It was inevitable. Tucson’s two long-running nonprofit spoken word events, Ocotillo Poetry Slam and Odyssey Storytelling, eventually had to collaborate to create Double O Story Slam.  The first story slam will be held on Monday, June 27 at  Fluxx Studios, 414 E. 9th Street. The show starts at 7:15; come early, starting at 6:30, to sign up to be a teller.

What’s a story slam? It’s a contest where people tell real stories from their lives on a theme.  No costumes, no notes, no props, just the story.  June’s theme is “In Heat: Surviving the Summer,” and it is meant to be interpreted from a broad range of perspectives.

The first ten people to sign up will have a chance to try to tell the most compelling five-minute story.  Selected audience members will act as judges and determine which storyteller wins and gets a prize.

This uncensored all-ages show will appeal to students and elders and everyone in-between.  Everyone loves to hear a story and this is your chance to hear something juicy or to tell us something juicy.  The event is free with a $5 suggested donation at the door.  Refreshments will be available.

Ocotillo Poetry Slam is a project of Ocotillo Literary Endeavors, Inc. and Odyssey Storytelling is a project of StoryArts Group, Inc.; both parent groups are 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations.

For more information, contact Maya Asher, masherster@gmail.com, 480-390-1063 or Penelope Starr, Penelope@odysseystorytelling.com, 520-730-4112

WomanKraft, located at 388 S. Stone Avenue in Tucson, will hold a rummage sale June 10, 11, and 12. Hours are 8am to 4pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 3pm Sunday. Come by to see an eclectic collection including clothes, kitchenware, puzzles, books, movies, artwork, and even a unicycle.

The art gallery features local artists. The School of the Arts offers many classes covering a wide range of artistic media, see their latest newsletter for class schedules.

Look for the “Castle” and its colorful gate.

Despite blustery winds, exuberant carnaval revelers paraded through downtown Tucson on Saturday. 2011 marks the fourth annual carnaval event in Tucson, and it grows bigger and better each year.

There were significantly more samba bands and dancers in this year’s parade compared to other years. In addition to the parade, there were two stages of live music, plus food vendors, games and demonstrations.

If you missed Tucson’s carnaval celebration, check out this video of the parade and mark your calendar for next year!