Home Tour: Historic Adobes of Barrio Viejo

Six of Tucson’s Oldest and Most Extraordinary Properties

Saturday 20 April 2013 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

For the first time in a generation, a collection of Tucson’s oldest and most extraordinary historic homes in the Barrio Viejo Historic District will open their doors to support Historic Preservation in Tucson. The tour, organized by Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, will highlight six landmark adobe properties in one of Tucson’s most beloved neighborhoods. This tour is a rare opportunity to peek inside some of the community’s oldest homes and explore the legacy of Tucson’s beginning.

Tickets are $35.00 each and can be purchased online by clicking the “Purchase Tickets” link.

Tickets can also be purchased in person with cash or check at:

Hotel Congress
311 East Congress

BON
3022 East Broadway

Adobe House Antiques
2700 North Campbell

More info: www.preservetucson.org.

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Mission is to preserve Tucson’s Unique Architectural Environment.
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation vision is to become a community resource for Preservation.

It’s almost three years since the very first 2nd Saturday Downtown kicked off on May 8, 2010 (click here for the first photo gallery), and the fun & excitement has continued every month since then (except for a few nights with a bit of inclement rainy weather, and also on January 8, 2011 after that mass shooting in Tucson).

I’ve been blogging about this monthly event every month before the 2nd Saturday of the month. There’s been free outdoor movies to see hosted by Cinema La Placita and even often free films (or live performances) at The Screening Room (127 E. Congress St.). This Saturday the Cinema La Placita showing is at a new location: the Old Pueblo parking lot, 43 E. Congress St. between Scott & Stone Ave.

There’s been live music bands on the streets of E. Congress and close by, on the large Scott Avenue Stage (between Congress and Broadway), and at both the Fox and Rialto Theaters.

Performing along E. Congress are usually the 7 Pipers Band (Scottish bagpipes), and sometimes the mute or singing/dancing living statues from the Parasol Project. Tucson Circus Artists on stilts are usually entertaining downtown.

Food vendors and art & craft merchants are often selling their wares somewhere near the Scott Avenue Stage (there’s been some changes due to the modern streetcar construction). And eclectic art receptions have been held at Sacred Machine (245 E. Congress), The Drawing Studio (33 S. 6th Ave.), Dragonfly Gallery (146 E. Broadway), and Etherton Gallery (135 S. 6th Ave.)

Check out the event schedule every month at www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com.

There’s even entertainment now (or so I hear) on the top of the somewhat new green Pennington Street Garage (110. E. Pennington). This venue is being abbreviated as T.O.P. (Top Of Pennington) with jazz, rock & roll music, etc. Check it out.

And if you’re new to Tucson, or rarely go downtown, here’s your chance to enjoy downtown Tucson, mostly for free at this urban street fest. Just find Congress Street and roam around that area between the Hotel Congress & Rialto Theater on the east end, to the Fox Theater on the west end.

Some people are really passionate about playing chess, and recently I noticed this flyer at the Joel D. Valdez main library downtown. This is the 6th Annual Chess Fest entitled “Queens and Kings”, so check it out (for free) on April 13, 2 to 5 p.m.
Our son played chess under teacher/coach Mr. Jim Tallmadge, who is well known in town for his chess club.

“9 Queens is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through chess by making the game fun, exciting, and accessible.”

On April 13, 2013 from 2-5 pm at the Hotel Congress (311 E. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona, 85701), Tucsonans will have the opportunity to show Women’s FIDE Master Amanda Mateer and International Master Mac Molner their best moves. Husband and wife chess power couple, Mateer and Molner, will play in a tandem chess simultaneous exhibition playing up to forty games at a time during the 9 Queens Chess Fest. The 6th Annual Chess Fest will feature a range of free chess themed activities focused on fun and learning the enjoyment and benefits of the game!

In contrast to traditional chess tournaments and events, the Chess Fest will have something for everyone, regardless of age or chess experience. Activities include: beginner chess lessons, pick-up chess games, the lawn size chess board, face painting and a tandem simultaneous chess exhibit.

Women’s FIDE Master Amanda Mateer will be presented with the 9 Queens Award. “The 9 Queens Award is given to a player who embodies the mission of 9 Queens and our commitment to empowering under-served and under-represented populations. “ explains 9 Queens executive director Jean Hoffman.

Amanda Mateer is no stranger to Tucson’s chess scene. She is a co-founder of Tucson Chess Alliance, which is another Tucson community chess group, a member of the Southern Arizona Chess Alliance Board, a nationally recognized tournament director and is one of the most liked coaches in the Old Pueblo by adults and children alike.

All activities are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is necessary. For more information email vlazaro@9queens.org.