Friday, September 4, 2020
Ever wanted to see a 6-foot-tall, over 200-pound work of art that someone thought was so beautiful they decided to steal it?
The recently stolen and recovered metal sculpture known as Angelica is back on display at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort's inner courtyard from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday, Sept. 12. Artist John Benedict will be on hand to meet with guests on Friday, Sept. 4 and Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Benedict said the return of his art was “remarkable,” considering he thought the case had gone cold—Angelica was stolen last May during a pop-up drive-thru art exhibit at the resort. He said the exhibit was intended to help local sculptors affiliated with SculptureTucson, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the profession.
“It was a good concept but it had a slight flaw,” Benedict said.
The guest ranch’s parking lot—where the drive-thru art exhibit was held—had recently been renovated. Electricity needed for lighting and security cameras in the area had not been restored at that time.
Benedict doesn’t fault the resort.
“Hacienda del Sol did everything they could. They had someone sitting out there in a car for the majority of the time,” Benedict said. “I believe the person who did this was an opportunist who waited for the right time when no one was around, dropped his tailgate, popped it in and drove away.”
The metal sculptor also said he isn’t mad at the man accused of stealing Angelica, 56-year-old Kelly Friedman. Friedman was arrested and charged with felony theft after an anonymous tip led the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to an eastside storage unit belonging to the 56-year old. Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant and the sculpture was located.
“I heard second hand from a detective who was present at (Friedman’s) interview that he absolutely fell in love with it,” Benedict said. “I take that as a compliment but you don’t steal it. I’m not mad at the guy, though. I’ve done things I’m not proud of.”
Benedict said the multiple friendships forged and strengthened over the two months the work of art was missing is the experience's silver lining. The sheriff’s department and Hacienda del Sol both went out of their way to locate the lifted sculpture, said the artist.
“I have huge respect for the community of people who made this happen,” Benedict said. “The person who called in the tip didn’t even know there was a reward. They did it out of the goodness of their heart.”
Saturday, Sept. 12, will be the last chance for the public to view Angelica before Benedict sets the sculpture in her new home on the art walk in front of his residence. Benedict’s wife encouraged him to keep Angelica since the work has such a unique story.
“I was asking my wife what I should do with it? Should I put it back on the market? Should I donate it?” Benedict said. “She shook her head at me and said we should keep it because of the amazing story. So, I poured a concrete pad in the front yard and I’m going to bolt her down after the exhibit.”
For more information, contact haciendadelsol.com.
Friday, August 28, 2020
Taste of the Fair & Drive-In Movie Weekend. Ahh, remember the fair? Remember being in crowds of people, touching door handles and sitting at dirty picnic tables? The cool thing about this weekend is that it has the good parts of the fair without so many of the bad parts: Just visit the five concession stands and pick up some treats, then enjoy them either at spaced out picnic tables or on your own lawn chairs. Entry and admission are free! If you want to stay late and pay $15 per vehicle, check out this week’s drive-in movies too: Friday is Secret Life of Pets 2 (8 p.m. showtime) & The Karate Kid (10:30 p.m. showtime), and Sunday is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (10:30 p.m. showtime). Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 30. Doors for Taste of the Fair open at 5 p.m. Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road. Details here.
Sculpture Showing: The Return of Angelica. Back in May, local artist John Benedict had one of his statues, Angelica, stolen. Angelica was recently recovered, and will be on display for the public at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Inner Courtyard through Saturday, Sept. 12. This is the last time to see the statue before John places it in his permanent collection! He’ll be around on select days for a socially-distanced meet and greet, including from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 28. While you’re there, enjoy a special Angelica’s Revenge cocktail. In honor of Angelica, and of justice, of course. On display 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through Saturday, Sept. 12. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. Details here.
The Positivity of Art. What’s been keeping you sane these days? For us, one of those things is art, and thank goodness for the local artists who still have it in them to create during these crazy times. The Wilde Meyer Gallery is featuring a group show of gallery artists throughout August and September, in a space that’s carefully following COVID-19 guidelines. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive, suite 170.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television’s 15th annual I Dream In Widescreen student film festival faced several challenges this year due to COVID-19. However, these complications turned the showcase into an online festival, allowing more viewers to see the student films than ever before.
Originally planned to be hosted at the Fox Theatre, I Dream In Widescreen will be held on Aug. 8th and 9th on Youtube live.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Join the fun on MOCA's YouTube channel at 6 p.m. tonight
Tags: MOCA , film festival , film , movies , Image
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block announced today that it will reopen its doors on Thursday, July 30. The reopening includes new safety protocols in accordance with city, state and CDC guidelines. A staggered maximum of 225 visitors per day will be permitted in the museum. Walk-ins will be limited, and tickets can be reserved online starting July 30.
TMA's new protocols include limiting capacity, regularly scheduled sanitation of all accessible surfaces, mandatory mask policy for all staff and visitors ages 5 and up, physical distancing procedures in exhibition galleries and sanitation stations throughout the museum.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Although the downtown theatre hasn’t hosted a live performance in months, the Fox Board of Directors has officially decided to suspend programming through December 2020 due to the continued impacts of COVID-19. As of now, scheduled events in 2021 are expected to go forward.
According to a release from the Fox, their Paycheck Protection Program funds are now exhausted, and the theatre is further reducing staff to only four full-time employees – down roughly 40 before the pandemic.
"Such deep staffing reductions are particularly hard because it is people that make the place," said Fox Theatre executive director Bonnie Schock. "The people of Tucson chose to rebuild The Fox 20 years ago. Our dedicated Board, enthusiastic patrons, generous volunteers and tenacious staff have carried that mantle forward. Honestly, it is devastating to see our team disperse. These talented individuals are to be recognized and thanked for all they have done to make The Fox what it is and to advance what it can and will be.”
The Board of Directors also issued the following message: With theatres are closing forever across the nation, employing these strategies now are imperative in ensuring that The Fox has the best possible chance of a strong reopening in the future. The experience of gathering together is central to live performance and the road to recovery for performing arts venues is not a simple V shape. The physical distancing strategies key to fighting the spread of COVID-19 make presenting events at The Fox financially unviable in the coming months.
If you'd like to still support the Fox Theatre, they are hosting two fundraising opportunities on their website:
The Fox Forward: Look to the Future Relief Campaign
Or, apply for a Fox Theatre Membership.
Friday, June 19, 2020
The music hall’s drive-in concert series continues through the summer, and the venue recently announced two weeks of shows.
"We have been hearing from so many of our guests how lucky they feel that they can keep enjoying live music in a safe environment,” said Music Hall General Manager Heather Stricker. “Many reach out with requests, which we have been trying to accommodate. That is how we found one of our new favorite bands, Backroads Country. Look for them again in a few weeks.”
Kicking things off this Tuesday, June 23 is The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Hear all your favorite hits, including “Born in the Bayou,” “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Green River” and plenty more. This rockstar group stars longtime Gaslight actor (and crowd favorite) Mike Yarema.
The following night, The Desert Divas take the stage. This fabulous force pays tribute to rock, soul and rhythm and blues greats from the ’60s to the ’80s, including The Rolling Stones, Patti LaBelle, the Temptations, Carole King, Joan Jett, Prince and more.
“Some groups, such as The Desert Divas, weren't ready to perform indoors yet, and are thrilled to join us in this outdoor concert series to entertain their many fans in this area,” Stricker said.
Wrapping things up next week on Thursday, June 25 is The Mr. Skynyrd Band.
“Mr. Skynyrd is, without question, the hottest Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band out there today,” Stricker said. “With a collection of uncompromising, experienced musicians, their two-hour show is dedicated to delivering spot-on renditions of those classic Lynyrd Skynyrd hits.”
The fun doesn’t stop next week; the Gaslight has already booked shows through June and into July.
Closing out the month on Tuesday, June 30 is classic rock night with Five Way Street, a group composed of “seasoned musicians all with a love for classic rock.” According to Stricker, the band offers a high-energy, fun-filled visit back to those formative days “when Baby Boomers were discovering how good rock and roll could really be.”
Instead of bringing in an outside band for the July 2 and 3 shows, the Music Hall is calling in local legend (and gaslight regular) Armen Dirtadian and the internationally-touring Manhattan Dolls for a patriotic celebration concert.
Backed up by a world-class band, attendees will be inspired by rousing renditions of flag-waving favorites such as “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and many more.
“This musical salute to freedom and liberty will be dedicated to those who've defended it,” Stricker said. “You won't want to miss an evening that's sure to make you proud to be an American.”
All shows begin at 7 p.m.
With safety in mind, the music hall sections off over 100 spaces of the parking lot, brings in a portable stage and uses an FM radio transmitter to broadcast the show to attendees. The music hall is also rolling out a limited pizza menu with no-touch delivery off a tray. Diners will place an order ahead of time so the kitchen knows what to make. Attendees can sit in truck beds or in chairs they bring, or in their vehicle and listen to the radio transmitter.
“We have come together with Scotty Plumber, who sets up our stage, Marshall Jones, who is hooking us up with outdoor sound, and Mike Quatraro, who runs the professional video on our large projection screen,” Stricker said. “Customers love getting pizza and popcorn to enjoy the show. Seeing our regulars smiling in their comfy lawn chairs or in the bed of their trucks with their dogs, singing along to great music, makes all of the hard work absolutely worth it. If you haven't been to one of these shows yet, you are seriously missing out.”
There will be one public restroom available in the music hall for emergencies only which will be cleaned between customer uses.
Tickets to the Gaslight Music Hall’s drive-in concert shows cost $30 per vehicle. A pizza service is available for an additional fee. Season passes and gift cards will not be accepted. All sales are final.
If the event is rained out, ticket holders will be notified of a rescheduled time.
For more information and to buy tickets, go online to gaslightmusichall.com. The music hall is located at 13005 N. Oracle Road, #165, in Oro Valley.
Tucson Local Media is a sponsor of the Gaslight Music Hall drive-in concert series.
Monday, June 15, 2020
Tickets are selling fast, but still available for this week’s shows: Bluegrass Night with The Sonoran Dogs, Funky Grooves with OnesAll Band, and Blues Night with The Porch Rockers.
"We have decided to keep the Outdoor shows going at The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley all summer long,” said Music Hall General Manager Heather Stricker. “The response to the fun and safe atmosphere has been amazing.”
Playing Tuesday, June 16, The Sonoran Dogs formed in 2011. Since then, they’ve toured across the Southwestern United States, and even as far as Melbourne, Australia. According to the group’s bio, The "Dogs" are made up of seasoned veterans “who have come together to enjoy bluegrass music and friendship, oftentimes adding one or more ‘strays’ on fiddle, dobro, and even accordion.”
The group’s expertise is on display no matter what they play, which includes improvising and original songs spanning traditional and contemporary music as well as an eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Celtic, and Newgrass.
The following day, Wednesday, June 17, OnesAll Band takes the stage. The group is composed of Kathi McKay, Jordan and John Stafford, Kent Baker, and Abel Salgado. Jordan started the group when he was 17, and the band is considered “a true labor of love.”
When they play, expect hits from Average White Band, Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson Heart, and more.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Next up is Bluegrass Night with The Sonoran Dogs, Funky Grooves with OnesAll Band and Blues Night with The Porch Rockers, which takes place next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, respectively.
The Sonoran Dogs, which play Tuesday, June 16, formed in 2011. Since then, they’ve toured across the Southwestern United States, and even as far as Melbourne, Australia. According to the group’s bio, The "Dogs" are made up of seasoned veterans “who have come together to enjoy bluegrass music and friendship, oftentimes adding one or more ‘strays’ on fiddle, dobro, and even accordion.”
The group’s expertise is on display no matter what they play, which includes improvising and original songs spanning traditional and contemporary music as well as an eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Celtic, and Newgrass.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Performing Tuesday, June 9 is the George Howard Motown Band. Backroads Country Band takes the stage Wednesday, June 10, and Rock & Roll with Vinyl Tap! closes out the week Thursday, June 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m.
The ongoing drive-in concert series is the Gaslight’s way of keeping their customers entertained (and their employees working) during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to general manager Heather Stricker.
“Tony Terry, owner of The Gaslight Music Hall, loved the idea of outdoor concerts. Once the sun goes down, the weather is beautiful and the parking lot is full of live, awesome music,” Stricker said. “We knew we would have to cancel our Dance Parties for the summer to abide with the social distancing requirements, so we have invited a lot of our dance bands to come perform in this drive-in concert series. We feature different genres of music every week, there is always something for everybody.”
