Posts Tagged ‘Dodge Theatre’

This Week: Soulful Crooners, First Friday, Bowling & Baseball

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Summer may be winding down, but Downtown Phoenix is only getting hotter.  Three nights a week you can laugh yourself in stitches over Ashley Pirouznia’s lineup of local talent;  Mondays at Sonoma Casual Dining, followed by  Fridays and Saturdays at Ghost Lounge.  Whether you want to see Phoenix veterans of comedy or the latest “fresh meat” (prime heckling material), there is a laugh for every taste.  All shows start at 8:30 p.m. and there’s no cover!

lamontagneSpeaking of talent, David Gray and Ray Lamontagne perform at the Dodge on Wednesday night.  Both known for their acoustic style and raspy voices,  this show will easily slide you over hump day on into the weekend.  On Friday, talent will be abound with the First Friday of the month.  Check out the fun at Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center with Adult’s Night Out, ASU University Center’s gallery “The Vault”, Heritage Square, AE England Building in Civic Space and much more.  The Valley Youth Theater has extended “Grease” due to its popularity.  With famous alumni like Chelsea Staub (Disney Channel), Jordin Sparks (American Idol) and Emma Stone (Zombieland) you may easily be able to say, “I saw them when…”.

The D’backs take the field again this week against the Padres and the Astros.  College football starts this week too.  Coach and Willie’s kicks-off the season with great specials on Thursday night and again Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. (in time for the East Coast kickoffs).

If none of this floats your boat, you can always hit the lanes at Lucky Strike.  They have great happy hour specials and this amazingly entertaining lunch special – a sandwich and a game for $5.50!  You can get a turkey sandwich while you bowl a turkey.  Ha!

Download This Week’s What’s Happening for a Complete Guide to Downtown Events

 

Cheaper to Keep Her Coming to the Dodge

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

If you love theatre, you’ll be in for a treat on Sept. 19 when Je’Caryous Johnson’s “Cheaper to Keep Her” comes to the Dodge Theatre in Downtown Phoenix.

What is “Cheaper to Keep Her” All About?

When a married couple is ready to call it quits, they always want different things.

Raymond Mays (Brian McKnight) wants a divorce and Morgan Mays (Vivica A. Fox) wants alimony. When the fed-up judge bangs her gavel, she decides Morgan doesn’t deserve half … she deserves it all.

Morgan gets everything—the house, Raymond’s retirement, and some would say even his self-esteem, leaving him with nothing but the thought; it would have been cheaper to keep her.

Raymond has two options to prevent him from paying alimony: kill Morgan or get her married off to someone else.

As ex-husband and ex-love face off with each other, broken hearts will get revenge and hearts and marital matrimony will collide only to discover if it’s easier to love her as his wife.

Cheaper to Keep Her also features Wendy Raquel Robinson (”The Game,” “The Steve Harvey Show”) and comedian Jonathan Slocumb.

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This Week in Music

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

When it comes to music, one person’s Kobe beef is another person’s Spam. And since we all seem to have an appetite for different sounds, you’ll be glad to know that Downtown has a varied buffet this week.

RobertPlantRobert Plant & The Band of Joy

At 61, you’d think Robert Plant would have retired to a nice little villa in the South of France. But the former Zeppelin front man keeps re-inventing himself with his solo career. Next Tuesday, July 20th, he brings his new group, Band of Joy, to the Dodge Theatre. The set list will include songs by Los Lobos and Townes Van Zandt as well as material from their new CD on Rounder Records.

The Mana Quartet and Francisco Bibriesca

And now, for something completely different, as Monty Python would put it. This Friday, July 16th, Francisco Bibriesca and The Mana Quartet will be performing live at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. The Mana Quartet, an award-winning saxophone ensemble, takes chamber music and turns it sideways, performing modern compositions by Philip Glass and others. Bibriesca, a renowned young classical guitarist from Mexico, has wowed audiences around the world.

For the steal of the week, you can see Bibriesca perform for free at 5:30 p.m. The Mana Quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $10 per person at the door.

Hussy & Astrofunk at Fuse Fridays

Along with the usual suspects upstairs – house music from DJ’s Mara and Sol Martinez – Bar Smith will feature two live bands on the main floor this Friday. Astrofunk, a local contender, will perform along with Hussy, considered the top cover band in the UK. Hussy performs songs by The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, REM and Kings of Leon, to name a few.  (Yow, that’s a lot of material to learn, but these guys are accomplished session musicians). No cover charge before 10 p.m.

Free Concert in Civic Space Park

I wish I could tell you the line-up, but you’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Friday, take the light rail to Central Avenue and Van Buren, walk one block north, and enjoy a free concert under the stars, next to “Her Secret is Patience,” that magical floating sculpture. Bring along a munchie or two from the Fair Trade Cafe, located in the Park.

Fourth of July Weekend Part II

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Fireworks_ChaseSure, it’s fun to watch stuff blow up. But this July 4th weekend, there’s also an explosion of things to do: live music and nightclubbing, comedy slams and ways to amuse your kids.

Here’s the rundown on Downtown:

Barely Dressed or Well Dressed

Don’t worry about trying to undress someone with your eyes.  The Beach Party at the Sky Lounge has taken care of that for you. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, you can eye models – and fellow partiers – in teeny, tiny swimwear. If you do wear beach attire, there’s no line and no cover charge.

GhostLoungeIf you’d prefer to be fully dressed while drinking, check out the What, are you Def? Comedy Slam at the Ghost Lounge, located in the Hotel San Carlos. This new lounge (pictured, left) has a casual but upscale vibe with terrific appetizers provided by the Hotel’s new eatery, Bistro 202. Be careful, or comedian Ashley could have you doing a spit-take while sipping your margarita.

From Jazz to Motown Funk

On Friday, July 2nd, the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar will feature a live jazz trio in the bar starting at 5 p.m., followed by DJ Senbed at 9 p.m. Saturday, if you like vintage Motown and R&B, head for the District between 8 pm and midnight to catch Roscoe Taylor and Tim Forks, two Valley perennials who perform 70s classics from the likes of Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the Four Tops.

Do-it-Yourself Ice Cream

Oh, what I’d give right now for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a spoon. To cool your palate with this all-American dessert, head for Heritage Craft Saturdays, where you can make your own ice cream (and yes, eat it). Heritage & Science Park, noon to 2 p.m.; admission is $2 per person.

First Friday Times Four

July 4th is a great weekend to be out and about, since it coincides with First Friday. Artlink has put the signature street closure on Roosevelt on hiatus, but there’s no stopping First Fridays at the Dodge Theater, which is hosting a variety of entertainment in the lobby from 6-9 p.m., followed by the live band 357, which will perform until midnight. Admission is only $5 after 10 p.m.

For kids or grown-ups who hate to grow up, there’s Target Free First Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, open from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. If you haven’t seen the Museum’s new climber, check out some video here.

An event for all ages is the First Friday: Taste of the Rosson House Tour, which takes you on a guided tour of this historic house, located in Heritage & Science Park, from 5-9 p.m.

And don’t forget First Friday Latino Style over at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center on Adams and 2nd Street. You can read all about this ”caliente” event in Part I of this post here.

Hoops, Comics and Cosmos

Monday, May 24th, 2010

I hope you had a great week. We have a few fun things to do this week, so let’s get started.

SunsRU Orange? The Downtown Ambassadors will be hosting a “Show UR ORNG” Rally Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Information Center (1st Ave. / Adams) featuring games, food from Carmine’s Little Italy, Hero Factory and Fair Trade Cafe, plus music from Bad Cactus Marching Band and prize giveaways to fans wearing orange. Then, at 6 p.m., the Suns will look to even up their Western Conference Finals matchup with the Lakers at 2 games apiece. There are watch parties at Majerle’s, Coach & Willie’s and The Duce.

3spidermanWith Memorial Day approaching, it reminds us of not only the obvious, but of the outdoor fun to be had. The Movie in the Park at Civic Space Park is a great way to spend some time with friends and loved ones, and its free (my favorite word). The Phoenix Mercury play the Atlanta Dream on Friday, and the Phoenix Symphony can regale us with our patriotic favorites on Friday and Saturday. How about patriotism of a different sort with Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Dodge Theater?

Starting off the summer movie blockbusters is Sex and the City 2. You can come see it at the Arizona Center, but first, join the pre-party at 1130 the Restaurant. They’ve got all the things ladies love: shopping, make-up, purses, and drinks!

One last thing, but certainly not least. Downtown Phoenix is the new home for Phoenix Comicon. The largest comic convention in the Southwest. Thursday through Sunday, fans can meet their favorite creators like Stan Lee, dress and act like their favorite characters, get up close to their favorite Sci-Fi writers and actors, and participate in some wildly fun events like a masquerade ball, live bands, and great late -night parties. One event, in particular, will have you screaming with terror. The Zombie Walk, hosted by Arizona Ghostbusters, ( they have the car!) and your favorite Zombie Ambassadors, followed by  the Zombie Beauty Pageant. Zombies are encouraged to meet at the corner of 2nd St and Monroe at 6:30 p.m., with the walk starting promptly at 7 p.m., and ending at the Hyatt Regency. Walk is free, pageant is ticketed. Come out for a ghoulish good time. 

Hope that you find something fun this weekend, and I will see you all at the Zombie Walk. Have fun, and be safe!

“The Clean Up Woman” Coming to Dodge Theatre June 4

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Buy Tickets for The Clean Up Woman HERE!Funnyman and actor J.D. Lawrence brings his latest hit stage show, The Clean Up Woman, to the Dodge Theatre in Downtown Phoenix June 4 at 8 p.m.

J.D. Lawrence, “The King of Dramedy,” is a writer, actor, comedian, dancer, singer, director and producer. J.D. is a two-time “Keep America Beautiful” national award winner and is the country’s first African American playwright to receive two public performing arts Special Recognition awards, a Legislature Distinguished Achievement Award and a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congress all simultaneously. Lawrence, one of the Network Journal’s top 40 Entrepreneurs, has performed to sold-out audiences across the country and Europe with his stylish blend of comedy, dance, music and drama.

The Clean Up Woman
is a play about Terri Adams, a journalist who pushes aside her newlywed domestic apron for a six-figure anchor job with WNY5. But when Terri starts neglecting home for her new position, her supportive husband comes to his wits end and demands she clean up her act, starting with the house. To keep the peace, her man and her job, Terri hires a local cleaning service recommended by a co-worker. If not careful, she just might find The Clean Up Woman picking up more than she’s supposed to.

J.D. Lawrence brings out all the bells and whistles in this witty, fast-paced dramedy that will have you rolling in the aisle. The Clean Up Woman also stars Emmy Award-winner Jackée Harry, Telma Hopkins, singer/actor Christopher Williams and Grammy Award-winner Fred Hammond.

You can visit my Website – PhxSoul.com – to purchase tickets (via ticketmaster.com) for this show!

Classic Rock at the Dodge

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Fans of classic rock are in for a treat this Friday when 70’s hit-makers Styx, Foreigner and Kansas play a head-nodding show at Dodge Theatre beginning at 7 p.m.

styx_2010I’ve read that ”classic rock” is now more affectionately referred to as “album-oriented rock,” which makes some sense when you consider that in 1978 there was no way to download “Renegade” for 99 cents.

Whatever you call the genre, these three bands are definitely on its Mount Rushmore. When I had to ride the bus for an hour to and from school, I’d hear an average of 9 songs from these bands.

 

Here’s a quick taste to get  you in the mood for Friday’s show:

Hot Blooded, Foreigner

Carry On My Wayward Son, Kansas

Dust In the Wind, Kansas

Point of No Return, Kansas

Too Much Time On My Hands, Styx

I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner

Rock on!

Win Tickets to Party in the Glee Suite

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

“Glee Live! In Concert!” stops at Dodge Theatre for two shows, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, and Live Nation is giving you two ways to see the show in style.

GleeGlee Suite tickets for both the Saturday and Sunday performances are available now for purchase. Please call 602-514-2919 or email shelbyburdick@livenation.com for details.

You can also qualify to win tickets by signing up to become a Downtown Insider. Live Nation has offered up one pair of tickets for the Saturday night show and another pair for the Sunday matinee. We’ll announce the winners Friday afternoon.

We’re told the Glee Suites offer plenty of room for singing and choreographed dance routines so act fast.

And don’t stop believin’!

Want the latest concert updates? Text “EVENTS” to 25866

Saturday Night Live

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Live, from Downtown Phoenix, it’s…comedy, music and martinis. Here’s a quick rundown of events this Saturday night [Editor's Note: There are no day events listed because you'll be attending Urban Wine Walk 2010 right??], which includes some welcome freebies for anyone who’s feeling a bit cash-strapped (and honestly, who isn’t?).

The Turf Restaurant and Pub

Saturday’s musical guest: Whitney Steele. This talented songbird is a local favorite who’s performed with the Gin Blossoms. Her recent CD, Any Thoughts on That?, was produced by the drummer for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, one of my favorite homegrown bands.

Whitney and Aaron Ricker will perform an acoustic set at 9 p.m. at The Turf Restaurant and Pub. If you haven’t been to the Turf, a newcomer to Downtown, check out their complete menu and drink list.

Solstice Saturdays

Now in its second year, this dance party at BarSmith features DJ Element and Benjamin Cutswell spinning hip-hop on the first floor, and DJ Senbad and Pete Salaz playing house music until 3 a.m. No cover charge before 10 p.m.

cheech_and_chongCheech & Chong, Live at the Dodge

Boy, does this make me feel ancient. I remember Cheech & Chong from their heyday in the 70’s.  If you’d like a refresher course, or you want to see this stoner comedy duo for the first time, get tickets for their concert at the Dodge Theatre, this Saturday at 8 pm.

Live Music at the Grand Staircase

Here’s a terrific, absolutely free way to enjoy the last of our spring weather. Head for the Arizona Center, take a seat under the trees, and listen to live music from  local artists. 5 pm to 8 pm, this Saturday.

Prime Rib Special at Coach & Willie’s

Finally, here are those martinis I promised you. For just $15, a killer price, you can dine on a 10 oz. prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies.  Wine and martini specials are available to top off the feast this Saturday at Coach & Willie’s.

 

Got a little black dress but no place to go? Text ”nightlife” to 25866

Options Aplenty for Theater Fans

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Everyone has their own favorite interests and hobbies for passing the time or stimulating their minds–movies, sports, exercise, and many other areas of pursuit.

I personally love performance art and the theater, in all of its forms: ballet, opera, plays, comedy and, of course, music. Theater is one of the main reasons I used to justify moving to Downtown Phoenix.

I have not been disappointed. This week is a perfect example and for me it’s like being a kid in a candy store. I cannot choose.

Broadway is always fun, and this week we have the opportunity to relive one of the most influential musical groups of all time, The Beatles. It may not be the real thing, but Rain, playing all week at the Orpheum Theater, can get you as close to it as humanly possible. With great reviews and a venue like that, it makes it tough to decide. Speaking of old school, The Barber of Seville will be performed by the Arizona Opera Company at Symphony Hall. It is an operatic comedy so famous even Bugs Bunny refers to its most famous of songs, “Figaro.” [Editor's Note: Tom & Jerry also paid tribute.]

I mentioned comedy. Cheech & Chong at the Dodge Theatre can’t be anything but hilarious. They’ve been making us laugh since the 70s and I grew up laughing at them. That’s Saturday night, but if funds won’t allow, I know that the new comedy night at Ghost Lounge at Hotel San Carlos, with Ashley and her crew at 9 p.m., will give me laughs for free.

Sunday won’t leave me hanging either with National Poetry Month being celebrated at the Herberger Theater, with American Voices, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. I can watch modern dance in the afternoon and then finish out the night with Norah Jones at the Dodge. It’s a double-header of a different sort.
Can you see my dilemma?

Now the real question is, how do I pay for it?