Posts Tagged ‘Arizona Diamondbacks’

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Downtown is Rocking this Week

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

It’s official.  The season has started!  Just like last fall, I am already having a hard time squeezing all of the things going on into the latest edition of What’s Happening. I encourage you to download the entire guide but here are just a few of this week’s highlights.

tompetty_img02_hires-official-from-press-release-20101First things first, our very own Urban Wine Walk, a FREE, light rail-based event that encourages participants to explore the best of Downtown Phoenix, the Camelback Corridor, and Tempe, takes place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Enjoy special pricing available only to Urban Wine Walk participants as your favorite restaurants regale you with their best wines and succulent hors d’oeuvres.  What a great way to visit all the places you’ve heard of but haven’t had a chance to try! Play amateur wine critic as you track all the places you visit using the map and wine list available at the link above. If you don’t want to take my word for it,  read this great piece by Kellie Hwang of the Arizona Republic.

 The Diamondbacks finish out their final homestand of the season this week against the Rockies and arch-nemesis Dodgers and they are going out with a bang with Fandamonium.  This Saturday and Sunday they’ve got amazing giveaways like trips to Las Vegas, spa days, free stays at Wild Horse Pass and Casino, and even a free ATV!  Go to Chase Field and show your DBacks pride – you may win a cool prize!

daniel-tosh182x135The Phoenix Symphony performs one of the most popular pieces of the 20th Century, Bolero.  This evocative piece debuted in 1928, and made a splash 50 years later in the movie “10,” starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek.   We may not have beaches for you to run on, but you can still be moved at Symphony Hall this Thursday and Saturday.  Also featured this week at Symphony Hall is the fiery Poncho Sanchez, who is heralded as one of the top percussionists of our time. 

Other big names in Downtown this week – Daniel Tosh (from “Tosh.0″ on Comedy Central) performs at the Dodge Theater on Saturday, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are at US Airways Center on Sunday and the annual charity event Beauty of a Bonzer with featured performing artist Train, is happening on Saturday as well.

This is just the tip of the iceberg so dig in and have fun!

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Fourth of July Weekend Part I

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A pool party, baseball games, art walks and drink specials: the Founding Fathers would be proud. At the very least, Ben Franklin, who had a thing for beer and the ladies, would have approved.

So, without further delay, here are some ways to make your Fourth of July weekend take off without a hitch in Downtown Phoenix:

HarenHot dogs and baseball

The D-Backs are battling the Dodgers Friday-Sunday, July 2-4, at Chase Field. Be there Saturday night to catch the fireworks display; it’s a major wow. If you have family or friends in the service, Sunday afternoon is Military Appreciation Day.

First Friday events

By now, our readers are more than familiar with the signature event, Artlink First Fridays, which takes place July 2 from 6-10 p.m. in and around Downtown. [Editor's note: It was recently published that the street closure that has become synonymous with First Friday will go on hiatus for the months of July and August.]

While you’re there, check out First Fridays Latino Style at the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. The event will showcase more than 40 Latino artists in Arizona plus the music of Latin jazz artist Ruth Lara Vichules. The Phoenix Fridas, the Valley’s most popular Latina art collective, invites fans to come by and celebrate the world’s most renowned Latina painter, Frida Kahlo.

Since that’s bound to build up a thirst, head for First Fridays Party on the Patio at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Knock back $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 Stellas while you refuel at the complimentary appetizer bar, open from 6-7 p.m. (Steve’s is open till 1 a.m.)

Get this party started

On Saturday, July 3, Solstice Saturdays, now in its 2nd year, heats up at Bar Smith. Dance till you drop to hip hop or head upstairs for house music until 3 a.m.  No cover before 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, you can cool down at the Hotel San Carlos Adult Swim Party, a rooftop pool party featuring local deejays. Open to anyone 18 and older, the party is from 2-10 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Best place to watch the fireworks

When it comes to views, I’m pretty sure the Compass Arizona Grill is the unchallenged winner. This revolving restaurant, located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency, is the perfect place to see an astonishing, 360-degree view of all the Valley’s fireworks shows.  Special 4th of July seating is from 7-10 p.m., so call 602-440-3166 to make reservations now.

(Editor’s Note: Look for Part II of this post next week!)

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Honor One of Your Favorite Parents

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

You and I get 364 days a year. Mom gets one. In short, the odds aren’t stacked in mom’s favor.

Mothers-DaySo on behalf of moms everywhere, I’d like to suggest giving her the one thing she wants most on Mother’s Day: some time and attention.  You’ll find lots of options in Downtown Phoenix that will get her way more jazzed than that card you have your eye on.

Now, go clean your room and wash behind your ears. You have till the count of three.

For Boomer Moms

If your mom grew up with the sounds of the British Invasion, here’s the perfect event. Sunday at 2 p.m., the Phoenix Symphony Pops Series presents “The Beatles & Friends: Sounds of the 60’s.”  Besides the Fab Four, the concert will include music from the Beach Boys and the Mamas & The Papas.

Paging Heidi Klum

Fashionista moms should love “Catwalk,” a new production by Scorpius Dance Theatre. Fusing funky local fashions, athleticism and hot choreography, the show is staged on a runway. The last performance is Mother’s Day at Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre.

Because She’s a Good Sport

Take her out to the ballgame. Sunday’s showdown at Chase Field between the Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers starts at 1:10 pm, and all moms will get a Mother’s Day D-signer Tote Bag.

Mom Earned That Mimosa

The Mother’s Day Brunch has become an American tradition, and who are we to argue? To quote The Simpsons, “It’s not quite breakfast, it’s not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of cantaloupe at the end.”

Kincaid’s is offering a yummy brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Steve’s Greenhouse Grill will feature a made-to-order omelet and Belgian waffle station. For a fabulous view coupled with a lavish buffet, make reservations at the Compass Grill atop the Hyatt Regency.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone.

Got a date? Text ”ARTS” “FOOD” or “EVENTS” for great ideas!

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Your Guide to Downtown Fun

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Although the wind was rough, the weekend was gorgeous. I hoped everyone enjoyed it. There is a great deal to enjoy this week, so let’s get started.

The Cinco De Mayo Festival came and went but there’s no reason not to continue celeberating the culture that’s so important to our Southwest identity. The Matador Mexican Restaurant and Mi Amigos have festivities sure to engage you in the revelry.

RattlersThe Suns continue their march to the Finals by hosting the arch-rival Spurs in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets for tonight’s Game 1? No problem! Head over to Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s and watch the game with your closest Orange friends.  

By the end of the week the Diamondbacks will have fans cheering at Chase Field, playing the Brewers. The Brewers have a pair of super sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder so expect some high-scoring affairs.

Need more sports? Head over to US Airways Center Friday night and watch the Rattlers take on the Spokane Shock.

The theater crowd will be happy this week with three shows at the Herberger Theater, one of which is by the famous comedy troupe Second City. With alums like Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, I was more than curious to see what they came up with, and I was laughing all the way to the end. They took cracks at all the little quirks that make Arizona unique, and it was refreshing to see what we look like from an outside point of view. Absolutely hilarious!

One last thing to take a look at. The Phoenix Public Market has been given a great opportunity to win some funds and they need your help. Follow this link to cast your vote and help the Market, as well as to benefit a great and worthwhile community cause. Please do your part and cast your vote for the Phoenix Public Market. Thank you!

Want more of What’s Happening? Download the weekly PDF here or grab a copy at the Ambassador Information Center (Adams / 1st Avenue).

Have a great week!

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These Great Outdoors

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

“Pontoon boat? Whaddya going to do with a pontoon boat? Retake Omaha Beach?” - Roman Craig

The other night I was watching The Great Outdoors, the woefully underrated 1988 comedy starring the late John Candy the once-great Dan Aykroyd, when I got to thinking about how soon we’ll all want to escape to a quiet lake cabin somewhere in the wooded bowels of the Midwest. 

logoearthday2I hate to break it to you, folks, but we’ve got precious few weekends left before triple-digit temps make it dang-near impossible to enjoy anything outside. These open-air events will help you take full advantage of our great weather. While you still can.

Wednesday 

Phoenix Public Market

Chef Wade is back to serve up grilled burgers and roasted potato salad from 4-8 p.m., plus Tonatierra’s yulu beans, Cafe Justo’s fair-trade coffee and The Tamale Store will be on hand selling their goods.

Thursday

Earth Day Phoenix 2010 at Cesar Chavez Plaza

Phoenix will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Sponsored by Keep Phoenix Beautiful, 80 compannies will be on hand to share their green initiatives with the crowd.

Lunch Unplugged at Civic Space Park

Bring a sack lunch to the park between 12-2 p.m. and enjoy the sounds of Porangui.

Friday-Sunday

Diamondbacks vs Phillies at Chase Field

Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, Danny Haren and the DBacks host Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and the defending National League champion Phillies.

Saturday

Community Yoga Project

I’ve never actually done yoga but I’m told it’s quite good for you. Proponents say it helps with flexibility and finding your center or something. See for yourself for free at 10 a.m. every Saturday at Civic Space Park.

Open Market at Phoenix Public Market

Bring your pooch! Ride your cruiser! Sip tasty Royal coffee! Seriously, there’s no hipper place to be Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CorksUrban Wine Walk 2010

The Downtown Phoenix Partnership and CityCircles.com invite you to ride light Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe and the Camelback Corridor to enjoy priced-right wine samples at 11 different destinations, including Kincaid’s, 1130 The Restaurant, Majerle’s Phoenix Public Market, Icon Lounge, Steve’s Greenhouse, Maizie’s and Hula’s Modern Tiki. The event is free but you will need to buy an all-day rail pass for $3.50.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day at Civic Space Park

Healthy Kids Day is a family event focused on improving the health and wellness of children in the local community. The event is free to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Race for Haiti

This non-profit foundation was established to raise relief funds for Haiti. The 5K run/walk (8 a.m.) or 1-mile run (9 a.m.) start at Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Sunday

Valley Metro Great Bike Chase

Hundreds of cyclists–from young to old riding Huffys to Cannondales–will congregate at Margaret Hance Park (Central/Culver) between 9-10:30 a.m. for safety classes, entertainment, food and giveaways before departing for Chase Field at 11 a.m. to watch the Dbacks take on the Phillies. Cost is $10-$20 if you pre-register here or by calling Suzanne Day at (602) 534-1809.

Have a suggestion on how to enjoy our Great Outdoors? Leave your comments below!

 

Text ”events” to 25866 for the latest scoop on all Downtown events

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Join the Great Bike Chase

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

If you’ve missed the fact that April is Valley Bike Month, don’t despair. You and your Huffy have at least one last chance to celebrate.

BikeChase3resizedSunday morning hundreds of cyclists of all ages and skill levels will gather for the Valley METRO Great Bike Chase, a 4.3-mile family friendly group ride from Margaret T. Hance Park (AKA Deck Park at Central and Culver) to Chase Field.

Riders will congregate at the park beginning at 9 a.m. for a smorgasbord of food and activities, including bike safety rodeo, face painting, free bike check-ups and group photo taken from the roof of the Portland Place condos.

Diamondbacks organist Bobby Freeman and team mascot D. Baxter will be on hand to give away autographed team merchandise and there will be a grand prize drawing for a lavish Downtown Merchant Gift Pack.

The ride alone costs just $10. For another $6 you can get an upper-level seat to watch the Diamondbacks take on the defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies and for a total of $20 you can ride and sit in the lower level. As an added bonus, it’s Dbacks Baseball Cap Day with the first 5,000 kids 12-under getting a free lid! IMPORTANT NOTE: Day-of-event cost is $30 so be sure to pre-register.

During the game all bikes will be locked up under supervision in the Jefferson Street garage and police-escorted rides back to Margaret Hance Park will begin at the bottom of the sixth inning and continue until 30 minutes after the game ends.

[Tip: Metro light rail has easy-to-use bike racks in every car and Margaret Hance Park is a stone's throw from the Roosevelt/Central station.]

For more information call Suzanne Day at (602) 534-1809.

Want more Diamondbacks? Text ”sports” to 25866

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13 Reasons to Celebrate Opening Day

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Can you believe that Monday will mark the 13th Opening Day in Arizona Diamondbacks history?

Crazy, right? It seems like yesterday that the Diamondbacks opened then-Bank One Ballpark and soon redefined what it meant to be an expansion baseball team, winning 100 games in their second season and taking down the Yankees in seven games to take the World Series in year three.

A lot has changed in a baker’s dozen years but just like Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Luis Gonzalez and Mark Grace guided the 2001 club to World Series glory, a new band of talented young players including staff ace Dan Haren, 21-year-old budding superstar Justin Upton, sleek shortstop Stephen Drew and power-hitting Mark Reynolds are poised to lead the Diamondbacks back to the playoffs.

After two final Cactus League tuneups against the Cubs, Arizona will begin its pursuit of a National League West championship in earnest with a season-opening homestand against the division rival San Diego Padres and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here are 13 reasons to be a part of the action all season long at Chase Field:

JUPDowntown Is the New “Uptown”

Now you can spend your Friday and Saturday nights in Uptown, the new fan zone located directly behind All-Star right fielder Justin Upton. There you’ll get an up close and personal view of Arizona’s franchise player and fantasy baseball’s newest heartthrob.

New “Sheriff” In Town

Last season, third baseman Mark Reynolds didn’t just hit 44 home runs and swipe 24 bags, leading the team in both categories, he established himself as a clubhouse leader and earned a great nickname along the way.

Co-Jack Is Back

After missing most of 2009 with Valley Fever, left fielder Conor Jackson has returned healthy and maybe better than ever, hitting a cool .364 in Spring Training.

Front Row Seats Available

It’s one thing to watch the game at a sports bar with big TVs but it’s another experience altogether to watch the game at a sports bar that sits a few hundred yards from the warning track. Friday’s Front Row allows D-Backs fans to nibble on ribs from the comforts of left field.

Augie’s Army Wants You

“Augie Augie Augie, oy oy oy!” is a chant you’ll hear almost nightly as fan-favorite Augie Ojeda cements his status as the DBacks’ can-do-everything utility infielder.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Gazelle, It’s CBY!

Center field is where would-be doubles go to die, due in large part to Chris Young’s Gold Glove-caliber defense.

baxterBaxter’s Potato Gun

D. Baxer the Bobcat is armed and fabulous, dancing up a storm and shooting T-shirts into the crowd.

LaRoche Is French for “The Steal”

It wasn’t the most-talked about offseason move, but the Diamondbacks’ sneaky acquisition of free agent Adam LaRoche could pay huge dividends to a team longing for power and stability at first base.

Skyrockets In Flight

The Diamondbacks will offer 10 postgame fireworks shows this season, beginning with some afternoon delight following Monday’s season-opener against the Padres.

Stuff We All Get

The Dbacks lead the league in SWAG, including bobblehead nights for Upton, Haren, longtime announcer Greg Schulte and all-time great Luis Gonzalez. There’s even a DBacks Garden Gnome Night! If you don’t like garden gnomes, well, you probably don’t like Christmas or lollipops, either.

Fashion Forward Baseball

Even Tim Gunn thinks the Diamondbacks look amazing in their Sedona Red uniforms. You can get your hands on great DBacks gear at the Chase Field Team Shop.

Sausage Fest

Did you know you can get footlong bratwurst at Chase Field? Yeah, it’s true, and you don’t need me to tell you how awesome that is. 

Gettin’ Miggy With It

After hitting .294 with 16 homers in 2009, Miguel Montero is quickly becoming one of the league’s top-hitting catchers.

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Why do you love the Diamondbacks? Tell us in the comments below.

Now let’s play ball!

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