Thursday, October 27, 2016
The Weekly List: 25 Things To Do In Tucson In The Next 10 Days
Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.
Pick of the Week: Halloween & Día de los Muertos
Nightmare on Congress - Halloweekend: Halloween is quickly approaching and Hotel Congress is hosting a different Halloween parties every night starting Frida through Monday, Oct. 31st with live music, alcohol and costume contests. There are a ton of events to attend over the four nights, so be sure to check the Hotel Congress website to view prices, times, age restrictions and activities for each event. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street.
Night of Fright: The Pima Air and Space Museum is hosting a family Halloween event as Flight Central Hangar takes on a look of its own with spider webs and ghosts taking to the Hangar skies. The event includes "Ghoulish" games, pony rides, fishing for prizes and much more for all ages to enjoy. The Flight Grill restaurant will transform into Fright Grill for the night and will serve many delicious halloween dishes. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Flight Grill, 6000 E. Valencia Road. $10 for adults, 12 and under free, free for members.
Feast With The Dearly Departed: It's tradition to celebrate the passing of a loved one with a feast—and the Botanical Gardens brings the community together to make that happen. This weekend, attend the fifth annual Feast With the Dearly Departed and enjoy music, pan de muerto and, of course, sugar skulls. Don't miss out. 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. General admission $13.
Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead: Tohono Chul is celebrating Día de los Muertos Friday and Saturday, honoring those who have passed away with chile, chocolate and culinary delights. There will be food trucks, chile roasters, live music, chile plant sales, free face painting and plenty of activities for children at this family-friendly event. Tickets are available at the door and online. 9am-5pm Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte. $5 members, $15 public, 12 under free.
Nightfall at Old Tucson: As October comes to a close we dawn upon the last weekend of the year that Nightfall will be at Old Tucson. Immerse yourself in a night full of scares as you make your way through the haunted town. It is the perfect way to get into the spirt of Halloween and have a boo-tiful night while your at it! Thursday and Sunday 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 to Sunday, October 30 Old Tucson, 201 S Kinney Rd. General admission $28, with discounts for kids.
Rocky Horror Halloween Bash: Get ready for the late-night, double-feature Halloween party at The Loft Cinema. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a monthly tradition at the Loft but this time, it comes with a twist: it's the 38th annual Halloween Bash. Come dressed up as your favorite Rocky Horror character for your chance to win the $100 grand prize. The Loft will also ring in the Halloween season with pre-show games and more prize giveaways. 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Loft members: $5 General Admission: $6.
University of Arizona Homecoming Weekend: Calling all Wildcats! Get ready for one of the best weekends of the year because the University of Arizona is celebrating their 102nd annual homecoming. This year the theme is Haunted Homecoming, so you won't want to miss out on a weekend full of spooks and scares. There's too much going on to detail here, so check out the website!
Howl-O-Ween at Reid Park Zoo: Enjoy a family friendly Halloween Weekend at the Reid Park Zoo. Take out the boo and add the WOO, to your Halloween Weekend. Children will have the opportunity to Trick or Treat, as well as enjoy costumed characters and spirited decorations. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28-30. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court. $9.50.
Spooky Kids Halloween on 4th Avenue: As Halloween weekend draws closer, 4th Ave. has decided to partake in the festivites yet again. Not only will there be a costume contest that the kids can participate in, they will also be able to trick or treat along the entire street. I scream, you scream, we all scream for candy on 4th Ave. Don't miss out! 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Free!
Food & Booze
Beer Release Party: Bottoms up at Tap and Bottle to celebrate the new release of Michael Fry's new beer release with McFate Brewing. Fry will debut five featured beers on tap including: Funky Razz Wit, Candy Bar Milk, Stout Buena, Vista Blonde Fateful and IPA McFate Logo. 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 Tap and Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Bring some money for drinks!
Cyclovia Tucson-Fall Event: Neighborhood streets around the city will be closed down for cars and opened to only alternative forms of transportation for Cyclovia Tucson's fall event on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 10am-3pm. The event is open to walkers, bicyclists, and roller bladers. The route starts at the Miramonte neighborhood (Speedway Boulevard to the north, 5th Street to the south) to the Garden District and is free to the public. 10am-3pm Sunday, Oct. 30 Miramonte neighborhood (Speedway Blvd. to the north, 5th St. to the south) Free Community, Exercise
Art & Performance
UA Presents Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra: UA Presents is featuring a performance on by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, which for more than 100 years has been one of Poland's most distinguished musical institutions. This season marks their fourth U.S. national tour and the first U.S. tour with music director Jacek Kaspszyk. Ticktes are available through the UA Presents website on Ticketmaster. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard. $65-85.
The Upside Down Art Show: Art Inspired by Stranger Things- Have become recently obsessed with the new Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things? Well if so, Xpanded Universe (197 E Toole Ave) has the perfect event for you. Embrace your creative side by either participating in or attending the Upside Down Art Show. All art at the show is inspired by Stranger Things. The event will be on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 p.m.- 1 a.m. If you would like to enter a piece make sure to contact xpandeduniversetucson@gmail.com, all art is welcome! 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 Xpanded Universe, 197 E. Toole Ave. Free.
CYT’s Bye Bye Birdie: The hit musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie is said to be one of the most "captivating musicals of our time." Judge for yourself this weekend after checking out Christian Youth Theater's rendition of the piece. Pima Community College Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $15.
Nick Offerman: You likely know Nick Offerman as the parks director and yahoo libertarian Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, or the shaky war-vet lawyer from the second brilliant season of TV’s Fargo, or maybe you saw him 22 Jump Street or whatever. This writer/comedian/actor/woodworker has done a lot of funny shit, and great drama too. But mostly he’s a veritable riot, a guy who slithered from the with womb mustache intact and whose sole purpose is to chew TV scenery and bring down sold-out theaters, as he promises to do on this “Full Bush” tour. Sunday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 311 E. Congress. Assigned seats. $40-$60. All Ages.
Music
Fea: There’s been a lot of yap lately about the Riot Grrrl aesthetic and sound, and a whole new crop of bands inspired by it. Yes, this killer Chicana Texas punk band is certainly one of those, but let’s get one thing straight: their sonic blast and culture-questioning/reporting transcends genre and classification. Fea tackles with thundering aplomb big open themes of race and gender in a way that’s so damn passionate that it actually inspires listener passion, if you can imagine that. The band’s 2016 self-titled debut album bursts with strident walls of punk-pop chords, pummeling drums and punchy bass melodies. Queer and humanist bilingual ragers canvas the human experience—from lover-to-lover personal to rape-culture topical. The downright pretty “Stuck Like You” subtly skewers narcissism and aptly titled “Feminazi” sports the best singsong, multi-lingual punk chorus ever. Fea has all the power of underrated Dangerhouse punk bands like The Alley Cats and The Bags, so it’s no wonder the latter’s Alice Bag produced a few of the songs on Fea’s album (as did Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace, and Lori Barbero from Babes in Toyland). Band frontwoman Letty Martinez is one of those once-a-decade singers who’s both persuasive and melodic while spitting absolute lyric truths that sting like perfectly crafted face-punch slogans (“I remember what you told me/I was pretty with my mouth shut”). Sidenote: the band’s rhythm section is Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva from Girl in a Coma, and they’re signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records! With Tucson’s Sugar Stains and Pigmy Death Ray at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at The Loudhouse, 915 W. Prince; 393-3598. $10.
Belinda Esquer: This Mexican-born pop chanteuse and multi-instrumentalist has one of those mellifluous voices that often works on you like a two-glass wine buzz after midnight—it’s all warm and fuzzy and has a subtle lift, and even after a shitty day (and evening) you somehow feel better. She croons and whispers atop soothers that ripple with slight Latin textures or smooth-pop refrains or jazzy inflections, yet you can tell she digs Feist and Broken Social Scene. So her sound finds her equally at home in a cocktail lounge or a folk venue or on a rock ’n’ roll stage. This lovely singer came up in Tucson bands like Yardsale Heart, Simple Violet, and her accomplished other project Head Over Heart. Celebrate the release of her debut solo CD, The Truth at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress. The show is free.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers: The Rialto Theatre will feature this Arizona band known for its tendency to exhibit with different genres like rock, pop and Americana with Mariachi and Reggae influences. Since the bands conception in 1998, the four piece has released 10 albums. This concert is open for all ages. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., $24 - $26.
Kerry Grombacher: This Crescent City-based singer/songwriter’s music is a gentle kind of folk and hummable train-track country that utilizes acoustic guitar, violin, pedal steel, piano, accordion and more. And he’s got a plainspoken voice that’s as listenable as any articulate raconteur spinning homespun yarns on a front porch somewhere in East Texas, or anywhere a songster dude like Bobby Charles might’ve hung out. He’s basically (and criminally) unknown despite some great albums and performances (at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival and the New Orleans Jazz Fest, for starters). Yet, Grombacher is famous enough to have a room named for him, like the one at the Sands Motel in beautiful Grants, New Mexico! Other artists have covered his songs too, including The Texas Trailhands, Chris Chandler, Gary Prescott and others. With Nancy Elliot on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Monterey Court Studio Galleries, 505 W. Miracle Mile. This special brunch show starts at 10 a.m. All Ages. Free.
Things that Aren't Words: This local indie-folk band dropped their first album in April. The band considers itself a musical vehicle for frontman Adam Nixon and exhibits influences from the Decmeberists and Elliot Smith. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 Cafe Passe, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free.
TenWest Festival-Cast In Concert: Join the Mexican Consulate in Tucson as the present Cast. Cast is a Mexican rock band from a the border town Mexicali. Cast performs songs in both english and spanish, so there is something there for many different people to enjoy. The show is free, so don't miss an opportunity to watch a legend at work! 8 p.m. Thursday, October 27 The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Free.
Mexrrisey: Beyond the novelty of marrying the glorious mope of Morrissey with Spanish singing and piquant Latin sonics, Mexrrisey manages to celebrate the music of Moz without ever poking fun at him (or The Smiths). In fact, the group’s self-titled album is brilliant, at once showing just how hugely popular the melancholic post-punk crooner is in Mexico and how damn translatable his tunes are—songs like the mariachi brass reworkings of “Everyday is Like Sunday” or the south-of-the-border romance of the retitled “International Playgirl” work the imagination in ways not even hinted at by the originals. Led by DJ Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and Tucson giant Sergio Mendoza (Orkestra Mendoza, Calexico), this seven-piece will mix The Smiths and Morrissey songs on stage. With Girl in a Coma frontwoman Nina Diaz on Thursday Nov. 3 at 9 p.m. The Rialto, 311 E. Congress. $23-$25. All Ages.
Death Valley Girls: What a glorious mess of mad sun-burned psych, damaged surf and switchblade-bludgeoned biker rock. It’s like what might result if the Manson girls were given musical instruments, a ton of speed, a good songwriter and a bit of time to get good. Other times you swear you hear a teenaged Michael Monarch (the kid from early Steppenwolf) on guitar and Darryl Hooper from The Seeds on organ and they’re playing along with The Cramps. More, Death Valley Girls’ singer Bonnie Bloomgarden has the remarkable ability to bring a kind of sugary joy and elation to gloom. This three-chicks-and-one-dick outfit have been known to call their killer din “California doom boogie.” We’ll just go ahead and call it the new glam. Their new album, Glow in the Dark, is just out on Burger Records. With Peach Kelli Pop, Lenguas Leguna, The Sloths, The Resonars, Patsy’s Rats and many others on Friday, Nov. 4 at 191 Toole, 191 Toole. Part of Night of the Living Fest. 5:30 p.m. $10. All Ages.
Pick of the Week: Halloween & Día de los Muertos
Nightmare on Congress - Halloweekend: Halloween is quickly approaching and Hotel Congress is hosting a different Halloween parties every night starting Frida through Monday, Oct. 31st with live music, alcohol and costume contests. There are a ton of events to attend over the four nights, so be sure to check the Hotel Congress website to view prices, times, age restrictions and activities for each event. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street.
Night of Fright: The Pima Air and Space Museum is hosting a family Halloween event as Flight Central Hangar takes on a look of its own with spider webs and ghosts taking to the Hangar skies. The event includes "Ghoulish" games, pony rides, fishing for prizes and much more for all ages to enjoy. The Flight Grill restaurant will transform into Fright Grill for the night and will serve many delicious halloween dishes. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Flight Grill, 6000 E. Valencia Road. $10 for adults, 12 and under free, free for members.
Feast With The Dearly Departed: It's tradition to celebrate the passing of a loved one with a feast—and the Botanical Gardens brings the community together to make that happen. This weekend, attend the fifth annual Feast With the Dearly Departed and enjoy music, pan de muerto and, of course, sugar skulls. Don't miss out. 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. General admission $13.
Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead: Tohono Chul is celebrating Día de los Muertos Friday and Saturday, honoring those who have passed away with chile, chocolate and culinary delights. There will be food trucks, chile roasters, live music, chile plant sales, free face painting and plenty of activities for children at this family-friendly event. Tickets are available at the door and online. 9am-5pm Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte. $5 members, $15 public, 12 under free.
Nightfall at Old Tucson: As October comes to a close we dawn upon the last weekend of the year that Nightfall will be at Old Tucson. Immerse yourself in a night full of scares as you make your way through the haunted town. It is the perfect way to get into the spirt of Halloween and have a boo-tiful night while your at it! Thursday and Sunday 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 to Sunday, October 30 Old Tucson, 201 S Kinney Rd. General admission $28, with discounts for kids.
Rocky Horror Halloween Bash: Get ready for the late-night, double-feature Halloween party at The Loft Cinema. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a monthly tradition at the Loft but this time, it comes with a twist: it's the 38th annual Halloween Bash. Come dressed up as your favorite Rocky Horror character for your chance to win the $100 grand prize. The Loft will also ring in the Halloween season with pre-show games and more prize giveaways. 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Loft members: $5 General Admission: $6.
University of Arizona Homecoming Weekend: Calling all Wildcats! Get ready for one of the best weekends of the year because the University of Arizona is celebrating their 102nd annual homecoming. This year the theme is Haunted Homecoming, so you won't want to miss out on a weekend full of spooks and scares. There's too much going on to detail here, so check out the website!
Howl-O-Ween at Reid Park Zoo: Enjoy a family friendly Halloween Weekend at the Reid Park Zoo. Take out the boo and add the WOO, to your Halloween Weekend. Children will have the opportunity to Trick or Treat, as well as enjoy costumed characters and spirited decorations. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28-30. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court. $9.50.
Spooky Kids Halloween on 4th Avenue: As Halloween weekend draws closer, 4th Ave. has decided to partake in the festivites yet again. Not only will there be a costume contest that the kids can participate in, they will also be able to trick or treat along the entire street. I scream, you scream, we all scream for candy on 4th Ave. Don't miss out! 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Free!
Food & Booze
Beer Release Party: Bottoms up at Tap and Bottle to celebrate the new release of Michael Fry's new beer release with McFate Brewing. Fry will debut five featured beers on tap including: Funky Razz Wit, Candy Bar Milk, Stout Buena, Vista Blonde Fateful and IPA McFate Logo. 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 Tap and Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Bring some money for drinks!
Fitness
Desert Boneyard 10K/5K Run: The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, a unique airplane storage site "boneyard" on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (2720 S. Craycroft Road), will host the Annual Desert Boneyard 10K/5K run on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7:30am-12pm. Runners will run between the aircrafts that make up the second largest air force fleet in the world, other than the United States Air Force. Packet pick-up will be held on Friday, October 28th and be sure to check website for times/locations. 7:30am-12pm Saturday, Oct. 29 Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 2720 S. Craycroft Road. $5 per person on race day.Cyclovia Tucson-Fall Event: Neighborhood streets around the city will be closed down for cars and opened to only alternative forms of transportation for Cyclovia Tucson's fall event on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 10am-3pm. The event is open to walkers, bicyclists, and roller bladers. The route starts at the Miramonte neighborhood (Speedway Boulevard to the north, 5th Street to the south) to the Garden District and is free to the public. 10am-3pm Sunday, Oct. 30 Miramonte neighborhood (Speedway Blvd. to the north, 5th St. to the south) Free Community, Exercise
Art & Performance
UA Presents Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra: UA Presents is featuring a performance on by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, which for more than 100 years has been one of Poland's most distinguished musical institutions. This season marks their fourth U.S. national tour and the first U.S. tour with music director Jacek Kaspszyk. Ticktes are available through the UA Presents website on Ticketmaster. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard. $65-85.
The Upside Down Art Show: Art Inspired by Stranger Things- Have become recently obsessed with the new Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things? Well if so, Xpanded Universe (197 E Toole Ave) has the perfect event for you. Embrace your creative side by either participating in or attending the Upside Down Art Show. All art at the show is inspired by Stranger Things. The event will be on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 p.m.- 1 a.m. If you would like to enter a piece make sure to contact xpandeduniversetucson@gmail.com, all art is welcome! 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 Xpanded Universe, 197 E. Toole Ave. Free.
CYT’s Bye Bye Birdie: The hit musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie is said to be one of the most "captivating musicals of our time." Judge for yourself this weekend after checking out Christian Youth Theater's rendition of the piece. Pima Community College Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $15.
Nick Offerman: You likely know Nick Offerman as the parks director and yahoo libertarian Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, or the shaky war-vet lawyer from the second brilliant season of TV’s Fargo, or maybe you saw him 22 Jump Street or whatever. This writer/comedian/actor/woodworker has done a lot of funny shit, and great drama too. But mostly he’s a veritable riot, a guy who slithered from the with womb mustache intact and whose sole purpose is to chew TV scenery and bring down sold-out theaters, as he promises to do on this “Full Bush” tour. Sunday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 311 E. Congress. Assigned seats. $40-$60. All Ages.
Cinema
Little Shop of Horrors Sing-a-Long: Get ready to belt your heart out with Little Shop of Horrors, the rock musical horror flick about a little bloodthirsty plant named Audrey and a man looking for human flesh to feed. This spook-ing sing along is just in time to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. If you don't know the lyrics, the Loft has got your back with on-screen lyrics and some fun props to throw around while you jam. If you come dressed up as your favorite Little Shop character, you could be selected to participate in a pre-show costume contest! 7:30 p.m. Wenesday, Oct. 26 The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Loft members and kids under 12 - $8. General Admission: $10.Music
Fea: There’s been a lot of yap lately about the Riot Grrrl aesthetic and sound, and a whole new crop of bands inspired by it. Yes, this killer Chicana Texas punk band is certainly one of those, but let’s get one thing straight: their sonic blast and culture-questioning/reporting transcends genre and classification. Fea tackles with thundering aplomb big open themes of race and gender in a way that’s so damn passionate that it actually inspires listener passion, if you can imagine that. The band’s 2016 self-titled debut album bursts with strident walls of punk-pop chords, pummeling drums and punchy bass melodies. Queer and humanist bilingual ragers canvas the human experience—from lover-to-lover personal to rape-culture topical. The downright pretty “Stuck Like You” subtly skewers narcissism and aptly titled “Feminazi” sports the best singsong, multi-lingual punk chorus ever. Fea has all the power of underrated Dangerhouse punk bands like The Alley Cats and The Bags, so it’s no wonder the latter’s Alice Bag produced a few of the songs on Fea’s album (as did Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace, and Lori Barbero from Babes in Toyland). Band frontwoman Letty Martinez is one of those once-a-decade singers who’s both persuasive and melodic while spitting absolute lyric truths that sting like perfectly crafted face-punch slogans (“I remember what you told me/I was pretty with my mouth shut”). Sidenote: the band’s rhythm section is Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva from Girl in a Coma, and they’re signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records! With Tucson’s Sugar Stains and Pigmy Death Ray at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at The Loudhouse, 915 W. Prince; 393-3598. $10.
Belinda Esquer: This Mexican-born pop chanteuse and multi-instrumentalist has one of those mellifluous voices that often works on you like a two-glass wine buzz after midnight—it’s all warm and fuzzy and has a subtle lift, and even after a shitty day (and evening) you somehow feel better. She croons and whispers atop soothers that ripple with slight Latin textures or smooth-pop refrains or jazzy inflections, yet you can tell she digs Feist and Broken Social Scene. So her sound finds her equally at home in a cocktail lounge or a folk venue or on a rock ’n’ roll stage. This lovely singer came up in Tucson bands like Yardsale Heart, Simple Violet, and her accomplished other project Head Over Heart. Celebrate the release of her debut solo CD, The Truth at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress. The show is free.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers: The Rialto Theatre will feature this Arizona band known for its tendency to exhibit with different genres like rock, pop and Americana with Mariachi and Reggae influences. Since the bands conception in 1998, the four piece has released 10 albums. This concert is open for all ages. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., $24 - $26.
Kerry Grombacher: This Crescent City-based singer/songwriter’s music is a gentle kind of folk and hummable train-track country that utilizes acoustic guitar, violin, pedal steel, piano, accordion and more. And he’s got a plainspoken voice that’s as listenable as any articulate raconteur spinning homespun yarns on a front porch somewhere in East Texas, or anywhere a songster dude like Bobby Charles might’ve hung out. He’s basically (and criminally) unknown despite some great albums and performances (at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival and the New Orleans Jazz Fest, for starters). Yet, Grombacher is famous enough to have a room named for him, like the one at the Sands Motel in beautiful Grants, New Mexico! Other artists have covered his songs too, including The Texas Trailhands, Chris Chandler, Gary Prescott and others. With Nancy Elliot on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Monterey Court Studio Galleries, 505 W. Miracle Mile. This special brunch show starts at 10 a.m. All Ages. Free.
Things that Aren't Words: This local indie-folk band dropped their first album in April. The band considers itself a musical vehicle for frontman Adam Nixon and exhibits influences from the Decmeberists and Elliot Smith. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 Cafe Passe, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free.
TenWest Festival-Cast In Concert: Join the Mexican Consulate in Tucson as the present Cast. Cast is a Mexican rock band from a the border town Mexicali. Cast performs songs in both english and spanish, so there is something there for many different people to enjoy. The show is free, so don't miss an opportunity to watch a legend at work! 8 p.m. Thursday, October 27 The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Free.
Mexrrisey: Beyond the novelty of marrying the glorious mope of Morrissey with Spanish singing and piquant Latin sonics, Mexrrisey manages to celebrate the music of Moz without ever poking fun at him (or The Smiths). In fact, the group’s self-titled album is brilliant, at once showing just how hugely popular the melancholic post-punk crooner is in Mexico and how damn translatable his tunes are—songs like the mariachi brass reworkings of “Everyday is Like Sunday” or the south-of-the-border romance of the retitled “International Playgirl” work the imagination in ways not even hinted at by the originals. Led by DJ Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and Tucson giant Sergio Mendoza (Orkestra Mendoza, Calexico), this seven-piece will mix The Smiths and Morrissey songs on stage. With Girl in a Coma frontwoman Nina Diaz on Thursday Nov. 3 at 9 p.m. The Rialto, 311 E. Congress. $23-$25. All Ages.
Death Valley Girls: What a glorious mess of mad sun-burned psych, damaged surf and switchblade-bludgeoned biker rock. It’s like what might result if the Manson girls were given musical instruments, a ton of speed, a good songwriter and a bit of time to get good. Other times you swear you hear a teenaged Michael Monarch (the kid from early Steppenwolf) on guitar and Darryl Hooper from The Seeds on organ and they’re playing along with The Cramps. More, Death Valley Girls’ singer Bonnie Bloomgarden has the remarkable ability to bring a kind of sugary joy and elation to gloom. This three-chicks-and-one-dick outfit have been known to call their killer din “California doom boogie.” We’ll just go ahead and call it the new glam. Their new album, Glow in the Dark, is just out on Burger Records. With Peach Kelli Pop, Lenguas Leguna, The Sloths, The Resonars, Patsy’s Rats and many others on Friday, Nov. 4 at 191 Toole, 191 Toole. Part of Night of the Living Fest. 5:30 p.m. $10. All Ages.
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