'Around Tucson': By, Jerry D

'Syndicated And Published Monthly Under The Exclusive Rights Of The Southwest Trust'

Contact Jerry D

July 2010

Rocky Rocks!

Hello Readers!

I am going to refrain from writing about how hot it is in The Old Pueblo in the summertime. You already have enough people telling you that from every form of media, including your Grandma Minnie.

I will however hope that you all take good care of yourselves out there in the weather. It is never entertaining to read about people suffering from elements that they can remove or take steps to protect themselves from.

On the third Saturday of each month, there is a happening at the Loft Cinema that has spanned a generation and will probably continue as long as anyone has the urge to jump to the left. When the lights go out around midnight, and the film reel starts to roll, the opening credits launch with a pair of red lips that take us on a journey like no other.

I am referring of course to the one and only…

"Rocky Horror Picture Show".

‘Rocky’, as it is lovingly called by its fans world wide, is the story written back in the mid 1970's by playwright Richard O'Brian. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, it is basically what happens when a loving couple has a flat tire and go for help to a castle they passed on the road. The film adaptation of the 1973 London stage production was released in 1975, where it premiered in New York and instantly became a cult classic. The story, with songs and music thrown in for good measure, maybe did not win any Academy Awards, but the culture and good fun it has produced has been worthy of many an award.

As soon as the film was released, people had the urge to get up in front of the movie screen and follow each character as well as sing each song. Meanwhile those still in the audience, created a dialog to go along with the silent moments in the movie, mocking, praising, and creating a language to go right along with the film. If you have never attended a showing before, it can be a bit of a shock to have people right next to you shouting out what some mothers would wash out their kids mouths with soap for, but instead all with a smile on their faces.

“Hey, wait a minute, is that your Mom over there in the 7^th row with that piece of toast?

Thirty two (1978) years ago, Tucson ‘jumped’ in to the craze and started showing ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in a local theatre here. Back then the participants were mostly Air Force military personell who were here in The Old Pueblo for duty and missed a bit of big city living. The company who oversees the entire production here in Tucson is known as "Heavy Petting" (A line from one of the songs in the movie). Heavy Petting makes sure that there is a cast in front of the screen giving it their all and assuring those in the seats an experience that they will want to recreate month after month. This has been happening now for the last 32 years without stoppage, making it the longest running Rocky Horror production in the entire United States.

The generational gap is filled like no other event when you go to ‘Rocky.’ Those who remember seeing the film in the days when you could light up a lighter during one of the songs, now see their children instead holding up their cell phones in place for the same effect. At the last showing in June, the age range ran from 14 to 82, with most attendees in the know of what was happening and what to shout out at the appropriate times. The story is still the same, and it has shown its ability to last with so many thousands of fun seeking people still attending the shows for all these years.

If you are new to the experience and attending for the first time, do not be afraid. Do however be prepared to be subjected to a trial by fire known as "losing your virginity". Prior to the movie, games are held and contest judged for those who admit to being "virgins". The experience will leave you wanting to find your own friends who have not attended and bring them in for the fun and excitement of having them do what you had to.

‘Rocky Horror’ plays the third Saturday of each month. The next showing is on July 17th. Doors open at 11PM with the movie usually starting by 12:30AM.

You can follow the antics of Heavy Petting at their Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/heavypettingaz?ref=ts

And, you can check out all the other great films that ‘The Loft’ has in store for this summer. Here is their site:

http://www.loftcinema.com/rockyhorror

Have a great month readers! Hope to see you out there in the community catching a show, movie, or any of the other great events that Tucson has waiting for you!!

Take Care!!

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June 2010

Hot Fun In The Summer Time!

Congratulations to all the graduates of every school here in the Old Pueblo, and much success to those Tucson graduates on their journeys no matter where that might take them.

With the warmer weather upon us, it is again that time of year when the working world plans its vacations and trips to places that help them to forget how work and the world weigh on them. While some of us travel away from our fair city this time of year, others stay in town, taking in all the great summer experiences that are here to offer us.

I want to give you all a little bit of information regarding those places where you can catch some really great live music this summer. There are plenty of places to see a great band, have a fun time, do some dancing and even meet the performers up close here in town. We can take this opportunity to promote local talent and who knows, put Tucson on the map nationally like an Austin or Nashville.

No matter what your musical liking, The Old Pueblo seems to have something for everyone’s taste. From dressing up in your best tuxedo, to donning a tie dye shirt and dancing the night away like a 1960’s Hippie, we have it all. Here are just a sample of places and their links to head to this summer for some real music and fun.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown is the historical Rialto Theatre:

www.rialtotheatre.com

The Rialto has slowly progressed from a dilapidated former movie house to the home of some of Tucson’s best visiting talent. Now I am mentioning our advocacy of local talent, so you would ask why the Rialto is listed here when the headliners are all traveling bands. It is the openers (opening acts-back up bands) that seem to take the stage with a purpose and are worth the price of admission. Most acts at the Rialto have an opener, usually a local talent who is trying to get their own foot in the music industry door. After the opener finishes their set, you will probably see them hanging in the lobby of the Rialto signing CD’s and taking pictures. This is an opportunity for you to truly meet the artists and thank them for what they do.

Right across the street from the Rialto is one of Tucson’s best musical houses, Club Congress:

http://www.hotelcongress.com/club/

Located in the Hotel Congress, Club Congress has one of the most intimate stage settings in Tucson. You can reach out and touch the performers on stage, and dance with the music all in one effort. Congress showcases all musical styles, from the latest in DJ magic, to Folk at its best. The small venue fills quickly, but like the Rialto, gives you the unique opportunity to meet and greet the artists, as they have to walk right through the crowd to get on stage. Fans and fellow musicians enjoy shows at the Club Congress, so if you plan on going, get there early to assure a spot on the floor near the stage, or near the DJ booth.

With the Old Pueblo being the home of the oldest National Rodeo-The Fiesta de Los Vaqueros, it’s only fitting that we have a venue where the Two-Step is still the dance of choice. That place is The Maverick:

http://emol.org/maverick/

The self-proclaimed “King of Clubs” is the place to be for live Country Music here in the Old Pueblo. Their new location on Tanque Verde Road is a prime location for a great night of dining and dancing to the music that originated in the American heartland. Live bands take the stage nightly and don’t stop until last call. You can don your best Stetson and boots and shuffle across the floor. Bands are personable here, talking and dancing along with the crowd, never missing a beat. You might even see someone in the crowd end up on stage to sing themselves, as that is always a possibility at The Maverick. Get your Country on and enjoy a down home time.

Two more locations to quickly mention for great live music.

The Surly Wench Pub:

http://www.surlywenchpub.com/

This unique happening spot on 4^th Avenue may surprise you, check it out!

And, Plush:

http://plushtucson.com/

Both the Surly Wench Pub and Plush are just about smack in the middle of the 4^th Avenue Strip and offer some great local and visiting music makers. Most bands are one’s that are up and coming and you can say you saw them right here in Tucson. Both locations offer side bars where you can sit in more quiet settings, so if the music gets to be too much, you can relax with a wine or beverage.

Most of the locations mentioned above sell their tickets right at the front door if not on their websites ahead of time. Check them all out, and see who is coming to play in the Old Pueblo.

I hope to see all of you out there at any of these venues (Yes, I do go to them myself…Please say hello if you see me out there!)

Come on down and enjoy the summer music reminding you of those days when summer was fun, and there was no school.

Have a great June 2010, and I hope to see you all out there!!!

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May 2010

Jell-O Makes Annual Appearance

By Jerry D

Hello Readers!

The warmer months bring more events to the Old Pueblo and the longer days make for some fun yet tiring times. Please remember to stay hydrated out there no matter where you are, and make sure you take time to breathe when the temperatures start to rise in Tucson.

Just a quick note on an upcoming event:

Local artist and LGBT ally Michael Friedmann is going to be performing a show at Borders’ Books on JUNE 5th. Michael has a new CD out and is promoting it locally before the big lights take him away. He sings songs of all subjects with a flare for the interesting lyric too. You can read all about Michael on his website:

http://www.mfriedmann.com/info.html

The site has performance dates, information and samples of his music.

MAY 2^nd promises to be another chapter in the ongoing history of a well known annual event in the Old Pueblo. Mark your calendars for one of the biggest fund raisers in town.

The 23^rd Annual Tucson Reno Gannon Memorial Jell-Oh! Wrestling Extravaganza and Benefit Auction takes place at Tucson Electric Park. TEP hosts the event for the second time because the previous venues have become just too small to hold the mass crowds that come out to witness this annual fun fundraiser. The doors open at 3PM and never sells short on the fun and importance of such a major HIV program charity event in town.

Locally sponsored teams will compete in the ring which is completely filled up with Jell-O and other desert items. There is a referee to proclaim the winner of each bout and those sitting close to the ring are sure to go home with Jell-o stuff on them and love every minute of it. The wild action is non stop with several Tucson Drag personalities emceeing the event and keeping the comedy in full tilt mode between the wild wrestling bouts. Auction events to raise funds for SAAF occur throughout the day, and a big raffle is presented at the end.

This formula has been the staple of the event for 23 years now, and is a proven fun filled crowd pleaser.

The inner workings of the event are what make it such a successful endeavor year after year. Scores of volunteers who take time not only at the event but before and after keep the flow going so that any one attending enjoys a time like no other. The wrestlers all have been raising money for months to make sure that each year’s total is surpassed and everyone is treated to a show that keeps people talking for months and months. The staff of The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation helps in making the event colorful and vibrant, and the many other sponsors of the event are the crown jewel of the entire day’s festivities.

HIV/AIDS is everyone’s issue, and this event proves that like no other one around the Old Pueblo. If you live with HIV/AIDS personally, if you know and love someone who has been given the news no one wishes on anyone, or if you work in the field helping those infected, you know the plight of the pandemic. Jell-O Wrestling gives us an opportunity each year to see what efforts are made from the community to give assistance to those in the fight.

http://www.jello-wrestling.org/

The website will give you plenty of information regarding the event and what you can do to help the HIV/AIDS cause. If you can not make the event this year, think about helping out anytime. The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation welcomes all donations, whether it's time, money, efforts with our state legislature, or prayers for the fight to one day not have to have an event like this. That is the wish of everyone I have run across in their journey with HIV/AIDS. If we don’t have to have the event next year, it will be better news that trying to top ourselves this year.

http://www.saaf.org/

This is SAAF’s website. If you have questions regarding HIV/AIDS, you can visit it and contact someone who can assist you. Come on down on May 2^nd and have some real fun in the Jell-O-Oh! reluctant sun.

Have a great month readers!!

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"Dust Devil Takes Over Tucson!"

By Jerry D

April 2010

Hello Again Loyal Readers !!!

Thanks for your many email responses on my debut story last month. You are welcome to chime in with any comment or idea to help make my monthly articles more of what you want to read about things “The Old Pueblo” has to offer.

Tucson Indoor Sports Complex

On certain scheduled Saturdays, over at the Tucson Indoor Sports Complex (formerly Bladeworld) at 1065 W. Grant Road 624-1234, there is a line of people eager waiting to get inside. The crowd is just as diverse as for any event in The Old Pueblo, with every demographic covered. These folks brave the heat of summer, the cold air of winter, and even the rain to get inside for the sport that they truly love.

For the last 7 seasons, the Tucson Roller Derby (TRD) has called the sports complex home, hosting their league bouts, as well as bouts which invite participants from all over the U.S. It is easily a sell out and the action commences right after you walk in the door. TRD may sell out their bouts at a regular pace, but the sport is still one that the general population has not grabbed a hold of as other popular sports.

For those of you who are not in the know, Roller Derby is an actual, league enforced sport in the U. S. and other countries. There are rules, regulations and committees that oversee all the operations to make sure that the sport is played the same in Albuquerque as it is in Honolulu. You can read all about the sport on its local website: www.tucsonrollerderby.com. You can read all about the rules, meet the participants, and see the schedule of coming bouts.

Readers will get a chance to see this first hand as The Old Pueblo is once again the host for a tournament that invites league teams from all over the Western states and even further. This is the Dust Devil Tournament, and it promises to be one for the ages. Teams will be in battle on April 17 and 18 at the Tucson Convention Center's Arena for the crown that puts them in good position to enter the National Tournament in the coming months. Teams will compete in the 2 day event in multiple bouts.

Tucson Roller Derby is not like any other local, collegiate, or even national level sport that you may go see. The sport has caught on world wide as a great business and empowering tool for folks who want to venture into knowing how to run a non-profit organization. All leagues are just that. They are promoted, run and governed by the skaters and staff themselves. Annual officers are elected and groups set to handle the promotion, bout rules, safety and other elements that make the sport as fast and exciting as it can be.

So if you are tired of watching sports people make so much money it is dizzying, and want to see people who love their sport to its true form, and want to take your family to an event that is not going to drain your bank account, then Roller Derby is for you.

If you want to see empowering women of all walks of life go their all to bring you an entertaining time, and give young ladies role models that they can look up to for their own future, Roller Derby is the place to be. Or heck, if you just want to see fishnets and pads with wheels and helmets take hits that would make an NFL player pale, or if you are up for true action in The Old Pueblo that promises a good time by all, Roller Derby is calling you.

Head on down to the Dust Devil Tournament and make some noise for your local teams as they take on squads from all over. Get your tickets as soon as you can, because it will be another sell out at the center, and you don’t want to be turned away. Bring the entire family and enjoy what Tucson Roller Derby has to offer!!

420 March-Parade

A quick side bar on a very important event that is happening this month on 4-20-2010 .

In over 300 cities, worldwide, including Tucson, there will be a ‘420 Solidarity March’ to help bring to attention the importance of legalizing Medical 420 for patients.

Whatever your view is on medicines (drugs), the culture and the way the media has portrayed it, Medical 420 works for those suffering from many different diseases. Just some of the illnesses and or conditions that may be benefited include Cancer, High Blood Pressure, Skin Problems, HIV, Post Traumatic Stress, Migraine Headaches, Depression, Lack of Appetite, Epilepsy, Pain Control, Arthritis, Immunological Support, Lung Congestion Expectorant, Muscle Problems, and much more.

Many states are now looking at evidence that has been in books for many years covering the benefits of Medical 420 and how it can also help funding through it’s taxation on all government levels. You can find out more on this event happening on April 20^th 2010 at 3:30PM starting on Broadway Boulevard and going north up Campbell Avenue by visiting the AZ4NORM website: www.myspace.com/tucsonnorml, www.az4norml.org, or by calling (520) 323-2947.

See you next month readers !!!

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Play Ball

By Jerry D

Hello Readers!!!

Let me take just a minute to introduce myself as this is my first article on this great website. I hope to have you all involved in what is planned to be an ongoing thing and I would always be more than thankful for your input with each step of the journey.

My name is Jerry D. I have been a resident of the Old Pueblo now (what I will always call Tucson) for over 20 years. I arrived from New York City to live where it was warm, affordable, and I didn’t have any relatives. Since that very fateful June day, I have been treated to temperatures that would kill most mammals, have lived in just about every part of town, and now have a great family of my own.

New York City
Tucson

I was given an opportunity to pen my thoughts for over 5 years as a staff writer for one of the local LGBT newspapers, the Observer. My articles covered just about every subject and gave me an opportunity to meet many fine people, and see & attend some of this town’s best events.

My hope is that this monthly installment brings insight as well as pleasure to you the reader. The primary focus will be put on events in town that spark the interest of those who not only call The Old Pueblo home, but are visiting here for whatever reason. These events will not be limited just to those that seem geared towards the LGBT community, but the entire Tucson community in general. It has been my observation that the Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transengendered LGBT community is involved in every bit of the entire city, not just those events that are geared towards any one specific group.

For nearly the last 50 years, Tucson has had a pretty standard calendar from the end of January to April in regards to what events are the cornerstones of the city for residents and visitors. These events have been a standard that has made this city the subject matter of stories, articles, media, and aspirations to those who have never even ventured 'Out West.' Meantime, that calendar standard is going to be having a big change after 2010, and the future of that balance is still in question.

Ask any native Tucson resident what January to April holds here, and they can rattle it off without any assistance at all.

The Gem Show, Match Play, Rodeo and Parade, Mount Lemmon when it snows, Baseball Spring Training stand out as some main attractions. At one time the Mariachi Festival held a spot somewhere on that list, but that event moved to the warmer months to suffice the crowds and make it easier on the performers. Spring Training is coming to Tucson next week in the first of March, but after it’s over it will not be returning next season for the very first time since the 1950’s.

One of the downfalls that has taken baseball from the American Pastime to just another reason to complain about high salaries and performance drugs is that consistency has not been on the side of the Major Leagues. Teams have been created, (yes having the Diamondbacks in Phoenix is nice) teams have moved away, and teams have just become a punch line for Jay Leno's jokes (has anyone ever seen the Pirates win a game?). The constant change has caused the baseball league to want to look for just about any means possible to balance its growing cost and ever growing decreases in the fans attendance.

Tucson faces the sharp edge of that axe of change as it has recently lost its last 2 baseball teams who once called our town home during the Spring Training months. After this April, there will be 2 large baseball stadiums where no team will be playing in on the Major League level. And, that with no future in sight for any other teams to replace that complete loss of both activity or local income.

The park will be completely empty next year in 2011, and our fair Tucson will be wondering how we lost something that lasted here as a part of our communities events for so very long.

So, if you are a fan of the game of baseball, or even just like seeing rippling muscled men in nice white tight athletic pants, go check out a game in one of Tucson's two baseball stadium facilities in town. Because, coming up this next season, if you want to see guys who make more money than we can imagine that close up, you will have to take a 240 mile round trip up to Glendale, Phoenix, or Scottsdale to see them.

For just the remaining time left, the Arizona Diamondbacks call Tucson Electric Park their home. Tucson Electric Park is located on Ajo Way right next to the University Physicians Hospital (formerly the Pima County owned Kino Hospital).

The Colorado Rockies play what will be their last appearances at Hi Corbett Field, which is located between Broadway and 22^nd Street, within the city owned Reid Park. Games usually start around 1PM. Tickets will probably sell fast as we get closer to the very last games which start March 4th. For a schedule visit: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ , so make your plans soon brothers and sisters.

Spring Training has been a real staple of Tucson since back before Dwight Eisenhower was the President. The political, economical and populous views have spring training now leaving for greener pastures. But, as I have seen in Tucson over the last 20 years, somehow, someway, we seem to find yet another way to recover from any setback thrown at us.

How about we host the Gay Games here sometime? Show the world how amazing our weather is this time of year, and make that a Tucson tradition for the next 50+ years?

Just a thought there folks!

Have a great month Tucson; Hope to hear from all you soon!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by contributors are exclusively and expressly their own, and do not necessarily reflect those of TucsonLGBT.com, or any of their advertisers.