Here's today's earworm: Tucson rockers-slash-cumbia band XIXA have put out a video from their glow-in-the-dark New Year's Eve performance at the Rialto, in preparation for the release of their first full-length album next month. Read more»

Record release shows this Fri & Sat: While talking about his record "Static Noise," Tucson singer-songwriter Brian Lopez presents a fascinating study in contrasts. Lopez becomes passionate and animated when he is describing his project and then retreats into quiet reserve when he is finished. "I wanted the music to be potent, compelling," he says. Read more»

For most, thinking of Tucson's music scene and a "foreign" language would bring to mind Spanish. But local rockers have a long and deep connection with France, as well. Some of those connections are celebrated in the graphic novel "Retour a Sonora" (Back to Sonora) by author Nicolas Moog, of Metz, France. Read more»

Released this week, "Luz de Vida" is a music compilation benefiting the Tucson Together Fund, which provides support for the Jan. 8 victims and their families. 37 local and national acts participated, and several will play a benefit concert at the Rialto Theatre on Saturday. Read more»

Supporters of statehood for Southern Arizona will rally downtown and on 4th Avenue on Friday, organizers said. Read more»

There is a definite air of civic engagement in the programming offerings of clubs and arts organizations this week, as well as a commitment to the unique cultural hybrid that is Tucson. If the 24-hour news cycle portrayal of your community has made you despair of late, the perfect remedy is a visit to some of these choice weekend events. Boycott your television and embrace some local culture. Read more»

Before you slather yourself in sunblock and head out to Spring Fling this weekend, or Sunday's KFMA Day at the Pima County Fairgrounds, why not give yourself a nice dose of culture? It'll only hurt a bit. Read more»

When a prominent local voice offers our readers a free 15-song download, we at the Sentinel are thrilled to tell you all about it. Thus, we present Marianne Dissard's "Paris One Takes" Read more»

In the first installment of 'Under the influence,' drummer Tasha Sabatino discusses sad songs, Mo Tucker and jazz greats, and reveals a heart full of soul. Read more»

Cloudy, with a shower of 90s: This weekend's best non-Warhol arts events. While most Tucsonans will be at either the rodeo or the host of Warhol events this weekend, the Sentinel offers you these alternatives. Read more»