Museums and Art
Modernism Market Opening Night Gala. Modernism Week is upon us, and the Midtown Mercantile Merchants are getting in on the act with a 10-day modernism market through Sunday, Oct. 14. And they're kicking it off the only way that makes sense: with a fancy schmancy gala. Enjoy refreshments among mid-century furniture, home accessories, vintage clothing and jewelry, antique lighting fixtures, a wide variety of collectibles and more. The market itself attracts dealers and vendors from all over the country, for a marvelous array of all things modern. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. 4443 E. Speedway.
Free Admission to Tohono Chul Park. In honor of National Arts & Humanities Month, Oro Valley partnered up with local galleries, museums and businesses to offer all sorts of discounts, tours, free concerts and free admission days throughout October. This week, don't miss a chance to stroll through the grounds of Tohono Chul Park, which is lovely all year round, but especially enjoyable during months with cooler weather. Galleries meet gardens meet altogether gorgeousness at this Tucson staple. If you missed your chance to go for free at the Smithsonian's free museum day in September, thank the town of Oro Valley for believing in second chances! 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte.
Sonoran Glass School Pumpkin Fiesta. Fall feels like a work of art in and of itself, and spending a day exploring the hand-crafted glass selections at the Sonoran Glass School is always a treat. Why not combine the two? Frolic through glass art pumpkin patches in a fall-themed gallery that also includes fused fall platters and candleholders. Watch some mind-blowing glassblowing presentations, and even create your own glass pumpkin in the studio—no experience or appointment necessary. These pumpkins are so beautiful, you're going to wonder why Cinderella really thought it was such a bad thing to be turned into a pumpkin at midnight. Keep it glassy. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7. 633 W. 18th St. Free entry, $85 for the Make Your Own Pumpkin experience.
The Big Picture. Sure, it's artsy to check out an art gallery downtown. But if you want to go for that big-picture, well-rounded artsy-ness, check out the Central Tucson Gallery Association's season opener, which features everything from video to sculpture to fiber arts to small 3D pieces to more traditional mediums like drawings and paintings, all spread out across five downtown galleries. The Contreras Gallery, at 110 E. Sixth St., has a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The Davis Dominguez Gallery, at 154 E. Sixth St., is from 6 to 8 p.m. The Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery on the Pima Community College West Campus is from 6 to 9 p.m. The Philabaum Glass Gallery, at 711 S. Sixth Ave., is from 4 to 6 p.m. And the Raices Taller 222 Gallery and Workshop, at 218 E. Sixth St., is from 6 to 9 p.m. Free.
Theatre and Performances
A Star is Born–The Story and Songs of Barbra Streisand. If you don't think Barbra Streisand is an absolute star, then you are probably actually not thinking of Barbra Streisand. Scientists agree that she's one of the vocalists most worthy of having tribute shows in all of history. And the Gaslight Theatre has taken heed! Powerhouse vocalist Katherine Byrnes will be delivering hits on hits on hits, backed by an all-star band. "Don't Rain on My Parade"? You got it. "Papa Can You Hear Me"? Absolutely. "Memory"? It wouldn't be a Barbra Streisand tribute show without it. Can you get through the whole night without singing along? 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8. Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. $22.95., with discounts for children, students, seniors and military.
50 Great American Places author talk. Brent D. Glass, director emeritus of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, selected Mission San Xavier as Arizona's "great American place" in his book which selects a notable American place for every state. You live right next to this thing, so you should take this chance to learn at least as much about it as this guy from the Smithsonian already knows, right? For example, it was built in 1783, and is the oldest European-inspired building in Arizona, as well as the finest example of Mexican baroque architecture in the United States. Proceeds benefit Patronato San Xavier, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and restoring the mission. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St. $25, or $20 for members of Friends of Patronado.
Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis. For those of us who don't play the harp, the fact that there is anyone out there who can play the harp is an astonishingly impressive, possibly magical feat in and of itself. But internationally acclaimed harpist Yolanda Kondonassis has some serious chops, and she'll be demonstrating them by playing Alberto Ginastera's Harp Concerto at TSO. Considered the definitive harp concerto of the 20th century, the piece is full of Latin rhythms, special effects and incredible showcases of virtuosity. It's also a major reason why Kondonassis chose to pursue the harp professionally. The night also features the TSO premiere of Venezuelan composer Evencio Castellenos' El río de las siete estrellas and Johannes Brahms' Symphony No. 1. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $30 to $68.
Danny Green Trio. Are ya ready to get jazzy? Award-winning recording artist, pianist and composer Danny Green—a rising star on the jazz scene—is coming to Tucson with the other two-thirds of his trio, upright and electric bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantiem (Danny plays the piano—or the pian-y, if you want it to rhyme). The trio has been around since 2012, and has performed their unique blend of jazz, classical and Brazilian music all over the country. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh St. $15 advance/$20 day-of for adults, or $12 advance/$15 day-of for youth 12 to 15 or $4 for kids 4 to 11.
Odyssey Storytelling: Big Brother. We're not talking about the wholesome sort of big brother who beats up playground bullies who get in your way. It's the much more interesting concept from 1984: doublethink, secret recordings, constant surveillance, data breaches—that sort of thing. Hear stories from six local storytellers about times in their own lives that relate to this month's unsettling-when-you're-experiencing-it-but-fascinating-when-you-hear-about-it-theme. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh St. $10 adults, $7 students.
Chinese Warriors of Peking. Do you like having your mind blown? Of course you do. This production, a product of China's Ministry of Culture, tells the story of two rival martial arts disciplines competing in the ancient Chinese capital of Peking during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644, or: a long time ago). If you think juggling is cool, just wait until these guys bust out some weaponry and break into some live stage combat, breath-taking acrobatics, and generally intense martial arts. It's the type of stuff that makes you feel exhausted just watching it, or even just thinking about it. But in a totally cool, I-wish-I-was-that-physically-fit, wow-the-human-body-is-truly-capable-of-incredible-feats sort of way. 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. $24 to $29.
Erased. Students in the UA's master program for generative dramaturgy commissioned, conceptualized and directed this collection of seven 10-minute plays, all exploring the act of erasure, or of scraping, expunging, effacing, deleting or obliterating, from a variety of angles. They're part of the School of Theatre, film & Television's Studio Series, which supports and showcases experimental performance with a model that focuses less on production elements and more on the artistic and intellectual efforts of the student creators. The productions are lovely, thought-provoking, and not kid-friendly, so get a babysitter if you gotta! 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 6 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. Harold Dixon Directing Studio, room 116 in the Drama Building, 1025 N. Olive Road. $7.
Carnival of Illusion season opening. Can you believe this loveable magic show created by a husband, a wife and their cute lil' dog has already been around for 10 years? Maybe you don't believe it. But tell you what: This is the sort of show that just might leave you feeling like you believe in magic itself. It's got that old-school, vaudeville, nostalgic feel, in a small setting that gives you a chance to see the magic up close and personal. It's a "clean" show, but not recommended for people 8 and under. Get a babysitter and give yourself a night out on the town. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Tucson Scottish Rite Grand Parlour, 160 S. Scott Ave. $35 to $45.
Annual Events
Monster Mash. Are you the type of person who started telling people "Happy Halloween!" on Sept. 1? Then take comfort in the fact that you don't have to wait until actual Halloween to start celebrating the season. Oro Valley's got spooky carnival games, a scary movie scavenger hunt, a cartoon-themed spooky maze and a candy corn ring toss. You can also decorate pumpkins, guess their weight and take a haunted hayride! Chow down at a food truck, get your face painted so you'll look cool in the photo booth and chug down some witches brew (aka root beer). Although, if you decide to participate in the "Not Just Another 5K" event at 6 p.m., maybe wait to indulge yourself until afterward. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. Free entry.
SAHBA Home & Garden Show. You want a new pool, a chance to look at new driveway and garage options or a sampling of kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas? How about just some wall art, lotion or candles? You definitely want to buy a pool if you're living in Tucson, right? You can get all of this and more at the SAHBA Home Show, where dreams become reality and bland living rooms become home to exotic throw pillows. Appliances! Linens! Beds! Building and cabinet materials! Fashion! General contracting! Landscaping, solar and wrought iron! Financial services to help you figure out how to pay for all of it! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Tucson Community Center, 260 S Church Ave. $8 adults, free for kids 12 and under, discounts for military and seniors. Check sahbahomeshow.com for a $2-off coupon.
Sing Your Heart Out
Sing-Along in Hebrew and English. An evening of Israeli guitar music and a sampling of cultural dishes, with a chance to sing along as well? Why not? The Weintraub Israel Center, which is dedicated to bringing the cultural richness of Israel to our little corner of the Sonoran Desert, is hosting this evening with one of the most crucial elements of Israeli culture: singing. Local vocal impersonator and singer Paz Shahrian will be singing along with Phoenix-area duo Erez and Gal, who will play guitar and lead the songs. There will be songs in both English and Hebrew, and the Hebrew songs will have phonetic English lyrics projected, so don't worry—you can still sing along! 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Shaol and Evelyn Pozez Event Room at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, 3718 E. River Road. $10 donation suggested.
Oh, For the Love of Music! Do you play an instrument but worry you're not skilled enough to join a band? Why not try out this free community jam session, which is open to musicians of all ages and skills? Maybe you need to brush up on your skills, maybe you're looking for somewhere to play or maybe you just like to hang out with musicians. The main thing, though, is that a bunch of people who love music and love making it are all going to be in one place. So why wouldn't you want to be there? To 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road.
Fun in General
17th Annual Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show & Sale. It's mamba-mania! It's giant tortoise-topia! It's petting zoo-palooza! It's 50,000 square feet of tortoises, snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, bugs and more. Whether you're looking to buy directly from well-known breeders, take a herp photography class with Bill Love of Blue Chameleon Ventures and Rene Clark of Dancing Snake Nature Photography, or just walk around gaping at everything, this event will have something for you. You can also buy inanimate items ranging from cages and supplies to reptile art prints, T-shirts and jewelry. The petting zoo has alligators, giant lizards, giant tortoises, lizards and snakes, so don't forget the camera! 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. Tucson Expo Center, 370 E. Irvington Road. $10 adults, $5 kids 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under gets you in for the whole weekend. Cash only, please pay at the door.
Van Gogh Sunflower Paint Out and Auction. A trip to Tubac is never a bad idea, but it's especially not a bad idea when the town is going to be filled with artists capturing the essences of the sunflowers blooming all over the place. Fake sunflowers outside entrances, galleries and shops mean participation in "Sunflower Madness" discounts and offerings, so you can spend the day feeling like a true flower child. Saturday afternoon starting at 3:30, all of the art will be sold at a silent, live auction in the Historic Lowe House, at 14 Calle Iglesia. This way, you can feel like a true flower child even when you return home. While you're in the city, check out the First Nation's Biennial and Bees and Wax exhibits at the Tubac Center of the Arts, visit the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and check out the Santa Cruz County Humane Society Barktober Fest at the Plaza de Anza Courtyard Sunday evening.
Invisible Theatre Costume and Prop Sale. Rummage sales are incredible at their face, but when they're hosted by a theater? Wooooeee. We're talking all sorts of costumes, jewelry, hats, shoes, vintage items, accessories, furniture, specialty props and CDs. Purchase whatever you want individually, or get one of three-sized bags for $25, $50 or $100 and stuff it full with your choice of treasures. Possibly the best part? This is actually a fundraiser, so all funds raised will go straight to Invisible Theatre's educational projects. It was a can't-miss event anyway, but now it's a feel-good, can't-miss event. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Diego Gulls. It's bird vs. bird over at the Tucson Arena tonight, where our hometown hockey team will be facing off against its seaside neighbors. This kicks off a season which will include 34 games worth of skating, scoring and the occasional skidding. Whether you're a hardcore hockey fan ready for the Roadrunners to redeem themselves after a 7-6 lost to the Gulls at last year's season opener, or just someone who wants to get into the stadium to escape the heat, you're in for a good time. 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $13 to $61+.
