Downtowns Around The Globe at The Carriage House. Ever wanted to experience the cuisine of Tsuruoka, Japan? Janos Wilder’s Carriage House is hosting a cooking demonstration and dinner featuring: shiitake mushroom soup, ankake pork, shrimp donburi, ramen salad and edamame ice cream to top it off. Plus, the meal features wine to really bring the flavors out. Learn to cook just like Janos! 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 24. 125 S. Arizona Avenue. $70. Details here.

Fortnight of the Monsters at Tap & Bottle North. Tap & Bottle’s Northside location is celebrating San Diego’s Modern Times beer with four variants on tap: Vanilla, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Blackberry Cobbler and Chaos Grid. But these are no regular beers—brewed with cocoa, cinnamon, blackberries, Madagascar vanilla beans, and some even aged in brandy barrels, this selection of brews is for the adventurous palette. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24. 7254 North Oracle Road. Details here.

• Courtesy Barrio Brewing

Monkey Burger Tap Takeover. Barrio Brewing Co. is taking over Monkey Burger, meaning you get to try some great local burgers paired with great local beers. The “takeover” includes Ciao Charlie Ciao, Hipsterville Hazy IPA and Grapefruit IPA. Beer and burgers go together as nicely as, well, Barrio Brewing and Monkey Burger. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24. 5350 E. Broadway Blvd. Details here.

Friends of the Pima County Public Library Community Book Sale. Looking to add to the pile of books you have at home that you’re really looking forward to reading someday? Look no farther than this book sale, with not only 70 categories of books, but records, videos and audiobooks galore. The Best of Friends room is your best bet if you’re looking for something collectible, gift-quality and unusual. What are you waiting for? Book it on over to the library’s book barn. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25. Friends of the Pima County Public Library Book Barn, 2230 N. Country Club. Free. Details here.

Arizona Highways and Ted DeGrazia Opening Reception. In these parts, we’re all Ted DeGrazia fans. And we’re also all fans of Arizona Highways magazine, which has been around for a whopping 98 years! So we’d be hard-pressed to find something more locally lovable than this exhibit, featuring selections of DeGrazia’s art that have appeared in the magazine. The exhibit, along with a special June issue of the mag, highlight DeGrazia’s relationship with Arizona Highways and its former editor, Raymond Carlson. Runs through January 29, 2020. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Road. Free admission during the reception. Details here.

Wine a Little, Laugh a Lot. There is a little bit of wine and a lot of laughing at this event, but it’s a little more structured than you might think. Sadhna Bokhiria, professor of education and CEO for the Kapoor Foundations, is leading this free workshop for nonprofit professionals on using laughter to build relationships. In her words, “This workshop utilizes tools to increase authenticity in the workplace through genuine kindness and compassion. It focuses on how you can use humor to lighten the stress of our day-to-day hustles.” We’ll take 12! 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. Community Foundation Campus, 5049 E. Broadway. Free. Details here.

Super Gay Party Machine. The only people that aren’t welcome at Tucson’s premiere LGBTQA dance party and show are people who don’t like to have a good time. So get your dancing shoes on—heck, get your dancing pants, hat and T-shirt on if you have one—and head downtown for a night full of fun. DJ Shorty is spinning beats, and Elena Sanchez, Bianca Difonsi and Häus of K are performing. Party on, LGBTQA community and allies! 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, May 24. Hotel Congress, 311 Congress St.  Details here.

5 Minute Film Fest. The Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art is screening their second annual 5 Minute Film Festival, including over two dozen locally made short films spanning the documentary, animation and experimental genres. Three cash prizes will be awarded to the top films. Come out to support (and award) local art! 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 24. 265 S. Church Ave. Details here.

Jurassic Park (Free Outdoor Screening). The Palo Verde Park Neighborhood and Loft Cinema are teaming up to make our public parks a little more thrilling. This free outdoor screening at Palo Verde Park shows the original Jurassic Park, plus plenty of local food trucks! Don’t miss your chance to see Jeff Goldblum and Samuel L. Jackson on the big screen on your local streets. 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 24. Palo Verde Park. Free. Details here.

The Goonies. If you want to see a bit of greenery in the desert, check out The Loft Cinema’s screening of this adventure through the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This totally awesome ’80s movie is getting a new digital restoration, and you’re invited. See every hair on Corey Feldman’s head, every bone in the pirate’s lair, every menacing booby trap. 10 to 11:55 p.m. Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. Plus 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. screenings on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Saturday:

Farmers’ Market at Steam Pump Ranch. Now operating on their summer hours, the Saturday farmers market at Steam Pump Ranch includes over 30 vendors every week. Whether you’re looking to get some local baked goods or stock up on high quality farm-to-table produce, this is a great way to start your weekend. Support local markets and eat healthy at the same time! 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 25. 10901 N. Oracle Road. Free admission.  Details here.

Summer Safari Saturday Nights. The zoo is a great way to spend a Saturday. But it’s an even better way to spend a Saturday evening, when it’s less hot than during the day. Our local one is kicking off their summer series with this “Meet Your Zoo Night,” where you can meet zoo keepers and educators, learn more about their jobs, and hear about what animals and features are on their way. Highlighted animals include the flamingo, rhino, lion, crowned crane, grizzly bear and Aldabra tortoise. Plus live music, games, and food and drink specials. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $10.50 adults, $8.50 seniors, $6.50 kids ages 2 to 14 and free for zoo members. Details here.

Black Renaissance Concert. Can you believe we’re already at the last weekend in May? That means we’ve reached the final installment of Hotel McCoy’s Black Renaissance event, created by local musician seanloui to spotlight black creativity and educate the community about black artists’ influence on mainstream culture. And they’re going out with a bang—or at least with some sounds, in a night full of live music by Street Blues Family, Black Caesar and seanloui. This is your last chance to check out this event! 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free. Details here.

Masters of War. On December 1, 1969, John Vornholt was sitting in a roomful of men watching television to see if they’d be drawn for the Vietnam War draft. He wasn’t 19 yet, so he was safe, but the show and the night were so dramatic that he started writing a play about it that very night. He’s been working on it every 10 years or so since, so it’s got pieces of him at 18, 30, 40 and 50. Come see this show, which captures the emotions felt by the young men in America that night from a perspective both contemporary and reflective. It’s part of Live Theatre Workshop’s Etcetera Late-Night series! 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 26. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

Memorial Day Weekend at the International Wildlife Museum. This museum is always a treat. But this weekend, museum admission really is their treat: Free for active, retired and veteran military with ID. Spend your day—or your weekend—checking out the more than 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from all over the world on display in the museum. And don’t miss the temporary “Conservation Piece by Piece” exhibit, which, at 33,600 pieces and 19 ft by 6.5 feet, is one of the world’s largest puzzles! 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 27. Last admission given 45 minutes prior to closing time. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. Admission for non-military is $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 kids 4 to 12 and free for kids 3 and under. Details here.

Tucson Sugar Skulls vs. Arizona Rattlers. In a game against, say, the Iowa Barnstormers, or the San Diego Strike Force, the Tucson Sugar Skulls have not only their skills on their side, but the hometown advantage. This week, they’re facing off against the Arizona Rattlers, from Phoenix, who are just as acclimated to the desert’s charms as our home team is. But hey! The Sugar Skulls broke a four-game losing streak earlier this month, and you’d better believe they’re going to fight to keep that momentum going. See you at the Tucson Arena! 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $17.  Details here.

Rally Point: A Veterans Reunion. 1912 Brewing Company is owned by veterans, so they’re honored to be hosting this reunion of men and women who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. They’re expecting vets from all across the United States to be at this day full of live music, food trucks and special beer releases. Fill up on goods from Green Feet Brewing, Caps and Corks, Hamilton Distillers, Cider Corps and Daniela’s Cooking Food Truck, and let it fuel you through the intensity of a cornhole tournament. All veterans and active military get 10 percent off their entire purchases. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25. 1912 Brewing Company, 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. Free. Details here.
Cool Summer Nights. Astronomy is taking center stage at this week’s Desert Museum event. (We guess you could say the stars are the stars.) The National Optical Astronomy Observatory Kitt Peak is leading educational solar system activities for families, docents will be around to answer questions about everything from desert wildlife to desert skies and there will be high-powered telescopes set up throughout the grounds. UA Astronomer Kevin Hainline will be leading a talk called “I Thought I Knew That: 20 (Very!) Common Astronomy Fallacies,” that will leave you feeling like your whole life before this talk was one big lie (but will also give you lots of fun facts to share at parties). Saturday, May 25. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. $21.95 GA, $19.95 seniors 65+, $8.95 for kids 3 to 12, free for kids under 3, $17.95 for active or retired military, $16.95 for Arizona/Sonora residents. Details here.


Academy of Ballet–Snow White. The Academy of Ballet, Tap and Jazz has been here in town for nearly 40 years, and is one of Arizona’s leading classical dance training schools. This year’s annual recital is the ballet Snow White, along with a tap dance and jazz showcase. Every student at the school is invited to perform in the event in one way or another, so you get a chance to support both expert pointe ballerinas and the cutest, clumsiest little 3-year-olds. Grand jeté your way on over! 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $17. Details here.

FST! Presents: Borders & Boundaries. Have you ever made it out to see a Female Storytellers show here in the Old Pueblo? This group of hilarious, insightful women come together to make you laugh and raise money for local charities. ASL interpreters are provided. This week is sure to be a good show, because we all have thoughts and opinions about borders and boundaries, but this group of women have thoughts, opinions and a real knack for sharing them in an eloquent, funny way. 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 23. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $8 GA. Details here.

Megan Craft at REVEL. REVEL, our local European-styled bar with wines from all over, hand-selected beers, and gorgeous meat and cheese boards, is a place where people come to celebrate life, and a place where artists come to showcase their work. Local artist Megan Craft is showing off some of her stuff at this special event. Come see her gorgeous, colorful figure drawings—and her smiling face—at REVEL, for this “Meet the Artist” event. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 23. REVEL, 416 E. Ninth St. Free. Details here. 

• Courtesy Photo

Ask For Jane. The Screening Room is showing a film that is just as relevant today as it was when it was made. Based on a true story, this film shows a world where abortion is punishable by prison and getting birth control is nearly impossible. As a result, women form a secret network to help other women obtain safe but illegal abortions. But the police are always searching. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24. 127 E. Congress Street. $7. Details here.

Events compiled by Tirion Morris, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Dirty Details. You know Jake “The Snake” Roberts, the professional wresting icon and WWE Hall of Famer that says stuff like, “When I step into the ring and I look at that man across the ring from me, I say ‘well, that’s my dinner.’” Now, Jake is on tour with his comedy storytelling show, sharing road stories and tales of pranks he’s played on his opponents. Step behind the scenes of some of your favorite matches, like with Macho Man, Andre the Giant and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, all from Jake’s perspective. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, or $40 for a VIP ticket that includes a private meet & greet, a seat in the first two rows and one signed item. Details here.

The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez. Forced to run from the Texas Rangers after the death of a lawman, Mexican American farmer Gregorio Cortez sets off in desperate flight. This revisionist Western, featuring a good amount of the cast of Blade Runner, is thrilling and (allegedly) historically accurate. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. The Loft. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Free. Details here.


It's Babytime! Storytime and Playgroup. For all those moms and dads out there that can't make it to a late night concert or movie because of their rugrats, this is an event for you! Head on over to the Dusenberry-River Library for stories and songs sure to entertain your little one. The group is designed for babies up to 18 months old. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 5605 E. River Rd. Details here.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Responsible for more one-liners, puns and visual gags than possibly any other film in history, this can simply be described as absurd in every sense. For their Tuesday Night Classics series, Harkins Theaters is screening the craziest telling of King Arthur and his knights’ quest for the Holy Grail ever told. 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. 5755 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive & 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz. Details here.

Hot Blues & Brews Tuesday. Does Tuesday have you feeling bluesy? Well, head on up to the Gaslight Music Hall for a night of live blues and local brews. $12.50 general admission. This week features music by The Bryan Dean Trio and Bad News Blues Band. The Gaslight Music Hall 13005 N Oracle Rd. 6 p.m. Details here.

Taco Tuesday at 1912 Brewing. Yeah, they say Tucson has the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the country. But did you know on Tuesdays that length grows to include the entire city? 1912 Brewing Co. is celebrating this weekly holiday by teaming up with Daniela’s Cooking for a make-your-own meal extravaganza of locally made tacos and craft beer. Every week the beer and taco pairings are different, so you never know what kind of tasting combo you’ll get. 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. Details here.

Events compiled by Tirion Morris, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Haiku Hike. Tucson celebrated its first annual Old Pueblo Poems literary competition this year, with 20 winning haiku posted on signage along Congress and Stone in downtown Tucson. They were selected from 977 entries, mostly from Tucson, but more than 100 hailing from across 12 different states. And May is your last chance to head downtown and see them! The “haiku hike” is about half a mile long—or 1,000 steps, for those of you with FitBit goals to meet. How often do you get to take a walk and read poetry the whole way? Just look for the acrylic signage in planters along Congress and Stone and take a self tour. They can be viewed from dawn to dusk every day until June 1. Free. Details here.

Vinyl Night: Dark Side of the Rainbow. Celebrate the Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd's classic "Dark Side of the Moon" with Casa Video and Casa Film Bar tonight. Two copies of the classic album will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to charity. It is sure to be a psychedelic evening.  7 to 10 p.m. 2905 E Speedway Blvd. Details here.

Brew Haha Comedy Presents: Ellen Doyle. Get your laugh on Tucson, it's time for our town's longest running independent comedy showcase. Brew Haha at Borderlands Brewery features headliner Ellen Doyle with Tim Maggard, Rich Gary, Autumn Horvat and more. Fun fact: dogs on leash are welcome at this show! 8 to 10 p.m. 119 E Toole Ave. Details here. 

Events compiled by Tirion Morris, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Rosé All Day. Maynards Market & Kitchen is hosting an event for all of you who aren’t sure if you like white or red wine more. This event features tastings of multiple different wines, as well as some insider information about making rosé wines. Ah rosé, the neutral wine. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 17. 400 N. Toole Ave. Tastings are $12. Free entry to wine tastings for Wine Club members. Details here.

Fish Fry Friday at Arizona Beer House. It’s a fish fry, you know what that means: Beer! The Arizona Beer House is teaming up with the West Coast Trolley II food truck. You’ve heard of fish and chips, now get ready for fish and sips! And if fish isn’t your thing, West Coast Trolley is also offering chicken. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 17. 150 S. Kolb Road. Kid friendly. Details here. 
Tiger’s Eye Art Reception. If you can count on any city to have local art hanging on the walls of a locally owned pole dancing and acrobatics studio, it’s Tucson, right? So you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that Kinetic Arts Tucson is continuing their quarterly art showcase by featuring three artists: Marcus Robiason, Denny Fridkin and Jason Hull. All three self-trained artists will be at the reception, with their art for sale, as well as prints, magnets and coasters for the budget-conscious and budget-constrained among us. Barefoot on Bumblebees will be playing live music as well. And last, but not least, there are light refreshments. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 17. Kinetic Arts Tucson, 17 E. Toole Ave. Details here.

Young Composers Festival. Ever wondered exactly what goes into composing music? This is your chance to go behind the scenes and learn more about it with lectures, Q&A sessions and TSO performances. But the real highlight will be the premiere of 25 brand-new compositions by young composers ages 8 to 18. The participants have spent the last nine months meeting with Ilona Vukovic-Gay, TSO assistant principal viola, attending TSO dress rehearsals and working with TSO musicians. Past grads of the program have gone on to prestigious conservatories, been featured on NPR and won awards. If you’re looking to have your faith in our future renewed, look no further than these shining stars. 6 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N. Sixth Ave. and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. Free. Details here.

Loving Vincent. Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is screening a serious cinematic achievement: The first fully painted feature film. This wonderful movie brings Vincent van Gogh’s artwork to life, while telling the story of his death. The film is made up of more than 65,000 frames of oil paintings on canvas, created by a team of more than 100 painters. Recommended for any fans of van Gogh’s artwork, painting in general or those who want a movie truly unlike any other. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 17. 2331 E. Adams Street. Free.  Details here.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. The Loft Cinema is hosting a free outdoor screening as part of their Loft Jr. series. This movie picks up—big surprise here—where the previous two left off: Still in Africa, the animals are trying to make it back home to New York’s Central Park Zoo. Featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and more. This screening will take place outdoors on “Hippie Hill” at Himmel Park. You Sly Dog food truck will be on site selling hot dogs and more. 7 to 8:45 p.m. Friday, May 17. 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. Free. Please bring your own seating. Details here.
Robot Jox. The Screening Room is getting cheesy and culty, but not in the literal ways. Sponsored by Zia Records, Tucson Comic-Con and Cobra Arcade, this screening of a nearly-forgotten sci-fi classic features giant robots battling it out in a future dystopia. What more do you need to know? 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 17. 127 E. Congress Street. $5. Details here.

The Undesirables: Reception and Program With Laurie McKenna. On July 12, 1917, the Bisbee Sheriff and several Arizona mining companies rounded up more than a thousand striking miners and their supporters and banished them from their homes. As part of the Arizona History Museum’s new “Stories of Resilience” exhibit, artist Laurie McKenna created 1,200 rubbings of a 1917 penny to commemorate each of these men. At this reception, McKenna will share stories about her process and motivation and play some of her video vignettes, where she imagines scenarios of the deportation with metal toys. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 17. Arizona History Museum, 949 E. Second St. Free with admission, which is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 for adult students, $4 for student youth ages 7 to 17. Free for veterans, museum members and kids 6 and under. RSVP to Nicola Brownlee at nbrownlee@azhs.gov or 617-1141. Details here.

Third Annual Waila Celebration at Desert Diamond. Have you ever seen Waila, the social dance the Tohono O’odham adopted from the Spanish, in action? Set to the music of accordion, saxophone, electric and bass guitars, and drums, it’s a fantastic time. Come enjoy great
music, food and dancing—and learn a little bit about traditional tribal celebrations and arts and crafts—at this free event. The lineup includes T.O. Mumsigo and Valenzuela & Company on Friday and the Intertribal Waila Band and Southern Scratch on Saturday. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 17, and 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita. Free (and the first 150 people on Friday, and 200 on Saturday, get $10 in free play). Details here.


Guided Tasting at Tap & Bottle. If you feel like joining a special beer society, Tap & Bottle Downtown is teaming up with The Bruery Tasting Room to host a private guided beer tasting before their public beer release. The guided tasting includes 5 oz pours of: Oude Tart 2019, Sour in the Rye 2019, This is Mrs. Ridiculous and more. Stick around for their public beer releases immediately afterward. 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18. 403 N. Sixth Ave. $40.  Details here.

Cider Days at Craft. Multiple months in the making, Craft, A Modern Drinkery, is celebrating “CiderDays: A Celebration to the Core.” This event features a varied assortment of ciders, as well as keynote speaker Jeff Mickel discussing Texas’s first hard cidery and their passion for old world ciders. There will also be raffles, giveaways, food trucks, cider representatives and more. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18. 4603 E. Speedway Blvd. Details here.

Black Renaissance: Visual Arts. This weekly event through the month of May to celebrate the contributions of black artists to popular culture is back, this week with a focus on visual arts. Local musician seanloui created this series to help the community learn about and enjoy more contributions by local black artists. They’re calling this night “Black Museum,” and featuring original pieces by artists like Sandra Taylor, FlawlessViktory, Roland Brooks, Che Wilson and Elizabeth Denneau. Plus plenty, plenty more! 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free. Details here. 
Travelogue: Grand Destinations and Personal Journeys. Summertime is on its way, which means lots of people are going on vacation. Lucky for those of us who aren’t, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is bringing in a group of paintings, drawings, photographs and graphics all inspired by travel. More than 80 artists are displaying pieces they created based on almost 250 years of travel all over the world. As co-curator Julie Sasse says, “This exhibition reminds us of the joy of observation and celebrates creativity inspired by place.” So hey, maybe this travel-inspired art will lead you to do some art-inspired travel! Saturday, May 18, through Sunday, Sept. 29, at TMA, 140 N. Main Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. $12 GA, $10 seniors 65+, $7 college students and youth ages 13 to 17, free for veterans/active military/museum members/kids 12 and under. Details here.

Making Molten History. Glassblown art almost always looks neat. But watching the glassblowing process? Even more neat. The Sonoran Glass School is hosting this full day of demonstrations where artists will spend two hours showcasing a style inspired by a celebrated period in art history, all while a host provides educational commentary. In order, you’ve got Jason Marstall doing surrealism, Paul Anders Stout doing minimalism, Jordan Ford and Austin Littenberg doing Venetian Renaissance and Andrew Schultz doing Dada circa 1916 to 1930. Then there’s a reception for the final pieces (with refreshments), a presentation, and some bidding and mingling. YAS GLASS. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th St. $10 GA or $5 for Sonoran Glass School members. Details here.

Bless Our Show(tunes). Oh, Reveille Men’s Chorus. You had us at “showtunes.” This local group—committed to promoting the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and changing lives through music—is closing out their 24th season with an evening full of Broadway renditions of songs about spirituality and religion. So get ready to have your heart soar and your throat sore, from all the singing along you won’t be able to resist. Bring your ears for listening and your amazing technicolor dreamcoat to help you get in the spirit. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $20 GA.  Details here.

Keep Tucson Sketchy. Get ready to get laughin’! Because this night full of comedy, music and funny videos is designed to be a comedy experience that will have you coming back for more. Matt Ziemak hosts, Jaca Zulu is the musical guest and DJ Bob Really is on the sounds. Keep Tucson Sketchy is produced by a collective of local comedians, writers and videographers, so you get to support local funny folks while you’re enjoying your Saturday night out. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18. The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. $10. Details here.

San Ysidro Festival. You’ve probably enjoyed wheat. If you’ve ever returned to wheat after a low-carb or wheat-free diet, you may have even had a religious experience with wheat. But have you ever really celebrated wheat? This traditional and historic wheat harvest festival is your chance. Sample pozole! Help harvest, thresh, minnow and mill white Sonora wheat! Watch Lion Dancers from the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center and the Santa Rosa Basket Dancers perform! And enjoy live music, a procession, presentations and a Tohono O’odham four directions blessing. Can’t wheat to see you there! 8 a.m. to noon. Saturday, May 18. Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane. Free. Details here.

Cool Summer Nights. One of the best way to keep track of the changing seasons in Tucson is to take note of when annual series, like the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum’s Cool Summer Nights program, return. It’s back, which means it’s hot again! Tonight’s theme is “Creatures of the Night,” featuring presentations about nocturnal creatures, docents teaching you about animals and nature and an art exhibit by Chris Maynard—a man who carves feathers into beautiful, intricate art. Plus, check out the stingray touch exhibit and the Packrat Playhouse in the cool of the night! 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. $21.95 GA, $19.95 seniors 65+, $8.95 for kids 3 to 12, free for kids under 3, $17.95 for active or retired military, $16.95 for Arizona/Sonora residents. Details here.

Family Fiesta Summer Reading Kick-Off! There oughta be a word for the special kind of joy that comes from picking up an armful of books from the library as a kid, then heading home to read them with the entire summer stretched out before you. The Pima County Library and the Tanque Verde Swap Meet are hosting this event to get the party started. Pick out a free book, meet Curious George and Clifford, and visit the Bookmobile to check out some library selections. You can also do a craft project, pick up some free seeds from the Seed Library and even enjoy some live stories from Make Way for Books. Let’s get ready to reeeeeead! 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S. Palo Verde Road. Details here.

Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons. Maybe you’ve heard your friends talk about it. Maybe you’ve seen a meme about it. And maybe you’re interested in dipping your toes into the big, beautiful world of D&D, but aren’t sure where to start. This is your opportunity! Heroes and Villains Comic Book Store is hosting this event to teach people how to play, walking you through step-by-step in how to make your own character so you’ll be all ready for your first short adventure. All new players get a free dice set, while supplies last! Get ready for the next chapter of your life to begin. 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Heroes and Villains Comic Book Store, 4533 E. Broadway Blvd. Free.  Details here.

Meet the Chefs. Peak behind the kitchen curtain at this event, where you get to meet the chefs competing to battle in the 2019 Iron Chef Tucson competition. Sample beer as well as food from chefs from: Dante’s Fire, Chef Chic, Maynards, Prep & Pastry, Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery and more. Hosted by Iron Chef Tucson and Culinary Experience. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19. At Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. $10. 21+ Details here.

Tails & Ales. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is celebrating pets, and beer! This fundraiser/dog wash at Barrio Brewing means you can enjoy a beer and get your pet cleaned at the same time, all while supporting a great local nonprofit. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19. 800 E. 16th St. $15 for a regular wash, or $40 for VIP which includes a VIP bandana, custom pint glass, line-cutting privileges, and doggie goodies. All ages.  Details here.

Tucson Pops—the Arizona Balalaika Orchestra. One of only about a dozen Russian folk orchestras in the United States, this nonprofit ensemble was founded back in 1980, and has played all over the state and in Mexico. Instruments include the balalaika, which looks like a triangular guitar, and the domra, which looks like a bulbous guitar. At this event, you’ll hear pieces ranging from the Tucson March to Lara’s Theme from Dr. Zhivago to C. Saint-Säens; Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah to Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2. We’re lucky to live in a place where we can hear music like this, and even luckier to have a chance to see it for free this weekend! 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19. DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph. Free. Details here.
True Colors Writing & Art Workshop. Lee Balan, an artist/curator/mental health professional, started hosting this series back in January through the Colby Olsen Foundation, created to help people express themselves through art and poetry. Interested in art but nervous about dipping your toes in? This workshop is full of all sorts of exercises for writing, self-esteem and art. Loving yourself feels really good, and expressing yourself gives you a chance to make something tangible you can be proud of. Worth a shot, no? Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Gallery 2SUN, 100 E. Sixth St. Details here.

Signs. Aliens arrive, and things get spooky. For many, this was the point where audiences fell off the M. Night Shyamalan hype train. But I never viewed him as more than a fun B-movie director anyhow, so his films didn’t disappoint until a few years later. I say bring on the tin foil hats! Part of their “Staff Selects” series, The Loft is screening this sci-fi thriller on a 35mm print! 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Events compiled by Tirion Morris, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Keep Tucson Sketchy has it all

Let’s Keep Tucson Sketchy roars back at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at The Screening Room. Its 42-person ensemble of actors, writers and crew includes amateurs, students, pros and several well-known local stand-up comedians. It will illuminate the venue’s movie screen with almost a dozen original video sketches. They’ll alternate with as many live scenes with projected sets, plus musical guest rapper Jaca Zuluby, interludes by DJ Bob Really and hosting riffs by comedian Matt Ziemak, co-host of Brew Ha Ha and The Switch.

Let’s Keep Tucson Sketchy debuted on March 2 to a standing room only crowd in the 99-seat venue. Rich Gary (aka Rich Aguirre) describes how the KTS concept began. “Tom (Kracower) and Joel (Foster) and I were doing a parody news show called the Scorcher Report for Creative Tucson. All the episodes are still on the Creative Tucson YouTube Channel, but (the show ended) when Creative Tucson ended their volunteer (content production) program.

“Tom still wanted to do something, and (his idea) was to do a sketch show in a parody of the Saturday Night Live format. There’s a cold open live sketch and a video intro announcing the performers just like Saturday Night Live. Matt Ziemak does 10 minutes just like the opening monolog. At some point we’ll do a Scorcher Report parody news sketch, just like Weekend Update, and so on.”

Gary is a high-energy guy who seems always to be smiling. A devoted Saturday Night Live fan from childhood, he began following live standup in high school. In college, he became a regular weekend audience member at Laffs Comedy Café.

Then, he says, “I started going to Thursday open mic just to watch. I thought, ‘These guys aren’t that good. I could do that.’ So I went home and wrote two pages of material and went back the next week and bombed. Totally. But I loved it.”

As he began going to more open mics, he found that the standup comedians he admired most also did improv. Inspired, he joined the cast of Tucson Improv Movement (TIM). Eventually he was performing on four teams, including TIM’s own nascent sketch team. At some point he started using his phone to create a vlog, The Real Rich Gary, and then began learning production as crew for the Creative Tucson show that eventually became The Scorcher Report.

Now he co-produces and performs in not only Keep Tucson Sketchy but also the popular Battle at the Roast Room, both co-produced with sidekick Colin Chomiak, and the Too Many Mics in the Screening Room a standup and panel show.

Gary credits the commitment and ambitions of actors, comedians, writers and crew members for helping him keep all these productions afloat while he pursues his own dream of a standup career.

“Everyone wants to do something! I knew that because I remember when I wanted to do everything! And I’m taking all the things I learned from improv. You need to listen you need to be flexible you’ve got to be a team player. You have to be there to make things work.”

Reservations for Let’s Keep Tucson Sketchy are $10 via keep-tucson-sketchy.ticketleap.com. Follow Keep Tucson Sketchy on Facebook.

Happy Birthday Comedy at the Wench!

Host and producer Roxy Merrari has a party lined for her popular Monday night comedy series at the Surly Wench Pub, celebrating its third birthday this month. Headlined by top Phoenix comedian Kristopher Royer in his first visit to Tucson, the lineup includes Phoenician Leslie Barton, and local favorites Joe Tullar, Bridgitte Thum, Tim Maggard and Mo Urban, Merrari’s original co-host of the open mic. Admission is a $5 donation, collected during the show. Visit Wench Comedy Presents: 3rd Anniversary Showcase on Facebook for electronic payment options.

That time he wrestled Andre the Giant, tho!

Professional wrestling icon Jake “The Snake” Roberts takes over Unscrewed Theatre on Wednesday, May 22, for an evening of comedy-style tales from the road and the mat. The WWE Hall of Famer and notorious prankster calls it his Dirty Details Tour; content is for ages 18 and over. Tickets are $20 for the 7 p.m. show. For $40, VIPs get one signed item, seating in the first two rows and a private meet and greet starting at 6 p.m. Visit bit.ly/JakeTheSnake5-22-19 for reservations.

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church. Not only is the Loft Cinema showing you a documentary on Jimi Hendrix's historic July 4, 1970, performance in front of more than 300,000 fans, but they're giving you the opportunity to meet and ask questions to a member of the Hendrix family. At this special screening, made in partnership with Zia Records, there will be a Q&A with Jimi Hendrix's sister, Janie Hendrix. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. 3233 East Speedway Blvd. Regular admission prices. Details here.


Southern Arizona Senior Pride Book Club. If you've been keeping up with this group's book list (which you should—they pick great books), you know they already read Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, a memoir about the author's relationship with her father. For this month's meeting, they're reading Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama by Alison Bechdel, a book about the author's relationship with her mother. We all have warped, complicated relationships with our mothers. Why not read some really eloquent, hilarious writing about the subject and talk about it with a group? 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Ward 3 Council Office conference room, 1510 E. Grant Road. Free. Details here.

On the Desert: An Exploration of Fibers. Fiber is an interesting word: You can use it to talk about a specific kind of nutrient, about the cloth that makes up your clothes or your bedspread, or to make dramatic statements about using every fiber of your being. From hand-crafted to industrially machined, fiber is everywhere. This exhibit explores the weaving, soaking, staining, stitching, painting, knitting, collaging, cutting, pressing, sewing and more of traditional and experimental fibers in the Southwest desert. Head over to Tohono Chul to enjoy a Fiber Friday or Woven Wednesday. Exhibit on display through the end of July. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Tohono Chul Exhibit House, 7366 Paseo del Norte. $13 adults, $10 military/student/senior, $3 for kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5. Details here.

Events compiled by Tirion Morris, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.