Making a Life in Photography — Rollie McKenna
ONGOING
Through May 16, the Center for Creative Photography is presenting “Making a Life in Photography,” featuring the work of Rosalie “Rollie” Thorne McKenna. The late photographer, 1918 to 2003, graduated from Vassar College in 1940 and worked independently as a sought-after architectural and portrait photographer. Her work has been praised as a unique and underrecognized contribution to American modernism and documentary photography. The gallery is closed on Sundays.
Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road, Tucson, free admission, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ccp.arizona.edu
‘Petals and Prickles’
ONGOING
The Tucson Desert Art Museum’s “Petals and Prickles” exhibit showcases botanical art from the desert southwest. Through April 18, the show features a collection of work from 18 artists — each presenting pieces inspired by desert blooms, cacti and other flora in the region. Their work celebrates the rich colors, intricate textures, and dramatic forms found in the Southwest landscape.
Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road, Suite 16, Tucson, free admission, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tucsondart.org
West Side Story & The Great American Songbook
APRIL 17 through APRIL 19
True Concord presents the culmination of their season, The American Dream, with music from two sources: West Side Story & The Great American Songbook. Based on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is one of the classics of the 20th century. It’s conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this work takes the classic tale into a modern American context, changing the landscape of American musicals. The Great American Songbook is the American pop music of the 1920’s to 50’s. This story and concert will be played at three different venues in Tucson that weekend.
Friday, April 17, Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S Camino Del Sol; Saturday, April 18, Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E Adams Street; Sunday, April 19, Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E Sunrise Drive; Tucson, various prices, 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, trueconcord.my.salesforce-sites.com
Ballet in Bloom
APRIL 17 through APRIL 19
Ballet Tucson presents Ballet in Bloom at the Proscenium Theatre from April 17 through April 19. The acts that will be performed are La Source, Bacchus, Mind Over Manner and Bolero. Ballet Tucson was established in 1986 by Mary Beth Cabana to create a world-class professional ballet company and school in Southern Arizona. The School of Ballet Tucson provides the opportunity for students to receive dance training from accomplished instructors.
Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W Anklam Road, Tucson, various prices, various times, ballettucson.org
420Fest
APRIL 18
Tucson’s largest cannabis celebration returns at MSA Annex which is bringing together top cannabis brands, live music, local food and immersive experiences for an elevated event. 420Fest has become a cornerstone event in Southern Arizona’s cannabis community—designed to connect consumers with brands in a dynamic, in-person setting. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of cannabis products, listen to a diverse lineup of live music and DJs and will include curated munchie boxes by Cowpig food truck, live glass blowing by Sunset Glass Gallery, artisan booths, and interactive demonstrations.
MSA Annex, 287 S Avenida del Convento, Tucson, $40 general admission and $75 for Prime VIP Ticket, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., tucsonfoodie.com
Turquoise Trail 20th
APRIL 19
This year is the 20th Anniversary of the Turquoise Trail which is a community walk for young families, walkers, runners, seniors and history lovers. Attendees will go on a two and a half mile stroll through downtown Tucson celebrating healthy living, community and Tucson’s rich heritage. Sites to see include the Historic Pima County Court House, La Pilita, Historic Carrillo School, Teatro Carmen, public art and murals.
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, free admission, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., TucsonPresidio.com
Ukulele Orchestra
of Great Britain
APRIL 21
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain was founded in 1985 where they donned black tuxedos and began giving ‘concerts’ in tiny rooms above old pubs. 40 years later, they are still catching the attention of audiences from Tasmania to the Arctic Circle, Windsor Castle to Carnegie Hall. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, guitars, or banjos, no pitch shifters or electronic trickery – just orchestration afforded by ukuleles and voices in a collision of postpunk performance and old classics.
Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Boulevard, Tucson, various prices, 7:30 p.m. start time, arizonaartslive.com
All Artists Show
APRIL 23
Madaras Gallery is showcasing more than 30 guest artists, each offering a unique perspective of the Southwest through a diverse range of mediums. The All Artist Show is distinguished by its focus on small works, creating an inviting and collectible exhibition that highlights a wide variety of styles and artistic voices. Attendees can enjoy light bites, connect with the artists, and experience creativity, conversation and artistic expression.
Madaras Gallery, 3035 N Swan Road, Tucson, free admission, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., madaras.com