Flavors of the Week

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat The Cadillacs are one of many bands performing at tomorrow's "Classic Rock Fest," one of the highlight events of the Second Annual Taste of Tucson. Their set will run from 5-7 p.m.

The Taste of Tucson takes place this year at La Placita Village and Veinte De Agosto Park and features live music, great food, wine and beer and a great community environment. All the "tastes," which will represent dozens of local restaurants and eateries will be available at prices ranging from $1 to $4, allowing attendees the opportunity to sample a number of culinary delights while enjoying what is part of an initiative to help revitalize downtown Tucson.

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat LeeAnne Savage & Shockadelica perform tonight at ãTucsonâs Largest Office Partyä at the Taste of Tucson. The band will play from 5-7.

While last year's event, at the El Con Mall, drew a huge crowd, turnout is expected to be even better this year, with upwards of 15,000 people expected to attend over the course of the two days.

Featured attractions include "Tucson's Largest Office Party," which takes place tonight, beginning at 5, with local acts LeeAnne Savage and her band Shockadelica, and Rockola providing the entertainment for the work-wearied crowd.

Tomorrow's "Classic Rock Fest", beginning at 3 p.m., showcases some of the long lost sounds of the past, courtesy of local bands The Cadillacs and The Drift, along with a number of other acts including The Drifters and the Shangri-Las.

"The City's really come through a lot for us on this," explained Jason Ott, communications manager for the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, which is presenting the event. "This is going to be one of the first big weekends with multiple events happening Downtown." (The SABA Home Show also takes place this weekend, at TCC).

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Local act Rockola closes out ãTucsonâs Largest Office Partyä tonight with a set that runs from 7-10.

Part of the reason that La Placita was chosen as the venue this year was because "we really wanted to get the feel of an actual village," said Ott. "We wanted to create a real park-like atmosphere."

Not only will the Taste of Tucson provide fun and entertainment for children and adults alike, part of the proceeds are also going to aid local organizations including The Assistance League of Tucson and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. So, you can eat, drink, and be merry and help others at the same time.

There will be plenty of parking available, including a free shuttle service from two downtown locations: The City/State Garage (498 W. Congress) and the El Presidio Garage (160 W. Alameda). Entertainment for kids will be available, as well, especially on tomorrow afternoon, when there will be a jumping castle and arts & crafts activities.

Tickets for the Taste of Tucson are $8, but $2 savings coupons can be found all over town, in most local papers and at Circle K locations. Children under 12 are admitted free.