Cover Story
LOL for One and One for LOL
Comedy is powerful stuff. And Tucson is going to get a whole lot of it at the CAT Comedy 520 LOL Crawl this week
Explore Tucson and Your Local Libraries… By Bike!
Pima County Public Library is proud to present its first-ever community bike ride, Tour de Biblio. The weather is perfect, so dust off your bike and go riding. Tour de Biblio – Southside Ride Friday, February 22 from 9:15–11:30 am The ride will begin downtown at Joel D. Valdez Main Library then we’ll hit the…
Eviction Highlighted in Series of Library Events
Eviction is an issue of national importance, but it also plays out locally. Last year in Pima County, more than 13,000 evictions were filed in court and any more happen that never make it to court. In February and March, select Pima County Public Library book clubs will read Matthew Desmond’s Evicted: Poverty and Profit…
Best Films of the Year Playing at Harkins Film Fest
Red carpets are rolled out, designer dresses and suits are flaunted, awards season is in full swing. But when watching the awards ceremonies do you realize, oh, I haven’t actually seen many of these films? Harkins Theatres is hosting a Best Picture Film Fest so you can be in the know for the big show!…
Remember When Getting Rid Of Teacher Tenure Was a Thing?
Remember back when getting rid of teacher tenure was a thing? The reasoning was, if we don’t give teachers tenure and put them all on one year contracts, principals can fire lousy teachers without having to jump through legal hoops. All those old folks sitting in the classroom crossing days off the calendar until retirement can…
Four Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Tuesday Feb. 5
Curiosity Symposium. Sandscript, Pima Community College’s resident literary magazine, is hosting this idea that folds both meanings of the word “symposia”—the wild parties they once were in ancient Greece and the academic conferences they are today—into one format. Participants are invited to come and sign up for a five-minute slot to present something—anything—they have to…
XOXO: Where to Rock Tuesday, Feb. 5
Out on the Mi Vida Loca Tour, Slug and Ant, otherwise known as Atmosphere, rain a mighty dose of hip-hop down at The Rialto Theater. Backed by Dem Atlas, The Lioness and DJ Keezy. Details here. The lizard flavored roots and rhythms of BTP & Friends fill the air at Royal Sun. Details here. “When…
Four Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Monday Feb. 4
Top Girls. It’s the early 1980s, and Margaret Thatcher has just become the United Kingdom’s first woman prime minister. Caryl Churchill wrote this play about a time when glass ceilings were starting to crack. It explores the difference between individualistic American feminism and the more collectively-minded feminism of the UK, as well as the choices…
XOXO: Where to Rock Monday Feb. 4, 2019
On the strength of their seventh full-length album, Phantom Anthem, Grammy-nominated metalcorists August Runs Red bring The Dangerous Tour to The Rock. Flanked by Fit For a King and Miss May I. Details here.
22 Great Things to Do in Tucson This Weekend: Feb. 1 to 3
3rd Annual Boots N Brews. Tanque Verde Ranch is collecting a bunch of local breweries for their annual craft beer and culinary weekend. Participating breweries include Barrio, 1912, Sentinel Peak, Uncle Bears, Copper Brothel, Dillinger and more. Beyond the drinks, the event includes buffet food and live music. 4:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1,…
XOXO: Where to Rock This Weekend: Feb. 1 to 3
Hell Can Wait. From the streets of Compton, this rapper’s latest release Big Fish Theory incorporates experimentation and electronic elements to critical acclaim. Vince Staples creeps the Smile, Your On Camera Tour into The Rialto Theater. Buddy opens the show. Details here. Author of Spent Saints, Brian Jabas Smith reads from his latest book, Tucson…
A Koch Education Initiative? Buyer Be Very Wary
Will Arizona be among the [un]lucky five states to be part of the new Koch Network education initiative? The states have yet to be named, but I suspect Arizona is on the radar, given the Koch Network and Governor Ducey’s mutual admiration society. We know KN loves Ducey’s vociferous support of vouchers, and Ducey loves…
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Thursday Jan. 31
Brews & Books. Books have a way of making your heart and brain feel full, while beer has a way of making your stomach feel full. So if you’re looking to feel fulfilled every which way, a book club hosted by a brewery isn’t something you should miss out on. Head over to 1912 Brewing…
XOXO: Where to Rock Thursday Jan. 31
Twenty-five years strong, swing revivalists Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s latest, Louie Louie Louie, is a rousing celebration of music legends Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan and Louis Prima. At The Fox Theatre. Details here. Part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival, Arizona Friends of Chamber Music presents Te Amo, Argentina. World-renowned cellist Antonio Lysy won a…
Award-Winning Author Alice Hatcher Takes Up Residence at the Library
Are you trying to write but just can’t find your footing? Do you have great ideas but can’t seem to put them down into a cohesive storyline? Award-winning and local author Alice Hatcher is here to help. Pima County Public Library is continuing its Writer-In-Residence program, a favorite among the local community. Hatcher’s residency at…
History Has Its Eyes On You: A Hamilton Music Revue
Unlike most musicals, the story of Hamilton is told almost exclusively in song. So when I first heard that History Has Its Eyes On You: A Hamilton Music Revue would be doing a concert featuring the music of Hamilton “but none of the songs with plot,” I wasn’t too sure what to expect. It turns…
All Bets Are On: Former LA Times Sportswriter Chris Dufresne Discusses the Pac-12
Longtime LA Times sportswriter Chris Dufresne was kind enough to sit down with Tucson Weekly’s resident sportswriter, Christopher Boan on Wednesday. The two covered a wide variety of subjects, including the state of USC’s football team, the UCLA mens basketball coaching search, and what the state of the Pac-12 is at the moment. Dufresne worked for…
In The Flesh | Flor de Toloache
With flowers strewn through their hair, critically lauded Flor de Toloache took to the stage at 191 Toole, on Tuesday, Jan 22. From the outset, the audience was left to ponder… Was this sisterhood compromised of florid roses born out of love? Or the beguiling blooms of chrysanthemums wrought from heartache? It was hard to…
Claytoon of the Day: Starbuck Spoiler
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Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Wednesday Jan. 30
Cookies and Cocktails at the Playground Bar & Lounge. This annual event honors the “fierce, fearless girls and women leading Southern Arizona today,” but for those not in the know, it means there are Girl Scout cookies! The event features Girl Scout Cookie-inspired cocktails and craft beers, cookie-and-wine pairings, and desserts made by local restaurants,…
XOXO: Where to Rock Wednesday, Jan. 30
This duo’s mercurial sound is soulful electronic with aspects of house music. Lovelorn and passionate, Drama plays out on stage at Club Congress. Wide-eyed and full of wonder, indie pop singer/songwriter Claire George balances out the evening. Details here. Get Back: A Tribute to the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles Rooftop Performance brings some of…
Reid Park Zoo Welcomes Oja the Andean Bear
There’s a new resident at the Reid Park Zoo, and she’s come all the way from Switzerland. The zoo crew is currently in the process of welcoming Oja the Andean bear. “Oja is an easy going and incredibly smart bear,” said Dr. Alexis Moreno, Reid Park Zoo Veterinarian, in a release. “She has adjusted really…
Arizona Softball Ranked Seventh in Preseason Polls
The University of Arizona softball team’s 2019 season is looking up, after getting ranked seventh in the nation in the NCAA’s preseason poll. The Wildcats, who are coming off a 43-16 season in 2018, are one of five Pac-12 teams to make the list. They’re joined by UCLA (2), Washington (3), ASU (12) and Oregon (25)…
Reps. Gallego and Kirkpatrick Talk Health Care
Ruben Gallego (CD-7) and Ann Kirkpatrick (CD-2), two Democratic representatives in U.S. Congress joined Alicia Held, an Arizona healthcare advocate, to talk about the state of health coverage in Arizona. They discussed what citizens can expect in the future during a press call hosted by Protect Our Care Arizona. Rep. Gallego said more than 20…
Slug (of Atmosphere) Discusses Prince, Maturing and that Recent Cold Front
What began as a quick interview about Slug’s five favorite albums quickly descended into a discussion about Prince, sexuality, aging, tour life and more – standard affair for the rapper’s introspective and heady hip hop music. Slug, the stage name of Sean Daley, is one half of the band Atmosphere, and co-founder of the legendary…
Claytoon of the Day: Nancy Boy
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Five Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Tuesday Jan. 29
Climate and the Deep Blue Sea. The UA College of Science lecture series started a few weeks ago, with a theme of “Searching for Certainty” and a totally impressive, totally kickass lineup of speakers (all of whom happen to be women). This week, geosciences professor Joellen Russell will talk about her work using floating robots…
XOXO: Where to Rock Tuesday Jan. 29
Despite the uphill struggles of everyday life, embodied in songs like “Nobody Gives A Damn,” the hapless characters on this band’s sixth album keep striving for the “Best Seat In The House.” Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke guide the Find a Light Tour into The Rialto Theater. Shit-hot guitarist Chris Shiflett, best known for his tenure…
Adoptable Pet: Halsey Needs A Home
“I am a 5 year old boy with a lot of love to give! I love scratches under my chin.” – Halsey, five-year-old, Male Would you like to learn more about Halsey? Give an adoption counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173 or visit at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd.
Trouble Bruin: Arizona Blown Out By UCLA, 90-69
The Arizona Wildcats were thumped on Saturday night by the Bruins of UCLA, thanks to a woeful shooting performance and a defensive malaise that allowed the home side to hit more than 50 percent of their shots. The Wildcats were forced to play without Jeter once again against the Bruins, forcing Miller to play four…
Desert Metal Craft Blacksmith School Opens Feb. 2
Tucson’s only blacksmithing school is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 2, and the public is invited to see the sparks fly. Desert Metal Craft, a new school started by three Tucsonans, is dedicated to “teaching the ancient art of blacksmithing together with the modern science behind the craft of metalworking.” Classes range from…
Claytoon of the Day: Diary Of A Wimpy President
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Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Monday, Jan. 28
The Best of Gaslight Concert! Join the popular faces of The Gaslight Theatre as they share their favorite impressions and songs from the last 41 years of entertaining Tucson. The cast includes: Joe Cooper, Mike Yarema, Todd Thompson, Jake Chapman, Jacob Brown, Heather Stricker, Janee Page, and Erin Thompson. All current and long-time members of…
XOXO: Where to Rock Monday, Jan. 28
Mayhem ensues when The Black Market Trust cut loose their infectious brand of traditional vocal jazz in the Copper Hall at Hotel Congress. Details here.
Picks of the Dragon: Breaking Down My NFL Playoff Picks
This Sunday was a gambit of emotions and despite ending up on the losing side I think 50 bucks was worth the price of admission. Things couldn’t have been looking better to start Sunday off with our under never being threatened in the Saints/Rams game. Then late in the 4th quarter at the 15 yard…
Dear Letters: Oh, How We Love You
Occasionally the age of technology is forgotten for the woebegone era of paper letters. Recently we received this four page tirade that we thought worthy of sharing:
Pima County and City of Tucson File Lawsuits Against Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors
Pima County and the City of Tucson have filed separate but identical lawsuits in Superior Court against more than 20 national companies that manufacture and/or distribute opioids in the region, according to a press release. The lawsuits are intended to address the opioid epidemic and its impacts on citizens. Purdue Pharma Inc., The Purdue Frederick Company, Cephalon,…
All Bets Are On: Arizona’s Loss to USC, the Sorry State of The Pac-12 and More
It’s been a rough week (and year) for fans of Arizona men’s basketball, with last night’s historic loss to the USC Trojans serving as the latest chapter of futility. All Bets Are On host Christopher Boan discusses last night’s follies, along with the state of Pac-12 men’s basketball and whether the Los Angeles Rams can…
Arizona Suffers Historic Loss to USC in Los Angeles
The Arizona Wildcats suffered their worst loss against the Southern California Trojans in 46 years on Thursday. The Wildcats (14-6, 5-2) were routed by the Trojans from the get-go, trailing wire-to-wire before falling, 80-57, to the home side. The tide of the evening was set a few minutes after tip, with the Trojans hitting four…
Claytoon of the Day: Trippy Testimony
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XOXO: Where to Rock This Weekend: Jan. 25 to 27
Friday: From Flint, Michigan, country outlaw Whitey Morgan sings it straight, with no chaser. His working class psalms serve to help the downtrodden drink their sorrows away, leaving the world a tiny bit better place. With country neo-traditionalist Alex Williams. At The Rialto Theater. Details here. Acerekó performs Afro-Cuban/jazz at Crooked Tooth Brewing Company. Details…
Arizona Basketball: Sean Miller Leads the Wildcats Into Los Angeles to Face USC
The Arizona Wildcats are headed to the City of Angels for a two-game road trip that’ll see them play USC and UCLA. The Wildcats (14-5, 5-1) start their SoCal trek with a 7 p.m. local time tip against the Trojans (10-8, 3-2) tonight, who they’ve beaten five-straight times. Arizona enters Thursday’s game after a split…
U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran: “Ending This Shutdown Must Be a Priority”
U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran released a statement regarding the current government shutdown: As we begin the new year and a new Congress, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that invests in rural communities and holds elected leaders accountable to the American people. For too long, partisanship and political games…
Gov. Ducey Releases Proposed Fiscal Year State Budget
Last Friday the office of Governor Doug Ducey released their proposal for the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. It includes a sharp increase in spending due to an expected $1.1 billion surplus in revenues this year. “Over the last four years, Arizona has gone from a $1 billion deficit to a $1 billion surplus, but we…
Claytoon of the Day: Shutdown Sufferers
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Direct Connection
There’s a line in August Wilson’sTwo Trains Running, in which Holloway, a character described in the script’s stage directions as “a man who all his life has voiced his outrage at injustice with little effect,” does just that.
Empty Glass
Just when you think M. Night Shyamalan might be getting on a hot streak, he unleashes something like Glass to show us he’s still a stylish-yet-sloppy, self-indulgent kook.
Reel Indie
Films to see at local indie theaters this week
Chill or be Chilled
As for their disappearance, Duster’s vocalist/guitarist Clay Parton says it, well, just sort of happened.
Police Dispatch
Two intrepid and artful individuals shoplifted almost $2,000 worth of clothing by stuffing it all inside their own clothing
XOXO
Where to rock in Tucson this week
Know Your Product
These purveyors of “Powerfunk” behave more like a performance ensemble than a band, but don’t let that distract you from their music.
Mixed Messages
Republican Rep. Tony Rivero introduced the first piece of cannabis legislation that would remove the definition of cannabis from state statutes.
Editor’s note
Find out what’s between the covers this week
Comedy Calendar: Lotsa Laughs
Sunday, Jan. 27 Laughs for HOPE benefit for HOPE, INC, Laffs Comedy Café, 2900 E Broadway Blvd., $10, cash only, and a two-item minimum. 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 The Best of The Gaslight Theatre in Concert. Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. $22.95 and up. 6 p.m. Comedy at the Wench: Precious Gems of…
Detention Debate
If initiative supporters can gather 9,241 valid signatures from city voters by July 5 and persuade Tucson voters to pass it in the November election, Tucson will be known as a “sanctuary city.”
Guest Opinion: Savings Account
The latest Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IGCC) report concludes we have 12 years before global average temperatures rise by 2 degree celsius
A Matter of Conviction
Four humanitarian aid workers were found guilty Friday on misdemeanor charges involving leaving aid in a restricted area of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
Bee Best
It turns out that honey is a lot like wine. Each hive will produce wildly different variations on a common theme, depending on its location, climate and even altitude.
Quick Bites
All the best local food and drink events happening this week
City Week
A full calendar of fun in the Old Pueblo
Up Close and Personal
Richard Avedon: Relationships at the Center for Creative Photography was curated by the center’s Rebecca Senf and is some 80 photos strong, with most dating from the 1950s through the 1970s.
