Downtown Tucsonan - February 2009 - (Page 9) and other exotic locales can be found at the show. Perhaps no space along the strip is as interesting and accommodating as the “african Village.” throughout the years, the Village has inhabited different spaces along the freeway, usually occupying some large expanse of a deserted dirt lot. For the last few years, it has been located at the far south end of the freeway by 22nd st. and star Pass, behind the waffle House. the african Village consists of approximately 100 african exhibitors showcasing african masks, beads, statues, art and various other african artifacts from countries throughout the continent. It also features an extensive collection of african drums including scores photo by steve renzi of the mtcvb painters, and art vendor’s as well as a second outdoor stage on saturday (for full info visit www.gemandjam.com.) not to be left out, the Hut will also be sponsoring a two-day benefit extravaganza for breast cancer research billed as Bands for Breasts and featuring over a dozen local bands. For more info visit www.myspace.com/thehuttucson. Perhaps no other local business however reflects the spirit and festive nature of the Gem show than the casbah teahouse at 628 n. Fourth ave. aside from its exotic gypsy motif, it functions as equal parts hangout, meeting place and entertainment hub for locals and visitors alike. throughout the first two weeks in February there is music almost every photo by adam dick photo by adam dick photo by gill kenny of the mtcvb photo by adam dick of djembes available at prices significantly discounted from what they might be sold at traditional retail outlets. the truth is you could spend a lot of time at the african Village, but that could also be said for any one of the different shows along the strip. In conjunction with the festive nature of the Gem show, are the unofficial music events that accompany the show. For the last few years, people have enjoyed the Gem and Jam show. this year, to accommodate more people and more bands, the show will be at the Rialto theatre and will extend over three days from February 6-8 (with the first night’s show at Plush). this year’s artists include Ghostland observatory, Greyboy all star’s, Mad Professor, Prefuse 73, Pnuma live Pa, Eoto, Lipp service, ana sia, and much more. In addition to music the Rialto will also host a variety of gem and mineral dealers, performance night, including belly dancing on Fridays. during the second weekend of the Gem show, the casbah also presents a big dance party featuring cult reggae hero Jah Levi. after years of featuring him in an overflowing house at their Fourth avenue location, the casbah will present Levi along with top dead center, at People’s Imports in the Lost Barrio at 276 s. Park ave. the show begins at 8pm. For more information, please visit casbahteahouse. com. For more info on the gem show or to find where you can experience a six foot high amethyst crystal cave, visit www.visittucson.org and look for gem show. february.09. downtown tucsonan 9 http://www.gemandjam.com http://www.myspace.com/thehuttucson http://www.visittucson.org http://www.providenceinstitute.com http://www.providenceinstitute.com
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