Hot Fun in the City

Being a Tucson townie has never been better. Of course, we all need our cool clime respites, but for hanging here, there’s lots going down. Following is a round-up of groovy going-ons that caught our eyes.

Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St., 622-8848, HotelCongress.com

Downtown’s venerable hot spot is keeping things hopping inside and out. Since the plaza was built out a couple years ago, there are usually dual events, simultaneously, for diverse crowds. Sitting in the busy hive with Entertainment Director David Slutes, he ran through the robust July/August calendar that proves they still got it, and they are rocking it. “We’re doubling down on events, every weekend, there’s always stuff going on, along with special events.”

Highlights include: The two day “Rawksplosion” free music shows July 2-3 with Milk Music, Hausu, White Night, Lenguas Largas, Dream Sick and more. On July 6, Congress hosts the Bikini Island Party; during 2^nd Saturdays on July 13 is a free concert on the plaza with Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) starting at 7 p.m. The plaza holds another free show on July 19 with Eddie Spaghetti (Supersuckers) and Rick Hopkins at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 21 sees a Southern Arizona Blues and Heritage Foundation presentation with legendary blues musician Ian McLagan. Show commences at 7 p.m., tickets are $10-$12.  Beloved Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker hit the Congress stage on July 23, cost is $15-$17, start time is 7:30 p.m.

In August, notable haps are: James McCartney (yes, Paul’s son) on the 5^th, 7 p.m., $15. Brit Bobby Long on August 12, 7 p.m., $15. Polyphonic Spree (Yippee! How will they fit on stage?) performs on August 26, 7p.m., $18-$20. At the end of August is the kick off to the annual HoCo Fest, taking place Thursday, August 29-Sunday, September 1. Thursday is an 80s night featuring Men Without Hats and Howard Jones, Latin night is Friday, Saturday is a free day/night with family fun, and Sunday hosts bands inside and out with national acts inside and local bands outside.

Weekly staples at Congress are: dance nights Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Salvador Duran on the patio on Thursdays, live music Wednesdays and Fridays, and karaoke on Sundays.

Beyond music, the hotel is also offering weekly Saturday Summer Beer Tastings, which are $20 per person and include food from Cup Cafe.  Reserve a spot by calling the hotel front desk.

The website is constantly being updated, so keep an eye on it for more great stuff.

Playground
278 E. Congress St., 396-3691, PlaygroundTucson.com

Being a grownup has never been so fun! With indoor/outdoor seating, killer screens/sound system and a bird’s eye view from the roof, Playground is a must hang this summer. Weekly offerings are: Spelling Bee Mondays (8 p.m.), Date Night: Dinner & A Movie Tuesdays (7 p.m.), REWIND: Old-school Hip Hop Wednesdays (10 p.m.), Ivy League – Thursday College Night (9 p.m.), and Umm, I’m going to need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday…Sundays (10 p.m.)

On July 11, The Crystal Method is performing a sold out show in the roof, but don’t fret, proprietor Kade Mislinski said their show “will video feed to downstairs bar and such, with a $5 cover for downstairs.”

Mislinski also let us know that “Playground now serves lunch, dinner and late night with a full menu, the kitchen is open 11 a.m. till 12 a.m. and till 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Plus, free delivery (boundaries are Speedway, Campbell, 22nd and Grande).” Check out the menu online.

The Dance Floor
Rhythm Industry, 1013 S. Tyndall Ave., DanceFloorTucson.com

Every 3^rd Saturday, all ages are welcome to dance their tails off at Rhythm Industry from 8 p.m. to  10:30 p.m. Event creator Marnie Sharp says, “The music is a blend of pop, rock, world music and such. I strive for upbeat tunes that keep the energy high. I’m looking to attract those who aren’t into the bar scene, being a no-alcohol event. There’s a nice lounging area and water is provided. The cost is $5 to get in and children under 12 are free.” Visit them this summer on July 20 and August 17.

Ignite Tucson!
Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. 6th St., Facebook.com/ignitetucson

David Aguirre is bringing back this popular event on July 12. It is, Aguirre says, “an evening of 15 talks each lasting only 5 minutes. Talks cover a wide variety of innovative interests. 15 presenters are selected beforehand. Each talk is accompanied by 20 images selected by the presenter. Each image is on the screen for 15 seconds. Many of the presenters are unknown, but are doing amazing feats in the community. Great summer fun.”

The shindig, entitled “It’s A Curious World,” runs from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. with Belly Dance Tucson and food trucks rounding out the affair.

 

KXCI Summer Concerts/Fundraisers
623-1000, KXCI.org

On Friday, July 19, KXCI brings back its “House Rockin’ Blues Review” with The Paladins, Bob Corritore, Mike Eldred, Bad News Blues Band, Tom Walbank, Mike Hebert, and the Rockabilly Strangers at El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St. The rock runs from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. and tickets are $12 advance, $10 KXCI Member advance (at KXCI only), or $15 at the door.

“It will be a high-energy night of fun for the middle of summer,” comments GM Randy Peterson. “El Casino features a huge dance floor, plenty of seating, great acoustics and quick bar service – everything you’d want in a July concert in Tucson.”

On August 17 is the KXCI Celebrates 1973 at Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., with local bands covering great tracks released that year. “This tradition started when we paid tribute to the 40th anniversary of Woodstock in 2009,” Peterson explains. “The next year, saluting the music of 1970 seemed like a fun way to continue the fun, and now in its 5th year, it’s a modern tradition.” Performers were unavailable as of press time.

Library Learnin’
Library.pima.gov

The city-wide libraries are hosting tons of great fun and learning opportunities this summer, be it about gardening, art, book clubs and more. Between the brick and mortar locales and the website, the Pima County Libraries really are a window to the world. For example, with your library card, you can learn a new language online, and read ebooks and experience so much more.  Find your closest branch, or simply log on with your library card and get cracking!

Monterey Court
505 W. Miracle Mile, 207-2429, MontereyCourtAZ.com

This 1938-built motor court turned boutique shops, café and bar, and live music venue is infusing renewed energy on Miracle Mile with stylish grace. Live music shows runs most days except Mondays, the café and bar have regular specials such as happy hour drinks with $5 appetizers and a brew and burger special for $10. There’s also tequila Tuesdays, wine Wednesdays and Friday beer tastings.

Music shows are outdoors, but the misters shall keep you comfortable! There are over 30 bands scheduled for July and August, herein are some spotlights. Sundays: Smooth Jazz. July 5, Mustang Corners, Sabrina & Craig, Leila Lopez Band. July 6, Last Call Girls.  July 12, Surf Palooza with Big Galoot, Shrimp Chaperone and The Furys. August 2, Gabriel Ayala Quintet. August 9: Fish Karma & the Love Generation. August 17, Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona fundraiser with The Determined Luddites.

Check out the website for all the great offerings and information on menus and cover charges.

Tucson Scoop Fest
HUB Parking lot, between Congress and Broadway off 5^th Avenue, TucsonScoopFest.com

Not much was available as of press time, but this July 13 event sounds delish – sundaes, milkshakes and dunk tank, oh my! It runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. during 2nd Saturdays Downtown.

Tucson Spelling Bee
Facebook.com/tucson.spellingbee

The second Tuesday of each month sees SkyBar, 536 N. 4th Ave., hosting hot-shot spellers competing for a $25 Brooklyn Pizza gift certificate and a trophy! This happens July 9 with the 3^rd Annual Spell Off happening August 13. 6:30 p.m. sign up to spell, 7 p.m. bee begins.

2^nd Saturdays Downtown
Along Congress Street, 2^nd Saturdays.com

The streetcar construction didn’t stop the monthly event, and neither does the heat! The events run from 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. and feature free outdoor tunes at Scott Avenue, on the roof of the Pennington Street Garage and at La Placita Village on July 13 and August 10, along with kids’ fun and a free outdoor movie.

Category: Community, Entertainment, Living