DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from the source without translation.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts Announces Entertainment
Third annual event takes Downtown by storm December 12-14, 2014

Phoenix Center for the Arts presents the third annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts, sponsored in part by APS and Lou & Evelyn Grubb. Phoenix Festival of the Arts takes place in the heart of Downtown Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park, December 12-14, 2014.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts packs three full days with live arts and entertainment, plus over 125 vendor booths! Those wishing to express their inner artist can get their feet wet with The Phoenix Mural a hands-on community art project organized by acclaimed local muralist and Valley favorite, Hugo Medina.

One very unique aspect of this year’s Festival is the addition of several mini festivals, taking place within the Phoenix Center for the Arts Third Street Theater, adjacent to the Festival ground.

Photograph courtesy of Peggy Coleman.

Dance, Dance Saturday – Saturday, December 14, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Description: Dance, Dance Saturday showcases several local dance companies as well as young performers from local schools. This performance unites up-and-coming dancers with professionals, together on one stage!

Phoenix Film Festival Presents “Netherbeast Incorporated” – Saturday, December 14, 5:00-8:00pm
Description: Netherbeast Incorporated is a locally made feature that was a big hit at the 2014 Phoenix Film Festival! It was developed based on a short film that will be shown before the film, meanwhile one of the producers/writers will be in attendance and possibly some of the cast.

Infuse – Open Mic – Sunday, December 15. Sign-up at 5:30pm. Showtime 6:00-9:00pm.
Description: Infuse – Open Mic is the Valley’s most diverse open mic. Love, respect, and encouraging community growth are experienced by all through the heartfelt expression of each artist’s performance.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts Poetry Slam – Sunday, December 15, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Description: For the third year in a row the Phoenix Festival of the Arts Poetry Slam will enlighten and entertain as Arizona’s best slam poets come to compete for cash prizes!

Festival attendees can grab a bite from one of several local food trucks, then sit back, relax, and catch some tunes at the Festival’s beer and wine garden presented by Hensley Beverage Company. Participating food vendors include: Waldo’s BBQ, Spice It Up, The Roasted Shallot, Paletas Betty, Mamma Toledo’s, Comfort Cravings Gourmet Food Truck, Cactus Corn, Cold Stone Creamery, Satay Hut, 2 Fat Guys Grilled Cheese, United Steaks of Cheese, and Short Leash Hot Dogs!

Mainstage Entertainment includes:

Friday:
3:15pm – 4:00pm – Keli Rutledge
4:20pm – 5:20pm – Scott Baker
5:40pm – 6:40pm – Shaye Jennings
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Lee Perreira

Saturday:

10:00am – 12:00pm – AZ Music Project – Variety Show
12:10pm – 12:50pm – Phoenix Children’s Chorus
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Levi Waskom
2:10pm – 2:40pm – Flamenco del Sol – Spanish Ole’
3:00pm – 4:00pm – The Blue Goats
4:20pm – 5:20pm – Adam Smith
5:40pm – 6:40pm – Banana Gun
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Captain Squeegee

Sunday:
10:00am – 11:00am – Rock n’ Roll High School
11:10am – 11:50am – Desert Sounds Mariachi
12:00am – 1:00pm – India Showcase
1:20pm – 2:20pm – Donald Harrington
2:40pm – 3:40pm – Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Japhy’s Descent

Five main components of the event:
• Art vendors, who will be selling locally made original art.
• Participation of Valley arts and cultural organizations, small and large.
• Performances from poetry, choirs, dance, hip-hop, symphony, and folk.
• Family Zone, which will be a hands-on area for the youth to discover and play with art.
• Delicious food from local food trucks and beverages provided by Hensley.

If you go:

Event: The Third Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts
Dates: December 12-14, 2014
Hours: Friday, December 12 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Anticipated Attendance: 10,000
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
Parking/Transportation: Limited public parking available in the Phoenix Center for the Arts parking lot (enter from 3rd Street, just North of Moreland). Street parking is also available on 1st and 2nd streets, as well as Moreland. Avoid the hassle and take METRO Light Rail to the McDowell/Central Ave or Roosevelt/Central Ave. Bike racks are also available.