Make the Scene | The Trunk Space
7/15/10 • by Monica ArevaloHaven’t been to The Trunk Space? It’s time to check out Grand Avenue’s wildest live performance venue.
Culture
Downtown Beat | Sizzlin’ at the Heard, ‘Mahalo Mondays’ and Jams at Portland’s(full article)
7/06/10
What’s buzzing Downtown: Fun with the kids at the Heard, meals for a good cause at Hula’s Modern Tiki and live music and great food at Portland’s.
Third Friday: Dad’s Night Out(full article)
6/17/10
This year, skip the hokey Father’s Day gift and take Dad out for Third Friday.
From the Arizona Room | 817 N 1st. St — Paulina Miller Gallery(full article)
6/16/10
The Paulina Miller Gallery will close its doors later this month. We look back at the building’s history in the blog’s continuing 1st Street miniseries.
First Friday: Fridge-A-Thon(full article)
6/04/10
Even your old fridge can be turned into a stunning work of art. Head to After Hours Gallery to see how it’s done.
We Love LA(full article)
6/03/10
DPJ loses a bet to LA Downtown News on the Suns-Lakers series. As promised, our ode to LA, and a cultural comparison between our two cities.
Third Friday: Go Native(full article)
5/21/10
Native+You at the Heard Museum offers a relaxed vibe and strong dose of culture.
The Grand Opening of the Duce and RadiatePHX(full article)
5/19/10
The Warehouse District’s new hot spot, The Duce, officially opens Sunday, May 23. RadiatePHX will be there May 25.
DPJ Wagers with LA Downtown News on Suns/Lakers(full article)
5/14/10
We’re so sure the Suns will stick it to the Lakers that we proposed a bet with our friends in LA.
26 Blocks Shows Us the Real Phoenix(full article)
5/13/10
A unique idea and varying perspectives helps this art show tell the story of Downtown Phoenix, and all the possibilities that lie within.
Phoenix Improv Festival Grows to New Heights(full article)
4/19/10
The Phoenix Improv Festival, now in its ninth year, delighted in its most buzzed-about performances yet.
Third Friday: Check the Children(full article)
4/16/10
Chicago artist Corkey Sinks debuts “Check the Children,” a mixed-media collection, at a Third Friday artist reception.
The Pulse | 3rd St./Washington Destinations(full article)
4/15/10
Our next stop with Light Rail Blogger is the 3rd Street and Washington Light Rail station. Which nearby destination do YOU recommend?
Promoting Our Paradise: The Modern Phoenix Home Tour(full article)
4/01/10
This year’s Modern Phoenix Home Tour returns April 11, and promises to be the most successful yet.
First Friday: The Beadle Perspective(full article)
4/01/10
Modern Phoenix Week kicks off with a collection of Al Beadle-themed photos and art at Phoenix Metro Retro.
Livin’ on the Fringe(full article)
3/31/10
The Phoenix Fringe Festival is back again this month, offering its brand of wacky and profound performance art.
Experience the Globe at WorldFEST(full article)
3/25/10
A three-day celebration of all things global is coming to Heritage Square this weekend.
A Downtown Phoenix Painting Duel(full article)
3/19/10
An artistic showdown is happening in Heritage Square on Saturday. Don’t miss it!
Third Friday: The Kids are All Right(full article)
3/18/10
The Alwun House is all about the community. Just check out the house’s Third Friday show, “Salon des Enfants,” for further proof.
From the Arizona Room | 215 N. 7th St. — Monroe School (Children’s Museum of Phoenix)(full article)
3/17/10
The old Monroe School, now the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, is experiencing a rebirth despite being nearly 100 years old.
The Inaugural Grand Avenue Film Festival(full article)
3/17/10
On March 20, Fractal, located in the Bragg’s Pie Factory building on Grand Avenue, will host home to the first-ever Grand Avenue Film Festival.
A Weekend Devoured(full article)
3/16/10
This past weekend’s newly minted Devoured Culinary Classic was a celebration of local eateries, Arizona wineries and demonstrations from some of the Valley’s most lauded chefs.
Artlink’s First & Third Fridays(full article)
3/16/10
Mark your calendar for the largest artwalk in the nation – right here in Downtown Phoenix.
Just the Facts: Devoured Culinary Classic(full article)
3/10/10
The 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.
Getting to Know Nina Miller(full article)
3/08/10
Downtown Phoenix resident Nina Miller juggles her work life at ASU with time spent acting on Valley stages and sharing her thoughts on Phoenix in a new podcast series.
Lucky Number 7th (Ave)(full article)
3/05/10
If you’re heading to the m7 Street Fair, check out the locally owned businesses that are making this neighborhood one of the hottest in town.
Artlink’s Art Detour 22(full article)
3/04/10
This free, self-guided tour will jaunt through countless art galleries, venues and businesses that collectively make up our beloved Downtown creative community.
m7 Grows to New Heights(full article)
3/03/10
In 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.
A Musical About a Musical(full article)
2/26/10
[title of show] is a musical about a musical that is playing at the Herberger Theater through March 7.
RadiatePHX(full article)
2/18/10
RadiatePHX is a non-traditional networking group that meets once a month to support smart growth in our emerging city. It is intended to be an informal and fun forum for connecting people, ideas and vision.
Conventional Wisdom | Purina Mills LLC Retail Solutions Expo(full article)
2/15/10
For those of you in town for the Purina Mills expo, there’s plenty to do outside of the Phoenix Convention Center.
Community Building Two Wheels at a Time at Rusty Spoke(full article)
2/15/10
The Rusty Spoke bike co-op is based on a simple idea: Teach people how to fix or build bikes by themselves.
A Whole Lotta Love for Downtown(full article)
2/12/10
Happy Valentine’s Day! We’re showing our love for Downtown Phoenix by sharing our 14 favorite places and experiences.
First Friday: Grand Happenings(full article)
2/04/10
Here’s a thrilling roundup of all of Grand’s happenings for February First Friday.
Monday Night Means Scrabble Night at Urban Beans(full article)
2/01/10
Urban Beans, trying to find a niche since opening last fall, has a buzz gathering about Monday night Scrabble games.
The Insecure Critic | How an iPhone is Like Portland(full article)
1/29/10
The goal of a thriving Downtown in Phoenix should be to make our town an iPhone.
Get Your Boutique On: West McDowell(full article)
1/18/10
Easley’s Fun Shop, the Antique Mall and Sage all line McDowell Road between 3rd and 7th avenues, maintaining a faithful and healthy following.
.anti_space Moves to the Warehouse District(full article)
1/11/10
Alternative art gallery .anti_space is moving from its Roosevelt Row ‘hood to a 7,000-square-foot warehouse off 7th Avenue and Buchanan Street.
The Insecure Critic | Phoenix is Home Now(full article)
1/08/10
When I first moved to Phoenix, I never saw the move as something permanent. I expected to stay here for a few years, then move on. Something has kept me here, though.
2009: Downtown Phoenix Grew Up a Bit(full article)
1/04/10
With so much progress in a year (let alone during the big bad recession), it’s encouraging to see what’s happening in our city.
Third Friday: See the Lights(full article)
12/17/09
Usually, 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.
Suns Spot | Second Annual @PhoenixSuns Tweet-Up(full article)
12/10/09
Next Tuesday, December 15, the Phoenix Suns will be hosting their second annual @Phoenix Suns Tweet-Up as they face the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center.
The Sheriff Joe Saga Invades Downtown Theater(full article)
12/09/09
With a play titled “American Pastorela: The Saga of Sheriff Joe,” I knew I’d be in for some good, controversial fun.
Latino Cultural Center Opens to Huge Crowd(full article)
12/07/09
After what many supporters said was a long time coming, Downtown Phoenix officially welcomed the Latino Cultural Center Friday, December 4, with hundreds of supporters in attendance.
Coffeetown, Arizona?(full article)
12/04/09
We’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(full article)
12/03/09
For something different this First Friday, check out the preview event of Fractal, a collaborative space inside the Bragg’s Pie building.
How I Became a Wine Snob at the Arizona Wine Growers Festival(full article)
11/23/09
I’m learning to appreciate wine. Events like the Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm are helping me reach that goal.
RadiatePhx: What’s Wrong with Downtown(full article)
11/19/09
The discussion at RadiatePhx events usually centers on the great things happening around Central Phoenix. This time, RadiatePhx wants to hear what you don’t like about living in Downtown Phoenix.
Brewin’ for a Cause(full article)
11/16/09
I noticed a buzz about Phoenix Brew Party and, after perusing its nifty website, the beer snob in me decided it was a noble venture.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater Presents ‘The Raw Turkey Puppet Slam’(full article)
11/12/09
It isn’t very often that great puppeteers get together and do a puppet show for the 18+ crowd, so when it does happen, it is a must-see.
¡Bienvenidos Here!: A Night of Food, Film, Music and Conversation(full article)
11/10/09
¡Bienvenidos Here! is an initiative of ASU’s art and community class taught by Gregory Sale. It is intended to encourage the bridging of the ASU community with Phoenix, specifically the Garfield district.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Mark T. on Margaret T. Hance Park and Old World Oktoberfest(full article)
11/10/09
The atmosphere was great, the entertainment was awesome and I enjoyed the beer, brats and funnel cake.
Conventional Wisdom | Greenbuild Expo(full article)
11/09/09
The USGBC Greenbuild International Conference and Expo is in town November 11-13. DPJ offers helpful leisurely suggestions to enjoy your time in Downtown Phoenix.
Treasure Hunt on the Metro — November 14(full article)
11/09/09
PHX ART Treasures on the METRO will showcase the arts and cultural opportunities on and around Phoenix’s light rail line on November 14.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Andrea K. on the Trunk Space(full article)
11/03/09
The Trunk Space’s acoustics rocked… both bands that played sounded crystal clear and didn’t blow my eardrums out.
The Bearded Truth | Oh Captain, My Captain(full article)
11/02/09
We 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.
Night Rail 3.0 — Urban Grocery and Turf(full article)
10/30/09
Night Rail, brought to you by RailLife, is helping kick off the opening week festivities at the Urban Grocery with a bang.
Certified Local Fall Festival Celebrates All Things Arizona(full article)
10/29/09
Can 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(full article)
10/28/09
Local 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.
Mayor Gordon’s Blog | Taste of Downtown(full article)
10/28/09
Great news! We are gearing up for our annual Taste of Downtown event in Downtown Phoenix.
Kyle Jordre: Living in Color(full article)
10/26/09
Kyle Jordre’s artist’s statement opens with “When I paint, I get lost.” He may get lost in his paintings, but they have helped him find himself and his place in Downtown Phoenix.
Hunt for Tweets, Win Some Treats(full article)
10/21/09
Haus 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.
Exploring Outside of Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo(full article)
10/14/09
Please allow DPJ to be your guide to the Downtown Phoenix area during Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo.
“Downtown is Ovah!”(full article)
10/11/09
A 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.
The Insecure Critic | Losing My ‘Religulous’ at St. Francis(full article)
10/09/09
What better way to reflect on ‘Religulous’ than our very own holy-sounding St. Francis, Aaron Chamberlin’s creation on Camelback Road just east of Central.
Get Your Boutique On: Bunky, Phoenicia and Red Dog(full article)
10/08/09
Bunky Boutique, Red Dog Gallery and Phoenicia Association each bring something different to Downtown Phoenix, and they are all located at 3rd and Garfield streets.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Ada G. on Children’s Museum of Phoenix(full article)
10/06/09
It’s hot, the kids are wired, there is really only one solution: the Children’s Museum!
The Living Dead Invade First Friday in Search of… Stuff?(full article)
10/02/09
The living dead are invading First Friday, but fear not, they won’t be there looking for brains.
Grand Avenue Festival Recap(full article)
9/28/09
After 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(full article)
9/28/09
By 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.
‘When in AZ’ Brings the Rock to the Hard Rock Café(full article)
9/23/09
Sponsored by local Internet radio station Creamy Radio, the final release show for the When in AZ compilation rocked out last Friday night at Hard Rock Café.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Bacon B. on Nearly Naked Theatre(full article)
9/22/09
Nothing beats the intimacy of Nearly Naked Theatre, nor its ability to cast superb actors in gritty roles from moving plays.
New Ideas and Old Buildings: Grand Avenue Adaptive Reuse Tour(full article)
9/22/09
On Saturday, September 26, a handful of adaptive reuse projects will be highlighted during the Grand Avenue Festival.
The Bearded Truth | Time for a Spirited Movie Experience?(full article)
9/21/09
The 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.
Grand Avenue Festival Promotes Arts, Culture and Adaptive Reuse(full article)
9/17/09
Set 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(full article)
9/17/09
Angela Franks Wells’ collection of photos, “Parts & Labor,” focuses on dirty, rugged skilled labor, a stark contrast to its home in the Tilt Gallery.
The Insecure Critic | ‘Babette’s Feast’ Comes Home(full article)
9/11/09
So, I am doing something fun this week. I am reviewing a movie that I have never seen before, ‘Babette’s Feast,’ and also talking about my recent foray into cooking at home — let’s call that ‘Chad’s Feast.’
‘When in AZ’ Monthlong Celebration is Off and Rockin’(full article)
9/09/09
The ‘When in AZ’ shows kicked off with a bang this past weekend, supporting both the arts and local charities.
Behind the Counter: Lindsay Cates at Stinkweeds(full article)
9/07/09
Stinkweeds owner Kimber Lanning can often be found in and around the record store, but she relies on a committed staff to keep things humming. One of these people is store manager Lindsay Cates.
KBAQ and Phoenix Chorale’s First Friday Scavenger Hunt(full article)
9/04/09
KBAQ 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!
‘When in AZ’ Will Open Your Ears to New Tunes(full article)
9/04/09
What happens when you pair local bands and musicians together to pay homage to each other? Valley resident Nick Kizer asked the same question, and created the “When in AZ” music compilation as the answer.
‘When in AZ’ Showcases Arizona Music(full article)
9/04/09
From my experience, it seems that many people have the misconception that Arizona is lacking when it comes to having an actual musical scene. Hopefully the release of the new “When in AZ” compilation can change their tune.
First Friday Opening of Heritage Square Art Space(full article)
9/03/09
Artist 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(full article)
9/01/09
Those 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(full article)
9/01/09
The Kooky Krafts Shop, at 1500 Grand Avenue, will officially open on First Friday, September 4.
‘Triple Espresso’ 2-for-1 Tickets This Week(full article)
8/26/09
“Triple Espresso,” the java-soaked Actors Theatre performance that received rave reviews last year, is returning to the Herberger Theater Center in September, and through Saturday, August 29 at 8 a.m., you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the opening weekend.
Zombies Invade Space 55(full article)
8/25/09
Each month, The Improvised Book Club, an ensemble of some of Phoenix’s best improvisers, chooses a different book to read. Then, on the fourth Sunday of the month, they get together at Space 55 to discuss the book in an open setting and providing their unique take on things. Oprah’s Book Club this is not…
After Hours Creative — Recreating Downtown One Lot at a Time(full article)
8/24/09
While attending a recent Get Your Phx event, attendees agreed the After Hours building is the only example of a small-scale, multi-use infill development around Downtown Phoenix.
Your Third Friday: Fair Trade Opening, NU at Heard(full article)
8/19/09
With options abound this Third Friday, it’s time to get out for more than a casual stroll through that gallery that was too packed a few Fridays back.
PJs and Eggs(full article)
8/17/09
No matter how old you get, the allure of breakfast for dinner never lessens. The exciting feeling one gets straying from the typical meal schedule is what drove many Phoenicians to the “PJs and Eggs: Breakfast for Dinner” event, sponsored by Hickman Family Farms.
Miyazaki Gives Us Another Masterpiece(full article)
8/17/09
In a world where animation has come to mean glossy, 3-D Pixar films, it is refreshing to see a movie that represents the painstakingly hand-drawn vision of a true artist. The modern master of animation, Hayao Miyazaki, presents Ponyo, a contemporary fairy tale that is a blend of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and [...]
Heard Museum to Host ‘Movie Mondays’ Again This Week(full article)
8/15/09
On Monday, August 17 at 1:30pm, head over to the Heard Museum for another great film, part of the museum’s weekly Movie Mondays program.
The museum will show Our Nationhood. Canadian First Nation filmmaker and artist Alanis Obomsawin chronicles the determination and tenacity of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq people to use and manage the natural resources of their traditional lands.
Downtown Event Introduces ASU Students to Art, Commerce and Culture(full article)
8/14/09
Downtown denizens are mixing business with pleasure at a weekend event that will introduce ASU students to the benefits of an urban lifestyle.
Lunchtime Speaker Series At Carnegie Center(full article)
8/13/09
The Lunchtime Speaker Series at the Carnegie Center, 1101 W. Washington St., features a different speaker every month for free to the public.
On Thursday, August 20, Dr. Jay Craváth will present “The Instrument as a Time Capsule.” Craváth is a composer, writer and scholar in the field of music and American Indian studies. He crafts programs from these interests into discussions that include stories, musical performance and dance.
Fair Trade Café Opening New Location August 21(full article)
8/12/09
Fair Trade Café, everyone’s favorite easygoing, organic coffeehouse at Roosevelt Square, is opening its second location at Civic Park on Friday, August 21.
Get to Know SuTRA Midtown Yoga(full article)
8/10/09
Something seriously funky is rattling a small studio on 7th Street just north of McDowell Road. Here, groups of youthful, bendy urbanites are dancing and stretching their way through “Rhythmic Funkamentals,” which combines yoga with funk choreography. This is a regular occurrence at SuTRA Midtown Yoga, which is redefining the stuffy, prententious vibe most yoga studios throw off.
The Bearded Truth | August 10(full article)
8/10/09
A 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.
Heard Museum Brings Fun Indoors With ‘Movie Mondays’(full article)
8/08/09
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to check out Movie Mondays at the Heard Museum.
On Monday, August 10 at 1:30pm, the museum will be showing Waterbuster, a 2006 documentary chronicling the dislocation and relocation of the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation of North Dakota due to a dam that inundated their homeland along the banks of the Missouri River. The 79-minute film is also the personal story of the director’s family, whose life choices were influenced by this powerful reshaping of the landscape.
First Friday At After Hours Gallery(full article)
8/05/09
After Hours Gallery is hosting an opening reception this Friday, August 7 for their new African art exhibit, Masks. The reception will be from 6 to 10pm and a portion of all Mask proceeds benefits Community Outreach and Advocacy for Refugees, a local non-profit that helps resettle refugees.
‘Movie Mondays’ Continue Through August(full article)
7/31/09
Movie Mondays are continuing at the Heard Museum this month, beginning with a showing of Raindance in a Storm on Monday, August 3 at 1:30pm.
In 1990, the Hopi Tribe staged an unprecedented and uncharacteristic public protest against what had been Arizona’s number-one “Indian” attraction for 70 years, yet didn’t include a single Indian. Critically examined for the first time, the culture of the Smoki People organization is seen from the perspectives of those who lived it, those who witnessed it and those offended by it.
