Thursday, October 13, 2016

The Weekly List: 22 Things To Do In Tucson In The Next 10 Days

Posted By on Thu, Oct 13, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Your Weekly guide to staying busy in the Old Pueblo.

Pick of the Week

Blue Heritage Festival: It's been a long week, and we've all earned a day of Blues. This weekend the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation is bringing us a Blues Heritage Festival, featuring Los Lobos, the Garcia Brothers and the Missy Andersen Band. Don't forget to get your tickets in advance to avoid the $2 increase at the door. 11 a.m -6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 Reid Park Demeester Band Shell, 900 S. Randolph Way $10 online for adults 18+, $12 at the gate, 18 and under get in free.

Booze

Women's Whiskey Tasting: That's right! This is an event for just women, 21 and up, who want to spend the night learning about and drinking all different kinds of whiskey. Head on over to the Independent Distillery for an evening of whiskey, food and fun. You'll sample 3 different iconic whiskey brands and discuss what you like, what you don't like and what you love. Toby Hall, co-owner of the Independent Distillery, is hosting the evening and will educate everyone on all things whiskey.Tickets are $25 each online through the Eventbrite website. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 Independent Distillery, 30 S. Arizona Avenue. $25 online.

Music

Wild Belle: Rising from the ashes of Michigan’s afrobeat kings Nomo, the blessed-gene sibs of Wild Belle have been on roll for three years now (two critically respected albums out, massive American following, and currently on the Band of Horses tour), and for good reason, they’re wickedly engaging. Theirs is a hip-swiveling poppy blend of world sounds, from Jamaican dancehall to Zimbabwe psych to soul-tripping hip-hop. Singer Natalie Bergman’s voice is as subtly convincing as Lana Del Ray on a great day and Dusty Springfield on a blue day. No joke. Their latest skull invader “Through Down You Guns” is a trippy-hippie protest lament whose chorus is so sticky you’ll never want to even see a picture of a gun again, much less Donald Trump’s chromatically hued mug. It’s killer like that. With Calexico, Danny Brown, DJ Mustard, Matt and Kim, Luna Aura, Gaby Moreno, A-Trak and lots more. Saturday, Oct. 22, at noon. Dusk Festival at Rillito Park Downs, 4502 N 1st Ave. Tickets start at $39. All ages.

The Exbats: The most famous band ever from Pinon, Arizona, and it just makes sense. This wry father/daughter combo—kid on drums and vocals, cool punk dad on guitar—do the stuff of greats. Crunchy pop chords ring out over spare beats, and heart-melting melodies offer words that detail everything from love and cultural outsiderisms to boredom and gender indifferences. The Exbats’ perfectly droll, punchy Burger Records’ cassette, A Guide To The Health Issues Affecting Rescue Hens, is just out, recorded by pop godhead Matt Rendon at his Tucson studios. Celebrate the tape’s release Friday, Oct. 14, at 10 p.m. La Cocina, 201 N. Court Ave. Free. All ages.

Rend Collection: This collective from Northern Ireland sings for the man upstairs, yet they exist mostly outside the staid world of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). They once defined themselves by saying they’re just a “group of confused twentysomethings trying to figure out faith, life, god and community.” Well, rest assured the Rends are more than just a collection of messianic complexes coalescing into organized noise. See, their rousing praise pop and foot-stomp folk soars in ways that recall secular combos Coldplay and U2, and is often centered on reliable themes of family and community, sometimes showing elements of old Irish storytelling. They’ve even released songs recorded live around a campfire! They sellout shows both stateside and in Europe, and this is a rare Old Pueblo appearance. With Urban Rescue on Friday Oct. 14, 6 p.m. Christ Community Church, 530 S. Pantano Rd. Kenyon Dr. $10-$50. All Ages.

The Struts: Struts singer Luke Spiller is more than some cheap Freddy Mercury knockoff, but man, if you’re a fan of Queen … But calling Spiller (and this aptly named band) a Queen knockoff is reductive thinking. But then no one really knows anymore what to say when a proper rock ’n’ roll band is discovered doing rock ’n’ roll properly—that is to say playing it with youth, verve, passion, attitude, joy, hooks, swimmer’s builds, sexual tension, intelligence and a stinking brilliant live show rooted in some vague forgotten idea of performance. It’s the kind of stuff Marc Bolan or David Bowie or Mott The Hoople was never afraid of. England’s Struts work hard at it and it shows. Their calling-all-destroyers anthem “Could Have Been Me” was, absolutely, the international rock ’n’ roll single of last year (16 million Spotify plays and counting). They make you wonder at what point did rock ’n’ roll turn colorless and schluby-looking? Go see them blow Weezer, Panic At the Disco!, Iration and The Holy White Hounds off the stage at KFMA’s Fall Ball on the Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Rd. Sunday, Oct. 22, noon. $40-$125. All Ages.

Back of Tricks Cat: Not only did this Phoenix emcee work with spiritual Detroit brothers D12 on his 2016 album Cat’s Out of the Bag (listen to ominous rager “Hometown Hero”), but he also popped out a 2015 split EP with nerdcore heavyweight Mega Ran, and toured all over god’s green earth. And dig this bit of harcore street cred: dude’s grandma, Ann Bennett, wrote and sang the theme song to the 1959 cartoon series Felix the Cat. That’s a lot of shit for a kid to live up to, to be sure. But D12’s Bizarre says Bag of Tricks Cat is the real deal, can handle it all, and adds that his banging shows yank down barriers and rattle rafters. With Stoner Jordan, Friday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. Scratch Shake, 245 W Speedway Blvd. $15. All Ages.

Pig Destroyer: Virginia’s grindcore vets Pig Destroyer actually do their name justice. And we mean that in the most positive metaphorical way. Their hyper-aggressive sound pummels—roiling power riffs uphold gore-mongering lyrics and bloody voicebox screeches. Then, when you least expect it, they’ll do something insane, like cover a Stooges tune. So, yes, we can say with absolute authority that Pig Destroyer can make The Stooges sound like balladeers. All you need to know, yo. With Final Conflict, Gay Kiss, Trench, Full of Hell, Wake, Vermin Womb, Sorrower, Despise You on Friday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m. At 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole. $30. All Ages. Part of the Southwest Terror Fest.

Kikagku Moyo: It wasn’t so long ago that the core members of this Japanese psych band were busking Tokyo streets. Then, since forming in 2013, they’ve released three albums and an EP. What’s incredible is their music can transcend space (and time) in the way that authentic California psychedelic did in the mid-to-late ’60s; we’re talking the singsong of The Byrds, the acid blot-out of Jefferson Airplane, the dreamy side of It’s a Beautiful Day. It has that feel of a sound that rises from drug-enhanced mind expansions. In other words, Kikagku Moyo are no strangers to hypnotic raga drones, dual guitar harmonies, chugging riffs and feedback. There’s glorious sitar work too, and even dub excursions and ambient soundscapes. There’s so much to love here it’s no wonder they’re relatively popular in the old Moldy Pueblo, and other places on the globe. With Tucson’s great Myrrors and Night Collectors, Thursday, Oct. 20. 9 p.m. At the Flycatcher, 340 E. 6th St. $5-$8. 21+.

Two Way Crossing Band at Metal Arts Village: A pop-country band called Two Way Crossing from Nashville is coming to perform for the second year at the Metal Arts Village (3230 Nn Dodge Boulevard) on Wednesday, Oct. 19. from 10am-4pm. It will be a night of great music along with craft beer from local food trucks. There will be limited seating, so lawn chairs are welcomed. This festival is all ages and admission is free, but donations are encouraged. 10am-4pm Wednesday, Oct. 19 3230 N. Dodge Boulevard Free music festival, family, community, food 

Fashion

Tucson Fashion Week: It’s a three-night, peacock-tailed explosion of sight, sound and vision, featuring works by greats in fashion, art and music. That sounds like hyperbole, but wait! Whole shindig kicks off with Thursday’s eclectic blowout, which includes cult-legendary Cesar Padilla curating a micro vintage rock ’n’ roll exhibit, meet-and-greet and book signing of his book, Ripped. There’ll be a street-cool fashion show featuring local, regional, and national designers, and killer musical appearance by Jason Maek & Zaena of Maekme. Then, Saturday’s main runway show at MOCA stars iconic designer Richie Rich, and the work of four local and regional designers. An afterparty will follow. Saturday night’s Maison De Mode by the Tucson Ladies Council begins with an art reception and fashion presentation where guests will meet designers Henry Picado and Shahida Clayton and dine on food presented by chef Janos Wilder. Later, a salon-style fashion show will feature regional designers, retailers, the launch of Shahida Parides’ luxury collection, and designer Henry Picado’s Prêt-à-Porter fall 2017 collection. There’ll be an afterparty with champagne and chocolate bonbons and you’ll be able to shop curated selections of designers Picado and Parides. DJ Corbin Dooley will spin. Thursday, Oct. 13-Saturday, Oct. 15 at various venues downtown. General admission and VIP Tickets are available for all events. All ages.

City Chic, a Fashion Show, Art Exhibit and Party: Get ready for not one but three days of art, fashion and rock 'n roll at Hotel Congress and the Rialto Theatre. Join artist and musician Caesar Padilla as he show cases his micro-vintage rock 'n roll t-shirt collection at Hotel Congress event for VIP ticket holders only. This vintage fashion collector is the owner of Cherry Vintage and supplied clothing for major films like "American Hustle" and "American Gangster." Later, head on over to the Rialto Theatre for a super chic fashion show featuring works from local, regional and national designers. A peak of Padilla's fashion on HBO's Vinyl will also be a special highlight at the event as well as musical guest Jason Maek and Zayna of Maek. Hotel Congress with Caesar Padilla (VIP tickets holders only): 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Fashion Show: 7:30 - 10 p.m. Oct. 13 Hotel Congress 311 E. Congress St., Rialto Theatre 318 E. Congress St. GA Tickets: $20- $50 fashion, community 


Cinema

Sing-A-Long A Grease movie night: The Hearth Foundation is hosting a sing-a-long version of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton at the Fox Tucson Theatre
(17 W. Congress Street) on Friday, Oct. 14th. The doors open at 6:00pm and will begin with a silent auction. Then, the movie will start at 7:30pm and end around 10:00pm. The host will lead a vocal warm-up and you'll even get a chance to learn how to hand jive. Then for the rest of the evening, you'll be able to kick-back, relax and watch Grease while singing and dancing along to the lyrics shown on the screen, dressing up is strongly encouraged! Be sure to get your tickets online for $20 each to secure your spot." 6pm-10pm Friday, Oct. 14 Fox Tucson Theatre (17 W. Congress Street) $20 each online Music, community 


Starwars Under the Stars: Experience Rey and company from Star Wars: The Force Awakens kick ass under that actual stars at The Loft Cinema's free, outdoor screening of the hit movie. Brought to you in part by UA Residence Life and UA Campus Health Service, get ready to grab a blanket, some popcorn and a parent — since it is UA Parents' Weekend — then take a seat in the grassy parts of the Highland Bowl to enjoy the show. 9:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 Just outsid of UA Campus Health Building, 1224 E. Lowell St. Free parents, movies, community 

Nightlife

The 3rd Annual Arizona Burlesque Festival: Escape reality for the weekend and immerse yourself in two nights of some of the worlds best Burlesque, right here in Southern Arizona. For the third year in a row, Tucson will be the host for the Arizona Burlesque Festival. The first night of festivites will be held at The Hut and the last hoorah will be at Pima Community College West Campus. Don't miss a weekend to see the best and brightest of Burlesque with your own eyes. For more information and tckets visit http://azbfest2016.bpt.me Friday 8 p.m. - Saturday 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 - Saturday, Oct. 15 Friday: The Hut (305 N. 4th Ave) Saturday: Pima Community College West Campus (2202 W. Anklam Rd.) Friday: VIP $15 GA $10 Saturday $25.

Nature


Raptor Free Flight Opening Day: Hawks, Ravens, Falcons, oh my! Enjoy a day full of a few feathered friends by joining the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as it brings back Raptor Free Flight. The day consits of a bird walk, bird-themed activities, and two flight shows. Don't miss out on this high flying event! 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N Kinney Rd, 85743 Regular Museum admission entertainment 

Fitness

Glow Up with Session Yoga: Get your glow on at Club Congress with Session Yoga. This light-show event will give some of its proceeds to Beads of Courage, a philanthropic organization that provides children with serious illnesses artsy and supportive care programs across the globe. Wave a glowstick and get limber to the beats of the featured DJ HERM and if you show up early enough, Aveda can even hook you up with professional body paint. Don't forget about that rad raffle that will spew out prizes from Lululemon, Onzie and much more. Doors at 4 p.m., Yoga class 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 Hotel Congress 311 E. Congress St., Rialto Theatre 318 E. Congress St. $25 fitness, community 

Community

QTPOC Fest: Tucson is great in a lot of ways, but there really aren't that many queer spaces—let alone queer spaces made for and fun by people of color. Enter QTPOC Fest, a two-day festival making space for locals who identify as a queer, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, gay, asexual, intersex, femme, genderqueer, gender nonconforming people of color. Anyone is welcome to attend the second day of the event (day one is a mix and mingle for QTPOC people only), but are respectfully asked to make space for persons who identify along the aforementioned spectra. There will be workshops (learn how to do stenciling and how to keep your finances in order), entertainment and free food. Want to throw some support towards the event organizers? Here's their GoFundMe page. Read more about the event in this week's Weekly. Oct. 14-15. La Pilita Cultural Center, 420 S. Main Ave. Free.

Show & Tell at Playground: Celluloid Pueblo: UA’ arts, humanities and social sciences research center is returning this fall with another season of Show & Tells on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6pm at The Playground (278 E. Congress Street). The events feature presentations by UA faculty and graduate students, as well as collaborations with local non-profits, public intellectuals and activists. There will also be a book release for Jenkin’s “Celluloid Pueblo: Western Ways Films and the Invention of the Postwar Southwest.” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 Playground, 278 E. Congress Street. Free.

A Talk with Jonathan Hess: Part of the Tucson Humanities Festival, Jonathan Hess will discuss the roles that theatre played on shaping Jewish identity and the relationships between Germans and Jews in the decades leading up to the Holocaust. This free event will be held at the UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St., from 7- 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17.

Tucson Classics Car Show: The Rotary Club of Tucson is holding its annual show of over 400 antique, sport, classic and hot rod cars on the Gregory School lawn (3231 N. Craycroft Road) on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10am-4pm. The show includes awards for favorite cars, raffle prizes, as well as music. Each admission ticket serves as a raffle entry with a chance to win a 2006 C-6 Corvette Convertible prize car, $15,000 cash or other prizes. Admission is $5 each for adults. 10am-4pm Saturday, Oct. 15 Gregory School lawn, 3231 N. Craycroft Road. $5.