Posts Tagged ‘phoenix’

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.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Commentary, Featured | 1 Comment »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Commentary, Featured | No Comments »

Where to Workout in Downtown Phoenix

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

ymcaOur urban core is bustling with activity these days. Not only does Downtown Phoenix have some great restaurants and entertainment options, but the city also has a growing number of amenities for people who live and work in the heart of the city. Especially when it comes to having options for working out near the light rail. Whether you live Downtown, midtown or uptown…working out is just a quick train ride away!

AmenZone Primal Fitness and Training is located in the warehouse district at 106 E Buchanan (just south of US Airways Center near 2nd Street). According to friend and fellow blogger Seth, think of AmenZone as less gym and more boot camp. “I’ve never worked out so damn hard in my life but you will not find any weights, benches, treadmills, mirrors or walls of TVs.” During the workout, Seth says the class is moving constantly for about an hour with the exception of a few much needed water breaks. Taking the light rail? Deboard at one of the 3rd Street stations.

Core CrossFit is located just south of Roosevelt on 7th Street (825 N 7th Street) and trains members in a group setting. According to the website, Core CrossFit is committed to providing a complete strength and conditioning program. The training consists of constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements using equipment found in gyms but with a boot camp twist. Use the Roosevelt station when taking the light rail.

Gold’s Gym Elite is located on the second floor of the brand spanking new CityScape project, which is right smack in the heart of the city (southeast corner of Central and Washington). I just joined this Gold’s and it’s probably one of the nicest gyms I’ve seen. The facility has all the latest equipment (even treadmills that blow cool air on you while you exercise!), a towel and laundry service for those who need to go to work after working out, and of course, a fantastic view of Downtown Phoenix! Spinning and yoga classes are also included in your dues. Light rail riders can use either Central and Washington (westbound) or the 1st Avenue and Jefferson (eastbound) stations.

Just Breathe is your one-stop training facility if you like a combination of pilates, spinning and yoga classes as part of your workout regimen. After your workout, let your body recover with a deep tissue, sports or Swedish massage. Just Breathe also offers a special Arizona resident rate for first-time guests. The facility is located at 832 N 2nd Street, just south of the Roosevelt station.

Lincoln Family YMCA is directly across the street from Civic Space Park in Downtown Phoenix. One of the original gyms in our urban core, the facility is popular with Downtown and midtown residents. People who workout here love the indoor heated pool, rooftop track and racquetball courts. The Y is located directly across the street from Central station. Find out more information about the Lincoln Family YMCA here.

These days, making sure I stay fit is high on my priority list, especially after I gained 13 pounds riding a bike around Phoenix! Who knew you could get fat riding a bike?! How that happened, I’m not sure. (Well, ok, I know. I’m blaming every single coffee bar for selling delicious baked goods! Arggh!) Read the advice I got from a doctor in my blog post Does This Bike Make Me Look Fat.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Development, Deal, Family, Sports, Spotlight | No Comments »

“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!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Music & Events, Spotlight | No Comments »

Coolest Summer Camps Along Light Rail

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Since the official start of summer is right around the corner, many parents who live and work in Downtown Phoenix might want to consider day camps for their kids. There are several activities–from very wet to very wild–taking place in our urban core along the light rail.

Science_CampIs your teen interested in being a doctor or doing scientific research in a lab? The Arizona Science Center is offering a week-long summer course where kids can learn what it’s like to work with doctors and researchers at the Biotechnology Medical Institute of Barrows Neurological Institute. The first session starts July 12 and tuition is $200 for Science Center members. More information can be found here. Barrows is located on the St. Joseph’s campus, just a short walk from the Thomas and Central light rail station.

The Children’s Museum is teaming up with the Phoenix Theatre (McDowell light rail station) to offer workshops for kids ages 4-18. A storybook or fairy tale workshop is available for the younger kids, while the older kids have options like musical theater and dance workshops. The first session starts June 1st through June 25 and the second session runs July 6-30. The workshops range in price from $300 to $600 per four week session, or a weekly tuition is also available. For more information on the classes and location click here.

The Chase Field Camp Experience (July 7-9) is probably the ultimate urban summer camp. As the name suggests, the three-day workshop is held at Chase Field and involves an on-field clinic in addition to batting practice in big league batting cages. Arizona Diamondbacks personalities will also be on hand during parts of the camp and tuition includes two tickets to a game. More information on the $350 camp for kids ages 6-12 can be found here. Chase Field is located at the 3rd Street and Jefferson light rail station.

Probably one of the most important life lessons you can teach your kid is how to swim! The Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA offers summer camp swim lessons for kids ages 5-12 starting June 7 and ending July 29. Tuition starts at $10 per three-day session. Hint: to help fill the day, parents may also want to pair the swim lessons with one of a variety of YMCA activities also held at the facility. The Y is located directly across the street from Central Station. Information on this and all the summer camps at the YMCA can be found here.

If your kid is an animal lover, then they will love Camp Zoo at Phoenix Zoo (Priest light rail station). The summer camp is geared for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Sessions for older kids include activities like Discovering What It’s Like To Be an Animal Presenter where kids will put on a show for parents! Younger kids get to do activities like getting to know the zoo animals and other behind the scenes experiences. Camp fees start at $153 for half day sessions. After camp care is also available. Information on Camp Zoo can be found here. Keep in mind, there is a bus transfer at the light rail station in order to get to the zoo.

Valley Youth Theatre (Central Station) offers acting workshops for kids during the summer months. VYT provides two types of fun-filled educational camps: one in theatre basics ($300) and the other involving musical theatre ($630). The theatre’s summer camp is a four-week long program that includes a final day performance. The theatre also offers before and after care for an additional fee. Information on the classes, which start on June 7, can be found here.

Information on how to ride to summer camp can be found on my blog which is here.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Deal, Family, Spotlight | No Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Featured, Music & Events | Comments Off

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!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Spotlight | No Comments »

5 Ways to Get People Thinking About Alternative Transportation Downtown

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Downtown Phoenix is coming alive with new businesses opening up in our urban core – all of them are easily accessible using the light rail.  However, in some cases you might want to combine more than one mode of alternative transportation (a bike, a taxi, etc).  Doing so will help you enjoy the many restaurants and coffeebars that Downtown has to offer.  Recently, over on my blog, I talked about ways the light rail improved the quality of life in Downtown Phoenix.  While the light rail has helped, there still needs to be more awareness about other things people can do to drive less and truly help green the city.

Bike rentals or a bike rental kiosks in various parts of Downtown would be hot.  Right now, the nearest bike rental facility is either way south of Downtown or on the east side of the airport. This is why we need a bike rental kiosk in our urban core.  Tucson is trying out a bike kiosk and so are a handful of other major cities around the country.  Why not here?  True, there was a bike sharing program in Phoenix at one time, but people kept stealing the bikes.  A rental program in downtown would encourage people to leave their cars at home, or at least encourage people to take the train into town and rent a bike once they’re here.  You can seee the Tucson bike kiosk story here.

bike_racksBike racks are lacking in many parts of Downtown.  Copper Square and the Downtown Phoenix Partnership have a good supply in the heart of Phoenix, but  we need more and lots of them throughout the rest of Downtown, midtown and uptown.  Secure areas to park our bikes will encourage more people to bring their bikes into town.  Many cities across the country are finding there are federal funds to pay for racks if the location meets city ordinances.  Recently, I pointed out how restaurants along the light rail are seeing green by installing new racks on their own.  See a previous story I wrote on the bike racks in Downtown Phoenix here.

Zipcar, a car sharing program, has cars in most major cities including right here in Phoenix.  Zipcar is an hourly car rental service has several location in the Phoenix market, mostly around the three Arizona State University campus locations.  They’re inexpensive when you use the cars for short trips like running errands, and can get more expensive when you rent them for longer periods of time.  There’s even an iPhone app for convenient reservations.  I realize the service and concept is relatively new for many people, however I don’t think enough people know about this service, especially when I tell people and their reaction is ‘what’s a Zipcar?’   If that’s your’re question too, read more here.

Curbside taxi service at light rail stations apparently is not allowed to offer service to and from a light rail station. If they were, think of how easy it would be to get to the airport or to a baseball or basketball game from the various park and rides along the light rail line.

Pedicabs are a quick and easy way to get around in the center of town.  Not only are they a green form of transportation, but the pedicab drivers and the carts add character to downtown Phoenix.  I took a ride on one the other night and found out how many hundreds of pounds each one can haul.  Read more, plus get the number to call a pedicab here.

The city of Phoenix has come so far in such a short amount of time when it comes to promoting alternative transportation.  As you can see from this list, there’s still more work we can all do to get people out from behind the wheel of  a car.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Family, Featured, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

20 Great Gift Ideas Under $20 Along the Light Rail

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Shopping for holiday gifts in Downtown Phoenix is easy thanks to our lightrail system celebrating one year in service this weekend.

Did you know there are plenty of locally owned boutiques and specialty stores along our 20-mile transit line?  This gives us the luxury of waving buh-bye to packed parking lots, since using the train means no more dealing with angry drivers during the most wonderful time of the year.  Take comfort in knowing you’ll avoid the anthill atmosphere at many national chains.  This holiday season, make sure the only parking lot you see is a park and ride and let METRO do the driving when you’re shopping for gifts.

Before you go, be sure to take my list of 20 great gifts under $20 along the light rail.  I separated the list into three categories:  gift ideas for the host of a holiday party, gift ideas for someone special, and fun gifts for friends or co-workers.  Most all of stores here will offer gift wrapping as a courtesy to customers.  Are you ready?  Grab a latte, a fare card, and let’s go shopping!

Gift Ideas for the Host

Museum tickets Educational and classy, two passes to the Phoenix Art Museum are $20 and even less for seniors or kids.  Don’t forget we have other great facilities in town like the Heard Museum, the Arizona Science Center or the Children’s Museum.  Find out more information here.

Seasonal dishtowel Bunky Boutique has them and they’re handmade right here in Arizona by Perfect Dressipe ($7). The store is located near the Roosevelt station. Head east on Roosevelt to 3rd Avenue and go south a couple blocks.  Bunky Boutique can be found online here.

Christmas ornament Nothing says peace on earth like a sparkly globe ornament ($15).  Find them and other great gift ideas at Frances – a boutique store near the Camelback Station.  Head to the intersection of Camelback and Central, cross Camelback and head west on the opposite side of street.  The address and other information can be found here.

Soapby Nostalgia scents like sweet orange, lavender flowers and happy days ($12). Made and sold here in Arizona. Also at Frances, follow directions above.  See the soap here.

Body butter by Chymia is designed to stimulate circulation, soothe sore muscles, and provide long lasting moisture ($18).  Find it at Frances and see the product here.

Decorative birds made from recycled felted wool. The robins vary in size, $19 and under at Haus Modern Living. Deboard Camelback station, then south on Central, Haus is in plaza across from St. Xavier Church.  A picture of the product is here and the Haus home page is here.

Japanese stash box made from laminated silk kimono fabric.  Marked down to $15 and also at Haus.  Picture here.

Alessi sugar shakers in primary colors, also at Haus ($19)  See the product here.

Urban cookies gift box sets perfect for those in a rush range.  Available in different sizes and prices – from $4 to $16.94 at Urban Cookies.  Best to take a bike from the Camelback light rail station, head eastbound to 7th Street, and south about 1/4 mile.  Find out more information here.

Men’s cap by Brixton in wool is a classic look for men and a great way to stay warm.  Bunky Boutique has them for $17.  See the gift idea here.

Peacock bracelet is a stylish faux wood bracelet with peacock feather design ($12) and also sold at Bunky.  See it here.

Fun gifts for friends

Star Trek assorted postcards that you fold and stamp ($8.95).  Find them at Frances and see them here.

Novelty books like Secrets of Gorgeous, a hundred ways to live well while living it up can be found at Frances for $12.95.  See it before you buy it here.

Assorted travel candles in scents like pumpkin spice and french linen ($9) also at Frances. See the gift idea here.

Candy canes, but not just any candy canes.  These are chocolate filled peppermint candy canes at Smeeks ($4). Smeeks is located a few doors down from Frances.

Bouquet of lollipop santas, three per package  ($4) at Smeeks.  See their jolly faces here.

Munny is the popular do-it-yourself toy kit by Kidrobot at Red Hot Robot ($20). Find out more information on Red Hot Robot’s Web site here.  RHR is located between Frances and Smeeks on Camelback.

Seasonal figures like Krunk-a-Klaus ($9.95), also by Kidrobot at Red Hot Robot.  See the gift idea here.

Novelty note pads with some naughty and nice titles ($9.95) at Haus Modern Living.

Alessi sugar dispensers in primary colors ($19) at Haus ModernLiving.

Drip stop aluminum for your wine bottle at Haus Modern.  $7 for a set of three.

See all the items on my Flickr page here, and before you go shopping, be sure to download the Local First AZ Small Wonders shopping guide and map. (here) If you need help with lightrail stations click here.

By the way, if you’re looking for some gift ideas for the transit geek in your life, or you just want to encourage someone to drive less, be sure to head over my blog where I have my five gift ideas for fans of alternative transportation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | 2 Comments »