NightLifeTucson.com Blog

A Gentle Brew

2009-11-02T18:49:00-05:00

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)

Where the Wild Run Free: All Souls Procession

2009-10-11T18:30:00-05:00

    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

Rocking at the Rialto

2009-10-01T20:30:00-05:00

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

So Are You Bored?

2008-12-16T19:59:00-05:00

So are you bored? I hear this phrase every week "what is there to do in Tucson?" Well, there are many things to do but what exactly are you looking for? The gas prices are rising as well as most things in Tucson. How about something different, something fun, and something, dare I say it, less expensive? Ladies and gentlemen, and all of you hoping to end your summer on a good note here are a few alternatives ways to have fun this Summer. I know movies are a big thing this year and especially with the new Harkins Theatre with it's digital sound and picture, but where is the romance? There is something so annoying about going to the movies on a date or for fun where a five year is glaring at you right before you try to make your move on your date. You know what I mean because the movie night you longed for all week has been destroyed by one moment of annoyance from loud people talking in the movie theater, cell phones going off, crying children (and some adults), smells you prefer to forget, your new shoes stuck to the floor for no apparent reason, and yes, many more moments we soon would like to erase from our memory. So for all you bored people, longing for a night with no cares and perhaps a little romance here are a few alternatives, places you may not know about and should check out sometime.
    Do you like romantic nights, hanging out with that special someone under stars and having a remote picnic for two? Then you should check out The Loft at Cinema La Placita in downtown Tucson. Screenings happen every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm during the months of May through October. The plaza is located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Church Avenue in downtown Tucson. The actual address is 110 S. Church Avenue. This movie series shows classic films like Double Indemnity, Lilies of the Field and To Kill a Mockingbird to name a few. You can come out with some friends and watch movies under the stars. This outside theater is a great place to take someone on a special night. Plus it is free(donations welcome of course) and it's something different to do on a Thursday night. So, pack a dinner, blanket and enjoy a movie under the clear desert skies. For more information or call 520-326-5282.
    How about taking a trip back into time when a Friday night was all about the drive-in? Where you and you love ones snuggled up, watched movies on a big screen and all in the comfort of your automobile. Then De Anza Drive-in is definitely your destination. They have four big screens to watch the latest films, a wide range of concession stand items, and two features for the price of one. De Anza is located on 1402 South Alvernon Road. Gates open at 6:30 pm and movies start at 7:30 pm. For six dollars you can enjoy a movie or two in the comfort of your car with your significant other with out worrying about noisy people interrupting your night. Plus, you have the privacy of your car and no people walking in front of you to get to seat. And if you don't feel like spending a fortune on food you can always bring in your favorites to help set the mood. For more information and movies times call 520-745-2240.
    Do you like scary movies? Imagine going downtown to an old theater, and watching scary movies such as The Blob, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Werewolf to name a few. The Fox Tucson Theater down town is located 17 West Congress. This theater was open in the early 1930's until it was closed down in 1974. It has been restored to it's heyday and a beautiful place to go for watching movies or even some live music. The cost of tickets varies but most movies cost less than eight dollars.   The theater is elegant place to take any date for a fun filled night. Perhaps, you may want to walk further down to Club Congress for an after hours drink!
    So, get out and explore these alternatives ways for watching movies and having fun this summer.   Remember me when your date says how romantic and inventive you are for suggesting something different. And if you are still bored let me know and I will continue my search for events and places to check out in the old pueblo. Have a great weekend my fellow Tucsonans!

Have fun my Night Life buddies,
Steffy