Posts Tagged ‘Phoenix Mercury’

Bagpipes, Hairspray, Comics and Crooners

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with friends, a date idea, or activities to experience with the kids, Downtown Phoenix is the Valley’s hub for nightlife, dining, music, cultural attractions, sports, and general awesomeness. Check out this sampling of events happening this week:

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Grand Opening

Head Over to the Kilt’s new CityScape location Wednesday-Saturday for special events and deals, including bagpipers, DJ Manifesto, and appearances by the Miller Lite Guards and the Kilt’s very own MMA fight team.

Team Trivia at The Rose & Crown

Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. you can assemble a team of great minds to take on all challengers during the Rose & Crown’s interactive trivia game.

HS0110 Abbey imageValley Youth Theatre Presents: Hairspray

August 12-28 VYT performs its take on the Broadway classic based on the John Waters’ film. The musical won eight Tony Awards and 2007 brought a remake of the film starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nikki Blonsky, and Amanda Bynes. Showtimes vary and tickets can be purchased at yyt.com or by calling (602) 256-6995.

Josh Groban at US Airways Center

The crooner’s “Straight To You” tour comes to Downtown Phoenix on Friday at 8 p.m. For tickets go to ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Global Awareness Day at Arizona Science Center

Learn how your actions affect the world around you and discover how to support global sustainability through a number of fun activities, displays and presentations by Valley organizations. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bruce Bruce at StandUp Live

Atlanta-based Bruce Bruce has performed on Comedy Central and BET and Friday-Sunday he brings his comedy stylings to CityScape’s StandUp Live comedy club. For tickets visit standuplive.com or call (480) 719-6100.

The Apollo TheaterChris Tucker at Comerica Theatre

“Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?”

Chris Tucker starred in the Friday and Rush Hour movie franchises and now returns to his comedy roots for a 8 p.m. show on Saturday. For tickets visit livenation.com or call (877) 598-6671

Summer Chef Series at Phoenix Public Market

This week from 2-4 p.m. learn some culinary tricks from Tracy Dempsey of Tracy Dempsey Originals. For more information call (602) 493-5231.

Want more Downtown events? Download this week’s What’s Happening Events Guide

Mercury Celebrating 15 Seasons

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

The Phoenix Mercury are celebrating 15 years in Downtown Phoenix and they are bringing in a special guest for Friday’s Season 15 game at US Airways Center.

3901571P WNBA FINALS-GAME 1Former Mercury head coach and current TNT broadcaster Cheryl Miller will return to the court as the Mercury hosts Washington at 7 p.m. to celebrate the team’s 15th season in Phoenix.

Now is a perfect time to become a part of the Mercury’s quest for a third WNBA Championship. Lead by All-Stars Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, the Mercury have won 7 of their last 8 games and look to continue the dominance Friday against Washington.

The Mercury are one of the best entertainment values in the Valley and tickets start at just $10 at phoenixmercury.com.

Mercury Rising Downtown

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

MercuryStart your holiday weekend off right with explosive MNBA basketball Friday, July 1st as the Mercury host Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center.

Continue the fast-paced action on Tuesday, July 5th as Diana Taurasi and the Mercury host Candace Parker and the LA Sparks at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this clash of two Western Conference powerhouses that will air nationally on ESPN2.

Plus, fans who attend the Sparks game will receive orange Mercury thundersticks AND it is $1 concession night! Enjoy popcorn, soda, hot dogs and corn dogs for only a dollar at select concession stands at US Airways Center.

The Mercury need your help to BEAT LA! Tickets start at just $10! Go to PhoenixMercury.com to purchase or click this link!

Get Your Fun Fix Before the Fourth

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Happy Fourth of July Week, Downtowners!

Whether you’re looking for ways to unwind this holiday weekend or simply some diversions  to make it through the rest of the work week, here are just a few of the options available here in Downtown Phoenix.

WWE Smackdown

World Wrestling Entertainment returns to US Airways Center tonight with Smackdown. See all your favorite WWE Superstars, including Edge, Kofi Kingston, Kane, The Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Kelly Kelly and more! Drop-kickoff is at 6:45 p.m.

Stand Up Live Showcase

Head over to Stand Up Live’s Comedy Showcase on Wednesday to see six of the area’s hottest comedians, plus a featured headlining act. The 21-over showcase is hosted by Jill Bryan and a two-drink minimum is required. Free parking for this 8 p.m. show. Call 480-719-6100.

NKOTBSBNKOTBSB

That’s New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, for the layperson. These boy band legends are still hanging tough and have nearly sold out US Airways Center for Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. concert. For tickets visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Musical Mayhem Cabaret

Under rehearsed and overdramatic, this live singing troupe is taking the Valley by storm (think tornado or heavy hail) and will play Herberger Theater Center Thursday – Sunday for the insanely low price of $10. Showtimes vary. For more information visit herbergertheater.org or call 602-254-0800.

 SMDayPHXSocial Media Day PHX

The community that tweets together stays together. Visit District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown this Thursday from 6-9 p.m. for Social Media Day PHX where Phoenix’s smart phone-toting class will converge to celebrate technology and *physically* interact with one another while learning about local business.  The first 500 attendees will receive a SWAG bag full of goodies from event sponsors. Where do you find out more and RSVP? Facebook, duh.

First Friday

First Friday brings a wide variety of family friendly activities to Downtown, including Target Free First Friday at Phoenix Children’s Museum, First Friday at Civic Space ParkArtLink First FridayFirst Friday Latino Style at ALAC, First Friday Artwalk at Heritage Square and Adult’s Night Out at Arizona Science Center.

Blue Star Museum Initiative

Now through Sept. 5, all military personnel and their families receive FREE admission to Downtown cultural attractions like Rosson House Museum, Arizona Science Center and the Heard Museum. Click the link for details.  

I can’t think of a better way to end this post. God bless America and all of those who protect our freedom and secure our borders. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Want more? You can download our handy What’s Happening guide each and every Monday.

What to Do with Dad

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Of all the birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other gifting occasions on the calendar, Father’s Day is by far the most challenging from a giving perspective. Dads are impossible to buy gifts for because anything they like (rifles, lawnmower blades, tools, TVs, etc.) they will just go out and buy for themselves.

DadSo this Father’s Day, show the old man how much he means to you by taking him out for a good time in Downtown Phoenix. Since men like very few things in this world outside of food and sports let’s stick to those key areas for the purposes of this particular exercise.

Food

Devour awe-inspiring views and a feast fit for a king at the Father’s Day Brunch at Compass American Grill.

Dad’s Eat FREE at 1130 The Restaurant on Sunday with customers getting one free entree with every entree purchased (limit 2 per table).

Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill is a Downtown institution. Brunch is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a Belgian waffle station and omelettes made to order.

Sunday Brunch at Marston’s Cafe at The Wyndham is one of Downtown’s hidden gems. For $15 dad can eat fresh and local with scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon and sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, steel cut oatmeal, griddle items, pastries, fruit, coffee and juice. Buffet served until noon.

Sports

The Rose & Crown is Downtown’s World Cup headquarters all tournament long and features classic British pub fare as well as a global beer selection. GOAL!

You can take dad over to Hooters at Arizona Center to watch Friday morning’s big USA vs Slovenia match. Enjoy breakfast burritos with hash browns plus $3 Bloody Mary’s, $3 Screwdrivers, and ever-charming table service.

Experience the lightning fast, hard-hitting action of Arena League Football as the Arizona Rattlers take on the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings Friday night at US Airways Center. And I double-dog dare you to say “Boosier-Shreveport BattleWings” five times fast.

The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury play two home games this weekend with the San Antonio Silverstars visiting US Airways Center on Friday and the upset-minded Connecticut Sun coming in on Sunday.

If dad is a golf fan,  you can take him to Majerle’s Sunday afternoon to watch the final round of the US Open. Or, if he’s more the cerebral type, bring him down to Arizona Science Center where dads get in FREE all day on Sunday. In partnership with Dixon Golf – the official golf ball of Arizona Science Center (yes, they have their own golf ball), the first 500 visitors get a voucher from Dixon Golf for more than $300 in products. Dads and families can also try their hand at a hole in one using one of the Center’s wacky putters made from copper pipes, electrical fuse boxes, thermos cups and granite countertops. Buddy, the T-Rex from PBS’s “Dinosaur Train,” will also be on hand to entertain dad.

Have a fantastic Father’s Day Weekend!

Game On Downtown

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

It’s only hot if you keep thinking about it. That’s how I get through the summers. It seems to work for me.

To start off, I had the privilege of attending the Chinese Dance Academy’s performance at the Orpheum Theater last Saturday. This was one of those gems that you can only find if you are willing to look. Almost a full house showed up to enjoy the costumes, choreography, cultural exposure, as well as the darling little ones, who stole all the laughter and hearts of the audience. The beauty of the many nations of China was expressed in many different ways, and the use of lighting in combination with the costuming told a complete story, to my delight. I am thankful for my adventurous nature, otherwise I might have missed what was a stunning performance. I encourage you to try something that just sounds cool or interesting, and see where it leads you. I’m glad I did.

dodgeballLIVEThe Diamondbacks continue their homestand with games Monday-Thursday against the Atlanta Braves and a weekend series against National League MVP Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals. Don’t miss the fireworks Friday night, Dan Haren Bobblehead Night on Saturday (first 15K) and D. Baxter Replica Jersey Night on Sunday (first 5K kids 12-under).

Going along with the sports theme, US Airways Center is the place for big sports action at a small price all weekend long. First, on Friday, the Arizona Rattlers take on the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs at 7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m., you can watch people get hit by balls at The Great American Dodgeball Bash. Your $10 Dodgeball ticket also gets you into Saturday night’s Mercury/Tulsa Shock game for FREE! What a deal! See azdodgeball.com for details.

Speaking of deals, Ballet Arizona performs its last show of a very successful season, and I have a special offer for you. Receive 50% off adult tickets to the performance of Balanchine Classics June 11-13. Use promo code “FRIENDS” at http://www.balletaz.org to get the discount. See this nationally recognized ballet company, which took part in an invitation-only performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. over the weekend in recognition of their artistic excellence.

This weekend is also the last chance to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Valley Youth Theater, so don’t miss out.

How about a free movie? Beyond Motor City, a new documentary to air on PBS next month that looks at the fall of Detroit and the future of mass transportation in the U.S., will be shown at the A.E. England Building at Civic Space Park Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments from Fair Trade Café will be served. Yum!

Are you a full-blooded Downtowner? Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider!

The Wild Weekend Ahead

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend come Downtown where there’s tons of fun to be had. Here’s a snapshot of events happening in our urban core:

ruthlaravichulesFriday will be packed with First Friday going off in all its spectacle, including what promises to be a huge party at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center [Adams/2nd St.]. The lists of guests is an impressive one with James Garcia presenting his New Carpa Theater, Ruth Vichules [photo, left] singing with guitarist Simon Ames, Ray Rivas live spray painting and Old School Barrio DJ Johnny Lazoya all performing. 

Plus, the Diamondbacks begin a weekend series with the Rockies (including fireworks after Friday’s game), the Mercury take on the Sparks at US Airways Center, and over at Symphony Hall the Phoenix Symphony will pay classical tribute to iconic singer/songwriter John Denver.

Saturday includes Game 2 of Dbacks/Rockies series at Chase Field (first 15K fans get a Diamondbacks batting helmet) while over at US Airways Center the Arizona Rattlers battle the Milwaukee Iron.  Also, extended for another two weeks is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at Valley Youth Theater. It’s your last chance to see this great performance, so don’t miss out.

bennettThe Arizona Chinese Academy is performing a beautiful mix of spring dances from 10 different Chinese nations, and it looks fascinating. You will most likely find me at this performance. 

Sunday won’t disappoint with another Diamondbacks game and giveaway (first 5K kids get a Mark Reynolds T-shirt), another performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and to finish out the evening, Tony Bennet at the Dodge Theater.

What a great start to our summer! Have fun!

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!

A Spring Smorgasbord of Fun Downtown

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Next time some hater blathers on about how, “Nothing ever happens Downtown on the weekends,” give them a forceful-yet-well-intended slap to the cheek* and refer them to this here blog.

Seriously, if you can’t find more than your fair share of hijinks in Downtown Phoenix this weekend you’re simply not paying attention. 

Emerging alt-country artist Samantha Crain will play a free show at the Heard Museum tonight at 7 p.m.

Downtown theaters will be swarming with culture vultures as Secret Order, Indivisible and The Hobbit all have multiple shows playing Thursday-Sunday.

joe-bonamassaOn Friday, award-winning blues rocker Joe Bonamassa plays Orpheum Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30, which is a pretty nice price point considering the historic venue and street cred of the musician. Check out one of Joe’s videos here

The Suns can make up some ground in their chase for the No. 4 seed (and home court advantage in Round 1) in the NBA playoffs when they host the 4th-seeded Jazz Friday at U.S. Airways Center. Last time these two teams met, Utah stormed back from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to win going away at home. You should really go if for no other reason than to heckle Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko, who looks like a pencil-thin Dolph Lundgren.

With spring temperatures in full effect, you’d be silly not to visit the Phoenix Public Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you’ll find the best of Arizona produce, meats, wines and crafts, plus live music by Teneia.

After you’ve scooped up some fat heirloom green tomatoes, bump on over to the Downtown Phoenix Festival of the Arts happening 4-11 p.m. at Heritage Square Park. Cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Oh, and there will be a bar.

Get your picture taken with a real modern-day dragons as Arizona Science Center  hosts a free dragon-training party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Then, on Saturday, ASC will test the resolve of eight brave guests who will wear a beard of live honeybees! The action takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 pm. so don’t BEE late. (Clever, right? RIGHT?!)

One of the greatest composers to ever tickle the ivory will be celebrated at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Symphony Hall as the Phoenix Orchestra perform’s Mozart’s Requiem. And no, Mozart wasn’t deaf. That was Beethoven.

Don your dopest threads and cut a proper rug at Stoudemire’s Downtown, which presents Latino Live with DJ Skandlis and Joey Boy from Power 98 on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

hip hopSpeaking of dancing, the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad is holding open auditions Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at U.S. Airways Center.

Second Saturday Community Cinema presents a free sneak preview of Dirt: The Movie from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Civic Space Park.

After the movie you can sit down to an amazing prime rib dinner for just $15 (!!) at Coach & Willie’s.

Now, granted, this is only a small sampling of what’s going on Downtown this weekend. You can download our complete guide here or simply “ASK” any one of our knowledgeable Ambassadors to share their personal recommendations. They never miss.

Most importantly, have a most enjoyable and safe weekend. And if you’re heading Downtown, bring a friend!

* yes, of course violence is bad!

Irwin, Fairbanks Among DREAMR Winners

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

The 16th Annual DREAMR Awards were held Monday afternoon at the Phoenix Convention Center, where R. Neil Irwin received the Visionary Award, the highest honor given.

DREAMR with dateDREAMR stands for Downtown Revitalization Effort Awards of Merit and Recognition and honors the individuals, projects and organizations that dare to dream and work to make those dreams come true. Thanks to DREAMRs, urban blight and decline have been replaced with new centers of retail and commerce, urban residential opportunities, and an active arts and entertainment community. Because these DREAMRs followed their dreams, crowds of people are returning to a renewed and invigorated Downtown Phoenix.

Irwin, a partner at Brian Cave LLP, was the only Chairman the Downtown Phoenix Partnership had known during the organization’s first 20 years of operation prior to stepping down earlier this year. He played a key role in both the revitalization of Downtown and the development of the Partnership. In 2009, Irwin was named one of The Business Journal’s 25-Most Admired Top Level Executives.

Also receiving DREAMR Awards were: Tom’s Tavern owner Mike Ratner (Private Sector Individual); Don Keuth (Public Sector / Non-Profit Individual); Phoenix Mercury (Organization); Freeport McMoRan Center (Project); and former Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks (”Unsung Hero”).

In addition to awarding the DREAMRs, the event also spotlighted Best of Downtown winners and featured two captivating keynote speakers, Local First Arizona Executive Director Kimber Lanning and Alliance for Audience Executive Director Matt Lehrman. Both offered up simple ways everyone can help raise the profile of Downtown and grow local business. You can watch Lehrman’s speech here and here, and you can watch Lanning’s speech here and here.