Posts Tagged ‘things to do’

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:

Thursday, 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.

Saturday, 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: CityScape, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, downtown phoenix restaurants, First Friday, LGO Public House, Macy Gray, METRO light rail, phoenix suns, Stand Up Live, The Phoenix Symphony, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events | 2 Comments »

Jerry, Ginger and Juggling

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

It’s like magic. Cooler weather hits, and live theater returns. So for all our fellow theater buffs, here’s a grab-bag of upcoming shows, from the guy who gave us the “Soup Nazi” to Fred Astaire’s favorite dance partner.

First up: Jerry Seinfeld. Even in re-runs, his show never gets old. But if you’d like to hear Jerry perform some brand-new material, hop online now and get tickets for his return to the Dodge Theatre this Saturday at 7 p.m. (To whet your appetite, read “Letters from a Nut,” supposedly ghost-written by Seinfeld under the pen name Ted L. Nancy. I have two of these books, and they’re tears-running-down-your-face funny.)

Next: Dancing cheek to cheek. It’s often said that Fred Astaire gave Ginger Rogers class, and Ginger gave him sex appeal. To find out more about the small town girl who grew up to be one of Hollywood’s most dazzling dancers, check out Backwards in High Heels: The Ginger Musical.

pet_theater The show features terrific dance numbers and the classic songs that Fred and Ginger brought to beautiful, heart-stopping life. See it Oct. 4-24 at the Herberger Theater.

Finally: Clowns and cats. A perfect family show, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is an amazing blend of physical comedy, world-class juggling and more than 40 performing pets. Gregory Popovich and his family, fourth generation circus performers from Russia, will bring their show to the Orpheum Theatre Oct. 8-10. Check out this short video about how they find and train their cast of dogs and cats, all rescued from animal shelters. Speaking as an animal lover, it’s a genuinely sweet story.

Tags: Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, herberger theater, Orpheum Theatre, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Featured, Music & Events | 1 Comment »

Grease Opens This Week

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

The musical Grease, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. There’s even a Grease Sing-A-Long movie where you can follow the lyrics and belt out your own version of “Beauty School Dropout.”

grease But in a welcome twist, a new version of Grease is opening this week with actors who are about the same age as the characters they play. From Aug. 13-29, Valley Youth Theatre opens its 22nd season with live performances of Grease.

Voted “Best Theatre Company” in Phoenix on AZCentral, VYT is nationally recognized for the quality of its productions and performers. In fact, VYT has become a huge draw for Hollywood talent scouts looking for the next big thing.

VYT alumni include Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner; Disney Channel’s Chelsea Staub; Max Crumm, who won a national TV contest to appear in a Broadway production of Grease; and Emma Stone, who’s appeared in House Bunny, Superbad and other movies.

I’ve seen several VYT productions, including High School Musical – cut me some slack here, my niece was in it – and I’ve been wowed by the troupe’s professionalism, set designs and performances. For young actors in Phoenix, VYT is the high water mark.

So if you need another fix of all those beloved 50’s greasers, cheerleaders and jocks, VYT’s production of Grease will satisfy your craving for poodle skirts and pomade. You can buy tickets online for just $18 each. But if Grease is the word for you, don’t wait. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out.

Grease isn’t the only word Downtown. Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider

Tags: downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, things to do, Valley Youth Theatre
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Featured, Music & Events | No Comments »

This Week in Music

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

When it comes to music, one person’s Kobe beef is another person’s Spam. And since we all seem to have an appetite for different sounds, you’ll be glad to know that Downtown has a varied buffet this week.

Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

At 61, you’d think Robert Plant would have retired to a nice little villa in the South of France. But the former Zeppelin front man keeps re-inventing himself with his solo career. Next Tuesday, July 20th, he brings his new group, Band of Joy, to the Dodge Theatre. The set list will include songs by Los Lobos and Townes Van Zandt as well as material from their new CD on Rounder Records.

The Mana Quartet and Francisco Bibriesca

And now, for something completely different, as Monty Python would put it. This Friday, July 16th, Francisco Bibriesca and The Mana Quartet will be performing live at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. The Mana Quartet, an award-winning saxophone ensemble, takes chamber music and turns it sideways, performing modern compositions by Philip Glass and others. Bibriesca, a renowned young classical guitarist from Mexico, has wowed audiences around the world.

For the steal of the week, you can see Bibriesca perform for free at 5:30 p.m. The Mana Quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $10 per person at the door.

Hussy & Astrofunk at Fuse Fridays

Along with the usual suspects upstairs – house music from DJ’s Mara and Sol Martinez – Bar Smith will feature two live bands on the main floor this Friday. Astrofunk, a local contender, will perform along with Hussy, considered the top cover band in the UK. Hussy performs songs by The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, REM and Kings of Leon, to name a few. (Yow, that’s a lot of material to learn, but these guys are accomplished session musicians). No cover charge before 10 p.m.

Free Concert in Civic Space Park

I wish I could tell you the line-up, but you’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Friday, take the light rail to Central Avenue and Van Buren, walk one block north, and enjoy a free concert under the stars, next to “Her Secret is Patience,” that magical floating sculpture. Bring along a munchie or two from the Fair Trade Cafe, located in the Park.

Tags: bar smith, civic space park, Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Fair Trade Cafe, live music, METRO light rail, phoenix bars, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Featured, Music & Events | 1 Comment »

Fourth of July Weekend Part II

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Fireworks_Chase Sure, it’s fun to watch stuff blow up. But this July 4th weekend, there’s also an explosion of things to do: live music and nightclubbing, comedy slams and ways to amuse your kids.

Here’s the rundown on Downtown:

Barely Dressed or Well Dressed

Don’t worry about trying to undress someone with your eyes. The Beach Party at the Sky Lounge has taken care of that for you. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, you can eye models – and fellow partiers – in teeny, tiny swimwear. If you do wear beach attire, there’s no line and no cover charge.

GhostLounge If you’d prefer to be fully dressed while drinking, check out the What, are you Def? Comedy Slam at the Ghost Lounge, located in the Hotel San Carlos. This new lounge (pictured, left) has a casual but upscale vibe with terrific appetizers provided by the Hotel’s new eatery, Bistro 202. Be careful, or comedian Ashley could have you doing a spit-take while sipping your margarita.

From Jazz to Motown Funk

On Friday, July 2nd, the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar will feature a live jazz trio in the bar starting at 5 p.m., followed by DJ Senbed at 9 p.m. Saturday, if you like vintage Motown and R&B, head for the District between 8 pm and midnight to catch Roscoe Taylor and Tim Forks, two Valley perennials who perform 70s classics from the likes of Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the Four Tops.

Do-it-Yourself Ice Cream

Oh, what I’d give right now for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a spoon. To cool your palate with this all-American dessert, head for Heritage Craft Saturdays, where you can make your own ice cream (and yes, eat it). Heritage & Science Park, noon to 2 p.m.; admission is $2 per person.

First Friday Times Four

July 4th is a great weekend to be out and about, since it coincides with First Friday. Artlink has put the signature street closure on Roosevelt on hiatus, but there’s no stopping First Fridays at the Dodge Theater, which is hosting a variety of entertainment in the lobby from 6-9 p.m., followed by the live band 357, which will perform until midnight. Admission is only $5 after 10 p.m.

For kids or grown-ups who hate to grow up, there’s Target Free First Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, open from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. If you haven’t seen the Museum’s new climber, check out some video here.

An event for all ages is the First Friday: Taste of the Rosson House Tour, which takes you on a guided tour of this historic house, located in Heritage & Science Park, from 5-9 p.m.

And don’t forget First Friday Latino Style over at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center on Adams and 2nd Street. You can read all about this ”caliente” event in Part I of this post here.

Tags: district american kitchen, Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, First Friday, Ghost Lounge, Heritage and Science Park, Hotel San Carlos, phoenix bars, Rosson House, Sky Lounge, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Music & Events | No Comments »

Strictly Business Happy Hour July 2

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) will kick off its “Strictly Business Happy Hour” series July 2 at Bentley’s Nightclub, 308 N. 2nd Ave., in Downtown Phoenix.

GPBCC1stFridayFlyerfront The “Strictly Business Happy Hour” is scheduled for the first friday of every month. If you own or you are affiliated with a start-up, small, medium and/or large business in Arizona, don’t miss this event! The GPBCC welcomes members of ALL races.

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of benefits for entrepreneurs and business leaders including networking opportunities, referrals, mentorships, advice on research and increased visibility in the community.

Currently, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce is reorganizing its leadership. A new President and CEO and board members will be named soon (possibly at the Happy Hour?). Although the leadership changes make some people a little nervous, I think it’s a great opportunity for a member to make an impact on the GPBCC while the organization is retooling! Moreover, I hear that the candidates for the President/CEO and board positions are impressive.

If you miss the “Strictly Business Happy Hour,” the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a number of events throughout the year to help members network, socialize and learn from each other.

For more information, visit phoenixblackchamber.com.

Tags: bentley's, business, chamber of commerce, downtown, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, networking, phoenix bars, phoenix events, things to do
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Spotlight | No Comments »

Fourth of July Weekend Part I

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A pool party, baseball games, art walks and drink specials: the Founding Fathers would be proud. At the very least, Ben Franklin, who had a thing for beer and the ladies, would have approved.

So, without further delay, here are some ways to make your Fourth of July weekend take off without a hitch in Downtown Phoenix:

Hot dogs and baseball

The D-Backs are battling the Dodgers Friday-Sunday, July 2-4, at Chase Field. Be there Saturday night to catch the fireworks display; it’s a major wow. If you have family or friends in the service, Sunday afternoon is Military Appreciation Day.

First Friday events

By now, our readers are more than familiar with the signature event, Artlink First Fridays, which takes place July 2 from 6-10 p.m. in and around Downtown. [Editor's note: It was recently published that the street closure that has become synonymous with First Friday will go on hiatus for the months of July and August.]

While you’re there, check out First Fridays Latino Style at the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. The event will showcase more than 40 Latino artists in Arizona plus the music of Latin jazz artist Ruth Lara Vichules. The Phoenix Fridas, the Valley’s most popular Latina art collective, invites fans to come by and celebrate the world’s most renowned Latina painter, Frida Kahlo.

Since that’s bound to build up a thirst, head for First Fridays Party on the Patio at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Knock back $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 Stellas while you refuel at the complimentary appetizer bar, open from 6-7 p.m. (Steve’s is open till 1 a.m.)

Get this party started

On Saturday, July 3, Solstice Saturdays, now in its 2nd year, heats up at Bar Smith. Dance till you drop to hip hop or head upstairs for house music until 3 a.m. No cover before 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, you can cool down at the Hotel San Carlos Adult Swim Party, a rooftop pool party featuring local deejays. Open to anyone 18 and older, the party is from 2-10 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Best place to watch the fireworks

When it comes to views, I’m pretty sure the Compass Arizona Grill is the unchallenged winner. This revolving restaurant, located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency, is the perfect place to see an astonishing, 360-degree view of all the Valley’s fireworks shows. Special 4th of July seating is from 7-10 p.m., so call 602-440-3166 to make reservations now.

(Editor’s Note: Look for Part II of this post next week!)

Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Latino Arts and Culture, bar smith, Chase Field, Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, First Friday, Hotel San Carlos, phoenix bars, Steve's Greenhouse Grill, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

Hope for Haiti: The Pink Door June 25

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Rodney On Friday, June 25th, at 7 p.m., a photography exhibition featuring images created in Jacmel, Haiti, three months after the earthquake by professional photographer and humanitarian Rodney Rascona, will be on exhibit at the historic Icehouse, 429 W. Jackson St., in Downtown Phoenix.

These images represent one brief moment in time where individuals forgot about their worries and stood for Rodney, giving him the gift of their image in what are difficult times for many of his subjects, lending honest testimony to the unfailing hope which the Haitian people, despite such enormous personal loss, still possess …

These images, along with additional multimedia formats being prepared for the exhibit, were created by Rodney as a way to support The Paradigm Project and Suisse-based Medair, in raising awareness to the serious conditions the Haitian people continue to endure long after their story has left the news cycle.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.ThePinkDoorPhotographs.blogspot.com.

Tags: downtown, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District, Help for Haiti, Icehouse, phoenix art, phoenix events, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Music & Events, Spotlight | No Comments »

Street Eats

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The humble hot dog stand is a hallmark of urban streets, and Downtown Phoenix boasts some notable stands where you can pile on the condiments and soak in the energy of big city life.

Ed the Hotdogger

Without a doubt, the top dog for longevity is Ed the Hotdogger. Since 1971, Ed, whose real name is Eduardo Haramina, has been selling dogs and dispensing wisdom to Downtown dwellers.

“I have the soul of a gypsy and I love the street,” he says, while chatting up his customers. The only dog vendor in the country who sells foot longs with homemade buns, Ed offers fresh squeezed lemonade and twelve different dogs, made with either Nathan’s all-beef dogs or all-beef Polish sausage.

A native of Buenos Aires, Ed offers every imaginable match-up of dog and bun, including an Argentine Choripan, made with sausage and chimichurri sauce. For an after-dog delight, sample some of Ed’s homemade alfagores, an Argentinian sandwich cookie with buttery dulce de leche in the middle.

Ed the Hotdogger has two stands, located at 3rd and 1st Avenues and Jefferson; hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Suerena’s Wieners

Susan Bromberg, owner of Suerena’s Wieners, is a passionate advocate for the dog stand as fine dining. Specializing in Chicago-style dogs, Susan insists on the real deal, from the poppyseed buns she imports from Chicago to the all-beef Vienna dogs and spicy sports peppers.

“We use the highest quality ingredients, and our vegetables are chopped fresh every day,” says Susan. Note: Suerena’s rents its space for the summer to Good Dogs Limited, and will return in late September. Suerena’s Wieners is located at the southwest corner of 1st Avenue and Washington.

Dogs Gone Wild

Downtown’s newest dog maven is Abbey Egley, owner of Dogs Gone Wild. A former chef, Abbey has worked in the food industry since she was a young pup.

“I’d always wanted to work for myself, and Downtown seems like the best place to be,” she says. Check out her weekly specials and themed dogs, including the Sonoran Dog with jalapeno and guacamole. Dogs Gone Wild is located by Chase Tower at Monroe and Central Avenue; hours are 10 am to 3 pm, Monday-Friday.

When you’re hungry for all-American fare steeped in an urban buzz, Downtown’s dog vendors deliver.

Tags: downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, hot dog vendors, street vendors, things to do
Posted in Deal, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining | No Comments »

“The Clean Up Woman” Coming to Dodge Theatre June 4

Monday, May 24th, 2010

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: Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, downtown phx, phoenix, phoenix events, playwrights, theatre, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Music & Events, Spotlight | No Comments »