Rialto Theatre News

RIALTO THEATRE UNDER DIRECT ATTACK: Help!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:09:23 -0800

FIGHT THE POWER! SAVE THE RIALTO THEATRE

Update on Our Situation and a Call to Action

On July 2, the Rialto Theatre Foundation was served with a 10-day eviction notice for the Green Room and Office building at 211-215 E. Broadway and the storefront at 316 E. Congress (just west of the lobby) that we use for storage of supplies and equipment.

These spaces-about 3,500 square feet-are critical for the ongoing operation of the Theatre and are owned by Don Martin and Scott Stiteler, owners of the Rialto block. The Theatre has used these spaces for the last four years. The rest of the Rialto block is vacant. The Rialto building is a gutted shell with a boarded-up storefront and the back building was little more than a bombed-out shell before the Foundation spent about $70,000 improving it for its offices and green room. These spaces will sit vacant if the eviction effort succeeds.

Rialto Theatre Foundation attorneys had been attempting to negotiate a rent deal with the owners of the Rialto Block after they made demands for back rent and exorbitant rental rates on the spaces on June 23.

On Thursday, the Rialto block owners abruptly terminated negotiations and demanded that the Theatre vacate the spaces by July 13 in a letter from their attorney to the Foundation. The Foundation had offered to pay $1,800 a month on a month-to-month lease during a cooling off period while permanent solutions were pursued, but the owners rejected the offer.

The actions of the Rialto Block owners are malicious and vindictive toward the Rialto Theatre and the Tucson community it serves.

Read the July 2 article from the Arizona Daily Star.
Read a Tucson Weekly blog post about this crisis.
Read a full, concise summary of the recent events surrounding the Rialto in the Tucson Weekly.

Why are Martin and Stiteler openly attacking the
Rialto Theatre and trying to cause it harm?

At its June 16 meeting, the Tucson City Council discussed the proposed development agreement from Downtown Tucson Development Company (DTDC), the entity owned by Stiteler and Martin. Among other benefits to the developers, they were seeking $4.3 million in direct taxpayer subsidy for their development plans, including getting options on valuable parcels of land.

The council had many concerns about the agreement, some of which had to do with adequately protecting the Rialto Theatre. The council voted 7-0 that the developers take another three weeks to refine the plan and come back on July 7 for another vote. It was a reasonable request considering the magnitude and complexity of the proposed agreement.

The developers immediately and angrily announced that the deal was dead and said they were walking away from further negotiations. They blamed the Rialto Theatre for "killing" the deal, and Council member Nina Trasoff called the Rialto Theatre "selfish."

As a result of the City Council's vote, the Rialto block owners are now striking back at the Theatre in an irrational and harmful manner. It's not fair, it's not just and it must not be tolerated by the City of Tucson.

What Can Be Done to Protect the Rialto?

Council member Steve Leal has put an item on Tuesday's City Council study session agenda. In his July 1 memo to the City Manager, Steve writes:

"I would like the Mayor and Council to consider using our condemnation authority at 320 E. Congress, 316 E. Congress and 211-215 E. Broadway and then contribute the property to the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District for the use of the Rialto Theatre Foundation to pursue its mission.

We could borrow the funds from our reserve fund. This can be paid back after we sell the Volvo property. Additionally, we should consider using the remainder of the proceeds to stabilize and develop the Arts Warehouses with WAMO."

This is the only answer to resolve this nightmare situation.

Any other outcome puts the Rialto Theatre in extreme jeopardy. Forcing the Theatre to move out of its office, lose its green room and storage space will cause irreparable harm to the Theatre's ability to operate.

Using its power of eminent domain, the City would pay fair market value to the owners for the spaces through a condemnation process, and the Theatre would be able to move forward with planned improvements and continue to successfully operate. The Theatre will pay rent to the Rio Nuevo District, as it currently does under its operating agreement.

Some council members have expressed concern that taking the small amount of property via condemnation will send a negative message to the business community. But we wonder, as members of the Downtown business community ourselves, what is the message being sent if the Theatre isn't protected? The City must not stand by and let its asset-the Historic Rialto Theatre-be damaged by parties that are actively seeking to destroy a Downtown business that benefits the entire community and directly contributes to the success of other Downtown businesses. Supporting one of Downtown's only success stories is a pro-business action.

The community has so far invested $2.26 million in the Rialto, and the nonprofit Rialto Theatre Foundation has invested more than $1 million. This is YOUR Theatre that is under attack. The actions by Stiteler and Martin to harm the Rialto Theatre warrant a swift and decisive response by the City Council.

What Can You Do? Plenty!

The best thing you can do to help save the Rialto Theatre is to call and email as many Tucson City Council members as possible with your strong message of support. Do it now!

Three weeks ago, you answered our call and hundreds of you responded in a dramatic show of support.

We thank you for all your efforts and we need you to do it again. We need EVERYONE who cares about the Rialto Theatre to encourage as many people as possible to respond immediately.

The simple message: I support Councilmember Leal's call for the City of Tucson to acquire the spaces the Rialto Theatre needs and ask you to do the same. The City must protect the Historic Rialto Theatre for the benefit of the entire community.

You should also state why the Rialto Theatre is important to you.

Please consider doing one or more of the following ASAP:

1) Call the Mayor and Council Comment line ASAP at 791-4700 to voice your support for the Rialto Theatre.

2) Directly contact the members of the Tucson City Council via phone or email and request that they support Councilmember Leal's call for condemnation of the property through eminent domain.

Karin Uhlich, 791-4711, karin.uhlich@tucsonaz.gov
Regina Romero, 791-4040, regina.romero@tucsonaz.gov
Steve Leal, 791-4231, steve.leal@tucsonaz.gov
Shirley Scott, 791-3100, shirley.scott@tucsonaz.gov
Nina Trasoff, 791-4601, nina.trasoff@tucsonaz.gov
Rodney Glassman, 791-4687, rodney.glassman@tucsonaz.gov
Mayor Walkup, 791-4201, robert.walkup@tucsonaz.gov

3) Come to the City Council study session on Tuesday, July 7 at 2 pm and show your support for the Rialto. This is really important!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL FAR AND WIDE.
SAVE THE HISTORIC RIALTO THEATRE!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and the Rialto Theatre's home page for ongoing updates.

ON SALE FRIDAY: Snoop Dogg with Stephen Marley, July 26!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:24:48 -0800

THE RIALTO AND PHENOMENON/PROMOTION CONCERTS PRESENT
SNOOP DOGG WITH STEPHEN MARLEY
JULY 26TH

Tha D-O-double-G himself will be in Tucson next month, with special guest Stephen Marley. Both artists will be backed by a full band! Snoop regularly plays arenas, so we feel fortunate to squeeze him, his pimp goblet, and his golden throne on our stage.

The Doggfather and Mr. Marley perform live on Sunday, July 26th, and tickets are on sale this Friday, June 26th. Available online at 10am--but be sure to listen to HOT 98.3FM for details on how to obtain the password to buy tickets. Tickets will also be available through our box office at 740.1000, and in person M-F, 12-6 and during any events. That means while you're here enjoying DJ Quik & Kurupt this Friday or 2 Live Crew this Sunday, you can conveniently grab your Snoop tickets too.

A RESOUNDING 'THANK YOU!' TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:44:07 -0800

Last night, the Tucson City Council voted 7-0 to delay a vote on a proposed development deal between the City and the DTDC development entity. This is great news for the Rialto Theatre because the message the City sent to the developers is that they need to go back to the table and craft the deal in a way that the Rialto is truly protected.

To everyone who wrote, called, emailed, showed up in person or otherwise demonstrated support for what we do here at the Rialto, our sincerest thanks. We would not have prevailed without you.

Read the Arizona Daily Star's article on the vote, and check out this entry from the Tucson Citizen about the deluge of supporting calls and emails to the City Council from you, our supporters.

We love you, Tucson music fans!

WILCO at Centennial Hall June 18th is SOLD OUT

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:29:38 -0800

WILCO will return to Tucson after 12 years to a sold out Centennial Hall June 18th. Currently there are no more tickets available, but a small number may be released at 5pm day of show at the Centennial Hall Box Office.

Wilco with Grizzly Bear is presented by the 501 (c)(3) non-profit Rialto Theatre, http://www.rialtotheatre.com.

URGENT! RIALTO THEATRE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:15:51 -0800

On Tuesday, June 16th, at 5:30, a Development Agreement will be before Mayor and Council that we feel does not adequately protect the Rialto Theatre's ability to operate and thrive in the years to come.

TO ENSURE THAT THE RIALTO THEATRE IS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED, WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

Please read this article from Sunday's Arizona Daily Star, which spells out the situation very well.

On Tuesday, June 16, the Tucson City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed Development Agreement that does not adequately protect the Rialto Theatre and the $2.26 million taxpayers have invested in the project.

As the Arizona Daily Star editorial states: "The City Council must protect its asset. It must not approve any deal unless the Rialto Foundation's board of directors agrees that it is acceptable."

As of last Wednesday, the developers abruptly terminated all communication with the Rialto Theatre Foundation in the middle of negotiations with board members, staff and Foundation attorneys. The Foundation had not come to an acceptable agreement with the owners of the Rialto Block, although the board, staff and attorneys had spent hundreds of hours in the last week and were approaching final agreement.

Please consider doing one or more of the following:

1) Call the Mayor and Council Comment line ASAP at 791-4700 to voice your support for the Rialto Theatre.

2) Directly contact the members of the Tucson City Council via phone or email and tell them that they need to ensure that the Rialto Theatre is protected in any development agreement and that it is imperative the Rialto Theatre Foundation agree to the terms.

Karin Uhlich, 791-4711, karin.uhlich@tucsonaz.gov
Regina Romero, 791-4040, regina.romero@tucsonaz.gov
Steve Leal, 791-4231, steve.leal@tucsonaz.gov
Shirley Scott, 791-3100, shirley.scott@tucsonaz.gov
Nina Trasoff, 791-4601, nina.trasoff@tucsonaz.gov
Rodney Glassman, 791-4687, rodney.glassman@tucsonaz.gov
Mayor Walkup, 791-4201, robert.walkup@tucsonaz.gov

3) Come to the City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 pm to show your support for the Rialto Theatre.

Thanks to all of those that have already responded in support of the Rialto, and to those that will be doing so in the future or in attendance at Tuesday's Council meeting. Without you, our patrons and supporters, there IS no Rialto Theatre. Thank you.

Béla Fleck featured on NPR's World Cafe, June 4

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:50:03 -0800

NPR's World Cafe with host David Dye will be broadcasting a stellar musical performance session with Béla Fleck on Thursday, June 4. Unfortunately, our local NPR station KUAT 89.1FM does not keep World Cafe on their schedule, but thankfully for us radio has found its way online and you can stream the program at NPR here later in the day.

This is getting us jazzed (pardon the pun) for Béla's unique upcoming performance with Toumani Diabate on Wednesday, June 17th here at Rialto.

Reserved seating tickets are still available online, by phone (520-740-1000) or at our box office M-F, 12-6pm. Don't hesitate to call us with any questions.

ON SALE FRIDAY: Pete Yorn - Saturday, July 11

Thu, 28 May 2009 12:54:18 -0800

Singer-Songwriter Pete Yorn makes his second appearance to The Rialto Theatre stage, this time supporting his fourth studio LP Back and Fourth, produced by Bright Eyes alum Mike Mogis and Rick Rubin(!) and set to be released in late June. While we love his recorded collaborations with artists like Dave Grohl, Peter Buck, and 2/3 of the Dixie Chicks -- not to mention all the artists said to be featured on the new record -- we're excited to see Pete alone with his trusty band. Tickets on sale TOMORROW (Friday, May 28) at 10am. Available here on this very website, in person at our box office (M-F, 12-6), by phone (520.740.1000) and at any Bookmans Bookstore.

NEW SHOWS ON SALE NOW

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:41:01 -0800

Here's an update for easy navigation toward the brand new shows on our calendar.
Tickets are on sale now, and are available online, at Bookmans Bookstore or through our box office (M-F 12-6, 520-740-1000).

Tuesday, June 16 - Peter Murphy - Click here for tickets

Saturday, June 27 - Y La Orkesta - Click here for tickets

Sunday, July 12 - Cowboy Junkies & Son Volt - Click here for tickets

Wednesday, July 15 - Ottmar Liebert - Click here for tickets

Friday, September 25 - Pink Martini - Click here for tickets

Enjoy The Avett Brothers This Thursday, GUARANTEED!

Mon, 04 May 2009 21:57:02 -0800

This Thursday, we're offering you, our faithful patrons, a deal you just cannot refuse. We've only ever offered this for one band in the past with no takers, and that band makes its third visit to The Rialto on Thursday.
Here it is: Buy a ticket to The Avett Brothers this Thursday, May 7, and if you're not fully satisfied by the first 10 songs we'll refund your ticket price.
With the energy of a punk show, the vocal harmony only blood relatives can produce, sincere ballads about Paranoia and Love & Hate, and the preview of new material from their upcoming Rick Rubin-produced record I & Love & You (out August 11), we're confident you'll be preaching with us the awesomeness of The Avetts after this one. The band ends a tour leg with The Dave Matthews Band the night before, so surely they'll be eager to stretch their legs for a headline set, with the magnificent Magnolia Electric Company as a special guest opening the evening.
Buy your tickets online, at Bookmans Bookstore, our at our box office (M-F, 12-6pm, 740-1000).

Bonus Video: The Avett Brothers - Murder in the City

JUST ANNOUNCED: Matisyahu with K'Naan & Dub Trio 6/11

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:48:13 -0800

Some breaking news for all reggae and hip hop fans:
We're proud to announce Matisyahu with K'Naan & Dub Trio performing on Thursday, June 11 here at Rialto.

Matisyahu hit it big a couple years ago with a huge record "Youth", and has been touring to huge headlining and festival crowds ever since. He's featured on a new Crystal Method (performing here on 5/24, coincidentally) single called "Drown In The Now" (get it here for free!)

K'Naan apparently killed it over the weekend at Coachella, and we're excited he and Dub Trio are on the bill.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 1 at 10am via the usual channels: online, by phone at 740-1000, or at our box office M-F, 12-6.

The Crystal Method with Matisyahu - "Drown In The Now"

James Morrison Canceled Due To Illness

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:10:42 -0800

We regret to inform you that James Morrison's performance on Monday, April 20 has been canceled due to illness.

Refunds are available at point of purchase, but if you used a credit card through our website or our box office, your order will be refunded in full automatically to your card and will show up within the next few business days.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience. Please call our box office at 740-1000 with any questions. We're open Monday through Friday, 12-6.

Don't Miss Out!

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:28:24 -0800

Ozomatli SOLD OUT.
311 SOLD OUT.
Atmosphere SOLD OUT.

You don't want to miss out on our awesome spring line-up, so get your tickets now before it's too late!

JUST ADDED -- TALIB KWELI, PARIS and more on FRIDAY MAY 8th.

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:30:55 -0800

Hip hop fans take note --

You won't want to miss the show we just added on Friday May 8th -- The "Guerilla Funk Hard Truth Soldiers" Tour.

Headlined by Paris and Talib Kweli, the full lineup includes Planet Asia, Kam, T-K.A.S.H., and Sellassie.

Tickets on sale now. Stay tuned for more information about a special Best Buy in-store appearance.

Come See WILCO'S Film "Ashes of American Flags" April 30

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:50:36 -0800

If you haven't noticed already, we're pretty excited for Wilco in June at Centennial.

To get our Wilco fix early and to temporarily subside our anticipation, we will be screening the new film Ashes of American Flags , presenting Wilco live in concert during the 2008 tour. Culled from concerts in five quintessentially American venues - Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Tipitina's in New Orleans, The Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. - the film captures the energy, poignancy and musicality of a Wilco concert and tour. Directed and produced by Brendan Canty and Christoph Green (Sunken Treasure, Burn to Shine).

We just obtained a brand new 4,800-lumen projector, and we're stoked to premier it on April 30th showing Ashes of American Flags. It's only $2 at the door, film starts promptly at 8:30pm.

Bajofondo Postponed

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:17:25 -0800

We regret to announce Bajofondo will not be performing this evening at The Rialto Theatre, due to problems on the road. We apologize for any inconvenience.
But we have received word that the band will be rescheduling for an as-yet-to-be-determined date this fall. Please stay tuned to this space for a new date.

People who have previously purchased tickets should check their emails for details. Tickets will be available again once we announce details about the new performance date.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience.