Solar culture is a classic music venue and art valley with a downtown location and underground feel. Transport to another world at any number of their multidimensional events! read more

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You know you have escaped the evil clutches of the heartless, money-grabbing mainstream industry when a venue freely lets patrons walk in with backpacks full of booze and distribute it with their friends. I usually keep to just flasking it to Solar culture, but the lax, BYOB closed-container policy creates a unique house party concert vibe without the hours of standing around while your friends try to make their music equipment work properly. Although its not to far removed from such an experience since Solar culture is primarily an arthouse, doesn't have the greatest soundsystem and setup you will ever see, and I think for the most part the workforce and performers are as high as the patrons. I have dealt with a share of long waits between sets and all-to-average sound from Deerhoof, Voxtrot, Architecture in Helsinki, and the like. You also might have to bring a pair of binoculars to a show if you get there late to a packed house because of its awkward long and narrow build. There are great views of the band because of the raised stage, but once it gets past half capacity you might have to barter your way up closer with some of the cans of PBR you have in your Jansport. I was also permanently mentally scared by this place when Death From Above 1979 canceled their show there the day of. They never came back, and now they are gone. I can't help but think of how excited I was for that show (more then any other to date) and how heart-broken I was whenever I think of this place. *goes to cry beneath his desk* read more

Solar Culture - a colorful mural on the side of a building - Art Galleries Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Solar Culture is an old warehouse turned art gallery / venue. It's another Tucson gem that's difficult to find unless you're privy to Tucson's downtown (solar) culture. I've been to A LOT of concerts / shows in my life and never (ever) has a shown been more intimate than when it was at Solar Culture. I once watched "The Good Life" perform their album, "Album of the Year" at Solar Culture. Tim Kasher stood on that little wooden stage performing with a bottle of Jack Daniels next to his feet. He was obviously distraught. He would take a swig of whiskey after each song, almost as if he was numbing himself from the painfully beautiful memories he was sharing with us through his music. It was extremely powerful and moving to see this man falling apart physically and emotionally onstage. By the way, I take no pleasure in seeing men fall apart, I'm just a sucker for raw emotion. Anyways... This kind of experience is something you will seldom (if ever) experience in a big money making venue. You also won't get the kind of deal on tickets you get at Solar Culture and lastly, you would never be able to bring your own alcohol. These are just a few things that make Solar Culture so special. read more

I'm biased by being a Tucson native and lover of downtown, but this is my favorite music venue. It's an art gallery with a beautiful space for musicians and audience to share a great night. They stopped booking larger shows here after inspectors deemed it too unsafe (you could feel the old wood floorboards bend under a big crowd) which makes me sad. I saw a lot of incredible shows here during college (Animal Collective, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Fiery Furnaces, Architecture In Helsinki, Cold War Kids, and more). One of the biggest regrets in my life (literally) is not going to see The Arcade Fire show here in 2005. If you can, go see a show here. read more

I went to see my friend's band play at Solar Culture on Saturday evening. I'd never been there before and it was yet another time when I realized what little treasures I've been missing out on! I love local artists, so it was wonderful to see the paintings displayed from floor to ceiling, depiciting a wide variety of styles (including my favorite Dia de los Muerto!). The venue is narrow but still feels open, without losing the intimate feeling that music venues should have. It's in an old and run down buidling but it's still clean. The sound in this venue is pretty dang impressive, especially since it's an art gallery. I've been to shows at venues specifically established for concerts that pale in comparison. Next time one of my favorite musicians travels to this special place, I will definitely make it out. I took off one star because the guy at the door was difficult. I was paying for two people with a 20, for a total of $16 and he wouldn't let us in because he didn't want to lose all of his ones. We ended up partially paying for the person behind us because he was seriously having a crisis about it. WTF, mate? read more

I had heard there was ART about but I thought it was that crazy stuff that I can't figure out. Yes there were a few things that I couldn't get my brain wrapped around but most were just enough to get the neurons moving but no explosions. I was advised they change the artists a few times a year and they are getting ready for a new show opening January 28, 2012 6pm - 9pm. It will run for several months and the entry deadline is the 22nd. So, get you crayons out. read more

Pure Tucson Magic happens quarterly for artists. The owner has held an unjuried art show for more than two decades in this location. Live music and pot luck food at the opening. This is a low key casual counter culture art gallery its New York City style best. The show that changes every three months, October, February, May, September. Watch Solar culture website and Tucson Weekly for call for entries. Become part of Tucson's art community Old Guard and bring in work to show or stop in to see the work that is there. free Artists drop off work framed and ready to hang on Tues, Wed Thurs. before the show. Opening is Saturday 6:30-9:00 with pot luck and live music. read more

In many ways, Solar Culture represents better than any place in town the eclectic, DIY, arty spirit that infuses Tucson's culture. Owner Stephen Eye is on of the sweetest, most serene men you'll ever meet, and the entire joint is infused with that laidback, genuine spirit. I've seen some amazing shows here and it's so easy to mingle with the bands and just have a fabulous night. That said, yes - it's not the *ideal* music venue. It's hot as balls in the summer, the room is long and narrow, and there's the train passing by (which, honestly, I happen to love and think adds to the charm), but I love watching a band while surrounded by a variety of art, and I love supporting a local treasure. read more

Great venue, good artists/bands hired including local artists.

The owner is so sweet and is willing to answer any questions. It's exciting to see art of all different styles and media and media. I definitely recommend taking a look sometime. read more

Solar Culture has been my favorite venue in Tucson ever since the first show I saw there. Cheap admission and a house party like atmosphere. It's BYOB which is awesome, especially if you are sick of having to foot the bill on pricey bar tabs. The small area and lack of a "back stage" (it's just a small room off to the side) make it so the bands that are playing aren't really separated from the audience. For example while the opening band is playing the headlining band is usually just mixed in with the audience, watching the show, and vice verse. They have a small patio out back for people to smoke and watch the train go by. All in all Solar Culture doesn't have the biggest space, and it doesn't have the best acoustics, but it does have the best atmosphere I've experienced in a music venue. Also they book awesome indie bands from all over the world. read more

I love this gallery/music space! It's always an interesting crowd, and the music that can be quite diverse, is always a pleasure. The owners, who I've gotten to know personally, have made it their life mission to provide a space for artists, (both visual & musical) to experiment. I've seen a Peruvian fusion band, a String trio that plays a crazy blend of classical/country/bluegrass/russian and MORE! You always feel at home here. Their other space, "The Galactic Center" (2 doors down), has a 2 week non-stop showcase of music that would please at least one connoisseur during their multi genre event that coincides with the Gem Show. The quality is superb! The GC also has "sound caves" created by the owners that amplifies sound for small groups to improvise, with pillows and just an atmosphere of "Welcome"! There are some incredibly talented people that "drop in" playing the didgeridoo, singing bowls and voice! Check it out! read more

In 2002 i discovered Solar Culture Gallery. at that time i had no idea such a place existed. the energy is like a constant positive buzzing, and the ambiance is truly unique. yes, it is indeed an older building with some wear & tear, the lighting isn't perfect, and the walls are not like totally white and flawless (like some bourgeois art galleries in town), but that is the appeal, for me, as to why Solar Culture is a groovy, laid back, art focused gallery space (whether it be performance art or hanging art), Solar Culture has PERSONALITY. and honestly it is a really cool venue to artists who have yet to share their works publically. there is no jury therefore the range of styles and artistic levels are from one end of the spectrum to the other. i love that. it's not about EGO.....it's about ART! BIG THANKS to the owner Steven Eye for providing such an inviting space for artists of all kinds, as well as those who are there just to check it out. Tucson's arts community simply would not be the same without Solar Culture.....:o) - Sarafina X (local artist) read more