Events & Concerts

So you want to help out, but don't know how? Well, tonight, when you eat out at Magpies, Nonie, Kingfisher, or several other local restaurants, a portion of your check will go to the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. SACASA is presenting its sixth annual fundraiser, Dine Out for Safety, and all you have to do is order off the menu! For details on Dine Out for Safety, or SACASA's other services, call 327-1171.

Jerry Garcia has gone on to the big hash bar in the sky, but you can still groove to your favorite Dead tunes with the Dark Star Orchestra. The orchestra has spent the last five years recreating more than 600 of the Dead's set lists. For a journey through time and sound, go to the Rialto Theatre, 318 East Congress St., Friday at 8 p.m. For more information, call 798-3333.

Mat Bevel unveils his "Math and Myth" show at his institute, 530 N. Stone Ave. The show will feature many colorful and informative characters, like Sunny Litwell. The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday and April 26-28. Call Paula at 394-2575 for more information.

Also making its debut Friday is the Arizona African Drum Ensemble, directed by graduate student Michael Vercelli. The group is performing with the Rosewood Marimba Band, featuring guest harpist Megan Methany and xylophone soloist Dan Smithinger. Completing the line-up is the Arizona Percussion Ensemble, which will perform a variety of styles and sounds. The concert is free and begins at 7:30 p.m. in Crowder Hall.

Tell me, Mrs. Rita, are they coming around again? YES, they are! The Gin Blossoms' reunion tour arrives at the Backstage Saturday at 7 p.m. You know you love "Hey Jealousy." Go to any Zia Record Exchange, CD Depot or just come down to the Backstage at 6350 Tanque Verde for the $15 tickets.

If you can't march on Washington on Saturday, then you can march on Tucson. Join the March and Rally for Peace and Justice at Catalina Park at 9:30 a.m. for a 2.2-mile walk for freedom! Catalina Park is located at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Second Street. There will be free music, food and plenty to get fired up about!

On Saturday, rivalry is set aside in the name of comedy as comedy troupes from ASU join University of Arizona jokesters for the 10th annual S.I.C.K. Festival. Bring your funny bone and $5 to the Social Sciences auditorium at 7 p.m. Call Justin Thomas at 621-0764 for information and maybe a free one-liner.

One-man band Howard Hamilton, who goes by the name "Busy Signals," will scratch out his trademark mix of bubblegum and psychedelic pop at Club Congress Sunday night. This mixed-up master will be joined by Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo, MC Phonte, and Har Har Superstar. Club Congress is located at 311 E. Congress St. Tickets are $5 at the door; the show starts at 9 p.m. Call 622-8848 for details.

April 22 is Earth Day! So on Monday, go to the Epic Cafe for the opening of the "Seasons of the Sonora" art show. In the last year, the participating artists have traveled and documented the desert, and this show features their drawings, photos and journals from a year in the more than 120,000 square miles left of natural desert. Epic Cafe is located at 745 North Fourth Ave.

On Tuesday, Cracker will play at the Rialto Theatre. Come hear the band whose blend of electronic, blues, rock and alternative defies labels, and has - according to Maxim magazine - "serious songwriting chops." Rialto Theatre is located at 318 E. Congress St.; call 798-3333 for more info.