Tucson Weekly: Cheap Thrills (May 13

CAPOEIRA CAPER: According to Brazilian Capoeira Master Mestre Acordeon, "Capoeira is the bread of every day, a question of infinite possibilities and a spring of crystalline water to quench the thirst for knowledge. It is simultaneously physical and mental health, a strategy to face the contradictions of the world, and a way of living."
Experience this riveting, beautiful and even potentially dangerous Afro-Brazilian art form for yourself at an educational fundraiser on Friday, May 14, at the Mat Bevel Institute.
Cheap Thrills Tucsonans from all walks of life--from massage therapists and teachers to dancers and students--have been studying this graceful and powerful combination of martial arts, dance and music. Their performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Mat Bevel Institute, 530 N. Stone Ave. The full evening program includes demonstrations, dance performance, live music and DJs. Tickets range from $5 to $10 in advance, available at Piney Hollow, 427 N. Fourth Ave. They'll cost $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the School of Capoeira Malandragem, and preparations for the October graduation ceremony.
WILL RAVE FOR FOOD: The world hasn't come to an end yet, so join the fun while you still can at the Fourth Avenue Mania Y2K Benefit Rave. DJs Triton, Chris-B and Courtney play techno, house, hip-hop, Detroit-style music and more from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 14, on Winsett Park's outdoor stage, on Fourth Avenue just north of Seventh Street. Admission is a can (or more) of non-perishable food or bottled water.
FIRST-CLASS TICKET: Tiny trains from across the land roll into Tucson this week for the Great American Train Show. The United States' biggest traveling model show includes the incredible Piute Flats Branch's 15-by-15-foot spread, according to spokesman Mike Patten.
"These modelers are very professional in what they do, and have a fantastic layout," Patten says. "This (particular) show attracts a great variety of modelers, and is very conducive to garden railroads."
There will also be more than 225 exhibitors and workshops, and thousands of trains and accessories, ranging from vintage American Flyers and Lionels to contemporary lines. Kids will likewise be entertained with a riding train, and the new Big Fun Railroad, including seven electric, battery operated and radio-controlled Thomas the Tank trains.
The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16, in the Pima County Fairgrounds Thurber Hall, 113000 S. Houghton Road. Admission is $6, free for children ages 11 and under. For information, call (630) 834-0652.
PURE OBSIDIAN: Rich, vibrant colors fill the Obsidian Gallery in this month's five-artist show.
Fiber artist Kathy Anne White is known for her bright, multi-hued pieces, emanating from a quilting tradition she's carried into the realm of abstract. The furniture of Tucson artist Ed Fickbohm epitomizes elegant, with innovative mixed-media designs; and Hilary Walker is well-known for her figurative clay pieces, masks and raku vessels featuring animal lids.
Ivan Barnett's jewelry expresses his bent towards color and texture, and is fabricated in collaboration with his wife, Allison Buchsbaum Barnett. Premier American enamelist Barbara Minor rounds out the exhibit with her renowned additions to silver and gold jewelry pieces.
This multi-faceted display of talent continues through May 29 in the Obsidian Gallery, 4340 N. Campbell Ave., in St. Philip's Plaza. Call 577-3598 for details.

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