Cover Stories
Tucson Salvage
Margie Bakker and her husband Chad used family savings to take over Big Heart Coffee, which sits on a somewhat forsaken stretch of 22nd Street.
Inquiry at the Bar
Tucson author Becky Masterman’s new crime thriller, We Were Killers Once, is the fourth book to feature Brigid Quinn, a former FBI agent who has retired to Tucson.
What ABOUT Beethoven’s hair?
The anniversary of Beethoven’s birth is coming up… do you know he’d be 250 years old?! To celebrate, Pima County Public Library and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra are teaming up on a special book club series in September. Book clubs at three libraries – Joel D. Valdez Main Library, Joyner-Green Valley Library, and Oro Valley…
Laughing Stock: Take the kids to the laughing pool!
What to do with the kids this long, hot summer? Luckily Tucson’s got air-conditioned fun in cool, cool venues. Colorful Game Shows at Tucson Improv Movement Meet Phyllis Diller, Guy Fieri, Elvis, Lucille Ball, Britney Spears, Humphrey Bogart, Marco Mario, The Wicked Witch of the West and other celebrities in TIM’s summer special. The Match…
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Thursday, June 27
Monsoon Gardening Workshop. Did you know some gardeners call monsoon season “second spring” because it’s a traditional time to plant many veggies in the desert? Well, now you do! If you’re a newbie desert gardener, or if you’re a well-versed green thumb who would just like a refresher course on the perils, pitfalls and possibilities…
XOXO: Where to Rock Thursday, June 27
Reverb-drenched mistresses of trauma, with impeccable fashion sense, The Surfbroads wholeheartedly believe that summertime is fun time. At Tap + Bottle – Downtown. Details here. Immerse yourself. Songstress Natalie Pohanic performs dreamy, melodic folk on the patio at Agustin Kitchen. Details here. Ride the “Butter Wave.” From Denver, Colorado, this improvisational jazz fusion trio introduce…
Stepping Up: Breakdancing Considered for 2024 Olympics
Fans of kickass dance moves are in luck (possibly), as the International Olympic Committee endorsed a measure to provisionally include the sport of breakdancing at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Breakdancing, or “breaking” as its known in the Olympic realm, debuted at the Buenos Aires Youth Summer Games in 2018, according to the Associated Press. The…
Did I Underestimate the Impact Of Open Enrollment In My Last Post?
Last week I wrote that Arizona’s open enrollment policy is one of the three major factors leading to the decline in TUSD enrollment since 2000, the others being charters schools and a slowdown in Tucson’s population growth. I estimated somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 students living inside district boundaries attend schools in other districts. It…
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Wednesday, June 26
Lawrence of Arabia in 70mm. Few films truly earn the description “epic,” but this nearly-four-hour adventure and war extravaganza featuring Peter O’Toole earns it more than nearly any other. The Loft Cinema is screening this classic of classics in 70mm, with a greater aspect ratio and higher resolution than 35mm, so you can see every…
XOXO: Where to Rock Wednesday, June 26
In need of a midweek metal fix? Lasiodora, Copper Magma, Swarm Of Serpents and Last Crime function as an intravenous injection straight into the median cubital vein. At The Rock. Details here. Drenched in sheets of paranoia and anxiety, Memphisians Sweet Knives bring their black-wave synth punk to Club Congress. Tucson’s Lengua Largas add intrigue.…
Pima County Needs Trail Builders
The Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation department is asking volunteers to help build 2.5 miles of trails. The extension will extend the Painted Hills Trails Park, as well as restoring the neighboring Enchanted Hills trail system, according to a release. Both trails abut the Tucson Mountain Park on the western fringe of Tucson,…
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Tuesday, June 25
Bourdain Day at Café Passe. Happy birthday to culinary icon Anthony Bourdain! He would have been 63 today, and, since he’ll live on forever in our hearts, we’re going to celebrate in a way we think would have made him happy: by cooking, drinking and talking. Café Passe will also be playing episodes of his…
XOXO: Where to Rock Tuesday, June 25
Illegal Pete’s going up…on a Tuesday? Looking for a night of hip hop and rap? Head down to Illegal Pete’s over at Main Gate Square for Yung Tuesday, hosted by R3D. See local talents such as Plan Á, EMIC, Truth, Vinney Mendez, Judo, Kid Mexico and Ray The Dude. All ages welcome. Details here.
CNN Notes Raul Grijalva of New Mexico Is Calling for Trump’s Impeachment
Well, here’s some fake news for you: In CNN’s roundup of congressional Democrats calling for the impeachment of President Donal Trump, the crack news organization identifies “Rep. Raul Grijalva of New Mexico.” We know Silver City is attractive and all this time of the year, but we’re pretty sure Raul is still representing Arizona’s Third…
NCAA Vows to Fight California’s Potential Legislation to Pay Student Athletes
A landmark piece of legislation that would allow NCAA athletes to receive compensation for their name, likeness and image is one step closer to becoming law in California. The proposed legislation cleared its first hurdle, with the California Senate voting 31-4 in favor of the act last week. The legislation, which wouldn’t take effect until…
503 to 520: Portland Native Brings Meaningful Music to Tucson
A 20-year-old Portland, Oregon native is bringing a fresh voice and vibe to the Tucson desert. Shekinah Camille comes in many forms. They are a singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, burlesque performer and avid voice for the black and queer communities. Camille recently performed at the Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Tucson…
Pets of the Tucson Weekly
For our pets edition this year readers submitted their best dressed pets and here at Weekly headquarters, we wanted to get in on the action! So, here are the wonderful fluffy, scaly and all around cute pets of the Tucson Weekly.
Claytoon of the Day: Operation Desert Stormy
Find more Claytoonz here.
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Monday, June 24
El Dia de San Juan Fiesta. Monsoons are a weather phenomenon worth celebrating, to say the least. And John the Baptist is a guy with a birthday worth celebrating. And June 24 is a day to celebrate both! This festival features live bands and folkloric dancers performing on stage and celebrates the traditional culture and…
XOXO: Where to Rock Monday, June 24
This L.A. power duo’s fifth studio album, The Beast You Are (Gold Metal Records, 2019), depicts the struggle for dominance of will over power. Brashly declaring that “Complacency Is Killing You,” Big Business bring their frantic low-end attack to Club Congress. Manguera hoses everyone down. Details here. Drawing from traditional jazz, swing and the American…
Sundays are for Stretching: Rooftop Sunset Yoga
This Summer, Yoga Oasis is hosting evening yoga classes at the Westward Look Resort and Spa. The monthly rooftop classes are held during sunset for 360 degree views of the mountains and city. Don’t worry about the heat – misters will keep you cool during the all-levels hour-long practice. Bring your own mat, classes are…
Doing Bad Things with Seanloui
It factor? Possessing a certain je ne sais quoi, on “Bad Things,” Seanloui’s latest joint, this French-American’s voice is suggestive of Usher, yet with a grit and cadence all his own. If his funky/scratchy guitar riffs could travel in time, they would bounce straight off C’est Chic (Atlantic Records, 1978). The R&B/Euro pop beats, airtight. And…
Best Dressed Pets 2019
After much deliberation, Ace the golfing dog is the winner of our 2019 Best Dressed Pets competition! Thank you to everyone who submitted photos, turns out we have some pretty well dressed pets in Tucson!
Claytoon of the Day: Descent 2020
Find more Claytoonz here.
XOXO: Where to Rock: This Weekend, June 21 to 23
Friday, June 21 D.R.I. discharge a whiplash fury and head-banging good time in an all-ages show at The Rock. Waukegan, Illinois skate punks Fastplants Spread The Stoke. Traveling through the orangy-pink tropical sky faster than a “Supersónico” boom. From East L.A., psychedelic cumbia punk rockers Tropa Magica return to burn one with Los Èsplifs. At…
Zona Politics Radio: Talking With Calexico’s Joey Burns and The Loft’s Peggy Johnson
On the latest edition of Zona Politics: I talk with Joey Burns of Calexico about the band’s new collaboration with Iron & Wine, Years To Burn, as well as Loft Cinema Foundation Executive Director Peggy Johnson about the upcoming Woodstock fundraiser to restore the Loft’s gorgeous marquee. Zona Politics airs at 4 p.m. Sundays on…
Animals Recovered from South Side Trailer
Dozens of animals are under the supervision of the Pima Animal Care Center after sheriff’s deputies discovered animal hoarders. Currently being evaluated by the shelter’s clinical team are 34 cats, four dogs and five turtles. On Wednesday, June 19 around 10 a.m., Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the area of San Joaquin Road…
Claytoon of the Day: Going Dominican
Find more Claytoonz here.
Reel Indie
Films playing in Indie theaters this week
Sign of the Times
By the end of July, The Loft Cinema will boast a new marquee, though the updates may actually look old to longtime residents
Gold and Bold
The Seattle metal duo of Jared Warren and Coady Willis entered the 2010s as a “power quartet” with two other members, while also performing with metal legends Melvins.
XOXO
Music events to check out this week
Long Arm of the Law
Legislators proposed bills that would create meaningful reform in Arizona’s criminal justice system.
Animal Artistry
The Reid Park Zoo is highlighting some of nature’s greatest creatives on Saturday, June 22, as part of its weekly Summer Safari Night series.
Know Your Product Cool Funeral
See Cool Funeral perform at the Groundworks Fundraiser show at 191 Toole. With Big Bad, Annie Jump Cannon and Rough Draft.
Smoke Screening
Medical marijuana patients in Arizona still run the risk of buying products that are tainted with pesticides, herbicides or even mold
Local Shelters Say: Adopt, Don’t Shop!
Adoption helps more than just the animal being adopted. When an animal is adopted from a shelter, room is made at that shelter for another stray, abused or lost animal.
Kitchen Confrontation
The competition heats up at Casino Del Sol for a night of fire and fury as Chef Wendy Gauthier attempts to knock standing champion Chef Brian Smith from the throne.
Sol Dog Lodge opening second location in Marana
Sol Dog Lodge, a local nonprofit offering boarding, training, and day camp for dogs, plans to open a new location in Marana by the end of the year.
Editor’s Note
Our editor talks about his summer reading list and sums up the stories in this week’s paper.
Kitten Therapy: A cancer survivor’s tale
“My husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. Despite his great attitude, he could use extra love and attention through his ordeal.”
Quick Bites
Fun food and drink events this week
Celebrating, and protecting, the pets of Pima County
Attention pets, pet-owners and those who just like to throw a ball from time to time: Tucson Local Media is happy to announce our 2019 Best of Pets special! We’ve been busy these past few weeks sorting through all the pet photos our readers submitted. While last year’s Tucson Local Media pet section focused on…
Police Dispatch
A drunk and disorderly college man doggedly denied spitting on two female peers, according to a University of Arizona Police Department report.
Danehy
“The feds could catch you spying for ISIS, Iran AND North Korea and they’d say, “We can either throw you in a cell at Guantanamo forever or you can serve on the USS Donald Trump. Your choice.”
City Week
Fun happenings in Tucson this week
Hot Times in the City
“Oregon Coast,” a bracing painting in Contreras Gallery’s Small Works show, is just the antidote Tucson’s heat calls for.
A Stalled Franchise
Men in Black: International, the fourth film in the MIB franchise, is the second-worst MIB film after Men in Black II.
