Wednesday, Dec. 9
“”Act of God.”” Ever been struck by lightning? No? Ever wondered what it was like? This documentary explores the metaphysical ramifications of the supposedly-unlikely event, featuring dazzling footage (no pun intended) of lightning in action. 7:30 p.m. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8.75 general admission, $6.50 for students.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Drinking Liberally. Your weekly dose of drinks and liberal conversation. They’ll pay for your first drink, but you’ve got to pay after that, of course; this isn’t “”Drinking Socialistically.”” 7 p.m. Elle, 3048 E. Broadway Blvd. Free.
Friday, Dec. 11
Bikini Wax Holiday Party. For the life of us, we can’t figure out what “”Bikini Wax”” is. Google proved completely unhelpful on this occasion. Presumably it’s not an actual bikini wax. In any event, this party should be a “”merry time,”” as the saying goes. Note the use of “”Holiday”” rather than “”Christmas.”” Bikini Wax have obviously taken sides in the War on Christmas. 21+. Begins at 12 a.m. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Free.
The Static Session. Said to sound a bit like Oasis, early U2 (as opposed to, presumably, middle-period U2 and late U2, all of whom sound exactly the same except for that brief period where they tried to be a dance band) and Echo and the Bunnymen, The Static Session top off a show that also includes Blind Divine, Ensphere and Mozart’s Sister. 21+. Doors open at 9 p.m. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. $5.
Saturday, Dec. 12
“”Maybe Christmas Wasn’t Supposed to Last All Year.”” An annual gripe-fest? No, it’s freelance journalist Douglas Towne’s talk on the city of Santa Claus, Arizona, an uninhabited town — currently a ghost town — constructed in 1937 as a tourist attraction. And no, Santa Claus doesn’t live there. Everyone knows he divides his time between New York and Florida, like every other billionaire. 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Arizona History Museum. 949 E. Second St. $15 general admission, $12 Arizona Historical Society Members.
“”The Nutcracker.”” This famous ballet was filmed at St. Petersburg’s Marliinsky Theater in 2007, which means it’s even older than those fruitcakes you’ll be getting from your distant relatives this Christmas. Showing again Saturday, Dec. 19. Noon. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $15 general admission, $10 for Loft members.
Ryanhood’s Annual Christmas Show. It’s been going on for six years, and only truly awesome things last six years. Apart, perhaps, from the presidency of Richard Nixon. (His Christmas Shows, which consisted entirely of him clearing his throat, left something to be desired.) All ages. 7 p.m. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $12.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Holiday Concert. The UA Faculty-Staff Choir’s annual holiday show. Performances will include Vivaldi’s “”Gloria,”” which probably doesn’t sound much like Van Morrison’s “”Gloria.”” (Or Patti Smith’s.) Followed by a reception including cookies. Who can say “”no”” to cookies? 3 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 915 E. Fourth St. Free.
John Houx. According to Urban Folk magazine, this singer-songwriter is what Bob Dylan “”would be today if he’d retained his youth.”” Actually, what Dylan would be today if he’d retained his youth would be rich and famous for inventing the world’s first youth serum. Well, he’s already rich and famous. 9:30 p.m. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. No cover.
Monday, Dec. 14
Planet Jam. No, it’s got nothing to do with that awful “”Space Jam”” movie. At least, we hope not. No, it’s Tucson’s critically-acclaimed reggae band, taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. If Bob Marley means nothing more to you than that guy on your stoner roommate’s wall, it’s time to do some catching-up. 9:30 p.m. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. No cover.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
DJ Salinger and DJ Critter. They’ll be the DJs working tonight. But wouldn’t it be cool if that were a misprint and J.D. Salinger showed up to DJ instead? Do you suppose he even listens to music? 9 p.m. Vaudeville, 110 E. Congress St.
— compiled by Justyn Dillingham
