Cover Story
‘Old’ Artists, New Tricks
A group of Tucson artists bands together to survive–and perhaps thrive–during the recession
Mo’ Money Problems
Arizona’s economy continues to spiral downward, according to the latest monthly report from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Wonks can check it out themselves at the above link, but here are the main takeaways: Overall February tax collections for the state were 33.4 percent below February 2008—a significant drop, but a little deceptive because the…
Rage in the Cage
Democrat Cheryl Cage, who lost to Republican Al Melvin by in the Legislative District 26 Senate race last year by 1,966 votes, is already hungry for a rematch. Cage had hoped to keep the district in Democratic hands after Melvin had narrowly lost to Democrat Charlene Pesquiera in 2006. But after defeating moderate Republican Pete…
Spreading the Wealth Around
Congressman Raul Grijalva tells us—and the rest of the world—that he’s delivering nearly $200 million in stimulus bucks for a remodel of the Nogales-Mariposa Port of Entry. “This is important for all of Arizona,” Grijalva press-releases. “Not only will it help our local economy but our communities are increasingly concerned about security. Safety along our…
Welcome to Tent City!
The Arizona Legislature is beginning to give us some hints of how they plan to balance the budget. We like the part about moving the prisons to Mexico. Maybe we can sell some counties to New Mexico or something, too. A common target is social spending, which was already hacked in this year’s budget fix,…
Gannett, Big Brother. Big Brother, Gannett.
The Gannett Blog is reporting that things keep getting weirder at the Tucson Citizen. It appears at least one of the Corporate managers will remain on-site for the duration, my tipster says, “most likely to babysit us all while the prospective buyers are in town. If she continues to interfere with the news, there’s talk…
Brew and Crew Need Marijuana
Right before the five pages of sex and call-girl ads in the LA Weekly, I noticed a full page dedicated to medicinal marijuana clinics and pharmacies–13 ads, to be exact. I noticed that at Organic Caregivers in West LA, for example, they have a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and…
Give or Take
Rio Nuevo remains alive at the Legislature, but the City Council’s plans may be jeopardizing its survival
Soundbites
OFF IN AUSTIN Stephen Seigel has left the premises for a week of “research” and “taking meetings” at the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference in Austin. He’ll return to Soundbites next week. In the meantime, lots of good music is ahead–too much to include here, actually, so don’t forget to check the Weekly’s…
Clouds Over Sunshine
State Senate leadership talks up government openness–and then gives the press the boot
Nine Questions
Clinton Beeler Sax
Generous Tradition
This weekend’s Armory Park Home Tour spotlights Tucson architecture and helps residents assist their neighbors in need
Live
T-Model Ford and Gravel Road, Tom Walbank, Plush, Friday, March 20
The Skinny
A NIP HERE, A TUCK THERE… Great news! Republican legislative leaders say they’ve figured out how to bridge about $2.5 billion of the state’s $3 billion shortfall without raising any taxes. They’re now looking for a few new ideas. You can submit yours by joining the Legislature’s new Facebook group, Keep Arizona Simple. (OK, we’re…
Rhythm & Views
Plague Park, the ragged 2007 debut by couple Dan Boeckner (guitar/vocals)–of Wolf Parade fame–and Alexei Perry (electronics), was a pleasant collection of pop songs, dark and thick or airy and light in equal measure. The now-married duo is back with an even stronger album, Face Control, which uses the harsh backdrop of Eastern Europe to…
Messy Mortgages
Pima County foreclosure notices keep coming at a record pace, but help–for some–is on the way
Rhythm & Views
Justin Townes Earle seemed to emerge fully formed on The Good Life, his devilishly assured 2008 full-length debut. He’s even more confident on Midnight at the Movies. Earle’s forte is a knowing, laconic mélange of modern honky-tonk, high lonesome folk and bluegrass, and smooth but not slick contemporary country–a 21st-century twang mix. Clearly wise and…
Media Watch
Citizen Continues Publishing for Now; Future Hazy at Best
Rhythm & Views
American Laundromat, the Mystic, Conn.-based record label best known for innovative tribute albums, has done it again. This go-around, the band of the hour is The Cure. It’s a good choice; besides being one of the most beloved alternative bands ever, The Cure are masters of perfectly crafted, catchy-as-hell pop songs (the Disintegration album being…
T Q&A
Tucson Q&A with Kevin Scott
Top Ten in Music
Zia Records top sales for the week
Police Dispatch
Getting Her Kicks South Nogales Highway, Feb. 28, 2:18 p.m. A young girl violently attacked her mother and threatened suicide when denied sleepover privileges, a Pima County Sheriff’s Department report stated. The reporting deputy found the girl in her home sitting calmly at a computer, and quickly handcuffed her. The subject admitted slapping her mother…
A Teen’s Trial
A group of Shakespearean women gather to decide the fate of Juliet in the wonderful ‘Immortal Longings’
Pick of the Week
Films From Down South
Clowns and Martians
Do-it-all dancer Travis Mesman stars in Thom Lewis’ latest concert
Danehy
If Tom listened to music while working out, would the Knee Destroyer get jealous?
Something Old, Something New
‘Two Lovers’ is a great New York movie that feels both classic and contemporary
Top Ten in Books
Antigone Books best-sellers for the week
Messina
Female pilots are a passionate bunch, even if their numbers are small
City Week
Our top picks of what to do and where to do it for the week.
Chill Cafés
Both Tooley’s locations offer tasty food and a funky-chic, laid-back vibe
Guest Commentary
Hey, Tucson Republicans: Be a part of history, and step up to run for public office!
The End
Nicolas Cage finally stops his suck streak in ‘Knowing’
Noshing Around
Chicha Morada The summer heat is creeping in, which means Noshing is officially on the prowl for drinks that ease the burn. The chicha morada at Candela, a Peruvian restaurant at 5845 N. Oracle Road, is perfect on hot days, and is even purported to have medicinal properties. The purple drink–made from boiled Peruvian corn,…
¡Ask a Mexican!
In honor of April Fools’ Day, those who think America can stop the Reconquista.
Top Ten in Movies
Casa Video’s top rentals for the week
Women’s Paths
‘They Made Their Mark’ honors the 20th century’s most fearless females
Gannett Sucks
A note from the editor.
Now Showing at Home
“Rachel Getting Married,” “The Odd Couple: Centennial Collection,” “South Park: The Complete Twelfth Season” (Blu-Ray), and “Pitch Black” and “The Chronicles of Riddick” (Blu-Ray)
Mailbag
Howls of outrage and squeals of delight from our astonished fans.
Slack Is Back
A bit of Hawaii is arriving in Tucson, thanks to George Kahumoku Jr. and friends
Savoring The Smell
HEALTH’s two albums will not cause drowsiness
