We typically stay away from regional news but Tucson has been in the spot light and it looks like they are moving forward with this news: AC/DC music returns to the Rialto Theatre on February 12, 2011 as 2nd Saturdays regroups following last month's tragic events in Tucson that led to the cancellation of the popular urban street festival. The national touring AC/DC tribute band, TNT, performs a free show at 7 p.m. after their scheduled event in January gave way to a musical vigil for Congresswoman Giffords and the other victims of the tragedy in Tucson.
The Scott Avenue outdoor stage hosts the soulful Americana sounds of female band Tammy West & The Culprits from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the classic rock of 2nd Saturday mainstays Five Way Street from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Award-winning singer-songwriter Kevin Pakulis Band rocks the outdoor stage from 8:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Eclectic musicians and performers will line Congress Street from the east end to the west end and are sure to delight a wide demographic of event attendees. A special performance by Magician John Coppin features sleight of hand tricks for a solid two hours, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Ronstadt Transit Center.
Cinema La Placita's outdoor theater at the Kids Lot features the movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," starting at 6 p.m. At 7:45 p.m., the outdoor theater screens a narrative short films fest produced by downtown's City High School students, on the theme of Unconditional Love.
Merchant discounts are offered throughout downtown and numerous street vendors are on hand as well. Night clubs Sapphire and Zen Rock open early with free admission for 2nd Saturdays participants before 10:30 p.m. The Screening Room boasts a sneak preview of its April AZ International Film Festival.
The Fox Theatre hosts the Christian Youth Theater's presentation of Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man "Willy Wonka." Admission to that performance is $10 to $15. Half price coupons to the Fox Theatre will be available at the 2nd Saturdays booth and at select downtown merchants.