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Pets and Beasts
Thursday, December 12, 2019
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Laughing Stock: Punch Lines
Posted By Linda Ray on Thu, Dec 12, 2019 at 1:00 AM
Giving a whole new meaning to punch line
“I feel like, as opposed to LA, everyone in Arizona can actually defend me in a fight,” says comedian Jamie Kilstein. He likes it here. That’s a lucky thing because five months ago he moved here on a whim. “I have actually grown more (here) artistically than in my life in L.A. and New York,” he says.
Not that those great comedy cities treated him badly. He debuted on Conan. He’s been on MSNBC's Up with Chris Hayes, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Showtime, The Joe Rogan Experience and BBC America. He launched two podcasts, and he earned a national reputation for smart, edgy political comedy, joking about arcana that actually matters. He’s lately joking about other facts of life, but all the high-speed punches arise from the same energy.
Kilstein performs with fellow cult favorite Ian Harris and Albuquerque up and comer Ron Swallow at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 15 at 191 Toole.
Kilstein and Harris became friends in Los Angeles. “We kind of clicked because we both have political material. Oddly enough, we also train and coach Mixed Martial Arts.
“I think people who fight oftentimes don’t have much of an ego because we get our ass kicked a lot,” he says. “So, the idea of splitting a bill was more exciting to us. I just want to make art with people I like.”
Ian Harris started both fighting and doing impressions at age 6, inspired by the movie, Rocky. “As a kid I’d watch all the boxing matches,” Harris says, “and I would do all the play by plays and the interviews after the fight for my parents. I would be Muhammed Ali being interviewed by Howard Cosell.”
He says his whole family were really funny, so it’s not surprising that he would find jokes everywhere, even in taboo subjects. “I can’t avoid it. Even on accident I talk about religion or politics. Those are the things that interest me. Bur I personally steer away from (drug humor). I don’t do a lot of alcohol or relationships.” Nor do either he or Kilstein do jokes about martial arts.
“I think a lot of my stuff comes from a very nerdy kind of scientific background,” Harris says. “Like ‘Look at these weird beliefs. Conspiracy theories, religion, and why do we believe in these things when the evidence so clearly is the other way.”
Of the show, he says, “It’s going to be nerdy and edgy. I think it’s going to be really fun.” Tickets are $12 and $15 via Rialtotheatre.com. Doors open at 7.
Mega Lineup at Casa Marana
Dave Margolis presents a blockbuster lineup at the December 12 edition of his free semi-monthly Casa de Comedy Show at Casa Marana. Featured are Andrea Salazar, Nick Chant, Dominic DiTolla, Ashley Anna Tappan, Stephanie Lyonga, Monte Benjamin Roxy Merrari and Charles Ludwig. Most have headlined bigger shows in Tucson. Hear Margolis co-hosting the weekly Is This On comedy radio show at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at xerocraft.org/listen.php .
Applause for the Paws!
Sarah Kennedy headlines at The O to benefit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13. A 6:30 cocktail hour features an adoption event to make the day a lucky one for some shelter pets.
Kennedy started performing comedy in 2009 a few blocks from her Albuquerque home. After producing many shows, and sweeping her hometown papers’ Best Comedian awards, she left for the bright lights of NYC.
There, she appeared on the Today Show and MTV, wrote for The Advocate and Reductress and was a finalist in a national, NBC Stand-Up for Diversity competition.
Now back in Albuquerque she’s been a welcome guest on Tucson stages. Also performing are a hometown favorite drag queen, Miss Nature, and Autumn Horvat, creator and host of Comedians Who Aren’t Men. Eli Turner hosts. Tickets are $10 via support.hssaz.org/event/applause-for-paws/e255190.
Free Centenary Retro Game Show!
The longest-running live show in Tucson just keeps growing as its lascivious send-ups of mid-century TV game shows pack trendy Club Congress month after month.
The ensemble’s 100th show, and 8th-year anniversary, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, welcomes back six popular “celebrity guests” from shows gone by to play an anniversary round of The Mismatch Game. The towering and authoritative host Chatty Kathee presides with her sassy executive assistant Swish Marley.
To celebrate, the show is free with a donation to Toys for Tots. Seating is first come, first served, and there will be no splash zone.
The Pirates Who (almost) Stole Christmas
Kids from the audience help improvise the storyline of Elves Gone Bad: A Pirate’s Christmas at 1 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, through December 22. Reservations are $5 at unscrewedtheater.org/events/
The story is that Santa and the missus have retired to Tucson, leaving the North Pole elves unemployed. What with the melting Polar Ice Cap, apparently, an evil pirate captain sails to Santa’s workshop to recruit the elves as pirates. Pirates, of course, steal presents instead of giving them. Mayhem ensues, and only audience members can put things back right, somehow.
We think all the elves and reindeer should move to Tucson, form a union and put Jeff Bezos out of business. How about you?
Lots More Comedy
Friday, Dec. 13: Standup with Keith Carey featuring Matt Holt at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50). Improv with Beefeaters and Improv 501 Showcase at 7:30 p.m. and The Soapbox at 9 p.m. at TIM Comedy Theatre (TIM)($5). Improv Blox student showcase at 6 p.m., Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. and Freeform Friday at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8). Burlesque with The Manly Manlesque Show: Silent Night, Deadly Night at 10 p.m., Surly Wench Pub ($10 to $20)
Saturday, Dec. 14: Kids improv, F.O.M.P. (Friends of Make Pretends) at 2 p.m. at TIM Comedy Theatre ($5) Standup with Keith Carey featuring Matt Holt at 7 and 9:30 p.m., at Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50). Improv with the Ugly Sweater Show and Harold Omega at 7:30 p.m., and The Family of Things and The Dating Scene at 9 p.m. at TIM ($5). Family-friendly Elves Gone Bad: A Pirate’s Christmas at 1 p.m., Unscrewed Family Hour at 6 p.m., and NBOJU: Uncensored at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8).
Free Open Mics
Sunday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench, The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy, The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., The Screening Room and 8:30 p.m., The Mint.
Thursday, Dec.19, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.
“I feel like, as opposed to LA, everyone in Arizona can actually defend me in a fight,” says comedian Jamie Kilstein. He likes it here. That’s a lucky thing because five months ago he moved here on a whim. “I have actually grown more (here) artistically than in my life in L.A. and New York,” he says.
Not that those great comedy cities treated him badly. He debuted on Conan. He’s been on MSNBC's Up with Chris Hayes, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Showtime, The Joe Rogan Experience and BBC America. He launched two podcasts, and he earned a national reputation for smart, edgy political comedy, joking about arcana that actually matters. He’s lately joking about other facts of life, but all the high-speed punches arise from the same energy.
Kilstein performs with fellow cult favorite Ian Harris and Albuquerque up and comer Ron Swallow at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 15 at 191 Toole.
Kilstein and Harris became friends in Los Angeles. “We kind of clicked because we both have political material. Oddly enough, we also train and coach Mixed Martial Arts.
“I think people who fight oftentimes don’t have much of an ego because we get our ass kicked a lot,” he says. “So, the idea of splitting a bill was more exciting to us. I just want to make art with people I like.”
Ian Harris started both fighting and doing impressions at age 6, inspired by the movie, Rocky. “As a kid I’d watch all the boxing matches,” Harris says, “and I would do all the play by plays and the interviews after the fight for my parents. I would be Muhammed Ali being interviewed by Howard Cosell.”
He says his whole family were really funny, so it’s not surprising that he would find jokes everywhere, even in taboo subjects. “I can’t avoid it. Even on accident I talk about religion or politics. Those are the things that interest me. Bur I personally steer away from (drug humor). I don’t do a lot of alcohol or relationships.” Nor do either he or Kilstein do jokes about martial arts.
“I think a lot of my stuff comes from a very nerdy kind of scientific background,” Harris says. “Like ‘Look at these weird beliefs. Conspiracy theories, religion, and why do we believe in these things when the evidence so clearly is the other way.”
Of the show, he says, “It’s going to be nerdy and edgy. I think it’s going to be really fun.” Tickets are $12 and $15 via Rialtotheatre.com. Doors open at 7.
Mega Lineup at Casa Marana
Dave Margolis presents a blockbuster lineup at the December 12 edition of his free semi-monthly Casa de Comedy Show at Casa Marana. Featured are Andrea Salazar, Nick Chant, Dominic DiTolla, Ashley Anna Tappan, Stephanie Lyonga, Monte Benjamin Roxy Merrari and Charles Ludwig. Most have headlined bigger shows in Tucson. Hear Margolis co-hosting the weekly Is This On comedy radio show at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at xerocraft.org/listen.php .
Applause for the Paws!
Sarah Kennedy headlines at The O to benefit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13. A 6:30 cocktail hour features an adoption event to make the day a lucky one for some shelter pets.
Kennedy started performing comedy in 2009 a few blocks from her Albuquerque home. After producing many shows, and sweeping her hometown papers’ Best Comedian awards, she left for the bright lights of NYC.
There, she appeared on the Today Show and MTV, wrote for The Advocate and Reductress and was a finalist in a national, NBC Stand-Up for Diversity competition.
Now back in Albuquerque she’s been a welcome guest on Tucson stages. Also performing are a hometown favorite drag queen, Miss Nature, and Autumn Horvat, creator and host of Comedians Who Aren’t Men. Eli Turner hosts. Tickets are $10 via support.hssaz.org/event/applause-for-paws/e255190.
Free Centenary Retro Game Show!
The longest-running live show in Tucson just keeps growing as its lascivious send-ups of mid-century TV game shows pack trendy Club Congress month after month.
The ensemble’s 100th show, and 8th-year anniversary, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, welcomes back six popular “celebrity guests” from shows gone by to play an anniversary round of The Mismatch Game. The towering and authoritative host Chatty Kathee presides with her sassy executive assistant Swish Marley.
To celebrate, the show is free with a donation to Toys for Tots. Seating is first come, first served, and there will be no splash zone.
The Pirates Who (almost) Stole Christmas
Kids from the audience help improvise the storyline of Elves Gone Bad: A Pirate’s Christmas at 1 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, through December 22. Reservations are $5 at unscrewedtheater.org/events/
The story is that Santa and the missus have retired to Tucson, leaving the North Pole elves unemployed. What with the melting Polar Ice Cap, apparently, an evil pirate captain sails to Santa’s workshop to recruit the elves as pirates. Pirates, of course, steal presents instead of giving them. Mayhem ensues, and only audience members can put things back right, somehow.
We think all the elves and reindeer should move to Tucson, form a union and put Jeff Bezos out of business. How about you?
Lots More Comedy
Friday, Dec. 13: Standup with Keith Carey featuring Matt Holt at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50). Improv with Beefeaters and Improv 501 Showcase at 7:30 p.m. and The Soapbox at 9 p.m. at TIM Comedy Theatre (TIM)($5). Improv Blox student showcase at 6 p.m., Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. and Freeform Friday at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8). Burlesque with The Manly Manlesque Show: Silent Night, Deadly Night at 10 p.m., Surly Wench Pub ($10 to $20)
Saturday, Dec. 14: Kids improv, F.O.M.P. (Friends of Make Pretends) at 2 p.m. at TIM Comedy Theatre ($5) Standup with Keith Carey featuring Matt Holt at 7 and 9:30 p.m., at Laffs Comedy Caffe ($12.50 and $17.50). Improv with the Ugly Sweater Show and Harold Omega at 7:30 p.m., and The Family of Things and The Dating Scene at 9 p.m. at TIM ($5). Family-friendly Elves Gone Bad: A Pirate’s Christmas at 1 p.m., Unscrewed Family Hour at 6 p.m., and NBOJU: Uncensored at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8).
Free Open Mics
Sunday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench, The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy, The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., The Screening Room and 8:30 p.m., The Mint.
Thursday, Dec.19, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Adoptable Pets: Karla Needs a Home
Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Dec 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM
"Hi there! My name is Karla and I'm a sweet 4 year old girl with a gentle nature and loving personality. I was transferred to HSSA from another shelter, so my history is a bit of a mystery, but I'm just focusing on my bright future with YOU!" Come meet Karla at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd or give our adoptions counselors a call for more information at (520) 327-6088 ext 173.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Adoptable Pets: Fido Needs a Home
Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Dec 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM
“My name is Fido and I am a 4-year-old boy. I am a sweet boy who would prefer to be your only cat to get all of your love and attention. In the past I have done well with calm, cat savvy dogs and gentle kids.” Fido (875896) Fall in love with Fido at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. You can also give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173 for more information.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Reid Park Zoo welcomes Bella the jaguar
Posted By Staff report on Mon, Nov 25, 2019 at 2:41 PM
There’s a new furry face at the Reid Park Zoo, one with an intense stare and a caramel-tan coat featuring black rosettes.
Bella, a 10-year-old jaguar from the Akron Zoo in Ohio, recently took up residence in Tucson.
“Bella is a curious cat and has investigated everything in her surroundings. She has become comfortable quickly, resting on her back and rolling around playfully, as cats big and small do,” said Sue Tygielski, director of zoo operations, in a statement.
Bella was born in Ohio and was selected by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan to move to Tucson.
Like many people who move to Arizona from out-of-state, allergies were a factor in this jaguar's move, according to the zoo. Bella has skin allergies, and the hope is that Tucson’s climate will be more comfortable for her. Bella will also serve as an ambassador for her species, raising awareness about the challenges that jaguars are facing in the wild.
Guests can look for Bella in the Zoo's South America loop during visits to the Zoo. As Bella adjusts to her new home, she may spend time between her habitat and behind-the-scenes in her night house.
Bella replaces Simone, a 23-year-old jaguar who passed away in July. Simone was the oldest jaguar at an AZA-accredited zoo, and lived nearly all of her life at Reid Park Zoo. She arrived in Tucson from another zoo when she was just 7 months old. Median life expectancy for jaguars is 18.
Simone was euthanized Friday, July 5 due to age-related health issues. Simone’s sister Nikita passed away in 2017, also due to age-related health concerns.
Bella, a 10-year-old jaguar from the Akron Zoo in Ohio, recently took up residence in Tucson.
“Bella is a curious cat and has investigated everything in her surroundings. She has become comfortable quickly, resting on her back and rolling around playfully, as cats big and small do,” said Sue Tygielski, director of zoo operations, in a statement.
Bella was born in Ohio and was selected by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan to move to Tucson.
Like many people who move to Arizona from out-of-state, allergies were a factor in this jaguar's move, according to the zoo. Bella has skin allergies, and the hope is that Tucson’s climate will be more comfortable for her. Bella will also serve as an ambassador for her species, raising awareness about the challenges that jaguars are facing in the wild.
Guests can look for Bella in the Zoo's South America loop during visits to the Zoo. As Bella adjusts to her new home, she may spend time between her habitat and behind-the-scenes in her night house.
Bella replaces Simone, a 23-year-old jaguar who passed away in July. Simone was the oldest jaguar at an AZA-accredited zoo, and lived nearly all of her life at Reid Park Zoo. She arrived in Tucson from another zoo when she was just 7 months old. Median life expectancy for jaguars is 18.
Simone was euthanized Friday, July 5 due to age-related health issues. Simone’s sister Nikita passed away in 2017, also due to age-related health concerns.
Adoptable Pets: Monty Needs a Home
Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Nov 25, 2019 at 9:21 AM
“Hi there! My name is Monty and I am a fun-loving 3-year-old boy. I love water and enjoy splashing in the kiddie pool at HSSA. When I’m not by the pool I like relaxing inside and will never turn down a snack.” Monty (872453). Bring your family to meet Monty at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Fifth Annual Sweat For Pets
Posted By Staff report on Tue, Nov 12, 2019 at 3:34 PM
Fans of exercise and man’s best friend are in luck, as the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is once again taking to the concrete jungle around Kino North Sports Complex in mid-November.
The society is hosting its fifth annual SWEAT for Pets: Walk, Run & Roll event, with a non-competitive 5K walk/run, raising money for homeless pets in Tucson.
The event, which is HSSA’s top-grossing fundraiser, can be tackled by teams or simply as an individual, with participants being encouraged to register early and raise money for animals.
Prizes will be given to anyone that raises $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,500, according to the shelter’s release, with the race costing $10 for adults to enter and free for dogs and kids.
"Last year we hosted over 750 participants and 400 dogs! All the funds raised go a long way in helping us care for the neglected, sick, injured, and homeless pets in Southern Arizona. You can make a difference while having fun at this year’s SWEAT for Pets,” said Dianna Cannon, Chief Development Officer.
For more information or to register/start a fundraising team, go to hussaz.org/SWEAT, or email the shelter at events@hssaz.org.
The society is hosting its fifth annual SWEAT for Pets: Walk, Run & Roll event, with a non-competitive 5K walk/run, raising money for homeless pets in Tucson.
The event, which is HSSA’s top-grossing fundraiser, can be tackled by teams or simply as an individual, with participants being encouraged to register early and raise money for animals.
Prizes will be given to anyone that raises $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,500, according to the shelter’s release, with the race costing $10 for adults to enter and free for dogs and kids.
"Last year we hosted over 750 participants and 400 dogs! All the funds raised go a long way in helping us care for the neglected, sick, injured, and homeless pets in Southern Arizona. You can make a difference while having fun at this year’s SWEAT for Pets,” said Dianna Cannon, Chief Development Officer.
For more information or to register/start a fundraising team, go to hussaz.org/SWEAT, or email the shelter at events@hssaz.org.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Adoptable Pets: Chloe Needs a Home
Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Nov 11, 2019 at 1:11 PM
“Hi there! My name is Chloe and I am a sweet 5-year-old girl who loves to play. My dream home would have lots of toys for me to play with and a comfy bed for me to rest. In my previous home I did well with dogs, cats, and kids.” Chloe (859662) Bring your family, dogs included, to meet Chloe at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Monday, November 4, 2019
PACC Celebrating PetSmart National Adoption Weekend
Posted By Staff report on Mon, Nov 4, 2019 at 1:20 PM
Pima Animal Care Center announced it is waiving adoption fees on any animal four months of age or older between Nov. 8-10 at two PetsMart locations in Tucson.
The adoption events, which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the PetSmart on Oracle and Wetmore (4374 N. Oracle Road) and at El Con Mall (3695 E. Broadway Boulevard).
PACC currently has 397 dogs and 229 cats available for adoption, with another 934 available to foster.
A $20 licensing fee applies to all dogs that are adopted at the events, though the animals are all spayed/neutered, and have vaccinations and microchips included in the cost.
For more information on PACC and the adoption event, visit https://petsmartcharities.org/adopt-a-pet/adoption-events.
The adoption events, which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the PetSmart on Oracle and Wetmore (4374 N. Oracle Road) and at El Con Mall (3695 E. Broadway Boulevard).
PACC currently has 397 dogs and 229 cats available for adoption, with another 934 available to foster.
A $20 licensing fee applies to all dogs that are adopted at the events, though the animals are all spayed/neutered, and have vaccinations and microchips included in the cost.
For more information on PACC and the adoption event, visit https://petsmartcharities.org/adopt-a-pet/adoption-events.
