The Sky Is on Fire

A new favorite haunt of mine is Sky Bar at 536 N. Fourth Avenue. They have Happy Hour from 5:30 to 8:30 every day, except Sunday, when it's Happy Hour all day! Two-dollar wells sounds damn good this time of year. Even better, Friday nights offer a free fire twirling show from local performance troupe, Elemental Artistry. Be there around 7-ish to grab a beer/latte/screwdriver and a good seat from which to watch the dazzling action.

The talented members of Elemental Artistry also offer classes, and furthermore they'll be hosting a big Summer Solstice event at Sky Bar on Monday, June 21. Here's more info on fire dance classes and the Solstice spectacular. For further info, call (520) 661-2787.

Poi Class, Sunday mornings 11:45-12:45pm at the Francisco Elias Esquier Park, 1331 N 14th Ave
This multi-level poi class taught by World Champion twirler Michelle Baas is perfect for students of all ages and backgrounds. In each class technique and tricks are taught with a strong focus

in movement and dance with poi. This is the place to start for anyone who has dreamed of fire dancing, or for performers who are looking to take their performance to the next level.

Staff Spinning Class, Sunday Mornings 10:30-11:30am at the Francisco Elias Esquier Park, 1331 N 14th Ave
This multi-level staff spinning class taught by Michelle Baas is a unique opportunity to learn basic, intermediate and advanced staff spinning. Michelle Baas is a world champion baton twirler with unsurpassed experience as a performer and teacher, there is no where else students can have the opportunity to work with a trainer of this high level. Students of all ages and experience levels are welcome. If you've seen the Hawaiian fire dancers and have always wanted to try or you've been spinning for years and just want some new tricks this is the place to start.

June 21, 2010, from 7:30pm to midnight, Elemental Artistry fire performance troupe will be hosting a fun, community-based event to celebrate the Summer Solstice in Tucson. As a day full of magic, mystery, and tradition, the solstice has been celebrated worldwide for thousands of years. We are bringing the fun and flare of the season to Tucson. In honor of this auspicious and energetic season the night will be full of art, music and dance with numerous Tucson community artists and performers coming together in celebration at Sky Bar on 4th Ave. We will be celebrating the beauty and joy of life.

As summer in Tucson brings with it the trials of living in the hot desert climate, most people try to get out of town. For this reason we have decided to create an event to celebrate our community and those of us who brave the summer heat, calling Tucson home. The solstice celebration will feature a variety of musicians including a local West African drumming ensemble, solo acoustic musicians, and local rock bands. Performances will include tarot readings, jugglers, bellydancers, aerial dancers, hula hoopers, and more! Keeping with the traditional celebration of the summer solstice the event will conclude with a large scale fire dancing show featuring Elemental Artistry.