Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Sugiyama Classen, a life long Democrat, was born & raised in the State of Hawaii, was a Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye on Capitol Hill, and practiced law for a while. In Tucson she worked as a tribal staff attorney for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and later was the Interim Executive Director of the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission. In 2008 she became a “My Tucson” guest columnist for the Tucson Citizen newspaper, then continued blogging for Tucsoncitizen.com for over four and a half years. Her blogsite was entitled “Carolyn’s Community” about community events and some political news, until Gannett Publishing shut down the site on January 31, 2014. She started with Blog for Arizona on Feb. 11, 2014. Part time she sat as a Hearing Officer in Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts Small Claims Division since April, 2005 for 15 years. She is married to University of Arizona Distinguished Professor Albrecht Classen, a native of Germany. They have one son, who lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and daughter. She is also the Editor of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition website, www.southernazjapan.org (since Jan. 2013).

Wear your ugly Christmas sweater to Unscrewed Theater holiday shows (plus photos)

by

utholidays

Not tired of wearing your ugly Christmas sweater? Here’s your chance to show it off at these upcoming holiday improv comedy shows at Unscrewed Theater, 3244 E. Speedway. Maybe you’ll get picked to volunteer on the stage too.

Photos below taken by freelance photographer Jon Scanlon at an earlier December  10th show. (I missed it, so you can come up with your own funny captions).

L - R: Robert, Alan, Whitney, Monica, Gail
L – R: Robert, Alan, Whitney, Monica, Gail
Robert standing behind Monica
Robert standing behind Monica

Read more

The Arroyo Cafe Christmas Radio Ho Ho Ho Show

by

Since political newcomer Donald Trump’s surprise victory as U.S. President on November 8, 2016, a lot of people I know are in need for some good humor and laughter. Check out this Arroyo Cafe Christmas special. Tickets $10  to $15: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1381002?_ga=1.159368314.1180027351.1481395453

“Allegiance” film starring George Takei on December 13 (nationwide)

by
George Takei’s musical film “Allegiance” to show in Tucson (and elsewhere nationwide) on December 13.

allegiance

INSPIRED BY THE TRUE LIFE EXPERIENCE OF ITS STAR GEORGE TAKEI (STAR TREK, HEROES), ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWS ONE FAMILY’S EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY IN THIS UNTOLD AMERICAN STORY.

“Their loyalty was questioned, their freedom taken away, but their spirit could never be broken. Rejoice in one family’s triumphant story of hope, love, and forgiveness in the new Broadway musical: Allegiance.

Inspired by true events, Allegiance is the story of the Kimura family, whose lives are upended when they and 120,000 other Japanese-Americans are forced to leave their homes following the events of Pearl Harbor. Sam Kimura seeks to prove his patriotism by fighting for his country in the war, but his sister, Kei, fiercely protests the government’s treatment of her people. An uplifting testament to the power of the human spirit, Allegiance follows the Kimuras as they fight between duty and defiance, custom and change, family bonds and forbidden loves. Legendary performer George Takei — (Star Trek, “Heroes”), who was himself an internee as a child, stars alongside Tony® winner Lea Salonga – (Miss Saigon, Mulan) in this enthralling and epic new musical.
But as long-lost memories are unlocked, Sam finds that it is never too late to forgive and to recognize the redemptive power of love.”

 Playing in Tucson at Oro Valley Marketplace, Foothills 15, El Con 20, Century Park Place 20.  See movie theaters for details on December 13.
Check for your theater locations:
http://allegiancemusical.com/article/film-theater-locations/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=FB-Retargeting-10-26-16&utm_medium=newsfeed#CUdOA1Sl7E2QkJJ4.97

Read more

Lalopalooza!

by

“Tucson Federal Credit Union and KXCI present Lalopalooza on Friday, December 9th at El Casino Ballroom as we celebrate the upcoming 100th Anniversary of legendary Tucson Born Musician Lalo Guerrero who was born on December 24th, 1916. With Lalopalooza, we celebrate the joyous life and work of the father of Chicano Music – Lalo Guerrero … Read more