2nd Annual Rialto Gala: A Red Letter Event
7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15
Rialto Theatre318 E. Congress St.
740-1000;rialtotheatre.com
The Rialto Theatre has become one of the go-to entertainment venues in Tucson since its reopening almost a decade ago, with many of the top touring acts hitting this downtown theater with a diverse array of performances.
But good box office can't do it all, which is why the Rialto still relies heavily on the generosity of others to keep its doors open.
To that end, the theater is getting set to host its second annual gala, with hopes of topping the approximately $25,000 raised last year.
"This is something that we knew all along we should have been doing, but it never came into fruition until last year," executive director Curtis McCrary said. "The first (gala) we did was a real smash success for us. This year we've surpassed our sponsorship goals and levels. We're pretty hopeful that we'll be able to do better this year."
Last year's event ran concurrently with a previously scheduled show—funk band Grupo Fantasma—with gala attendees in formal wear mingling with show patrons to create a laid-back atmosphere. This time around, though, the gala is a closed affair, with the entertainment brought in specifically for the fundraiser, McCrary said.
The $75 admission not only includes the Scottsdale-based 60s Bandstand Show and local act Black Cherry Burlesque, but also food and drink from downtown establishments such as Miss Saigon, Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, Elliott's on Congress and Thunder Canyon Brewery. Attendees also can participate in an auction featuring gift certificates, artwork and autographed memorabilia.
—B.P.
