Posts Tagged ‘downtown phoenix events’

First Friday for September

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

If you’re heading Downtown for First Friday, you’ll find some juicy new attractions this week. And by juicy, I mean melt-in-your-mouth burger sliders and pot roast with gravy, just to name a few of the dishes at Bliss, a brand-new eatery.

But first, for any newbies who don’t know about First Friday, I’ll keep it short and sweet: First Friday is the country’s largest, self-guided art walk. This event takes place every month in Downtown Phoenix from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the pleasures range from live music, food and performance artists to more than 100 art galleries.

Just as a heads-up, the street closure is still on hiatus for Roosevelt, but Roosevelt Row restaurants are always open for business, so be sure to check out Bliss and its companion bar ReBar, which just opened at Roosevelt and Fourth Streets.

American Comfort Food, Updated

Bliss is co-owned by Mark Howard, who also owns Fez, one of the most popular restaurants in central Phoenix (oh, Fez, if only you delivered those sweet potato fries). The menu for Bliss features a new angle on American comfort foods, from pot roast and pork chops to mac and cheese with chicken and bacon.  After 10 p.m., Bliss offers $5 nibbles including mini beef tacos and burger sliders.

Target Free First Fridays

childrensmuseumThanks to Target, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open and free of charge during First Friday. A tribute to imagination, this interactive museum has one kid-friendly exhibit after another, from the Noodle Forest to the Texture Café, where kids use fabrics to create entire meals. The astonishing 3-story Climber, made from odd and found materials, provides kids with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Adult’s Night Out

This adults-only event returns this Friday to the Arizona Science Center with a free lecture from an actual CSI-type scientist. Kim Kobojek, forensic scientist, will give you the skinny on Hollywood vs. reality when it comes to crime labs. The lecture starts at 7 p.m., but for the regular admission fee, you can stick around and see an IMAX film or a Dorrance Planetarium presentation at 8:15 p.m. (the topic is “Black Holes”).

Downtown Grab Bag

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

When I was a kid, I used to love pulling presents from a grab bag. Or getting those mystery lollipops wrapped in question marks. If you’re like me, and have a soft spot for the unexpected, this is your week in Downtown Phoenix.

Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center

snakesI know plenty of people who are fascinated by eight-legged critters and will rush over to see the spider exhibit from the ASU Spider Lab. I’ll be avoiding it like the terrified, overgrown child I really am. But, the rest of this event should make for spine-tingling fun, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From Pyrophobia (fear of fire) to Coulrophobia (fear of clowns; no joke), this event will help you face your fears or at least laugh them off for a while. If you’d like to overcome a fear of needles – or just do some good – The American Red Cross will be sponsoring a blood drive on site. Contact Brittany Conklin at conklinb@azscience.org to pre-register.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Churchill’s Fine Cigars – Open to the public this Thursday from 4-8 p.m., this charity event will benefit the 100 Club, which supports the families of police officers and firefighters. That’s a fine thing, but so are the Perdomo cigars you can taste for free. Nick Perdomo, the owner of Tabacalera Perdomo in Florida, makes some of the best Nicaraguan cigars in the country.Churchills_CigarsWEB

Third Fridays Latino Style – The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) currently has an exhibition that focuses on urban Phoenix through the eyes of Hispanic artists. The exhibit, called “La Phoeniquera,” should be soul food for lovers of Phoenix history and culture. This Friday, from 6 pm to 10 pm, you can also catch live painting demonstrations and hear Latin music.

Fashion 4 A Cause – This live fashion show at the Wyndham Phoenix highlights a nonprofit group called Athletes 4 Awareness, which works to enlighten the community about health and fitness. Local clothing designers, hair stylists and barbers will display their cutting-edge skills. Tickets are $15 per person.

Live Fridays at Seamus McCaffreys – In case you’re wondering what’s surprising about this event, it’s the pairing of an Irish pub and a pop/funk/jazz trio, Nick Heward and The Elements of Style. The show starts at 9 p.m., and you can knock back a Guinness or two beforehand.

Grease Opens This Week

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

The musical Grease, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. There’s even a Grease Sing-A-Long movie where you can follow the lyrics and belt out your own version of “Beauty School Dropout.”

greaseBut in a welcome twist, a new version of Grease is opening this week with actors who are about the same age as the characters they play. From Aug. 13-29, Valley Youth Theatre opens its 22nd season with live performances of Grease.

Voted “Best Theatre Company” in Phoenix on  AZCentral, VYT is nationally recognized for the quality of its productions and performers. In fact, VYT has become a huge draw for Hollywood talent scouts looking for the next big thing.

VYT alumni include Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner; Disney Channel’s Chelsea Staub; Max Crumm, who won a national TV contest to appear in a Broadway production of Grease; and Emma Stone, who’s appeared in House Bunny, Superbad and other movies.

I’ve seen several VYT productions, including High School Musical – cut me some slack here, my niece was in it – and I’ve been wowed by the troupe’s professionalism, set designs and performances. For young actors in Phoenix, VYT is the high water mark.

So if you need another fix of all those beloved 50’s greasers, cheerleaders and jocks, VYT’s production of Grease will satisfy your craving for poodle skirts and pomade. You can buy tickets online for just $18 each. But if Grease is the word for you, don’t wait. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out.

Grease isn’t the only word Downtown. Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider

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.

Strictly Business Happy Hour July 2

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) will kick off its “Strictly Business Happy Hour” series July 2 at Bentley’s Nightclub, 308 N. 2nd Ave., in Downtown Phoenix.

GPBCC1stFridayFlyerfrontThe “Strictly Business Happy Hour” is scheduled for the first friday of every month. If you own or you are affiliated with a start-up, small, medium and/or large business in Arizona, don’t miss this event! The GPBCC welcomes members of ALL races.

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of benefits for entrepreneurs and business leaders including networking opportunities, referrals, mentorships, advice on research and increased visibility in the community.

Currently, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce is reorganizing its leadership. A new President and CEO and board members will be named soon (possibly at the Happy Hour?). Although the leadership changes make some people a little nervous, I think it’s a great opportunity for a member to make an impact on the GPBCC while the organization is retooling! Moreover, I hear that the candidates for the President/CEO and board positions are impressive.

If you miss the “Strictly Business Happy Hour,” the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a number of events throughout the year to help members network, socialize and learn from each other.

For more information, visit phoenixblackchamber.com.

 

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!)

Hope for Haiti: The Pink Door June 25

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

RodneyOn Friday, June 25th, at 7 p.m., a photography exhibition featuring images created in Jacmel, Haiti, three months after the earthquake by professional photographer and humanitarian Rodney Rascona, will be on exhibit at the historic Icehouse, 429 W. Jackson St., in Downtown Phoenix.

These images represent one brief moment in time where individuals forgot about their worries and stood for Rodney, giving him the gift of their image in what are difficult times for many of his subjects, lending honest testimony to the unfailing hope which the Haitian people, despite such enormous personal loss, still possess …

These images, along with additional multimedia formats being prepared for the exhibit, were created by Rodney as a way to support The Paradigm Project and Suisse-based Medair, in raising awareness to the serious conditions the Haitian people continue to endure long after their story has left the news cycle.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.ThePinkDoorPhotographs.blogspot.com.

What To Do When It Hits 100

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the urge to hide in the house with the A/C on full blast. I hope you resist the urge, because there are all kinds of ways to keep your cool Downtown.

world cup2010 World Cup Watching

This year’s World Cup takes place in South Africa, which is the first time Africa has hosted these global games. That’s big stuff, and so is the first-ever World Cup match-up between USA and England. The games start this Friday, June 11th and Downtown has several official locations for watching the action (yes, there’s actually a World Cup Soccer Bars Directory for Phoenix. Who knew?)

To see guys use everything but their hands to score, head for Alice Cooper’stown or Majerle’s 9-Lounge. Another prime viewing spot has to be The Rose & Crown Pub, since no one loves soccer quite like the Brits. Knock back some Guinness or any of the pub’s many imported or domestic beers to keep from losing your cool.

Third Friday Art Reception

Next Friday, June 18th, local artist Mhelanie Banzon Silao will be featured at a Third Friday art reception. Using lengthy exposures, Silao’s amazing photography captures multiple light sources in one shot. See “Captured Light: Light Paintings” from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Artlink Heritage Square Gallery.

Movies, Movies, Movies

While I admit that I do the whole Netflix thing, I still prefer sitting in a dark, crowded theater with a box of popcorn and a sense of anticipation. Three blockbusters are currently playing at the AMC Arizona Center 24 theaters, including IronMan2, Robin Hood and the Prince of Persia, plus Get Him to the Greek, starring the hilarious Russell Brand.

Cocktails at Hanny’s

This sleek, upscale restaurant/bar specializes in all kinds of spirits. Their Midnight Martini gives you the chance to sample one of their signature drinks in a small size for only $2.50 (after midnight, of course). Hanny’s serves food till 1 am 7 days a week, and last call at the bar is at 1:30 am.

“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!