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
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
ONGOING
Through May 29, the University of Arizona is offering tours of the Mirror Labs. This world-class facility has revolutionized how the largest telescope mirrors on Earth are made enabling groundbreaking discoveries of the universe. The Mirror Lab is a place where expertise in physics, optics and advanced manufacturing happens and is all beneath the University of Arizona’s football stadium. Tours for the facility are offered Monday through Friday.
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, 933 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, $25 for adults and $20 for students, various times, mirrorlab.arizona.edu
‘Oh, Coward!’
APRIL 26 through MAY 10
The Invisible Theatre’s 54th season continues with Roderick Cooke’s “Oh, Coward!” “Oh, Coward!” celebrates one of the theatre’s greatest entertainers, Noel Coward. His music and remarks combine for an evening of some of the most memorable tunes of the twentieth century. The cast includes David Alexander Johnston, Jonathan Zenz and Managing Artistic Director Betsy Kruse Craig assisted by Mickey Nugent and accompanied by Brad Arington on piano.
Invisible Theatre, 1400 N 1st Avenue, Tucson, $48 tickets, various times, invisibletheatre.com
Tucson International
Mariachi Conference
APRIL 29 through MAY 3
The 43rd Mariachi Conference will host young talents from around the country to get ready to spend an exciting weekend. Learning from world renowned artists in exclusive workshops where they add to their repertoire of knowledge and prepare to perform for live audiences at the end of their stay in Tucson. The weekend will start with a Mariachi dinner which brings together a four-course dinner with live music. Students will compete in multiple concerts as well as experience performances from successful talented performers.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Avenue, Tucson, various prices, various times, tucsonmariachi.org
International Dance & Jazz Days
APRIL 29 through MAY 1
International Dance Day and International Jazz Day celebrations kick off this month on April 29 with three days of music, rhythm and community. Beginning on Wednesday, April 29th International Lindy Hop champion Naomi Uyama returns from Minneapolis to teach her signature swing dance lessons at the Tucson Creative Dance Center. The public is invited to enjoy this Swing Era big band themed evening presented by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation & The Century Room at Hotel Congress, made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.n New York City later this summer.
April 29-Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N Cherry, Tucson, various prices, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., tjmfdn.org; April 30 through May 1-Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress Street, Tucson, $12.36 on April 30, $37.08 on May 1, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., dice.fm
Grand Opening: New
Astronomy Exhibit
MAY 2
The grand opening of “Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in the Universe” at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is an all-new interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore humanity’s biggest questions. Visitors will dive into hands-on experiences and immersive displays that reveal how scientists search for life beyond Earth. Opening day features special, one-day-only experiences including astronomy discovery activities, exclusive giveaways, and chances to win prizes.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E University Boulevard, Tucson, prices range from $12 to $27, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., flandrau.org
Flamenco In The Garden
MAY 3
Participants will have an evening of music and dance at Flamencio in the Garden. The Flamencio in the Garden is a concert event set amidst Tohono Chul’s lush Performance Garden. This Flamenco performance has costumes, expressive movements, energetic footwork, guitar rhythms and moving vocals. The event is in partnership with Tucson Guitar Society. Guests will be able to enjoy a range of beverages from Garden Bistro Bar, but no food services will be available at the event.
Tohono Chul, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Tucson, $40 tickets, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., tohonochul.org
Cinco De Mayo Salsa Party
MAY 5
Zona Libre Band returns to the Hotel Congress Plaza for a night of dance and Cinco De Mayo drink specials. Zona Libre is a prominent Tucson, Arizona-based band that is led by composer and saxophonist Hiram Perez. The band plays salsa, Latin jazz, cumbia, merengue and bachata. They feature world-class musicians, including bassist Rene Camacho and pianist Luis Torress, as they are known as a versatile dance band.
Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress Street, Tucson, $12 in advance but $15 day of the show plus Dice Fees, 6:00 p.m. start time, dice.fm
Art & Appetizers
MAY 6
The Southern Arizona Arts Guild will be hosting the May Art & Appetizers event, “Where art and love create the perfect Mother’s Day gift.” Participants can enjoy light appetizers provided by Sullivan’s while visitors experience the artists doing live demonstrations that showcase their creative process and techniques. Attendees can see and purchase artwork that is not normally available in the Gallery.
Southern Arizona Arts Guild, 1745 E. River Road. Tucson, free admission, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., southernarizonaartsguild.com