Another busy weekend in Downtown Phoenix. I’ve been presented with a couple choices of how to spend some quality time in the heart of our little city.

Here’s what’s on tap:
Arizona Opera presents the Mikado – I studied vocal music in school. However, opera has never really been my thing. On the other hand, there is something special about Gilbert and Sullivan and specifically this show. I think I just have fond memories of the scenes in that old Chevy Chase/ Goldie Hawn movie Foul Play. You know, the ones where Chevy is chasing the albino-killer dude through the cat walks as the cast sings “Three Little Maids…”

Seriously, the music in this one is really good.

Suns v. Trailblazers – I love my Suns. Even if the Lakers kicked their A$$ last night. Here’s hoping they play better on Saturday.

Teatro Caliente – What is it? It’s a 2 day festival of transcultural, experimental performance featuring interdisciplinary, visual art, dance, music, and more. Translation: Crazy artists doing crazy artist stuff. Friday and Saturday nights at the Phix. This will be awesome.

Discover India Festival – A Sunday afternoon getting some exposure to eastern culture. Sounds like a good time to me.

Oh, and food.
I might take my friends to District at the new Sheraton. My first visit here wasn’t too good, but after my 2nd lunch at this joint, I may be sold. The cheeseburger’s served up fat and juicy, and topped with crispy, fried onions and spicy mustard. Don’t forget to try the Pumpkin cake thingees for dessert. They are filled with cream cheese frosting. You can’t beat that.

I may also have to go check out the freshly opened Hanny’s. This sister establishment to Scottsdale’s AZ88 has been getting some positive reviews from some other downtowners. Bonus points to Hanny’s for serving food until 12am.

Well kids, have a good weekend. Don’t let the economy keep you down. Get out and have some fun.

Check it out.  Another art show this weekend.

Here’s an open invitation.

Custom Built
New work by downtown artist Lee Berger
November 15, 2008, 7pm - 10pm
Phix Gallery, 1113 Grand Ave., 602-252-7449, www.inimi.net

There will be drinks and munchies.

Best yet, there will be music by the ever-awesome band AZUL featuring, well… me.

I hope to see you there.

Another upcoming bit of coolness that you might want to participate in.

Next Tuesday is Coach & Willie’s Jack Daniel’s Dinner.  4 courses of C&W’s fantastic food paired with Mr. Daniel’s famous family of whiskies.  Jack Daniel’s distillery reps will be on hand to talk about the whiskey’s, answer questions, and give you free stuff.

What better opportunity is there to get to know everything you ever wanted to know about an American original.  It’ll be like getting inebriated in school.

Enjoy your weekends.

This cool cat I know named Landy has put together a little exhibition at the Alwun House, and they are having a big bash to celebrate this Saturday.

It’s called Lighthouse, and every installation uses (wait for it)… LIGHT.  The description on the Alwun House site says, “no gallery lights, only art light…”  This could be all kinds of awesome. 

The details:

This Saturday, November 8 starting at 7pm.

Located at the Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt.

$9 cover includes refreshments and entertainment featuring a live performance by Runaway Diamonds, psychedelic juggler James Reid, DJ Chris Flores, and gallery music by the uber-versatile Doug Cholewa.

Enjoy it. 

Only 3 full days left until the biggest downtown party of the year. That’s right, Saturday, November 1st is The Happening, a day full of events celebrating all that is good in our little community. For those unfamiliar with this glorious soiree, this is your chance to be a part of life in Downtown Phoenix.

I’ve had a quick conversation with myself to answer any questions I think I (you) may have.

‘What exactly is this “Happening” of which you speak?’

To start with, it’s a glimpse at Phoenix urban living with the Downtown Phoenix Loft and Home Tour. Then, there is the awesomeness that is PAPA. A music and art festival featuring what the public voted the Valley’s best parade – The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts. While digging on the music at PAPA, you’ll check out some of the area’s premier restaurants, businesses, entertainment and cultural groups at the Street Expo. And of course, you’ll have to experience the nightlife at our Pub Crawl of 18 downtown bars and restaurants.

“That sounds like a good time, but I bet it’s expensive.”

Incorrect, mi amigo. PAPA and the Street Expo are completely FREE to public. Everyone can be in our parade without the hassle of those pesky registration fees. The Home Tour and Pub Crawl have a small price attached, however you get free transport to all the participating homes, bars, and restaurants. Also, your Pub Crawl admission gets you into each bar with no cover, free snacks, lots of entertainment, and some drink specials. To sweeten the deal, my loyal readers, use the discount code PHX50 and save 50% on your ticket purchase. This offer is only good until Friday afternoon.

“OMG. You mean I can be in that super cool parade?”

Why yes. Everyone is invited to show the world their creative side by marching with us through Downtown. Want to see what it looks like? Check this out…

Television Noir Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts Commercial

“But how can I channel my creativity into finely honed awesomeness for the parade?”

The best way is to dig deep and come up with a way cool float that you can push or pull through the parade (remember, nothing with a motor), create a clever costume, or wear your Halloween costume from the night before.

“Brilliant. How can I be part of this grand experience?”

It’s simple. First, go to www.coppersquare.com/happening for details and times. Next, buy your tickets for the Home Tour and Pub Crawl. Last, get your bad-self to 5th Street and Roosevelt this Saturday for one of the most interesting, unusual, colorful experiences this city has ever seen.

Here in Downtown Phoenix, we’ve all been hard at work. Creating art, music, and plays, running cool restaurants, opening new hotels, kicking off a new basketball season, etc., etc.

To recognize everyone’s efforts, we wanted to show off a little. We decided to shoot a little commercial focused on some of the stuff that you will only find in our little downtown. Check it out.

Downtown Phoenix “It’s Happening” TV Spot on Vimeo.

The Players

Everything you see in this commercial, all of it is downtown. The people and places can all be found down here on a regular basis. Not just on a stage or in their restaurant, but hanging out at a local bar, in a gallery on First Friday, or even riding their bike down 1st Street. First up…

The Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Since February ’05, the Market took off and never looked back. Located at Central Ave. and Pierce Street, the vendors here bring you fresh fruits and veggies, homemade jams and pastries, ceramic tiles, tamales, salsas, hummus, clothing, (catch breath)… and much more. You can check it out every Saturday morning 8am-12pm and Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 8pm.
(Bonus points for anyone who recognized the lovely Copper Square Ambassador Sylvia, who was doing the shopping in this scene.)

The Breadfruit – Back for their second appearance on this site, this Jamaican gem has brought some wonderful new flavors to downtown. In this scene, chef and owner Dwayne Allen serves up the good stuff including spicy jerk chicken, grilled pineapple, coco bread, and ice cream with grapenuts. It’s all tasty and it’s also healthy, so you can let go of the guilt. Get the details and the location at www.thebreadfruit.com.

Dulce Dance Company performing at the PHiX – If there is one thing downtown is building a reputation for, it’s our arts scene. Symphony, theatre, art walks, local bands, and film festivals are just part of what’s happening. We chose to feature some of the art scene’s up and comers in this shot. Herberger regulars Dulce Dance Company show off their moves in front of paintings by Grand Avenue artist Lee Berger. The shot was set inside the PHiX, a gallery and venue that is playing a key part in the Valley’s only real music scene. Click on any of the links to get details on these guys.

DJ Brazilia and Bar Smith – Looks, style, talent, and taste. She’s one hot DJ. We found her spinning an awesome mix of latin beats, old school R&B, and some funky pop at Bar Smith. Bar Smith is one of downtown’s little hipster hot spots. Don’t let that title fool ya’. You will have a great time drinking and dancing at their rooftop bar.
(By the way, lots of other downtownees are in this shot, but obscured by the fog machine. If you look really close, you can almost make out Stephen Strange’s wide-brimmed hat.)

Portland Place – Closing out the spot is one of my favorite condo projects down here. This shot says it all. Rooftop pool, lounge chair, and the downtown skyline. Ahh, to dream.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. Remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s happening down here.

I did want to mention one last thing. The music is by this fantastic band that I know. They are called Azul. Great guys. You can usually catch them playing down here on First Fridays.

Ciao.