Need Some Action?
Porn Party 2009
9 p.m., Friday, May 29
Ain't Nobody's Bizness
2900 E. Broadway Blvd.
318-4838; thebiztucson.com
For readers who were not lucky enough to watch this year's Super Bowl on Comcast, fear not: Porn Party 2009 will offer much more than a brief clip of adult-only action to enjoy.
The event—which has something for sex fiends and rap fans alike—will feature musical performances from local rapper Young Caesar the Great, who will be opening for Lil Flip later this summer, and guest DJ Noah Reason.
As far as the other performances go, it would be a safe bet to say there's something for everyone who enjoys erotic offerings.
Dancers will be acting out several fantasies, including candle-wax dripping (for all you pyromaniacs), glow-in-the-dark body painting (for those who like it with the lights out), edible body-dessert tasting (for the partygoer with an appetite) and, of course, pole dancing (because it just isn't an erotic event without a pole).
"We are just basically trying to create a scene all together, and we're trying to make Tucson a little more exciting and a little more adventurous," says Amber Spears, president of Said Out Loud Entertainment, one of the companies sponsoring the event.
In addition to the live musical performances and raunchy pole-dancing fun, a few attendees who really "get lucky" will go home with CDs, lotions, potions and pole-dancing prize packages.
Admission is $5, and the event is open to those 21 and older. —A.B.
Can You Dig It?
DIG: Prehistoric Gardens
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting Monday, June 1
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N. Alvernon Way
326-9686; tucsonbotanical.org
Looking for a way to connect with the past? Then look no further than Tucson's own Botanical Gardens. Starting Monday, June 1, a returning exhibit will allow visitors to explore the geology, paleontology and botany of the prehistoric past. The DIG: Prehistoric Gardens exhibit shows guests examples of plants—like spiny cycads and monkey-puzzle trees—which developed millions of years ago and are still around today.
The Prehistoric Gardens exhibit will offer families a unique opportunity to learn about prehistoric plants and the ancient creatures that fed on them, including giant dragonflies, millipedes and dinosaurs.
"It's really a family-oriented event with an educational focus," says Jocelyn Robertson, a Tucson Botanical Gardens representative. "Children and their parents will be able to learn about plants that were around during the time of the dinosaurs, as well as plants from other desert climates similar to our own, like plants from Australia."
Families can take part in an educational scavenger hunt, go for a dig in the fossil quarry or even get up close and personal with a velociraptor in the greenhouse.
Along with Prehistoric Gardens exhibit, the Tucson Botanical Gardens is offering Twilight Thursdays this summer. Every Thursday starting June 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy a themed evening with music, education and activities.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens encompasses 5 1/2 acres with 16 specialty gardens right in the heart of Tucson.
The Prehistoric Gardens exhibit is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week (and during Twilight Thursdays, too). Admission is included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens: $7 for adults; $3 for children, and free for children 3 and younger). —S.J.
Into the Spotlight
"Backstage at the Opera"
7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 30
Temple of Music and Art
330 S. Scott Ave.
742-3942; azopera.com
This Saturday, some of Arizona's most talented musicians will join forces to help out the Arizona Opera.
Members from both the Arizona Opera Orchestra Musicians Association (AZOOMA) and the Arizona Opera Chorus will step into the limelight for the fifth annual "Backstage at the Opera" fundraising concert. The event is hosted by the Arizona chapter of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA-AZ), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Arizona Opera's general operating fund.
The concert provides members of the chorus and orchestra with a chance to share their talents with the community and to perform in a more prominent setting. "It's a labor of love," says performer David Morden. "We watch the principal actors do the scenes all season, and now we get to do them."
The evening's performances will include a wide variety of opera scenes and instrumental selections from works including The Barber of Seville, Cosi fan Tutte, Candide, Sweeney Todd and the finale from Don Giovanni. Morden describes the event as a chance for underappreciated performers to "stretch ourselves artistically and to step into the spotlight."
Over the past four years, "Backstage at the Opera" has raised more than $10,000 for Arizona Opera, but this is the first year that members of the orchestra have participated.
"This is our home," Morden explains. "This event is our chance to give back to the company."
The gala evening will begin with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception by Blue House Catering, followed by the performances—and the intermission includes a dessert buffet! The pre-show reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $35 by calling 742-3942. —S.J.
Play Ball!
Us n Them Softball Tournament
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 30
Hi Corbett Field
3400 E. Camino Campestre
750-9667; lapalomakids.org
Nothing says it's summer quite like a softball tournament, and local radio station KLPX FM 96.1 is more than happy to say it! This weekend, the station will be putting on the Second Annual Us n Them Softball Tournament to benefit La Paloma Kids.
Four DJs from KLPX will be competing during the tournament, each with their own team made up of dedicated and lucky listeners.
"Well, obviously the goal is to win!" jokes La Paloma Kids representative Mark McCord. "But it's a great opportunity for families to come down and watch."
Those who aren't playing can enjoy the activities set up around the stadium. "Throughout the day, there will be booths set up with games and activities for kids, like face-painting," explains McCord. Live music will be provided by local bands; the concession stands will be open all day; and there will be a raffle with prizes provided by local businesses.
Meanwhile, KLPX will be collecting new and gently used sporting equipment that will go straight to the kids at La Paloma.
La Paloma Family Services has been providing shelter and assistance to the at-risk children and families of Arizona since 1980. La Paloma maintains several different types of programs, including 100 foster homes and seven group homes. They also have a substantial in-home team of 70 people who work to better the lives of children and adolescents while allowing them to stay with their families in their own homes.
Any businesses that want to participate by setting up a booth at the tournament should contact Mark McCord at La Paloma (750-9667). The tournament will take place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and families can stick around to see the Tucson Toros game afterward at 7 p.m. —S.J.
