Events

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Friday, October 3

All Soul’s Procession Fundraiser. Nimbus Brewery, 3850 E. 44th St., 745-9175, www.allsoulsprocession.org. Time: 9:00pm-1:00am Admission: Call. Drink in support of the annual All Soul’s Procession that is sure to put Tucson on the map. A group bike ride departs BICAS, 44 W. 6th St., at 8:30pm.

Saturday, October 4

Magical Sandcastles. Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. 6th Ave., 792-9985. Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Admission: Free in the courtyard. TCM’s courtyard will host the Tucson building community with outdoor activities that include making an adobe bench, a broken tile mosaic, painting a house and planting a flower.

Fray Day – International Spoken Word Event. Biblio Bookstore, 222 E. Congress St., 624-8222. Time: 7:00pm Admission: Donation. AZSessions kicks off a spin at 7:00pm and featured performers start at 8:00pm. Call Biblio or log onto www.fray.org for more information.

Fall Crawl: Music Event. Time: 8:00pm-1:00am Admission: $7 wristbands, 21+ event. This 4th Avenue and Downtown event showcases Tucson’s fabulous and eclectic mix of bands and musicians. Consult the October 2 issue of the Tucson Weekly for more information or log on at www.tucsonweekly.com.

Sunday, October 5

Discovering Tucson’s All Soul’s Day Procession. Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. 6th Ave., 792-9985. Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm Admission: Call . The opening reception will include performances by Tucson Puppetworks, Flam Chen and The Hillwilliams.

Thursday, October 9

Mayoral Candidate Forum. Historic Stone Avenue Temple, 564 S. Stone Ave., www.downtowntucson.org. Time: 7:00pm Admission: Free. The Tucson Downtown Alliance and the Historic Stone Avenue Temple are presenting a forum with Incumbent Bob Walkup and challenger Tom Volgy, moderated by Celeste Gonzalez from KUAT. The discussion will center on Downtown topics and attendees are encouraged to submit questions for discussion.

Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12

Tucson Meet Yourself Festival. El Presidio Park, located off Alameda Street, just west of Stone Avenue, 806-9004. www.tucsonfestival.org/TucsonMeetYourself. Time: Varies. Admission: Free. The park is positioned between the Old County Courthouse and City Hall. The festival and entertainment is free. A wide selection of ethnic food is overwhelming with over 30 food booths offering tasty samples. It is the only time of year when you can eat a Thai egg roll, watch a Ukrainian-American East egg decoration and listen to a Tohono O’Odham polka band all at the same time. You can experience music and dance from all over the world, performed by your neighbor. This annual event is not one you will want to miss! There is so much to see, watch, hear and experience. This is a great family event, and wonderful way to celebrate our cultures.

Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13

Geshe Michael Roach. Muse, 516 N. 5th Ave., www.diamondmtn.org. Time: Starts at 9:00am Admission: Donation. Diamond Mountain presents Geshe Michael Roach, author of Diamond Cutter, in his first public teaching since the end of his three-year retreat. The Uttara Tantra of Maitreya, teachings of the future Buddha, will be studied over four days.

Saturday, October 11

Other Voices Woman’s Reading Series. Biblio Bookstore, 222 E. Congress, 624-8222. Time: 7:00pm Admission: Free. Featured Readers:  Susan Cummins Miller and Wynne Brown. Open microphone will follow.  Women writers and poets and singer-songwriters welcome at open mic. Art opening – Joe and Josephine. Light refreshments.

Special Performance and Workshop. Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. 6th Ave., 792-9985. Time: 11:00am-11:30am Admission: Call. Internationally renowned clown Wolfe Bowart will present “LaLaLuna.” Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm Admission: Call. Face painting workshop with All Souls Day Procession participant Krishna Porter.

Open House, Exhibition Opening, Book Sale & Family Fun! Arizona State Museum, 1013 E. University Blvd, 626-8381. Time: Noon-5:00pm. Admission: Call. The museum’s open house will allow the public to go behind the scenes into storerooms and archaeological laboratories, talk with researchers, archaeologists, conservators, and curators. Join the museum for the opening of a new exhibit and shop at the annual library benefit used book sale. Hands-on activities include making sun prints and pinch pots.

Sunday, October 12

See Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! Live in Tucson. Access Tucson, 124 E. Broadway Blvd., 624-9833, www.accesstucson.org OR KXCI 91.3 FM, 220 S. 4th Ave., 623-1000 ext. 13, www.kxci.org. Amy Goodman, award-winning journalist and host of Democracy Now!, will speak Sunday night, October 12th, 8:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus. Her appearance is in support of KXCI 91.3 FM community radio and Access Tucson public access television, the independent media outlets that carry Democracy Now! in Tucson. Amy will speak to Tucson about independent media in time of war and elections.  A short question and answer session will follow the speech. The free “donations-requested” speech begins at 8pm at Centennial Hall.

Wednesday, October 15

Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox! Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., 791-4393. Time:11:00am Admission: Free. Come enjoy old and new fairytales for preschoolers ages 3-5.

Thursday, October 16

Business Counseling with the SBA. Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., 791-4393. Time: 9:00am-1:30pm Admission: Free. Learn about small business loans, opening a business, selling to the government, and time-tested strategies for developing your enterprise. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Service Corps of Retired Executives will provide free one-on-one counseling. No appointment necessary.

Friday, October 17 - Saturday, October 18

SAHBA (Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association) Fall Home & Garden Show. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., 795-3025, www.sahbahomeshow.com. Time: 10am-9pm Admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors (62+), children 12 and under are free. The 31st Annual SAHBA Home show will feature over 350 exhibitors with products, demonstrations, and how-to seminars. The event also runs on Sunday October 19, between the hours of 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Saturday, October 18

All Soul’s Procession Fundraiser. Tucson Puppet Works & Hall of Flame, 6th Street Studios at 6th Street and 9th Avenue, 770-1533, www.allsoulsprocession.org. Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm Admission: Call. This all-ages fundraiser will help cover the costs of the visual wonder that is the All Soul’s Day Procession.

Information Power for Small Business. Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., 791-4393. Time: 9:30am-Noon Admission: Call. Growing a business? Learn how to use market analysis for developing a winning business strategy. Discover sources you can use for locating suppliers and competitors, identifying potential customers, and tracking industry trends. Presented by PCC Small Business Development Center and Tucson-Pima Public Library. Registration is required for this program. Call the Joel D. Valdez Main Library at 791-4393 weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Speak to Tom Farmer or Deborah Brown to register or send an e-mail to BizNews@ci.tucson.az.us.

Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 19

Desert Survivors Fall Plant Sale. 1020 W. 22nd St., 791-9309. Time: 8:00am-5:00pm (Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm) Admission: Free. Thousands of very cool southwestern native plants will be available to purchase and take home. There will be native plant geeks to answer questions, members of the Southeastern Butterfly Association will be hanging out (look for them near the passion flower vines and the milkweeds), and landscape architecture students will be there to help design your yard—though we’re sure it’s just fine!

Sunday, October 19

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: March & Rally. Pima County Superior Court (110 W. Congress). Time: 11:00am-4:00pm. Admission: Free. Tucson families and community members march in support of a community free of domestic violence. The march will end at the Tucson Children’s Museum (200 S. 6th Ave.) with a rally and an informational fair featuring music and speakers, activities for children and families and free museum admission all day long!

Friday, October 24

Chili Cook-Off. El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St. Time: 10:00am - 10:00pm Admission: Free, chili: $1/cup. Tucson Fire Fighters Association Local 479 will host the 8th Annual Tucson Fire Fighters Chili Cook-Off, benefting the Adopt-A-Family program. The program helps needy families with toys, food, and gifts during the holiday season. The cook off will be a family event with numerous children’s activities and live entertainment.

Saturday, October 25

Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Spooktacular. Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. Time: 10:00am Admission: Adults, $11. Children, $8. Family pack (any combo of 4), $30. Join the TSO for musical and edible treats. The TSO brews up a concert of spooky music to put you in the mood for Halloween. Special treats for all kids following the concert. Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and see the musicians in theirs! Albert-George Schram conducts.

Tour de Fat “A Ballyhoo of Bikes and Beer”. 4th Avenue and 5th Street. Time: 9:00am-dusk Admission: Free. In its third year, the Tour de Fat Festival is to promote and raise money for local cycling non-profits. Proceeds from the festival will benefit BICAS. See the Focus on Fourth section or log on at www.fourthavenue.org.

Wednesday, October 29

Candlelight Vigil. El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St. Time: 6:00pm Admission: Free. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the candlelight vigil will commemorate those who did not survive domestic violence, as well as survivors in our community.

Saturday, November 1

All Souls’ Procession. Starting at MUSE (6th Street & 5th Avenue), the parade will wind through downtown and have the finale with Flam Chem & Tucson Puppetworks at the railroad loading docks – W. Franklin Street and N. Stone Avenue. Time: 7:00pm Admission: Free. The All Souls’ Procession involves thousands of participants of all ages every year. This awesome spectacle attracts press from all over the United States and abroad.

Grants Orientation, Part 1. Main Library’s 2nd floor Computer Center, 101 N. Stone Ave., 791-4393. Time: 10:00am-11:45am. Admission: Free. Learn to research grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations. Access the web-based Arizona Guide to Grants and Giving. Practice using FC Search, the Foundation Center’s CD-ROM database of grant makers and past grants to nonprofit organizations. Visit useful Internet sites for nonprofits. Bring a 3 inch disk. Space is limited and registration is required. To register call the Communications Room at 791-4393 weekdays between 9:00am and 4:30pm.

Ongoing

Wednesdays

Farmers Market, and Arts & Crafts Mercado. Main Library Plaza on Pennington St. between Stone Ave. and Church St. Time: 8:00am-2:00pm Admission: Free. Where else can you enjoy a selection of tantalizing salsa, garden fresh produce, fruit, fresh baked goods, nuts, kettle corn, specialty skin care items, live desert blooming plants, unique gifts, and hand-made jewelry. If you are interested in joining the market, please call Alan Ward at 326-7810.

Tucson Playback Theatre Jams. MUSE, 516 N. 5th Ave., Room 227, 490-8262, www.communityspark.org. Time:7:00pm-9:00pm Admission: Suggested donation: $5-$10 (all admitted). On Wednesday October 8 and 22, teens 14 to 18 year-olds are invited to try out Playback Theatre in an open jam setting. Improv theatre based on your real life stories!

Thursdays

ArtWalk. Different location each week. Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Admission: $5. ArtWalk is a guided tour, offered twice a month, that teaches attendants about what is current in Tucson art. October 2 features MOCA, Solar Culture and Toole Avenue studios. October 23 features Tucson Museum of Art: Changing Hands. Interested participants my RSVP to 624-9977 for reservations.

Fridays

Students’ Works in Progress Series. Biblio Bookstore, 222 E. Congress, 624-8222. Time: 7:00pm Admission: Free. Every other Friday starting October 3, UA MFA Poets and Prose writing students will be featured.

Saturdays

Saturdays on Fourth. Time: Starting at 3:00pm Admission: Free. Join the fun the first Saturday of each month on 4th Avenue from 9th Street to University Boulevard with free live music, sidewalk arts and crafts, trolley rides and various other activities. For more information, call 624-5004, or visit the website at www.fourthavenue.org.

Ceramic Making Demonstrations. Arizona State Museum, UA Campus, 1013 E. University Blvd., 626-8381. Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Admission: Free. Weekly demonstrations by ceramic artists in the Pottery Detectives exhibit gallery.

Historic Walking Tours. Time: 8:45am-10:30am Admission: $5. The walking tours provide participants with a history of Tucson, its buildings (that are often closed to the public), and its growth. On October 11, explore the Historic Warehouse District. On October 25, the walking tour will cover Armory Park and the Railroad District. RSVP is required by calling 624-9977.

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A Feast of Flavor: The History of the All Souls’ Procession

by Diane Daly

he arts without death would be devoid of passion and of birth, of icons and memory. It is said that food you leave as an offering for the dead is still there in the morning, but the flavor is gone. So it is that we put our most flavorful emotions into our fears, sorrows, and memories and idolatry of the dead. The only terrible death is the forgetting.

Our rambunctious country has the tendency to forget the humanity of our ancestors like any cavalier adolescent, which is fitting on the historical side of things. But Tucson has always been a little different; our teetering on the border between cultures (a border that is itself a mass grave and for so many who have tried to cross it) lends Tucson’s artists a unique edge on the border between life and death. The annual All Souls’ Procession on the first Saturday of November is a long walk along the border between the living and the dead, with our ancestors on one side and the burlesqued face we nod to mortality on the other.

The spark that began this conflagration occurred in 1990 by most accounts, when a local artist named Susan Johnson involved other artists in a ritualistic performance piece she created to grieve the passing of her father. Inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos holiday, Johnson felt she should honor her father in celebration and creativity. The artists and the public were intrigued by their feeling that a cultural void was being filled, and made the ritual into an annual event celebrated on Dia de los Muertos. By 1994 it had become a “procession”, or a non-motorized parade, of about 50 artists along the usually quiet sidewalks of Downtown Tucson.

At that point the parade of death truly acquired a life of its own, complete with what the organizers refer to as “growing pains.” By the mid-nineties, makeshift workshops were cropping up in backyards all over the city to create parade puppets and such, and large numbers of welcome but unexpected participants were joining the procession at every imaginable route point with every imaginable percussive device and costuming prop. When the day to parade would finally arrive, a crowd hundreds stronger than expected would wash through the sidewalks and streets, to the consternation of residents and police who hadn’t always expected them.

Obviously it was time for a more complex level of organization. Flam Chen’s Nadia Hagen and choreographer Jon McNamara were among the artists who began navigating the local systems of permitting and funding to make the parade and its workshops legitimate; the parade itself was now scheduled on the first Saturday of November. An Artist-in-Residence grant awarded to McNamara from Tucson Arts Districts Partnership in 1998 contributed to the creation of what was at that point officially entitled “The All Souls’ Procession,” the organizing members of which were calling themselves Many Mouths One Stomach. However, while initially some funding that came in was available for workshop supply fees, soon the legally required costs of the off-duty police officers and insurance absorbed all small grants and then some.

It was around the turn of this millennium that Tucson’s local businesses and arts groups were finally ready to acknowledge the positive impact that the thousand-strong All Souls’ Procession had on Downtown Tucson. Brooklyn Pizza Company began donating pizzas to the Procession workshops run by Tucson Puppet Works. As the group Many Mouths One Stomach began to solidify into an arts organization, assistance began coming their way by other organizations to secure the future of this event. The All Souls’ Procession received its first matching grant from Tucson Pima Arts Council in 2002, and a great deal of assistance from the Tucson Downtown Alliance rounded out the building of last year’s Procession, which was attended by over 3,000 people.

This year’s All Souls’ Procession is funded by the most diverse group of local businesses and arts organizations yet. Grants from Tucson Pima Arts Council, Arizona Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts have been matched by support from the Tucson Downtown Alliance (through It’s Happening Downtown, Inc.), Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Nimbus Brewing Company, Creative Costumes, MUSE, Brooklyn Pizza, and many generous individuals. Many Mouths One Stomach has gone from turning out their own pockets to buy paint to running as an established organization with staff including members of Flam Chen and Tucson Puppet Works. MMOS is also fiscally sponsored by Mat Bevel’s non-profit organization and well on its way to achieving its own non-profit status.

What would the arts of Tucson be without the All Souls’ Procession? Thanks to Tucson’s appetite for its unique flavor and support from the arts and business communities, we may never have to know Tucson without the All Souls’ Procession. And if the Procession must see its own death in our lifetimes…do what you can this year to be sure it is never forgotten.

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