Tucson Weekly: Cheap Thrills (September 10

HEAVENLY SONG: Every summer the Tohono O'odham people harvest the fruit of the tall saguaros, using the sweet syrup to make a ceremonial wine. Over four days and nights, men, women and children dance while singers beckon the wind, clouds and rain. According to the elders, through this sacred tradition the people "sing down the rain" that makes the crops grow.
The children of Topawa Intermediate School and author Judi Moreillon will tell the story of this timeless ceremony in a choral performance of Moreillon's new book, Sing Down the Rain. Presented as part of the Arizona State Museum's Roots of Culture series, they'll describe the ancient lifeways of the Tohono O'odham, from the harvesting of the saguaro fruit and preparation of the fruit syrup and sacred wine, to dancing outside the "Rain House," the traditional songs sung to the music of gourd rattles, and the medicine man who catches the wind.
Cheap Thrills Free presentation runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Arizona State Museum lawn, located on the UA campus inside the main gate east of Park Avenue. For information, call 621-6302.
GET UP, STAND UP: Enthusiastic sports memorabilia collectors and plain old band boosters will have their chance to score big at the fifth-annual Stand by Your Band Benefit Concert in the Plaza Palomino.
The free event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, beginning with a march from the Smith's parking lot at Grant and Swan Roads. The parade travels north to the Plaza, and will include the UA Band, Color Guard, Pom/Dance Line and Baton Twirling Team. The action continues with music, and a chance to bid on everything from autographed footballs and basketballs to scads of other good stuff donated by local businesses.
For details, call 795-1177.
RHYTHM KING: Percussionist extraordinaire and Tucson Symphony regular Todd Hammes hits the stage for an afternoon of acoustic improvisation.
He'll be joined by Mary Redhouse on vocals, Jim Carrer on bass, and Will Clipman on percussion, for a night of classical, jazz and world music.
Performance is 3 p.m. Sunday, September 13, in the Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Road. A $5 donation is requested at the door. For information, call 754-6237.
IN SYNCH: The UA Symphony Orchestra will open it fall concert with a new director and a performance of Joan Tower's "Tambor." This will be only the second time the piece has been performed anywhere; the first was under a commission with the Pittsburgh Symphony earlier this year.
Director Jindong Cai received plaudits for his 1992 conducting debut at the Mozart Bicentennial Festival in New York's Lincoln Center. Since then he's appeared with many top orchestras throughout the United States.
Concert is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, in the UA Crowder Hall, located in the Music Building at the southeast corner of Speedway and Park Ave. Tickets are $6, $5 for UA staff and faculty, $3 for students and seniors, and available at the UA Fine Arts box office, or by calling 621-1162.

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