Author Archives 
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Tiffany B. on Stinkweeds
- 3/10/10The idea of CD vs. download — I’ll pay the extra couple of $$ for a real CD, the art in the CD, supporting a local business and musicians.
From the Arizona Room | 850 N. 2nd Ave. — O.C. Thompson House
- 3/10/10The O.C. Thompson House, on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Roosevelt Street, is one of the first examples of brick residential structures in Phoenix.
One Lexington: A New View from Midtown
- 3/10/10Midtown’s One Lexington, formerly Century Plaza, is poised to become one of Phoenix’s most popular residential towers when it reopens later this month.
Just the Facts: Devoured Culinary Classic
- 3/10/10The Devoured Culinary Classic is just days away. DPJ is your source for the facts, figures and familiar names you want to know before heading to the Phoenix Art Museum this weekend.
Aaron May Devours Downtown
- 3/04/10Aaron May, one of Scottsdale’s most recognized chefs, is opening two spots in CityScape and participating at the Devoured Culinary Classic.
First Friday: Off of Roo Row
- 3/04/10This month, take it upon yourself to explore some of the side streets for events you may have otherwise missed.
m7 Grows to New Heights
- 3/03/10In 2001, the m7 Street Fair launched as a means to announce the formation of the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association. This year, they’re expecting up to 20,000.
From the Arizona Room | 203 W. Adams St. — Orpheum Theatre
- 3/03/10It is hard to believe a world-class venue like the Orpheum Theatre nearly fell out of favor with Phoenicians.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Andy G. on Char’s Has the Blues
- 3/02/10Holy crap — venues like this exist in Phoenix? Who knew?
From the Arizona Room | 1210 N. 5th Ave. — Kenilworth School
- 2/24/10Remarkably, the Kenilworth School is in fantastic condition and still operating as it was in 1920, despite 90 years of children running through its halls.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Maggie H. on Sweets & Beats
- 2/23/10Definitely check Sweets & Beats out. It’s a great addition to the downtown area and it’s owned by two wonderful people.
Third Friday: From Roots to Ridiculous
- 2/18/10Cecilia Sandoval’s “From Roots to Ridiculous” is a bold yet simplistic take on a childhood game that left a lasting impression.
Art Detour 22
- 2/18/10The one and only Art Detour is back for its 22nd year!
From the Arizona Room | 139 N. 6th St. — The Rosson House
- 2/17/10Built in 1895, the Rosson House is one of Phoenix’s original homes, and it is one of the only remaining examples of a brief Victorian architectural influence in town.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Megan D. on Los Olivos Hand Car Wash
- 2/16/10So why bother to go to Los Olivos? It’s an independent small business in a sea of Danny’s-type mega-places.
From the Arizona Room | E.L. Fresnal Grocery Store — 314 E. Buchanan St.
- 2/10/10Back in the 1890s, the E.L. Fresnal Grocery was one of Phoenix’s impressive and well-lauded commercial buildings.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Althea B. on Blueberry Deluxe
- 2/10/10I scored an adorable hot pink number for Valentine’s Day and leather cuff made by a local artist that completed my outfit for the evening.
First Friday: Grand Happenings
- 2/04/10Here’s a thrilling roundup of all of Grand’s happenings for February First Friday.
Dreaming Big at the DREAMRs
- 2/04/10The DREAMRs honor a few of the individuals that have been around the longest, seen the most and fought the hardest to make Downtown Phoenix what it is today.
From the Arizona Room | 618 N. 5th Ave. — Fifth Ave Court
- 2/03/10Sitting on the patio at Cibo, you may have noticed a quaint little stuccoed apartment complex directly across 5th Avenue.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Brad E. on Alta Phoenix Lofts
- 2/02/10I recently moved to the Downtown Phoenix area and during my search this is the place that really stuck out.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Tony A. on Zipcar
- 1/27/10My name is Tony and I’m a Zipcar addict.
From the Arizona Room | 409 W. Jackson St — The Icehouse
- 1/27/10If you’ve ever stepped foot in the Icehouse, you know it’s a relic from the Phoenix of old.
#CenPhoCamp Feedback
- 1/25/10DPJ is encouraging those that attended CenPhoCamp to tweet their thoughts on the event. We’ll post the responses here, in hopes that the discussions continue and connections are furthered.
From the Arizona Room | 114 W. Adams St. — Orpheum Lofts
- 1/20/10The Orpheum Lofts building was once the largest office building in the state. Despite much change, its Art Deco influence remains strong.
In Case You Missed it: Downtown Voices Visioning Conference Speech
- 1/19/10The truth is, we represent people who aren’t moving toward the next buck or the next city, to which it’s more important to raise living values than financial values.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Todd B. on the Japanese Friendship Garden
- 1/19/10I can’t wait to go back in the next several years to see the Japanese Friendship Garden become a wonderful masterpiece.
Downtown Voices Coalition Gets Retrospective
- 1/14/10For five years, Downtown Voices Coalition has helped change the face of Downtown. Now, they’ll take a look back on their progress as well as glimpse into the future of our neighborhoods.
From the Arizona Room | 407 E. Roosevelt Street — Modified Arts
- 1/13/10There is a lot of history in the tiny gallery space at 407 E. Roosevelt St. that is now Modified Arts. In fact, the structure is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2010.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Jessica F. on 16th Street Goodwill
- 1/12/10This store is clean and doesn’t smell like dead people — a huge bonus in my book.
Canteen and El Rey: Bringing World Flavors to Downtown Phoenix
- 1/08/10In a few months, two new spots will join Nine|05 at 4th and Garfield streets: European-inspired gastropub Canteen and El Rey, a Mexico City-style taco n’ tequila joint.
From the Arizona Room | 4th Avenue Concrete Block Cottage
- 1/06/10Simply known as “Concrete Block Cottage,” this c. 1906 structure was once half of a pair of nearly identical cottages.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Amy B. on Segal’s One Stop Kosher Foods
- 1/05/10As a Jewish girl, I like to know where to get Kosher stuff.
2009: Downtown Phoenix Grew Up a Bit
- 1/04/10With so much progress in a year (let alone during the big bad recession), it’s encouraging to see what’s happening in our city.
First Friday: New Year’s Recovery at SuTRA Midtown Yoga
- 12/31/09For those of us that just want to chill on New Year’s Day, which is also First Friday, SuTRA Midtown Yoga has come to the rescue with its New Years After Party.
Ring in the New Year in Downtown Phoenix
- 12/30/09There’s plenty to do around Downtown Phoenix for New Year’s Eve. The only decision to be made is where you’ll make your appearance.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Brad E. on AmenZone Primal Fitness Training
- 12/29/09Amen, the trainer, does a great job of keeping you motivated while you are testing your mental fitness about as much as your physical.
See Ya, Mini Ts
- 12/28/09Miniature Tigers, a fixture in the Downtown Phoenix music scene, are moving to Brooklyn, and they’ll have one final show at the Trunk Space on Tuesday, December 29.
Things are Open Christmas Eve!
- 12/23/09Are you gonna be Downtown on Christmas Eve? Not everything will be boarded up for the holidays.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Robert M. on Shop Devious Beauty Lounge
- 12/22/09I’m not a girl or a drag queen but if I were, I would head to Shop Devious for all my wigs and accessories.
Third Friday: See the Lights
- 12/17/09Usually, we offer a specific show at a featured location to check out along your art walk. But, seeing as it’s the holidays, let’s take a trip to see the lights and get into the spirit.
Living the Upcycled Way
- 12/16/09If you’ve been at the corner of 5th and Roosevelt streets this past month, you’ve noticed the Upcycle Living model home on the northeast corner. Inside you find a green, affordable living space.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Amy D. on Wag N’ Wash
- 12/15/09Dexter ALWAYS gets spoiled here! After Washington Park, where he was coated in every doggie fluid imaginable, he needed a bath. Badly.
7th Ave. and McDowell: The Gateway to Downtown Phoenix
- 12/11/09The intersection of 7th Avenue and McDowell has long been overlooked. But, the corner is quietly becoming an important gateway to Downtown Phoenix.
ASU Invites Community to Discuss Job Creation in Metro Phoenix on Friday
- 12/09/09ASU’s College of Public Programs will host a forum to discuss job creation in the Phoenix area from 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the A.E. England Building.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Chris T. on MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain
- 12/08/09Just get into your car and drive to 7th Street and Thomas Road, and BAM! You, my friend have entered another dimension.
Coffeetown, Arizona?
- 12/04/09We’re no Seattle (or New York, or Chicago or Portland), but it’s no secret that Downtown Phoenix is supporting a decidedly growing coffee culture.
First Friday: The Debut of Fractal
- 12/03/09For something different this First Friday, check out the preview event of Fractal, a collaborative space inside the Bragg’s Pie building.
Walk for Pearl Harbor Day
- 12/02/09Pearl Harbor Day falls on Monday, December 7. In commemoration of this worldwide day of remembrance, the city of Phoenix is holding its fourth annual Pearl Harbor Day Walk.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Tracy K. on Rito’s Market and Mexican Take Out
- 12/02/09Depending on when you go, there may be a line outside the building, and a tedious wait. But all of that is in comparison to the heartbreaking, taste-bud savoring meal you will have.
Have a Grand Holiday Shopping Experience
- 11/30/09Where better to find a quirky, offbeat, affordable gift than Grand Avenue? The first “Holiday Shopping ExtravaGRANDza” is Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 10 a.m.
ASU Students Design Temp Use Project for Vacant Land in Downtown Phoenix
- 11/27/09Low-cost ideas to transform vacant lots in Downtown Phoenix for temporary use until their development, will be presented at 11 a.m. Dec. 8 on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.
Buy Local All Week
- 11/25/09Just in time for Black Friday and beyond, Local First Arizona is launching Buy Local Week throughout the Valley, running from November 27 to December 4.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Tonia B. on the Clarendon Hotel
- 11/24/09With reasonably priced, modern, comfortable-as-hell rooms and a staff that will sweep you off your feet, I’ll definitely be back to the Clarendon.
How I Became a Wine Snob at the Arizona Wine Growers Festival
- 11/23/09I’m learning to appreciate wine. Events like the Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm are helping me reach that goal.
Wine from Arizona? Surprisingly, Yes!
- 11/18/09Arizona Wine Growers is showcasing its finest vino in the first-ever Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm at South Mountain on Sunday, November 22.
Recap of the Mayor’s State of Downtown Speech
- 11/18/09On Tuesday, November 17, Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon took the stage at Civic Space Park for his sixth State of Downtown address.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Alison B. on Hair Pollution
- 11/18/09Whether you’re going for a run-of-the-mill cut, or you want blue hair, there is someone at Hair Pollution who can fulfill your needs.
You Me and Apollo Heading Down the Train Tracks
- 11/16/09You Me and Apollo, one of Phoenix’s up-and-coming singer/songwriters, will be performing on the Train Tracks on Tuesday, November 17 at 5 p.m.
Third Friday Concert: Terra Firma and Big Fast Easy
- 11/16/09Local bands Terra Firma and Big Fast Easy will rock Civic Space Park this Third Friday.
A Quick Glimpse of Greenbuild 2009
- 11/13/09We walked till our feet were sore. We collected so many soy-based-ink pamphlets our swag bags were overflowing. That’s just day one of Greenbuild 2009.
Get Out and Be Green
- 11/11/09I urge everyone Downtown this week to go out and support all of the excellent initiatives taking place. It’s an exciting time to be in Downtown Phoenix, and it’s the right time to do something about the way you live.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Mark T. on Margaret T. Hance Park and Old World Oktoberfest
- 11/10/09The atmosphere was great, the entertainment was awesome and I enjoyed the beer, brats and funnel cake.
Music from the Weekend: ‘When in AZ’ and CenPhoTV Benefit
- 11/09/09Lots of music rang throughout Downtown Phoenix neighborhoods this past weekend.
First Friday: Jesse Peper at Perihelion Arts
- 11/05/09Take a look at Tucson-born painter Jesse Peper’s work, and it’s a bit puzzling. You feel like you’re staring at a Tarot card, albeit a much larger, slightly more expensive one.
Help CenPhoTV, Hear Some Sweet Melodies
- 11/04/09By now most of us have heard that CenPhoTV’s equipment was stolen a few weeks back. Now Stinkweeds is pitching in to help.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Andrea K. on the Trunk Space
- 11/03/09The Trunk Space’s acoustics rocked… both bands that played sounded crystal clear and didn’t blow my eardrums out.
‘When in AZ’ Heads Outdoors
- 11/03/09This Saturday, November 7, the ‘When in AZ’ crew returns with its biggest show yet, presenting seven acts on two stages at Civic Space Park.
Night Rail 3.0 — Urban Grocery and Turf
- 10/30/09Night Rail, brought to you by RailLife, is helping kick off the opening week festivities at the Urban Grocery with a bang.
Volunteers Needed for a Neighborhood Clean-Up to Prepare for GreenBuild 2009
- 10/30/09The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services and Public Works Departments and the GreenBuild 2009 Host Committee are recruiting volunteers for a community clean-up event 8 a.m. to noon Sat., Oct. 31.
Certified Local Fall Festival Celebrates All Things Arizona
- 10/29/09Can you name 60 local businesses that you love? Some of us can, and some of us flat out can’t. That’s why it’s important to attend Local First Arizona’s Certified Local Fall Festival.
Like it Green? Welcome to the Link
- 10/28/09Local green building pioneers [merz]project built the Link building as the company’s headquarters, but it’s quickly become one of Downtown’s iconic urban renewal structures.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Sarah L. on Baiz Market
- 10/27/09I know it seems silly to go to a Middle Eastern market for white peaches, but I’m comfortable with my silliness.
State of Downtown
- 10/22/09Mayor Phil Gordon hosts his annual State of Downtown event!
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Civic Space Park (light rail stations at Central/1st avenues and Van Buren Street)
The Urban Grocery and Wine Bar Has Arrived
- 10/22/09After months of checking on the construction progress twice weekly at the Phoenix Public Market, the Urban Grocery and Wine Bar is finally here.
Hunt for Tweets, Win Some Treats
- 10/21/09Haus Modern Living owner Lew Gallo thought of a clever way to bring two concepts together — spending money at deserving local businesses and tweeting while doing it. He’s introducing TwitterHunt.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Erin G. on Landis Cyclery
- 10/20/09After a very frustrating bike shopping experience I went over to Landis to see what kind of selection and customer service they offered.
Rocky Votolato is Coming to a Living Room Near You
- 10/19/09In one of the most ambitious, original and risky tours of the year, acoustic crooner Rocky Votolato will be playing in a living room in Downtown Phoenix. And, many others all over America as well.
Blog Action Day: ASU is Conserving Water Downtown
- 10/15/09October 15 is Blog Action Day, and this year’s topic, climate change, got me thinking of how Downtown Phoenix is trying to make a difference.
Third Friday: A.E. England Gets Dedicated
- 10/14/09It’s Third Friday this week, and what better way to wind down a hectic week than taking in a chill dedication of a historic building?
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Brittney S. on Artistic Tattoo
- 10/14/09Every time I went in, I was given excellent service by Artistic Tattoo’s piercer/tattoo artist, Brent, aka B-Bird.
“Downtown is Ovah!”
- 10/11/09A recent blog declaring Downtown Phoenix’s music scene dead (or “ovah”), has given former Format member and local merchandise guru Sam Means an opportunity to gather community support.
Rumor Has it…
- 10/09/09A little birdy told DPJ a rumor that the historic Gold Spot building on 3rd Avenue and Roosevelt Street is about to secure two new tenants.
Hold Your Horses: Modified Arts isn’t Dying!
- 10/07/09In the wake of the news that Kimber Lanning is leaving her post at Modified Arts, a premature outrage ensued, before anyone really considered who is taking over the space.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Ada G. on Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- 10/06/09It’s hot, the kids are wired, there is really only one solution: the Children’s Museum!
First Friday: First @ Park (and a Whole Lot More)
- 10/01/09Friday debuts First @ Park, where Civic Space’s businesses, arts spaces and, well, park space all come together in celebration of First Friday.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Bri D. on MADE Boutique
- 9/29/09I like having a great place like MADE in my neighborhood. Businesses that support local artists will most definitely get my business, especially when the carry such fun and interesting products like this lovely boutique.
Grand Avenue Festival Recap
- 9/28/09After a week of mild (well, for September in Phoenix) temperatures, the mercury soared yet again just in time for the Grand Avenue Festival.
Thoughts on Modified Arts
- 9/28/09By now most have heard the news that broke yesterday that Kimber Lanning is stepping down from her helm at Modified Arts, and the indie music that is oh so loved here is going with her.
Grand Avenue Festival Music Schedule
- 9/25/09Here is the latest live music schedule for the Grand Avenue Festival. Check when you arrive at Grand for the most accurate, up-to-date list.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Bacon B. on Nearly Naked Theatre
- 9/22/09Nothing beats the intimacy of Nearly Naked Theatre, nor its ability to cast superb actors in gritty roles from moving plays.
Third Friday Concert: Sydney Sprague & Ash and the Impulse
- 9/17/09This Third Friday’s concert at Civic Space Park will feature Scottsdale’s own Sydney Sprague and Ash and the Impulse.
Grand Avenue Festival Promotes Arts, Culture and Adaptive Reuse
- 9/17/09Set for Saturday, September 26, the Grand Avenue Festival will give attendees the complete Grand Ave. experience: lots of free live music, art exhibits, historic building tours and more.
Third Friday: Tilt Gallery Presents Angela Franks Wells
- 9/17/09Angela Franks Wells’ collection of photos, “Parts & Labor,” focuses on dirty, rugged skilled labor, a stark contrast to its home in the Tilt Gallery.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Melinda S. on Sage
- 9/15/09If you love vintage, retro, European style, I would recommend Sage for an hour of treasure hunting.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Chris L. on Petit Fromage
- 9/08/09Ok, I’m pretty much cheese obsessed. I love it. Can’t get enough of it. Doesn’t mean I’m an expert though. With the limited resources in AZ, haven’t gotten the education I need. So I’d been looking very forward to the opening of Petit Fromage.
KBAQ and Phoenix Chorale’s First Friday Scavenger Hunt
- 9/04/09KBAQ and Phoenix Chorale are throwing a First Friday scavenger hunt. Search for items during September’s artwalk, then return on October 2 to see how many you found correctly!
First Friday Opening of Heritage Square Art Space
- 9/03/09Artist Sean Deckert saw potential in the wide expanses and open-air feel of Heritage Square while he was working as a bartender at Rose and Crown. Now he’s opening an outdoor gallery in the park.
Radiate Phoenix: The City’s Future
- 9/01/09Those interested in the future of the city of Phoenix met at Hanny’s last week to mingle with city planners in attempts to gauge what will happen here over the next 40-odd years.
Kooky Krafts Ready to Launch
- 9/01/09The Kooky Krafts Shop, at 1500 Grand Avenue, will officially open on First Friday, September 4.
