Author Archives 
The Bearded Truth | It’s Our Town, Slow Down
- 12/21/09Many of the streets in Downtown Phoenix are residential roads because (newsflash) people live in Downtown Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | The Art of Phoenix
- 12/14/09In the spirit of continually making Phoenix more amazing, I suggest to you that supporting local artistic endeavors should be at the top of your holiday shopping list.
The Bearded Truth | ASU as a Partner
- 12/07/09The once-lifeless capital city of Arizona has taken on a new look and feel recently, complete with a bustling Arizona State University campus in the heart of Downtown.
The Bearded Truth | Size Does Matter
- 11/23/09In Phoenix, city councilors are responsible for a flock of nearly 200,000 people — many times made up of dozens of smaller communities with uniquely individual needs.
The Bearded Truth | Leadership vs. Management
- 11/09/09Let’s allow our city manager to manage, and hold our elected leadership accountable for the future of Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | Oh Captain, My Captain
- 11/02/09We have an outstanding portfolio of visual and performing artists in the Phoenix area, but I think it’s time for a writing renaissance in the Valley.
The Bearded Truth | The Locavore Lifestyle
- 10/05/09I try as hard as I can to partake in the locavore lifestyle. However, I find that sometimes a green life requires that other type of green.
The Bearded Truth | Time for a Spirited Movie Experience?
- 9/21/09The concept is not new — many cities around the country have movie theaters and bars in the same building. But, as light rail, professional sports and great food has showed us, it doesn’t need to be a new idea to have a huge impact on Downtown Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | Shop Local, Eat Local, Vote Local
- 9/14/09While the national elections are exciting, and monopolize most water cooler conversations and chain emails, I find the real excitement of politics when the issues are close to home. Yes, even elections are going local.
The Bearded Truth | August 10
- 8/10/09A new academic year starts on August 24, which means that the 10,000 or so students that take classes on the Downtown Phoenix campus will be hanging out around campus more often. Of that number, over 1,000 will be living at Taylor Place – the new residence halls at 1st and Taylor streets.
The Bearded Truth | July 24th, 2009
- 7/24/09If I Stay It Will Be Double Last week’s post hit a nerve. Struck a chord. Caused a commotion. And hopefully (yes, I have hope) it will stir people into action. Before I take a stab on how best to retain our talent, though, I would like to clarify a few things: First, I did [...]
The Bearded Truth | Volume One, Issue One
- 7/17/09I often say that we are experiencing something special in Phoenix. A tipping point. That when we look back on the turn of the 21st Century we will see a time of unbridled innovation and leading edge creativity coupled with disciplined growth in infrastructure and sound policy-making. My friend thinks I’m crazy. He says that Phoenix has always been, and will always be, at that tipping point.
I disagreed, until this week.
Downtown Voices Coalition Meeting This Saturday
- 4/10/09The Downtown Voices Coalition is a coalition of stakeholder organizations that embrace growth in downtown Phoenix, but is mindful that healthy growth should be based upon existing downtown resources — the vibrancy of neighborhoods, the strength of the arts community, the uniqueness of historic properties, and the wonderful small businesses that dot downtown.
Contemporary Forum Presents: An Aptitude For Metamorphosis
- 4/10/09The Contemporary Forum and Phoenix College present the next installment of the Eric Fischl Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 14 at the Phoenix Art Museum. The evening will also include the presentation of the 2009 Phoenix College Student Art Awards.
David Salle will present “An Aptitude For Metamorphosis,” a highly subjective interpretation of his work and how it has and hasn’t changed and evolved over the last 25 years. Salle’s work helped define the post-modern sensibility by combining figuration with an extremely varied pictorial language. Major exhibitions of his work have taken place at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. In 1986, Salle received a Guggenheim fellowship for theater design, and he is a long time collaborator with choreographer Karole Armitage designing sets and costumes for many of her ballets.
Eliza Gregory At Eye Lounge: Refugee Status At School
- 4/07/09A new show by local Phoenix artist Eliza Gregory, in collaboration with COAR (Community Outreach & Advocacy for Refugees) opens this month at the Eye Lounge on Roosevelt Row.
Gregory uses large format photographs of refugee students and excerpts from interviews of students and their families to draw attention to the complex experiences these students and families have in the public education system in Arizona.
Sumptuous, large-scale prints are interwoven with the cheerful, thoughtful and emotionally provocative words of students from countries such as Iran, Burundi, and Serbia.
D-Back’s Return Expected To Boost Downtown
- 4/06/09Monday marks the return of Major League Baseball to downtown Phoenix with the Arizona Diamondbacks opening the 2009 season against the Colorado Rockies.
Opening Day and the subsequent 81 home games at Chase Field are expected to give a much needed economic boost to bars and restaurants surrounding the stadium.
Art Builds “Urban Campus”
- 4/06/09Strong winds were no match for Malissa Geer’s months-long effort to organize the Downtown campus’ fourth-annual Urban Gallery Exhibition to bring ASU closer to the community.
The weather forced Geer, a University community-engagement liaison and the event’s organizer, to set up differently than planned, moving the outdoor stage inside the University Center to join the indoor stage. But the exhibition still helped to make the Downtown campus a true urban university, she said.
Diamondbacks Open Season Monday
- 4/03/09Baseball is important. At least to me.
Monday marks the start of the 11th season of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the first full season that the light rail will be running.
Art, Advocacy, Action Today At Downtown Phoenix Campus
- 4/03/09Arizona State University’s “Action, Advocacy, Arts” will emphasize the strength of community dialogue and engagement through a series of free activities from 1:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 3 at the Downtown campus University Center, 411 N Central Ave.
Civic Space Grand Opening
- 4/02/09Great news! The Downtown Phoenix Civic Space Park will be officially opened on April 16th. Stop by the Downtown Phoenix Journal often, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all of the happenings during the Grand Opening Weekend.
Chrysalis Hosts Happy Hour at SideBar
- 3/30/09This Thursday, April 2nd, staff from Chrysalis Shelter will be hosting a happy hour event at SideBar from 6PM to 9PM. Mention Chrysalis to receive $1 off – on top of already great happy hour prices.
MADE Hosts Crafting Panel: From Hobby to Business
- 3/30/09MADE Art Boutique is hosting a crafting panel this Wedensday, April 1, at 6PM. Join “Crafty Chica” Kathy Murillo, Cyndi Coon and Lisa Jacobs to talk about marketing, crafting advice, techniques and strategies for your craft business.
Mayor Gordon & Community Plants Trees
- 3/30/09Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon rolled up his sleeves Saturday to help fend off the effects of global warming.
The mayor joined volunteers who were planting 40 trees in downtown Phoenix to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Valley Forward Association, an organization that promotes efforts to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities.
Ear Candy on the Fringe
- 3/27/09A note from Nate & Ear Candy: Ear Candy is helping support the PHX:Fringe Festival with a Special Event at Phoenix Art Museum. We’ll have the MidFirst Bank Mobile Fundraising Van out collecting change to support Ear Candy music programs- they are matching every donation up to $1,000! Talent for the event will be plentiful. [...]
Go Dark This Saturday For Earth Hour
- 3/27/09This Saturday, from 8PM – 10PM Arizona Science Center is hosting An Evening Under the Stars in Heritage Square (with Lights Out during Earth Hour from 8:30-9:30 p.m.). Join us, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Saguaro Astronomy Club & East Valley Astronomy Club as we celebrate Earth Hour with hands-on activities, educational information, handouts, take-aways and giveaways!
Coffee With The Mayor
- 3/25/09Join Mayor Gordon for a follow-up to his State of the City address, and hear about economic revitalization plans for Downtown Phoenix!
Take the Light Rail to the Central & Roosevelt station, then walk one block north.
Two Hippies Breakfast Joint Headed Downtown
- 3/25/09With last week’s abrupt closing of Palatte, I’ve heard several friends complain about the lack of breakfast options in Central Phoenix. But I guess the restaurant gods were listening, because I just found out about a brand-new spot that’s in the works: Two Hippies Breakfast Joint.
Postino On Central Now Open
- 3/25/09Postino, the popular neighborhood winecafé, will open its newest location on Monday, March 30 in the 1960’s building that housed Katz’s Deli for just shy of 30 years on Central Avenue. Similar to its first location, Postino Central will offer a casual yet upscale café filled with great food, inspired wines, friendly faces and good times. Perfect for a date night, girls’ night out, lunch or dinner with a friend or just chilling out, Postino Central is sure to become an uptown favorite.
Alta Phoenix Now Open
- 3/24/09Word on the street is that Alta Phoenix is now open and residents are moving in. If you live there, drop us a line and a few pictures – we’d love to see what the inside looks like! Update: Here’s an email we just received- The time has come, we are opening our doors for [...]
New Community Garden In Coronado Neighborhood
- 3/23/09Yesterday we broke ground for a new community garden. . This garden has been in its planning and approval stages for over 8 months so it was a quite a celebratory day! The Garden is located on the South Side of the Guru Nanak Dwara Ashram also home of Yoga Phoenix (a non-profit Kundalini Yoga Center) at the corner of 9th St and Oak in the Coronado Historic Neighborhood in Central Phoenix, AZ. We got approval about 2 weeks ago and yesterday got to gleefully get our hands all dirty with mama earth.
Downtown Denizens Surveyed
- 3/22/09Downtown Phoenix Partnership officials are hoping Valley residents and visitors will check out their Web site and participate in an online survey to gauge preferences for a new “way-finding” system downtown.
Note From David Roderique
- 3/22/09Recently, there has been some conversation about where the funds came from that paid for a branding project resulting in the motto, “Arizona’s Urban Heart.”
David Roderique, CEO of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, responded to these questions in a letter to the Arizona Republic on Saturday.
Central Phoenix: Good, Bad, Ugly
- 3/21/09Because I know the fragile self-esteem of Phoenicians is at stake, let me begin my observations about the state of the center city with the good stuff. I smelled the orange blossoms — even stepping out into one of ugliest urban spaces anywhere, the pedestrian loading zone at Sky Harbor. Many of the Midwestern transplants dislike the scent, which makes me dislike some of them even more. But this small, fleeting thing reminds me of my often magical city that is gone forever.
Downtown Students Ratify Constitution
- 3/19/09Downtown students now have a more direct say in how their campus is run after they ratified their constitution, changing the student advisory board to a student government.
Echelman Sculpture Finished Today
- 3/18/09Watch on the live webcam here as the engineers install the netting that will complete “Her Secret Is Patience” as the grounds crew lays sod and finishes the landscaping!
Downtown Lot to Stay Empty
- 3/17/09The city put out a request for proposals almost two years ago to develop the property, which is managed by the Valley Youth Theatre and located between First and Second streets.
But the city did not receive any responses that fit the criteria of the request for the nearly 28,000 square feet of property and does not anticipate receiving any in the near future, Phoenix Redevelopment Program manager Jeremy Legg said.
Carolyn Lavender At The Modified
- 3/16/09Modified Arts is pleased to announce the opening reception for artist Carolyn Lavender Friday March 20th from 6-9 PM.
Phoenix artist, Carolyn Lavender, will be showing the current pieces in her “Journal” series. These paintings are based on collages done in her personal journals, which she as been keeping since age 14.
Spend Third Friday At The Heard Museum
- 3/16/09Spend the evening at the Heard Museum Southwest by South Pacific style! The Third Friday evening series called NU (Native + You) continues in March with offerings relating to Pacifica. From 5:30 to 9PM, visitors can enjoy the museum, outdoor courtyards, cash bars, live music and dance performances and expert speakers. Arcadia Farms Café, Berlin Gallery and the Shop will be open until 8PM The new exhibition on display, Harry Fonseca: An Artist’s Journey follows the artistic paths of the late painter who was of Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian and Portuguese heritages. Admission to NU is free.
Take The Canalscape Survey
- 3/15/09ASU and other public and private sector partners are exploring the possibility of creating vital urban hubs where canals meet major streets throughout metro Phoenix. These hubs could range in size and character, depending on community requests. ASU students are conducting a public survey and would like your feedback.
Downtown Phoenix Finalizing Wayfinding Program
- 3/14/09The Downtown Phoenix Partnership is putting the finishing touches on a wayfinding project – and now they are asking for public input.
Please take a moment and take this brief survey to indicate your preferences. Thank you in advance for taking part in reshaping Downtown Phoenix!
Weekday Ridership Still Growing
- 3/12/09Almost 5,000 more people used light rail on an average weekday in February than in January, according to METRO officials.
Good news for Metro Phoenix as a whole – but great news for Downtown Phoenix!
Go “West of Western” This Weekend
- 3/12/09Join the Phoenix Art Museum for a two-day outdoor culinary extravaganza featuring Arizona’s renowned chefs and a sublime selection of wines and spirits from around the world. Venture inside for the opening of our Spring exhibition featuring one of the most successful American artists of the early 20th century.
Ollie The Trolley Now In Phoenix
- 3/11/09“We wanted to blow DASH ridership out of the water.”
That’s what Margaret Dunn said when she introduced Ollie The Trollie service into Downtown Phoenix in the beginning of 2009. And that’s what you can expect from one of Phoenix’s Top 25 Women In Business. The result? Increased ridership upwards of 275% over the last two months, with plans to expand and increase those numbers.
Riding The Light Rail: First-Hand Account
- 3/10/09Even though ridership is well above the estimates published before the Grand Opening, many people have yet to ride the Light Rail.
Greg Hogue, Newscast Director for ABC 15, shares his experience riding the rail for the first time on his blog.
Palatte Restaurant Now Closed
- 3/10/09Downtown Phoenix brunch spot, Palatte, closed its doors yesterday.
Rumor has it that the space that Palatte occupied will be reopened soon, which would be great – but the new owners better know they have big plates to fill…
The New Downtown Phoenix Journal
- 3/10/09Urban Affair, a marketing and promotions company for downtown Phoenix, has announced the acquisition of the Downtown Phoenix Journal. The redesigned website will invite residents to “Explore Your Core,” with a friendly insider’s view of downtown events, restaurants, cultural hot spots, and profiles of people on the City scene.
Actors Theatre Presents: Rabbit Hole
- 3/06/09Becca and Howie have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. Rabbit Hole explores the strength of the human bond and finding hope in the darkest of places.
Guide To Art Detour 2009
- 3/06/09For proof that art lovers are about more than schmoozing and sipping cheap wine from plastic glasses, one need look no further than Art Detour, the free, self-guided tour of downtown artist studios, galleries, and art-friendly businesses. Now in its 21st year, the Phoenix tradition, which typically draws upwards of 10,000 patrons, has bridged the wide gap between artists and suburb dwellers who think art should match their throw pillows. This year, both art fans and the artless will find the Detour even more accessible, thanks to light rail and a new, improved shuttle system.
Phoenix Fringe Festival Announces Schedule
- 3/06/09he Phoenix Fringe Festival releases its full schedule of performances for the 2009 festival, which will bring twenty-nine edgy shows to downtown Phoenix, March 27th-April 5th. Building on the success of last year’s debut, this year’s PHX:fringe Festival showcases a wide variety of exciting performers from the local, national, and international alternative theatre communities. These artists will converge in the Valley for two weekends of theatre unlike anything Phoenix audiences have ever seen.
Seussical The Musical Opens Tonight!
- 3/06/09Join the Cat in the Hat for this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!
Seussical the Musical follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust – and just one of the many beloved characters from Dr. Seuss.
Businesses Get On Light Rail Bandwagon
- 3/06/09When light-rail construction scared off scores of shoppers, many struggling downtown merchants considered the $1.4 billion line more of a curse than a blessing. Light rail began running in December, and what a difference a few months has made. Last week, several downtown business owners lobbied a transit agency to make sure that their shops would sit near a future light-rail route.
Montini: Phoenix Deserves Better
- 3/06/09Ed Montini muses on why he believes Phoenix deserves better than Brand “X.”
Is Downtown Phoenix going through an identity crisis – or just growing up? We here at The Journal would love to hear your thoughts.
Jordre Studio Presents “3″
- 3/06/09Simply titled, “3,” this year during Artlink’s Art Detour Jordre Studio will be hosting a show of three diverse artists, Jennie Ignaszewski, Tyson Crosbie and Kyle Jordre (owner of Jordre Studio). The opening reception is being held on March 6, 2009 during First Friday, 6PM-10PM. The studio will also be open during regular Detour hours, Saturday, March 7, 10AM – 6PM; Sunday, March 8, noon – 6PM.
Mutant Pinata Returns, Ready To Hang, Fly, Twist & Turn
- 3/06/09The Mutant Pinata Show will take place again this year at 1301 Grand Avenue, at the historic Bragg’s Pie Factory, and will be open for the March First Friday (March 6th from 6 – 12 PM); Art Detour Weekend (March 7th and 8th); as well as the March Third Friday (March 20th) and the April First and Third Fridays (April 3 and 17).
Lily Tomlin Live At The Orpheum
- 3/05/09Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winning comedienne Lily Tomlin visits Downtown Phoenix this Saturday night, March 7th. The show starts at 8PM on stage at the beautiful Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $161.
Jazz At The Symphony: The BIG Big Band
- 3/04/09Groove to the jazzy sounds of the swing era as the greatest hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington are performed by our really BIG big band. “Bandleader” Lawrence Golan leads this evening of standards that promises to be a swingin’ night on the town!
Art Detour, Kid Detour This Weekend
- 3/04/09Downtown Phoenix during First Fridays can be a little overwhelming, with hordes of people trying to get their monthly art fix in the span of four hours. So for people who want to enjoy their art and culture in a slightly more relaxed setting, there is Art Detour. The once-a-year, all-weekend event lets visitors take a self-guided tour through the art galleries and studios in central Phoenix.
Sapna’s Cafe Now Open
- 3/04/09If you’ve been to the Downtown Phoenix Public Market anytime in the last three years or so, chances are, you’ve encountered Anna Kletkke and her long-running food stand, Sapna Chill Out Cafe. Her tasty soups and salads have been a huge hit, especially since she’s big on vegetarian options.
Now you can enjoy Kletkke’s cooking every day of the week, at her brand-new restaurant, Sapna’s Cafe, which just opened yesterday. It’s located on Grand Avenue (1301 NW Grand, 602-254-6726), in the circa-1947 Bragg’s Pie Building, one of Phoenix’s last examples of “streamline moderne” architecture.
Arizona Disability Expo
- 3/03/09Over 100 exhibitors and vendors representing organizations that provide products and services to those with disabilities will be on display in the South Building of the new Phoenix Convention Center from 9AM – 4PM.
Roadrunners Vs. Thunder
- 3/03/09The Phoenix Roadrunners play the Stockton Thunder tonight at the US Airways Center on 2nd Street and Jefferson. The game starts at 7PM, and tickets start at just $8!
March Is Phoenix Arts Month!
- 3/03/09Every weekend during the month of March, arts events will be hosted in downtown Phoenix and surrounding neighborhoods, along with events, exhibitions, and performances on other days throughout the month. In recognition of the local arts community and these public festivals, Mayor Phil Gordon has proclaimed March as “Phoenix Arts Month” and invites everyone to attend and celebrate.
International Women’s Day Luncheon
- 3/02/09Celebrate International Women’s Day with Ann Meyers Drysdale, General Manager for the World-Champion Phoenix Mercury and basketball Hall-of-Famer. The luncheon will take place from 12PM – 1:30PM at the South Building of the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets are $75 ($45 for students and seniors).
Mini Medical School
- 3/02/09The University of Arizona Medical School is offering a three-week program that is based off the curriculum of the full-length program taught at the campus in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
1130 Restauraunt Review
- 3/02/091130 occupies a prime spot in the Arizona Center, located roughly halfway between the Van Buren / Central Avenue (northbound) and Van Buren / 1st Avenue (southbound) stations and the 3rd St. / Washington (westbound) and the 3rd St. / Jefferson (eastbound) stations. It’s at the east end near the parking garage and sees a lot of pedestrian traffic. The restaurant has a stylish look both inside and outside. Near the main entrance, there are couches and lounge-style seating. Inside, a bar divides two different dining rooms. There’s additional outdoor seating on a L-shaped patio. The furnishings are contemporary and brick and wood interiors keep the place looking current.
Downtown Phoenix: “Arizona’s Urban Heart”
- 3/02/09Following the lead of other major cities, Phoenix is looking to establish its own brand, the same promotional strategy that can launch a successful coffee chain or compact car. Las Vegas is known as an adult playground. Austin is known as a live-music destination. Phoenix hopes to similarly set itself apart.
U2: A Digital Dome Experience
- 3/02/09“U2″ is the first ever full-dome production featuring U2′s timeless classics and modern hits, set to lighting and animation effects using the latest is CGI and laser technology.
Grandiose Brings “Street Style” Downtown
- 2/27/09Grandiose, a great downtown boutique, was recently featured in an ABC 15 article. Be sure to stop by and support Nelson and Andrew!
Happy Birthday, Public Market!
- 2/27/09Celebrate growth with the Downtown Phoenix Public Market as they mark their fourth anniversary on Saturday, February 28th. This market is more than just a Farmer’s Market. It is a place to gather, eat, enjoy music, and shop for great food and crafts.
Phoenix Symphony Releases A New CD
- 2/27/09Music lovers can bring the Phoenix Symphony into their cars and living rooms next month, when the CD of its program “Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio” debuts on the Naxos label.
The Stiletto Formal @ The Modified
- 2/26/09Looking for some entertainment this weekend? Besides the film festival up in Sedona, the WorldFEST Beer Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park, and the general revelry that goes on here in Downtown Phoenix, be sure to check out the great show happening on Sunday night at The Modified:
Light Rail Exceeds Expectations
- 2/22/09The region’s light-rail system beat ridership expectations in its first month of regular service. Metro chief Rick Simonetta reported Wednesday that by every measure, Metro carried more riders in January than planners had predicted would ride after a year of service.
Downtown Community Coffee With The Mayor
- 1/08/09Join Mayor Gordon on Saturday, January 10th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. The Mayor will be sharing about all that downtown Phoenix has to offer families and children.
New Clothing Boutique In Downtown Phoenix
- 4/08/08When I talk to prospective and current students, there is bound to be one question that more or less asks, “What is there to do downtown?!” Those of us who live down here know that there is plenty to do. There are a number of high quality restaurants, taverns, art galleries, and music venues. And [...]
Stray Cat Theater Presents Pulp!
- 4/02/08The local Stray Cat Theater is closing their 2007-2008 season with Pulp: A Play With Music. Katie Harroff, an MFA student at ASU, stars as Terry Logan. Pictured , from left to right are Tracy Payne as Eva, Harroff as Terry, and Kim Jeffries as Pepper. Here is a brief synopsis from the Stray Cat [...]
Juan Williams At ASU Downtown
- 3/27/08Next Friday is a big day for ASU’s Downtown Phoenix Campus. We are excited to host Juan Williams (of NPR fame) at the innagural Community Advocacy Symposium. Through “Vision Mapping” (solutions through art) and focused breakout sessions, students, faculty, and community members will begin a dialog concerning pertinant civil rights issues. This event is open [...]
