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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).

Celebrate Kindness Day” by Ben’s Bells Project coming up on Saturday, April 24th at 816 E. University Blvd (Geronimo Plaza in Main Gate Square)! It’s time to buy your tickets and order your “YOU ARE KIND” mini Ben’s Bells!
2:00-5:00 p.m. – Free Admission
Live Music – Face Painting – Raffle – Bell-making – Kind Kids Sign-up

5:00-8:00 p.m. – Tickets $25 ($30 at the door)
Ben’s Bells invites you to spend the evening with Elliot Glicksman, The Determined Luddites, The Tryst, The Rapallos, Olympic swimmers, and other fun and KIND Tucsonans!
Live Music – Dancing – Food – Wine – Beer – Silent Auction
Free parking on the street (Saturday) and at the UA parking garages nearby.

website: www.bensbells.org. The story behind the bells: Toddler Ben Packard suddenly died from croup on March 29, 2002 at age 2, and his mother Jeannette founded Ben’s Bells in his memory in 2003, creating lovely ceramic mobiles to thank people for their kindness. “On the first anniversary of his death, hundreds of Ben’s Bells were distributed throughout Tucson, hung randomly in trees, on bike paths, and in parks with a written message to simply take one home and pass on the kindness.”

Weekly awards of these bells are given to lucky Tucsonans for their kindness and community spirit. I was nominated once for the work I did for founding/coordinating/steering a volunteer elderly project in my neighborhood.

I have also helped paint those lovely ceramic shapes that compose a Ben’s Bells mobile. It’s a great art project to help the Tucson community appreciate kindness. You too can help by dropping by their office/studio at 816 E. University Blvd. (Geronimo Plaza, east side). Hours are:

Wednesdays 10-3pm
Thursdays 10-3pm
Fridays 10-7pm
Saturday/Sunday 10-3pm

“Nothing is more important in these trying times than kindness.”

Be KIND and celebrate kindness on April 24.