Over two years ago Sue Parker, librarian at Himmel Park Branch Library decided to start up a Senior Games program (age 50 plus) for patrons interested in getting together and socially playing games such as chess, checkers, rummikub, scrabble, etc. I suggested we play Chinese Mahjong, which I play at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, but which I also learned back in Hawaii decades ago from Japanese-American friends on the Big Island. Sue had never played Mahjong before, but she was willing and enthusiastic to learn.

(This program is also an offshoot of the now defunct Sam Hughes Cares for Seniors program which I founded in 2005, in the Sam Hughes Neighborhood, where the library is located).

Two years later, we have taught numerous Seniors (and some younger friends), and now have 3 regular tables of four players each – patrons, neighbors, visiting “snowbirds”. Some of these Seniors learned American Mahjong style first (utilizing pre-printed cards), which is being played at the Tucson Jewish Community Center and Oro Valley Library, as well as taught at Oasis on River Road.

Know anyone interested in learning Hong Kong Simplified style or other games, please contact librarian Sue Parker at at 520-594-5305, or just show up on Mondays, 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Himmel Lbrary’s large meeting room, 1035 N. Treat Ave. (SW corner of E. 1st St.) No Senior Games when the library is closed for holidays. (Incidentally Himmel is the oldest branch library, built in 1961).

The lead teacher is now MJ Talbot, a Chinese-American immigrant from Hong Kong, assisted by myself, and Sarah Stephenson, who used to live in the People’s Republic of China. We are all members of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd., phone 520-292-6900, which promotes Chinese culture and history.

More about Mahjong (sometimes spelled Mah jongg) read wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong. The version we play uses 144 tiles, but other versions (such as the Hawaiian style) uses 4 more, including animals – cat, rat, chicken, & worm. It is a game of luck and skill, similar to rummy, where you have to match sets of 4 grouping of three (or sometimes four) tiles, plus a pair of two tiles to attain “mahjong” & win. A Mahjong set (in a case) can cost about $50 or more (pictured below).

Trail Dust Town 50th Anniversary Celebration
February 12, 2012
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd # 22 Tucson, AZ 85715-3806
(520) 296-4551
http://www.traildusttown.com/

Scheduled Events

11:00am – Posting of the Colors – Town Square – U.S. Cavalry Color Guard Trail Dust Town’s Own 4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Men representing U.S. Cavalry in authentic uniforms will post the National Colors bearing 48 stars to celebrate Arizona’s joining the Union on February 14, 1912.

11:20am – Ribbon Cutting – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo – MC John P. Langellier, Ph.D.
Noted sculptor and Trail Dust Town“Trail Boss” Dan Bates joins distinguished guests (including former horse soldiers) to cut the ribbon rededicating Trail Dust Town in commemoration of its 50th year as an Arizona icon.

11:30am – Territorial Band Concert – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo – 4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Frontier military posts echoed with the strains of martial music. Today, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Band keeps alive this tradition. Step back in time to enjoy the band’s rousing repertoire the way it was when bold troopers in blue rode forth with pride to help to win the West. Afterwards, meet the band members, purchase one of their CDs, and take the experience home.

12:00pm – “Hell’s Belle” Wild West Stunt Show- Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
The not-so-infamous Johnny Outlaw and his rival Deputy Dan take aim to win the heart of Belle, the Marshal’s daughter. Belle, on the other hand, has her eye on something more bankable than love. Find out who’ll win the day and who’ll bite the dust in the action-filled stunt show. This show contains loud gunfire, cowboy-style fights, and explosion effects. The show lasts 30 minutes.

1:00pm–10:00pm – Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse Open
We invite you to come in and get a taste of the Old West at Tucson’s original cowboy steakhouse. Enjoy world famous mesquite grilled Cowboy steaks, ribs, chicken or fish in a relaxed and authentic western atmosphere.
No ties allowed!

1:00pm – Territorial Band Concert – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo -4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Frontier military posts echoed with the strains of martial music. Today, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Band keeps alive this tradition. Step back in time to enjoy the band’s rousing repertoire the way it was when bold troopers in blue rode forth with pride to help to win the West. Afterwards, meet the band members, purchase one of their CDs, and take the experience home.

1:20pm – Statehood procession in front of Bandstand/Gazebo – Trail Dust Town Actors (any other event participants encouraged to join). Join the residents of Trail Dust Town as they celebrate Arizona being brought into statehood.

1:45pm – Meet Theodore Roosevelt – Savoy Opera House – Thomas D. Grinnell
Blue blooded Easterner, Harvard graduate, rancher, Rough Rider, and President of the United States—Theodore Roosevelt was all that and more. Thomas Grinnell gives a bully impersonation of TR’s colorful personality on the stage of the elegant Savoy Opera House.

3:30pm- Loop Rawlins Wild West Show- Savoy Opera House
Pistolero Alumnus Loop Rawlins returns to celebrate this very special occasion. At fourteen, Loop became the first Trick Roper at Trail Dust Town. Trail Dust Town is where Rawlins grew as a performer and began training in Bullwhip cracking and in trick gun spinning. Today, Loop Rawlins is one of the most versatile western performers in the world.

4:00pm – Gun Fight Reenactment- West Side of the Train Depot
Performers reenact the 1907 gun fight between Arizona ranger Harry Wheeler and JA Tracy. The show contains loud gunfights and gunfight violence. The show runs 15 minutes.

5:30pm – “Hell’s Belle” Wild West Stunt Show – Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
See 12:00pm show for description.

6:00pm – Viva Arizona! Savoy Opera House – Ballet Folklórico Tapatío
Since 1997 South Tucson’s Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has entertained and educated the public about Mexican culture and history through traditional regional dances. Currently under the direction of Jose Luis Baca, the dance group has over 135 members who participate in four different levels of traditional dance. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío performs throughout the United States and Mexico and is gaining recognition as one of the finest folklórico programs in the nation. For more information, visit http://www.purotapatio.org

7:00pm – Encore Presentation of Western Performer Extraordinaire Loop Rawlins- Savoy Opera House

7:30pm – “Killer Miller” Wild West Stunt Show – Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
There’s a new Deputy in town- not! The completely incompetent goofball, wannabe Deputy Dawgard tries to help old Marshal Richardson take on the West’s most notorious gunman: Killer Miller! Will Dawgard and Richardson find the nerve to face Miller, or will they find themselves pushing up daisies? This show contains loud gunfire, cowboy-style fights, and explosion effects. The show lasts 30 minutes.

Ongoing Activities and Attractions
11:00am-7:00 pm – Living History Displays – Museum of the Horse Soldier
Living historians bring the past to life by interpreting Arizona’s history. Meet characters from Arizona’s colorful times gone by.

11:00am-6:00pm – Classic Cars Show – Main Plaza
Vehicles from Arizona’s past recall the early days of the Grand Canyon’s State when horses outnumbered horseless carriages.

11:00am-6:00pm – Military Horsepower – Front Parking Lot – Southern Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club
What better way to recognize Arizona’s military heritage than military vehicles from the past and present?

11:00am-6:00 pm – Adobe Plaza – Presidio San Agustín del Tucson
What was it like to serve at Tucson’s Spanish outpost over two centuries ago? You’ll find out when the members of El Presidio del San Agustin’s living history group help us travel back in time to the 18th century.

1:30-8:00pm – Museum of the Horse Soldier
Museum is under construction, although part of the museum will be open for viewing.
Experience this extraordinary collection of military horse equipment, weapons, uniforms, and exciting new exhibits. Informal tours conducted by guides in period U.S. Army uniforms of many eras, ongoing screenings of classic Hollywood portrayals of the U.S. Cavalry, and book signings by Dr. Langellier—author of numerous publications on American military history—continue throughout the day in this not to be missed museum. (See posted schedule at the Museum’s entry for tour times and other details.)

1:00pm-10:00pm – C.P. Huntington Railroad Ride
The miniature train is fun for all ages! Enjoy a ride around the town and see sites that are often missed.

11:00pm-8:00pm – Town Square – Mini-Street Fair
Various local artisans display their crafts available for purchase.

11:00pm – 10:00pm – The Wagon Wheel – Behind Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse
Take a spin on Trail Dust Town’s newest attraction, a Covered Wagon Ferris Wheel.

11:00pm – 9:00pm – Trail Dust Town Boutiques – Throughout the town
Trail Dust Town is home to several shops and businesses. Here you can find unique gifts, fun accessories, delicious food, and more. Be sure to stop in and see what our vendors have to offer.

11:00pm – 9:00pm – Western Carnival Games – Carnival Section behind Ferris Wheel
Calling all Ropers, Sharp Shooters, and Contenders, prove you’re no greenhorn and win a prize. Challenge your skills with a variety of amusements, including: Electronic Quickdraw, Rolling Roper, Western Carnival games.

As most of you know I tend to write about events downtown, but here’s a new event uptown at the Four Corners of Campbell & Skyline, on Feb. 11 and 12. Check it out — sounds like lots of activities to choose from…fine art galleries, wine tasting, fashions, music.

Free admission but you can also purchase a $20 wine/food “culinary arts” tasting ticket for more than 10 restaurants.

For more info: www.fourcornersfest.org.

There is something for everyone at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library‘s Centennial Celebration:

When: Saturday, February 11, 11am to 5pm
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (south of Alameda)
Who: All ages!
Learn more about the Arizona Centennial at AZ 100 Years.

Children will enjoy the family storytime at 11am followed by a craft and Happy Birthday Arizona cake. Don’t forget to take the opportunity to check out books on Arizona’s history, famous people, sports teams, and so on!
Teens will be interested in the games available in the teen room and in the display of the art, essays, letters and scrap book pages that teens have contributed to a time capsule to be sealed and not reopened again until 2062!
Adults will have an opportunity to see the debut of 18 pictures of historical Tucson barrios that will go on permanent display in the Joel D. Valdez Main Library. There will be talks by local historians on the history of Tucson and Arizona place names. Enjoy a reception between the talks with refreshments provided by local barrio businesses such as El Charro and La Caves.

On Saturdays parking is free on the streets and in the city garage beneath the library, accessed via Alameda Street.

As part of the celebration, we will also be unveiling a new photo exhibit honoring the history and heritage of Tucson’s barrios. This exhibit has been made possible through a collaboration with the Arizona Historical Society and this program is made possible by the Arizona Humanities Council.

Saturday, February 11, 2012
11:00am – 1:00pm
In celebration of the Centennial, we will have a Family Storytime beginning at 11 am with Happy Birthday Arizona cake afterwards!

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Dr. Lydia Otero of The University of Arizona’s Department of Mexican American Studies will discuss Tucson’s barrios and her book La Calle. A book signing will follow.

2:15pm – 3:30pm
Enjoy a gala reception with refreshments from local business such as El Charro and Le Caves.
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Place names are like fossil poetry – they afford a kind of folk history, a snapshot in time that enables us to read them and reconstruct how members of a culture in the past assigned names to the places they saw. The U.S. has over 3.5 million place names, and there is no part of the world where nomenclature is so rich, poetic, humorous, and picturesque – a tradition to which Arizona has had more than its share of contributions. In this presentation, Gregory McNamee examines the history of Arizona place names, from Ali Shonak to Zephyr, using lively anecdotes to discuss the little-known stories behind names on the land.
A Second Saturdays Event. An Arizona Centennial Event.

For more events downtown on February 11 (plus 2nd Saturday Downtown) and February 12, read my blog from yesterday (click here).

Happy Early Birthday Arizona on February 14, 2012.

La Pilita Museum 420 S. Main Ave., 11am-2pm, also offering Barrio walking guide books

Presidio San Agustin del Tucson 133 W. Washington, 10am-4pm

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum 414 N. Toole, 10am-5pm

Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Ave., 10am-6pm

Science Downtown: “Mars & Beyond” 300 E. Congress St., 9am-9pm

Sacred Machine 245 E. Congress St., 4pm-11pm

Jewish History Museum 564 S. Stone Ave., 1pm-5pm

Children’s Museum Tucson 200 S. Sixth Ave., 10am-5pm

MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) 265 S. Church Ave., 12pm-5pm

Great way to see these art, history, science exhibits for free. Thanks to all the sponsors that made this happen for families and adults in Tucson, as I know there are normally fees at some of these museums (i.e. Science Downtown, Museum of Art, Children’s Museum Tucson, MOCA).

And read my other blog about all the rest of the events happening downtown on Feb. 10, 11, and 12 for the Arizona Centennial birthday celebrations (http://tucsoncitizen.com/community/2012/02/08/3-days-of-celebration-for-arizonas-100th-birthday-feb-10-11-12/).

Info from 2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com website. I’ve listed a few of the events below, but go to that website for the full schedule.

Friday, Feb. 10:

4pm: GRAND OPENING, hosted by KOLD Channel 13 and Chuck George. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will open the festivities to an antique airplane fly-by and the raising of the 1912 American Flag originally flown over the Arizona Capitol. This event will take place at the main stage on 6th Ave., just south of Pennington.

Plus lots of musical entertainment on two stages (6th Ave x Pennington, and Scott Avenue Stage x Broadway), 4:15 pm. to 9:30 p.m.

…and more events along Congress Street including Cinema La Placita’s 6 p.m. showing of 1963 movie “McLintock!” (starring John Wayne) filmed at Old Tucson Studios.

Saturday Feb. 11:

2nd Saturdays Downtown usual excitement & events, plus music starting at 12 noon at 6th Ave. x Pennington stage. Scott Avenue/Broadway stage starts up at 1 p.m. with puppet shows for the kids, plus more exciting groups like Brazilian Batucaxe at 4 p.m. and Japanese Odaiko Sonora (taiko drums) at 5:15 p.m.

AND don’t miss the events over at the Joel D Valdez Main Library , 101 N Stone (11 to 5 p.m.), or at UA Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. for an “AZ 100 & Counting” free event (3 to 5 p.m.)

Over at the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street:

1:30pm-3:30pm: “A Special Chat with Noted Tucsonans of the Past,” presented by the Downtown Centennial Committee. This historic event will present reenacted interviews with a few of the famous men and women who helped create the State of Arizona and build The Old Pueblo, from 1912 to present. After the historic re-enactments the audience will enjoy films of Southern Arizona life in the early part of the twentieth century. This film is a composite of several travel logs gathered from 1920-30 by the “The Sunshine Climate Club,” an early Tucson tourist promotion group.

Cinema La Placita will be showing at 6 p.m. the classic 1940 movie “Arizona” (starring William Holden), also filmed at Old Tucson Studios.

Sunday Feb. 12:

Several events starting with an early 9 a.m. downtown bike ride, ending up with an 8 p.m. Dweezil Zappa (son of Frank) Concert at the Rialto Theatre (see below)

9 a.m.Celebrate the Centennial with a 1.5 hour bike ride, discovering Sonoran Desert street trees. Learn to identify different low water native trees in the Downtown streetscape, planted by volunteers, neighborhoods, the City of Tucson and the Downtown Tucson Partnership as part of the 1,000 Trees Please campaign. This easy bike ride through downtown and neighborhoods meets at the SE corner of Broadway Blvd. and Scott Ave

Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 S. Scott Avenue:
2pm-4:30pm: ACLU presents “Arizona Civil Rights Memories”, a panel discussion moderated by former Tucson mayor, George Miller. Retired Arizona Supreme Court Justice Stanley Feldman, retired UA Law School Dean, Professor Emeritus Charles Ares will be on the panel, as well as ACLU of Arizona Founding Board Member Cornelius Steelink.

Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street:

8pm: Zappa Plays Zappa All Ages. After taking more than three years off to study the physical performance and technical compositional techniques of his father, Frank Zappa, Dweezil Zappa began his search to create a combo that could, according to Dweezil, “accurately execute Frank’s music in the most authentic way humanly possible.” Rather than creating what he called a “circus” of Frank’s former bandmates, Dweezil’s focus was on providing an avenue for the elder Zappa’s music to new generations of listeners. (Tickets: $26-$56)

Enjoy the many festivities downtown and around town, all birthday celebrations for Arizona.

One of my friends is an extra in this movie, filmed right here in the Old Pueblo. This Arizona Theatrical Premiere will show at the Loft Theatre (3233 E. Speedway) on February 9, at 7 p.m.

Plus free souvenir give-aways of the talking bottle opener (as featured in the movie), while supplies last, so don’t be late to this showing!

“It only takes one idea.”

INGENIOUS is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy drama, based on a true story and filmed right here in Tucson!

Two lifelong friends, a small-time inventor (Dallas Roberts, 3:10 TO YUMA) and a silver-tongued salesman (two-time Oscar-nominee Jeremy Renner, THE HURT LOCKER) overcome hard times in Tucson, Arizona with hope and humor. Thanks to a series of comical mishaps and misadventures, the duo hit rock bottom before eventually striking gold with an “ingenious” invention that just might be their ticket to the big-time!

Also starring Ayelet Zurer (MUNICH) and Richard Kind (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM). Directed by Jeff Balsmeyer (DANNY DECKCHAIR) and written by Mike Cram, who based the story on his own experiences as one of the inventors of the talking bottle opener, as seen in the movie.

Sounds like hard times in Tucson can turn to gold. See you at the movies.

(Go to MyTowerTheatres.com for directions: Cortaro Exit/IH-10 Tower Theatres,
5755 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive, Marana, AZ.)

And here’s a great photo of the last roundup in Tucson on January 29, taken of Roy Chamberlain (courtesy of artist Mel Dominguez who participated in the event):

For more information on this Food Truck “Revolution”, go to www.foodtrucks.com., or contact David Aguirre at Dinnerware Artspace at dinnerwareartspace@gmail.com.

My blog on the last wildly successful/popular roundup which I attended on January 29 — pictured above (click here). I also went to the very first one on November 10, 2010, and now there are 5 or 6 times are many truck/wagons participating. Lots and lots of people seem to enjoy standing in line chatting with others, while waiting for food service, prepared fresh in those trucks.

Trucks scheduled to attend on Feb 6 – updated list from comment below (descriptions from David Aguirre):

`D’s Island Grill Jamaican Food
`Jamie’s Bitchen Kitchen (cuban sandwich and more)
`MaFooCo (Korean Tacos, Kimchi Tacos)
`Jane’s Rolling Wok (chinese gourmet)
`Pin-UP Pastries (whoopie pies and more tasty treats)
`Seis Curbside Kitchen (Mexican gourmet)
`Street Kitchen
`Animal Farm
`Espresso to the Rescue!
`Vero Amore Neapolitan Pizza
`Isabella’s Ice Cream (5:30pm arrival)
`Guero Loco’s Bubba-Que
`Trucking Good Cupcakes (now you’re talkin’)
`The Patty Wagon (tasty burgers)
`Red Pepper Mexican Gourmet (tacos and more)
`Robdogs (hotdogs, soy dogs, all the trimmings)
`Street Delights (pie, pie, pie)
`Ni Hao Amigos
`Baja Tacos (seafood from the Sea of Cortez)
`Stolen Recipe BBQ (omg, delicious)
`Jerid’s Roasted Corn (corn on the cob, on a stick, with hot sauce)
`Jones Street Bistro
`Jake’s Donuts and Funnell Cakes
`German Food Station (Brats! The way you like them.)

80 chairs will be provided but you can bring your own as well. Food (but not drinks) will be allowed into the theatre for movie viewing. Yappy Hour: Dogs on leash welcome.

From the website of the Loft Cinema (3233 E Speedway):

THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FILM FESTIVAL bears witness to human rights violations and creates a forum for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to empower audiences with the knowledge that personal commitment can make a difference. The film festival brings to life human rights abuses through storytelling in a way that challenges each individual to empathize and demand justice for all people.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday, February 4 • 11am • The Loft Cinema
INTRODUCTION: DOCUMENTARY FILM (60 min)
An introductory discussion on the genre of documentary film.
Facilitated by Jeff Yanc, Loft Cinema Program Director.

Tuesday, February 7 • 7pm • The Loft Cinema
IF A TREE FALLS (Dir. Marshall Curry, 85 min.) **2012 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE / BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE!**
Post screening discussion with Dr. Paul Robbins, Professor and Director, School of Geography & Development,
University of Arizona.

Wednesday, February 8 • 7pm • Tubac Center for the Arts, 9 Plaza Road
Tubac, Arizona
LOVE CRIMES OF KABUL (Dir. Tanaz Eshaghian, 72 min.)
Post screening discussion with Anissa Tanweer, Graduate student and journalist, School of Middle Eastern Studies,
University of Arizona.

Tuesday, February 21 • 7pm • Grace St. Paul Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
Tucson, Arizona
LOST ANGELS: SKID ROW IS MY HOME (Dir: Thomas Nappers, 75 min.)
Post screening discussion with Bill Magnotto, Executive Director, La Frontera Partners, Inc. & Richard Van Rhoads, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Arizona.

Tuesday, March 13 • 7pm • The Loft Cinema
PRESUMED GUILTY (Dir: Roberto Hernandez and Geoffrey Smith, 87 min.)
Post screening discussion facilitated by Dr. William Beezley, Department of History, University of Arizona.

Thursday, March 15 • 7pm • Grace St. Paul Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
Tucson, Arizona
OUT IN THE SILENCE (Dir: Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson, 65 min.)
Post screening discussion facilitated by Stephen Russell, Fitch Nesbitt Endowed Chair and Director, Frances McClelland Institute, Norton School Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Arizona and President – Elect, Society for Research on Adolescence.

Tuesday, March 20 • 7pm • Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Tucson, Arizona
THE GREEN WAVE (Dir: Ali Samadi Ahadi, 80 min.)
Post screening discussion facilitated by Dr. Anne Betteridge, Director, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arizona.

Sunday, March 25 • 2pm • Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E. 36th St.
Tucson, Arizona
LOST ANGELS: SKID ROW IS MY HOME (Dir: Thomas Nappers, 75 min.)
Post screening discussion with Bill Magnotto, Executive Director, La Frontera Partners, Inc. & Richard Van Rhoads, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Arizona.

Tuesday, March 27 • 7pm • The Loft Cinema
LAST BEST CHANCE (Dir: Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini, 100 min.)
Post screening Q&A with directors Michael Camerini & Shari Robertson.

Wednesday, March 28 • 10am • Universidad Pedagogica Nacional, Campus Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
LAST BEST CHANCE (Dir: Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini, 100 min.)
Post screening Q&A with directors Michael Camerini & Shari Robertson.

Wednesday, March 28 • 2:30pm • Tubac Center of the Arts, 9 Plaza Road
Tubac, Arizona
MOUNTAINS AND CLOUDS (Dir: Michael Camerini & Shari Robertson, 120 min.)
Post screening Q&A with directors Michael Camerini & Shari Robertson.

Tuesday, April 3 • 7pm • Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Tucson, Arizona
LOVE CRIMES OF KABUL (Dir. Tanaz Eshaghian, 72 min.)
Post screening discussion with Anissa Tanweer, Graduate student and journalist, School of Middle Eastern Studies,
University of Arizona.

Tuesday, April 17 • 7pm • The Loft Cinema
GRANITO: HOW TO NAIL A DICTATOR (Dir: Pamela Yates, 80 min.)
Post screening discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Olgesby, Associate Professor, School of Geography and Development, Center for Latin American Studies, University of Arizona & Kate Doyle, Senior Analyst of U.S. policy in Latin America at the National Security Archive.

This program was made possible by the Arizona Humanities Council.
With additional funding from: Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, The Fund for Civility, Respect, and Understanding, University of Arizona School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Joe F. Tarver.

The only film I’ve seen before is “Out in the Silence” – a powerful film about a Pennsylvania gay high school student who was severely bullied (which has played at the Loft and Himmel Library). I picked up a yellow flyer of this film festival, which has descriptions of the movie contents, but you can google the titles as well. And thanks to attorney Joe Tarver for his sponsorship, as he is married to Peggy Johnson, the Loft’s Executive Director.

Desert Voices, under the artistic direction of Chris Tackett, invites you to join us for Love Is… a musical celebration of the many different elements of the wondrous, heart-warming, sometimes heart-breaking thing we call love. We’ll take you on a melodic journey through the sweet and bittersweet; the subtle and the sublime; of living with – and sometimes without – that special someone.

Love Is… will be presented on Saturday, February 4th at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 5th at 3pm, at the beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 South Scott, Downtown. Tickets: $18 in advance, $20 at the door, $15 for students. (Group ticket pricing available for 8 or more – call 520-791-9662 for more information.)

Love Is… features the beautiful voices of the chorus joined with strings and our brilliant pianist Alexander Tentser. From the art of courtly love embodied in John Dowland’s Come Again to the Jackson 5′s I’ll Be There to a brand new piece, Believe, by our own Chris Tackett, the chorus will hit both the high and low notes of the musical-romantic connection throughout the last four centuries. For your musical enjoyment, our guest instrumentalists will be featured both with the chorus and by themselves.

Love Is… is the second event of the Desert Voices 2011/2012 season, ‘Prime,’ and we’re thrilled and excited to explore such beautiful music in this historic and memorable location. We hope you’ll join us as we share the music of love, and our love of the music, with you and yours.

Ticket and concert information for “Love Is…” is available by calling 520-791-9662, or visit their website: www.desertvoices.org.