City Week

Taking Pride to the Streets

Don't plan on a quiet retreat if heading to Bisbee this weekend: The usually quiet town kicks off its annual GLBT Pride Weekend this Friday.

The festivities will launch at 8 p.m. with the Leather and Lace Street Party on Howell Avenue, which will be traffic-free for the event. The party will feature a drag show at 9:30 p.m.

"We just kind of take over town, from one end to the other," said Adam Lamb, executive director of Bisbee Pride and manager of the Copper Queen Hotel.

Lamb said the hotel is nearly booked for the weekend, but other hotels in town may have space, and visitors often stay in nearby Tombstone. It's sure to be a big bash--the three-day event was named one of the Top Five Rural Prides by Gay.com in 2007. At least 1,000 people are expected to attend.

Saturday is packed with nine activities, including live music, a street fair with food and the work of local artists, the Lingerie Pub Crawl and a poolside barbecue.

A performance of My Blue Heaven, a romantic comedy play by Jane Chambers, will show at 7 p.m. at St. John's Church Hall. Tickets are $10. Those aching to get their groove on can attend the UnderStock Dance Party at the Stock Exchange Saloon at 10 p.m.

"It's just a really neat opportunity for people to be themselves," said Lamb.

In an effort to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV, 10 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which commemorates lives lost to the virus, will be on display throughout the town until June 22. The weekend will end with a Sunday breakfast buffet at the Copper Queen Hotel.

Admission to the events varies; some are free. --K.S.

Horrifically Kitsch

Just can't get enough high-pitched screams, fake blood and ominous music? Then head down to the Loft to celebrate Friday the 13th with 12 full hours of classic horror movies--and the chance to talk with legendary "scream queen" Linnea Quigley, star of such films as Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama.

"It's fun, because there's nothing else like this in town," said Jeff Yanc, the Loft's program director.

The festivities start at 7 p.m. with The Return of the Living Dead (featuring Quigley!). In between flicks, audience members will have a chance to win horror-related prizes and DVDs based on their horror-genre trivia knowledge ... so brush up on those classics if you are looking to score some swag.

At 9 p.m., Quigley will hold a Q&A session with the audience before signing autographs and pimping out her merchandise, which features her own workout DVD.

"We are hoping she (Quigley) will lead us in some aerobics," Yanc said.

Heroes and Villains Comics and Adventure shop is sponsoring the event, so they will be on hand to sell comics.

Audience members are encouraged to come in pajamas (or a related costume) and bring a pillow. Sleeping in the aisles is permitted--and even common, Yanc said.

"The whole vibe of the event is like a horror movie itself," Yanc said. "We get a lot of interesting people, and you never know what to expect."

The Loft will be selling their usual fare of pizza, candy and drinks, along with special "Dead Guy Ale," available at a "gruesomely low price."

The theater can accommodate up to 500 people, but it's common for people to drift in and out, depending on which films they actually want to see, Yanc said.

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $10 for Loft members. --C.E.

Sonoran Serenades

Those looking for an evening of family fun this Father's Day weekend can enjoy a free outdoor concert, courtesy of the Dove of Peace Lutheran Church, which celebrates its fourth annual "Jazz Under the Stars" concert this Saturday.

Headliner Joe Bourne and his band will perform, as will a variety of other artists.

Bourne, originally from Cambridge, Mass., started his musical career as a singer in his church choir. His musical style is an upbeat mix of jazz, swing, jive, Latin and blues, with gospel undertones. He has performed with artists Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole and The Pointer Sisters.

The Oro Valley resident has played an active role in the Tucson jazz scene, serving as vice president of the Tucson Jazz Society from 2004 to 2006. He was also a board member for community radio station KXCI FM 91.3.

Last year's concert included a performance by Crystal Stark, a Tucsonan and fifth-season American Idol contestant. "Dove of Peace has been leading the way in promoting jazz in Tucson," said Eric Holtan, event coordinator and choir director for the church.

"It's just an overall feel-good event for people of all ages," said Holtan. "This is not a church event; it just happens to be at our church, and it's good times."

The two-hour event takes place in the Saint Anthony courtyard, on the church's east side. Attendees are welcome to bring their own seating. Wine, fruit, cheese, crackers and baked goods will be served free of charge. Donations will be accepted to benefit the UA Lutheran Campus Ministry. --K.S.

Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up Pima

Toddlers and adults will take the stage together this weekend to kickoff Creative Dance Arts' 19th annual summer concert. The 2 1/2-hour concert will center on the performance of the classical ballet Sleeping Beauty.

Dancers from the studio's 52-member performing company, Dance Magnificat, will be accompanied by guest dancers from the UA School of Dance and the Yuma Ballet Theatre.

The fun doesn't stop there. Following the ballet, Creative Dance Arts will showcase approximately 20 different routines, performed by dancers age 3 years old and up. The routines are all between 2 and 3 minutes and showcase the various styles taught at the studio, including hip-hop, jazz and tap.

Dance Magnificat, which requires members to audition for membership, performed many award-winning routines at dance competitions throughout the year, said Christy Cubbison of Creative Dance Arts. The summer concert will feature nearly 300 dancers, and Cubbison said she expects the weekend shows to be sold out, as has often happened in years past.

"We are expecting a lot of family to show up, but we also receive quite a bit of community support," Cubbison said.

Tickets are $10 at the door, but can be purchased in advance for $7 by calling 206-6986 or 887-5658. --C.E.