Talk of the Town: So much to see and do...

It’s been a busy weekend, folks! The Country Fair White Elephant Parade was so much fun yesterday, but now we are on to even more community happenings, so watch the paper for more events coming up.

Mark your calendars for the second in a series of sunset Concerts in the Courtyard at Casa de Esperanza’s Community Center on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. Tap your feet to The Dixie Cats Jazz Band, a Tucson area musical fixture for many years.

Presented by Meredith’s Hallmark Shop, concert proceeds benefit the programs and services at Casa de Esperanza. For many years, The Dixie Cats, a six-piece jazz band, were regulars at Gus and Andy’s Steak House and later at Ye Olde Lantern restaurant. They continue to perform as headliners at the Gaslight Theater, the Tucson Jazz Society, the Phoenix Jazz Society and the Arizona Classic Jazz Society.

The members of the Dixie Cats are Keith Thorson, clarinet; John Howe, drums; Al Farmer, guitar/banjo; Wade Poteet, bass; Len Fontana, trumpet; and Jim Nickerson, trombone.

As if music outdoors at sunset weren’t magic enough, you’ll want to partake of the hot cider, wine and “elegant goodies” offered by Circle of Friends, who are co-sponsoring the event. Their “Casa Crunch,” a snack to die for, was a hit at the first concert.

The Casa Community Center is located off Continental on S. Park Centre Ave, across from the Madera Plaza. For more information, call Colleen at 625-2273.

Upcoming concerts include blues singer Lisa Otey (March 29) and Mary Redhouse & Will Clipman Duo-—Native American music (April 26). Tickets for all concerts are available now at Meredith’s in the Continental Shopping Plaza for $15, or at the door for $20. Seating is limited to 100.

Thanks to Michael Finkelstein, Casa concert coordinator, for this info.

This afternoon, local lyric soprano Vicki Fitzsimmons will be in concert at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 969 W. Country Club Drive in Nogales. (Exit 8 from I-19) from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to this free event. A non-perishable food donation for the Borderlands Food Bank is suggested.

The program consists of religious music, including several selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” The audience is invited to bring scores to join in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” A reception follows.

Midnight Madness Green Valley Style was a blast Thursday, kicking off the Country Fair White Elephant Days with this amazing White Elephant sale.

The stampede for great fashion bargains was wonderful. First through the door was Deanna Ellison from Sahuarita who stood in line from 12:15 p.m. until the doors opened at 3 p.m. She moved so fast, I only caught up with her at the checkout where she paid $99 for everything—and she had armfuls of great clothes and shoes.

CFWE volunteer Bobbe Trunzo and fellow volunteer Sandy Wray were the chairwomen of the special sale which took in more than $9,500 in three hours! Pretty good , I’d say.

What’s Blooming at DaZees? is a special fashion feature luncheon presented by Patti O’Berry, Nov. 12. from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rancho Resort and hosted by the Green Valley Christian Women’s Connection. The inspirational speaker is Emily Firnstahl from Tucson. The cost is $14. Please make your reservation for the inclusive luncheon by Nov. 4, by calling Suzy at 625-9882 or Jo-An at 625-0801 or e-mail jlevi2@cox.net. All reservations must be honored or cancelled prior to the luncheon.

I purchased only two items from Midnight Madness—a record for me!

rford@gvnews.com