Posts Tagged ‘phoenix suns’

« Older Entries

Rattlers, Sex and the Second City Return

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Ever since last year’s The Second City Does Arizona, Or, Close But No Saguaro packed its bags and mosied on down the road, fans have been jonzing for another dose of Second City’s acerbic takes on contemporary life in America. Fortunately for us, the troupe has returned to the Herberger Theater Center for Sex and the Second City Version 2.0, which opens Thursday and runs through March 20. 

Sex and the Second City Version 2.0 is billed as a “look at the perils of love and relationships in the digital age.” No shortage of materials there, and considering this is the same group that produced some of comedy’s biggest stars of the last quarter century–giants like Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert–there promises to be a whole lot of LMAO’ing from the crowd.

To purchase tickets for Sex and the Second City Version 2.0 or other Herberger productions enter visit the venue’s web site here.

Rattlers Return

rattlersThe two-time Arena Football League champion Arizona Rattlers open up their 2011 campaign this Saturday at US Airways Center against the Jacksonville Sharks. If you’ve never attended a Rattlers game you’re missing out on one of the better entertainment values Downtown. The “Snake Pit,” as US Airways Center is affectionately called on game nights, is a mine field for the senses, with body-moving music, dancers, promotions, and non-stop, adrenaline-filled arena football action.

Call the Rattlers at 480-985-3292 for information on full season, partial season and single-game ticket pricing. Or visit the team’s web site here.

Suns In Playoff Push

It’s a big week for the Suns as they try to catch Memphis and New Orleans for one of the Western Conference’s final playoff spots. One of the other teams in that chase, the Houston Rockets, visit US Airways Center tonight and Eastern Conference power Orlando comes calling on Sunday.

Canstruction at CityScape

Downtowner and avid blogger Daisy Anderson sent us this note about Canstruction, happening March 5-12 at CityScape.

canstruction-at-cityscapeHello to my Downtown urban compatriots!  You know how it feels at about 3:00 p.m. when you’re at your desk and your stomach starts to rumble? Of course, you can just go to your favorite desk drawer and dip into a snack stash (Weight Watcher’s bars, Snickers for the “special days,” or “borrow” something from your neighbor’s desk while he or she isn’t looking) to satisfy that urge.  Or you can order pizza delivered for the office and be the big hero of the day!

But what about the people that can’t do that because of  A. Lack of money; B. Lack of money; or C. you get the point! 

Here’s your chance to change that tune and catch a little stardom!  Just go to www.phxcanstruction.com and show your talents.  A can for mankind with your can-do attitude!  Ok, I’m out of bad rhymes, but this is such a great idea and we urban types need to jump on board.  What “Can” you do? Make me proud people!

Thanks Daisy!

Wheels of Britain Car Show

Come to Heritage Square this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for one cracking car show. Jaguar, Lotus, Triumph, Jensen, and Rolls Royce–all your favourite new, vintage and restored European autos will be on display.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Electronic Signage In Works for Downtown

Friday, February 18th, 2011

legendsThe local media was abuzz this week with two announcements regarding Downtown signage and advertising.  The Diamondbacks and Suns are partnering to form the Legends Entertainment District designed to enliven Jefferson Street in time for the MLB All-Star Game.  Plans call for the installation of four and five story electronic billboards on the US Airways Center, Chase Field and the Jefferson Street Parking Garage located between Third and Fourth streets in between the two sports venues.   The new signage district includes other Downtown landmarks such as the Luhrs Complex, CityScape and the Phoenix Convention Center.  City officials hope the increased signage will help to engage sports fans and Downtown visitors, encouraging them to spend more time (and money) in the area.  For more information please visit:  Big Flashy Signs Aim to Energize Phoenix Sports District

In other Downtown signage news, RED Development announced that Elite Media will provide exterior signage and advertising throughout the two -block, multi-use project.  As reported in the Phoenix Business Journal, RED plans to install “high profile LED elements throughout the property to help create a ‘Times Square’ feel”.  Elite Media is based in Las Vegas and has provided outdoor signage for a number of properties along The Strip.  The office tower at CityScape is more than 90 percent leased and the retail block is home to CVS Pharmacy, Urban Outfitters and Lucky Strike Lanes.  CityScape welcomes the Sam Fox-created The Arrogant Butcher opening Monday, Feb. 21, and Stand-Up Live and the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery will follow later this year.  For more information please visit:  CityScape To Feature LED Advertising by Elite Media.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Suns Host Celebrity Shootout January 29

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

This Saturday, Jan. 29, nearly 20 celebrities will be in Downtown Phoenix participating in the 10th Annual Jack In the Box Celebrity Shootout, presented by Robert and Carole Machiz. The game tips off at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.

commonStars from music, television and film scheduled to appear include: Entertainer Chris Brown, former MLB outfielder Jermaine Dye, Anthony Anderson (The Departed, “Law & Order,” Me, Myself & Irene), Billy Blanks (Showdown, The Last Boyscout), recording artist and actor Common (pictured), “Malcolm In the Middle” star Frankie Muniz, Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes, Michael B. Jordan (”The Wire,” “Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”), rapper/actor Romeo (Honey), BET host Terrence J, and actor Kiowa Gordan (The Twilight Saga: New Moon).

In addition to watching the celebrities ball up, fans can expect appearances by Phoenix Suns players, coaches and dancers, the Gorilla, and many contests and promotions. 

Tickets for the Celebrity Shootout start at $9 and can be purchased online here, through Ticketmaster, by calling 800.745.3000, or at the US Airways  Center box office.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Music & Events, Sports, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | 2 Comments »

Block Party Weekend at CityScape

Monday, November 1st, 2010

The wait is over.

This Thursday thru Sunday CityScape will roll out the red carpet and throw a big bash for Downtown Phoenix during its Block Party Weekend

Wondering what’s on tap? Think free food. Free concerts. Free fashion shows. Even a live performance by Macy Gray, the distinctive singer, songwriter and actress who earned five Grammy nominations, appeared in the first Spider-Man movie and even got punk’d by Ashton Kutcher.

That sounds like an eye-popping celebration for CityScape, the mixed-use development on Central and Washington that combines retail stores, office space and a high-rise hotel.  Here’s a quick rundown on scheduled events:

Macy_GrayThursday, November 4 – From 5 to 7 p.m. Mayor Phil Gordon gives his annual State of Downtown Address, with a special performance by The Phoenix Symphony and a “Taste of Downtown” reception.

Friday, November 5 – Highlights include free samples of food and beverage from CityScape restaurants (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.); CityScape’s inaugural participation in First Friday and a Phoenix Suns Pregame Happy Hour (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.); and Macy Gray live in performance (9:30 to 11 p.m.). Other musical guests include The Walkens and Paige Bryan.

3EBSaturday, November 6 – Live music all day and night, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, performing arts groups and comedy acts, presented by Stand Up Live. Lineup headed up by Third Eye Blind, plus Eagle Heart, The Elevens and more.

Sunday, November 7 – It’s family day at CityScape. Balloon artists and face painters will keep kids busy and parents relieved, and the first 250 people to arrive will get their very own free CityScape lawn chair. Hungry for more? From noon to 5 p.m. LGO Public House will host a community picnic and cookout with outdoor grilling stations. Live bands will include the Bad Cactus Brass Band and Claude Mattox.

There are three light rail stops around CityScape, plus free parking Friday and Saturday until 4 p.m. and all day Sunday.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events | 2 Comments »

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!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Sports | No Comments »

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!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Sports | No Comments »

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!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

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!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Deal, Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Sports | No Comments »

« Older Entries