It seems the first Western movie with a Jewish character was an obscure flick called Der Yiddisher Cowboy. And eventually there were some cowboy movies with Jews that were ready for prime time, among them The Frisco Kid, starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford.
Author and historian Alex Kimmelman presents Slips and Clips: Jews in the American West--Hollywood Style.
Kimmelman will discuss the history of Jews in Westerns and present clips from other well-known films including Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell. Discussion of Tombstone will focus on Josephine Marcus Earp, the Jewish wife of Wyatt Earp.
The free presentation starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Arizona Historical Society at Second Street and Park Avenue. For more information, call 577-9445.
BOOGIE ON DOWN. A new jam series that starts Sunday brings great bluegrass to the Northside.
Sponsored by Desert Bluegrass Association, the gatherings promise the best in local bluegrass talent. The sessions, which will be held every third Sunday of the month, are open to the public, so whether you want to jam of just enjoy, you're welcomed to attend.
Sunday's free kick-off jam session is from 2 to 5 p.m. at Country West, 2660 W. Ruthrauff Road. For more information, call 293-7300.
GET FRESH. Organic fruits and vegetables, tree-ripened apples, peaches, nectarines and plums.
Pick up some groceries at the Tucson Farmers Market, where you'll also find a great selection of European-style bread, emu meat, grass-fed beef, tamales, pistachios, chai tea, jams and jellies, soups, cactus nectar, gourmet coffee and other foods.
The 20 or more vendors offer other goodies as well, including cactus, flower and vegetable plants.
The Tucson Farmers' Market's summer hours are 7 a.m. to noon every Sunday. The market is in St. Philip's Plaza at River Road and Campbell. For more information, call 743-8063 or email rw@bruner.net.
KIDS STUFF. Chow down and crack up Tuesday as the kids take center stage.
Family Nights at Bentley's features a kid's open mic. Children can share a song, a magic trick or poetry during the show-and-tell session hosted by Bruce Phillips.
The kids have a choice of spaghetti, macaroni and cheese or chicken strips and potatoes, served with a small shake or juice and a cookie for just $2.50.
The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at Bentley's House of Coffee and Tea, 1730 E. Speedway. For more information, call 795-0338.
