Here are some photos of last night’s 2nd Saturdays Downtown urban street fest, along and around E. Congress Street, compliments of Donovan Dean Durband (Ward 6 Council aide and former Executive Director of the Downtown Tucson Alliance), and Tucson Birthday’s photographer Jon Scanlon.

human statue, courtesy of Donovan Durband

A Son y Sol at Ronstadt Transit Center, courtesy of Donovan Durband

Roll Acosta on the Scott Avenue Stage, courtesy of Donovan Durband

A couple of art receptions were going on as well at Arts Marketplace (featuring artist Mel Dominguez), teen art at The Drawing Studio, and “The Art of Functional Fashion” mixed in with bike training (with drums!) at the newly opened 02 Modern Fitness center at 186 E. Broadway (corner of 5th Avenue). Over on Congress, Daniel Martin Diaz was showing his art in Sacred Machine (photo below). There was definitely diverse community art to choose from last night.

Daniel Martin Diaz's Sacred Machine gallery, courtesy of Donovan Durband

Also here are some photos by Jon Scanlon for Tucson’s Birthday at the Fox Tucson Theatre.

standing room only at the Fox Theater, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

We spent almost our entire time at the free Fox Tucson Theater concert, featuring first The Seven Pipers Scottish bagpipe troupe, then the Gospel Music Workshop of America, followed by former Tucson Citizen staffer Daniel Buckley‘s video of Cele Peterson, and a short talk by “Big Jim” Griffith (of Tucson Meet Yourself fame), then lots of great music.

Gabriel Ayala at the Fox, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

Gabriel Ayala (Native American guitarist) was followed by STICKSnFINGERS Caribbean band with 5 calypso like dancers, Chinese Lion dancers of the Tucson Chinese School, then guitarist Salvador Duran (with Chili Willie on bongos), Los Gallegos (4 talented brothers), and finally Mariachi Sonido de Mexico with singer Olga Flores. Wow, it was a multi-cultural fest of terrific local music & dance, for over two hours.

Sticks & Fingers with dancers, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

Chili Willie with Salvador Duran, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

Los Gallegos at the Fox, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

Mariachi Sonido de Mexico, courtesy of Jon Scanlon

“Big Jim” on stage said it all “This is our community, and ain’t it great?” This event was a tribute to Tucson’s “First Lady of Fashion”, Cele Peterson, who passed away at age 101 in May of this year. For more photos of this Fox Birthday event, go to the Tucson Birthday website (Flickr) for Jon Scanlon’s photo file (click here).

If you haven’t been to a 2nd Saturdays Downtown event yet, mark your calendars for the next one on September 11. It’s a family-friendly event as well, as shown by this photo last night of these joyful little boys playing with bubbles:

boys playing with bubbles, courtesy of Donovan Durband

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Can it be that time again? For the fun-filled and eventful downtown urban street fest? Go on downtown to E. Congress Street on August 14, starting at 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Here’s the event schedules:

At the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, for free, starting at 7 p.m.:

Celebrate Tucson flyer

Celebrate Tucson! A Tribute to the Cultures of Tucson (and a tribute in memory to Cele Peterson):
Featuring entertainment from local groups including STICKSnFINGERS, Los Gallegos, and Mariachi Sonido de Mexico. Special guests include Olga Flores, Salvador Duran, Gabriel Ayala, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, as well as the Tucson Chinese School Lion Dancers.
This event is co-sponsored by District 5 Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias and SEIU (Service Employees International Union).

At the Scott Avenue Stage (between E. Congress and E. Broadway):

6:30pm-7:30pm: Roll Acosta: Acoustic/Pop/Rock

7:45-9pm: Triple Double Band: Psychedelic/Reggae/Swing

9:15pm-10:30pm: The Tryst: Funk/Jazz/Soul
“Contenders in three categories for the 2010 TAMMIES (Tucson Area Music Awards) – best jazz band, best female vocalist and best horn player. Come and see why they are deserving of such accolades!”

Plus lots of craft vendors, food booths, street performers. Human statues (see photos courtesy of Donovan Dean Durband below) have been present before at other Saturdays, but sadly not this weekend. There’s always lots to do and lots to enjoy every 2nd Saturday Downtown.

Check it all out on their website at www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com.

Enjoy this urban street fest. Tell all your friends!

male human statue with drums at July's 2nd Saturdays Downtown

female human statue at July's 2nd Saturdays Downtown

8/15/10 UPDATE (photo gallery, click here).