Bring Your Own Mythology

A "human sacrifice" and a dance party rarely share the same bill, but for Powhaus Productions, combining the two is just another way to shake things up in Tucson.

Powhaus' latest event, Prophecy, at the Rialto Theatre, takes a look at the end of times through visual art and musical performances.

For co-producers Nadine Roselle and Jared "Kitty Katt" McKinley, it's about bringing together the different cultures and religions that speculate the end of the world will come in 2012.

"I think that the times that we're in right now are inviting a lot of questions," Roselle said.

During the show, performer Jaime J. will sing for his life and then be "sacrificed" on the main stage by hostess Desert Diamond Dallas. "Gods" and "goddesses" will also participate in the ritual.

This will be Dallas' last show as host. She's been with Powhaus for the past two years.

"She has been a huge part of this," Roselle said. "Unless she's out of the country, she's with us, and now she's moving to Japan to teach English. She's an incredibly creative and fun person to work with. She's a camera-lover."

The headlining musical act, Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout, will play before and after the mock sacrifice. Psychic readings, video art by Adam Cooper-Terán and DJ music by Kitty Katt will fill out the dance party. The music will range from '80's goth to modern witchcore to classic rock. Why such the range?

"Because it's the end of the world ... why not?" Roselle said in an email. "What our shows are really about is the audience and what they bring. We always like to have fun with things, even if typically they're not considered fun or something you'd make a party of."

The production team encourages attendees to come in costume, perhaps as a god, goddess, witch, wizard, mortal or mutant.

"Anything that relates to your mythology works. We're not putting a label on the end of the world," Roselle said. "Everyone has their own ideas and mindset about it. Someone at the Rialto said it's 'bring your own mythology,' and I think that describes us to the letter."

Roselle, who has also been with Powhaus since its beginning two years ago, works behind the scenes with video art and design when she's not a host herself.

On the Powhaus website, the group is described as "a live event producer, online magazine and TV show supporting the music, the arts and culture in downtown Tucson. We are committed to exposing Tucson as the hip, unique and edgy town that it is. ... Powhaus' mission is to dazzle local communities by providing a platform for artistic expression meeting entertainment, social and play needs."

Roselle expanded on that description.

"What our emphasis has really become is to get people together and see what happens—see what people can create or do," Roselle said. "This town is filled with people who are doing amazing things, and we love providing a platform for them, and for them to have an outlet—that's my favorite thing about Powhaus."

Roselle estimates between 500 and 900 people will show up for Prophecy.