In the Ronstadt Center, Pima College will present its Clarinet Choir, along with the college Jazz Band and Evening Wind Ensemble. Directed by Dr. John Snavey, the heady entourage will perform pieces ranging from Bach to the Beatles. Los Descendientes' doña, Genevieve Whalen, will cut the birthday cake -- accompanied by her court in period costume -- and there will be a cascarones workshop for kids, sponsored by Arts Genesis and the ACA Artist in Education program. Hector Soza will also be on hand with his mini-train.
Native American poet Pipestem will present a "special birthday poem for Tucson" in Arizona Alley, accompanied by classical guitarist Ayalla.
Up on Fourth Avenue, Celtic harpist David Shaul will perform traditional music at the Fifth Street Stage, in front of Magpies. John Grant and Erix Guitar will present a progressive blend of eclectic country rock at Winsett Park.
Pete Fine and Hendrix 2000 will pay tribute to the late, great Seattle phenom at 110 E. Pennington St.; and a cappella wunderkinds Catacoustic Groove will wrap their signature blues, pop, doo-wop and jazz in a birthday theme down at the Chicago Music Store.
Downtown Saturday Night runs from 7 to 10 p.m., and all events are free. For details, call 624-9977.
MONSOONER THAN LATER: Batten down the hatches and perk up your ears for live music, as Fourth Avenue's Monsoon Madness series thunders on. These free outdoor shows are a gift to the senses, and perhaps even an offering to the cumulus gods. That means if you don't go, Tucson will likely dry up and blow away. Or suck the aquifer dry. Or turn off the CAP. Or none of the above.
But to be on the safe side, check out Jane Doe and the Composers, and Good Question, as they take the stage between 7 and 10 p.m. Thursday, August 19, in Winsett Park, 316 N. Fourth Ave. Call 624-5004 for details.
ZOO VIEW: Catch some shade -- and a few well-shaded creatures -- at the Reid Park Zoo. Nestled among the park's lovely tall trees, the sprawling zoo is home to more than 400 exotic animals and has an ongoing captive breeding program for several threatened and endangered species, including the small-clawed otter, Siberian tiger, white rhinoceros, Grevy's zebra, lion-tailed macaque and ruffed lemur.
The zoo's dedicated docents are also vigilant in spreading the word about conservation, and the protection of wild creatures. They conduct a variety of programs and special events, ranging from slide shows and Reid-Me-A-Story children's events to roving interpretive stations and information booths.
Bring the whole family for a visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $3.50, $2.50 for seniors, 75 cents for children ages 5 to 14, and free for children ages 4 and under. Enter the zoo from 22nd Street, between Country Club Road and Alvernon Way. For information, call 791-4022.
