• C. Elliott
• The Sand Rubies: Bruce Halper, Winston Watson, Ken Andree, David Slutes, Rich Hopkins

... and Howe Gelb and Calexico and all the other Tucson musicians, and venue managers, which is just about all of them, who seem to come together out of thin air on their own dime to prop up our community spirit whenever a crisis finds it slagging, and to raise money for endless causes throughout the year, including each other's medical bills and the loss of anyone dear to us.

Last Friday night's benefit for Casa Maria is just one of dozens of examples. C. Elliott took these photos of the Sand Rubies, who, thankfully, never actually retire when they say they will, and of Brian Lopez, performing solo, although he's most often seen with other music-community "givers" Gabrielle Sullivan and Sergio Mendoza.

• C. Elliott
• The Sand Rubies: Ken Andree, Bruch Halper, David Slutes, Rich Hopkins

Thanks to all of you who pull together and give of yourselves whenever the need arises. And let's the rest of us support the musicians who support our community by getting out to see live music whenever possible. Find something you like at tucsonweekly.getn2.it and have a great Thanksgiving weekend.

• C. Elliott
• Brian Lopez