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Although it never drops to ‘below freezing,’ Tucson does encounter low dropping temperatures that make even the visiting snowbirds say, “brrr!” That’s when you know it’s jacket season.

Jackets and coats have been a part of fashion history since the beginning time, when early civilizations used large animal furs to either keep heat in or keep dust and sand out. The word for cloak comes from the Latin word “cloca” which means cape and even though most coats and cloaks were used for function rather than fashion, today you can have the best of both worlds.

Since Tucson is known for having over nine months of summer, most Tucsonites don’t know how to shop for the perfect jacket or coat. Which is a shame, since during this season, your jacket or coat may be the only piece of clothing people see you in. And if you’re planning on making a great impression on your boss at the annual holiday party or that mysterious shopper at the mall, why not choose a garment that keeps your warm and irrestable?

LEATHER JACKET: Slick, smooth, and undeniably snappy, the leather jacket is known for its association with aviators, bikers and the occasional Village Person. It achieved iconic status in 1953 when a sexy leather bomber-clad Marlon Brando starred in The Wild One and has since then been a symbol for a rough and rebellious youth culture. A leather jacket can dress up or dress down the simplest and most elaborate of outfits. Try a distressed leather jacket with a pair of dark jeans for a classic James Dean look or a fitted motorcycle jacket for everyday wear. And for animal lovers, modern technology has allowed designers to make animal-friendly pleather look almost like the real thing. Either way, you won’t be able to help yourself from looking sexy this season.

MILITARY JACKET: Also known as the Michael Jackson Jacket, the military jacket is definitely this season’s most sought-out, must-have item. With many buttons and embellishments, this jacket is sure to be a fleeting style that won’t be around for too long, but then again, fashion is always fleeting. Style, however, is always forever. Choose a jacket with military style adornments and detailings, like buttoned epaulets, double breasted pockets or embroidered patches to keep your style impossibly fresh. Peacoats are a great example.

PEACOAT: Since the 1700s, the peacoat has been an essential part of European military wear, that has helped keep many a sailor warm. It was introduced to the U.S. military in the early 20th century and has since stood the test of time, always being reinvented and rediscovered by a new subculture of fashion-conscious people. With its classic simplicity of broad shoulders, tapered waist and lapels, the peacoat can make any body type flattering. For a modern look, try a short-waisted peacoat with a high collar.

HOODIES: The history of the hoodie can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when monks wore hooded robes as a reminder of the vow they took to live an uncomplicated, simple life. And just like a monk’s vow, the hoodie is an uncomplicated, simple piece of garment that has a life of it’s own. It was originally designed in the 1930’s by little known clothing company Champion for frozen warehouse workers in New York. In recent years, the hoodie has been the subject of criticism in the UK for being associated with Black hip hop culture and a way for shoplifters to conceal their identities. But even with a social stigma, the hoodie can be a great way to stay both stylish and warm. For a clean, cut look, try incorporating a thin hoodie to your wardrobe. It’s easy to layer and won’t add unnecessary bulk.

VARSITY JACKET: Remember the good ol’ high school days, when social status was everything and the best way to let everyone know you had officially arrived was by sporting the classic varsity jacket? Thankfully, those hellish adolescent years are gone, but the varsity jacket is back for everyone to enjoy. Even those that weren’t athletically blessed during high school. With a modern twist, the varsity jacket gives a very grown-up look with tons of schoolboy charm. Look for dark, muted colors to help bring out your outfit and soon, you’ll be the B.M.O.C.

Whatever jacket or coat you decide to wear this holiday season, remember to wear it with confidence and a smile, and you’ll be rockin’ around that Christmas tree!

 Hey everyone, thanks for checking out the first edition of the Nightlife Trendsetter! This is your guide to what’s new and what’s hot on the Tucson Nightlife Scene! Check back every week for the latest and greatest and see what nightlifers like you are loving this week!

The Trendsetter November 30, 2009

Dark shades

Lips, eyes, hair!!! Nightlifers are loving darker shades this season because they look fantastic with autumn shades, and contrast beautifully with lighter winter colors! Perfect for this time of year when it’s not quite winter, but it’s also not quite fall. Going for some seasonal sparkle? A dark blouse might be the perfect way to tone down that sparkly skirt. Also a dark shade on nails goes with everything and adds a touch of seriousness to the super sparkly looks this season. Dark red lips are very hot right now in part thanks to the vampire mania that has struck Tucson. They also look great with holiday looks! We love Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose. $9.00 at Sephora at the Tucson mall! It has Shea butter so you can keep your lips from getting chapped this winter. Want to make that white bouclé sweater really stand out? Give your hair a make over and go a shade or two darker to make your winter essentials really pop!!

Purple!!!

Purple is without a doubt the hot shade right now. Nightlifers are LOVING this shade on everything from fingertips to feet. Bags, blouses, shirts and shoes, purple is definitely the trend to watch this season!! Purple nails are an especially hot look right now. Megan Fox has even been spotted sporting deep plum on her nails this season. We love Plum Attraction by Revlon. It’s available at your local drugstore usually for under $4.00. Great idea: Jazz up your LBD (Little Black Dress) With a purple statement necklace or purple accessories! Twilight Fever! New Moon is out in theaters and you can see it in the streets! Tucson Nightlifers have

Twilight fever!!!

Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Either way, our nightlifers are scrambling for all things Twilight. We are wacky for Bella’s smokey eyes(perfect for exchanging romantic glares with creatures of the night) and naturally tousled locks. You can get the look too!! We love Revlon colorsilk in Rich medium brown to get Bella’s gorgeous color! You can get for under $3.00 at Walmart. You can even get Bella’s ring that she wears in the movie. The Limited at Tucson mall or online sells an oval pearl ring identical to Bella’s for $19.50! Check it out at thelimited.com. Moony for more? We’ve got links to more hot Twilight merchandise below this article!

Mexican cuisine!

Day of the Dead may be gone, but we are still feeling out southwestern roots! This nightlifers are loving El Charro restaurant and Tucson Tamale company. For the gunshy, try a bowl of El Charro’s albondigas, a traditional meatball soup. Dinner for two is usually about fifty dollars, with tip. For a quick lunch or a fantastic dinner try Tucson Tamale company! They family pack of 8 tamales, 2 sides and salsa for all is only $23.00 and serves about four. Perfect for our price savvy recessionistas! Right now we love the Arizona Tamale, their signature beef, and the Thanksgiving! Gourmet roasted turkey, cranberry, onions, carrots, celery and spices. A yummy twist on a traditional fave!

That’s what’s hot right now, check back next week for more of Tucson nightlifers’ favorites this week! Want to contribute? Tell us what you love and it may get a mention in one of our articles!! Click on my name to sent me an email or just email me at Cait@nightlifetucson.com!

Twilight Merchandise Links:

Show support to your favorite New Moon hunk with Team Edward/Jacob tees! Available at Nordstrom.com for about $30. Nordstrom.com/newmoon

Nordstrom even has Twilight makeup! Check out Luna Twilight lip balm and blush. Around $20.00 online. Nordstrom.com

Get supercute earrings featuring a map of Forks, WA and Port Angeles!! Bella and Edward’s stomping ground! $29.00 at sherrytruitt.etsy.com My personal favorite!!! Hand painted Converse Chuck Taylor All Star hi-tops! These shoes have Edward and Bella’s portrait painted on with my favorite quote: “You are my life now.” So cute and so romantic!!! Get the for $125 at ayinx.etsy.com

Enjoy!

      Tucson is filled with history and long standing traditions. It goes without saying that Gentle Ben's brewing company does not lack a history of its own. Gentle Ben's first opened its doors as a bar in 1971 and was located in a home where the University Marriot currently stands. During this time Gentle Ben's did not brew any signature beers and was considered a true hole in the wall. In 1991 Gentle Ben’s introduced the brewery with 4 beers, giving Tucsonans a refreshing taste of some pretty diverse brews. In 1996 Ben's relocated to its current residence on University Blvd. You might think to yourself, this isn't history and the story is over, but in 1999, Dennis Arnold, Owner of Gentle Ben's, had the dream of opening a 2nd pub in the historic downtown area which would house the brewery as well. Barrio Brewing Company was the end result of that dream; this neighborhood brewery opened its doors in August 2007, and has brought the infamous Gentle Ben's brew and flavor to the heart of the city. After the brewing operation had been limited at Gentle Ben’s, Arnold decided to relocate the brewery, from its university home into the new Barrio warehouse. Arnold says moving the brewery to the warehouse gave them the opportunity to grow. Barrio Delivers Barrels of beer to Gentle Ben’s daily, while dishing up the same treats and Signature Ales. Located in a massive warehouse at 800 E. 16th Street, on the corner of 16th St. and Toole Ave., Barrio is crawling with a mix of downtown workers, university students and everything in between.

Barrio offers patrons a laid back atmosphere that delivers quality service, good food and excellent beers. The staff is very knowledgeable of all the brews on tap and can even help in pairing the perfect beer with that perfect entree. Today, Barrio offers up to 12 different beers on tap (depending on the season) The most notable beers include, 'Tucson Blonde’, a light-crisp refreshing taste of sunshine, creates a bitter-sweet balance with a great finish. The 'Nut Brown' is a dark beer lover’s heaven; this brew is malty with chocolate and toffee notes that end with a creamy bitter and semi sweet finish. Barrio also offers Bud, Bud light, Michelob Ultra, Ace Pair and Apple Jack Cider on top of its vast selection of one and only beers.

Celebrating its 2 year anniversary, Barrio continues the longstanding tradition of a Tucson favorite, Gentle Ben’s. Barrio has come along creating a great relaxing spot to unwind and carry a conversation with friends in addition to being a great place to catch your favorite sport on TV. “The brewery's design is organic”, says Arnold, “it was hard at first to design around what is simply a tin skin building” with its copper top tables, metal sided walls and a view of the large brewing silos; Barrio is also “Green”. Arnold states, “The restaurant is 90% recycled material”. Arnold is pleased with the response from the community after 2 years of Barrio’s official opening. When asked if he planned to open another location, Arnold replies that he has “no plans to open another, but I never say never”. The future of Barrio seems everlasting as the brewing company is planning to package and distribute their brews (in cans instead of bottles utilizing recycled materials). Currently Barrio offers take home jugs “growlers” or kegs of any signature brew. Get acquainted with this locally owned and operated brewery in the ‘barrio’ or reacquainted with an old Gentle friend.

For more information about Barrio Brewing visit:
Barriobrewing.com
Or call (520) 791-BREW (2739)

    Tucson knows how to party, and on Halloween we demonstrate it like everyone else. On October 31, we have our pick of clubs, parties and other events to go to and get in touch with our inner spook. But how does Tucson wind down after the festivities? We don’t. November 8, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of a beloved post Halloween event we call All Souls Procession. The procession, which actually originated as a performance piece by artist Susan Johnson, has evolved into a massive parade. A moving work of art in the style of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, this party has it all: food, music, entertainment of all kinds, and art installations throughout.
    Starting at 6pm on 4th Ave, the Procession is a taste of the strange and wonderful for our regular nightlifers. The purpose of this event is to remember those who have passed, and celebrate life and death. Many Mouths One Stomach, the group that has organized the event for so long, calls the Procession an example of “festal culture,” meaning it is a way of gaining closure and/or expressing oneself through public rituals and celebrations. The parade is planned for nearly half the year by artists and volunteers who help make masks and puppets of all sizes. About 20,000 people participate each year, making it one of our most popular nightlife traditions.
    Interested in taking part? Get involved a little, or dive in! You can help make masks and puppets at the weekly workshops (check the link below for more details), attend the Support All Souls Procession Benefit on October 16th at Hotel Congress, or simply show up at the procession if you’re wanting to check it out. The actual procession is free of charge and open to all ages. The organizers of the event encourage anyone to join in, but please, do not behave in an inappropriate way. Many Mouths makes it clear in their website that this event should be safe to take your great grandmother to. So break out of your shell, but don’t break into anyone else’s. The goal is to avoid the need for police assistance.
    Another very cool way to get involved? Send a picture! If you have a picture of a deceased relative you wish to honor, you can submit it at the All Souls Procession website! The photo is put in the archive as part of the digital altar, and the image is projected along with others on the procession’s route. It’s just one of the very cool ways you can remember your ancestors and be a part of this fantastic event. Listing all of the amazing details would take too long, but if you’re interested in this or something similar, check out the All Souls website for lots of cool ways to participate.
    The finale of the event is the burning of a giant urn which is filled with mementos, prayers and hopes submitted by participants. Again, anyone can join in and add something to the urn. It’s a beautiful, ceremonious end to a wonderful Tucson tradition. The Procession isn’t the typical party; it’s really a place where you are encouraged to break out of your ordinary routine and do what you feel like. Celebrate your loved ones in a way that feels right to you, express yourself in a way that you haven’t been able to before. Please visit any of the websites below to get involved in any capacity or simply find out more about All Souls Procession.

Links:
www.allsoulsprocession.org
www.manymouths.org
www.fourthavenue.org

October 1, 2009

Rocking at the Rialto: Club Crawl is all about the love of music!

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Hello Music Lovers,

If you love music and I mean if you really love music then Club Crawl is your event this weekend! This is the place to come if you want to hear a variety of music and just have some good old fashion fun while walking the downtown streets of Tucson. Just let the music take you away from your mundane existence called work into another level of tranquility. What? But, who wants to do that? I am all about the loud music that gets me up out of my everyday existence and gets me out on that dance floor! Club Crawl is on Saturday, October 3 with 25 stages of live music both outdoor and indoor. The music begins after 7pm and you can be part of Tucson’s classic music fest.

Bands like The Jons whose multitalented band members with their eclectic mix of Latin rock and unique big sound will electrify you in your shoes. Jon the lead singer will rock you with his trumpet blazing solos and smooth harmonies. Then stay tune for the hypnotic psychedelic riffs, rhythmic drums and alluring vocals from Mostly Bears. The band’s unique style and performance will captivate you all evening with their glow in the dark physique. Plus, Sergio Mendoza y La Orkestra with their instrumental and Latin beat that will call to you like an uncontrollable force to get up and dance like most of the band on the stage. All three bands will be playing at the Rialto Theatre this Saturday. Along with a solo acoustics by Brian Lopez at 8, Salvador Duran at 9, The Jons at 10, Mostly Bears at 11, and Sergio Y La Orkestra at midnight. Show should be awesome with that lineup!!!

I had the pleasure of speaking with all three bands this week. When I the question “what do you love about performing at Club Crawl?” Sergio said “I love playing with my band and the best part is putting together the music arrangements, and seeing the different types of people at Club Crawl, which is all very exciting!” He continued by saying that he “loves music and was born to play since he was five years old. Music is my passion…and it’s great to see all the people come out who may not know who my band is but can appreciate the music.”

I also spoke to Mostly Bears lead singer and front man Brian Lopez who was excited to be playing with the line up at the Rialto. We are a group of friends (the band) who love to play music, love music, and creating music in general. My lyrics are vague and general because we want our audience to bring their own ideas, emotions, and impression to the music. The music should transcend normal realms and skip the BS. We are in a unique position to be musicians and to do music we love but it’s our profession and it takes a lot of work.

Plus Brian added, “I work with a great group of guys and we love what we do and want to thank our fans that come out and support us every show and show us such love.” *Upcoming project to look forward to by the Mostly Bears is a European Tour with Marianne Dissard in November and to December 2009.

When I spoke to Jon from The Jons he is “excited to see all the new people who come out on this event and experience the music for the first time and they (the band) feel like they have left an impression and mark on the music scene.” The Jons have been on the music scene since 2000 but Jon had been playing music all his life and influenced greatly by his family. “My brother Narciso was the first to teach me the trumpet and gave me some tips along the way.” Most of Jon’s knowledge of the trumpet comes from his early days at school and being part of a community of musicians even back then. They have learned so much from their experience in the profession and being on the road. “I love touring, playing music, sharing my love of music and being around my brothers who are in the same boat as I am. Club Crawl is a great place for exposure and getting our name out which is like a domino effect one person tells another and soon our music is heard by a wider audience.”

Some other bands playing at the event downtown are; Holy Rolling Empire, Static Session, Molehill Orkestrah, Four Killer Flats and many more. If you like to get away and be out on the town then Claw Crawl is your adventure this weekend. The whole event will take place at various venues Rialto Theatre, Hotel Congress, The District, Sharks, Vaudeville, Zen Rock, Sapphire, O’Malley’s, The Hut, The Red Room, Enoteca, Cushing Street, Café Passe, Delectables, Martin’s, Magpies, Café Vicente, Delectables, Chocolate Iguana, Shot In The Dark Café, and Winsett Park.

Tickets can be bought at any local Zia Records on Speedway and the one on Oracle road. Wristbands/Tickets will cost $8 dollars in advance and $10 dollars at the door.

Hope to see you there,
Steffy
nightlifetucson.com