City Week

The Phenomenon of Sound

Russill Paul, known for blending yoga and music, will be in Tucson for a special weekend of healing.

If you've ever been hesitant to get into the yoga craze, this is your chance, because he's one of the most influential names in yoga, and he's only here for two days.

Paul's unique mixture of yoga and music inspired him to write The Yoga of Sound, which promotes a whole and healthy life through the use of sound.

"The Yoga of Sound is a powerful spiritual system that unifies the key principles of healing found in yoga and music into an effective practice," according to Paul's Web site.

Paul's work has taken him all over the globe. He has played for the Dalai Lama numerous times, and his last album was produced by Arlo Guthrie. He has more than 20 years of experience in spiritual teaching.

Joanne Kelly is a yoga instructor in Tucson, and she is very excited about Paul coming to town.

"People's minds will be opened to the power of sound and how as living, breathing individuals, we are all so very sensitive to the things we see, the things we eat, the things we hear and the things we touch," Kelly said.

Paul's "A Night of Ecstatic Kirtan" costs $18 in advance (at Antigone Books or Anjali), or $21 at the door. The Healing Retreat costs $65 per session, or $120 for the whole day. No experience is necessary, and beginners are welcome. For more information on Paul or The Yoga of Sound, visit russillpaul.com. --D.P.

On the Cutting Edge

The National Parkinson Foundation estimates that 60,000 cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed each year--and the UA is one of the research facilities leading the fight against the disease.

The UA College of Medicine is offering the public a chance to tour the school's new medical research building, with behind-the-scenes views of studies being conducted by the head researcher of neuroscience, Dr. Scott Sherman, in his efforts to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

"What's exciting about the tour is the research. You will get to see two of the very promising paths to help cure Parkinson's," said Katie Maass, senior program coordinator of public affairs in the College of Medicine.

Maass explained one method that Dr. Sherman's research team is experimenting with. "Dopamine is a chemical that has a lot to do with Parkinson's. One of the studies is looking into the possibility of harvesting photoreceptor cells from a person's retina and implanting them in the dopamine-producing part of the brain," says Maass.

"The second method is a type of gene therapy; hopefully, by manipulating certain genes, they can replace inactive brain stimulation," said Maass. "... Although both methods show promise, neither are definite.

"The research is also aimed at finding new ways to reduce side effects of current treatments," continued Maass.

The tour is free, although prior registration is required; tours are limited to 12 people. Parking and lunch will be provided. --J.W.

Shopping for a Cause

Want to splurge? Feel free to shop with the ladies during a beauty and fashion extravaganza at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, where more than 60 exhibitors will be selling beauty products and apparel--all while benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"It just keeps getting bigger and bigger," said Kandice King, the promoter of the event and a film producer, about how the event continues to grow each year.

"The more people that shop, the more money that goes toward the charity," says King.

Makeovers and haircuts, along with Moet and Chandon champagne, will be available throughout the evening. "We have show specials and vendor coupons, so a lot of things will be buy one, get one 50 percent off," says King. "The vendors of each product will be the actual manufacturer of the product itself."

A jury was set up to choose which beauty products could be sold. "We wanted to make it where all the shopping will be exciting to the customers," says King. Some of the Arizona-based vendors making an appearance will include Rubs Massage Studio, Origins, Oasis Spa, J. Renee Fine Linens, Andrea's, Petite Allie and Bella Roux Cosmetics.

"There is everything a girl wants at this," says King. "Music will be playing all night from 92.9 The Mountain, (and there will be) a book signing by Hollywood author Liane Bonin."

"Must-have" beauty gift bags, filled with name-brand products, will be limited in supply and are only offered to advance-ticket gift-bag buyers. Advance general admission is $10, or $12.99 with a gift bag. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15, without the gift bag. --J.W.

Remember, Support, Prevent

There are more than 1 million people living with HIV in the United States. That's 1 million lives shattered by a potentially debilitating and thus far incurable disease.

One-fourth of the people carrying HIV/AIDS--an estimated 250,000 people--in this country are unaware they are infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Next Sunday, Oct. 14, an estimated 6,000 people will enjoy a day of walking, running, food and music!

Tucson's AIDSWALK is sponsored by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) and Desert Diamond Casino. Sunday's event marks nearly 20 years of fundraising to sustain critical services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

SAAF is a community-based organization which provides food, housing and medical assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS; prevention and education programs; and volunteer opportunities. Of the seven targeted programs SAAF offers, six are devoted to HIV prevention, primarily through education.

"(Education) is so important, because we still have a lot of misinformed people," said Rick Wilson, SAAF's director of development. "There are a lot of people who don't understand what (HIV) is about."

Last year, the event drew more than 5,500 Tucsonans. And unlike many annual walks, the AIDSWALK is completely locally sponsored, so all donations raised will stay in Southern Arizona.

"AIDSWALK continues to be both a celebration of life and a time of reflection, of tribute and hope for a future without HIV and AIDS," Mayor Bob Walkup said in a press release.

For more information, visit aidswalktucson.com. --D.P.