(Published by Tucson Weekly on May 9, 2013.)
Photo by Lily House-Peters
2nd Saturdays Downtown Celebrates its 3rd Anniversary
6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11
Downtown Tucson
2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com
Since its start in May 2010, 2nd Saturdays Downtown has served the Tucson community by bringing local entertainers together for free performances on the second Saturday of every month. This weekend, the third anniversary of the shows will be celebrated.
“What makes my job easy is the quality of musicians and talent in Tucson,” said Jamie Manser, program director for 2nd Saturdays. “I think it’s really the strengths and the talent that is here that draws people out, and people always enjoy an outdoor music festival in this town.”
The Scott Avenue Main Stage is the center of the performances, and local performers Aztral Folk, Kevin Pakulis & Coyote Supper Club, Atom Heart Mother and Belly Dance Tucson will be onstage Saturday.
Belly Dance Tucson has been performing at 2nd Saturdays for the past nine months.
“It’s actually one of our favorite events to perform at,” said Jessica Walker, owner and dance director of Belly Dance Tucson. “The audience is super-happy to be there and… they are really a captivated audience.”
Walker started the company by teaching her own classes. It eventually grew, and her studio opened its doors a year and a half ago. The company offers fitness-based classes during the week for anyone interested in learning to belly dance.
“You don’t have to be a certain size or a certain shape; anybody can do it and anybody can improve,” Walker said.
Performing at the monthly event has helped the members of Belly Dance Tucson challenge themselves creatively.
“It motivates us to always come up with new material because we’re performing every month,” Walker said.
2nd Saturdays performances start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit 2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com.
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