Events

ARTIFACT Dance’s Deco Dream

March 3, 2014 | Herb Stratford

“Speak Easy” features Claire Hancock, Ashley Bowman, Jilian Wereb, Shelly Steigerwald, Ben Nisbet, Chris Black and Naïm Amor.
photo: Shelly Flores

If you observe the Old Pueblo’s unique architecture, you can find elements from many different eras—Victorian to Art Deco to Modernism. But how often do those eras come to life in the arts locally? Sure, we can revel in the excitement of John Dillinger’s 1934 capture with Hotel Congress’ annual “Dillinger Days” festivities, but other events tied to a specific era are seemingly few and far between. This month, Tucson’s ARTIFACT Dance Project changes that with its world premiere performance of Speak Easy.

Speak Easy is set during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), and is a full-length concert that looks inside the speakeasy culture via New York City’s underground liquor and entertainment nightclubs. The era’s clubs gave birth to fashion, dance and music trends like no other, and films like “The Cotton Club,” “The Great Gatsby” and others have demonstrated the depth and breadth of its influence on popular culture ever since.

The Speak Easy experience in the performance is witnessed through the eyes of American journalist Lois Lang, and showcases her encounters with agents, bootleggers and flappers who break the rules to the beat of Jazz classics, and dance the night away while hiding from the law. The Speak Easy story is really the “story of a culture” as opposed to one person’s story and showcases a fascinating time in America’s history, according to ARTIFACT’s Co-Artistic Director Ashley Bowman. The combination of art, culture, music and dance of the era is a rich vein to mine, and Speak Easy presents these elements in a way new to Tucson audiences.

Part of ARTIFACT’s mission is to always collaborate with guest artists on these ambitious projects. For this production, guest composers/musicians Chris Black and Naim Amor have joined forces with ARTIFACT music director Ben Nesbit to create the score for the show. It will be performed by a live seven-piece band during the performance on stage. This, along with a dance troupe of 11, promises to make for a memorable evening in the intimacy of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, which holds just 300 people.

The “thrill of live humanity and art forms combining” is one of the draws to this event, says Bowman, who is most proud of the company’s ongoing collaborative artistic performances, which are unique and the troupe’s trademark of sorts. Bowman says she can’t imagine not performing with live music or without collaborating in some form with other artists for its productions.

This performance may follow in the footsteps of other ARTIFACT pieces by touring here in the United States or internationally. A few years ago, an ARTIFACT show toured China, and the piece has been designed to be staged again if there is support to do so. The elaborate sets, costumes, original music and dance works created for Speak Easy deserve more than the three scheduled performances on tap. One can hope that this slice of historic, artistic heaven can continue to enchant audiences while telling the tale of an important genesis in American artistic expression.

ARTIFACT Dance Project’s “Speak Easy” takes place at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd., on the campus of the University of Arizona. Performances are Friday and Saturday, March 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission and $18 for students of all ages. Tickets are available at ARTIFACTDanceProject.com.

Performances March 2014

February 27, 2014 | Marisa Bernal

Pepe Romero performs at the Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival.
Photo courtesy Arizona Friends of Chamber Music

ARTIFACT DANCE PROJECT Speak Easy takes place Fri, Mar 21-Sun, Mar 23. $18-$25. Stevie Eller Dance Theater, 1713 E. University Blvd. 780-6879, ArtIfActDanceProject.com

ARIZONA FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival takes place Sun, Mar 16-Sun, Mar 23. TCC’s Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. 577-3769, ArizonaChamberMusic.org

ARIZONA OPERA La Traviata shows Sat, Mar 8-Sun, Mar 9. TCC’s Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. 293-4336, AZOpera.com

ARIZONA ROSE THEATRE COMPANY Tombstone: The Musical is Fri, Mar 21-Sun, Mar 23. Fri & Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. $8-$17. Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. 888-0509, ArizonaRose.cc

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY Around the World In 80 Days shows Sat, Mar 1-Sat, Mar 22. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 622-2823, ArizonaTheatre.org

BORDERLANDS THEATER Burning Patience opens Thu, Mar 27 and runs through April 13. Zuzi’s Dance Theater, 738 N. 5th Ave. 882-7406, BorderlandsTheater.org

BROADWAY IN TUCSON I Love Lucy: Live on Stage shows Tue, Mar 25-Sun, Mar 30. Tickets vary. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. 903-2929, BroadwayInTucson.com

CARNIVAL OF ILLUSION Performance takes place Fri, Mar 7 & Sat, Mar 8. See website for times. Tucson Double Tree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way. 615-5299, CarnivalOfIllusion.com

CHAMBER MUSIC PLUS The Trials of Dimitri Shostakovich takes place Sun, Mar 30 at 3pm. Berger Performing Arts, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. 400-5439, ChamberMusicPlus.org

Christian Youth Theater presents “Shrek The Musical,” March 6-9.
photo: Darin Wallentine

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATRE Shrek: The Musical takes place Thu, Mar 6-Sun, Mar 9. Pima Community College Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Rd. CYTTucson.org.

FOX THEATRE Ozomatli performs Fri, Mar 14. The Straits: A Dire Straight Legacy takes place Sun, Mar 16. Ronnie Milsap performs Mon, Mar 17. Hot Club of San Francisco performs Sat, Mar 22. Lilly Tomlin performs Sun, Mar 23. Prices Vary. 17 W. Congress St. 624-1515, FoxTucsonTheatre.org

THE GASLIGHT THEATRE The Belle Tombstone continues through Sun, Mar 3. 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-9428, TheGaslightTheatre.com

INVISIBLE THEATRE My Buddy shows Sat, Mar 8-Sun, Mar 9. 1400 N. 1^st Ave. 882-9721, InvisibleTheatre.com

LIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP Photograph 51 continues through Sat, Mar 22. All Together Theatre: Peter and The Wolf continues through Sun, Mar 16. The Adventures of Rose Red (Snow White’s Less Famous Sister) opens Sun, Mar 30. See website for prices and times. 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. 327-4242, LiveTheatreWorkshop.org

NOT BURNT OUT JUST UNSCREWED Shows every Friday and Saturday throughout March. Unscrewed Theater, 3244 E. Speedway Blvd. 861-2986, UnscrewedComedy.com

ODYSSEY STORYTELLING SERIES Ten-Year Anniversary Show & Celebration is Thu, Mar 6 at 7:30pm. Free. Fluxx Studios and Gallery, 416 E. 9th St. 730-4112, OdysseyStoryTelling.com

PCC THEATRE ARTS Chorale and College Singers perform Tue, Mar 11. Wind Ensemble performs Thu, Mar 13. 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6670, Pima.edu/cfa

THE ROGUE THEATRE Betrayal continues through Sun, Mar 16. 738 N. 5th Ave. 551-2053, TheRogueTheatre.org

TUCSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Enchanted Kingdom shows Sat, Mar 1. Beethoven’s Fourth takes place Sat, Mar 8-Sun, Mar 9. Saint- Saëns Cello Concerto takes place Fri, Mar 14 & Sun, Mar 16. Cherish The Ladies takes place Sat, Mar 22-Sun, Mar 23. The Amazing ’80s shows Fri, Mar 28. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa- Moveable Music Feast is Sun, Mar 30. See website for times, prices, and locations. 882-8585, TucsonSymphony.org

UA PRESENTS Michael Feinstein performs Sun, Mar 9. The Joffrey Ballet takes place Sun, Mar 23. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. 621-3341, UAPresents.org

UA’S ARIZONA REPERTORY THEATRE Oklahoma! opens Sun, Mar 9. 1025 N. Olive Rd. 621-1162, web.cfa.arizona.edu/theatre

Winding Road Theater’s "Burn This" at The Temple of Music and Art. Photo features Emilee Foster and Christopher Johnson. Courtesy of WindingRoadTheater.org

Winding Road Theater’s “Burn This.”
Photo courtesy of WindingRoadTheater.org

WINDING ROAD THEATRE ENSEMBLE Burn This shows Thu, Mar 13- Sun, Mar 30. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. 749-3800, WindingRoadTheater.org

ZUZI! DANCE COMPANY No Frills Dance Happenin’ takes place Fri, Mar 7. $10. Zuzi’s Little Theater, 738 N. 5th Ave. 629-0237, ZUZIMoveIt.org

Select Tucson Events: March 2014

February 25, 2014 | Marisa Bernal

SUN 2
MÖDA PROVŎCATEŪR Fashion and dinner fundraising event for Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 628-7223, SAAFModa.org

FORDS ON FOURTH AVENUE Southern Arizona Mustang Club shows classic cars down Fourth Avenue, between University Blvd. and 7th Street on 4th Avenue. 9am-3pm. 624-5004, FourthAvenue.org

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR Local artists and craftspeople show and sell jewelry, woodwork, candles, folk art, wrought iron, and more. 9am-2pm. Free. Cat Mountain Station, 2740 S. Kinney Rd. 578-4272, CatMountainStation.com

TUE 4
MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER Annual Shrove Tuesday Fundraiser in conjunction with Kiwanis featuring a Cajun mean, mask decoration and live music. $12.50 in advance, $15 at door. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. 5th Ave. 622-8318, saintandrewstucson@gmail.com

THU 6
HISTORIC MANSION WALKING TOUR Hear stories of the movers and shakers of early Tucson including Sam Hughes, Albert Steinfeld, Hiram Stevens, and Frank Hereford. 10am–noon. $15. NW corner of Main Avenue and Alameda Street. 625-8365, KruseArizona.com

SAT 8
2^ND SATURDAYS A monthly Downtown festival featuring vendors, food, live music and more. Performances include: Reno Del Mar, Bold As Love, and The Modeens. Free. Congress Street, 2ndSaturdays.com

OLD PUEBLO GRAND PRIX Arizona’s premier bike race in downtown Tucson. Free to watch; registration fees for participants. 10:30am-7pm. See website for more details. Free to spectators. OldPuebloGrandPrix.com

BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL A Brazilian festival including a costume contest, dancing and live music by Sol Axé and Sambalaço. $10-$12. 9pm-2am. Club XS, 5851 E. Speedway. 247-3588, ClubXSTucson.com

SAT 8-SUN 9
ORO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Features up to 150 artists and exhibitors, music, family activities and more. Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 11am-4pm. Free. Oro Valley Marketplace, Southwest corner of Oracle and Tangerine. Saaca.org/FestivaloftheArts

SUN 9
DUETS AND DINNER GALA Featuring live music of the Tucson Girls Chorus, dinner, raffle, silent auction, and more. 5pm-8:30pm. $100. DoubleTree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way. 577-6064, TucsonGirlsChorus.org

WISHES WITH WINGS Live butterfly release and crafts with Integrative Touch for Kids. 2pm-4pm. La Encantada, in front of Mildred and Dildred, 2905 E. Skyline. 303-4992, IntegrativeTouch.org

WED 12-MON 17
TUCSON TANGO FESTIVAL Featuring live Tango dances, teacher training, lectures, and more. Prices vary. Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd. 468-5536, TucsonTangoFestival.com

SAT 15
ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL Featuring live Irish music, dancers, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Festival begins at 10am; parade begins at 11am. Free. Armory Park, 221 S. Sixth Ave. TucsonStPatricksDay.com

SAT 15-SUN 16
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Hundreds of national and internationally renowned authors, and exhibitors; lectures, interviews, book signings, workshops, poetry readings, writing contests, panel discussions, kids events, more. 10am-5pm. Free. University of Arizona campus. TucsonFestivalofBooks.org

STAMP AND SCRAP FEST Art rubber stamp and scrapbook show from vendors all over the U.S. Tuscon Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 208-939-6152, StampandScrapFest.com

SUN 16-SUN 23
21st ANNUAL TUCSON WINTER CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL A week-long series of concerts and other events. Prices vary. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 577-3769, ArizonaChamberMusic.org

MON 17
NATIVE SEEDS/SEARCH SALON “Looking Back Through Time: Plant Remains and Pre-Hispanic Farmers” with Karen Adams. NS/S Conservation Center, 3584 E. River Road. 6pm-8pm. Free.

FRI 21
PIONEER WOMEN OF TUCSON WALKING TOUR, PART II Focus on the pioneer women who contributed so much to Tucson’s history including Sara Sorin, Gladys Franklin, Edith Kitt, Bettina Steinfeld, Atanacia Hughes, Laura Pennington. 10am-12pm. $15. Corner of Main Avenue and Franklin Street. 625-8365, KruseArizona.com

COOKIES AND COCKTAILS GOURMET GALA Glitz, glamour and Girl Scout cookies come together for the third annual gala featuring a wheel raffle, live entertainment by the George Howard Band, dinner and more. $100. 6pm-9pm. Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. 5th St. GirlScoutsSoAz.org

COPENHAGEN CHAIR-ITY PROJECT RECEPTION & AUCTION A select number of participating local artists have created a one-of-a-kind artwork using a chair reminiscent of iconic Danish designer Arne Jacobsen’s Series 7 chair designed in 1955. 100% of the proceeds raised from the art project will benefit Habitat for Humanity Tucson. 6pm. Call to RSVP. Copenhagen, 3660 E. Fort Lowell Rd.795-0316, CopenhagenLiving.com/product_listing/collections/chairity_event

FRI 21-SUN 23
FOURTH AVENUE STREET FAIR Over 400 arts and crafts booths, 35 food vendors, performance stages, street musicians, food, jugglers, kids entertainment, face painting, balloons, more. 10am-6pm. Free. 624-5004, FourthAvenue.org

SAT 22
RAILROAD SILVER SPIKE FESTIVAL Celebrate the 134th anniversary of the Southern Pacific Railroad’s arrival in Tucson with historic re-enactments, music, arts & crafts, & children’s activities. Free. 9am. Tucson Historic Depot, 414 N. Toole Ave. 623-2223, TucsonHistoricDepot.org

CEMETERY TOUR Visit grave sites of Tucson pioneers sponsored by the Arizona Historical Society. 9:30am-11:30am. $15. Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Rd. ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

LIFE IS RICH WITH LAUGHTER Fundraiser for charities benefiting women and girls. Live & silent auctions, raffle, food, live entertainment. Presented by Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson. $65. 5pm. Tucson University Marriott Park Hotel, 880 W. 2nd St. 529-8920, SidesertTucson.org

GLITTER BALL Dress up dance party. Live music by The Hustler and The Warm Jets, and vinyl DJ rock ‘n roll from the 70s and 80s. 9pm. $5. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress. RialtoTheatre.com

SUN 23
BOOTS AND BALLET A Ballet Tucson fundraiser including roping demonstrations, silent auction, line-dancing, and music. Noon-3:30pm. $50, adults. $25; children 12 and under. Stardance Event Center, 8110 N. Scenic Dr. 903-1445, BalletTucson.org

MON 24
CHAMBER MUSIC AND SPOKEN WORD III Live music and spoken word. 7pm. $8-$10. Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave. 369-3179, ChurchOfBeethoven-Tucson.org

TUE 25
STREETCAR CELEBRATION: DESTINATION DOWNTOWN Celebrating businesses near the 6th Avenue/Congress Street and 6th Avenue/Broadway stops. See the “Made in America” streetcars, enjoy music/entertainment, merchant specials/discounts, sign up as a Friend and receive a free gift. 5pm-8pm. Free. friendsoftucsonstreetcar@mail.com, 271-2992, 940-0803, StreetcarFriends.org

FRI 28-SUN 30
SPRING ARTISANS MARKET Artists offer unique creations in jewelry, ceramics, watercolors, & metal work. Kids area, live music, more. 10am-5pm. Free. Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumOfArt.org

SUN 30
SONORAN SPRING CELEBRATION Spring in the Sonoran Desert blossoms into a festival of wildflowers, friends, and family with music, tastings and art. $100-$125. 4pm-7pm. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 742-6455, TohonoChulPark.org

BLENMAN-ELM 2014 HOME TOUR Tour features seven historic homes. $10 ticket price includes a $1 donation to EMERGE! 12:30pm-5pm. $10. Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St. 314-550-9606, tbomms1@yahoo.com

Ongoing

Mondays
MEET ME AT MAYNARDS (@Hotel Congress) Southern Arizona Roadrunners’ Monday evening, non-competitive, social 3-mile run/walk, that begins and ends downtown at Hotel Congress, rain/shine/holidays included! 311 E. Congress St. 991-0733, MeetMeAtMaynards.com

Casa Libre Celebrates a Decade of Literary Arts

February 21, 2014 | Craig Baker

Casa Libre’s “storefront” sign on 4th Avenue.
photo: Craig Baker

It is a Wednesday night and the place is packed, with overflow spilling out into the open-air courtyard. The lack of legroom is no surprise seeing as the venue only seats about 25 shoulder-to-shoulder. And tonight, the first event after their annual month-long recuperation period, Casa Libre en la Solana is showcasing the work of what Assistant Director TC Tolbert calls “three rock stars” of poetry.

Word junkies in every shade from casual hipster to staunch academic mill about, nibbling on free cookies and sipping wine from clear plastic cups. Few are able to overlook the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the talent—the real reason anyone comes to one of these things—their excitement telegraphed by frequent fits of nervous laughter.

There is perhaps no literary locale on earth quite as cozy as Casa Libre, probably because multiple artists at any given moment literally call it home. When founder and current resident Kristen Nelson opened the spot on North Fourth Avenue a decade ago, it was with the two-fold goal of furnishing writers with long-term residency opportunities in Downtown Tucson and providing a place for those writers to share their work. The artist-in-residence program went on uninterrupted for several years but unfortunately, says Nelson, “it became unsustainable” soon after the 2008 economic downturn.

By opening the vacant units in the space to lease by artists, Nelson was able to salvage Casa Libre as a venue and still offer weekend residencies to traveling writers. “So it’s very much still the same atmosphere, but there has been a slight shift in focus,” she says, adding that it was “very hard” for her to suspend the residency program in any capacity.

Casa Libre has thrived as a venue and quasi-communal artist living space for the past few years by continuing to offer programs like the emerging writers’ series “Edge,” the Native-focused “Stjukshon,” the multi-genre collaborative series “Trickhouse,” and regular classes taught by local writers. There is hope, though, of restoring the residency program to its full glory. “We just wrote a three-year strategic plan (to bring the residency program back),” says Nelson. And that’s something to celebrate.

To that end, the Libre-rators (too far?) are holding their Tenth Anniversary Gala—what Nelson is calling a “friendraiser”—this month, Saturday, Feb. 22, at the YWCA just west of downtown. Nelson says she wants to “honor all of the people that have given their time and love and energy to Casa Libre,” and what better way to do that than by throwing a big-ass party? She says without contributions by people like former board president and current Tucson Poet Laureate Rebecca Seiferle, new president Elizabeth Frankie Rollins, Assistant Director TC Tolbert, and the audience members that keep the readings attended, Casa could not have survived as long as it has.

Casa Libre Founder and Executive Director Kristen Nelson poses with the books donated to the organization by writers who have stayed or read there.
photo: Craig Baker

“So the primary purpose (of the gala),” says Nelson, “is to celebrate all of those people.” According to Nelson, their tenure on Fourth Avenue has also been a key to Casa’s survival, so part of the ceremony is meant to celebrate the district itself. Local merchants, for example, have been invited to contribute hors d’oeuvres and centerpieces that reflect their specific flavor.

For the sliding-scale entry fee, gala-goers can expect to enjoy spoken word performances by local writers like Logan Phillips and Teré Fowler-Chapman as well as food, live music, dancing, and even a screening of local filmmaker Bob Byers’ short documentary about Casa Libre (still in production as of press time). A cash bar will also be in service.

If you are a writer, a reader, a poet, an artist, or just someone searching for a stimulating new scene, Casa Libre has got something to pique your interest. And though Nelson is not talking about physical proximity when she says she “hope(s) to have very little space between audience and performer” at Casa events, the level of closeness between literature buffs at one of their readings gives new meaning to the term “intimate.” And yet, that intimacy is the reason that Casa Libre might be the best place in town to “rub elbows” with the literary elite.

Here’s to another decade of pondering and mingling.

Casa Libre’s tenth anniversary gala is Saturday, Feb. 22 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. More information, including tickets, is available at CasaLibre.org or by calling 325-9145. The YWCA is located at 525 Bonita Ave. Casa Libre is located at 228 N. 4^th Ave.

Rodeo Fever

February 9, 2014 | Monica Surfaro Spigelman

Rodeo events start Feb. 15 and transform Tucson through Feb. 23

"Hud" by Lousie Serpa, 1971. photo: Louise Serpa/courtesy Mia Larocque

“Hud” by Louise Serpa, 1971.
photo: Louise Serpa/courtesy Mia Larocque

Not much can outshine this Old Pueblo extravaganza, with its thunder of wranglers and cattle cars that charge into the city to turn Tucson into what it has historically been – the city of the cowboy, comfortable when hooves pound and dust billows.

Whether you’re a greenhorn or a career cowpoke, the amazing combination of athleticism, authenticity, showmanship and history corrals us all for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, the 89th annual Tucson Rodeo and Parade.

This wild-west rumble draws an estimated 60,000 spectators for the sportsmanship, with 200,000 more turning out for the parade – all spiffed in polished boots and cinched jeans, with trailers of livestock filling our stables, generating more than $15 million for the city and our businesses. Beyond the dollars, top-notch horsemanship is underway: Tucson is the largest outdoor winter rodeo in the world and a key stop in the international pro rodeo circuit. This year’s purse – approximately $360,000 – will attract more than 700 contestants and 1,000 horses, including the biggest names in the business. A custom gold and silver buckle, inlaid with diamonds, will be awarded to the Tucson Rodeo’s top all-around athlete.

Rodeo is a serious sport, confirms Tucson Rodeo General Manager Gary Williams, himself a bull rider on the professional circuit with over 500 rodeos to his credit. Within the historic Tucson Rodeo Grounds on South Sixth Avenue and East Irvington Road, a complete western heritage experience awaits attendees, featuring six rodeos, including the culminating Sun., Feb. 23 finals, which will bring together the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls from the week’s events.

As Williams explains, the arena size dictates the momentum that livestock get coming out of the chute, and as Tucson is one of the largest arenas on the circuit, the Tucson Rodeo delivers world-renowned excitement. Competition all week will include bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, team roping and bull riding, all sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) sanctioning the barrel racing. World famous rodeo clown Justin Rumford will be there to wow the crowds, as will the Casa Grande women’s precision riding team called the Quadrille de Mujeres, which will lead off the rodeo in their 35th consecutive performance.

Rodeo mornings will be for the kids, with 6- to 14-year-olds competing in the Justin Boots Junior Rodeo and 4- to 6-year-olds riding sheep in Dodge Mutton Bustin’ events. The afternoons will be for the pro Rodeo activities.

You may not know it, but Tucson is home to a world champion cowgirl – Sherry Cervi of Marana, who set the all-time record in barrel racing just this past December. She’ll compete as will as other rodeo champs including the great local team steer roper Cesar de la Cruz, a multi-time national finalist.

In addition to all the daring saddle bronc and rough stock arena action, the rodeo puts on world-class western shopping, entertainment and culinary experiences. While mainstays like the Silver Saddle Steak House on Benson Highway at Interstate 10 will be overflowing, fans also can rub shoulders with famous cowboys and girls in the Coors Barn Dance tent, the stop for rodeo evening food and live entertainment. Western Marketplace vendors will offer novelties, apparel and goods reflecting working ranch life as well as frontier glam.

“It’s a combination of enjoyment, western pride, arts and the community,” says Williams, who also notes that this year’s collectible objet d’art poster features Arizona artist and cattle rancher JaNeil Anderson. Businesses including Wandering Cowboy and Kalil Bottling are among the local sponsors involved in this Tucson event, with national sponsors including Justin Boots, Coors and Ram Trucks (Dodge).

But the essence of this western experience may be best personified in the parade, the largest spectator event in Arizona. On Thursday, Feb. 20, as is tradition, businesses and schools close and families camp out to cheer on the Rodeo Parade that this year will include over 900 horses, mules and miniatures, 90 buggies and wagons, nine marching bands and more than 2,100 participants.

KOLD Anchor Dan Marries is 2014 Grand Marshal of this massive western Americana celebration, which will process a 2.45 mile route, winding along Park Avenue to Irvington Road and finally collecting at the parade grounds. More than 300 volunteers are expected to support a hardy core of 36 who comprise the all-volunteer Rodeo Committee, and more than 38,000 households are expected to watch it live on the KOLD feed.

Parade entrants come from across the country (we’ve had camels, too), and the El Paso Sheriff Posse will be there with its historic wagon that rode the Butterfield trail, as will Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and City Council representatives.

“It’s our connection to the past and future of ranching, our way of celebrating our region’s tradition,” says Rodeo Committee Chair Bob Stewart, who has been with the Parade Committee more than 11 years. He and other volunteers also manage and staff the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum, a hidden gem on the Tucson Rodeo Grounds which includes a 1930s sheriff’s adobe livery stable as well as a hangar that retains the original steel frame of the 1919 Tucson Airport, the site of the first municipal airport in the United States. Buckboards used in old movies, exhibits and even an 1863 carriage built for Mexican royalty are all part of this historic hideaway.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and all its Tucson Rodeo accouterments are profoundly larger than life. Giddy-up, and dig your spurs into this primo cowboy event.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros begins Sat., Feb. 15, at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. near Irvington Road. Gates open at 11 a.m. The Tucson Rodeo Parade begins 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. Parking is available at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. Call 741-2233 or email info@TucsonRodeo.com for fees, tickets and details. Learn more at TucsonRodeo.com or TucsonRodeoParade.org.

Pascua Yaqui Festival Stirs Up Unique Arts & Fun

February 2, 2014 | Monica Surfaro Spigelman

A detail of "Searching-lightning before the storm," by Councilman Flores, exhibits at the art festival.

A detail of “Searching-lightning before the storm,” by Marcelino Flores, exhibits at the art festival.

Nothing quite captures the Pascua Yaqui’s spirit like a visit to the Nation, set southwest of Tucson in 1,000-plus acres adjacent to San Xavier’s eastern end of the O’odham reservation. On Saturday, Feb. 8, the public is invited to glimpse beyond the Nation’s ceremonial legends via the 2^nd Annual Pascua Yaqui Festival of the Arts. The event at Pueblo Park (adjacent to the tribe’s wellness center at 5305 W. Calle Torim) promises to be a creative mash-up of contemporary Native American arts, entertainment and foods – all informed by the tribe’s complex and rich cultural heritage.

While most of us feel a kinship to the Pasqui Yaqui’s venerated deer dancing, there is more to uncover, as festival goers will learn. Combining pre-Lent community fiesta with authentic native sounds, sights and taste, there will be something for everyone at this showcase which kicks up the fun factor from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The KPYT-LP 100.3 FM Yoeme radio station, owned by the tribe, is hosting the entertainment, with Station Manager Hector Youtsey and Program Director Gabriel Otero DJing a mix of Tejano, cumbia, classic rock and local sounds. Solid A-talent will rotate through, including The Demons (classic rock covers), Dream Chaserz (hip hop), Intertwine (funk/hip hop) and Vox Urbana (cumbia).

In a multicultural blending, Tony Redhouse (Navajo) will perform hoop dances, while master basket weavers, painters, gourd and jewelry artisans from other regional tribes also will participate. A core of Pascua Yaqui mixed media artists, painters and carvers also will be featured.

Food trucks will be on hand to provide the good eats, while hands-on activities for children will be set up in the park including mural making, led by local and visiting graffiti artists like LA’s Vyal Reyes as well as Rene Strike One Garcia, Renelle White Buffalo and Thomas Breeze.

The Lowrider Car and Bike Show is part of the 2nd Annual Pascua Yaqui Festival of the Arts.
photo courtesy of Pascua Yaqui Tribe

In a motorized version of art and culture – the Lowrider Car and Bike Show will move festival goers to the street to see Goodtime Car Club, Sophisticated Few Car Club, Swift Car Club, Unidos Car Club, Lowdown Bike Club, Ariza Bike Club, Stylistics Car Club, Dukes Car Club, Nemisis Car Club, Cristales Car Club and others. Cars and bikes will be judged according to the decade in which the vehicle was manufactured. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded along with other awards including Best of Show, Best Paint and Best Interior.

The Tucson Chapter of the Cherry Bomb Dolls (that high-style national non-profit social club that embraces the pinup and car scene while raising funds for local communities) will be there to support the artists and the clubs.

“It’s a multi-cultural community event that celebrates Pascua Yaqui and collective Native American creativity,” says Maria Arvayo, one of the organizers who also is Interim Director of the Nation’s Development Services. The festival is presented in partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the State of Arizona agency providing partial funding for the festival.

“Arts are an important and often overlooked part of a healthy local economy,” Arvayo comments. “The tribe is seeking to invigorate its own economy and promote artistic entrepreneurship by providing a venue for local native artists to share and sell their work. We are recruiting traditional and contemporary artists, and opening the event to the larger Tucson community.”

The festival serves up a strong assortment of crowd-pleasing music, food and eclectic pueblo vibe in New Pascua’s Pueblo Park, 5305 W. Calle Torim, Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more about artists and being part of the Nation’s cultural energy: PascuaYaquiFestivaloftheArts@gmail.com or (520) 879-6316.

Rialto Gala: A Red Letter Event

February 1, 2014 | Jon D Auria

The Rialto’s fundraiser helps the non-profit to continue to host live music from touring and local bands, along with other community events.
Pictured: Devo performing at the Rialto to a packed house last May.
photo: Mark Martinez

Tucson’s beloved music venue the Rialto Theatre is throwing their second annual fundraiser – the Rialto Gala: A Red Letter Event – on Saturday, Feb. 15. The evening features music from the 1960s era of Motown and pop provided by the Phoenix-based cover band 60s Bandstand Show, food and beverage tastings provided by Downtown restaurants and an auction to raise money for the non-profit music venue.

“There will be great food from a dozen Downtown restaurants, great music that attendees will know and love, wine and beer sampling, some super cool silent auction items, special guest speakers, and quality hosting from Dan Marries of KOLD,” explains Rialto’s Executive Director Curtis McCrary. “I was amazed at all the effort put forth by our entire board and staff for last year’s gala. It was a tremendous success due to this diligence, and because of the robust support we got from the community and our sponsors.”

This year’s auction will feature many exciting items ranging from $20-$800 including a nice pair of tickets to the final University of Arizona men’s basketball game, a variety of Wildcat memorabilia, autographed items, one of a kind sculptures, rooms at Ventana Canyon Resort, Rialto ticket packages (including a pair of tickets to every show for a year), original local art, gift baskets and gift certificates from local Tucson businesses and restaurants and much more.

“Tucson is a fantastic community for many reasons but one of the most important is the incredible array of mostly small, independent organizations and individuals that make up the cultural fabric of our town,” says McCrary. “And those organizations need support and patronage from the greater community to keep doing what they do, and it’s a testament to Tucson that so many entities can be sustained in this way. We like to think we are a meaningful part of that fabric, and of course we’d like to keep bringing great live music and performance to Tucson. The support we receive from patrons, members, donors and sponsors make it all possible.”

The food and beverage tasting begins at 7 p.m. and the music and dancing will continue throughout the evening. Tickets are $75 a person and can be purchased at the Rialto box office, by phone or at any Bookmans location. While 60s themed attire is encouraged it is not required.

The Rialto Theatre is located at 318 E. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 740-1000 or visit RialtoTheatre.com

Lens on the Land: Environmental Photography of the Santa Rita Mountain Range

January 29, 2014 | Jon D Auria

photo: Gooch Goodwin

The beautiful Santa Rita Mountain Range in Southern Arizona is a tranquil and serene stretch of land that harbors a diversity of rare animals, plant species, water resources and communities that have inhabited the area for generations. Currently, the area is facing a threat in the form of a proposed copper mine that would cost $1.23 billion to dig the mile wide and a half mile deep area that will likely jeopardize the ecosystem and all of its regional inhabitants.

To help combat this, photographer Josh Schachter and Brian Forbes Powell teamed up with the Sonoran Institute and Save the Scenic Santa Ritas to compile a collection of stunning photographs of the region from 30 photographers of the area to be presented at the exhibit, Lens on the Land: Rosemont, What’s at Stake. Over the past two years, Schachter and Forbes Powell have narrowed over 500 photographs down to 50 for this special showcase to raise awareness of the need to save the area and its endangered species.

“Two years ago we went out there and started photographing and decided that we had to use art to help people understand how important the ecological resources are in that region,” says Schachter. “We decided that it would be more effective to partner with the organizations that were already working to protect that land of the Santa Ritas and surrounding areas. So we contacted them and then put a call out to photographers in the region and compiled hundreds of photographs. For me, it’s also exciting to have all of these artists come together and use their talents to explore and represent this landscape.”

Desert box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola) looking at long-horned beetle.
photo: Dennis Caldwell

If the mine is allowed to proceed, it would operate for at least 20 to 25 years and could jeopardize nine endangered species, Southern Arizona’s $2.4 billion dollar tourism industry, the availability and quality of water for the area; it would darken the skies for the thriving astronomy industry, damage many cultural sites that reflect thousands of years of Native American habitation and could harm the rural economies including vineyards, pecan orchards and ranching.

“Throughout history, art has played a role on shaping our understanding of landscapes. Stories and visual stories can help solidify our community’s view of issues and policy maker’s perspective on these issues,” says Schachter. “Around the Rosemont [Copper potential mining] area and the water sheds and the Santa Ritas so many of the resources and species are so hard to see in passing, so photographs that illuminate them, like a jaguar in snow for example or rare flowering orchids, are amazing resources.”

The exhibit is showing at Fluxx Studio & Gallery, 414 E. Ninth St., and opens with a reception on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. The opening event and exhibit is free to the public and runs until Feb. 26 on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m-6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. There is also a screening of “Rosemont Ours” a NEW ARTiculations Dance Theatre video production that takes place on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. as a complement to the exhibit. The gallery will also feature dance, video, painting, poetry, audio interview and music that to help support the conservation of Rosemont.

“It’s very exciting because a collection of photographs such as these of this region haven’t been assembled like this before,” says Schachter. “It’s really an exciting celebration because it is such a unique region that has so many wonders that are rarely seen. Over all of the years of working on conservation issues, I’ve developed a deep passion for telling stories of species, people and land through art. It has allowed me to develop a vocabulary to be an photographer, as much of my own photography is focused on the designs of nature and without that I wouldn’t be an artist.”

Ofelia Uya Rivas, an advocate for the cultural and ecological heritage of her people and land for many years, sits by the proposed mine site after performing what she describes as “a ceremonial offering to the land and ancient ancestors in recognition of the sacredness of the significant O’odham legacy of survival since millennia.” Behind Ofelia rest dozens of significant prehistoric sites, including an ancestral ball court site, traditionally used for games and ceremonies. Most of these sites, including much of the area shown in this photograph, would be buried under hundreds of feet of mine waste.
photo: Josh Schachter

For more information, and to RSVP for the opening, visit LensOnTheLand.com.

Events Feb 2014

January 28, 2014 | Marisa Bernal

Sat 1

ART SAFARI EXPO Members of the Central Tucson Gallery Association (CTGA) celebrate Tucson’s cultural diversity in the contemporary visual arts. Various media from local artists at eleven different locations including Drawing Studio Gallery, Obsidian Gallery, Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery and more. 6pm. CTGATucson.org

Sat 1-Sat 15

TUCSON SCULPTURE FESTIVAL Showcasing the eclectic variety of local artists along with some digital-to-physical sculpture. 11am-7pm daily. The Art Gallery, 1122 N. Stone Ave, and Sculpture Resource Center, 640 N. Stone Ave. Bicas.org

Tucson Sculpture Festival 2014

Wed 5

PIONEER WOMEN OF TUCSON WALKING TOUR, PART I Pioneer women include Theresa Ferrin, Annie Graham Rockfellow, Isabella Greenway, Monica Flin, and Elizabeth Fremont. 10am–12pm. $15.Corner of Meyer Avenue and Cushing St. 625-8365, KruseArizona.com

Thu 6

BLACKNESS AND RACE POLITICS IN JAPANESE HIP HOP Featuring guest speaker Dawn Elissa Fischer. 6:30pm. Free. UA Poetry Center Dorothy Rubel Room, 1508 E. Helen St. Africana.Arizona.Edu

Fri 7

FLAME OFF! A torchworking competition with a cash bar and special guest host Margaret Sinser. 6:30pm-11pm $15. Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th St. 884-7814, Sonoranglass.org

Fri 7- Sat 8

GRAND THEFT ART Hosted by Spirit Art House and Bicas. Showcasing hot-wiring demonstrations, art, and methods of bike theft. Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd. SpiritArtHouse.com

Sat 8

2^ND SATURDAYS A monthly downtown festival. Scott Ave Stage: The Muffulettas, Little House of Funk, and The Jits. Free. 2pm-8pm. 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com

MARDI GRAS 2014 Led by the “King and Queen of Carnivale,” Paul and Briana Volpe. Featuring New Orleans style food, a parade, silent auction, and live music. $100. Proceeds benefit Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd. 882-3212, MardiGrasTucson.org

Sun 9

FINE VALENTINE COUPLE’S RELAY The Southern Arizona Roadrunners will host this running/walking event for sweethearts, friends or parent-child categories. 8:30am. University Avenue. $17+. 326-9383, AZRoadrunners.org

Thu 13-Sun 16

TUCON GEM AND MINERAL SHOW Annual gem and mineral exhibition throughout Tucson. Thu- Sat; 10am-6pm. Sun; 10am-5pm. $10 a day. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 322-5773, TucsonConventionCenter.org

FESTIVAL OF ISRAELI ART SHOW AND SALE Over 1500 works of art by Israeli artists. See website for times and special events. Free. Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th St. CaiAz.org

Fri 14

WOO AT THE ZOO Join the Reid Park Zoological Society for a deluxe dinner, music, and a champagne toast at Zoofari Market. $65 per person. 5:30pm-7pm. Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way. 881-4753, TucsonZoo.org

VALENTINES DAY AT TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS Admission and lunch for two; $30-$50. Wedding and Vowel Renewal; $200. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TuconBotanical.org

Sat 15-Sun 23

LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS TUCSON RODEO The event features competitions for adults & children, the Rodeo Dance & the Rodeo Parade. See the website for times and prices. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6^th Ave. 741-2233, TucsonRodeo.com

Sun 16

CONQUISTADOR CLASSIC RUN THE COURSE 4 MILER Located at the Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Includes breakfast, running shirt and music. $35. 9:30am. TucsonConquistadores.com

CHICKS N CHAPS RODEO EVENT A benefit for cancer research. Learn rodeo skills from cowboys and cowgirls followed by a live silent auction. 8am. $65. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6^th Ave. See website for more details. ChicksNChaps.org

Tue 18

DOWNTOWN SCIENCE CAFÉS Learn about Mountain Snow: Water for Our Thirsty Desert Cities by Paul Brooks from Hydrology. 6pm-7:30pm. Free. Magpies Gourmet Pizza, 605 N. 4th Ave. COS.Arizona.Edu

Thu 20

TUCSON RODEO PARADE The largest non-motorized parade begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, goes south on Park to Irvington Rd., west on Irvington to Sixth Avenue and north on Sixth Avenue. 9am, Grandstand entertainment begins at 8am. Free. 294-1280, TucsonRodeoParade.org

INSIDE THE PRESIDIO WALLS WALKING TOUR A look at buildings and sites within the walls of or next to the original Presidio. 10am-12pm. $15. Corner of Main Ave and Washington St. 625-8365. KruseArizona.com

Sat 22-Sun 23

ANNUAL SOUTHWEST INDIAN ART FAIR Over 200 Southwest Native artists present their work. Native food, music, dance, performances. $7-$10. Youth, under 18, and students are free. Sat:10am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Arizona State Museum, 1013 E University Blvd. 626-8381, StateMuseum.Arizona.Edu

Sat 22

ANNUAL PEACE FAIR An expression of feelings on climate change; poetry, skits, essays, music, and movement arts. Reid Park, DeMeester Pavilion on 22nd St and Tucson Blvd. PeaceCalendar.org

Sun 23

4TH ANNUAL RODEO DAYS ARTS CELEBRATION An art show featuring a beer garden and food. Western attire. Free. Plaza Palomino, 2960 N. Swan Rd. 11am-7pm.

Mon 24

GOLDFISH, CONTRABASSOONS, AND SPOKEN WORD Chamber music and spoken work art concert. 7pm. $8-$10. Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave. ChurchOfBeethoven-Tucson.org

Wed 26

WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC BARRIO VIEJO Explore an area of Hispanic cultural and architectural traditions. 10am- 12pm. $15. Meet in front of La Pilita at 420 S. Main Ave. 625-8365, KruseArizona.com

Thu 27

2014 PEACE CORPS FAIR Cultural displays and photography showcased by Peace Corps volunteers and recruiters. Free. 4pm-7pm. University of Arizona South Ballroom, 1303 E. University Blvd.

Fri 28- Sun, Mar 2

DESERT DWELLING DESIGN WEEK 2014 Panel discussions, designer warehouse sale, and more! See website for prices and venues. DDTucson.com

Ongoing

WILDCAT HOCKEY Wildcats take to the ice at the TCC against Arizona State on Fri, Feb 21 and Sat, Feb 22. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 7:30pm. Prices Vary. ArizonaWildcatHockey.org

Mondays

MEET ME AT MAYNARDS (@Hotel Congress) Southern Arizona Roadrunners’ Monday evening, non-competitive, social 3-mile run/walk, that begins and ends downtown at Hotel Congress, rain/shine/holidays included! 311 E. Congress St. 991-0733, MeetMeAtMaynards.com

Fridays

MIME TECHNIQUE AND PERFORMANCE SEMINAR Rick Wamer with Lorie Heald presents silent acting techniques used in mime to create illusion. 7pm-9pm. $150 seminar ($30 per class).The Rhythm Industry, 1013 S Tyndall. 990-7425, RhythmIndustry.org

Fridays and Saturdays

COMEDY MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER SHOW Murder at the Vampire’s Wedding, an interactive mystery dinner, takes place every Friday and Saturday night. $42 per person. TucsonDinnerTheater, 2445 S. Craycroft Rd. 624-0172, TucsonDinnerTheater.com

Flame-Off Fuels Art Education for Local Youth

January 27, 2014 | Kyle Wasson

Giovanna Lossou, a senior from San Miguel H.S., uses a cold piece of metal to detach the still molten, newly formed paperweight from the rod. Once cooled, students keep their completed works.
photo: Kyle Wasson

After quickly evolving into one of Tucson’s hottest gatherings, the 13^th Annual Flame-Off returns this month to the Sonoran Glass School (SGS) at 633 W. 18th St., nestled between Downtown and Sentinel Peak. The competition on Friday, Feb. 7 showcases 12 artists–many local, some international–during a two-hour torch working competition where, like every year, the biggest winners never touch the stage.

At the end of the night, Tucson’s under-served youth are the real winners. Hundreds of which, ages five to 20 who attend participating schools, will continue to receive funding towards learning and eventually creating glass-works in SGS’ shops; partially supported by the Flame-Off’s proceeds–garnered from ticket sales, a live auction and a two-day online silent auction of the competing artist’s creations.

“The most important part is promoting the glass arts, and letting people know that we’re here,” said Nick Letson, director of the award-winning Tucson Youth Development Program at SGS. “We want to show why we think we’re valuable to the community.”

Tucson’s own Micah Blatt, owner of Mr. Head’s Art Gallery & Bar and a previous first place winner, is one of 12 artists competing as both individuals and teams against the clock. The all-ages event brings together local food trucks, a flame shop-themed cash bar and four strategically placed high definition screens with a live feed of the on-stage action.

“It’s nice to return the competition to the school; we like to show people what we’re doing and there’s no better way than amongst all of the equipment.” Letson added.

Between balancing photography, graphic design, and public affairs, Letson plans and carries out the various youth development programs SGS offers; the newest experience being a week-long workshop graduating students from introductory mosaic and ‘warm-glass’ methods to the ‘Flame’ room, SGS’ highest level of glass creations.

“It’s important for a teenager to be able to get out of the classroom and see art, and see professionals making a living being an artist,” says Melissa Schwindenhammer, San Miguel Catholic High’s art instructor. “The glass medium is something we don’t have access to; it’s great exposing them to new media and new techniques. They’re taken totally out of their element.”

Last year, seniors from San Miguel High School, one of many schools benefitting from the program, compiled a 9-foot by 18-foot glass mosaic to be introduced as a campus beautification piece. Again this year, with the help of SGS, Schwindenhammer’s class will create something to be enshrined for future classes to aspire to.

However, without the donated materials, ranging anywhere from stained and broken glass to tools and mounting accessories, and costs fronted by SGS, these projects would not be possible.

Last month, from Jan. 21-23, Schwindenhammer and SGS delivered 34 students to all three studios (warm, hot, and flame shops) for what Letson calls the SGS Experience. The course allowed students to work from basic understanding of glass to eventually alongside the furnace in the flame shop.

In the flame shop, instructor Jill Justiniano guides San Miguel senior Daniela Duarte in one of the many exciting stages during her paperweight making process.
photo: Kyle Wasson

“I’m really excited about it,” Letson said. “As long as a school can get here, we want to give them a free field trip.”

Grants do not cover everything, Letson confirms. Yet, emailing and calling Tucson’s schools and art teachers have left him amazed at how hard it is to give their services away. All of the schools involved in the Youth Development Program are within walking distance from SGS since many institutions lack appropriate funding to even make the trips possible.

As is with any non-profit organization, the financial challenges are amplified by an outright expensive medium.

“Our gas bill last month alone was in the two-thousands; you can see how expensive everything can start to become,” Letson said with a chuckle.

Receiving a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts means SGS must raise $20,000 to receive the endowment’s $20,000. And with help, they do.

There are of course benefits of returning the event to SGS’ headquarters; one being ticket sales and host fees, a majority of their past losses. And second, the freedom of inviting spectators into a shop setting, showing how they make playing with fire friendly and approachable on a daily basis.

“That’s why events like this are so important,” says Letson. “Which, obviously we need all of the staff, equipment, and facilities to work in order to even bring in the classes.”

For now though, Letson and the undermanned, yet enthusiastic staff at Sonoran Glass School plan to keep making glass art accessible with what they have.

“This kind of experience changes you, no matter what you end up doing in the world,” said Schwindenhammer of the SGS initiative. “It’s great that there are programs like this, but even better to have people out there funding them.”

Flame Off 2014 is Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. at 633 W. 18th St. Tickets, $15, are available at SonoranGlass.org. Questions can be answered by calling (520) 884-7814 or emailing info@sonoranglass.org.