Boondocks

3306 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-690-0991

Description: NORTH TUCSON. You can't miss this place from the street ­ there's a giant Chianti bottle out front, left over from the building's former life as an Italian restaurant. And when you mosey up to the bar at Boondocks, your attention will no doubt be drawn to the buckets, seemingly hundreds of them, each with a character all its own, as individual as its owner. At their previous bar, the owners hit upon the idea of providing a safe storage place (the buckets) for regular customers to keep their spare change, extra lipstick, darts, and assorted other stuff. The idea was so popular that they brought it along when they purchased Boondocks. This is a lively place with plenty of diversions throughout the week like live blues, poker tournaments, golf, foosball, dart and pool leagues, and what is probably the most eclectic jukebox in town.
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Chicago Bar

5954 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712 520-748-8169

Description: EAST TUCSON. Along with walls full of Windy City memorabilia, Chicago has live music and lots of it. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, in fact. The schedule includes mostly blues, reggae and rock performers, with the occasional alt-rock band or cabaret singer. Local reggae band Neon Prophet takes the stage regularly, always drawing a crowd of happy revelers who sing along. And that's what it's all about here ­ laughing, dancing and cheering for the Bears whenever there's a game on TV.
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Club Congress

311 E Congress St, Hotel Congress, Tucson, AZ 85701 520-622-8848

Description: DOWNTOWN. This upbeat dance club offers a wide range of popular theme nights, with some of the best DJs in the area spinning nostalgic tracks or the best alternative music of today. Live music is offered, too, with top national acts headlining. '80s fans shouldn't miss Blue Monday.
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Plush

340 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-798-1298

Description: DOWNTOWN. One of the best ways to get to know a city well is to take part in its nightlife, and if you like live music that steers well away from Top 40, Plush is where to go. Performers are scheduled nearly every night, and might be a local fave like Calexico, or a national or international act like Brian Jonestown Massacre, Shonen Knife, Sufjan Stevens, Michelle Shocked, Mike Doughty's Band and Okkervil River. Since this is one hip bar, artsy and dimly lit, there are plenty of couches and comfy chairs for lounging and socializing. The bar staff are expert mixologists, equally adept at pulling a draft Bud and putting together the trendiest cocktail.
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Rialto Theatre

318 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701 520-740-1000

Description: DOWNTOWN. This venue, located in the heart of downtown, had a fascinating past as a vaudeville theater. Now the refurbished facility is a great place to catch a touring band. Many styles of music, from blues to salsa to alternative, are represented, and big names often perform.
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Solar Culture

31 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 520-884-0874

Description: DOWNTOWN. A non-profit art gallery / music venue, Solar Culture is the brainchild of artist Steven Eye and a group of compatriots. Many years experience in the art and music industries has given the group a keen appreciation and knowledge of the alternative music scene. Closely allied with Club Congress until 2003, the Solar Culture team books a diverse array of music (punk, alt country, folk, alt-rock, reggae). Tickets are sold the night of the event only, so plan to arrive early for big-name shows. Bring your own snacks and beverages ­ Solar Culture doesn't sell any.
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