Posts Tagged ‘downtown’

Calaveras

Friday, August 27th, 2010

I love Day of the Dead art, the calaveras (skulls) associated with the primarily Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos. Some people (usually non-Mexicans) find it creepy, depressing, or just strange but, like the holiday, that is not the intention. The holiday occurs on Nov. 2, in conjunction with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 1 and 2). It is a day to remember friends and family who have died but it is a time of celebration, where partying is common.

Because of Phoenix’s  large Mexican-American population, celebrations of this holiday are common and, more and more, so are displays of the art, year-round. The above mural is in the Downtown arts district at 1105 Grand Avenue. It is by Lalo Cota, a Phoenix artist born in Mexico.

Several blocks away, on Roosevelt Row, is this new mural, on the side of Carly’s Bistro at 128 E. Roosevelt Street. Lalo painted this one with his collaborators, Pablo Luna and Thomas Marcus (aka Breeze).

These are such fun murals. About two blocks down the street, in the alley between eye lounge (419 E. Roosevelt Street) and Modified Arts (407 East Roosevelt Street), there are more Lalo Cota murals.

The sun was shining so brightly during this late afternoon that there is a glow on the mural but maybe that is appropriate.

There is another Lalo Cota mural around the corner at Conspire (901 N. 5th Street) but it was extremely hot that afternoon so I decided to leave it for another day…and another post. Check these murals out next time you’re in the area and get a little of that Day of the Dead feeling.

The Rat Pack

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Very close to one of our favorite restaurants, Cibo, 603 N. 5th Avenue, in the heart of the Downtown arts district, is this dynamic mural of the Rat Pack, Marilyn, Jack, Alice Cooper, and more. The buildings in this area are old houses; some are residences, some are businesses. The mural is a few houses north of Cibo on 5th Avenue, facing north. The gate was locked so I couldn’t get in but I was able to capture most of the mural in these shots.

I was surprised and pleased to see the artist’s name because Greg Bucher is the same person who painted the mural on the side of a Mexican restaurant, El Pacifico, that I wrote about a few weeks ago on my own blog.

El Pacifico is at 3311 N. 16th Street.

It’s definitely colorful here in Phoenix.

I have a feeling that Bucher has more public murals and, if I keep looking, I’m sure to come across some more of his excellent artwork.

A Reminder of Rose

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

The abundance of murals in Downtown Phoenix have been beckoning me lately. I have driven by this mural for years but never stopped until recently.

These murals are on the old Mercer Mortuary building on 16th Street, just south of Thomas; the newer part of the mortuary is around the corner. They were painted in 1998 by a Phoenix artist, Rose Johnson. She was born and educated in England and  moved to the US when she was in her 20s, settling in Phoenix. Rose was well-known and respected in the local art community. In 1998, she moved to Bisbee, AZ, a small arts enclave in southern Arizona, but still had many ties to Phoenix. She was strongly influenced by Mexican art.

Tragically, a little over a year ago, she died in Bali, where she had recently relocated, from acute alcohol poisoning as a result of ingesting liquor that had been laced with methanol. It was the 23rd such fatality to occur in Bali in a 10-day span. She was 48.

This mural is one of her best-known works.

You can read more about Rose here or see an interview of her while she still lived in Bisbee, soon after first visiting Bali. An extensive article appears here. If you click to make the images larger, you can see more of the interesting detail.

We are fortunate that this mural survives as some of her local murals have been so extensively tagged that they have now been painted over.

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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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.

 

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.

Give Your Date the Moon and Stars Saturday Night

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Spring is here! Whether stargazing on a hot date or a fun family outing, our Arizona skies are beautiful this time of year!

Butterfly NebulaIf you haven’t been recently, I encourage you to check out the Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center. And what better time that Astronomy Day? Arizona Science Center will celebrate 400 years of astronomy this Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with tons of exciting, family-friendly activities including: marshmallow atmospheric tests, boiling water with ice, making comets, opportunities to meet professional astronomers and more! They will also be raffling off great prizes (like a Celestron telescope)!

Then, from sunset to 10 p.m. (weather permitting), there will be a free Star Party! After enjoying the fantastic Urban Wine Walk 2010 event, head over to Heritage & Science Park for free guided telescope viewings of our amazing Arizona skies. Be sure to look for Saturn, which is gorgeous this time of year! For more information, visit azscience.org.

The Fringe Festival: Never a Dull Moment

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

For anyone who loves quirky, off-the-beaten-path theater, the Phx: Fringe Festival is a big, tempting buffet. More than 30 live performances are on the menu, ranging in price from just $5 to $15. That makes it affordable to catch several of these compelling productions.

fringeThe only tough part? Choosing your favorites. To give you a brief taste, here’s a quick look at a few events that grabbed my own interest; be sure to check out the entire program here. The Fringe Festival runs from April 2-11, with performances at venues across Downtown Phoenix.

Dinosaurs Exposed!

I’m a geek, and not ashamed to admit it; I’ve watched all the Discovery Channel programs that recreate dinosaurs. In this live, 45-minute performance, an ape, a monk and a modern day scientist all discover the same pile of bones and speculate about their origins. Finally, the bones come to life and we learn the real story. See it at the Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre; dates and times vary.

Tissues and Razorblades

The SHARP Dance Company of Philadelphia merges their innovative choreography with a stimulating, multimedia set and backdrops. If you’re turned off by classical ballet and tutus, I’m betting this modern dance troupe will whip your head around. Also at the Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre.

The Bike Trip

In this one-man show, author Martin Dockery explores LSD and the whole psychedelic experience on journeys around the world. I’m not advocating anything here, just saying this play could be…interesting. See it at Space 55; times and dates vary.

The Resurrection and Death of the Dr. Rev. Stephen Strange

Well-known local magician, creative guru and all-around amusing oddball, Dr. Strange attempts to come back to life with the help of his wife/assistant, the Mother Fakir Sahar Strange. The show combines vaudeville, circus, sideshows and burlesque with comedy and energy. See it at Modified Arts; times and dates vary.

Family Fringe

This wonderful, interactive theatre event allows children to experience the earth and sky through their five senses. It’s free this Friday night at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

After-Hours Parties

Each Friday and Saturday, the Festival throws after-hour parties all around town. There’s live music, food, drinks and a chance to meet the Fringe performers.

Kathy Griffin Delights Dodge Theatre

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

I have a problem with becoming suddenly star struck and somehow gettting myself into trouble whenever I meet a celebrity. This was the cases last weekend while seeing Kathy Griffin perform at the Dodge Theatre in Downtown Phoenix.

First, a review of the show starring the Emmy Award-winning comedienne.  Griffin starts her 90-minute performance with a retrospective video montage of her career.  The “My Life on the D list” actress then runs on stage, prances around and announces to the cheering crowd “we have so much to talk about.” Compared to Griffin’s toned-down cable version of her comedy routine, the 49-year-old star sucks you in during her live show with raunchy humor and tales of run-ins with A-list celebrities.  Griffin’s latest stage performance in Phoenix was literally ripped from the headlines as she talked about her New Year’s Eve appearance with Anderson Cooper on CNN and the ensuing fallout with her contract.  Griffin also talked about tea with Cooper’s mother (fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt), dinner with Sharon Stone, and the fallout after Renee Zellweger sent her a floral arrangement with a handwritten note attached that read “warmest wishes.”  Griffin brings the routine down to earth and shows a softer side as she weaves in and out of stories about all the Hollywood hoopla with anecdotes about her equally hilarious mother who is celebrating her golden years.  The stories about Griffin’s life on the D list are hysterical, but it’s the relatable stories about her mother that really show the performer’s heart and soul.  You walk away from the night finding it hard not to love Kathy Griffin.

So how did I get myself into trouble?  I bought my ticket a week before the show – and didn’t know I was going to write a review for Downtown Phoenix until last minute.

My mission for the night:  Get a picture with Kathy Griffin.  When I arrived at the theatre, I talked to one of the house managers about meeting Kathy (before or after the show) and getting a picture with Kathy for this post.  The manager said I needed to secure credentials in advance; doing so now might disrupt the artist and possibly the show and she would not be able to accomodate my request.  No problem.  However, I still needed to give it the old college try.  Long story short, I found which entrance Kathy would use when she arrived at the theatre and snapped the accompanying photo:

IMG_3124Score!  My only regret is that I wasn’t in the picture but no big whoop.  Anyway, Kathy was super nice as I yelled out how much I love her and her show and how I follow her on Facebook and Twitter and then she mentioned something about a racy twitpic.  The rest is a blur.

After getting the shot, I started to walk back toward the front entrance and that’s when I got in trouble. Apparently the house manager, upset that I ended up taking a picture of the headliner afterall, came racing out to the street and shouted that I was basically no longer welcome to cover anything at the theatre again.

C’mon, really?  I mean, it’s not like I tackled Kathy Griffin on her way into the theatre.

The Dodge Theater is a three-block walk from the 1st Avenue/Washington light rail station.  More station information and details on how to share the ride can be found here.

KHB7BAWERPKS

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!