The historic Rialto Theatre in Downtown anchors Tucson’s rich arts heritage.  Along with the neighboring Hotel Congress, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Opened in 1920, The Rialto Theatre has leveraged its location on the I-10 to lure popular artists as they travel from Texas to California, according to Arizona Public Media. Originally a venue for silent films and Vaudeville shows, the theater has also been home to plays, concerts, and Spanish-language flicks. The Rialto experienced several name changes throughout the 20th-century, including The Paramount and El Cine Plaza. It was purchased by the City of Tucson in 1994, and is now owned by the non-profit organization, Congress Street Historic Theatres Foundation. Notable upcoming shows include:

Colbie Caillat with Howie Day, Trevor Hall
When: Oct. 26, 2009, 8 p.m.
Genre: Pop, Acoustic
What: California native Colbie Caillat gained notoriety after posting her song "Bubbly" to MySpace. The track became widely popular and eventually led to a record-deal for the singer-songwriter. Caillat has gone on to record two albums, and has collaborated with chart-topping artist Jason Mraz. Joining her is 22-year old guitarist Trevor Hall, and multi-instrumentalist Howie Day.
Cost: $25 General Admission (Advanced), 27 Seated Balcony (Advanced)

Calexico and the filming of Flor de Muertos with Molehill Orkestrah
When: Nov. 8, 2009, 7 p.m.
Genre: Indie Rock, Americana
What: Be part of history when Tucson-based rock band Calexico records their live performance as part the filming of the documentary Flor de Muertos, or "Day of the Dead." Celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary All Souls Procession and the music of Calexico, this concert will feature a large shrine onstage, procession by the performers, and other wonders.
Cost: $30 General Admission (Advanced), $32 General Admission (Day of Show), $37 Seated Balcony (Advanced)

Sonic Youth with Sic Alps
When: Jan. 4, 2010, 8 p.m.
Genre: Alternative Rock, Post-Punk
What: Formed in 1981, Sonic Youth spent nearly a decade in the independent music circuits before becoming an alternative-rock icon in the early-90's. Their first major-label album, Goo, featured the hit single "Kool Thing". The band released several additional chart-topping albums and headlined the 1995 Lollapalooza festival. The band will be in Tucson to promote its latest album, The Eternal.
Cost: $25 General Admission (Advanced), $27 General Admission (Day of Show)

To learn more about the historic Rialto Theatre and to purchase tickets, visit www.rialtotheatre.com.

The Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701