Culture
Listen Up PHX | A Successful Move for Blues Blast
Posted on 3/13/12 by Erin Bartynski » 1 Comment
Last Saturday, the 21st Annual Blues Blast was held in Downtown Phoenix for the very first time. I went to check out the event and asked a few people, both attendees and people involved in putting the event on, what they thought about it taking place in Margaret T. Hance Park instead of its usual spot in Mesa.
Local acts The Sugar Thieves, Common Ground Blues Band, Big Daddy D & The Dynamites, and Dave Riley & Bob Corritore were among the many blues acts that performed throughout the sunny afternoon.
Big Daddy D & The Dynamites
The crowd at the Blues Blast
This was Denna Cook and Zachary Cook’s sixth or seventh time coming to the Phoenix Blues Society’s Blues Blast, and they both loved its new digs.
“I think it’s way better. I love all the space, the open grass, the painted fence – in Mesa, it was a little cramped. And I love being able to park for free in the neighborhood.” said Zachary, who lives downtown.
“At first when I heard it would be downtown [instead of in Mesa], I was disappointed. Now, I think it’s way better here,” Denna said. “The beer is cheaper, and the painting thing is cool.”
Zachary Cook and Denna Cook enjoying the Blues Blast
Zachary Cook's contribution to the mural at the Blues Blast
The “painting thing” was a white paper banner that ran all along the inside of the park’s fence. Children and adults alike were invited to decorate the fence by painting whatever they liked on the paper. I got more details from the people in charge of the fence art later, but first, I chatted with Vickie and K.D. while Ed was painting.
“I’ve been to the festival about three times before,” K.D. said. “I love the new venue. I love this much better than Mesa. It’s closer to my house. It’s close to the light rail, and I like the vendors.”
“The vendors are a big plus,” agreed Vickie. “This is my first year here, and I think it’s awesome. We had no trouble parking, everybody’s got space, and it’s very nice.”
“And we love the blues. Love the blues,” K.D. said.
Vickie, Ed, and K.D. painting the fence while listening to the blues
Vickie, Ed, and K.D. painting the fence at the Blues Blast
Next, I chatted with Sandy Zally, the children’s art teacher at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, and Carla Landwerth, a member of the Phoenix Blues Society’s board, to find out more about the live mural and about the event in general.
“When we were planning the blues blast we wanted to see if we could get the Phoenix Center for the Arts involved because people aren’t aware of what goes on there,” Carla said. (The Phoenix Center for the Arts happens to be right next to the park the Blues Blast was being held at.)
“We had to cover fence anyway, so we decided to do it in white paper to turn it into a live mural piece!” said Sandy.
Carla Landwerth with the Phoenix Blues Society and Sandy Zally with the Phoenix Center for the Arts
Carla,”People have already come and said to us, ‘Oh my gosh, we love it here, we’re so glad you moved here.’ It’s so nice for us to be in Downtown Phoenix. We’re the Phoenix Blues Society and we had our event in Mesa — it didn’t really make sense,” she said with a laugh. “So we moved it here, and whenever we can involve other arts activities we think it’s important. We also have a theater group (Off The Cuff) over there that’s selling raffle tickets to raise money for their program as well, so we like to have as many arts activities as possible.”
Most importantly, both Carla and Sandy agreed that the music was great. “The music rocks! We have really excellent bands this year. This really gives people the opportunity to come out and hear music that they maybe haven’t heard all year, or introduce them to a local band they might want to go see at their local bar,” Carla said.
If you missed this year’s Blues Blast, don’t worry, you didn’t miss out on all the blues downtown has to offer. You can check out The Sugar Thieves every Wednesday night at Copper Blues. And for all the pictures of this year’s Blues Blast, check out the gallery below!
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- Zachary Cook and Denna Cook enjoying the Blues Blast
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- Vickie, Ed, and K.D. painting the fence while listening to the Blues
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- Zachary Cook’s contribution to the mural at the Blues Blast
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- Vickie, Ed, and K.D. painting the fence at the Blues Blast
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- Carla Landwerth with the Phoenix Blues Society and Sandy Zally with the Phoenix Center for the Arts
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- Big Daddy D & The Dynamites
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- The crowd at the Blues Blast
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- More blues history memorabilia
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- Blues history memorabilia
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- Vendors like Four Peaks were at the event
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- Off The Cuff Theater Group selling raffle tickets
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- Dancing to the blues
Blues Blast is Movin’ Downtown
Posted on 3/07/12 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Guest contributer, and Phoenix Blues Blast volunteer, Daniel Liguori shares an annual event that is making a new home in Downtown Phoenix’s Hance Park.
Downtown Phoenix will be the new location for this year’s 21st Annual Blues Blast, hosted by the Phoenix Blues Society. Until this year, the event, which began in 1992, has been held in Mesa.
Downtown Phoenix is growing and the Phoenix Blues Society felt a change was needed.
“The Mesa Amphitheater was a great venue, but Phoenix offers several advantages. It is centrally located and there’s a light rail stop [nearby]. Phoenix is undergoing revitalization that we are excited to be a part of,” says Phoenix Blues Society Volunteer coordinator Dave Saunders.
A total of six bands will be playing at the blues blast event.
“Our headliner is Sugar Ray and the Bluetones (pictured below). Sugar Ray Norcia is one of the premier blues players and he’s played with some of the best in the business.” Saunders says.
Veteran harmonica player, Rhythm Room owner and host of Those Low Down Blues on 91.5 KJZZ, Bob Corritore, will be playing in-between sets with his partner, Dave Riley.
Saunders believes this year’s blues blast will be a treat for blues fans.
“Blues Blast is just one part of our greater mission, which is to promote blues music. If you never have been to a blues show, come out. I guarantee you will be back for more!” Saunders says.
If You Go
Event: Phoenix Blues Blast
Where: Margret T. Hance Park (East side, 200 East Moreland Street) (map). Accessible from Roosevelt/Central and McDowell/Central Light Rail Stations.
Date: Saturday, March 10
Time: 11a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets: Available here for $20 or $25 at the gate
Info: Visit Phoenix Blues Society
From the Wire | Artlink Invites Valley Artists to Public Hanging – UPDATE
Posted on 3/06/12 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Some news items don’t need translation. That’s why DPJ launched the From the Wire series, so we could serve the destinations here by posting information and announcements – in their own words.
Artists Without Gallery Exposure can Participate in Art Detour
All submissions to be exhibited at Artlink’s A.E. England Gallery, March 16-18.
UPDATE: Deadline for entry is March 7 MARCH 12. Applications can be submitted online or dropped off to After Hours Gallery, located at 116 W. McDowell Rd.
For Art Detour 24, Artlink is inviting all Valley artists to submit their hangable works of art for presentation in a PUBLIC HANGING. The PUBLIC HANGING will be open for view at Artlink’s A.E. England Gallery space in downtown Phoenix during Art Detour, March 16th through 18th.
The PUBLIC HANGING is a way for any artist to have their work shown in an established gallery and exposed to the public during Art Detour, one of the largest art events in Arizona.
Any artist can submit work. The only requirements are that the piece submitted must be no larger than 36”W X 36”H X 12”D, be ready to hang and be self contained. The $25 hanging fee supports Artlink and includes becoming a Friend of Artlink, an annual individual contribution to support First Fridays, gallery openings and more.
Says Mike Oleskow, Artlink President, “Phoenix has an extraordinarily rich artist community, yet many people never have a chance to have their work on display. The PUBLIC HANGING is an exciting way to make it possible for everyone to share their talents – and the small entry fee helps Artlink continue to promote First Fridays and other arts advocacy efforts.”
Works on display at the PUBLIC HANGING will not be for sale and prices will not be listed, but artists’ information will be available for reference so interested viewers can connect with the artists.
To be part of the PUBLIC HANGING, interested artists just need to visit www.artlinkphoenix.com for details and entry forms. Deadline for entry is March 7 March 12. Drop-off will be at the A.E. Gallery on March 9th & 10th and pick-up is on March 24th.
Artlink is a 501 C-3 non-profit arts advocacy organization, celebrating its 24th year. Major programs of Artlink include Art Detour, support of First Friday, coordination and support of the Trolleys for First Friday, operation of two exhibition spaces for artists in downtown Phoenix and connecting Phoenix businesses and volunteers with the Arts.
The A.E. England Gallery is located at Civic Space Park, 424 North Central Avenue. There is a Metro Light Rail stop next to the Gallery.
From the Wire | Devoured Culinary Classic Returns
Posted on 3/06/12 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Some news items don’t need translation. That’s why DPJ launched the From the Wire series, so we could serve the destinations here by posting information and announcements – in their own words.
Devoured 2012 presented by The Arizona Republic
Metro Phoenix Prepares to be “Wined and Dined”
Sat. & Sun., March 10 & 11, 2012
Tickets $69 through March 9 at www.DevouredPhoenix.com
Devoured Culinary Classic 2012 is quickly approaching and promises again to serve up a world-class showcase of Arizona’s finest chefs, vintners and industry purveyors.
The independently edible, award-winning culinary event benefits Local First Arizona and occurs at Phoenix Art Museum in the enchanting Dorrance Sculpture Garden (1625 N. Central Ave), March 10 and 11, 11am to 3pm.
Amidst the culinary reverie is Devoured’s central mission to spotlight metropolitan Phoenix as a noteworthy international culinary destination, delivering guests an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vast and delectable array of innovative restaurants and wineries delivering their finest creations to the table – all in one location each year.
Devoured 2012 Sponsors Step up. Participating restaurants and chefs will enjoy the contributions of RedBird Farms (chicken); Arizona Farm Bureau (pork) as well as Sysco Arizona (beef) and AJ’s Fine Foods (desserts). Columbus Foods along with Valley Buick & GMC Dealers, Bar & Restaurant Insurance and SubZero/Wolf also are sponsors of this year’s event.
Arizona Wines & More to Explore. In addition, more than 10 Arizona vintners are among 30 global wineries participating in Devoured this year. Local vintners will present their unique aptitude for making distinctly Arizona wine. Indeed, a region that was first recognized as opportune for winemaking by Spanish missionaries in the 1700s, is now perpetuated by today’s Arizona winemakers who continue to yield distinctive varieties from the rugged Arizona terrain, consistently moving the state’s winemaking industry up the scale of global recognition.
Among local Arizona wine leaders confirmed for Devoured 2012 are:
• Arizona Stronghold Vineyards;
• Page Spring Cellars;
• Sand Reckoner Vineyard; and
• Dos Cabezas Wineworks.
And if a passion for wine from regions the world over is a driving force to show at Devoured, then the event hits the mark with these, among many others in a vast selection of wine brands and varieties:
• Miner Family – California;
• Vino del Sol – Argentina;
• Scarpetta – Italy;
• Neyen Estate – Chile; and
• Paul Hobbs Imports — South America.
Presented by Quench Fines Wines, more than 30 different wines from Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, Argentina, Italy and South America are in store this year.
Furthermore, Hensley & Co. will present a healthy array of samplings by Arizona and other regional craft breweries as well
Lively Chefs Demonstrations. Devoured has become known for the opportunity to personally meet chefs and winemakers as guests sample the yields of Arizona’s finest culinary and winemaking talents. In addition, a lively SubZero-Wolf Chefs Demonstration Stage will beckon fans to see their favorite local gourmet talent in action.
Phoenix Art Museum Entry. What’s more, Devoured devotees enjoy free admission to the world-class Phoenix Art Museum, this year featuring a special exhibit by Frank Lloyd Wright which explores the tenets of 21st century organic architecture. Plus, another newly opening exhibit, The Sea, will showcase the influence of the ‘romance of the sea’ on fashion design, from the 19th century to current collections, drawn from the Museum’s extensive permanent collection, private collections and international fashion houses including Emilio Pucci, Emanuel Ungaro and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
Saturday:
• Arizona Culinary Institute
• Betty’s Nosh
• Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House
• Chelsea’s Kitchen
• Cheuvront Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Crudo
• District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Espressions Roastery
• Fez Restaurant and Bar
• Gallo Blanco Café
• Green New American Vegetarian
• JJ’s Brownies
• La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria
• Lee’s Cream Liqueur
• Lon’s at the Hermosa
• Maizie’s Café and Bistro
• NoRTH
• Palette at Phoenix Art Museum
• Phoenix City Grille
• Postino Winecafé
• Province
• Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician
• Roka Akor
• San Tan Brewing Co.
• Santa Barbara Catering Company
• Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar
• Shine Coffee, LLC
• Sierra Bonita Grill
• St. Francis
• Stingray Sushi
• Sushi Roku
• Switch Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Taggia at Firesky Resort and Spa
• Talavera at the Four Seasons
• The Farm Kitchen
• The House at Secret Garden
• The Parlor Pizzeria
• The Vig & The Vig Uptown
• Timo Wood Oven and Wine Bar
• Tonto Bar & Grill
• True Food Kitchen
• Urban Beans
• Urban Cookies
• Windsor and Churn
Sunday:
• Barrio Café /Barrio Queen/ Silvana Bistro
• Beckett’s Table
• Bliss & ReBAR
• Carte Blanche Gourmet Tacos
• Chelsea’s Kitchen
• Cheuvront Restaurant and Wine Bar
• CIBO
• Citizen Public House
• Cork
• Cuoco Pazzo
• Different Pointe of View
• District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Espresso Italia
• Essence Bakery
• Fez Restaurant and Bar
• Green New American Vegetarian
• Hana Japanese Eatery
• Honey Moon Sweets Bakery and Dessert Bar
• House of Tricks Restaurant
• Hula’s Modern Tiki
• J & G Steakhouse
• JJ’s Brownies
• Kai Restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
• La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria
• Maizie’s Café and Bistro
• Palette at Phoenix Art Museum
• Petite Maison
• Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery and Wine Bar
• Postino Winecafé
• Province
• Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician
• Santa Barbara Catering Company
• Shine Coffee, LLC
• Short Leash Hot Dogs Mobile Food Truck
• St. Francis
• Sushi Roku
• Switch Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Tammie Coe Cakes
• The Breadfruit
• The Farm Kitchen
• The House at Secret Garden
• The Parlor Pizzeria
• Tuck Shop
• Whoopie Baking Co.
• Windsor and Churn
Wineries:
• Arizona Stronghold Vineyards – Arizona
• Dos Cabezas Wineworks – Arizona
• Caduceus Cellars – Arizona
• Page Spring Cellars – Arizona
• Hedges Family Estate – Washington State
• The Scholium Project – California
• Page Spring Cellars – Arizona
• Flowers Vineyard and Winery – California
• Neyen Estate – Chile
• Vias Imports – Italy
• Cannonball – California same table as #12 and #13
• Scarpetta – Italy
• Phoenix Ranch Wines – California
• Klinkerbrick Winery – California
• Vino Del Sol – Argentina
• Cliff Lede/Breggo – California
• Miner Family Vineyards – California
• Straight Line Wines – California
• Charles Smith Wines – Washington State
• Appellation Wine Company – California
• A to Z Wineworks – Oregon
• Merry Edwards Winery – California
• Palmina – California
• Copain Wine Cellars – California
• Owen Roe Winery – Oregon & Washington State
• Paul Hobbs Imports – South America
• Lioco – California
• Mt. Eden Vineyards – California
• Vineyard 7& 8 – California
• Sand Reckoner Vineyard – Arizona
• Jerome Winery- Arizona
• Bitter Creek Winery- Arizona
• Su Vino Winery- Arizona
Breweries:
• Sleepy Dog Brewer -Tempe, Az
• Mudshark Brewery -Lake Havasu City, Az
• Prescott Brewery -Prescott, Az
• Mogollon Brewery -Flagstaff, Az
• Electric Daves Brewery- Bisbee, Az
• Sierra Nevada Brewing- Chico, Ca
• Deschutes Brewing- Bend, Or
• Firestone Walker Brewing- Paso Robles, Ca
• Odell Brewing- Ft. Collins, Co
About Devoured Culinary Classic. Devoured, the independently edible award-wining culinary event, is a luscious showcase of Arizona’s finest independent restaurants, chefs, wineries and industry purveyors in a distinctly Phoenix setting – Phoenix Art Museum. Inspired by Local First Arizona, and produced by R Entertainment Co., Devoured brings together the culinary leaders that are establishing metro Phoenix as a premier culinary destination.
If you go
Event: Devoured Culinary Classic
Dates: March 10 & 11, 2012
Location: Phoenix Art Museum (Dorrance Sculpture Garden) 1625 N. Central Ave., Midtown (map)
Times: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (both days)
Tickets & Information: Visit DevouredPhoenix.com. Tickets are $69 through March 9; $79 at the door. Two-day tickets are $130 through March 9; $180 at the door. Museum Members: $49 per day, $90 for two-day tickets. Call 602.257.2124 for additional details. Tickets also at www.ProTix.com, by phone at 1.866.977.6849, or in person at Phoenix Art Museum.
Street Style at the m7 Street Fair
Posted on 3/04/12 by Cortney Kaminski » No Comments
Eclectic music. Vintage cars. Individual personalities. Unique outfits. These words can only explain one event: the Melrose District’s m7 Street Fair.
Vintage Cars
The fun started with a line-up of antique cars. Visitors saw everything from Volkswagens to Ford models. Each of the cars were in pristine condition and modeled by their proud owners. These caught the attention from the elders in the crowd all the way down to the young children. So much attention and detail clearly goes into keeping the cars in such great shape!
Shopping 
Next up was the shopping! Many boutiques such as Retro Ranch, Blueberry Deluxe and Frilly Frocks laid out their boutiques outside which attracted the wandering eye. Ranch Barbie brought her “boutique on wheels” and displayed her full collection inside and around it. This is such a unique thing to see, as many designers don’t typically travel in such a fashionable way.
Street Style
A full range of street style at the event was on display. We saw western wear to drag, but these look really caught our eyes.
Leslie Christensen, owner of Frilly Frocks, looked delicate and demure in this Ewa i Walla ensemble. Each piece she was wearing was from the Swedish label, which is only available in select boutiques across the United States, but good news – Frilly Frocks does indeed carry it! Her belt was made in-store.
Dustin Hoyman, frequenter of local events in Downtown Phoenix, looked dapper as always. His polished style was perfect for the sunny affair, though I am betting he wished he packed a fan with him.
These three gentlemen each stood out in their own way. Phillip Lanphar kept his look laid-back with a fresh white T-shirt that had intriguing graphic designs on it; Abel “Madonna” Santos paired bold yellows with red and blue stripes; and Justin Kimberlin wore a hip hat along with a sleek color-blocked sweater.
