Elle est venue de Tucson

The great thing about Sunday is that in most cases it's an opportunity to have a rest, make plans with friends, and cook a pot of rabbit gumbo. At least, that's what's happening around my house today.

You may be thinking that sounds a little weird...you may be thinking something like, "Rabbits. That's crazy talk. I only use squirrel or nutria in my kitchen." Well, I'm not going to say a pot of squirrel gumbo isn't something special, but there's just something about rabbit in August.

This week there may not be any rabbit on the menu at the Raven, but we've got plenty of other great things in store for you.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Three O'Clock High". Now I have to be honest here...I've never seen or heard of this film. I do, however, get the sense that it is filled with actors who were almost famous and may have made it big had they not gotten trapped in the localized fame of the 80's. Is it an overlooked classic? You be the judge and let me know what you think. 8:30 pm

Tuesday: Chef Tony Burris loves fast cars and time travel. As a result he's put together an inspired menu of Thai fusion.

Lemon Grass and Coconut Chicken
Steamed Veggies with Peanut Sambal
Duck with Red Curry, Pineapple and Tomatoes
Fried Tilapia with Ginger and Garlic
Sauteed Beef and Chilis
*all over White Rice and Sesame Greens
Wonton Chips with Fresh Veggies
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sambal

Wednesday: Verde Watershed Wednesday returns to inspire you, educate you, and empower you to make a difference with important issues facing our local watershed.

Thursday: From Tucson... Chris Black is an amazingly dynamic musician that can play most any instrument and commands the stage with a presence and sound that seems to blur the line between Johnny Cash and Nick Cave. He's played the Raven a few times now and has dazzled with each performance. This is one of those shows that makes going out on a Thursday night worthwhile. 8pm

Friday: From Tucson, Music Video? I'm not asking...that question mark is part of their name. They're like a lo-fi Radiohead mixed with a little Flaming Lips and a dash of the Postal Service. They're getting a lot of attention on NPR right now, and I think deservedly so. 8pm

Saturday: From Tucson (are you noting a theme here?)... Marianne Dissard and Will Elliot. This is one of those amazingly special shows that you will not want to miss. Marianne Dissard is a native of France who moved to Tucson following in the footsteps of Howe Gelb, and the guys who would become Calexico. Her new album was produced by Joe Burns and features members of Calexico and Willie Nelson's band throughout. The album plays like a 30's french western version of Bob Dylan's Pat Garret and Billy the Kid soundtrack. Will Elliot, her support for this show, was voted best local songwriter in Tucson this year and will delight you with his uncompromising uniqueness of presence. 8pm

Your Album of the Week: This week I'm all about Marianne Dissard's L'EntreDeux. She sent me an advance copy of the album and it is phenomenal. Come down to the show and get your own copy...maybe she'll even sign it.

Until Again

Raven