Posts Tagged ‘phoenix 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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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.

“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!

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.

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.

Joel McHale Rings In 2010 at Dodge Theatre

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Joel McHale had a very good 2009. His pop culture/reality TV recap show, “The Soup” is the E! Network’s most popular show that doesn’t star a Kardashian sister, he stars in NBC’s hit comedy ”Community,” and even landed a role in The Informant! opposite A-lister Matt Damon.  

McHale took a timeout from his holiday in hometown Seattle to talk about his upcoming New Year’s Eve show at Dodge Theatre.

McHaleYou’re helping Phoenix usher in 2010 but a part of you must be sad to see 2009 end. What’s your personal highlight of the year and how have you kept the rush of success from going to your head?

“I think both those questions can be answered with one answer: Enjoying time with my 4-year-old [son Edward] and 1-year-old [son Isaac]. Professionally, I’d say doing the film with Matt [Damon] and bringing my whole family to New York for the premiere was very cool. Getting to go on [David] Letterman was huge for me. That guy was my TV dad! Everyone talks about Johnny Carson being their guy but I grew up with Letterman so to sit two feet away from him was absolutely crazy.”

Other than the emergence of “Jersey Shore,” which 2009 pop culture development had the most profound impact on you and your material?

 “When [talk show host] Wendy Williams lit up a Slim Jim on the air, that was solid gold.”

There seems to be little discernable difference between [your character on "Community"] Jeff Winger and Joel McHale, host of “The Soup.” Did [“Community” creator] Dan Harmon write the part with you specifically in mind? And who did you beat out for the part?

“I’d never met Dan until I read the pilot, which was the funniest script I’d read in years. What drew me to the character was that Jeff isn’t the moral center of the show. Britta is. People can’t rely on my character to always have the right answer and I like that. As for who I beat out for the part, well, I’m just glad Tom Cruise and Will Smith had had other things to do.”

Any good Chevy Chase stories? And do you ever find yourself following him around the “Community” set quoting lines from Fletch and Caddyshack?

“Chevy doesn’t have email. He always says, ‘My email is back in New York,’ which I’ve always found strange. I have quoted a lot of Fletch back to him. He found it endearing at first but now it’s just creepy.”

People who are seeing you live for the first time will be surprised by your freakish size. What other surprises are your fans in for during your set?

“That I’m a woman. And the show is a very tight 7 ½ hours long. And I’ll be almost entirely naked, except for the pasties.”

 Will there be any Ryan Seacrest jokes?

“There’s a good chance.”

Finally, how does your tour bus differ from [Poison singer, “Rock of Love” star, and frequent "The Soup" target] Bret Michaels’?

“It’s 90 percent less skanky.”**

 

**McHale doesn’t have a tour bus.

Rodgers To Keynote Black Chamber Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce’s (GPBCC) 11th Anniversary celebration, “Telling Our Story,” will be held on December 11 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

This event will feature Johnathan Rodgers, President & CEO of TV One, who will deliver the keynote address. The GPBCC will also present the Corporate Business Partner and Small Business Partner of the Year awards.

My wife and I attended the GPBCC gala last year and we had an amazing time. If you are able to purchase tickets, I strongly encourage you to do so. It’s an excellent opportunity for you to mingle with the Valley’s movers and shakers.

Please visit phoenixblackchamber.com for more information.

Don’t Miss First Friday: November 6

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Here’s the line up of just a few things that are happening at First Friday’s on November 6 in Downtown Phoenix.

Artlink First Fridays
Free self-guided tours of 100 art spaces in and around downtown Phoenix, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy opening receptions, performance art, comedy, music, odd and unusual events and food. Free shuttle service by Ollie the Trolley.

Civic Space Park
This month we honor the traditions of El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. We will have interactive art projects for youth, face painting and a special visit from our PBS Eight friends Maya and Miguel!!! On our stage, we will have live performances from Try Me Bicycle, a folk/rock ensemble and Zarco Guerrero, a celebrated local artist.

Party on the Patio
Steve’s Greenhouse Grill
Come support some of your favorite local artists, and enjoy live music and great drink specials on the patio from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Plus, we’ll have a complimentary appetizer bar from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

Twilight Tours of the Rosson House
Heritage & Science Park
Listen to a lecture about the “Adventurous Spirits: Arizona’s Women Artists.” Guided tours of the historic Rosson House are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the lecture starts at 6:30 p.m.

Target Free First Friday
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
On the first Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open to the public free of charge, thanks to Target!

See what else is happening Downtown tonight, tomorrow, and this weekend.