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Posts Tagged ‘downtown phx’

Black History Month in Downtown Phoenix

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Black History Month in February is a wonderful time for all people to pay homage to past and current African American achievements, culture and leaders.

If you are interested in participating in Black History Month celebrations, lectures, expos, conferences and events in the downtown Phoenix area, here is a list of opportunities for you:

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center Presents An Evening with Lonnie Bunch on Feb. 9

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, a Phoenix-based museum which features exhibits showcasing the African American history and life, will host an evening with Lonnie G. Bunch, Ph.D., the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

The event will include a talk by Dr. Bunch, a question and answer session, hors d’oeuvres, and an optional tour of the Carver Museum.

When: Feb. 9, 2010; 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 415 East Grant St., Phoenix

Prior to his July 2005 appointment as director of NMAAHC, Bunch served as the president of the Chicago Historical Society, one of the nation’s oldest museums of history. Bunch has also held several positions at the Smithsonian including associate director for curatorial affairs at the National Museum of American History, and education specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

“This event will be a must for anyone interested in knowing, preserving, and investing in their heritage,” said Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, President of the Board, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

2010 Arizona African American Legislative and Leadership Conference on Feb. 11-12 in Phoenix

The 2010 African American Legislative and Leadership Conference will be held on Feb. 11-12  at the Arizona State Capitol Complex, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix.

The mission of the African American Legislative Conference is to introduce African Americans to Arizona’s legislative processes and to engage them in providing new ideas and leadership for the state.

This year’s theme is “Passing the Flame to the Next Generation.”

Please visit the Web site below for more information and registration:

http://www.aallcaz.org

Black History Month Expo in Phoenix on Feb. 13

Join thousands of people from the community during the Black History Month Expo on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the George Washington Cultural Center in Phoenix.

This is a free event!

Come experience the culture as the Black History Month Expo will have non-stop performances on stage, vendor booths and much more!

Special guests will be appearing throughout the day.

Please continue to visit the Black History Month section on my Web site – PhxSoul.com – for the most up-to-date information on Black History Month events in Downtown Phoenix and all over the Valley of the Sun!

Downtown Phoenix Events To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

During the month of January, the Downtown Phoenix area will play host to numerous events that honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee has created an MLK Calendar of Events. Please click HERE to find out about art exhibits, sports tournaments, lectures, concerts and more.

The two most prominent celebrations are as follows:

LIVING THE DREAM AWARDS BREAKFAST

The 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Breakfast will be held Jan. 15 at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Ballroom. The Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and guests will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and recognize individuals who have given selflessly of their time and talent to make a better community for those less fortunate.

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Awards Breakfast
Jan. 15
Phoenix Convention Center
111 N. Third Street 
7 a.m. (doors open at 6:30 a.m.)

Tickets are $65 per person; Table for 10 is $650. Reservations Required. Proceeds will benefit scholarships to deserving minority students in the Phoenix community. For more information, please contact Andrea Weeks Hardin at 480-767-3877.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION

The MLK March will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 18 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church located at 14th Street and Jefferson in Phoenix.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Committee and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. The MLK Celebration will feature exciting activities and entertainment. For more information, please contact Emmett Boyd at (602) 534-6923.

If you are interested in learning more about MLK 2010 celebrations in the Valley of the Sun, please visit my Web site – PhxSoul.com.

Arizona Black Expo at US Airways Center on Jan. 9

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

The Leadership Consortium is teaming up with David Jones of Positive Image Sports, the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns to host the ninth-annual Arizona Black Expo at the Casino Arizona Pavilion (lobby) at the US Airways Center in Downtown Phoenix.

The 2010 Arizona Black Expo will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will kick off statewide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday events. US Airways box office admission will be $15.00 per person (Ticketmaster fees apply) and children 12 years or younger will be admitted free.

SunsThis is one of the premier gatherings for the African American community in Arizona. The Expo offers local residents an incredible opportunity to learn about black businesses and network with one another in an exciting, supportive environment. People of all races are encouraged to attend!

The theme of the Arizona Black Expo is: REACHING A NEW GENERATION. Because we recognize the importance of mentoring our youth and the need for sports figures and business leaders to be positive role models for children and their families.

• Please visit my Web site – PhxSoul.com – for more information on Arizona Black Expo tickets. The Arizona Black Expo has stated that the first 150 ONLINE  ticket purchasers will receive ONE (1) free ticket to a future Phoenix Suns game. Free parking is available at US Airways Center. Event organizers are still seeking sponsors and exhibitors! All vendors will receive two (2) tickets to a future Phoenix Suns game.

There are two ways for businesses and organizations to register: By credit card or via PayPal at http://www.regonline.com/2010azblackexpo

For all questions regarding booth or ticket sales and sponsorships, please contact Lynn Stinson at (602) 717-4300 or azblackexpo@yahoo.com.

Fabulous Fridays

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Well kids, we’ve all been to First Friday, but have you checked out Third Friday? Third Fridays have become the evening of choice for artists and art collectors to experience visual art, live music and the best of award-winning local dining in Downtown Phoenix.  Its fun, just a little more low key than first Fridays. 

Every month there are new opening receptions, shopping, dining opportunities and live entertainment in a casual environment. Here are some venues who are open every Third Friday, and the reasons I love them:

Galleries
515 (THE place to get work from Arizona artists, at a great price)
anti_space
eye lounge
Pravus (I know the owners of this place and one of my favorite artists, Roy Wasson Valle, will have work featured there this month!)
The Kitchenette Galleria
The Berlin Gallery at the Heard Museum Shop
Celtica Daughters of the Frozen North
Tilt Gallery

Museums
Heard Museum’s Native+You features contemporary art, music, dance, dining and a cash bar. (Its a one-stop shop with several things to do and see each month.)

Dining and Drinks
ciboAmsterdam
Portland’s (often has artwork too)
Fate
Next Door
Cibo (yum, enough said!)
Carly’s Bistro (great staff and great prices)
The Roosevelt Tavern (nice atmospshere and interesting choices)
The Welcome Diner
The Cafe at the Heard Museum (serving hot totties Dec. 18… enough said!)

Retail
sunjarMADE Art Boutique (great place to shop for holiday gifts!)
Bunky Boutique (stylish and affordable)
Heard Museum Shop (can’t live with out my work by Pat Pruitt, sold here.)

Live Music
Carly’s Bistro
Heard Museum

Special thanks to Roosevelt Row for providing copy ideas and information.

Local Breeze Patio Cafe – A Breath of Fresh Air in Downtown Phoenix

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Local Breeze

Local Breeze Patio Cafe is one of the coolest restaurants you’ll ever visit in Downtown Phoenix!

My wife and I literally stumbled into Local Breeze, 606 N. 4th Ave., Phoenix (on the corner of 4th Avenue and Fillmore Street), several days ago and felt like we found a little gold mine.

Local Breeze opened in May 2009 and is quartered in a restored, historic home that was built in 1914. Even though the home was built almost 100 years ago, it has a modern, unique feel to it.

In the patio area which is expansive, I felt like I was thrust into a little piece of the Caribbean in the desert. There was a large lattice patio cover, trees, fans, string lights, candles and comfortable outdoor furniture everywhere.

The outdoor patio is perfect for having a drink with close friends – especially at night.

The interior is compact but interesting. It felt like I walked into an art gallery – paintings and other viewables adorned the walls and the soft lighting gave the place a homey feel. The men’s bathroom was interesting – there was a beer bottle sticking out of the wall (purposely done) and some funky wallpaper. The stall almost reminds me of an old, rusted trash bin … great piece of art work!

The best part about the place was the customer service! Our host Melody was probably the most welcoming host I’ve had at any restaurant! She really took pride in her job and the restaurant itself. I enjoyed talking with her – kind of felt I like I was talking to an old friend. I also had an opportunity to talk with the owner Sid Campbell – he was very gracious! I love restaurants with that mom-and-pop feel!

As for the food and cocktails, wifey started off with a “Low Tide” Pina Colada and I had the LB Signature “Mojito” Lemonade. My bebida went down smoothly – not too strong, not watered-down. Wifey enjoyed her drink too.

I ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettucine and my wife had the Fire Island pizza. Man, they served up some healthy portions! Unless you are REALLY hungry, you’re probably going to be asking for a to-go box.

My dish was very tasty – didn’t need to put any salt or pepper on it. I was glad that it wasn’t too spicy. My wife said her meal was very good – the cheese was gooey and the dough was filling. I wouldn’t say that we were “blown away” with our entrees but we will be back.

I have to admit that my bill was higher than I expected it to be but you’ll always take a hit when you order cocktails at dinner.

I’d definitely recommend this spot for anyone who’s lookin’ for a memorable dining experience in Downtown Phoenix.

Local Breeze serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner.

First Friday Fun

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

First Friday Art

It’s July 3rd, First Friday night! The boyfriend and I hop on the light rail and start our journey into First Fridays. We wander into a bistro called Carly’s and discover they have a sweet happy hour. I used to think downtown was too expensive, but you just have to know where to find the deals. We try something called a Blushing Belgium, which combines framboise with Guinness—very tasty. We talk and watch the crowds of people pass us by. There are so many different groups. This is why I love Phoenix’s First Friday. There are Goths, followed by a family, then a high school couple, then a street show featuring roller blades and tutus. Watching the crowds go by is better than watching TV.

After our drinks, we head through the galleries and I buy my first piece of art! It’s a print of a phoenix rising with “love” written vertically. First Friday is full of Phoenix pride. We see a graffiti artist painting PHX on canvases in very creative ways. I am excited for next month’s event, and who knows? Maybe I’ll find my second piece of art.