Cover Story
A New Chapter; The Black Moods adopt more experimental sound
The last two years have been a whirlwind for the Tempe rock band The Black Moods. They’ve recorded with The Doors’ Robby Krieger, opened for Rick Springfield and Orianthi, and wrapped up new music. The newest single, “Heaven,” opens new doors for The Black Moods as it adopts a more experimental sound. “We’re working with…
‘The Joke Machine’: Demetri Martin kicks his shows into gear
Demetri Martin is taking an unconventional approach to comedy specials. The standup comedian, writer and director released the first of a trilogy of specials, “Demetri Deconstructed,” on April 2. “I have three specials that have a low-fi, sci-fi story,” he said. “Each of these specials can stand on their own. They’re in line with what…
Collaboration, Engagement and Legacy: University of Arizona School of Dance puts on “Dance Springs Eternal” concert
The University of Arizona School of Dance is set to put on its “Dance Springs Eternal” concert this month. It will take place in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 21. During the 2023-2024 school year, the University of Arizona School of Dance is celebrating the 20th anniversary of…
It’s All Pink: Bisbee author lets his characters speak through him
A high school long-distance track runner, Mya puts in her miles in the arroyos of the Apache Mountains. She passes Hot Dog, a mangy chihuahua mix with diseased skin, and Spike, a lean ugly whippet. She runs past a half-empty housing development. On one of her practice runs, she felt something strange: “… My whole…
Taking a Shot: Steve Poltz has followed his dreams
Steve Poltz grew up in Southern California but the veteran singer-songwriter was born in Canada. Poltz is down with fellow Great White North native, Wayne Gretzky’s mantra, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” The Great One said while he was setting unbreakable NHL records. The laidback former member of the Rugburns recently…
Dazzling the Eye: Bob Ray’s kites pepper the Tucson sky
Bob Ray likes to say, “Go fly a kite.” He’s not being insulting — quite the contrary. He encourages it because, for him, flying a kite is a great thing to do. “It’s flying art and I’ve always been fascinated with flying,” he said. Ray is the owner and operator of Why Things Fly, an…
Leveling the Acting Field: Jonni Campbell wants to introduce everyone to the craft
When Jon-Lee “Jonni” Campbell was 16 years old, she knew she was headed to the New York stage and Hollywood. She was experienced, first taking the stage at 3 years old. She knew what to do in front of the curtain and how to lead backstage. Then she was involved in a car crash that…
A guide to choosing your new favorite strain
Even though there’s no exact science when it comes to selecting a cannabis strain to smoke — in fact sometimes all we can do is hazard a guess — here is a tentative guide to help you navigate your next sesh. For energy and inspiration You need a classic sativa. Typically, sativa strains initiate a…
Golden Gala: Parade to celebrate OV’s 50th anniversary
It’s time to celebrate Oro Valley’s first 50 years. At 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, floats, vintage cars, animals, marchers and performers will proceed along Naranja Drive, from Ironwood Ridge High School to the Oro Valley Branch Library, in a one-time-only event — Oro Valley’s 50th Anniversary Parade. Across the community, people of all ages…
New ballot measure pits counties against each other
Arizona’s State Legislators have lots and lots of power, but it’s never enough. They always want more and they want to take it away from the people whom they are supposed to be serving. It got really ugly back in the 1990s when Republican-controlled legislatures would go to extremes to curry favor with the wealthy…
Backstage Pass: Tucson Folk Festival peppers Downtown with music
The Tucson Folk Festival strolls back into Downtown Tucson this weekend, Friday, April 5, to Sunday, April 7. The event features more than 150 performances and 400 musicians across six stages at and near Jácome Plaza. The headliners include Steve Poltz (see related story), Lisa Morales Band, Keith Secola, Leslie Mendelson, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Eagle…
