jan 20 at 7pm at Rock N Java Café, 7555 W. Twin Peaks Rd. Free. 861-2986, UnscrewedComedy.com

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“All My Sons” by Arthur Miller opens Thu, Jan 5 at Live Theatre Workshop.

ODYSSEY STORYTELLING SERIES The First Time shows Thu, Jan 12 at 7pm, Fluxx Studios, 414 E. 9th St. Story Cart at BEYOND Festival at Reid Park from 10am- 2pm on Sat, Jan 7. 730-4112, OdysseyStorytelling.com

RHYTHM & ROOTS Say It’s Your Birthday with The Coolers! Celebrate Rhythm and Roots Anniversary Party on Sat, Jan 7 at 8pm. Free if your birthday is in December or January. Titan Valley Warheads 30th Anniversary Party on Sat, Jan 14 at 7:30pm. John McCutcheon performs on Sun, Jan 22 at 7pm. Suite 147 in Plaza Palomino, 2970 N. Swan Rd. 319-9966, RhythmandRoots.org

THE ROGUE THEATRE Shipwrecked! directed by Cynthia Meier opens Thu, Jan 5. Shows Thu-Sat; 7:30pm, Sun; 2pm through Jan 22. Various ticket prices. 738 N. 5th Ave. 551-2053, TheRogueTheatre.org

TUCSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Just For Kids presents Pip and the Pirate at the Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N. 6th Ave., on Sat, Jan 7 at 10am and 11:15am. MasterWorks Series presents Variations on Tchaikovsky at Catalina Foothills High School on Sat, Jan 7 at 8pm and Sun, Jan 8 at 2pm. Concert Special presents Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida at TCC’s Music Hall on Sat, Jan 14 at 7:30pm. Classic Series presents The Rite of Spring on Sun, Jan 15 at 2pm at TCC’s Music Hall., 260 S. Church Ave. 882-8585, TucsonSymphony.org

TUCSON GUITAR SOCIETY Guitar in the Woods is hosted at Woods Library on Thu, Jan 5 at 6:30pm. Johannes Moller in concert on Thu, Jan 19 at Holsclaw Hall at 7pm. 342-0022. TucsonGuitarSociety.org

UA PRESENTS

Zoppe Family Circus performs Fri, Jan 13-Sun, Jan 15/various times. Forever Tango on Sat, Jan 21 at 8pm. Chinese New Year Festival, Jan 22, 2pm. Europa Galante: Fabio Biondi, conductor & violin/Vivica Genaux, mezzosoprano is Jan 28 at 8pm. IMAGO Theatre: ZooZoo shows on Sun, Jan 29 at 4pm.

Mythbusters: Behind the Myths Tour comes Sat, Jan 14 at 7:30pm. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. 621-3341. UAPresents.org

WINDING ROAD THEATRE ENSEMBLE The Last Five Years, a one-act musical, opens Mon, Jan 16. Follow a novelist and an actress through their five-year relationship. Cabaret Theatre, 330 S. Scott Ave. 749-3800, WindingRoadTheater.org

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arts Photos by Jamie Manser

Amy Som of Dragon’s Spark, a a jewelry, clothing and accessories shop, at Monterey Court.

Courtyard Artists

by Kelly Lewis In an otherwise somewhat uninspired part of town, flanked by Evergreen Cemetery and run-down motels, developers and artists are bringing new life to Miracle Mile via Monterey Court at 505 W. Miracle Mile, a remodeled motel that’s been converted into gallery and retail spaces.

Though much of the planned remodel, which will include a full-service restaurant and an outdoor pavilion for live music, was still under construction in December, shop-owners have moved in and opened their doors in anticipation of the venue launch event weekend, January 28-29.

“People are driving by, and they know it’s open but they’re not sure of what’s going on yet,” said Tarrek Asous, owner of The Quantum Art Gallery, which sells the artwork of several local painters. “But everyone here is fabulous. It’s a nice little family vibe.”

Due largely to permitting issues, Asous said, construction has taken longer than expected. But the slow pace of development isn’t putting a damper on the enthusiasm of any shop-owner.

“It’s very positive here and we’re really excited about it,” said Starr de Verona, owner of Hacienda Bellas Artes, a sister shop to Artists at Work.

“It’s a unique opportunity to get in on the bottom floor of the clean up and restoration of Miracle Mile. The reason I chose this location is because there’s minimal shops as opposed to a place like Tubac where there are shops up and down the street. Here, everyone will get exposure to the shop and people have time to walk into every shop and see what we all have.”

Amy Som, owner (with husband Michael Hafner) of Dragon’s Spark, a jewelry, clothing and accessories shop with mostly locally-made inventory, said she’s excited for what’s to come.

“When it does get finished, I’m sure it’s going to be great because the space looks really wonderful and the developers have done a great job of making it look like Tucson,” said Som. For first-time retailers like Eva Rendon-Smith, owner of Small Miracle Craft Mall, the success of Monterey Court is imperative to keep doors open.

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“I used to do accounting and administrative work for an engineering company and for a long time I wanted to open this kind of store and I just thought, ‘well, if I don’t do it now, I never will,’ and I jumped,” said Rendon-Smith. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but once everything is up and running I think it’s going to be the coolest place to come check out in Tucson.”

What’s In Monterey Court?

The Quantum Art Gallery: A gallery representing the works of several local painters and artists. Find out more at TheQuantumArtGallery.com.

Dragon’s Spark: Originally a pop-up store, Dragon’s Spark has made Monterey Court their permanent home. The store offers a variety of local handicrafts including jewelry, clothing, accessories, as well as handpainted t-shirts and hoodies, fair trade Christmas ornaments, home décor items, mirrors and mosaics. Visit them at Dragons-Spark.com.

Hacienda Bellas Artes: A sister shop to Artists at Work, Hacienda Bellas Artes sells hand-made wood bowls, art, jewelry, unique collectibles, pottery and paintings, as well as unique hand-crafted collectibles and gifts.

Small Miracle Craft Mall: Comprised of art, crafts and jewelry of several local vendors, items include placemats, paper crafts, tree sprouts, accordion scrap books, patchouli—you name it. “Everything I have in my store is done by vendors: my husband’s artwork, my sister’s jewelry, my neighbor’s crafts,” said owner Eva Rendon-Smith. “It’s not stuff that I create, it is stuff that family creates.”

Silver Streak Gallery: Silver Streak Gallery showcases contemporary art, music and photography, while focusing on integrating digital technology. Visit them at SilverStreakGallery.com. n Other businesses owners include Jonathan Gaetke (JonathanFineArt.com), Cynthia Roedig, Kathy Tapley and Monica Garcia. For more information, visit MontereyCourtAZ.com

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Portal to the Past & Future

by Jamie Manser Nostalgia for the glorious heydays of Route 66 and cross-country road trips is as American as apple pie and the automobile.

Dar Dobrosalvic made it clear, however, that Monterey Court is, “nostalgia moving forward. We can honor the past, but we can’t live in the past.”

Last August, Dobrosalvic and I sweated under the summer sun and walked amid the construction and dust as she described the layout with excitement and sweeping arm gestures. I wondered where the beds were in the previous motor court’s casitas, but Dobrosalvic wouldn’t indulge me.

She did concede with, “Well, if these walls could talk… It was difficult finding information on this place. At one point, there were 17 different owners in a short period of time.”

Dobrosalvic, the marketing, events and music coordinator, worked with property owner Greg Haver on the vision for the once dilapidated 80-something-year-old motel at 505 W. Miracle Mile.

She describes it as: “Distinct, renovated 1930s studio galleries and retail spaces clustered around a shady court yard, Tucson’s newest outdoor stage with up to 200 seats, a daily open air market for up to 20 vendors completely under shade, sustenance at the Monterey Cafe with an eclectic progressive menu and a community meeting room for the gallery owners to teach out of as well as the general public to teach or meet in.… a mix of art, food and music. Just off Oracle Road or I-10 on what is the only official part of historic Miracle Mile left.”

When asked what the impetus was to buy and remodel the motel, owner Greg Haver said he doesn’t seem to have enough time to enjoy Tucson events, so he “decided to create a space where it’s all encompassing and I get to restore a piece of Tucson and move it beyond its checkered past.”

Monterey Court is a shiny gem amid the Miracle Mile corridor; its transformation over the last year is pretty incredible. The venue launch this month will surely kick things into gear.

The weekend of January 28-29, Monterey Court hosts “Mercury Portal,” described in the press release as “an interactive art and music extravaganza inspired by: atomic-auto adventurism and kitsch, western motif rocketing into the nuclear space-age, and a millennium of mid-centuries.

The festival celebration will feature contemporary performance and installation art, live music and DJs, variety and characters, and is made of Tucson’s fantastic creative community with guest performers from NYC, Mexico City and beyond.”

Sounds cool, doesn’t it?

If you enjoyed Parasol Project’s Atomic #10 event at the Flamingo Motel back in June 2009, this is the follow-up to that off-the-hook party.

Morrighan Clinco, a founding member of Parasol Project and Mercury Portal’s Artistic Director, said she had been looking for a viable space to do such a follow-up.

“I heard about the renovation of the Monterey Court into galleries, retail and a café/bar, and event space and proposed to hold a boutique festival to celebrate the 1930s motor court revival into a space of artistry and music.

“Parasol Project has taken on the creative design of this show and is bringing in a fantastic line-up of local bands, artists and performers for both days, Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night entertainment.”

Saturday’s headliners include Mexico City’s Camilo Lara from Mexican Institute of Sound and New York City’s Jim Allen, a musician/entertainer described by The Village Voice as “the merry music maker of Greenwich Village.”

Other featured artists were not available as of press time, but will be posted at MontereyCourtAZ.com. Events run 11 a.m.-3 p.m. SaturdaySunday, with a $6 cover; Saturday’s blow-out costs $16 and starts at 5 p.m. Questions? Call 582-0514 or email atomic10tucson@yahoo.com Camilo Lara from the band Mexican Institute of Sound comes to Tucson from his home in Mexico City for a special, headlining DJ set at The Mercury Portal on Saturday night.

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Business photo: David Olsen

Playground’s patio, as it appeared in late Decembrer, opens in early January.

Life is a Playground Owners of downtown’s successful HUB Restaurant & Creamery venture into new territory.

by Sarah Burton

Recess. Detention. Snack bar. If these words don’t conjure up memories of swings that pinch your fingers, monkey bars warm from the sun, jump ropes clicking on pavement, or that unmistakable ‘boing’ of some kid getting pegged during dodge ball—you may not fully grasp the playful concept behind downtown’s new lounge/bar, Playground.

On the southwest corner of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, owners of HUB Kade Mislinski and Jenny Rice, hope the new spot just next door will recall fond memories. “The joy kids get running onto a playground is the feeling I want people to have,” Mislinski explains.

Where better to research than actual playgrounds? After touring 20 of them in one day with a group of kids, it was clear that playgrounds simply equal happiness. “We realized it didn’t matter how cool the equipment or how green the grass, the kids loved every single one we visited. That’s the feeling we’re trying to evoke…for grown-ups.”

Playground, the 6,000-square-feet complex overhauled by FORS Architects and Cutshaw Yeager, is broken up into four distinct areas. Corner Lounge—with its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Congress, an 85-swing installation dangling above a rectangular center bar, the 80-foot video wall where visualists Adam Cooper and Zeke will display works, and a stage where both vinyl DJs and smaller-pieced bands provide tunes—takes the idea of a playground for the 21-and-over set to fantastic heights. Speaking of heights, the 3,000-square-foot rooftop lounge offers a unique view of downtown Tucson, available by reservation for special events, weddings, private parties, and the like.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever kvetched at the lack of options in the area when it comes to outdoor spaces that make the best of our sunny climate. You will then be pleased as punch about Playground’s Bar Cinema.

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The outdoor patio with a handful of cabanas and its own bar finds itself surrounded by seven-foot ivy-lined walls (think The Secret Garden), and will project movies of all types on the far wall.

On-site craft bar, aptly named Detention, will open a few months down the road headed up by cocktail guru and mastermind of all of HUB and Playground’s drink menus, Andrew Record. In this more intimate upstairs room that will seat only about 30 people, six daily cocktails will be offered at the bartender’s whim. “This is detention with a twist. You’ll be rewarded, not punished” Mislinski explains.

And no re-creation of the very first social scene would be complete without snack time. From HUB’s kitchen, Playground’s patrons can order bites built for sharing that ought to bring back snack bar memories: pickles, popcorn, fruit, olives, nuts, pretzels. You get the idea. In fact, happy hour comes during “recess,” offering up $3 beers, $3 glasses of wine, and $3 well drinks.

Look for fun details throughout the space, including the addresses of famous parks from across the country etched into the metal base of Corner Bar’s counter, and keep an eye out for bright dots of color peppering the ground-aggregate floors—none other than 2,900 marbles tossed about during the flooring process, including the childhood collection of Rice’s father. “This project is all about having fun,” Mislinski says. “And who didn’t have fun on the playground?” n Playground is located at 278 E. Congress St. Hours are Monday-Friday 4 p.m.-2 a.m., weekends noon-2 a.m. Recess happens 4p.m-7 p.m.

Monday-Friday, and weekends noon-7 p.m. For more information visit PlaygroundTucson.com.

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Photo by Jamie Manser

Community

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Jeannette Maré, executive director of Ben’s Bells, outside of the new downtown location.

Ben’s Bells Brings Kindness Downtown

by Kelly Lewis Downtown will get a burst of kindness this month as Ben’s Bells opens a new location at 40 W. Broadway Blvd. on January 20.

With three additional kilns and much more office space, the new location will help the Ben’s Bells team continue to fire, paint and distribute bells that encourage kindness. The non-profit will also remain at their original studio space, 816 E. University Blvd.

“We are bursting at the seams and there’s so much demand that we were having to turn people away,” said Jeannette Maré, executive director of Ben’s Bells. “We don’t want to stop anyone from encouraging kindness and we want to satisfy that demand, and the new location will help us to do that.”

As Ben’s Bells continues to grow in production, with volunteers numbering tens of thousands, Maré said expanding was essential and downtown seemed a perfect fit.

“We love downtown,” said Maré. “We love the energy of downtown, we know it’s going to be the place to be in the next couple of years and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

The new location will allow the tens of thousands of Ben’s Bells volunteers the opportunity to assist in other parts of production, Maré said.

It will also provide the space for Ben’s Bells to host events. On January 28, Ben’s Bells and the Fox Theatre will team up for “Girls Kind Night Out.” The evening will touch upon the importance of kindness by screening the film “Finding Kind,” at 5:30 p.m which showcases the effects of bullying on teenage girls.

“It’ll be a night of great girl power,” Maré said. “After the screening [at Fox Theatre], everyone will walk over to Ben’s Bells.”

The new office was furnished in part by Goodmans Interior Structures who selected Maré in a contest to award executive directors of non-profits with a $20,000 office makeover. The office was revealed to Maré for the first time on December 12.

Ben’s Bells began after the unexpected death of Maré’s son Ben to croup, in an effort to remind others to be kind and perpetuate acts of kindness. To date, thousands of Ben’s Bells have been randomly distributed across Arizona and into several other U.S. states. n The opening on Fri, Jan 20 features an open house from 11:30am1:30pm and a ribbon cutting with music and refreshments from 5:30pm7pm. To find out more about Ben’s Bells, visit BensBells.org

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community

Q & A with Mayor Rothschild

by Carli Brosseau Jonathan Rothschild was inaugurated as Tucson’s mayor on December 5, pledging to focus on jobs as a path to a more lively and beautiful Tucson. Rothschild is a Democrat and an attorney who has sought to bring more energy and transparency to the mayor’s office. Rothschild sat down with Zócalo on December 16 to talk about his vision for the city and his role in it.

The interview has been edited for length.

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Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s office

Zócalo: I know that you have a history of public service for various local nonprofits and professional groups. Has serving as mayor been a longtime aspiration?

Mayor Rothschild:I wouldn’t say it’s been a longtime aspiration. I was like a lot of people: had opinions, read the papers or periodicals, had pretty strong views about one position or another, but had no real interest in getting involved.

And probably in 2004, 2005, I decided that if people like me didn’t get involved that we were leaving it to other people, and maybe people like me should get involved. And my deal is Tucson, period, end of story.

Zócalo: You’ve said the city needs more boisterous governance.

Mayor Rothschild: I did say that.

Sometimes you say things like, ‘What did I mean when I said that?’ Maybe a better way to say that … [is] bringing energy to the mayor’s office, and also because I tend to work quietly — so that’s not boisterous — but I think that you have to, once you’ve decided that a position is right, no matter how quietly you work it, you need to be firm about it, and you may need to speak out about it. Now I’ll give you an example. On the night I was elected, I also said in this community we need to be concerned about poverty. That was actually, I think, taken well by a lot of people — yeah, let’s face our realities — but a couple people said, you know, as mayor you shouldn’t be talking about that, you know, it’s not upbeat. And today I was at the Community Food Bank, and I held a press conference out there because I think I want people to know that they’re 2 million pounds behind where they need to be for this season. I just want people

to know what the issues are in this community.

They’re not hiding from anybody, and to that extent, I don’t mind being boisterous.

Zócalo: In what policy area do you think you can have the most effect? I understand that under the city’s charter you do not have unilateral power to make decisions.

Mayor Rothschild: Yeah, I’ve noticed that!

I’m learning [that] it’s kind of who really works the projects to get to the agenda, and in a sense

maybe that’s OK. The mayor does have more power to control the agenda than Mayor Walkup utilized. In the policy areas that I want to look at, it really has to do kind of with economic development. A lot of what the city does is planning and zoning; it’s land use, and we need to update our land use code. And in policy, working on taking the city from a gold city to a platinum city in biking. Biking, walking, proper vegetation and a healthy community.

Zócalo: What is your vision for downtown? To what degree do you see the modern streetcar as a centerpiece?

Mayor Rothschild: Well, I think it’s going to have to be the centerpiece. It is the centerpiece.

I think downtown is taking off. I think anyone who comes down here regularly sees it. I still hear from people, “Oh, nothing is happening downtown,” and I just say, “Come on down any night of the week, and we’ll show you it’s packed.” With TEP, with Providence, with the modern streetcar, with student housing, the infrastructure is in, the table is set, and now it’s up to private development, you know, the retailers, to come in, but they need people here. And so the first thing is the students, and once the students get here, the retail will follow. The trolley is doing the right thing. It’s going down University, down Fourth, across Congress over to the West Side, so that will be a focus of development for downtown. We just this last week passed a plan amendment for the area between Park and Euclid, Speedway and Sixth, sort of where the Marriott is now, the University Main Gate area, to allow that couple block area to be built out. There’s some historic homes in there. We preserved a number of them.

Zócalo: You mentioned in a recent news article that you were going to review the legal filings in the dispute with the Rio Nuevo board. Where are you in that process?

Mayor Rothschild: I’ve done that. We were in mediation for the last two days. The good news is we’re still talking. But we’re going to go back on January 6. The mediator thought that the sides ought to go back and think about where we’re at, and I’m hopeful that we will resolve it because I think that’s what the community wants.

They wan to see people stop fighting and start working together, and the mediator was very clear about that. I’m very clear about that. I’m confident that we will — however it comes out — reach a fair result for the city, and one way or another, get it behind us. I’m hopeful that will be done sooner rather than later, but it takes two to tango, so we’re in the middle of the process, but the good news is, after two full days of going back and forth, we’re still talking to each other. n See the full interview at TheZMag.com.

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Photos courtesy GLHN Engineering

en_Route

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Rendering of the Streetcar’s Maintenance and Storage Facility.

On Track by Carli Brosseau

(The second article in a monthly series on the modern streetcar.)

The modern streetcar will traverse downtown Tucson every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night beginning in October 2013.

That is, if construction goes more or less as planned.

It’s the biggest transportation project in Tucson’s history and the biggest construction project here of any kind in dollar value, according to public relations and contracting officials, so city workers are busy trying to keep the many pieces coordinated and on time and — most important to the businesses and residents affected — communicate their plans.

They have laid out a relatively tight building plan set to unfurl in stages over 475 days, and the contract to build the rails has gone out to bid.

The plan had been to open contractors’ proposals on December 21, 2011, but that opening was pushed back until January 12 at 4 p.m. City officials will open the bids minutes afterward in an event open to the public in City Council chambers.

Matt Hausman, principle contract officer in the city’s Procurement Department, said contractors had lobbied for the deadline to be pushed back ever since the project went out to bid. The city received some 200 questions from contractors and delayed the bid submission date to make sure contractors got complete answers.

“We just want to make sure we’ve identified everything,” Hausman said, “because that means less risk that contractors have to take on in their proposals.”

The hope is that questions answered will lead to stronger and more cost-effective bids.

Hausman does not foresee the construction end date to be pushed back because of the delay.

Hausman expects between six and eight bids, with some contractors perhaps creating partnerships to improve their chances. The con-

tract will be awarded to the “lowest responsive and responsible bidder,” the bidder who comes in with the lowest bottom line while complying with each of the city’s requirements.

The proposal submitted by the successful contractor will be made available to the public when the deal is made official, likely in midFebruary, 2012.

The Transportation Department will then hold a pre-construction conference and issue a notice to proceed, which sets the construction clock ticking. In less than a year and four months, the tracks should be laid. Construction is slated to begin this March.

That meeting will also set the dates and times for the weekly construction meeting, during which the week’s working plan will be outlined.

Those meetings will be open to the public.

Actual construction will take place in one to three block sections, and officials have asked contractors to prepare a plan to move around to different sections of the track so that no one segment is ripped up for too long, driving away customers and foot traffic.

In the meantime, facility design by GLHN Engineering has wrapped on the building where the streetcars will be housed and serviced, to be built at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street. SunTran officials have begun work on the streetcar’s schedule and coordination with bus service.

The city’s communications team and representatives of MainStreet Business Assistance, a Regional Transportation Authority program, have been setting up meetings with local business owners to make sure they know about those meetings and about the services the city is offering them.

Those services include comprehensive business consulting for businesses along the route, said Britton Dornquast, MainStreet’s program manager. MainStreet has helped local businesses through construction projects since 2006.

Among the handful of businesses attending the November 21 focus group meeting held by the communications and business aid groups, there was no overt interest in the business consulting. Interest was expressed, however, in construction status updates and alerts by text message — in addition to via website, email, Facebook and Twitter — to break up the sections of road to be worked on at one time to areas smaller than the one to three blocks the city has outlined.

On the latter point, officials were adamant: there would be no change because the sections were stipulated in the request for proposals the city put out to contractors. Construction will happen in segments to relieve business owners, but it will not stop for long, they said. Something like, it is hoped, the streetcar itself. n To find out more about Tucson Modern Streetcar Improvement Project, call 624-5656, email info@ TucsonModernStreetcar.info or go to TucsonModernStreetcar.info. Updates are also sent out on Twitter @ tucsonstreetcar and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ TucsonStreetcar. To learn more about MainStreet Business Assistance, call 838-4352 or email bdornquast@mainstreetinfo.org.

Streetcar Stats Number of vehicles: 7 Number of stops: 17 Daytime frequency: every 10 minutes Evening frequency: every 20 minutes Service hours: 6 a.m.-2 a.m.

Route length: 3.9 miles

Rough Timeline • Construction for rail line, stops, overhead electrical poles in early 2012 • On-site streetcar vehicle testing in late 2012 • Streetcar in service in October 2013 – Source: City of Tucson fliers

January 2012 | THEZMAG.com 39

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food&drink

More Beer Brewing Downtown

Rendering by Titus Castanza

by Eric Swedlund Thunder Canyon Brewery, with a steady increase in its business at the Foothills Mall since opening in 1997, will expand to a second location in Downtown’s east end by mid-year.

“Our production has really spiked up over the last couple of years,” said owner and brewmaster Steve Tracy. “We need more brewing space.

I’ve got quite a few recipes, about 65 or so, and it’s hard to get to all of them every year. This will help us do that, but really it will help increase the capacity.”

Tracy said he selected the Downtown location for the new Thunder Canyon after looking into various neighborhoods and buildings across the city for the last couple years.

“We looked all over and this is the spot that’s going to work really well for us. We’re really excited to get Downtown,” he said. “I think Downtown has turned the corner finally for numerous reasons and I think we can really contribute to the rejuvenation and do our part to get things going down there.”

Peach Properties purchased the building at 210 E. Broadway Blvd. (the southeast corner of Broadway and Fifth Street) for just under $1.1 million and is selling a portion to Thunder Canyon. The building will include space for two other businesses as well and Peach Properties will handle the façade restoration, said CEO Ron Schwabe.

The building was built in the 1940s as the first Safeway in Arizona, said Schwabe, and was the longtime home of Benjamin Plumbing Supply.

Most recently, it housed the charter school Tucson Academy of Leadership & Arts.

Renovation on the building will take about six months and will focus on bringing back the original look of the high-ceilinged brick structure.

“We’ll pretty much leave it as is, so it’ll have a different look than here at the mall. It’s a beautiful old building so it really doesn’t need anything else,” Tracy said.

The food menu Downtown will be similar to what Thunder Canyon

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serves at the Foothills Mall – freshly made pub fare including burgers, pizza, sandwiches and fish ‘n’ chips.

The brewing operation will open up more possibilities for Tracy, who keeps 12 of his beers on tap at all times. The big sellers are the flagship ales – Deep Canyon Amber, Sandstone Cream Ale and Thunder Canyon IPA – which will be mostly produced in the bigger tanks at the original location. The Downtown Thunder Canyon will brew the specialty and seasonal beers, with the different varieties shared between the two locations.

Over the years, Thunder Canyon brews have won numerous awards from both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. In 2011, Thunder Canyon produced about 1,800 barrels (or 3,600 kegs), capping a big spike from just a few years ago, when the brewery produced about 1,000 barrels a year.

“Some of it was due to increasing our distribution in Tucson and Phoenix, but also just the popularity of craft beer in general,” Tracy said. “Craft beer – that’s what’s popular and I don’t see that changing, ever. If you’re going to drink beer you might as well drink beer with flavor.”

Thunder Canyon will be the third brewery to open Downtown since 2007, when the brewing operation of Gentle Ben’s became the Barrio Brewing Co. in an old warehouse near the railroad tracks on 16th Street and Toole Avenue. Borderlands Brewing Co. opened late last year in the Warehouse District on Toole Avenue at 7th Street.

“Tucson has been underserved for breweries for ages,” Tracy said.

“You look at places like Portland or Seattle or Denver and there are quite a few brewpubs around. I don’t know why it’s been that way in Tucson, but it’s changing rapidly.”

Schwabe agreed, saying that’s what made the agreement so attractive.

“In this population there should be 15 to 18 medium- to large-size brewers. So it has a lot of room to grow for people who do it right.” n Visit the brewery online at ThunderCanyonBrewery.com.

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food&drink

Mixology

happy hour photo: David Olsen

Prime Time at McMahon’s

On the Record

Andrew Record

by Sarah Burton At just 26-years-old, Andrew Record is quite the accomplished bartender. In fact, the word bartender hardly contains the range of the storied Beverage Director of HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery (266 E. Congress St., HubDowntown.com) and General Manager of the new bar recently opened just a few doors down—Playground at 278 E. Congress St. If not bartender, maybe a mixologist moniker will do the trick?

“No pun intended, I have mixed feelings about the word,” Record says. He admits he has reservations about that title, but found a bit of history that put it in a more favorable light.

“When I first heard the word bandied about I figured it was a trend, but then while looking through stacks of out-of-print cocktail books in the Library of Congress—lo and behold— there it was on a book from 1898, ‘Mixology: The Art of Preparing all Kinds of Drinks’.”

This food-and-drink fanatic didn’t start out focused on the art of the mixed drink. As a University of Arizona English and creative writing student, Record started an illegal wine and cheese club in his dorm. “Illegal in that we were underage, but wanted to appreciate fine pairings. Not because the wine or cheese was illegal,” he clarifies.

But it was while studying for sommelier exams as an employee of 58 Degrees & Holding that Record reached the section on cocktails and was won over entirely. He went on to work as sommelier of Hacienda del Sol for two years, before becoming general manager of Pasco Kitchen & Lounge when it opened, where he was able to flex his creativity as architect of the much-buzzed-about cocktail menu.

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In 2011, Record competed and won the title of “Arizona’s Most Inspired Bartender” in the annual contest sponsored by GQ Magazine and Bombay Sapphire. His entry—boasting lavender and white jasmine bitters, with toasted fennel and local honey syrup—may not have won him the national title at the finale event in Las Vegas, but it proved quite the adventure. “I had a great time and got to chat with mixologists from around the country,” he explains.

On Trends in Mixology: “I think this goes for both local and global, but it’s great to see bartenders caring about the craft again—being aware of the ingredients they’re using, how they treat those ingredients, and ultimately giving guests the best drinks and experience possible.

I’ve also noticed mescal and bacanora cropping up, making a resurgence here lately. It’s good to see two agave spirits being claimed and utilized.”

Favorite Ingredients: “Lillet Blonde (a slightly sweet French aperitif), which is a beautiful compliment to gin, and Aperol (an Italian aperitif). I tend to keep things seasonal so as far as fruits and herbs go, it changes depending on what’s available. I like to check out the farmers market that day, see what’s fresh, and build around it.”

The Epiphany 2 ounces Peated Irish Whiskey ½ ounce Benedictine ¼ ounce Cherry Heering 4 dashes of mole bitters Combine ingredients with ice, stir and strain into coupe. Garnish with an orange twist. n

by V.K. Embee Smoke, the bar lounge and patio at McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse, offers superb quality, variety and value in an elegant setting, night and day. Most Happy Hours are a sprint, but this one’s a marathon: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to close; Saturday, 5 p.m. to close; Sunday, 4 p.m. to close.

Cocktails are $1 off, beer is 50 cents off. The $5 “Libations” menu includes the “Big Pour” glasses of chardonnay or cabernet (1/3 of a bottle), mojitos, margaritas, Skyy cosmopolitans and excellent Skyy martinis with plain or bluecheese-stuffed olives.

“Bites” priced from $2.50-$5 offer generous portions and skillfully balanced flavors.

Salmon Cake Sliders ($5) are moist mounds of flaky salmon with a spicy kick and citrus tang, served on a fresh bun. Goat Cheese Soufflé ($5) has a creamy substantial texture, and is served with sautéed mushrooms and piquant braised garlic spinach. Tuesday is your lucky day here; all Steakhouse Appetizers are half off. If you’ve never tried caviar, unshroud the mystique with a $6 sampler served on a palette-shaped platter.

At first glance, the ambience is reminiscent of a “gentleman’s club,” where Hugh Hefner or Don Draper might have had a three-martini lunch in front of the nude woman painting. But you’ll see plenty of women patrons and feel the welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Cool jazz standards play in the background. Walls are adorned with photos of WWII aircraft, vintage photos of Tucson and other memorabilia. Servers are always cheerful and helpful. Smokers will enjoy the outdoor cigar-friendly patio. n McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse is located at 2959 N. Swan Rd. Find out more at MetroRestaurants.com or call 327-7463.

Photo: Vikki Dempsey

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Photo by Danni Valdez.

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Trigger and Scythe

Silver Thread Trio’s new album weaves misery, heartache and Americana.

by Emily Gindlesparger “My favorite moment on the record is these couple of bars in ‘River’s Run Dry,’ right after the main gal’s father shoots her lover dead while he’s sleeping in her arms. The sound opens up and reminds me of a desert landscape,” says Gabrielle Pietrangelo of Silver Thread Trio.

The sound really does open up, with haunting three-part vocalizations and members of Calexico holding down a steady rhythm like a cattle drive under the lonesome croon of Paul Niehaus’ steel guitar. The group is releasing a new album this month, titled “Trigger and Scythe,” all about death and misery.

In contrast to their self-titled debut album, filled with traditional songs recorded live with room mics in an old miner’s boarding house in Bisbee, “Trigger and Scythe” has been a year in the making at Waterworks Studio, with mostly original songs and over ten guest artists opening up the sound.

“It sounds amazing as a result,” says Trio songstress Laura KepnerAdney. “What we do when we play live and it’s just the three of us is really special, but recording allows us to include so many other people who helped us expand our sound.”

Silver Thread Trio’s bedrock is in crystalline three-part harmony renditions of Appalachian and English folk songs. “There’s a certain gravity and revealing of the human condition in the old Appalachian ballads and folk songs of our country,” relates Peitrangelo. The album begins in homage to this tradition, with the comforting scratch of a Victrola record underscoring “Mockingbird,” a new lullaby that sounds so familiar you wouldn’t guess you’ve never heard it before.

Original songwriting on their latest work travels across the genres of America, hitching its horse to a honky-tonk bar, letting its hair loose at a barn dance, unleashing a rock ballad, swaggering into a roadhouse and listening in on Diana Ross, Elvis, and the delta blues. The clear voices of the trio become the silver thread in a tapestry of Americana, creating something that’s both collaborative and wholly original.

“I see it as an evolution,” says Caroline Isaacs, vocalist and the informal percussionist of the trio. “We’re still very grounded in the folk tradition, but part of that tradition is about adapting music and making it relevant to the situation or the times you live in.”

Laced through the lyrics and the sound is lasting misery and heartache, and yet it’s not a somber record; at times it’s chilling, but other times it’s hilarious and raucous. “I think it was Laura who said, sad makes me happy,” says Pietrangelo. “There’s a truth in that. It puts all the weight of the natural angst about death out in the open and comforts the soul somehow. It’s bittersweet, and there’s a beauty in the darker tales that strikes a chord.”

The album closes with another lullaby, sadder this time. “Beneath the Waves,” by Isaacs, is about drowning: “my legs feel like lead and I long for my bed/and I already feel like a ghost,” she sings. And the scratching Victrola fades back to the depths. n The CD release is January 28, 9:30pm at Plush, 340 E. 6th St. PlushTucson.com, 798-1298. Details at SilverThreadTrio.com.

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tunes

Twang, Torch & Trouble

by Eric Johns

Singer/songwriter Betsy Scarinzi had it in her to write, sing and perform. Her killer pipes, together with a birthday guitar gift from friends back in 1999, prompted Scarinzi to start writing and playing and eventually led her to recording an album. It all culminated into the nine-song release “Whitewashed Heart” with her band, Silverbell.

This disk (recorded, mixed and produced at Loveland Studios, mastered by Jim Blackwood), features searing lyrics and vocals from Scarinzi, amazing guitar by Tucson wizard/music vet Gene Ruley (The Drakes/Phantom Limbs), bass and backing vocals from Jason Steed (Creosote) and percussion/drumming by Alan Anderson (Greyhound Soul/Funky Bones/ The Jits).

It is a country-rock album, in a good way. Not Nashville country-rash, not some 22-year-old lead singer parroting someone else’s lyrics. There’s Ruley’s guitar sliding in with the best of them.

Scarinzi’s vocals dial in the heartbreak, twang, torch and trouble with real feeling and, I’m guessing, considerable life experience.

The band has had lineup changes since the CD’s recording, substituting Jim Cox (Fourkiller Flats) for Steed on bass/backing vocals and Spyder Rhodes for Alan Anderson on drums and percussion. The line-up changes will add to the live experience.

Silverbell’s CD release party is January 27, at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Greyhound Soul opens the free show at 9 p.m., Silverbell plays afterward and Fourkiller Flats wrap the night. Details at HotelCongress.com.

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Rich Hopkins and the Luminarios Buried Treasures (San Jacinto Records)

by Eric Johns

Strongly harmonic and melodic throughout, “Buried Treasures” sports part driving rock, part bliss-pop, part concept album, part wry life lessons and also has some rock en Español (“Alyeia Perez,” sung by Salvador Duran ).

Tremendous slide guitar work dominates. Hopkins speaks truth to dark forces on track three, “A Stone’s Throw,” addressing powers driven by “hate and blame” who do damage to but can’t “take away what’s inside” from the disenfranchised.

Beautiful acoustic guitar meshes together with some soaring key/synthesizer work by Jon Sanchez on track twelve, “Sweet Dreams Lisa,” an instrumental that I had to immerse myself in again and again.

On the title cut, Hopkins suggests through experience, that searching everywhere, “chasing what I wanted instead of wanting what I need,” will not take away pain. But, what we won’t find “out there” is standing in front of us. “Looking in from out there,” what we find buried inside of us, are “hidden treasures everywhere.” Like family, friends, love, beauty after a rain or at dawn.

All in all, a solid release in the Hopkins/Luminarios cache, once again out on San Jacinto records. n The CD release is January 26, 9pm, $7, at Plush, 340 E. 6th Ave. Details at RichHopkins.org and PlushTucson.com.

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Hank Topless It’s So December

by Eric Swedlund “I was a rambler, but I don’t remember why” – so goes the chorus of the first song on Hank Topless’ “It’s So December,” an album that looks at life with a bit of weariness, plenty of humor and a sharp eye for honest details.

Topless plays classic country, with some blues around the edges, with skilled guitar playing and a rich voice that rings with a bit of Willie Nelson.

Topless doesn’t so much stray from the conventions of country music as he does find new ways to make those same old traditions sing again.

This is country music fresh for 2012, with sly, occasionally twisted songwriting. Recorded at Loveland Studio with Nathan Sabatino and Thomas Beach, “It’s So December” is nine songs in 32 minutes, featuring blues harp from Kevin Bowman, mandolin from Donny Russell and fiddle from Phil Stevens.

Opener “Remember Why” sets the tone perfectly; twangy guitar leading the way on a tale of strange people, old flames and the years of traveling that all just blend together into one question - “Can I untangle places in my lonely mind?”

Next up is the heartbreaking “Waitress,” a remarkable character sketch of a woman who “spends every Friday night in sensible shoes,” living a life stripped of glamour, planted in repetition, stuck with dreams that are always more than just a few more bar shifts away. “Midnight don’t bring no revelations,” Topless sings, relating the fantasies of escape that are just about all she has left.

The duo of “Mockingbird Blues” and “Just For The Record” anchor the album’s back half, and taken together, the songs are a beautiful reminder from Topless that life has darkness and light, desire and mistakes, sadness and sweetness. And sometimes, the way through is the way of the mockingbird: “Don’t matter if you sing the truth or if you sing a lie.” n Hank Topless performs at the annual Wooden Ball on Friday, Jan. 13 at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Visit him online at HankToplessMusic. com and on Facebook.

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tunes

KXCI’s Five Tucson’s community radio station, 91.3FM/ KXCI.org, features cuts from the following new albums this month.

Ani DiFranco, Which Side Are You On? (Righteous Babe)

LIVE MUSIC 2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN Congress Street, 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com Sat 14: The Last Call Girls, Heather Hardy ‘Lil Mama’ Band, Mitzi Cowell & The Valiants, Deceptively Innocent

Ani’s first studio album in more than 3 years features contributions by her New Orleans friends like Ivan and Cyril Neville and The Rebirth Brass Band, as well as her buddy Pete Seeger, whose famous song she reworks as the title track.

AVA AMPHITHEATER at Casino Del Sol

Chuck Prophet, Temple Beautiful (Yep Roc)

BOONDOCKS LOUNGE

Temple Beautiful is Chuck’s homage to his home of San Francisco and everything that city has meant over the years – pioneer outpost, romantic port-of-call, gathering point for characters of all different persuasions.

Ingrid Michaelson, Human Again (Cabin 24) The singer known for her cute, poppy love songs turns down the darker path, with songs inspired by what she describes as a “really dark time in my life.” The new sound adds both maturity and perspective to her smart lyrics.

Nada Surf, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy (Barsuk) For years, these college rock favorites released carefully constructed albums that did not have the purposeful recklessness of their live shows. Now, for their seventh studio album, they do just that: capturing to tape the energy of their various influences, from indie-pop to punk.

Ruthie Foster, Let It Burn (Blue Corn) The contemporary blues queen also heads to the Crescent City for inspiration, recruiting a team of New Orleans sidemen – and the Blind Boys of Alabama – to back her on this soulful set of new tunes and covers of artists including Johnny Cash, Adele and The Black Keys.

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5655 W. Valencia Rd. CasinoDelSol.com Sun 15: The B-52s 3306 N. 1st Ave. 690-0991, BoondocksLounge.com Mondays: The Bryan Dean Trio Thursdays: Carnivaleros Fridays: Live Music with Neon Prophet Sun 1: Heather Hardy and the Lil Mama Band Sat 7: Tony and the Torpedoes Sun 8: Zo Carroll & The Soul Breakers Sun 15: Last Call Girls

CLUB CONGRESS 311 E. Congress St. 6228848, HotelCongress.com/ club Wed 4: Joe Novelli Fri 6: Sleep Driver CD Release Party Fri 13: The Wooden Ball Sat 14: Hieroglyphics Wed 18: A House, A Home EP Release Party Sun 22: My Town Music presents Community Concert Wed 25: Standby Red 5 Fri 27: Silverbell CD release with Greyhound Soul, Fourkiller Flats Sat 28: A Lull + Deleted Scenes

FOX TUCSON THEATRE 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Fri 13: Cab Calloway Orchestra Sat 14: Tucson Jazz Institute’s Ellington Band

Sun 15: Ben Folds, Calexico, Silver Thread Trio, Mitzi Cowell, Sabra Faulk, Mariachi Luz de Luna, Salvador Duran

THE HUT 305 N. 4th Ave. 623-3200, HutTucson.com See website.

LA COCINA @ OLD TOWN ARTISANS 201 N. Court Ave. 623-6024, LaCocinaTucson.com Wednesdays: Jazz with the Elephant Head Thursdays: Stefan George Fridays: Greg Morton & Friends Saturdays: Dance! Dance!

Dance! w/ DJ Herm Sun 8: Elisabeth Blin Sat 14: Nahui Ollin Aztec Dancers, The Determined Luddites Sun 15: Nahui Ollin Aztec Dancers Sat 21: Heather Lil Mama Hardy Sat 28: Jamie O’Brien

LIVE ACOUSTIC VENUE ASSOCIATION (LAVA) Abounding Grace Sanctuary, 2450 S. Kolb. LavaMusic.org Sat 14: Arvel Bird Sat 21: Ernest Troost and Robyn Landis Sat 28: Johnathan and Nathan McEuen

PLUSH 340 E. 6th St. 798-1298, PlushTucson.com Tue 3: Michael P. Wed 4: Planet Jam Thu 5: Spiders Can Fly Fri 6: Music Video?, Little Lo, Future Loves Past, Shrimp Chaperone Sat 7: Kitchen On Fire, Cheepness Sun 8: The Clam Tostada Mon 9: Van Christian Tue 10: The Tangelos Wed 11: Dry River Yacht Club Fri 13: Le Chat Lunatique Sat 14: The Wooden Ball Tue 17: Professor Gall Wed 18: Al Foul

Sat 21: The Life and Times, The Vases Mon 23: Ben Siems Wed 25: Katie Haverly Thu 26: Rich Hopkins & The Luminarios Fri 27: Tesoro Sat 28: The Silver Thread Tues 31: Joe Pena

RHYTHM & ROOTS Plaza Palamino, 2970 N. Swan Rd. 319-9966, RhythmandRoots.org Sat 7: Say It’s Your Birthday with The Coolers Sat 14: Titan Valley Warheads 30th Anniversary Party Sun 22: John McCutcheon

RIALTO THEATRE 318 E. Congress St. 7401000, RialtoTheatre.com Sat 14: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute Sat 21: Kim Wilson Thu 26: MarchFourth Marching Band Fri 28: An Intimate Solo Acoustic Performance by Citizen Cope Mon 30: They Might Be Giants Tue 31: August Burns Red

SKY BAR 536 N. 4th Ave. 622-4300, SkyBarTucson.com Tue 3: Collin Shook Trio Tue 10: Jazz Telephone Tue 17: Ben Seims Sat 21: Ferrodyne, The Tangelos Tue 24: Live Jazz with Jazz Telephone Thu 26: Matt Hoper and The Roman Candles, Dylan Ludwig and The Red River Outfit Tue 31: Jazz Telephone

SOLAR CULTURE 31 E. Toole Ave. 884-0874, SolarCulture.org Tues 10: The Dirt Daubers Thu 12: Hudost The Young

SURLY WENCH PUB 424 N. 4th Ave., 882-0009, SurlyWenchPub.com Tue 6: Black Cherry

Photo courtesy of FoxTucsonTheatre.org

Burlesque Wed 7: Club Sanctuary Wed 14: Fineline Revisited

TUCSON CONVENTION CENTER 260 S. Church Ave., TucsonAZ. gov/tcc Tue 17: Tool

VAUDEVILLE

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110 E. Congress St. 6223535, MySpace.com/ vaudevilledowntowntucson Sat 21: The Aces Cab Calloway Orchestra will perform at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Fri, Jan 13.

Photo courtesy of Live Acoustic Venue Association.

Other live music venues include: BLUEFIN 7053 N. Oracle Rd. 531-8500, BluefinTucson.com

CASA VICENTE 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, CasaVicente.com Tuesdays: Live Classical Guitar Wednesdays: Live Guitar Thursdays: Classical Guitar Friday and Saturdays: Flamenco Guitar and Performances

CHE’S LOUNGE 350 N. 4th Ave. 623-2088, ChesLounge.com

CUSHING STREET BAR & RESTAURANT 198 W. Cushing St. 622-7984, CushingStreet.com

DELECTABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING 533 N. 4th Ave. 884-9289, Delectables.com

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

A Lull will perform at Club Congress on Sat, Jan 28.

Arvel Bird will play at the Abounding Grace Sanctuary on Sat, Jan 14 as part of the “Arvel Bird Fiddle-icious Concert.”

Photo cPhoto courtesy of The Aces.

135 S. 6th Ave. 623-7700, DowntownKitchen.com

J BAR 3770 E. Sunrise Dr. 615-6100, Janos.com

KINGFISHER 2564 E. Grant Rd. 323-7739, KingFisherTucson.com

LUNA BELLA 2970 N. Swan Rd. LunaBellaRestaurant.com

NIMBUS BREWERY 3850 E. 44th St. 745-9175 & 6464 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 7331111, NimbusBeer.com

The Aces perform at Vaudebill on Sat, Jan 21.

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escape

Photo by Randy Serraglio

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An Eagle’s Nest Above the Borderlands

Atascosa Peak affords its visitors one of the finest panoramas of the borderlands.

by Matthew J. Nelson For those who love the diverse and dramatic topography of the borderlands, and who are interested in spotting species like jaguars and elegant trogons, there are few places that offer a Sonoran Desert experience like the Atascosa Mountains southwest of Tumacacori.

Wandering among canyons, cliffs and grasslands is always an option, but a premier hike in this remote mountain range will take you to the site of a historic fire lookout with unforgettable views. The hike itself is a straightforward march to the summit – 2.5 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

It’s steady, but not too steep. Along the way you’ll share the trail with a diverse mix of grasses, cacti, shrubs and trees as you walk through semidesert grassland and oak-juniper biomes. It’s hard to make quick progress as you’ll feel inspired to stare out across the ever-expanding landscape.

After less than two hours you’ll arrive at Atascosa Lookout, a fire tower built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps that was unfortunately destroyed by fire last summer. Even though the lookout has always been the destination, the purpose of the hike is the panorama. I’d go so far as to say that you won’t find a better view anywhere in Southern Arizona.

Virtually every mountain range can be seen from here. The Baboquivari Mountains dominate the western skyline, with Baboquivari Peak rising like a shield protecting the Tohono O’odham Nation. To the south the land ripples like an accordion, being squeezed and pulled apart as the Earth’s tectonic plates play a Norteño tune. The numerous ranges of Sonora can be seen from here, and some say that on a clear day you can see the volcanoes of the Sierra Pinacate to the southwest. Just beyond is the Sea of Cortez.

Atascosa Lookout was once home to the great Southwestern writer Edward Abbey, famous for classics such as “The Monkey Wrench Gang” and “Desert Solitaire.” About his seasonal retreat, Abbey wrote, “This lookout

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is merely a flimsy old frame shack perched like an eagle’s nest on a pinnacle of rock 6,235 feet high.”

Sunrise on Atascosa Lookout is epic, as it’s the time of day when the rocks really come to life. You’ll have to ascend by moonlight or headlamp if you want to catch the colors from the top. And you’ll know what Abbey meant when he wrote in 1968, “…woke up this morning on an island in the sky, surrounded by clouds. Wild swirling banks of vapor, flowing and passing to reveal brief glimpses of rocky crags, dripping trees, the golden grassy hillsides far below.”

No matter when you go or how long you stay, plan on spending some time in silence, just staring out across the borderlands.

Making Your Escape From Tucson, drive south on I-19 toward Nogales, take the Ruby Road exit where you will see Forest Service signs for Peña Blanca Lake (exit 12).

Turn right and follow the road west for nine miles. At the turnoff to Peña Blanca Recreation Area, the pavement ends and becomes the ArivacaRuby Road (Forest Road 39). Continue west for five miles and look for a small parking area on the south side of the road. There is a lone oak tree here, and if you look directly north from the parking area you’ll see a single brown trail marker. It’s easy to miss.

Local Conservation Atascosa Lookout is part of the Tumacacori Highlands, a biologically significant zone that links the mountains and canyons of Sonora with Arizona.

Jaguars have been spotted here, in addition to trogons, coatimundis and other exotic species. Sky Island Alliance has been working hard to rally support on a local and national level to promote the conservation of this area. Check out SkyIslandAlliance.org for more information. n

January 2012 | THEZMAG.com 51