UA homecoming this weekend is all about Wilbur the Wildcat - the beloved and furry mascot turns 50 on Saturday.
The UA used real animals as mascots off and on between the early 1900s and the late 1950s (with at least one tragic mishap), until two UA students (Richard Heller and John Paquette) pitched the idea of using a costume-wearing human.
Wilbur made his first appearance at the UA vs. Texas Tech football game on Nov. 7, 1959, and was an immediate hit, according to a UA Web site.
Wilbur's look has evolved over the years. It was during one of those costume makeovers that Wilma the Wildcat was created.
She made her first public appearance on March 1, 1986, during a "blind date" with Wilbur. The pair later "married" before an Arizona-Arizona State football game.
For a chance to win a a set of three audio books, tell us the date of their wedding.
The Tucson Film & Music Festival is back! This year, the exciting four-day festival lands in Tucson with its new Columbus Day weekend dates, Oct. 9-12, 2008. The prolific festival, now in its fourth year, will showcase Arizona, U.S. and world premiere documentaries, narrative features, shorts and music videos.
Bridging the art of film and music, the festival will also feature exclusive live performances by many of the iconic subjects featured in TFMF screenings and even some local favorites. A truly unique film festival, TFMF will transform Tucson into a film and music oasis, connecting its denizens with the filmmakers and musicians who are inspired by their desert-dwellings.
TFMF all-access passes are $40 and provide free admittance to all screenings, opening and closing night films and special music events. Advanced passes may be purchased exclusively at Brown Paper Tickets.
Leading up to the Tucson Film & Music Festival, AZNightBuzz will showcase some of the films that will be shown at the festival.
Directed by Sasha Paladino, "Throw Down Your Heart" follows American banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck on his journey to Africa to explore the little-known African roots of the banjo and record an album. Bela's boundary-breaking musical adventure takes him to Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia and Mali, and provides a glimpse of the beauty and complexity of Africa. Using his banjo, Bela transcends barriers of language and culture, finding common ground and forging connections with musicians from very different backgrounds. The film has been lauded with the Best Music Documentary award at this year's Silverdocs and was the 24 Beats Per Minute Audience Winner at SXSW 2008.
The TFMF festivities kick-off on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Berger Performing Arts Center (1200 W. Speedway Blvd.) with the Arizona premiere of "Throw Down Your Heart."
Video: 'Throw Down Your Heart' trailer
Also:
In his quest to become the world's greatest air-drummer, a small-town dreamer must overcome obstacles and ridicule to save the day. "Adventures of Power " stars Adrian Grenier (Entourage, The Devil Wears Prada), Michael McKean (Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind) and Jane Lynch (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, For Your Consideration).
"Nerdcore For Life" profiles the fascinating and tumultuous world of nerdcore hip-hop. Born on the Internet, "geek rap" is breaking out into the real world at a lightning pace. Filmed over the course of two years, the documentary follows the top names in this new genre as they celebrate "geek life" and their love of hip-hop, fight anti-nerd stereotypes and attempt to overcome the common obstacles that block musicians of all genres from fulfilling their dreams.
Featuring: MC Chris, MC Lars, YT Cracker, Doc Popular and more.
For more information on the Tucson Film and Music Festival and a schedule of events, go to tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com.
