

Cover Stories
‘Yes, It’s Real’: Mochrie, Mecci bring HYPROV to the stage
Master hypnotist Asad Mecci and Colin Mochrie from “Whose Line It is Anyway?” come from different ends of the entertainment spectrum, but their styles meld for “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis.” They bring an interactive, comedic experience that makes audiences laugh and question whether what they saw was an illusion. The show will visit Rialto Theatre…
‘Rock’s Groupie Supreme’: Pamela Des Barres hosts conversation, workshop
Groupie” isn’t an insult to Pamela Des Barres. She’s made a living by telling her story through books, one-woman shows and writing workshops. She’s been famously linked with Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Noel Redding, Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, Brandon deWilde and Don Johnson. Des Barres will share her experiences during “An Intimate Evening…
A Vision for the Future: Start the new year with a road map
The new year should come with a new road map, according to Pati Velasquez. No, not of the Old Pueblo’s streets, but of a life to be well lived in the coming year. It’s a lofty ambition but maybe some people don’t know how or even where they want to end up. Pati Velasquez has…
Traditional Circus Fun: Zoppe family continues its 183-year run
Giovanni Zoppe tried life outside of the family business. The charismatic circus entertainer briefly built trusses for homes. “I did that for three weeks and I decided I couldn’t do it anymore,” Zoppe said. “It was boring. It was so monotonous. I was doing the same thing every day. I needed something else.” The Zoppe…
An Impractical Joker: Sal Vulcano says ‘Everything’s Fine’ on stage
On TV’s “Impractical Jokers,” Sal Vulcano embarrasses, challenges and pranks his longtime friends. After touring with his castmates, Vulcano is on his own doing stand-up comedy. He brings his show to Tucson’s Linda Ronstadt Music Hall on Saturday, Jan. 11, as part of his “Everything’s Fine” jaunt. During this tour, the comic brings more personal…
Royal Highness: Christine Apple turns hobby into edible art
Christine Apple was working as an architect when she discovered edibles. Looking for specific flavors, Apple casually began making chocolate-infused edibles at home. Soon, the passion project morphed into a successful business, Grön. Launched in Oregon in 2015, Grön is now available in seven states, including Arizona. To stand out in the competitive cannabis market,…
Keeping Westerns in Tucson: Locally made film sets red-carpet premiere
Vengeance: a Tombstone Remembrance,” a feature-length movie locally made and produced, will make its red-carpet premiere at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Galaxy Theatres, S. Houghton Road. Tickets are $12.51 each. Arrive at 7:45 p.m. for drinks and a meet and greet with the cast and crew. Filmed last year at Harker Western…
Letters to the Editor: Week of Jan. 9, 2025
A matter of historical record Editor: I am a longtime reader, and occasional photo contributor, of the Tucson Weekly. I am also Jewish. Recently, a letter to the editor titled “Reckless Allegations” by Anthony Zinman was published decrying another article, titled “Cultivating resistance and the butterfly effect,” by Brian Smith. I feel compelled, as a…
City Week: Week of Jan. 9, 2025
“LightsUp!” A Festival of Illumination TO JAN. 12 Experience the wonder of the season at “LightsUp!”, an enchanting holiday event that lights the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Over one million twinkling lights transform the garden into a mesmerizing display, featuring oversized structures like a captivating lift tunnel, vibrant trees and stunning luminaria arrangements. Visitors can enjoy…
Good Lord, Vinton: Vicki Lawrence brings ‘Mama’ to Tucson
When Vicki Lawrence was asked to play Thelma Harper, aka “Mama,” she wasn’t sure about the role. She was hesitant to play an older woman as an actress in her 20s. Now, “Mama” is iconic. Lawrence will bring her show “Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show” to the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, Jan.…
A Jewish Perspective: Tucson J film festival works to educate
Often, film festivals aren’t just merely for entertainment. They are meant to educate and share experiences. In its 34th year, the Tucson J International Film Festival explores Jewish culture and history through film and related activities. From Wednesday, Jan.8, to Sunday, Jan. 19, films will be screened throughout Tucson. This includes the Tucson Jewish Community…
How to Humanize AI Content: Full Guide
There is a new tool in town, and while the AI detectors are taking all the news headlines, we want to share a little bit about the humanizer tool. This AI tool is usually found online within most detection tools, and other tools that use artificial intelligence to help you create content. Today we will…
City Week: Week of Jan 2, 2025
Tucson’s Christmas Tree TO JAN. 5 Tucson’s Christmas Tree, presented by Rio Nuevo and the Downtown Tucson Partnership, shines bright in Jácome Plaza with thousands of white LED lights and over 1,000 stunning ornaments. Standing at 36 feet, it’s one of the largest trees in Southern Arizona, creating a festive centerpiece for Downtown. The tree…
Remembering Frank Zappa: Dweezil Zappa lets the music do the talking
When it comes to musical iconoclasts, the late Frank Zappa left behind quite the creative legacy despite only living to the age of 52 before succumbing to prostate cancer in 1993. Three-plus decades later, his eldest son Dweezil is honoring his pop via the “Rox (Postroph)y Tour Return of the Son of…,” a string of…
Planning a Move to Tucson? Discover the Top 5 Moving Companies to Simplify Your Move
Planning a Move to Tucson? Discover the Top 5 Moving Companies to Simplify Your Move Choosing the right moving company can make all the difference when planning a move. Tucson, Arizona, is home to many reputable movers who cater to various needs, whether you’re relocating within the city, moving long-distance, or transitioning a business. This…
Say Hello to 2025: A few good things about the sucky 2024
As we wrapped up 2024 — the “sucko” year of all time — these were a few of my favorite things. I’m not presumptuous enough to claim that they’re the best. They’re just my favorites. Favorite movie: “Hit Man” from director Richard Linklater. This movie had me smiling and on the edge of my seat…
Review: Clinical trials demonstrate effectiveness of cannabinoids for managing peripheral neuropathy
Patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy respond favorably to the use of botanical cannabis and other cannabis-based products, according to the findings of a systematic review published in The Journal of Hand Surgery. Researchers affiliated with the University of Virginia reviewed data from 14 randomized clinical trials involving over 600 patients. Ten of the trials assessed…






