(September 22, 2017)—We’re excited to announce the 2017–2018 Archaeology Café series, Exploring Phoenix and Tucson Underground. Archaeology Café is an informal forum where adults can learn more about the Southwest’s deep history and speak directly to experts. At Archaeology Café, we break down the static, jargon-laden dynamic of traditional lectures, and have an expert share some ideas with the group in ways that get discussion going. (Food and drink make things a little livelier, too.)
We’ve made some changes. In response to feedback from our audience, Archaeology Café venues are new in each city. In Tucson, the Cafes will take place at The Loft Cinema (3233 E. Speedway Blvd.) In Phoenix, Changing Hands Bookstore (300 W. Camelback Road) is the new gathering place. These new venues will allow Café speakers to include Powerpoint and video in their presentations. Given how visual the field of archaeology is, we think this change will only make the information shared at the Cafes even more accessible. We’re still banning jargon, though, never fear!
In Tucson, Café goers should gather at The Loft Cinema (3233 E. Speedway Blvd.) around 5:30 p.m. to visit and enjoy some food and beverages. The Cafés will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Theatre 3. Seating is open and unreserved, with plenty of space for 98 guests. The Loft has plenty of free parking and an impressive concession bar that includes tamales, pizza, wraps, sandwiches, snacks, and a great selection of local beers and wines.
In Phoenix, Café-goers should join us around 5:30 p.m. to get a drink and a snack, and grab a good seat. The programs will start at 6:00 p.m. Offerings at the First Draft Book Bar include wine, local craft beers, delicious coffee, and a selection of bar foods. And after the Café, you might want to stick around and have dinner next door at the Southern Rail Restaurant. Plenty of free public parking can be found west of Changing Hands, at 400 and 444 West Camelback. There is additional free public parking across Camelback to the south, or take the Light Rail which stops at Central Ave. and Camelback.
The 2017–2018 Archaeology Café series consists of a total of eight programs. Four in Tucson will focus on Tucson’s archaeology and history, whereas the four scheduled for Phoenix will highlight new understanding of Phoenix’s deep past. The programs alternate month-to-month between the two cities. And for Tucson residents, we’re happy to announce a special bonus Café, on December 5, 2017, featuring archaeologist Steve Lekson on the Mimbres region.
Cafés are scheduled on the first or second Tuesday of each month, beginning in October. The first Café will be in Tucson on October 3, 2017 (visit our events calendar here). The final Café of the season will be in Phoenix, on May 1, 2018. The events are free to all, with no-host food and drinks available to those who want them.
Videos of each Café will be available at www.archaeologysouthwest.org/video.
Archaeology Café is made possible by The Smith Living Trust and Arizona Humanities, and we thank these donors for their investment in this program.
