Zocalo Tucson Magazine July/August 2011

Z贸calo Tucson Urban Scene Magazine / JUly-august 2011 / 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 Sydney Ballesteros, Chelsey Barthel, Marisa Bernal, Corey Dane, VK Embee, Emily Gindlesparger, Lee Gutowski, KXCI, Kelly Lewis, Jamie Manser, Troy Martin, Phoenix Michael, Amber Mortensen, Matthew Nelson, David Olsen, Rafael Otto, Herb Stratford.

ADVERTISING Marie Hancock CONTACT US: PUBLISHER frontdesk@zocalotucson.com David Olsen P.O. Box 1171

Tucson, AZ 85702-1171 520.955.ZMAG (9624)

July/August 2011

04 URBAN_LIFE 05 BUSINESS 13 ARTS 14 READING 24 FOOD&DRINK 27 EVENTS 34 FASHION 38 TUNES 42 ESCAPE 49 CROSSWORD 50

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER:

A retro look back at a mid-century Tucson scene created by tourism officials. Originally published on the cover of “Enjoy Tucson.”

Zócalo Tucson Magazine is a proud member of All content copyright © 2011 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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Like most desert rats, we’re embracing the summer break by issuing a combo July/August magazine. It’ll go by in a jiffy and Zócalo will be back in its monthly routine come September. If you can get out of town, do it. Taking a leave of absence makes the heart grow fonder for what we love in this city. If you can’t afford it, no worries – there is plenty to do to keep all ages entertained and cool. On page 8, Phoenix Michael highlights the best events for your “staycation.” Michael also encourages the public to keep their eyes open for Tucson’s eclectic and beautiful outdoor art with his photo essay, Los Murales de Tucson, on page 11.

Specifically pertinent to summer swims, Sydney Ballesteros’ The History of the Swimsuit reminds the ladies how lucky we are in this day and age. Just try to imagine how the Victoriana era’s “bathing gown” would work for desert dwellers. You’ll feel itchy just thinking about it.

Speaking of female empowerment, Kelly Lewis covers the strong and sexy troupe Black Cherry Burlesque on page 16. Find out about what makes these ladies tick and check out their monthly shows every first Friday, starting in August.

Speaking of August, Tucson’s local businesses, galleries and events are tipping their hat to the Old Pueblo’s 236th “birthday” with month-long celebrations. August 20, 1775 was when Spanish captain Hugo O’Conner picked Tucson as the location of Spanish Mexico’s northern-most presidio.

See TucsonsBirthday.org for all the details.

In the meantime, keep cool, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and we’ll see you around town.

– Jamie Manser

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Tucson’s modern streetcar has been given a name. Unfortunately, the name hasn’t been released to the public yet (nor did the public get a chance to weigh in on its selection) but you can bet the title will be similar to another mode of transport here in Tucson. Look for the release sometime soon.

Last month, Tucson’s first “Trolley Pub” made its debut. University of Arizona graduates Kai Kaapro and Andrew Cole sourced Atek Customs to build the self-propelled streetcar, which will travel up and down 4th Avenue and University Blvd. The pub seats 14 and passengers provide the pedal power.

Read more about it at TrolleyPub. com.

More progress at Borderlands Brewing Company. Co-founders Myles Stone and Mike Mallozzi were seen installing their new conical fermenters last month. The building is nearly finished and they hope to be open in August. You can find them at 119 E. Toole Ave or BorderlandsBrewing.com.

Borderlands Brewing Co.

While Borderlands is set to become Tucson’s newest microbrewery, word on the street is that Downtown will see another brewery arrive sometime later this year or the beginning of next. The building at the Southeast corner of Broadway Blvd and 5th Ave is in the process of changing ownership. We know who is buying it and you know who they are, but we’ll let them announce the plans when the time it right.

Just up the street at the Southwest corner of Congress and 5th Ave, a liquor license application notice has been posted for “Sycamore.” Since Mr An pulled out of developing a restaurant at that location, the now two-story building looks positioned for either a restaurant, night club, bar, or possibly all three. More details to come.

photo: Emily Gindlesparger

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Ashtanga-inspired teacher Jill Hadap practices in the round at Yoga Flow.

Finding Flow in the Fire

Yoga practices to steady against the rising heat

by Emily Gindlesparger Fire consumes the feeble kindling and only leaves the strongest trees standing. Desert summer and its incumbent burning temperatures offer an opportunity to purify and strengthen body and mind through the practice of yoga. A diversity of practices in Tucson can teach students to stoke the fire or calm it, and in Tucson’s urban realm there are many studios and styles to experiment with. While all pose-based practices (as opposed to meditation-based practices) fall under the umbrella of Hatha yoga, there are overt and subtle differences among the different styles within that umbrella. Herein are short descriptions of each method and where to practice locally.

Anusara Yoga @ Yoga Oasis YogaOasis.com, 322-6142 245 E. Congress St. #101; 2631 N. Campbell Ave.; 7858 E. Wrightstown Rd. #116 “One of the first things people notice about Anusara yoga at Yoga Oasis is the supportive, ‘look for the good first’ attitude,” writes Bruce Bowditch, Yoga Oasis teacher and author of several yoga practice guides. “At the same time, a student is encouraged to explore their edge and test their capabilities.” Anusara offers a playful, celebratory practice for mixed-level students. With a keen focus on alignment, students can experiment with a wide variety of poses in a supportive setting.

Ashtanga Yoga @ Yoga Flow YogaFlowTucson.com, 321-YOGA Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave. “One of the great ways to ultimately cool down (during the summer) is to use that heat to detoxify the

body and blood through a dynamic yoga approach with postures that flow with a continuous ‘upward victorious’ breath,” says Ashtanga teacher Lisa Schrempp.

Ashtanga is a rigorous, student-driven method that is deeply attentive to the breath. Students can also find Acro Yoga here, a partnered, more gymnastic form of yoga with aerial poses.

Bikram Yoga @ Yoga Vida YogaVidaTucson.com, 326-5853 3238 E. Speedway Blvd.

Stepping into a hot room for yoga is a great way to embrace the heat of summer and use it as a tool to detoxify the body. Bikram yoga is a set sequence of 26 postures practiced in a heated room; the humidity helps keep muscles relaxed, allowing for deeper stretching while helping to prevent injury during this steady inward practice.

Hatha Yoga @ Yoga Connection YogaConnection.org, 323-1222 3929 E. Pima St. “Each person is encouraged to start where they are and find their own pace,” at Tucson’s only non-profit yoga studio where students can find Hatha classes, meditation workshops and teacher trainings. “(Hatha Yoga) is not forced, not callisthenic and not competitive,” the website says. “Through stretching, strengthening and breathing techniques, the practice of Hatha Yoga creates a more relaxed and resilient attitude on and off the mat.” continued on page 6

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photo: Cooper James

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Students center themselves for practice at Tucson Yoga. continued from page 5

Iyengar Yoga @ Southern Arizona School of Yoga SouthernArizonaSchoolofYoga.com, 205-2831 Historic Labor Temple, 267 S. Stone Ave. Founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, this method uses strict alignment - often supported by props - to “develop strength, flexibility and integrity in action,” explains Alexis Bachrach of the Southern Arizona School of Yoga. The slower pace of Iyengar classes focuses on the intensity and effects of each pose, making it perfect for beginning students, long-time practitioners and those with therapeutic concerns.

Tibetan Heart Yoga @ The Three Jewels 3JewelsTucson.com, 955-9632 314 E. 6th St. “At Three Jewels, yogis can find a unique style of yoga that re-unites the rich dharma of Tibetan Buddhism (in the lineage of the Da-

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lai Lama) and yoga asana from India,” writes teacher Katelin Gallagher. Seated more firmly in meditation than the other methods here, Tibetan Heart Yoga teachers work on both physical outer alignment and the subtle body anatomy underneath, “so they can carefully guide students to explore the depths of their inner world,” Gallagher elaborates. “Our high holy aim is to give students the tools to crack open their hearts, to move through the world with deep love and compassion.”

Vinyasa Yoga @ 4th Avenue Yoga 4thAvenueYoga.com, 622-9999 413 E. 5th St. “As we are all individuals in our own respect, each class is individually unique from another in tempo, energy and focus,” says teacher Maggie Drechsler of the variety of classes taught here. The studio offers Bikram and mixed Hatha styles, primarily focusing on Vinyasa. “Vinyasa

practices are high energy and allow one’s breath to freely flow through the body to release any stagnation and blockages,” Drechsler explains.

The location is also a center for meditation and Tai Chi.

Yin Yoga @ Tucson Yoga TucsonYoga.com, 988-1832 150 S. 4th Ave. Among a full slate of styles, Tucson Yoga offers gentle yoga and yin yoga classes. “These are sweet in summer, as they are slower practices that honor the new found pace that most of us adapt to with the rise in temperature,” says teacher Michelle Marks. Yin yoga is a practice of passive postures in which “the stillness takes practitioners deep into the shapes, beyond the muscles and into the fabric of the body,” releasing connective tissue and fascia, Marks explains. n

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Titan Missile Museum

Loco For Local

by Phoenix Michael Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, that austere authority on language, in 2009 accepted the portmanteau neologism staycation into its hallowed halls of officially accepted lexical items. The staycation - a deliberately planned at-home or in-state period of rest and recreation - had rapidly gained favor among budget-minded Americans in years prior. It’s easy to see why.

As a way to save on the expenses and hassles of travel while still having a blast, the staycation is king. Sure, it’s broiling outside. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. But those of us who don’t mind the high temps are cooking up a whole lot of fun. Forget San Diego.

There’s plenty to do this summer here in good ol’ Tucson.

On Saturday, July 9, Colossal Cave Mountain Park hosts its 11th annual Ha:san Bak Saguaro Harvest Celebration. An interactive syrupmaking workshop led by Tohono O’odham tribe member Delphene Saraficio begins at sunrise.

Make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time at 647-PARK, as space is limited to 25 participants

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at $65 per person and $100 for two. Activities from 10 am-2 pm include saguaro seed planting, arrowhead crafting and presentations by Tucson Botanical Gardens naturalist John Rhodes and flintknapper Jerry Marcantel. Colossal Cave is at 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail in Vail; see ColossalCave.com for a map to the park.

Also July 9 - and again Saturday, August 13 - from 5pm-9pm Sahuarita’s Titan Missile Museum, 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., invites the public to take a Moonlight MADness tour. Inquisitive children can fire seltzer rockets, taste space grub and try to pass the astronaut test.

Admission is $7 for ages 13+ and required reservations can be made by calling 625-7736.

Learn more about the front line of the Cold War at TitanMissileMuseum.org.

Everyone Runs throws a Run With The Roosters 5 Mile Run/Walk at 5am on Sunday, July 10, starting and finishing at Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Rd. The closed-to-traffic course will travel alongside beautiful Tucson Mountain Park into the Ironwood Picnic Grounds and back. Free smoothies, awards and a Mexican

breakfast will be provided. Register for $40 online at EveryoneRuns.net.

The Loft Cinema, Tucson’s nonprofit (and air conditioned) independent art house, serves up pizza and beer with its movies. Check out First Friday Shorts, hosted by Red Meat cartoonist Max Cannon, at 9 pm on July 1 and August 5.

For guaranteed over-the-top schlock, Mondo Mondays never disappoints: 1997’s patriotic zombie flick Uncle Sam airs at 8 pm on July 4. Bookmans presents cult classics Clue July 15 and Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs July 29. For a full schedule of coming attractions including the 5th annual Tucson International Children’s Film Festival July 23-31, visit LoftCinema.com.

The Tucson Audubon Society and Arizona Riverpark Inn present the very first Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival August 17-21. Field trips to Madera Canyon, Catalina State Park, Cienega Creek Nature Preserve and Sweetwater Wetlands are only a small part of the festivities. A Sky Islands Birding Cup, a Birds & Beer Social, workshops and talks on topics including “Hummingbirds 101,” and “Choosing and Using Op-

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photo: David Olsen

tics” are also planned. Prices vary depending on level of participation; extensive details on all events are at TucsonAudubon.org.

Wildlife fanatics shall also be pleased to learn that the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd., is offering its Summer Saturday Evenings series again this year. Every single Saturday in July and August, admission after 4 pm is just $7 or $3 for ages 6-12. In all the nooks and crannies of the museum grounds from 7pm-10 pm, docents may be found explaining night sounds and celestial objects. Rattlesnakes, scorpions and kissing bugs will be on display. Depending on the date of your visit, you might even catch a presentation of “All About Bats” or “Sky Hunters” in the Warden Oasis Theater. DesertMuseum.org has more information on the Center for Sonoran Desert Studies, the brains behind ASDM’s educational and scientific pursuits.

The newly remodeled Plush, 340 E. 6th St., now has food and coffee in addition to the best live music on the hip strip. They’re even running a Plush Summer Pfilm Series which screens 1975 giallo picture “Deep Red” on Wednesday, July 6 at 9:30 pm. There’s no cover charge to hear talented local bluesman Sunny Italy perform Thursday, July 21. See Igor & Red Elvises storm the stage Wednesday, July 27 for $10.

PlushTucson.com is always the place to discover which noteworthy artist is playing during a given week. Surprise yourself and go see any random band. They’ll be good; Plush only books quality acts.

Stick around this summer, and you’ll be here for Tucson’s 236th birthday August 20. You don’t want to miss out. Fourth Avenue’s Beach Party takes place that day from 5pm-9pm with a dunk tank to soak city leaders, a Wheel of 4ortune prize wheel, merchant specials all day and musicians stationed at Magpie’s Gourmet Pizza, Chocolate Iguana, Spencer Park and Winsett Stage entertaining passersby. Rumor has it that Hotel Congress will have cake, too. The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association can reveal more at FourthAvenue.org.

In fact, celebratory birthday events - many of them free - take place the entire month of August, from a group hike up “A” Mountain on Monday, August 1 at 6 am to the Noche de Luz Flashlight Parade on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:45 pm. In between, youth group Mariachi Nueva Melodia performs at the Sam Lena-South Tucson branch of the Pima County Public Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave., on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 pm and Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court, waives admission costs in a free swim day on Thursday, August 11. For specifics on these and many more Tucson Birthday events, stop by TucsonsBirthday. org.

The ultimate summer staycation accessory?

Kiddie pool. Ace Hardware. $9.99. n

Where We Live

by Phoenix Michael Among Tucson’s many creatively-monikered neighborhoods, perhaps none is so intriguingly titled as midtown’s Poets’ Square. Streets here bear the names of lauded American scribes Whitman, Holmes and Poe. Residents enjoy an enviable win-win scenario: access to countless amenities adjacent to their peaceful remove from downtown’s hubbub, yet with Fourth Avenue’s wild watering holes and the University of Arizona’s libraries and museums only a short drive away.

Poets’ Square lies between 5th Street and Broadway Boulevard and is bordered by Swan and Columbus to the east and west. The infamous Polynesian-themed Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge is but one of the many fine establishments found therein. Firmly planted at 4625 E. Broadway Blvd. since 1963, Kon Tiki’s signature beverage The Scorpion is powerful enough to warrant a two-drink limit. Many locals consider a visit a mandatory element of any weekend on the town. See an elaborate menu of concoctions at KonTikiTucson.com or call 323-7193 for hours.

In an inspiring display of Tucsonans’ feisty entrepreneurial spirit, independently owned and operated businesses abound in the Poets’ Square area. Comics and games shop Heroes & Villains, 4533 E. Broadway Blvd., carries

the latest printed exploits of Marvel characters from Alpha Flight to the X-Men. ‘Nuff said! The Hungry Fox Restaurant & Country Store at 4637 E. Broadway Blvd. welcomes empty stomachs with open arms. The new banquet room can hold 80-100 people for any special event; call 326-2835 to make a reservation. Specialists Dr. Wayne and Dr. Heaton treat all patients at Tucson Chiropractic Center, 570 N. Columbus Blvd., with compassion and respect. Their holistic perspective associates spinal health with overall wellness.

Legendary chicken and fish eatery Lucky Wishbone’s #2 location, with its new building and plentiful supply of Lucky Burgers, lies within striking distance of Poets’ Square at 4701 E. Broadway Blvd. Hachenberg & Sons Piano Co., 4333 E. Broadway Blvd., has tuned, serviced, repaired and rented Steinways for generations.

And whether for a wedding, quinceañera, office party or other occasion, Nadine’s Bakery at 4553 E. Broadway Blvd. makes the best fully kosher cakes for miles around.

Post-war boom era 1940s and 50s bungalow and ranch-style houses in Poets’ Square are occupied by families and individuals from all walks of life. Age, race and class matter less than community pride and neighborly relations. In their diversity, many here have found unity. n

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Los Murales de Tucson

by Phoenix Michael In an age of rabid commerce and rapid technological advancements, relatively few actions unmotivated by financial gain are undertaken. Artists, however, generally toil for the love of the craft alone. We appreciate their contributions. Let the world be our canvas!

1. This dignified family of four recently returned to Barrio Viejo after building renovations caused their unfortunate disappearance. Veteran muralist Martin Moreno repainted the side of La Pilata Museum, 420 S. Main Ave., using photographs of the original 1980s student-created piece.

2. Also newly brightened is this visage of the peasant Juan Diego seen at Money Cutz Barbershop, 914 W. Congress St. Local artists Raymon Marines and Jason Harper wielded the brushes which returned the mural, long beloved and cherished by many, to its former glory.

3. Observant motorists looking at the northeast corner of East Speed-

way Boulevard and North Stone Avenue might gaze upon this amorous skeletal couple, reuniting after death. Their aerosol embrace, by Rocky Martinez, lends a splash of color to the busy intersection on the south facing wall of Art Gallery at 1122 N. Stone Ave. 4. A lone Native American warrior, several stories tall, towers gracefully above traffic on the north facing wall of The Hotel Arizona, 181 W. Broadway Blvd. With steely eyes, his imposing figure wordlessly speaks to the themes of self-determination and hardened resistance.

5. Innocently wide-eyed children are seen in a 600-foot mural across from Stone Curves cohousing community, 4133 N. Stone Ave. Amphitheater Public Schools students in 1999 transformed this long Limberlost neighborhood wall from a graffiti-scarred eyesore to a work of art. n

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plans by Repp Design + Construction

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Rooted in Community

by Jamie Manser “Sparkroot is a concept that I have been mulching in my mind for years,” says Ari Shapiro of his latest Downtown venture, set to open in early August at 245 E. Congress St., at 5th Avenue. “It’s essentially the kind of space that I crave as a customer that I don’t feel really exists. The heart and soul of it is a coffee shop, but it’s a coffee shop that brings elements of a restaurant into it.”

Shapiro, who is also the proud founder and owner of three Xoom Juice smoothie shops (one is located in the 245 E. Congress St. strip), describes Sparkroot as a trifecta. It will have three beverage groups: coffee and tea, homemade sodas and boutique/micro beer and wine, and will serve healthy vegetarian fare. “We’re not a bar or a restaurant, or a pure coffee shop. We’re an amalgamation of all three.”

Shapiro shares the details with an energy that conveys measured excitement. However, the more he elucidates on the features of his new business and everything that has gone into it, the broader his smile and the livelier his brown eyes.

As we pour over the urban aesthetics of the Repp Design + Construction plans, Shapiro points out the coffee, bar and kitchen areas, the loft, and the layout of the seating. “There will be individual counter seating; we’re going to have a seven foot community table built by my friend Raj Helweg and have lounge chairs and sofas. We’re making a lot of furniture ourselves, but we’re also buying a lot of mid-century vintage stuff.” Notching up the cool factor is a 1963 Wurlitzer jukebox, with tunes for free, and patio seating along 5th Avenue.

Shapiro makes it clear how important it is to him to utilize local talent

and is employing Tucson’s artist community to decorate and build out the space. Contributors include: Troy Neiman making a hanging bike rack and a table made of bike parts, Ezequiel Leoni building a 20 foot window bar facing Congress Street, Travis Edgar constructing a writer’s table.

“If you want a story Jamie, here’s the story - do you know how hard it is to get reclaimed wood?” Shapiro says they bought 480 board feet of Wisconsin barn wood from a man far south on Nogales Highway. “It is gorgeous, and weathered, and mostly red and there is still some hardware in planks. We are using that throughout the space.”

While the layout is certainly unique, what customers won’t get anywhere else in Tucson is the Blue Bottle Coffee Sparkroot is set to serve.

Shapiro looked at local options and loved them, but went with the San Francisco based company because it “is at the very leading edge of specialty coffee.”

The beer and wine selections will feature quality options priced for everyone. “All wine is going to be $5 a glass, all day, no specials. I don’t want to serve a $9 glass of wine; I don’t want to serve a $7 glass of wine.

And then all beer will be $4 a bottle.”

When it comes to the menu, Shapiro promises healthful options of homemade granola and whole food bars, Panini sandwiches, soups, hummus and more. “Basically, simple fare done with a lot of care and creativity.” n Keep an eye on Sparkroot.com for details on the opening.

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Chris Nast and Matt Grogan

Custom Steel Craftsmen

by Kelly Lewis In a midtown studio, Chris Nast and Matt Grogan are busy crafting a set of custom steel security doors… or lamps. Or cookware.

“The only common thread with everything we’re doing is that it’s stuff were interested in,” said Nast. “We do a little bit of everything, from cooking stuff to artistic stuff and lamps and doors. We are a custom fabricator trying to build stuff for people who want unique, custom projects.”

Firestick Creations was born after Nast and Grogan made Christmas gifts for their wives and put the photos up on Facebook. The response was great—so great, that it got them their first gig.

“In February we got an order from a friend to build some doors so we just starting putting it together and some of the designs on our website were born from that,” Nast said.

From ornate steel security doors to cardboard and glass coffee tables, there’s very little that the team can’t or won’t do—just don’t ask them for trite plasma-cut steel kokopellis, cowboy silhouettes or saguaros.

“We want to do custom work, we’re not looking to set up and turn out,” said Nast. “We want to work with people and have some design freedom.”

Among their latest projects are plow disk cookers made from recycled materials that can be cooked over a campfire or propane burner and re-

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semble a large wok.

“We want to do anything that pushes the envelope and involve technical and artistic challenges, and anything that solves a functional problem in an aesthetic way,” said Nast. “Steel is the common thread that runs through everything, but we’re not welders—we’re craftsmen who know how to weld.”

Since they began six months ago, Nast, a former computer tech who also plays bass guitar in Michael P’s Big Band, and Grogan, with a background in art and construction, have since been working steadily on commission-based projects and have no plans to slow down.

They’re also willing to be flexible with customers on price via trades, barters and collaborations, particularly if what’s being traded involve fine foods and drink … or bass guitar gear.

“It’s a bad economy, lemonade situation right now,” said Nast. “You’ve got some lemons and you do the best you can and I know there are other people in the same boat. We all have things that we need.” n Find out more about Firestick Creations at FirestickCreations.com or Facebook.com/FirestickCreations.

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Arizona Biennial ‘11

by Herb Stratford

“You will like some works. You will not like others. No matter,” says Tucson Museum of Art’s guest curator Anne Ellegood of the biennial show.

“Enjoy immersing yourself, just as I did, and be grateful for these artists’ efforts.”

Home to the state’s longest running juried biennial art exhibition, which originated in 1948, the Tucson Museum of Art chooses a guest curator for these shows to achieve a fresh, outside perspective on the work of Arizona artists. This benefits all artists who submit, as their work is seen by a high-profile, out-of-state curator, and the curator benefits by getting to see a large body of work at one time from across Arizona. Ellegood, who handled this year’s guest curatorial duties, is the Senior Curator at UCLA’s Hammer Museum and was also the guest juror for the Australian pavilion at the 2011 La Biennale di Venezia.

Ellewood’s selections are currently on display and showing through October 2. The 2011 edition features 75 pieces by 45 Arizonans working in diverse mediums; culled from 1,318 submissions from 476 artists.

While submissions generally run the gamut of nearly all artistic mediums, some old standards continue to make up the lion’s share of what Arizona artists are creating, namely painting. Tucson Museum of Art Chief Curator and Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Julie Sasse said, “I would think there would be more (new media) submissions considering how popular it has become…(but) the largest amount of submissions is still painting.

“There are some works that are poetic and minimal, some that are massive in scale and using unusual materials such as felt and found materials, and other works that are quite traditional,” said Sasse of the Arizona Biennial 2011 final cut. “I’m really excited about this year’s biennial, it is a strong and diverse exhibit.”

Artist and Tucson gallery owner Miles Conrad is exhibiting an installation piece entitled Recurrent Infraction, which was also his MFA thesis in 2009. The work is a life-size environment that depicts elements of institutional spaces such as a hospital, a jail cell and a classroom - all combined.

The elements of this environment have been cast in soap, which gives the viewer a unique, immersive multi-sensory experience. Conrad aims to

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“Surge” by Lisa Robinson exhibits in the Arizona Biennial.

“examine the accepted definition of reality” with the artwork, and the soap adds a pungent reminder of what is defined as “social normalcy.”

While Conrad is known locally for his rich and captivating encaustic paintings, this installation is not that much of a reach for the artist. Having created previous installations recently, this one is unique due to its material. Conrad is a first time biennial exhibitor, following years of submissions.

“It’s great to be included in the biennial and to have a chance to show this work to a different audience,” said Conrad.

Photographer Lisa Robinson is also a first time participant with three images from her recent Water series. Following in the footsteps of her well received Snowbound series which was published in a book last year, these images examine the various forms of water, this time not frozen. Taken in northern Maine, the images on display depict waves and cloud formations and speak about “transitional states,” according to Robinson. A recent transplant from New York, Robinson assumed she would shift gears “from snow imagery to desert imagery” but found herself still drawn to water and its multiple forms.

In hindsight, the work “reflects personal changes” that the artist has experienced, and will likely eventually lead to a series of images about the desert—her new home. This may eventually form the third chapter of a larger body of work. Ironically, Robinson submitted the same body of work to the last biennial, in 2009 and was not accepted. “I guess this just goes to show that different jurors respond to different work each time and this body of work resonated this time,” said Robinson of her entry.

In addition to the exhibit itself, the Tucson Museum of Art has a full schedule of events tied to the Biennial including what they are calling “Placitas,” essentially small “coffee talks” with some of the exhibiting artists for interested patrons to hear more about the artwork. These are open to TMA members only, but there are also several artist led tours of the exhibition scheduled over the next few weeks. n For more information on the schedule of special events related to the show call 624-2333 or visit the museum’s website at TucsonMuseumOfArt. org. The Tucson Museum of Art is located at 140 N. Main Ave.

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ARTS Vivacious Vixens

by Kelly Lewis

photo: Steve McMackin

Lola Torch performing with Black Cherry Burlesque at the Surly Wench Pub.

photo: Skwid Inc

Miss Mourge of Black Cherry Burlesque.

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Black Cherry Burlesque at the Surly Wench Pub is packed with striptease, sequins and sexual empowerment—and the girls behind the glitz wouldn’t have it any other way.

“All you see all day long in this culture are skinny bitches with big boobs, and you’re supposed to believe that’s beautiful,” said Kate Miners, co-owner of the Surly Wench Pub and co-founder of Black Cherry Burlesque. “With burlesque it’s totally different—you don’t ask people if you’re beautiful, you tell them you’re beautiful.”

Come August, the troupe will turn up the va-va-voom even more in monthly performances held every first Friday of the month beginning August 5.

“Prepare to have the time of your life,” said Miners. “I really feel like it’s a magical experience—there’s just nothing else like it in our TV, tabloidculture world.”

Black Cherry Burlesque began five years ago after Miners and partner Stephanie Johnston (aka Stephka Von Snatch) got tired of trying to book touring burlesque acts and decided it was time to form their own.

“When we first opened we were a punk bar and we had band, after band, after band and for me it just got really boring,” Miners said. “I thought (burlesque) would cater to our regulars but it brought in a totally different crowd of both young and old.”

These days, the shows have become so popular that they consistently sell out, packing the house with up to 200 people each time. The evening is split into two showcases in which the eight ladies of Black Cherry sing, dance and striptease down to their pasties and panties in self-made routines. Each woman embodies a completely different character, from vixen to sex kitten, but some things are a constant.

“We are slam-packed with striptease,” said Miners. “But it’s not done in a way to turn someone on. It’s more like, you’re watching this really exciting story and all of a sudden you realize that they are way more naked than when they first got on stage.”

Emilie Marchand, aka Lola Torch, has been performing burlesque with Black Cherry since the troupe formed back in 2006 and says the experience is both invigorating and empowering.

“The fun part for me is that you really take on the character that you are,” said Marchand. “It’s not me getting up there, it’s Lola Torch and she’s different—she’s a little dark and a little cabaret and a little moody. She’s a bit more serious with her sensuality.”

Every Black Cherry character has a signature talent, and for Torch, it’s singing. Sometimes she’ll perform a-cappella or to pre-recorded tracks, but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch her singing songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s while backed by a live band.

“It’s certainly a little bit nerve-wracking,” Marchand said of performing.

“But it’s changed me completely. I feel like I take myself a lot less seriously and my body image issues a lot less seriously. The audience loves it, and it’s such a great feeling to be up there and to know that all the ways you’re feeling negative are just silly.” n Black Cherry Burlesque costs $10, with seating at a table for $20. Dance classes are also available, taught by performer Fanny Galore. For more information on the troupe, visit BlackCherryBurlesque.com or Facebook. com/kaboompresents.

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by Herb Stratford

Small Works Review & Summer Gallery Mix From July 7 through August 20 Davis Dominguez Gallery will host both a selection of work from the recent 19th annual Small Things Considered exhibition along with a rotating selection of current works by gallery-represented artists. If you missed this year’s edition of the larger Small Works Invitational, don’t forego the chance to see some of the highlights here with additional work.

Get out of the heat to enjoy one of Tucson’s most spectacular gallery spaces. Davis Dominguez gallery is located at 154 E. Sixth St. DavisDominguez.com

Indie films at The Loft Cinema.

Sizzling Summer Sounds Tucson’s Invisible Theatre is presenting a series of cabaret music concerts this summer at the Arizona Inn. On July 12 and 13 the show is entitled Let’s All Go To The Movies, and features Lisa Otey, Betsy Kruse King, Jack Neubeck and Stuart Moulton. Highlighting great music from the classic age of cinema, this concert will take place at 8pm both evenings at the Arizona Inn, located at 2200 E. Elm St. The final concerts in the series will take place on July 14 and 15 and will feature Amanda McBroom, George Ball and Michelle Brourman performing classic Broadway tunes. InvisibleTheatre.com

Sizzling Summer Sounds at Invisible Theatre.

Indie Films Burned out on the summer blockbusters? Tucson’s home for independent film, The Loft Cinema has some great films lined up for July and August. Forks Over Knives, a documentary about American dietary habits contributing to disease opens July 15. Award-winning flick, The People Versus George Lucas, opens July 29.

It explores Lucas’ legacy and the dissatisfaction of fanboys to the most recent Star Wars films. Project Nim opens August 5 and tells the story of a chimpanzee raised by humans in New York City in the 1970s. The film won rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is an interesting counter-programming to the big budget Rise of the Planet of the Apes that will be screening in mid-August at the mainstream theatres. The Loft is located at 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

LoftCinema.com

Small Works Review, Davis Dominguez Gallery.

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ARTS Eat Up Sweeney Todd

by Chelsey Barthel

photo: Dan Williams

A show to sink your teeth into hits Tucson for only five performances this August on the main stage of the historic Temple of Music and Art, Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

This musical thriller follows Todd, who returns to London after a judge frames him in order to be with Todd’s wife. The barber meets a pie maker, Mrs. Lovett, who recommends a scheme that provides his plan of revenge - with an entirely new dimension. The live orchestra enhances every emotion as the story takes numerous twists and turns, leaving one speechless until the final scene. The story shares the grim idea that everyone is capable of revenge.

Sweeney Todd, the musical, is based on Christopher Bond’s 1973 play, Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; however the musical was written in 1979 by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, with original music, lyrics and libretto.

The musical opened on Broadway in 1979 and ran for 557 performances at the Uris Theatre. Harold Prince directed and Larry Fuller conducted the musical staging.

The New York Times raved that it is “one of the most brilliant musicals ever written” and the Wall Street Journal called it “a musical masterpiece.”

In 2007 the musical was made into a hit film, starring Johnny Depp and Helen BonhamCarter; however, many people argue that the stage version provides a much more musical and humorous tale. Its rating is family friendly at PG-13 and ticket prices range from $25 to $37.50. n To purchase tickets, visit ArizonaOnstage.org.

Performance ARIZONA ONSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

Part of Tucson’s Birthday celebrations. Aug 13, 7pm.

TucsonsBirthday.org. 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street opens Saturday, Aug 6 at 7:30pm; Aug 7 and 14 at 3pm and Aug 12 and 13 at 7:30pm. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 270-3332, ArizonaOnStage.org

THE GASLIGHT THEATRE The Wizard of the Rings opens Aug 25 as “One Spoof To Rule Them All.” 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-9428, TheGaslightTheatre.com

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY The Summer on Stage program for high school students presents Chicago and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. July 27-30 at 7pm. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 884-8210, ArizonaTheatre.org

INVISIBLE THEATRE Celebrate Nat King Cole in Unforgettable on July1-2, 8pm. Salute Bobby Darin in Dream Lover July 6-7, 8pm. Nancy Davis Booth performs in Together Again on July 9 at 8pm. Cinema’s greatest music in Let’s All Go To The Movies July 1213, 8pm. Amanda McBroom and George Ball in concert on July 14-16, 8pm. 1400 N. 1st Ave. 882-9721, InvisibleTheatre.com

BEOWULF ALLEY THEATRE On Tuesday, July 5 at 7pm, Old Time Radio Theatre presents The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour: If Women Take the Place of Men and Quiet Please: The Pathetic Fallacy; July 19 at 7pm is Life With Luigi: Luigi Has a Toothache and Superman: The Silver Clipper. Late Night Theatre presents Hamlet at 7:30pm on July 28, 30, Aug 5, 6, 12 and 13. The Algorithm of Desire shows at 10:30pm on Aug 5, 6, 12 and 13. 11 S. 6th Ave. 882-0555, BeowulfAlley.org BLACK CHERRY BURLESQUE Celebrating femininity and creativity with sensuality and humor.

Monthly shows begin Friday, Aug 5, 8pm & 10pm.

Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave. 882-0009, BlackCherryBurlesque.com

FOX TUCSON THEATRE

Celebrate Tucson Concert: Reveille Gay Men’s Chorus, Gabriel Ayala jazz and flamenco trio, singer-songwriter Rahe and her six-piece band, and Tucson Tejano big band, Suerte.

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LIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP How I Learned to Drive continues through July 17, Fri-Sat at 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. The Three Bad Wolves continues through July 31 on Sundays, 1pm. Half and Half by James Sherman runs July 23-Aug 21. The Three Musketeers runs from Aug 21-Oct 23. 5317 E. Speedway Blvd.

327-4242 ‎ LiveTheatreWorkshop.org

NOT BURNT OUT JUST UNSCREWED The improv comedy troupe performs on the first Friday of each month at 7:30pm at Revolutionary Grounds, 606 N. 4th Ave. & the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of the month at Executive Inn and Suites, 333 W. Drachman St. 861-2986, UnscrewedComedy.com

ODYSSEY STORYTELLING SERIES Guess What? Stories of the Unexpected on Aug 4, 7pm. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 730-4112. OdysseyStorytelling.com SOUTHERN ARIZONA WOMENS CHORUS Summer Chorus Benefit Concert: accepting donations of canned/packaged food or a cash to benefit the Interfaith Community Services. July 29, 7pm. Ascension Lutheran Church. 1220 W. Magee Rd. 404-3158, SouthernArizonaWomensChorus.org

THE SCREENING ROOM The Adventures of Thread Bear and Dust Bunny: Travel along with two ragamuffin friends on their surprising puppet adventure geared toward children of all ages. Sat, Aug 13, 5pm, 6:30pm & 8pm; Sun, Aug 14 at 3pm. The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. PuppetsAmongUs.com

TUCSON JAZZ SOCIETY Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner perform keyboard and saxophone on Sat, July 2, 7:30pm. Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Rd. 903-1265, TucsonJazz.org

UA PRESENTS Let Freedom Sing: a patriotic spectacle performed by the Arts Express Choir and Orchestra with over two hundred singers, instrumentalists and other cast members celebrating America’s independence. July 4, 3pm. Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour starring Stephanie Miller, Hal Spards and John Fugelsang on July 9, 8pm. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. 621-3341, UAPresents.org

photo courtesy DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

photo courtesy DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

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Ted DeGrazia

The DeGrazia Experience

by Chelsey Barthel Walking up the dirt pathway to Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia’s Gallery in the Sun, one can feel decades of history emanating from the grounds. Wooden planks, covered in flowers cut from soda cans, border the entrance and iron gates and metal doors lead inside.

Six permanent collections are on display, each depicting DeGrazia’s visions and inspiration, along with several exhibitions that rotate each year.

Together the collections include more than 15,000 original DeGrazia oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures.

Face to face with each painting, it’s easy to see the artist’s breathtaking talent. His brush strokes mimic the wind as it softly wisps across the piece creating beautiful and distinct works of art. Light yellows, blues, greens and reds are the most common colors filling his art, complimenting one another to balanced perfection.

Every image tells a story - whether it is the struggle of migration or the beautiful bond between a mother and her child. At times it even feels as if DeGrazia himself is standing beside you. The man was full of passion and sentiment, compelled to share the stories of the Sonoran Desert’s native cultures with the world around him.

Stepping back out of the gallery, the experience of DeGrazia’s work is only half way over. On his 10-acre land, he also built Mission in the Sun. Dirt paths lead to the property’s first adobe house, which is dedicated to and in honor of Father Kino and Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico. The artist painted giant murals on the walls and has made it a sanctuary for visitors year round. Wooden benches line the left side of the old adobe and candles crowd the back wall, adding to the sacred and historic atmosphere.

Next door is DeGrazia’s original home which he built in the mid 1900s, accompanied by his gravesite and the “Little Gallery” where visiting artists can stay during the winter months.

“As I paint I feel a magic goes into some paintings,” DeGrazia is quoted as saying. “I don’t talk about it, because people may not understand. But I really feel the magic.”

DeGrazia began feeling this magic in his early years, creating one of his first sculptures in his mother’s oven, calling it Head of Christ. Growing up

in the eastern Arizona mining camp of Morenci, he would wander through the rocky land collecting different minerals and copper ore to add to his numerous works of art.

Later, the young artist moved to Tucson to become a student at the University of Arizona. He studied the relationship between art and music for his Masters of Arts degree while supporting himself by planting trees and playing the trumpet in a popular big band at night.

After vacationing in Mexico City, the artist landed an internship with muralist Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco in 1942, which led to an exhibition of his artwork at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Having gained more experience in the world of professional artistry, DeGrazia moved back to Tucson only to find that the local galleries had no interest in showing his art.

Despite the lack of popularity, DeGrazia built and opened his first studio in 1944 on Prince Road and Campbell. In the early 1950s, he and then-wife Marion Sheret bought the 10-acre parcel that houses Gallery in the Sun. DeGrazia finally received his deserving credit and fame as an artist when his painting, Los Ninos, was chosen as a UNICEF’s 1960 holiday card. Millions were sold and he received international attention. It was the beginning of DeGrazia’s fame and fortune. He is also internationally known for burning about 100 of his paintings in the Superstition Mountains in 1976 to protest inheritance taxes on works of art DeGrazia passed away in 1982 leaving the DeGrazia Foundation to ensure preservation of his dearly loved gallery. In 2006, the gallery became apart of the National Register of Historic Places and in 2007 was put on the National Geographic Geotourism MapGuide of the Sonoran Desert.

DeGrazia’s gallery is open to the public seven days a week, free of charge, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on August 26, it celebrates Tucson’s birthday with cake, ice cream and refreshments for those who want to share in the DeGrazia experience.

For more information, visit DeGrazia.org.

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ARTS

Bohemia’s window gallery features found object lamps and sculptures by Lane Patterson.

Galleries/exhibit ART GALLERY Summer Vacation, runs through July 31. Open by appointment only, 405-5800. 1122 N. Stone Ave.

ARTSEYE GALLERY

Curious Camera Pinhole & Plastic Exhibition runs through July 31. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm. 3550 E. Grant Rd., 327-7291.

ArtsEye.com

BLUE RAVEN GALLERY Artists’ Potpourri continues through July 16. Thu, noon-4pm; Fri, noon-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm. 3042 N. 1st Ave. 623-1003, BlueRavenGalleryandGifts.com BOHEMIA A regular showcase of local artists of mixed media; window gallery features found object lamps and sculptures by Lane Patterson. Sun-Mon, 11am to 4pm; Tue-Sat, 10am to 6pm. 2920 E. Broadway Blvd. 882-0800, BohemiaTucson.com BOREALIS ARTS William Dubin’s California: an exhibit of watercolor paintings of the California coast. Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm & by appointment. 150 S. Camino Seco # 108. 885-2157, BorealisArts.com

CONTRERAS GALLERY Juego de Colores by Nina Duckett will be showing through July. Milagros: Traditional Ex-Voto Paintings runs August 3-23; more than 20 ex-vetos and retablos are coming together in this guest artist show as part of Tucson’s birthday events. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. 110 E. 6th. St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com.

CONRAD WILDE GALLERY Barbara Rogers: In Bloom, exhibit continues through July 30. Fri-Sat, 11am-5pm. 439 N. 6th Ave. #143. 622-8997, ConradWildeGallery.com DECO Dog Days of Summer: Animal art show July 1-Sept 30. 10% of artwork sales donated to Humane Society of So. AZ. Pet adoption days on July 9, Aug 20.

Tue-Wed, Sat, 11am-4pm; Thu-Fri, 11am-5pm. 2612 E. Broadway Blvd. 319-0888, DecoArtTucson.com DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN

Celebrate Tucson’s birthday with ice cream, cake, and DeGrazia artwork on Aug 26. Free. 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org

DAVIS DOMINGUEZ GALLERY Small Works Review and Summer Gallery Mix: Selections from the 19th Small Works Invitational and a changing group show of current works by gallery artists shows July 7-Aug 20. Thu-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 154 E. 6th St. 629-9759, DavisDominguez.com

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THE DRAWING STUDIO

Insight: Drawing, Color and Design continues through July 16, featuring work in various media from students and teachers at The Drawing Studio. Art of Summer 2011 from July 30-Aug 20; a celebration of artwork created by youth and teens participating in the Art of Summer immersion program.

The Figure Show: Studies of the Human Figure debuts on Aug 27 and runs through Sept 24 with an opening reception on Aug 27, 6-9pm. Tue-Sat, noon-4pm. 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org.

ETHERTON GALLERY Masters of American Photography, selections of the gallery’s extensive inventory of American photography continues through Aug 27.

Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY Yana Payusova and Joseph Farbrook, through Aug 31. Reception August 25, 4pm-5pm. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm.

1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA.Arizona.edu/galleries LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY The Annual Student Juried Exhibition continues through Sept 2. Mon, Wed 10:30am-5pm; Tue, Thu 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-3pm. 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Opening July 9: Gerben Mulder: The Tucson Work and DUST presents La Playa. 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 MONTEREY COURT STUDIO GALLERIES Celebrating Tucson’s birthday on Aug 20 with ice cream and snow cones in the courtyard at 7pm. $1 suggested donation. 505 W. Miracle Mile. 248-9576, MontereyCourtAz.com

PHILABAUM GLASS STUDIO & GALLERY The annual summer exhibit features Tom Philabaum’s sculpture along with that of some of his long time colleagues, including the cast work of Susan Gott. Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm. 711 S. 6th Ave. 884-7404, PhilabaumGlass.com

RAICES TALLER 222 ART GALLERY ¡Chubasco! - A Monsoon Exhibition: artwork with water themes in honor of Tucson’s summer monsoons includes painting, sculpture, photography & mixed media work continues through July 16.

Viviendo Verde (Living Green) runs July 23-Aug 27; work with recycled materials or environmental themes. Fri-Sat, 1pm-5pm & by appointment. 218 E. 6th St. 8815335, RaicesTaller222.webs.com

SACRED MACHINE Beyond the Sacred: an exhibit of world-renowned artists coming together to celebrate all things sacred, through July 31. Wed-Fri, 1pm-4pm; Sat, 4pm-9pm; Sun, 3pm-6pm. 245 E. Congress St. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com STONE DRAGON STUDIO Summer Vacation, runs through July 31. 1122 N. Stone Ave. Open by appointment only. 405-5800

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART Tom Philabaum: Precarious Rocks continues through July 10; Philabaum’s colorful rocks sculptures defy gravity using experimental techniques. Bill Schneck: The Serigraphs continues through July 17; Schneck’s oil paintings demonstrate the American West. Faces of Transformation: Mexican Masks from the Lazar Collection continues through Sept 18; Explore the Mexican mask making tradition with unique heritage masks. The Legacy of Surrealism: Collection from the Permanent Collection continues through Sept 18, avant-garde surrealism paintings throughout history. Tue-Sat, 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 UA ART MUSEUM Arthur Diehl: Friends, I Greet You continues through Aug 7. Andreas Nottebohm’s aluminum exhibit continues through Sept 11 in the main gallery. Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, noon-4pm. $5 adults; children/students/faculty, free. 1031 N. Olive Rd. ArtMuseum.arizona.edu July/August 2011 | THEZMAG.com 23

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reading

THE POWER OF MUSIC

Pioneering Discoveries in the New Science of Song

By Elena Mannes Walker Publishing Company (2011)

Science will not embrace visceral knowledge without evidence to back it. What humans, and our species’ ancestors, have innately known about the importance of music for hundreds of thousands of years is now being proven through modern science. Namely, that music and/or sound are fundamental aspects of individuals, societies, creatures on this planet, Earth, other planets and the universe as a whole.

In Elena Mannes’ new book, which grew out of her 2009 PBS documentary The Music Instinct: Science & Song, she covers biochemistry, neuroscience, physics, anthropology, ancient history, the cosmos and countless experiments that point to the fact that music, basically, rocks hard core.

Heady at times, as music theory and science are, the book is still accessible to the layman, but having a science and music background certainly helps. The coolest elements in this read are the numerous factoids that should convince anyone of music’s potency. Only four percent of the human population won’t get it, those individuals who are amusic and lack normal pitch perception. Speaking of pitch, it turns out that the auditory cortex is laid out in pitch order!

With the technological advances in medical science, researchers have conducted experiments that map brain activity when subjects are listening to and playing music. “There are so many different brain areas involved,” Mannes writes, “that one can say we have a veritable ‘brain orchestra’ going on inside our heads when we are involved with music.”

Beyond just hearing music, there is also the physicality of sound vibrations. The process of hearing involves the energy of sound waves moving through the air, into our ears, through our eardrums with cellular activity

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telling the brain what frequencies are coming through. Because sound is vibration, this doesn’t limit it to the hearing. Deaf people can also experience music, albeit differently, but all of us consume it bodily.

Our relationship with sound starts in utero. Studies have found that fetuses begin their auditory education in the third trimester. Because of this, newborns have experienced the cadence of their parents’ language pre-birth. In turn, it affects the way they cry. The wails of a baby have musical intervals, which are different depending on their parents’ language: “French infants have more rising melody contours than English and Japanese infants.”

The process of learning to play music and sing builds more brain matter and neural pathways, making the brain of a musician physically different from that of a non-musician – and markedly so in people who learned at a young age. However, the beauty of the brain’s plasticity means that adults still have the ability to “develop new neural networks to process music.”

Listening to music also targets the brain’s pleasure zone. I call it the musicgasm, science links it to the neurochemicals released during those Oh My God parts of a song. Hence the saying – sex, drugs and rock & roll.

The beauty of music is that it doesn’t have the same consequences of sex and drugs; it is good medicine, if you will. It helps with depression, eases physical pain, creates joy and brings people together. We all know this. It’s nice that science is finally catching up to prove it. n —Jamie Manser

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photo: Kelly Lewis

food&drink

Mixology

Little Bar, Big Family

by Kelly Lewis Che’s Lounge, 350 N. 4th Ave., isn’t just the kind of bar where everyone knows your name—it’s the kind of bar where everyone knows your name, your favorite drink, who your friends are and where you like to sit.

“For our regulars, this is their clubhouse,” said bartender Erin O’Flaherty, a Tucson native whose been a part of the Che’s Lounge family for the past 7 years. “We’re a unit here and people that have never been here feel that same energy.”

Maybe it’s the laid-back feel of the place, or the fact that the bar is decked out in awesome, locally-made artwork, or the rockin’ drink specials on offer —whatever it is, Che’s Lounge has a knack for drawing in like-minded locals who drop by for a quick drink during the day or stay to watch live music on the weekends.

For O’Flaherty, who had worked for years in the local bar scene and was ready to get out, it was Che’s Lounge, or nowhere at all.

“I had quit working in bars and swore I wouldn’t come back unless Che’s was hiring, but no one had quit and it was this freak-show bar where no one ever retired and everyone was here for life so I really didn’t think that would happen,” he said.

That was seven years ago.

These days, O’Flaherty is part of the small, tight-knit crew of door staff, bar-backs and bartenders that keep Che’s Lounge running smoothly even on the busiest of nights.

“Our weekend nights are crowded, you get what you ask for, but you come here in the day and there’s air-conditioning and a place to sit and people to talk to,” said O’Flaherty, who is now a full-time bartender after working the door for four years. “You’ve got to find the shift that suits you.”

As a dad to two little kids ages 6 and 3, working until the early hours of the morning isn’t always easy for O’Flaherty, though you’ll hardly hear him complain.

“We’re here to have a good time and give people great deals, so we appreciate the people that realize that we’re here away from our families every night to do that,” said O’Flaherty. “I’m definitely one of those people who are grateful for what they’re doing. This is one of my favorite jobs of all time—I’m giving hugs and handshakes my whole shift.”

On Trends in Mixology: There is such a fusion of food and drinks these days that they’re almost thought of as one and the same. I’ve been noticing a lot of mixing with fruits and getting essential tastes from fruits and mints.

There also seems to be a lot of “back-to-basics” bartending with coolers and aperitifs that I think is really cool—although my favorite drink is still Papst (Blue Ribbon) and Jameson.

Favorite Ingredients: My favorite ingredients lately have been fruits and different kinds of food elements. I like to play with people’s palates—some like sweet, some don’t and some people just like to taste the alcohol, which makes Che’s a great place for them.

Signature Drink: Blueberry Crush Large handful of blueberries Half of a cutie mandarin orange 1 oz. blueberry vodka 1 oz. peach vodka ½ oz. Triple Sec Splash orange juice Splash pineapple juice Mixed together, shaken with vengeance, strained delicately and topped with Sprite. Garnished with a cutie orange wedge and whole blueberries.

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Food&Drink photo: Kelly Lewis

Saturnalia Stirs Up Downtown

Left to right: Carl Hanni and Kenny Stewart

by Kelly Lewis A monthly wine tasting known as Saturnalia is rotating through downtown, pairing groove-tastic tunes with global vino from Argentina, Spain, Germany, and beyond.

“It’s not your momma’s wine tasting,” said Kenny Stewart, sommelier and working magician who hosts Saturnalia along side of KXCI DJ Carl Hanni. “No one is uptight or pretentious. You can come to learn, but if you just want to come and get a good buzz, that’s fine too.”

With 18 years of experience in the wine industry, Stewart teamed up with Hanni on Saturnalia to cater to a slightly younger demographic.

“A lot of the wine tastings that I was doing were for an older crowd, but there are a lot of people in their 20s or 30s who want to learn about wine but don’t go out until 10 (p.m.),” says Stewart. “Saturnalia is an educational, intoxicational wine party.”

So far, the event has been held at Club Congress, La Cocina Restaurant at Old Town Artisans and The Onyx Room, drawing steady crowds of 75 to 100 people each time. The next Saturnalia will take place July 15 at Café Passe, 415 N. 4th Ave., from 8 p.m. to midnight featuring the “Wines of Café Passe” in celebration of their newly acquired liquor license.

“I’m super excited,” said Café Passe’s owner Sabine Blaese. “We just

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got our liquor license and we went with Kenny for all of our wines. I feel like he went out of his way to present us with some really great wines and I’m really happy with our selection.”

If past Saturnalias are any indication, Blaese can expect a large group of fun-loving wine tasters to mingle about her venue, socializing and dancing to groove-based music spun by Hanni.

At least, that’s how it went for Johnnie Bryant, owner of The Onyx Room on 106 W. Drachman St., when he hosted Saturnalia in May. “Saturnalia went great here,” said Bryant. “We had a lot of people here, they drank up a lot of wine and ate up a lot of food. We’re definitely going to do it again.”

The event has built up a steady following and it’s easy to see why ­- it only costs $5 for a sampling of five wines and Stewart is known for his generous pours.

“The wines featured are boutique, artisan wines that you can’t find in a single grocery story,” said Stewart. “People come because it’s fun. You can pretty much go out and have a great night on $5.”

For more information on Saturnalia, visit Facebook.com/SaturnaliaTucson.

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Food&Drink

photo: Vikki Dempsey

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happy hour

Downtown Happy Hour Hop

by V.K. Embee La Cocina’s cocktails.

Relax and recharge after work, shopping or gallery-hopping. Grab a bite or a beverage before and after the show. Greet the heat with these sizzling summer specials!

NEAR RIALTO THEATER & CLUB CONGRESS Lounge car elegance and the spirit of the Sunset Limited in its glamour days await you at Maynards Market & Kitchen. With the rhythm and resonance of trains rolling, hop aboard for Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm. Drafts and liquors are $2 off and wines by the glass are $1 off (also Friday-Saturday 9pm-close). Gourmet appetizers, salads and pizzas are $2 off. Enjoy the Raclette ($12), a stunning palette of broiled cheese, Yukon potatoes, fruit and charcuterie meats. Starting August 5, a great late night food and drink menu will be available Friday-Saturday from 10pm to bar close. All bottles and glasses of wine are ½ off Thursdays 11am-9pm, all summer. Check out the wine tastings ($7) on Fridays from 5:30pm7:30pm. 400 E. Toole Ave. 545-0577, MaynardsMarketTucson.com Enter the cool contemporary décor of Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails for killer apps and delectable drinks. House wine is $5, drafts are $2.50 and selected specialty cocktails are ½ off during happy hour, Monday-Sunday 4pm-6pm. Try Nana’s Punch ($4) made with tequila, blood orange and coriander syrup. Exciting bar menu items are ½ off, including the iconic J Dawg with fries ($2.88). Desserts and bar appetizers are ½ off, and there’s live music on Thursdays 9pm-close and Friday-Saturday 10pm-close.

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

Other specials nearby: Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery $3 most drafts, $5 draft wines. Daily, 11am-6pm. 266 E. Congress St. 207-8201, HubDowntown.com Cup Café $3 wells, $5 margaritas, $5 martinis, $2 off selected appetizers. Mon-Fri, 4:30pm-6:30pm. 311 E. Congress St. 798-1618, HotelCongress.com/cup Barrio Brewery Co. $3 drafts, $3.50 wells. ½ off selected appetizers.

Mon-Fri, 4pm-7pm. $3 “rail pints” when rail guards are down. 800 E. 16th St. 791-2739, BarrioBrewing.com

NEAR FOX THEATER Belly up to the bar at Empire Pizza and Pub for happy hour MondaySaturday 4pm-7pm and Sunday 11am-11pm. Import drafts and premium/ super premium liquors are $1 off. Savor a slice of New York-style pizza along with a draft of the day ($5). Slices are HUGE (1/8 of a 20-inch pie), and so is the flavor. 137 E. Congress St. 882-7499, EmpirePizzaPub.com

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Other specials nearby: On A Roll $6 sake bombs, $5 carafes, $1 off drafts, $1 off 12-oz. bottles. ½ off selected food items. Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm; Thu-Sat, 10pm-1am.

Extra specials Thu-Sat, 10pm-1am. 63 E. Congress St. 622-7655, OnARollSushi.com 47 Scott $2.50 drafts, $4 wines, $4 margaritas. Appetizer specials.

Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm; Sat, 5pm-6pm. $5 specialty and classic cocktails next door at Scott & Co. Wed-Sat, 6pm-8pm. 47 N. Scott Ave. 624-4747, 47Scott.com A Steak in Neighborhood $4 wines, $4 wells, $6 mojitos. Thu-Fri, 5pm8pm. Call for August hours and specials. 135 E. Congress St. 624-9800, ASteakInTheNeighborhood.com V Fine Thai Dining $5 food menu, nightly drink specials. Tue-Sun. Call for hours. 9 N. Congress St. 882-8143, VilaThai.com

EL PRESIDIO AND BARRIOS Value and variety rule at El Charro Café. A $5 summer food and drink menu is available daily, open to close. Beat the heat with a frozen Encantada ($5) made with Patron XO. Get a burger, quesadilla, ice cream sundae and more for $5 each. Bottles of wine are ½ off on Wednesday, 10am-9pm. Year-round “Fiesta Hours” are Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 9pm-close, when selected appetizers, house wines, margaritas and drafts are ½ off. House margaritas and house wines are also ½ off Saturday-Sunday 3pm-6pm. 311 S. Court Ave. 622-1922, ElCharroCafe.com After jury duty, escape to La Cocina’s enchanting courtyard at Old Town Artisans. Happy hour is Tuesday-Friday 4pm-7pm and Thursday-Saturday 10pm-2am, featuring $3.50 drafts, $2.50 wells, $5 margaritas, and $1 off signature cocktails. Stay cool and prevent sunstroke with a Hemingway ($7), made with Hendrick’s gin, muddled cucumber and mint. Cut yourself off if you start seeing 6-toed cats. Visit the website for summer events. 201 N. Court Ave. 622-0351, LaCocinaTucson.com

Other specials nearby: Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant $2 domestic beer, $3 import beer, $3 wells, $4 house wines, $4 margaritas, $4 lemon drops, $5 mojitos. $2-$3 appetizers. Thu-Sat, 5pm-7pm. 198 W. Cushing St. 622-7984, CushingStreet.com

Out To Lunch

food&drink

by Jamie Manser

photo: Jamie Manser

There’s something about seafood that makes my synapses snappy and leaves my brain buzzing, especially when it’s sushi or pan-seared tuna. I generally turn to these food items for support in the summertime when the temps leave my mind numb.

Last month, I was delighted to hear underwriting on KXCI that mentioned 47 Scott’s ahi tuna salad on their lunch menu, and my mid-day meal plans were made. My buddy Huna and I popped over to feed our bodies and minds. The scene was bustling at noon, but we still enjoyed great service and scrumptious eats. I eagerly ordered the salad ($13) and

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Huna went with the caprese sandwich ($7.50).

The tuna was perfectly prepared with an outer searing that left the mid section a glorious pink. It was delicate and delicious, melting in my mouth, thrilling my taste buds and inspiring my happy food dance. The tuna rested on a bed of mixed greens, accompanied by mango, strawberries and drizzled with cilantro lime vinaigrette. The flavors blended together well, creating a lovely balance between the tartness of the dressing, the sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the greens.

The sandwich featured house-made mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil and spinach in grilled crusty bread and Huna chose the spinach asparagus soup as his side. We also ordered French fries, er, pommes frites, to share. They are some of the best fries I’ve ever had with a wonderful sprinkling of sea salt and rosemary. ($4) Co-owner Travis Reese told us the restaurant will be closed July 2-5 and re-opening on July 6 with a rotating lunch menu. “The menus will run from Tuesday to Monday,” Reese said, “and each Monday we’ll be posting the upcoming lunch menu on 47Scott.com.” He assured us that the tuna salad and caprese sandwich would be in the rotation. n 47 Scott, at 47 N. Scott Ave., opens at 11am Monday-Friday, with dinner starting at 5pm Monday-Saturday. Call 624-4747 or see the website for more details.

at home by Naomi Reed

Naomi’s Ah-mazing Energy Bars Ingredients 1 cup roasted almonds ½ cup walnuts ¼ cup pecans ¼ cup sesame seeds 1 cup dates ½ cup raisins ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup dried mango 1 cup oat bran flour 1 ½ cup oats 1 cup coconut ½ cup cooked quinoa ½ cup pure maple syrup, plus 2 TBSP ¼ cup tahini (can sub any other nut butter) ¼ cup coconut oil warmed (can sub canola oil) 1 TBSP pure vanilla extract 1 tsp sea salt 1 egg

Directions Preheat oven to 275°. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil. Cook ½ cup of quinoa on stovetop. Place all nuts in food processor and chop briefly until size of peas (some will grind up to a finer consistency, which is fine as they’ll act like a flour with the binding agents). Add all the dried fruit to food processor and pulse grinder until pieces are the size of peas.

While machine is running, drizzle in 2 TBSP of maple syrup until mixture binds. Place mixture into a large bowl, then add oat bran flour, oats, and coconut and stir together while adding maple syrup, tahini, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, and egg. Lastly, stir in cooked quinoa. You may have to use your hands to get all pieces evenly coated with binding agents, so the consistency is like sticky, lumpy dough. If consistency is too dry and crumbly, add a tad more tahini and/or maple syrup to reach desired texture. If mixture is too wet and crumbly, add a bit more oat bran flour.

Once combined, place mixture onto baking sheet and spread until evenly distributed. Place in middle of oven and bake at 275° for approx 35 or until edges brown slightly. Once baked, allow to cool for at least one hour and then cut into bars. Place bars immediately into refrigerator so they harden and combine further to create less crumbles. Enjoy!

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photo: Jamie Manser

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Food&Drink

Corey Dane yelpin’ his way through lunch at Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails.

Yelpin’ With My Mouth Full by Corey Dane I’ve been at it for a year, but my family and friends are still bewildered by my job. It’s understandable to a certain degree – I liken explaining my role as Yelp’s Tucson Community Manager to photographing Bigfoot. Though people refer to me as Mr. Yelp, I’m just an ordinary guy with a healthy addiction to film, malbec and those yelpgasmic chocolate-chip cookies at Rocco’s. Oh, and I happen to be at the helm of a vibrant, buzzing community of locals who drink, shop and eat their way through Tucson! More than anything, though, I’m the man about town, working to find new and outlandish ways to connect the Yelp community to great local businesses in Tucson.

Our website, Yelp.com, harnesses the power of 19 million reviews to help 50 million consumers per month – nationwide – decide where to spend their hard earned dough. But Yelp ain’t yo’ momma’s ratings site.

In addition to useful, cool and pee-your-pants funny reviews on everything from bars to boutiques, we offer an awesome events calendar and friendly interaction with a like-minded group of locals, both on and offline. That’s where I come in.

As a Community Manager, my days are anything but typical. I pen the Weekly Yelp newsletter, coordinate all kinds of community happenings including parties for the site’s most active and influential users (known as Elites), and larger scale promotions like Yelp’s Sugar High, which took place in May and featured discounts on sweet treats all over the city. As the sun sets in the southwest, I drive to art exhibitions, movie screenings, restaurant openings, bar crawls and Jell-O wrestling matches (true story).

Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and do it all over again.

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I’ll be passing on my yelpy wisdom and the wise words from other yelptastic reviewers in each edition of Zócalo. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like covered, email tucson@yelp.com. Until then, read my picks for places where I crave caffeine, savor supper and wine down the night. n (Ratings based on 5 stars: 1= Eek! Methinks not. 2= Meh. I’ve experienced better. 3= A-OK. 4= Yay! I’m a fan. 5=Woohoo! As good as it gets!)

SAVAYA MARKET (hhhh) “Twice in one week? Yeah, I’m a fan! No rushing in and rushing out here, no drive through, there aren’t a bazillion syrups to pack your bevie with.

Instead there are great beans and great teas.” 5350 E. Broadway Blvd.

Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm. 747-3200, SavayaCoffee.com

THE ABBEY (hhhhh) “Starter salads are delicious, the hush puppies are the devil, and there hasn’t been an entrée I haven’t enjoyed. Favorite to date? The scallops.”

6960 E. Sunrise Dr. Tue-Thu 3pm-10pm; Fri-Sat, 3pm-12am; Sun, 3pm10pm. 299-3132, TheAbbeyTucson.com

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN + COCKTAILS (hhhhh) “Food at the bar is half off during happy hour. There is a house red and white wine special in addition to incredible live music from some of the best artists I’ve ever heard perform.” 135 S. 6th Ave. Mon-Wed, 11am-9:30pm; Thu-Sat, 11am-2am; Sun, 4pm-9pm. 623-7700, DowntownKitchen.com

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events

July/August EVENTS Sat July 2 JOHN WAYNE FESTIVAL Vintage John Wayne movies. 7pm. Free. Cat Mountain Station, 2740 S. Kinney Rd. 838-3775, CatMountainStation.com

Sun July 3 RED WHITE & BOOM Music by Calexico, Starship and Savor; food & fireworks. See website for free ticket outlets. Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Rd. KLPX.com

Tue July 12 TUESDAY ART TALKS Carolyn Rivers presents Late 20th Century Contemporary Art, an illustrated discussion on what happened after the Abstract Expressionists. Free. 2pm. Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Rd. 791-4010, Library.Pima.Gov/locations/river

Thu July 21

Mon July 4 TUCSON PADRES 4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR Tucson Padres vs Reno Aces, holiday baseball game includes a star-spangled fireworks show at Kino Stadium. Kino Veteran’s Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, TucsonPadres.com

“A” MOUNTAIN FIREWORKS Food vendors, beer garden, and entertainment, 7-9pm. Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Cost for parking. 260 S. Church Ave. 791-4101, TucsonConventionCenter.org

Sat July 9 2nd SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN The monthly street festival features The Modeens, The Imperial Blue Blood, 4th Street Sting Band on Scott Ave stage; Atom Heart Mother (Pink Floyd tribute) at Rialto. Street performers, arts and food vendors, Singing In The Rain movie screening, kid’s area and more!

Free. 5:30pm-10:30pm. Downtown, 2ndSaturdays.com SUMMER IN THE CITY Fundraiser for Industria Studios with: A Son Y Sol, Fafi aka 3Percent, Key Ingredients of African Soul, Anarchestra, MamAx*e* Pan African Dancers, Collective Alchemy Circus Performers; bronze-pouring, blacksmithing, art demonstrations. Art show/sale and silent auction/raffle. $8/ advance, $10/door. 6pm. Industria Studios, 1441 E. 17th St. 235-0797, IndustriaStudios.org.

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Sat Aug 20 CELEBRATE 1971 Fundraiser concert for KXCI 91.3FM. Ten local bands and musicians perform their take on the best albums of 1971. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. KXCI.org

David Tomb’s Borderland Birds exhibit with music by Domingo DeGrazia and Beth Daunis. 5pm-8pm. $8. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

HUNTERS AND HUNTED Meet the Sonoran Desert’s carnivores and their prey. Presented by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. 1pm. Free. Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. 594-5305, Library.

Pima.Gov

Sat Aug 6

ONGOING

TWILIGHT THIRD THURSDAYS

ROCK THE FOX

Fundraiser with bands Keeping the Peace, Steel Ribbon; comedians Tom Martin, Phil Gordon; hypnotists/magicians Michael Deshalit, Gary Husson. 7pm. $10/advance, $12/door. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 547-3040, FoxTucsonTheatre.org

$8. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

GARDEN FOR BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BEES Entomologist Christina O’Connell shares how to garden for birds, butterflies and bees in the Sonoran Desert. 1pm. Free. Woods Memorial Branch Library, 3455 N. 1st Ave. 594-5445, Library.

Pima.Gov

TUCSON MOTOR SHOW

Displays in watercraft, aircraft, action sports, police and fire units, RVs, motorcycles, classic cars, modern rides, concept vehicles. Live music, kids’ activities, more. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 797-3959, TucsonMotorShow.com

Sat Aug 13 2nd

SATURDAYS

DOWNTOWN

The monthly street festival features The Cochise County All Stars, the RAiLBiRDz and Five Way Street on Scott Ave stage; Celebrate Tucson Concert at the Fox. Street performers, arts and food vendors, outdoor movie, kid’s area, more. Free. 6pm-10:30pm. Downtown, 2ndSaturdays.com

Wed Aug 17 WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

A selection of films to inspire and motivate environmental conservation locally and globally. 6:30pm. $8/ advance, $10/door. Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. 388-9925, SonoranDesert.org

Thu Aug 18 TWILIGHT THIRD THURSDAYS

AfterHours Staff Show features painting, photography, origami and textiles with music by Audacia. 5pm-8pm.

TUCSON PADRES BASEBALL

The minor league team’s home games take place at 7pm: July 4-6, 18-21, 26-29; Aug 3-10, 20-28. See website for details. $6.50 general; $5.50 military, seniors, children ages 3-12. Kino Veteran’s Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, TucsonPadres.com

Tuesdays DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Walk your canine in the garden’s five acres of lush greenery and shady meandering paths. 7am-8:30am. $7 adults, $3 children (4-12) & dogs, free for children under 3. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

Saturdays SUMMER SATURDAY EVENINGS Saturdays after sundown, see exhibits featuring the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal plants and wildlife. $12 adults, $3 children (6-12), 5 and under free. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd. 883-2702, DesertMuseum.org

Sundays MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Outdoor concerts (country, bluegrass, acoustic, cowboy, honky tonk and jazz) in Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon. July 3, Kevin Pakulis Band; July 10, The Last Call Girls; July 17, The Van Dykes; July 31, Anna Warr and Giant Blue; Aug 7, Stefan George; Aug 21, Top Dead Center; Aug 28, Marnie Christian Band. 11am-4pm.

Mount Lemmon, 12901 N. Sabino Canyon Pkwy. LavaMusic.org

Battleship Potemkin at The Loft Cinema, Thursday, August 28th.

film listings Cinema La Placita La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave. Thursdays at 7:30pm, $3 suggested donation. CinemaLaPlacita.com Thu, July 7: Singin’ In The Rain Thu, July 14: Manhattan Melodrama Thu, July 21: Brazil Thu, July 28: The Goonies Fox Theatre 17 W. Congress St. Admission is $6-$8.

624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Mon, July 4: Apollo 13 (6pm) Fri, July 8: The Killers (7:30pm) Sun, July 10: The Killers (2pm) Fri, July 15: Kiss Me Deadly (7:30pm) Sun, July 17: Kiss Me Deadly (2pm) Fri, July 22: Touch of Evil (7:30pm) Sun, July 24: Touch of Evil (2pm) Fri, July 29: The Third Man (7:30pm) Sun, July 31: The Third Man (2pm) The Loft Cinema 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. 795-7777, 322-LOFT, LoftCinema.com Times and admissions vary. Dates indicate first date of movie run.

Fri, July 1: The Double Hour (La Doppia Hora), First Friday Shorts Mon, July 4: Battleground, America, F**k Yeah! The “Team America: World Police” Sing-A-Long and Curse-A-Thon Wed, July 6: Harry Shearer’s “The Big Uneasy” Fri, July 8: Page One: Inside The New York Times, Queen to Play (Joueuse), Tommy Wiseau’s The Room Sun, July 10: Nashville Thu, July 14: Red River Fri, July 15: Hesher, Forks over Knives Sun, July 17: Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard Wed, July 20: Nine Nation Animation: Loft Film Festival Showcase

Fri, July 22: The Troll Hunter Sat, July 23: The 5th Annual Tucson International Children’s Film Festival Fri, July 29: The People vs. George Lucas, The Trip, Spaceballs Fri, Aug 5: Project Nim Thu, Aug 28: Battleship Potemkin

Pima County Public Libraries Various local libraries screening free community films. 594-5500, Library.

Pima.Gov Fri, July 1: Copyright Criminals (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, July 8: Garbage Dreams (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Mon, July 11: William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (6pm, Himmel Park Library) Fri, July 15: Dirt! The Movie (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, July 22: The Horse Boy (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, July 29: A Village Called Versailles (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, Aug 5: Deep Down (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Mon, Aug 8: The Principal Story (6pm, Himmel Park Library) Fri, Aug 12: The Eyes of Me (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, Aug 19: For Once In My Life (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) Fri, Aug 26: Pushing the Elephant (1:30pm, Salazar Ajo Library) The Screening Room 127 E. Congress St. 882-0204, Azmac. org/Scroom Fri, July 8: S.O.L. (8pm, $5) Sat, July 30: Mad Monkey Kung-Fu, Five Deadly Venoms (7pm, $5)

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events

Going Bats at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, July 23. ©Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International, www.batcon.org.

Exhibits ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM DOWNTOWN Exhibits showcase early Tucson businesses, homes & artifacts from John Dillinger’s Tucson experience. Celebrate Tucson’s birthday by learning how to make seed balls of wildflowers common to Tucson on Sat, Aug 6, free, 11am1pm. Regularly $3, adults; $2 seniors & students, 1218; free, children under 12. Tue-Fri, 10am to 4pm.

140 N. Stone Ave. 770-1473, ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Featuring Southern Arizona history including Geronimo’s rifle and 18th-century Spanish silver artifacts. $5, adults; $4 seniors & students, 12-18; free, children under 12 & first Saturday of the month. Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm.

949 E. 2nd St. 628-5774, ArizonaHistoricalSociety. org

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM Saturdays after sundown, check out exhibits featuring the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal plants and wildlife.

July 2, Bats Vs. Bugs; July 9 and Aug 6, Live and (Sort of) On the Loose; July 16 and Aug 20, Going Bats; July 23 and Aug 27, Running Wild live animal demonstration; July 30 and Aug 13, Sky Hunters; Thursdays, Walk on the Wild Side tour for $35. $12 adults, $3 children (6-12), 5 and under free. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd. 883-2702, DesertMuseum.org

ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM

Many Mexicos: Vistas de la Frontera - objects from 3000 years of Mexican history including Mayan vessels and Spanish colonial retablos. Permanent collections include Ancient Architecture of the Southwest, The Pottery Project, more. The Leons of Tucson: A Tale of one Family and Three Countries; Archaeologist Homer Thiel of Desert Archaeology presents an illustrated lecture on the 1999 excavation of the Mexican-era León family farmstead in downtown Tucson on Thu, Aug 25.

3pm-5pm. Free. Regularly $5 for adults, children free.

Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. UA Campus, 1013 E. University Blvd. 626-8381, StateMuseum.Arizona.edu

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COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK The

SO. AZ TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

History Room features artifacts from Hohokam and earlier native people; the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum traces the establishment of the park in the 1930s by the corps. Guided tours, spelunking history, more. Daily, 8am-5pm. $11 adults; $6 children 5-12.

16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, 647-7275, ColossalCave. com

Trains and state-of-the-art media. View Locomotive #1673 Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free. Tue-Thu & Sun, 11am-3pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-4pm. 414 N. Toole Ave. 623-2223, TucsonHistoricDepot.org

CHILDRENS MUSUEM Make a colorful birthday card for Tucson from Aug 22- 28. Explore children’s exhibits including Ocean Discovery, Enchanted Rain Forest, Mind Your Own Body, Dinosaur World, Electri-City Gallery, and more. $8, adults; $6, seniors & children 2-18. Mon, 9am-8pm Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. 200 S. 6th Ave. 792-9985, ChildrensMuseumTucson.org.

JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM

Jews of the Southwest exhibit re-opens Aug 14 and shows through the end of 2011. Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun, 1pm-5pm; Fri, noon-3pm. $5 non-members. Free for members, students with ID and children. 564 S. Stone Ave. 6709073, JewishHistoryMuseum.org

MINI-TIME MACHINE MUSEUM

Antique and contemporary miniatures and artifacts with over 200 miniature houses. 1st Thursdays, open until 8pm.

See the website for events. Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm. $7, adults ($5 Thu); $6, seniors/military; $5, 4-17. 4455 E. Camp Lowell. 881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Permanent exhibits of aircraft & space memorabilia, flight history, art, youth programs. Daily, 9am-5pm. $15.50; $12.75 seniors & Pima County residents; $9 children; under six free. 6000 E. Valencia Rd. 574-0462, PimaAir.org

POSTAL HISTORY FOUNDATION Exhibits on the history of the U.S. Postal Service in Arizona, youth educational programs, rare stamp collections, research materials and a fully functional post office.

4th Annual Tucson Birthday Stamp Design Contest for Kids: July 1-Aug 1, kids can compete to create the annual Tucson Birthday Stamp. The winning design will be printed as a legal U.S. postage. Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. 920 N. 1st Ave. 623-6652, PostalHistoryFoundation.org

TOHONO CHUL PARK

Monsoon! continues through Aug 28. Daily events: Reptile Ramble, EcoStation Walks, more. Details at website. Mon-Sun, 8am-5pm. $7, 13+; $5, 62+ & military; $3 students; $2 children. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455, TohonoChulPark.org

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

The 5-1/2 acre grounds feature 16 specialty gardens plus art exhibits in the Porter Hall Gallery. See website for events. $7, adults; $3, children 4-12. Daily, 8:30am4:30pm (except holidays). 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb features more than 130 replicas of the boy king’s funerary mask, mummification couch, weapons, tools and more. Featuring topical lectures on Sundays. $18 adults, $14 students/seniors with ID, $10 ages 6-13. Wed-Thu & Sun, 9am-5pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-6pm. 300 E. Congress St. 622-8595, RAADTucson.com UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MAIN LIBRARY I’m for Stew: The Life & Times of Stewart Lee Udall, an exhibit chronicling the many causes championed by Udall during his career in the U.S. House of Representatives, through August 5. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm. Free. 1510 E. University Blvd., 621-2101, SpecColl.Library.Arizona.Edu

events

TUCSON’S BIRTHDAY EVENTS Following are a selection of birthday events available as of press time. See TucsonsBirthday.org for the complete schedule.

Mon Aug 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALK UP A MOUNTAIN Celebrate 4,000 years of Tucson’s history with the 2nd annual walk/run up Sentinel Peak. 6am. Free.

Sentinel Peak, vacant lot on Grande, 1/2 mile south of West Congress Street. Diana Rhodes, 837-4263.

IGNITE! TUCSON’S BIRTHDAY Pot Luck bring a dish that represents your heritage or Tucson’s history; watch original presentations in science, technology, more. 7pm. $10. Dinnerware Artspace, 119 E. Toole Ave. 869-3166, DinnerwareArts.com.

Tues Aug 2 MARIACHI NUEVA MELODIA Youth mariachi group of 15 musicians, ages 10 to 16. 6:30pm.

Free. Sam Lema-South Tucson Branch Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave. 594-5265, Library.Pima.Gov.

Wed Aug 3 FREE SWIM AT CITY POOLS

Free admission to City pools. See the website for details. Tucsona. gov/Parksandrec/Aquatics

Fri Aug 5 MARGARITA &SALSA COMPETITION Piñatas, performances, art & cultural activities celebrating Tucson heritage. 8pm-midnight. $20. Rialto Art and Antiquities, 300 W. Congress St. 465-4363, TYPFirstFridays.com

Sat Aug 6 KINO HERITAGE SOCIETY A celebration of Father Kino’s birthday. 10am. Free. San Xavier Mission, 1950 W. San Xavier Rd. 245-9564, PadreKino. com

RE-DISCOVER TUCSON EXPO

Find out what is new in Tucson. 10am-4pm. Free. Windmilll Suites at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4250 N. Campbell Ave. 577-0007

Sun Aug 7 BREAKFAST FOR MISSION GARDENS Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace host a breakfast and an optional tour of the Mission Garden. 8am-11am. Call for cost. Mercado San Augustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. 400-5437, TucsonBirthPlace.org

Fri Aug 12 THE LARRY REDHOUSE TRIO Jazz performance. 7pm. Free. Atria Bell Court Gardens, 6653 E. Carondelet Drive. 886-3600, AtriaSeniorLiving.com

Sat Aug 13 CELEBRATE TUCSON CONCERT Reveille Gay Men’s Chorus, Gabriel Ayala Jazz & Flamenco Trio, singer-songwriter Rahe and her six-piece band, Suerte. 7pm. Free. Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, TucsonBirthday.org

Wed Aug 17-Sun Aug 21 TUCSON BIRD AND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL Celebrate the unique biodiversity of southeast Arizona. Nature Expo, free. Cost for other activities.

Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway. 629-0591, TucsonAudubon.org/festival

Fri Aug 19 TUCSON BIRTHDAY STAMP DESIGN CONTEST Honoring the winners of the design contest. 10am. Free. 920 N. 1st Ave. 623-6652, PostalHistoryFoundation.org

Sat Aug 20 FLAG RAISING CEREMONY The five flags that have flown over Tucson - American, Spanish, Mexican, Confederate, and the State of Arizona - are presented in a ceremony to celebrate Tucson’s 236th birthday. 8am-10am. Free. Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, 133 W. Washington St. 837-8119, TucsonPresidioTrust.org

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4TH AVENUE UNDERPASS PARTY Live entertainment, dunk tanks, merchant specials and more. 5pm-9pm. Free. Fourth Avenue between University and 9th Street. FourthAvenue.org

Thurs Aug 25 CHINESE CULTURAL LUNCH Menu items prepared from Tucson Chinese grocery store family heritage recipes. 11:30am-3:30pm. Non-members $5, members free. Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd. 292-6900, TucsonChinese.org

Fri Aug 26 TEENS CELEBRATE TUCSON Sporting activities include boulders and lots, rope bridge, climbing wall. 5pm-8pm. Free. 4-H High Ropes Course and Green Lot, 1985 W. Ft. Lowell Rd. 861-1945.

Sat Aug 27 LOS DESCENDIENTES BIRTHDAY GALA Dinner and dancing with Tucson dignitaries, celebrities and special guests. Proceeds benefit The Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace. 5-10pm. $80. 445 S. Alvernon Way. losdes@mindspring.com

RANCHO MISTERIOSO

Singer-songwriters Don and Victoria Armstrong share music and stories of the romantic, mystical southwest. 1pm. Free. Southwest Library, 6855 S. Mark Rd. 594-5270, Library.

Pima.Gov

Wed Aug 31 NOCHE DE LUZ FLASHLIGHT PARADE Closing out Tucson’s birthday month, in honor of our ancestors. Decorate flashlights to represent your personal heritage. 6:45pm. Free. Mission Road, the foot of “A” Mountain’s eastern face, south of the Mission Garden & north of 22nd Street.327-7544, TucsonBirthday.org

BIRTHDAY EXPRESS

Experience bilingual railroad exhibits and the see the train from the movie Oklahoma.10am-4pm. Free. 414 N. Toole Ave. Tucson HistoricDepot.org

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fashion

Boys of Summer The Cool Factor in Menswear Detailing

by Amber Mortensen, PainfullyHip.com Tucson isn’t a town that typically embraces stereotypical gender roles. We have a heavily attended Pride Weekend, burlesque drag troupes (Boys R Us, Wingspan) and last month hosted the Gender Identity Project. While I’m not suggesting you take up cross-dressing at the office, I do highly endorse a smattering of menswear detailing this season.

Trousers of all orientations, wide-brimmed grandpa hats, wingtip shoes, suspenders and bow ties are the necessary means to rock this trend. Celebrate diversity by cinching a summery frock with a thick leather men’s belt and a pair of oxfords. Feminize those wide leg tweed trousers with a lacey lingerie top. Try tailored men’s shorts as a bikini cover up. Tuck an androgynous silk shirt into a pair of hot shorts. Like most things in life, it’s all about balance. n Photos – Krysta Jabzenski (Don’t miss her exhibit at the newly renovated Café Passe on 4th Ave.) Style and Art Direction – Amber Mortensen Model – Rachel Yampolsky (FORD RBA) Clothing from Pour Moi Boutique (1865 E. River Rd. #141) Preen Vintage (210 S. 4th Ave.) Swimsuit from Rockin’ Queen (45 S. 6th Ave.) Special Thanks to Abraham Cooper

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fashion

Bathing Beauties

The History of the Swimsuit As the temperatures rise here in Arizona, the one thing we desert survivors seek out to do in the summer is put on a bathing suit and jump in a refreshing cold pool. Alongside the recreation of swimming, comes the style and history of the swimsuit, a bathing beauty must!

Since the days of ancient Greek and Roman public bathing practices, it has been documented by historians that a form of toga like swimsuit was worn. During the Roman times it was o.k. to show the skin and some ancient paintings in the 4th century even reveal an early version of the bikini style at play in Sicily’s Piazza Armerina.

With the fall of the Roman empire, and during the Middle Ages, due to the strict living conditions, the swimsuit and bathing in public as a recreation sport disappeared all together.

It wasn’t until 18th century Europe that bathing suits were in vogue again, mostly out of a fashion requirement to accommodate all of the new public bathing spas, natural springs and resorted areas for the wealthy that were showing up in and around France and England.

The swimsuit made its way into United States culture by the early 19th century.

The fashion of the early swimsuit in the Victorian era looked more like a heavy wool dress or “bathing gown” as it was referenced and was often worn with a pair of bloomers and black stockings.

For the purposes of proper and modest behavior, wool was a fabric that when wet, camouflaged the body. As uncomfortable and inconvenient that it was, just for a gal to take a dip in the water, so was everything a woman clothed herself in during that time. It was no surprise that the rebellion was just around the corner.

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by Sydney Ballesteros (Fashion Stylist, Creative Director & Collector)

Nonetheless, it served its purpose and as all fashion does, with time it would evolve when women got tired of it!

The 1800s was influenced by the prosperous economy and new innovations. The access to railroads made the public beaches an attractive vacation spot and the swimming, surfing and diving became recreational activities. It wasn’t long before the need for change occurred. Still holding onto the borderlines of modesty, a new version eased up just a little bit in the early 1900s.

At the beginning of the early 20th century swimsuits were now available in a wool jersey fabric, but designers sympathized with the woman’s depression of available options and designed something a little less boring. Fashion, always ahead of its time and infamous for testing its limits, the roaring 1920s was a time for the limits to be broken as women demanded liberation and a say in what they were constrained to. The 1920s swimsuit made a transition middecade and into the early 1930s and designers at companies like Janzten marked a new era of daring in women’s swimwear. Soon the socks came off, the fabric tightened up and the skirted bottom became most popular, exposing a very body flattering style.

The Athletic Tank swimsuit of the mid 1900s was a one piece leotard style with a tank top and shorts bottom, but the use of bathing socks (usually knee high) and a hat or headscarf was still considered standard cover-up. Even only revealing a small fraction of the arms and knees, skin exposure in this magnitude was not heard or seen of since Roman times, but a huge step in the right direction. The exhibition of skin was still a touchy subject and waters were to be treaded lightly.

Personally, my eye is drawn to the mid 20th century styles in swimsuits. A little less material than its predecessor, but made with a tasteful hint of flirt to the eye and complementing lines that left plenty to the imagination and

touch of demure innocence. The 1930s and 40s brought a more fashionable approach to the design of swimsuits. Cotton fabrics brought the comfort factor and new innovations in textiles were taking place for the next best thing and it wasn’t long before nylon and lastex would put the swimsuit to test. For the first time we saw the two piece concept, one that displayed a full cup, lower necklines and a cute belted skirt or shorts in an attractive high-waisted cut.

The two piece style was popular in the early 1940s because its little use of fabric accommodated the rations set forth during wartime and the little party dress style of bathing suit also known as the play suit, was one that could be a summer piece of fashion in its own right.

The skirted style was a popular choice among many bathing beauties and golden era starlets. Even though there is evidence that the ancient bikini was seen thousands of years ago, it has been documented that the first mainstream contemporary skimpy bikini was designed and modeled in postwar 1946 and patented by a man named Louis Reard. The bikini design was at the height of its popularity during the sexual revolution in the 1960s and it is the style we see the most of in today’s mainstream swimsuit fashion.

The popularity for the one piece swimsuit returned in the 1950s and modifications to the 20s style were made. Christian Dior’s “New Look” influenced the world of fashion in the 1950s and his body contouring styles filtered into the swimsuit designs of the era. The straight across cut of the skirted bottoms with the attached panty underneath was a popular feature.

New strapless styles, tummy control panels and pointy bra cups with under wires were in vogue and a new texture that was ruched around the bodice was available in many colors and prints.

Darling bathing caps were a must have matching accessory, not only for fashion, but the functionality purposes of preserving those carefully placed pin-curls. Million Dollar Mermaid

Esther Williams made synchronized swimming look glamorous in her bathing suits and waterproof mascara and Betty Grable

teased us with her famous million dollar legs posed in a one piece swimsuit.

In recent fashion we have seen the inspiration cycle come full circle and the popularity of vintage styles in swimwear resurface themselves again in magazines and on runways, especially those from the decades of the 1940s and 50s. I think it is safe to say that public skin exposure is no longer an issue and we have come a long way from the days of wool bathing gowns. So bathing beauties, if you haven’t already, go buy yourself a swanky little suit and make it your own fashion show, sitting poolside under a cabana or digging your toes into the salty sand this summer! n

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tunes

Free Baja Arizona

by Rafael Otto

photo courtesy Old Bisbee Records

OF NOTE

by Jamie Manser

Keeping It Hot

Dylan Charles & The Border Crossers play the Old Bisbee Records’ Good Medicine Show & Folk Revival at Plush August 6.

Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., is throwing down by bringing notables Chris Isaak, July 12; Bob Dylan, July 19; Peter Frampton, July 27. Check CasinoDelSol.com.

Gracing the Fox Theatre’s stage on July 30 is legendary 12-string guitarist Roger McGuinn in a do-not-miss performance, co-presented by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Tucson Folk Festival. Visit FoxTucsonTheatre.org.

On August 6, Old Bisbee Records features a showcase of the local label’s artists in the Good Medicine Show & Folk Revival at Plush. Honoring the desert’s magical dust and the healing power of music, the gig is guaranteed to lift spirits through the music of Kate Becker & The Zodiacs, Dylan Charles & The Border Crossers, Stuart Oliver & The Desert Angels, along with hosts, The Dusty Buskers. See OldBisbeeRecords.com.

Cordially Yours Facebook junkies may already know this, but there’s a hot trio cooking up some awesomeness under the desert sun. Ra, have you answered our prayers? Cristina Williams, Laura Kepner-Adney and Courtney Robbins (you may know them from The Modeens, Silver Thread Trio and Seashell Radio, respectively) are currently working on a set’s worth of material for a project they are calling The Cordials. Sounds like delicious sweetness by empowered, take-no-shite ladies. Yum! Williams said they are shooting for fall gigs; “it’s still very new but Laura’s songs are really cool and we all do harmonies - really excited about it.”

In other Williams’ news, the multi-instrumental, singer/songwriter recently said she is exploring her folk roots and penning some country tunes. Follow her on Facebook and CristinaWilliams.com to find out about her solo summer shows.

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Music and politics join forces at the Rialto Theatre on Saturday, July 2 to make the case for America’s 51st state: Baja Arizona. On the eve of Arizona’s 100th birthday (Arizona entered statehood on February 14, 1912), a Tucsonbased coalition called Start Our State (S.O.S.) has formed in response to the regressive state legislature in Phoenix.

Led by Paul Eckerstrom and Peter Hormel, Start Our State is working to secure signatures for a November 2012 ballot initiative. Eckerstrom recently told MSNBC that this is “a call for help…for moderation.” Despite an uphill battle, their efforts are serious and have received coverage from Forbes, National Public Radio, The Economist and local press.

But the intersection between art and politics might be the place where Start Our State gets more traction. Roberto Bedoya, Executive Director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council comments, “This is often the role of arts and artistic expression in a community… imagining a way forward, imagining new possibilities.”

The antagonism between Pima and Maricopa counties isn’t new, nor is the idea of secession. But the recent stream of legislation coming from Phoenix, including the anti-immigrant SB 1070, attempts to nullify federal authority, efforts to relax gun laws on university campuses and bans on ethnic studies has many in southern Arizona alarmed.

The Start Our State tagline offers a solution: “Separation for equal representation.” It’s a political response in a politically charged climate.

And in a time of societal anxiety and upheaval, it makes perfect sense to turn to the arts, to the creative acts that represent the identity function of the culture. Just two days before the Fourth of July, the S.O.S. will be heard through the universal language of music.

Events at the Rialto begin at 5 p.m. with performances by Gabe Sullivan and Taraf de Tucson, Seashell Radio, Tom Walbank, Silverbell, Yardsale Heart, and more.

Visit RialtoTheatre.com and StartOurState.com for more details.

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photo: Jamie Manser

tunes

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That’s Some Bossa Country!

by Lee Gutowski

Louie Levinson

Louie Levinson, the guitar and pedal steel player in Tucson country band Cochise County All-Stars, “grew up behind my dad’s bar in Tombstone. And all the music I love the most came from the jukebox at that bar, the Corral,” he says. That jukebox was stocked with straight old country and western tunes and, of course, popular Latin sounds and Mexican dance music. “I remember secretly listening to the record Jazz Samba Encore by Stan Getz when I was like nine. My dad would play it all the time, but I listened to it when I was at home alone – I guess I was embarrassed to like ‘old people’ music,” he laughs. Eventually, the kid who grew up running around in a Tombstone saloon brought the influence of that jukebox with him to Chicago, and finally back to his southwestern Arizona stomping grounds.

Levinson picked up the guitar while he was a student at Cochise College. “My roommate had one and taught me a few chords,” he recalls.

“But it was all about messing around, having fun.” He adds, self-deprecatingly, “I didn’t play my first professional gig ‘til I was in my 30s!” By that time, Levinson had moved to Chicago to work in the steel business. “Little known fact: I was actually a weekend sportscaster on Channel 13 (in Tucson) when I was fresh out of college,” he smiles. “But when they weren’t giving me a full-time anchor position there, I decided to leave.” He’d met a Chicago girl whose father was in the steel business and promised him a job. For the next 24 years, Levinson lived in Chicago, sold steel, and played steel – guitar, that is, as well as “regular” guitar. His specialties, of course, are his favorite types of music – “honky-tonk country and Latin jazz-influenced stuff.”

The spirit of that old barroom jukebox in Tombstone fueled Louie’s play-

ing all the way to Chicago. There he started Mestizo, a Brazilian jazz-oriented band. (It was with Mestizo that he had his first professional shows.)

Meantime, Levinson worked his pedal steel chops in a handful of Chicago country outfits, including local favorites the Peterbilts and Whisky Tit. As happens to natives from this area, Levinson felt the pull and returned to Tucson ten years ago. “I love Tucson. There are so many great musicians here that I’ve gotten to play with regularly,” he says. Among them was author, music writer, editor, and bass player extraordinaire Ed Friedland, who played with Levinson in Big in Vegas. In Friedland’s website bio, he recalls his days in Tucson, playing with Big in Vegas: “I enjoyed that more than all the ultra-hip jazz I used to think was the shit.”

Cochise County All-Stars feature two Tombstoners (Levinson on pedal steel and vocals, and drummer Pete Torberg) and Willcox native Sabra Faulk, a double-threat on vocals and bass. Rounding out the group is Mississippi bluesman Gene Holmes on guitar. Louie’s other musical mistress is the Latin-rooted Bossa Rhythm Project, with Levinson bringing the guitars, “Uncle” Dave Jeffrey on drums, Jack Wood on bass and Robert Moreno on a myriad of percussion instruments. “We play some songs from Jazz Samba Encore. After all, it’s my desert island record.”

You can catch Louie playing around town all summer with either of his bands, or keep your eyes peeled for his duo with Gene Holmes. Some dates for your calendar: Bossa Rhythm Project, Tue, July 5 at the SkyBar and Sun, July 17 at 17th Street Market; Cochise County All-Stars, Sun, July 24, at Music on the Mountain (Summerhaven) and Sat, Aug 13, at 2nd Saturdays Downtown. n

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tunes

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN Congress Street, 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com Sat, July 9: The Modeens, The Imperial Blue Bloods (Michael P., Mike Mihina, Chris Nast) 4th Street Sting Band at Scott Stage.

Atom Heart Mother (Pink Floyd tribute band) at Rialto.

Sat, Aug 13: The Cochise County All Stars, The RAiLBiRDz, Five Way Street.

AVA AMPHITHEATER at Casino Del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Rd. 800-3449453, CasinoDelSol.com/AVA Sat, July 2: War Sun, July 3: Fireworks Spectacular Sat, July 9: Banda El Recodo Tues, July 12: Chris Isaak Tues, July 19: Bob Dylan Wed, July 27: Peter Frampton Sat, July 30: Joan Sebastian Tues, Aug 2: Chicago

BLUEFIN 7053 N. Oracle Rd. 531-8500, BluefinTucson.com Saturdays: Live music

BOONDOCKS LOUNGE 3306 N. 1st Ave. 690-0991,BoondocksLounge.com Mondays: The Bryan Dean Trio Fridays: Live Music with Neon Prophet Sat, July 2: Tony and The Torpedoes Sun, July 3: Heather Hardy and The Lil’ Mama Band Sun, July 17: Last Call Girls Sun, July 30: Amo and The Atmosphere Sat, Aug 6: Tony and The Torpedoes Sun, Aug 7: Heather Hardy and The Lil’ Mama Band Sun, Aug 21: Last Call Girls

CASA VICENTE 375 S. Stone Ave. 884-5253, CasaVicente.com Tuesdays: Spanish classical pianist and guest artists Thursdays: Spanish classical guitar

Fridays: Flamenco guitar, flamenco dancers Saturdays: Flamenco guitar, flamenco dancers

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

Sat, July 2: Garboski Sat, July 9: La Cerca Sat, July 30: The Jons

CLUB CONGRESS 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848, HotelCongress.com/club Mondays: Retro-Lution Tuesdays: Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz Thursdays: Optimist Club Saturdays: Bang Bang Fri July 1: Scrilla Gorilla: One-sie and Denim Party Sun, July 3: Iam Moore & The Lossy Coils CD Release Wed, July 6: True Widow with Raised On Rabbit Fri, July 8: Electric Summer Vol.2 w/Liquid Stranger Sat, July 9: The Generationals with Gardens and Villa Thurs, July 14: Classixx Fri, July 15: Diego’s Umbrella Mon, July 18: Christina Perri with honeyhoney Tues, July 19: The Coathangers w/ The Otherly Love Thurs, July 21: Lexicon Don and Dj Matt Mccoy Fri, July 22: Khaira Arby and Her Band Sar, July 23: Yourself and The Air Tues, July 26: Ben Solee Thurs, July 28: Ludo with Sparks The Rescue, Tommy & The High Pilots, STAMPS Sat, July 30: Cults Sat, Aug 6: The Alternate Routes/ Scattered Trees Wed, Aug 10: Cornmeal Tues, Aug 16: Big Business with LARIATS Thurs, Aug 18: Opti Club Presents: Art vs Science Thurs, Aug 25: Big Freedia- Queen of New Orleans Bounce!

Tues, Aug 30: Tapes ‘n Tapes Wed, Aug 31: Handsome Furs

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

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

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN + COCKTAILS 135 S. 6th Ave. 623-7700, DowntownKitchen.com Fri, July 1: Tom Walbank Sat, July 2: Bluz Nite Thu, July 7: Ryan Green and Paul Jenkins Fri, July 8: Tracy Shedd Sat, July 9: Big Tony and The House Boys Thu, July 14: Genevive and The Lp’s Fri, July 15: Amber Norgaard Sat, July 16: Tracy Shedd Thu, July 21: Genevive and The Lp’s Fri, July 22: Shaky Bones Sat, July 23: Big Tony and The House Boys Thu, July 28: Ryan Green and Paul Jenkins Fri, July 29: Tracy Shedd Sat, July 30: Bluz Nite

FOX TUCSON THEATRE 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org Sun, July 3: Keeping the Peace, Steel Ribbon; comedians Tom Martin, Phil Gordon; hypnotists/ magicians Michael Deshalit, Gary Husson Sat, July 9: The Grind Sat, July 30: Roger McGuinn Fri, Aug 5: Arrival from Sweden (ABBA tribute) Thurs, Aug 25: Nils Lofgren Fri, Aug 26: Christopher Cross

J BAR 3770 E. Sunrise Dr. 615-6100, Janos.com Wed, July 6: Kevin Pakulis Thurs, July 7: The Art of Swing Wed, July 13: Tom Walbank Thurs July 14: Holmes-Levinson Duo Wed, July 20: The LP’s String Trio Thurs, July 21: Ryan Green and Paul Jenkins Wed, July 27: Duo Sonora: Gabriel Ayala and Will Clipman Thurs, July 28: Titan Valley Trio Wed, Aug 3: George Howard Thurs, Aug 4: Andrew Cooper Wed, Aug 10: BK Special Thurs, Aug 11: Phatbak Diet Wed, Aug 17: Greg Morton Band Thurs, Aug 18: Bad News Blues Band Wed, Aug 24: Michael P and Katherine Byrnes Thurs, Aug 25: Retread

KINGFISHER 2564 E. Grant Rd. 323-7739, KingFisherTucson.com Live music Mondays & Saturdays.

LA COCINA @ OLD TOWN ARTISANS 201 N. Court Ave. 623-6024, LaCocinaTucson.com Wednesdays: Rock Star Fantasy Karaoke with The Jim Howell Band Thursdays: Stefan George, Tom Walbank Fridays: Greg Morton Saturday July 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27 : Maya Caballero Saturday July 9, 23; Aug 6, 20: Mike Kanne Sundays: Elizabeth Blin

LUNA BELLA 2970 N. Swan Rd. LunaBellaRestaurant.com Saturdays & Sundays: Melody Louise

THE HUT

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

305 N. 4th Ave. 623-3200, MySpace.com/thehuttucson Sat, July 2: The Super Villains, 8 Minutes to Burn

Summerhaven, Mt. Lemmon, LavaMusic.org Sun, July 3: Kevin Pakulis Band Sun, July 10: Last Call Girls Sun, July 17: The Van Dykes

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Kate Becker & The Zodiacs at Old Town Artisans, July 9, 8pm; Plush, Aug 20, 11:30pm.

Sun, July Sun, July Blue Sun, Aug Sun, Aug Sun, Aug Sun, Aug Band

24: Sabra Faulk 31: Anna Warr and Giant 7: Stefan George 14: The Dreadnutts 21: Top Dead Center 28: Marnie Chastain

PLUSH 340 E. 6th St. 798-1298, PlushTucson.com Sun, July 3: Jamie O’Brien Tues, July 5: Al Foul Thur, July 7: Cass McCombs, Nowhere Man & Whiskey Girl Fri, July 8: The Mullhollands Sun, July 10: Chris Hollman Tues, July 12: Serene Dominic Thurs, July 14: Spiders Can Fly Sat, July 16: The Provocative Whites, Abandoned by Heroes, Van Gogh Rescue Sun, July 17: Stefan George Mon, July 18: Some Of Them Are Old Thurs, July 21: Sunny Italy Wed, July 27: Igor and Red Elvises Sat, Aug 6: Old Bisbee Records Showcase with Kate Becker & The Zodiacs, Dylan Charles & The Border Crossers, Sturant Oliver & The Desert Angels, The Dusty Buskers

photo: 3quartermoonphoto.com

photo: Jamie Manser

photo: courtesy Kate Becker

The Jim Howell Band performs as the public’s backing band for Rock Star Fantasy Karaoke at La Cocina on Wednesdays.

RED ROOM AT GRILL 100 E. Congress St. 623-7621, RedRoomTucson.blogspot.com Mondays: Magical Powers Record Show with Matt and Dan Wednesdays: Residency: Acorn Bcorn Saturdays: George Rosenberg Fri, July 1: La Cerca Album Release,/ Weird Ladies, HairsprayFire and Girls Sat, July 2: Dylan Ludwig & The Outful, Rory O’Rear Sun, July 3: Clay Koweeks Donkey Tonk Thurs, July 7: Eric Ketchup Presents Fri, July 8: ZOO Sun, July 17: Hank Topless Fri, July 22: Live at Red Room Vol.II: Discos, John Polle, Ultra Maroon Thurs, Aug 4: Eric Ketchup Presents Fri, Aug 5: Al Foul Sun, Aug 7: Clay Koweeks Donkey Tonk

RHYTHM & ROOTS Plaza Palamino, 2970 N. Swan Rd. 319-9966, RhythmandRoots.org Fri, July 15: Chris Smither Sat, July 16: Ryanhood Sat, July 23: Chris James and Patrick Rynn Band Sun, July 24: Jessica Fichot Quartet from Paris

The Modeens perform on July 9, 2nd Saturdays; July 23, Sky Bar; Aug 5, The Hut; Aug 11, Red Room.

Sat, Aug 6: Los Pinguos Sun, Aug 14: The Duke Robillard Band Thurs, Aug 25: Nils Lofgren Sat, Aug 27: Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart with Nowhere Man and Whiskey Girl

Tuesdays: Live jazz Wednesdays: Open mic Thursdays: DJs DubWall and the Midnight Marauder Fridays: Fire dancers, dance party Saturdays: Live music or live DJs

RIALTO THEATRE

31 E. Toole Ave. 884-0874, SolarCulture.org Sat, July 2: Key Ingredients of African Soul Sat, July 23: Pistolera

318 E. Congress St. 740-1000, RialtoTheatre.com Sat, July 2: Baja Arizona Independence Day with with Gabe Sullivan and Taraf de Tucson, Silverbell, Seashell Radio, Yardsale Heart, and more.

Tue, July 5: Foster The People Fri, July 8: Eric Johnson Sat, July 9: Atom Heart Mother (Pink Floyd tribute band) Mon, July 11: Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto, Rodeo Ruby Love, The Maxies Sat, July 16: Ben Folds Sun, July 17: Reverend Horton Heat Sat, July 30: HAPA Thu, Aug 11: Little Big Town Wed, Aug 17: All-Stars Tour featuring Emmure & Alesana Fri, Aug 27: Bass Monster Tour with Reid Speed, Cyberoptics, FS

SKY BAR 536 N. 4th Ave. 622-4300, SkyBarTucson.com Mondays: Team Trivia

SOLAR CULTURE

SURLY WENCH PUB 424 N. 4th Ave., 882-0009, SurlyWenchPub.com Fri, July 1: Godhunter/Stoned to Death/ Methra Sat, July 2: Sanctuary Sat, July 9: Fineline Revisited Fri, July 15: Sanctuary Sat, July 16: Rad Randy and The Furies Fri, July 22: Bricktop Sat, July 23: FineLine Revisited Fri, July 29: Underground Revel w/ Doc Lawless Fri, Aug 5: Black Cherry Burlesque Sat, Aug 6: Sanctuary Fri, Aug 12: Church of Rock Revelations Sat, Aug 13: FineLine Revisited Fri, Aug 19: Sanctuary Sat, Aug 27: FineLine Revisited

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tunes Tesoro

Live In Studio 2A (Recorded at KXCI, 91.3FM) Resistance is futile, the songs are too bewitching. The album consists of gorgeous notes adroitly composed and negotiated, sauntering from the enticing seduction of flamenco to jazz sensibilities. Tesoro calls it Flamenco Fusion. I dig that they fused in Tool’s Forty-Six & 2 along with saluting Paco de Lucia, Chris Burton Jácome and Tito Puente.

It’s been over five years since Tesoro issued a disk, and the party takes place on July 9 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Sullivan’s Steakhouse & Bar, 1785 E. River Rd. Other summer dates include: July 13, 29, 30 at Casa Vicente, 340 S. Stone Ave.; July 22, August 20, 26 at Hacienda del Sol, 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd.; August 27 at La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr. TesoroTucson.com has the details.

HAIRSPRAYFIREANDGIRLS Self-titled

photo: Taylor Graham

Every decade needs a fresh-yet-timeless, driving, snotty, aggressivecool, but still melodic, bad-boy angst, sexy rock ‘n’ roll band. Interested? Check out HAIRSPRAYFIREANDGIRLS on August 20 when the band rolls out its self-titled second album at Plush.

Strutting a classic underground edge that culls from the counterculture’s best scenes from the ’60s to the new millennium, it makes sense they dub the sound post-punk, indie, alternative. You want chords? They have ‘em in spades. You wanna jump up and get awn down? Definitely can do that - HAIRSPRAYFIREANDGIRLS will tear into and release your inner leather-clad rocker.

The thirteen tracks are extremely well executed by Noah Gabbard (guitar/vocals), Ernie Gardner (drums), Joshua Levine (vocals/guitar), Justin Lillie (bass), and were recorded at Waterworks over seven days between February and June. Can’t wait for August 20? They’ve got shows scheduled for July 1 at Red Room, July 2 at Mr. Head’s, July 23 at Plush. On August 6 at Che’s the guys perform all of Exile on Main Street, double album, two sets. Oh yeah.

Keep abreast of their coolness on Facebook.

KXCI’s Five

Tucson’s community radio station, 91.3FM, features cuts from the following new albums in July and August.

Imelda May Mayhem (Decca) Ireland’s answer to Norah Jones deftly weaves Americana influences, including rockabilly, into her vocal jazz stylings for a great second album in her young career.

John Hiatt Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns (New West) After a detour to roots music for his last CD, Hiatt heads back to a rawer, rock and blues sound on his 19th studio album.

Keb’ Mo’ The Reflection (Ryko) Keb’ teams up with India Arie, Vince Gill, Dave Koz and others on this album that blends blues, jazz, R&B and soul.

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Portugal. The Man In The Mountain In The Cloud (Atlantic) Wasilla, Alaska’s other famous exports follow their tremendous American Ghetto with a new collection of brooding, eccentric indie-pop.

Joss Stone LP1 (Stone’d) The bluesy soul singer Smokey Robinson once called “Aretha Joplin” is releasing her first album on her own label, produced by Eurhythmics cofounder Dave Stewart. n

escape

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The cool water and pink granite cliffs of Salome Canyon beckon summertime adventurers.

Swimming through Salome Canyon photo and story by Matthew J. Nelson Arizona is filled with natural treasures, and often times you have to travel deep within the earth to find the gems. One of the most dramatic and beautiful canyons is Salome (pronounced “Sal-oh-May”), one of Arizona’s natural wonders.

From a small parking area on the northeast side of Roosevelt Lake, follow Jug Trail #61 down an old dirt road. Continue along the dirt path until you can easily access the canyon bottom, near some large black rocks surrounded by cottonwood trees and cattails.

Most of the trip down Salome Canyon is a combination of hiking, boulder hopping, sliding and splashing down the creek. After a short distance you’ll enter the first grotto, a deep pool of water surrounded by towering granite cliffs. Jump in and swim across. Quartz crystals shine in the sunlight, black phoebes dance across the dark water, and for just a moment you’ll completely forget that you are in the desert.

After a few water slides and plunge pools you’ll arrive at Salome Falls, the only technical challenge of the canyon. From here, the safest way to descend is rappelling down the falls. Some people jump from a small platform into the water. Although the pool is certainly deep enough, there is one granite shelf that must be avoided. One misstep and the consequences are severe.

The beauty of this inner sanctum of stone defies words, and if you are among the few people that visit this place, it’s something you’ll never forget. Not far from The Jug you’ll swim through one last pool, where the cliffs of Salome Canyon terminate even more abruptly than they began.

Suddenly, you’re back in the desert environment and surrounded by sunshine, blue sky and cactus gardens.

Look downstream and you’ll see a faint trail to the right that winds its way uphill. Follow this for a short distance and you’ll arrive back on Jug Trail #61, which you can follow back to your vehicle.

The roundtrip hike is only about five miles, but the experience is transformative.

Making Your Escape From Tucson, head north on Oracle Road (Hwy. 77), to the town of Globe. Take Hwy. 60 west toward Superior, then drive north on Hwy. 88.

After 15 miles, turn right on Hwy. 288 toward Young. After 13 miles, turn left on Forest Road 60, also known as A Cross Road. You’ll be on this dirt road for approximately 16 miles. Look for a brown forest service sign on the right side of the road. There is a small parking area next to the sign. Jug Trail #61 begins just beyond the sign.

Watch the Weather Keeping an eye on the weather is always important when you enter a slot canyon. Heavy monsoon storms can force a large volume of water down the canyon.

Be Prepared If you visit Salome Canyon during the warmer months, you won’t need much more than a pair of shoes with good traction and a dry bag to keep your stuff from getting wet. If you intend on making a complete trip through the Salome Jug you’ll have to get down the falls, so unless you plan on making the leap, you’ll need to bring a 100-ft. length of climbing rope, harness, rappelling device and a locking carabiner. Bring some extra webbing and a rappel ring in case you need to rebuild the anchor at the rappel station. Most importantly, you’ll need to know how to properly use the equipment. n Matthew J. Nelson is a local outdoor educator, guide and conservationist.

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crossword

We leave you with a summer activity. Enjoy the monsoon and see you in September.

Crossword by David Schaeffer

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