Cover Story
Tucson Salvage
Squint and the filthy copper smelter could be a cathedral. Its tallest spire lifts more than 1,000 feet into milky blue, over jagged cliffs and a layer-cake mountain of mine tailings.
Not-to-be-Missed Author Events at The Library
Looking for something fun to do at your library? Mark your calendars for three author events at Dusenberry-River and Joel D. Valdez Main Libraries. Linda Strader Saturday, May 18, noon to 1 p.m. Joel D. Valdez Main Library Author Linda Strader will discuss and sign copies of Summers of Fire: A Memoir of Adventure, Love,…
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Thursday, May 9
Chiltepin Naughty Naranja Pre-Release. 1912 Brewing is hosting a pre-release party for their “Naughty Naranja” brew, made in collaboration with Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Using the museum’s locally-grown chiltepins, they made their Naughty Naranja extra spicy (and extra naughty). 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 9. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. 21+. Details here. Hanson Producers Club…
XOXO: Where to Rock Thursday, May 9
These alt-rockers formed in Tempe in 2007. Seven studio albums later, frontman John O’Callaghan casts light on their latest, You Are Ok (8123 Records). “I decided to name this album those three small words for no better reason than to speak to myself. And if they somehow resonate with someone across the world then I…
It’s Not a Slam Dunk, But LeBron’s “I Promise School” Is Scoring
LeBron James’ I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, populated by low income, low achieving students, opened in August. It’s too soon to proclaim the school a success, but so far it is keeping its promise. On the first set of school district assessments using a nationally recognized test, 90 percent of the students met the…
Claytoon of the Day: Royal Babies
Find more Claytoonz here.
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Wednesday, May 8
The Me Inside of Me. Every year, the Invisible Theatre’s Pastime Players, an award-winning arts education program for mentally and physically challenged students, put on an original musical based on a year’s worth of instruction in music, drama and dance. Some components are the same each year, but the flexible framework allows individuals to shine…
XOXO: Where to Rock Wednesday, May 8
After releasing their acclaimed self-titled debut, this Melbourne trio launched the It Takes One campaign to protest against sexual and physical assault and to create safe spaces at live music events. With strength and ferocity, standout track “The Opener,” from How To Socialize & Make Friends (2018), is a clarion call to the music industry…
County Supes Approve Stonegarden Grant on a 3-2 Vote
After a contentious meeting, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to accept Operation Stonegarden grant funding on Tuesday. Democrat Sharon Bronson joined Republicans Steve Christy and Ally Miller in voting to accept the controversial federal grant, which provides federal dollars to the Sheriff’s Department to reimburse the county for expenses related to border…
Detained Desert View Student Told Deputy He Was Undocumented
More than 100 Desert View High School students walked from their school to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Benson Highway HQ on Monday, May 6, to protest the Border Patrol’s detainment of their classmate, Thomas Torres-Maytorena. Torres-Maytorena, a high school senior a few weeks from graduating, was pulled over by a Pima County Sheriff’s Department…
Claytoon of the Day: Hater Purge
Find more Claytoonz here.
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Tuesday, May 7
Wings for Women Tucson Charity Event. Arizona Beer House is hosting an event to benefit a local charity that helps homeless women. Drinks will be provided by Arizona Beer House, food will be provided by Johnny’s Philippine Grill. Plus, there will be raffle prizes available and Arizona Beer House will match tips. 6 to 9…
XOXO: Where to Rock Tuesday, May 7
Spirit of the radio. Breaking Glass, Just Najima, Juju Fontaine and Church Pants perform as part of the KMKR 99.9 FM Benefit Show. At La Cocina. Details here. Led by Kawabata Makoto, over the course of a decades this “soul collective” has evolved from a commune of Japanese hippies into an experimental freak-out group for…
Local Musicians Fundraising for Community Arts Space
With both Cans and Galactic Center closing their doors earlier this year, it might seem community spaces for independent music are shrinking around Tucson. But a group of local musicians and educators recently started an initiative to build a new community space for artistic expression – and Tucson is responding. In less than a week since…
Adoptable Pet: Golddie Needs a Home
I am a laid back 3-year-old boy who enjoys spending my days inside beside my favorite person. I can be shy at first but if you take the time to get to know my I promise to be a loyal friend. – Golddie Meet Golddie at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. For…
As If the Normal Monday Morning Wasn’t Bad Enough: UN Report Highlights How We Are Destroying the Planet
New York magazine sums up the UN’s new report on biodiversity: Human beings are more prosperous and numerous than we’ve ever been, while the Earth’s other species are dying off faster than at any time in human history. These two conditions are related. But if the second one persists long enough, we will be following…
Claytoon of the Day: Snotty On Snitty
Find more Claytoonz here.
Three Great Things to Do in Tucson Today: Monday, May 6
Diner Mondays at Tucson Hop Shop. A few months ago the Tucson Weekly wrote about the cutest little mobile diner around, Substance Coffee Co. With it’s delicious fried mac ‘n cheese and vegan milkshakes, it is worth hunting down this restaurant on wheels. Today, Tucson Hop Shop is making it easy for you! What could be…
Let’s Listen to the New Calexico and Iron & Wine Single
Calexico’s Joey Burns alerted us to a preview track from the upcoming Years To Burn album collaboration between Calexico and Iron & Wine, which is due out June 14. “I wrote ‘Midnight Sun’ the day I got to Nashville for the Years to Burn session,” says Burns in an email to fans. “I arrived at…
All Bets Are On: On Sean Miller’s Alleged Payment, AZ Softball and the Kentucky Derby
All Bets Are on is back, with co-hosts Christopher Boan and Tyler Vondrak covering the gamut of sports topics. The duo breaks down the latest developments in the federal court hearing into former sports bookie Christian Dawkins, and the implication on tape that Sean Miller was paying Deandre Ayton $10,000 a month during his year…
Claytoon of the Day: Mr. 10,000
Find more Claytoonz here.
25 Great Things to Do in Tucson This Weekend: May 3 to 5
Welcome to the Dark Side: Modern Times Edition. Celebrating their second annual Dark Side event, Arizona Beer House is inviting Modern Times Beer to the party. This party features 40 taps, with 40 Modern Times beers. Plus, brewery representatives will be in to talk shop and guide you through the many flavors of dark beer…
XOXO: Where to Rock This Weekend, May 3 to 5
In a collaboration with Ozomatli and Locos Por Juana, “The Wall” questions the definition of the word immigrant and what makes one illegal. According to the band, “The track speaks volumes about what has been going on in terms of immigration, borders, homeland security and identity politics during the current divisive administration.” From Austin, this…
Claytoon of the Day: Snitty Redactions
Find more Claytoonz here.
Editor’s Note
In this week’s issue: Tucson Salvage columnist Brian Salvage brings us a dispatch from Winkelman
Reel Indie
Movies to see at your local indie theaters this week
Honor Bound: Arizona Press Club
Tucson Weekly and its sister papers in the Tucson Local Media empire brought home 16 awards in the annual Arizona Press Club competition.
Street Smarts
Arizona joined 47 other states Monday, April 22 when Gov. Doug Ducey, joined by members of the Arizona Legislature, signed legislation prohibiting the use of handheld mobile devices while driving.
Rhythm Methods: Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra
Nearly six decades later, the influence of Kuti can still be heard in the music of a number of different bands, including the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra here in Arizona.
The Skinny
Out of Bondage County proposes to give up on borrowing, go to pay-as-you-go Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry’s proposed budget is loaded with proposals, including an extra $26 million for roads. And there’s some good news: The county is likely to end the fiscal year with a surplus of more than $73 million, which is…
XOXO
Where to rock in Tucson this week
Danehy
What is the sound of a major college football program being totally ignored by its once-vibrant fan base?
MMJ: Troubling Truths
On one hand, we have cannabis hailed as a miracle drug; on the other, an almost certain precursor to schizophrenia.
Pie in the Sky
Throwing dough, breakdancing and spinning multiple pizzas at once all while simultaneously running a successful pizzeria is all in a day’s work for local chef and pizza acrobat Scott Volpe.
Quick Bites
Where to eat and drink in Tucson this week
Police Dispatch: A Weights Lift
Cops got a really good workout while working on a case of a bunch of stolen dumbbells.
Novel Approach
Switzerland delves into the complicated life and legacy of author Patricia Highsmith
Police Dispatch: Poop on the Stoop
It seems likely that both sides of a north-side neighbor feud were guilty of shitty deeds, an Oro Valley Police Department report said.
Family Ties: Things I Know to be True
In this heartbreakingly funny play by Andrew Bovell, we watch as members of the Price family struggle to make room for their true selves within their predetermined family roles.
City Week
There’s fun to be had in Tucson this week!
Excelsior! Avengers
The Marvel universe gets its most grandiose chapter with Avengers: Endgame, a fitting successor to last year’s Infinity War and a generous gift to those of us who like our movies with superheroes in them.
Still They Persisted
Arizona History Museum honors resilience in tales of Jan. 8 and the Bisbee Deportation
