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Downtown Does Cinco de Mayo

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

How are you celebrating the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla?

CincoAs I’m sure you’re well aware, it’s Cinco de Mayo, which is a very big deal in Phoenix and there’s no shortage of events to help you party like it’s May 5, 1862.

One of Downtown’s oldest restaurants, The Matador, is offering a wide array of food and drink specials all day long, plus a special happy hour in the lounge from 4-7 p.m. that includes free appetizers.

Mi Amigos over at Arizona Center is offering $2.50 drinks from 3-6 p.m., plus some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in the urban core.

One of the day’s more clever events happening in Central Phoenix is Cinco de Mustache at Sidebar. Sure, there will be drink specials galore, plus music from DJs Tricky T, Jared Allen and Sean Watson, but people are no doubt coming out to see the ’staches.

If you want to get your Cinco fix at lunch, America’s Taco Shop  (Coronado or Melrose) is offering $1.75 tacos all day long, plus chips and salsa for 50 cents.

Later, the all-new Ghost Lounge at Hotel San Carlos is debuting their Caliente Cinco de Mayo with DJ Danny Boy spinning Latin and Salsa hits, plus great drink specials 4 p.m. to close.

Los Suns take on the reviled Spurs tonight in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets? Head over to Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s for their watch parties and feast on superior hoops grub!

In the event you’re stuck at work all day, impatiently waiting for 4:52 p.m. so you can dash to the pub and crack your first Corona, here’s a Cinco de Mayo playlist courtesy of MTV.  

(”They still play videos on MTV?” asks the old man, rhetorically.)

Have a safe and happy Cinco de Mayo!

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Your Guide to Downtown Fun

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Although the wind was rough, the weekend was gorgeous. I hoped everyone enjoyed it. There is a great deal to enjoy this week, so let’s get started.

The Cinco De Mayo Festival came and went but there’s no reason not to continue celeberating the culture that’s so important to our Southwest identity. The Matador Mexican Restaurant and Mi Amigos have festivities sure to engage you in the revelry.

RattlersThe Suns continue their march to the Finals by hosting the arch-rival Spurs in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets for tonight’s Game 1? No problem! Head over to Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s and watch the game with your closest Orange friends.  

By the end of the week the Diamondbacks will have fans cheering at Chase Field, playing the Brewers. The Brewers have a pair of super sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder so expect some high-scoring affairs.

Need more sports? Head over to US Airways Center Friday night and watch the Rattlers take on the Spokane Shock.

The theater crowd will be happy this week with three shows at the Herberger Theater, one of which is by the famous comedy troupe Second City. With alums like Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, I was more than curious to see what they came up with, and I was laughing all the way to the end. They took cracks at all the little quirks that make Arizona unique, and it was refreshing to see what we look like from an outside point of view. Absolutely hilarious!

One last thing to take a look at. The Phoenix Public Market has been given a great opportunity to win some funds and they need your help. Follow this link to cast your vote and help the Market, as well as to benefit a great and worthwhile community cause. Please do your part and cast your vote for the Phoenix Public Market. Thank you!

Want more of What’s Happening? Download the weekly PDF here or grab a copy at the Ambassador Information Center (Adams / 1st Avenue).

Have a great week!

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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!

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Be Our Valentine

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

If you’re looking for anti-Valentine’s Day sentiment–you know, like those hater parties where lonely, angry people sit in a circle and drink heavily while pretending they’re totally at peace with being single and loveless–Downtown Phoenix isn’t the place for you. Try Old Town.

Downtown Phoenix is all about embracing Valentine’s Day and here’s what we’re doing as Cupid’s Accomplices. Seriously, if you don’t have a Valentine just hang out with us for awhile and you’re bound to find one.

Design a Date Contest: Visit the blog post or our Facebook page and submit your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day date Downtown. We want to know where you’d go, what you’d eat, and what you’d see. The greater the detail, the better. Two winners will receive a $25 gift card to Kincaid’s.

candy_heartsFestive Friday: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, the Ambassadors will be stationed outside the Information Center [US Bank Building, 101 N. First Ave., Ste. 190] sharing sweet treats courtesy of Downtown businesses. You can also pick up coupons for FREE food items from participating restaurants to be used throughout the month. Plus, music by FATIGO!

Heart Grab & Dash Contest: Approach five (5) different Ambassadors Friday morning before 1 p.m. and ask each one for his or her heart. The first five people to collect five hearts and deliver the lot of them to the Information Center will receive an awe-tacular Valentine’s Day gift bag filled with gift cards and goodies from generous Downtown businesses. We won’t tell you exactly what’s in the gift bags but suffice it to say the street value is well over $40. Now go get those hearts!

 

14 Downtown Loves

We polled our thousands upon thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers and concocted this essential list of things you love about Downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Public Market – When you care enough to send the best, make sure it’s grown locally.

The Ambassadors  — Your significant other might leave you, but the Ambassadors never will.

The Herberger Theater — Some of you got more specific and referenced the “naked dudes” out front. Go check out “13″ playing now and “[title of show]“ coming soon!

The Phoenix Suns — Steve Nash, in particular, got mad love.

Majerle’s — You said if you couldn’t watch the Suns play at US Airways Center in person, then the next-best option was cheering the team on from Thunder Dan’s joint. Beer might also be involved.

The Light Rail — Can you believe we’ve had light rail for a year? For more light rail love, check out ace Light Rail Blogger and Downtown Phoenix contributor Tony Arranaga.

First Fridays — If you ever need a good first date idea, take him or her to First Fridays.

Chase Field — Roof open when possible, please.

Coffee — Conspire, Daily Grind, Cartel, Lola and Fair Trade all received votes.

Matt’s Big Breakfast — You heart Matt’s pancakes. Proof that good things come to those who wait.

Dodge Theatre — Three of you mentioned the recent comedy acts to hit Dodge–Joel McHale, Gabriel Iglesias and, soon, Chelsea Handler.

The District – Their music and drinks tested very high in this market.

Civic Space Park — From acoustic lunches to yoga, Civic Space Park offers a little something for everyone.

The People — Yes, you’re what really make Downtown Phoenix a special place to work, live, and play.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Chance of Rain but No Chance of Boredom

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

I’ve  had a great time splashing though the puddles over the last week. I find the rain fun, but what I really enjoy is being in a community where the rain can’t stop me from doing the things I love. One of the main reasons for my move to Downtown Phoenix 10 years ago was the easy access to my favorite social and entertainment interests. My first night in my new apartment I looked over my balcony railing and read, “MOBY, TONIGHT” on the marquee of the Web Theater. At that very moment I knew I had made the right decision. If my friends thought I was crazy, well they could go right ahead a think that because I will be in Downtown Phoenix at a MOBY concert. 

Alabama Symphony Led Zeppelin #4.jpgDowntown Phoenix has so many different ways to entertain yourself and satisfies so many different interests, that at this moment I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else in the Valley. I would not be able to experience the crowds of the World Series or the annual Mexico vs. (fill in blank) soccer game from my patio.

The Orpheum Theater is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in the country, with the original Wurlitzer Organ still intact and in use, and host to a wide variety of performances like Defending  the Caveman or Riverdance and other Broadway performances. Not to mention all the local artists who perform there because it is so accessible and affordable. The Dodge Theater brings in countless great acts like Alicia Keys, Kathy Griffin and The Blue Collar Tour. Alice in Chains and  the Pink Floyd Laser Light Spectacular play in February and this week I can enjoy the music of Queen and Led Zeppelin with a rock band and full orchestra.  Moreover, I can walk there! 

monsterjamThe Herberger Theater and Symphony Hall are home to many of my favorite theater companies. The Arizona Opera who performs La Boheme’ this week, Ballet Arizona with Sleeping Beauty coming up in a few weeks, Arizona Theater Co. who just brought in Ain’t Misbehaven’ and will bring in Second City at the end of the season. How about Actors Theater, who brings in great comedy like Triple Esspresso and Pulitzer Prize winning shows like Shipwrecked, which plays through the end of this week.

I am not super huge on sports, but being in the middle of a high energy crowd at the Suns games or our two-time world champions, the Mercury, can give you a great feeling of intensity that I love. Supercross and, this weekend, Monster Truck Jam, are seen every year at Chase Field, and the Diamondbacks bring in millions during the summer, giving you a year-round experience.

 There are so many great things to do that it isn’t humanly possible to attend everything. But I challenge anyone to try, for even if you fail you win.

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Suns 7 Day Planner

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Turns out the New Jersey Nets were just what the doctor ordered for our Phoenix Suns (25-18, 2nd in the Pacific Division). The Suns flattened the Nets 118-94 on the strength of 27 points from A’mare Stoudemire and 15 assists from Steve Nash. The Suns look to get back to their winning ways this week, with three of four games in the comfy confines of US Airways Center.

RoseFriday vs. Chicago

The Baby Bulls (18-22, 2nd in the Central Division) are better than their record might indicate but they have struggled mightily on the road (4-16), including a loss Wednesday at the Clippers. Believe it or not, Chicago is the currently the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, showing just how watered down the East really is. Second-year point guard Derrick Rose leads the Bulls, averaging 19 points and 6 assists per game. Player to watch: Suns’ center Robin Lopez, who upon being inserted into the starting lineup promptly scored 20 points in the win over the Nets.

Saturday vs. Golden State

It’s always fun when the Warriors (12-27, 5th in the Pacific Division) and Suns hook up, unless of course you’re a fan of good defense. Player to watch: Warriors’ guard Monta Ellis, who scored 39 points in an overtime loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday.

Monday at Utah

Salt Lake City is a tough place to play for any team, much less one that struggles on the road as much as the Suns do. Worse news for the Suns is that the Jazz (24-18, 4th in the Northwest Division) have really begun to hit their stride as of late, including a huge road win at San Antonio on Wednesday. Players to watch: Just like John Stockton and Karl Malone in the 80s and 90s, the high-low game between Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer fuels the Jazz attack. Williams and Boozer average 19 points per contest each.

Tuesday vs. Charlotte

The Bobcats (21-19, 3rd in the Southeast Division) are breathing rarified air, playing above-.500 ball and challenging for its first playoff berth in franchise history. Player to watch: Gerald Wallace is as dynamic a swingman as you’ll find in the NBA, averaging 18.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.69 steals and 1.23 blocks per game.

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Suns 7 Day Planner

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Coming off back-to-back hard-fought wins over the Kings and Rockets, the Suns (23-13, 2nd in the Pacific Division) begin an Eastern Conference-heavy stretch in their schedule, including a pair of home games against two of the league’s most dynamic guards.

dwayne_wade_miami_heatFriday vs Miami

The Heat (17-16, 3rd in the Atlantic Division) have been up and down this season with many of their losses coming in heartbreaking fashion, including Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Celtics, in which Boston’s Rajon Rondo scored on an alley-oop buzzer-beating layup to force the game into an extra session. Dwayne Wade once again sits near the top of the Association in scoring and is coming off a 44-point effort against the Celtics. Player to watch: Former Suns three-point machine Quentin Richardson, who after bouncing around to four different teams in a calendar year has settled in quite nicely with Miami.

Monday vs Milwaukee

The Bucks (14-18) are often overshadowed in ‘Sconsin by the Green Bay Packers (go Cards!) but rookie point guard and almost-UofA Wildcat Brandon Jennings has breathed new life into a franchise that hasn’t enjoyed much success since Ray Allen, Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson and Sam Cassell led Milwaukee to the playoffs in the early Aughts. Jennings has started all 32 games for the Bucks and leads the team with 19 points and 5.9 assists per game. Player to watch: 7-foot Australian center Andrew Bogut is a matchup nightmare for the Suns.

Wednesday at Indiana

The Pacers (11-23, 5th in the Central Division) are in the running for the top pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, due in large part to key injuries, including All-Star forward Danny Granger, swingman Mike Dunleavy Jr., and top ‘09 draft choice Tyler Hansbrough. This is the first meeting of the year between the two teams, which split last year’s series with each team winning on the other’s home court. Player to watch: A’mare Stoudemire, who scored 49 points in a 113-103 Suns win on Nov. 5, 2008.

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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.

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7 Day Suns Planner

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

The Suns (18-10) look to circle the wagons after suffering their first home loss in nine months Monday night to Shaq, LeBron and the Cavaliers. A home date with the mighty Lakers looms but the team’s tough December schedule eases up just a bit in the week to come.

DurantWednesday vs. Thunder

If you want to get a peek at the future of the NBA, come down to US Airways to watch Thunder swingman Kevin Durant. The third-year pro out of Texas is the league’s fourth-leading scorer at 27 points per game and has the upstart Thunder (13-13) in position to contend for a playoff spot. Player to watch: Durant, who in addition to carrying the scoring load, leads Oklahoma City in rebounding and steals.

Friday vs. Clippers

Santa’s gift to the Suns? A home game with the Clippers (12-15). The other team that plays at Staples Center is still without overall No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin but does boast a formidable starting five, including All-Star Baron Davis, second-year shooting guard Eric Gordon, and All-Defensive Team center Marcus Camby. Player to watch: Sasquatch-like Chris Kaman, who is averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per contest. 

Saturday at Golden State

Like scoring? Then tune as the Suns run and gun with the shoot-first, ask questions later Warriors (7-19). Monta Ellis (averaging 24 points a game) needs some help if Golden State is going to get back to the playoff status is enjoyed two seasons ago when it surprised the NBA by ousting the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns beat the Warriors 123-101 on Oct. 30 behind 24 points from currently injured Leandro Barbosa and six 3-pointers from Channing Frye. Player to watch: Warriors’ rookie shooting guard Stephen Curry, who scored a career-high 27 points Dec. 19 in a loss to Washingon.

Monday vs. Lakers

The Suns will look to gain some ground in the standings against Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles (22-4), which sports the top record, deepest roster, and best player (Kobe Bryant) in all the land. ESPN will be in town for this one so make sure you head Downtown to suck up the excitement. Player to watch: Bryant, who has two of four game-winning buzzer-beaters in the NBA this season.

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7 Day Suns Planner

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

The Suns (17-8, 2nd in the Pacific Division) continue their pilgrimage through a brutal December schedule this week, with pivotal matchups against an Eastern Conference titan and a pair of up-and-coming teams led by budding superstars.

Thursday at Portland

The Suns travel up to Portland’s intimate (read: high school gym-like) Rose Garden to tangle with the Trailblazers in another showcase game on ESPN (8:30 tip). Let’s hope the World Wide Leader is a good-luck charm. Playing on ESPN last Friday, the Suns notched a signature 106-103 win over Eastern Conference heavy Orlando. The Blazers (15-11, 3rd in the Northwest Division)  started the season hot before losing center Greg Oden to season-ending injury. Portland has since dropped three of five games, including losses at New York (the Suns can certainly empathize), at Cleveland, and at Milwaukee. Player to watch: Blazers All-Star guard Brandon Roy is averaging 21 points a game.  

LeBronSaturday vs Washington

The Wizards (7-16, 5th in the Southeast Division) are coming off a 112-109 loss at Sacramento and are struggling so mightily that fans are being enlisted to help coach. Phoenix won 102-90 at Washington back on Nov. 8 behind 22 points from Jason Richardson and 17 assists from Steve Nash. Wiz coach Flip Saunders’ seat keeps getting hotter and hotter as Washington flops and flails despite having three All-Stars (Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas) on the roster.  This is a game the Suns–who sport an unblemished 9-0 record at US Airways Center–absolutely must win. Player to watch: A’mare Stoudemire, who had 28 points and 14 rebounds in Tuesday’s 116-104 win over the much-hated Spurs.

Monday vs Cleveland

There are big games, and then there are BIG GAMES. Monday’s date with the Cavaliers (19-7, 1st in the Central Division) would fall into the latter category. Not only is it the only scheduled visit from former Suns center Shaquille O’Neal and a certain global icon named LeBron James, but it’s an opportunity for the Suns to exact a bit of revenge on the Cavs two weeks after getting throttled 107-90 in Cleveland on Dec. 2. Plus, a win would give the Suns a victory over each of the Eastern Conference’s Pantheon of elite teams (Orlando, Boston and Cleveland). Player to watch: O’Neal’s return to the desert is fun and all, but James is an electrifying once-in-a-generation player.

Wednesday vs Oklahoma City

No matter what happens against the Cavaliers, the Suns would be well advised to regain their focus quickly before lacing up against the Thunder (12-12, 4th in the Northwest Division). Led by third-year swingman Kevin Durant, who leads the team in points (27.8), rebound (7.1), steals (1.7) and appearances on SportsCenter (nightly), the Thunder also employs an electrifying second-year point guard in Russell Westbrook, who ASU fans might remember from his days with UCLA. Player to watch: Durant, who is fourth in the NBA in scoring behind Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

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