Located in eastern Tucson at the foot of the Rincon Mountains, the non-profit ASA supports lifelong engagement with learning, creativity and public service for adults in (un-) retirement.
The non-profit ASA exists to support lifelong engagement with extended learning, creativity and public service for adults in or near retirement. We are located in the Academy Village/Altura active adult community in the Rincon Valley of eastern Tucson. Founded by a former UA president, our affiliation with the University of Arizona downtown helps the ASA provide a rich year-round menu of public concerts and lectures. Each week we enjoy a range of talented artists, experts and scholars, including faculty guests sharing encores and previews of headline events. This has made ASA an audience magnet for much of eastern Tucson and beyond.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
“Jazz Journey: Classics with a Modern
Touch”
The Gus Woodrow Quartet
11:30 – 12:30 p.m., The Arizona Senior
Academy Building
In their third visit to the ASA, the Gus Woodrow Quartet will present a “futurespective” of swing, bebop, and rhythm and blues. The group will be exploring their widest variety of material yet, ranging from the early gypsy-jazz of Django Reinhardt to the cool post-bop of Miles Davis, through the kaleidoscopic soul inflections of Wes Montgomery. Read more . . .
“Thinking the Unthinkable–Climate Change and the Global Order”
Professor Michael Chriss, Discussion Leader
2:30 – 4:00 p.m., The Arizona Senior Academy
The first of the 2020 Discussion Sessions based on the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions” series, a program addressing issues of global importance that provides background materials for group consideration led by individuals from the community. Read more. . .
“Modern American Funeral Practices”
Kris Vemulapaelli
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., The Arizona Senior Academy
Kris Vemulapaelli, a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner at Brings Funeral Home of Tucson, will discuss some of the industry practices like outsourcing cremations and store front funeral homes. She will explain the legal requirements for cremation and clarify for us how we can ensure our final wishes are honored. Read more . . .
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS, GO TO COMING UP AT ASA.
ATTEND AN EVENT
The non-profit Arizona Senior Academy (ASA) is the cultural hub of the Academy Village/Altura retirement community for active adults in eastern Tucson and we have a public service mission to enhance lifelong learning and creativity. Located at the foot of the beautiful Rincon range in eastern Tucson, we are on the southern side of Saguaro National Park East, not far from Vail, AZ. (See map)
To attend an event: Public concerts and lectures at the ASA are free of charge. But if you wish to assure seating, you should arrive somewhat early.
Postal Address: 13715 E. Langtry Lane, Tucson, AZ 85747
CONTRIBUTE TO ASA
The ASA is supported solely by membership dues from Villager residents and tax deductible donations from fans, families and friends. All contributions welcome with thanks!
Testimonials
ASA is a very unique venue that offers a very intimate feel that I truly appreciate as a musician. … A Hidden Gem in the Desert. Gabriel Ayala, Classical Guitarist
ABOUT US
Samples of past events: Classical cello and piano by Sanda Schuldmann and Harry Clark; concert from Vail Chorale led by Academy member, Fritz Reinagel; lectures on topics in science and art; ASA concert by steel drum band from Empire High; concert by Ronstadt Generations; pre-season Downton Abbey preview at ASA via PBS and KUAT
The non-profit Arizona Senior Academy was conceived by former UA president Henry Koffler before any homes were built in our community. Then and now, the ASA mission has been to support extended learning, creative engagement, mentoring and public service over the entire span of retirement.
The lectures and concerts each week are open to the public and cover a wide range of content from science and technology to health, humanities and creative arts. This diversity also complements the aims of those who are not yet fully retired but wish to explore new interests or prepare for “encore” careers.
Our village is an over-55 community and all residents become full dues-paying Academy members at age 60, providing support for the ASA. In addition to the concerts and lectures each week, the resident members have a number of amenities available to them. For example, the ASA support organization, Academy Services Corporation, runs the Academy Health Care Program on a subscription basis for resident members.
Many supporters from east Tucson and nearby Vail who attend our public events also make contributions to the ASA as “Friends” and “Fans” of the Academy. From time to time, our members and friends also make direct donations to sponsor the appearance of an artist or expert of special interest.
This mosaic depicts a sampler of past events, including a concert by the Vail Chorale founded and led by an Academy member, plus an early preview of the the final season of Downton Abbey which was co-hosted by ASA and our local PBS station KUAT.
To learn more about the ASA and our activities, click any of the topics below.
Lively Arts & Music
Weekly concerts feature classical, pop, jazz, folk and world music of many kinds — plus ample opportunity to interact with artists who are pleased to engage...
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Lifelong Learning
Expert speakers on topics from current events to ancient history, and everything in between plus frequent updates from UA scientists making headlines.
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Public Service
ASA members are encouraged to stay active and use their experience and energy to help the community at large.
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About ASA
Our members have different backgrounds, but share a commitment to making retirement a time of cultural enrichment and intellectual stimulation.
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