Downtown Beat | Upcoming Performances Take Center Stage(full article)

8/31/10

Missing Phoenix’s theater and live performance scene? It’s kicking back into high gear, starting this First Friday.

Downtown Phoenix Vitality: Weekly Events(full article)

8/30/10

Here are a few of the less heralded activities that are occurring in Downtown Phoenix on an almost daily basis.

Make the Scene | Archeology(full article)

8/27/10

Portland, OR’s Archeology is learning ever-important survival skills on the road this summer.

Make the Scene | Psyko Steve(full article)

8/19/10

Meet the man behind countless Phoenix shows, Stephen Chilton.

Make the Scene | Dry River Yacht Club(full article)

8/12/10

One of Phoenix’s most eclectic lineups, Dry River Yacht Club is gearing up for a busy fall of recording and plenty of shows around the Valley and beyond.

Make the Scene | Snake! Snake! Snakes!(full article)

8/05/10

Phoenix band Snake! Snake! Snakes! is debuting its self-titled EP at the Rhythm Room on August 11.

Make the Scene | Kongos(full article)

7/29/10

Kongos, a band of brothers from South Africa and London, now calls Phoenix its home.

Make the Scene | Miniature Tigers(full article)

7/22/10

The formerly Phoenix-based band will release its second album, ‘Fortress’ in on Tuesday.

Make the Scene | The Trunk Space(full article)

7/15/10

Haven’t been to The Trunk Space? It’s time to check out Grand Avenue’s wildest live performance venue.

Make the Scene | The Whisperlights Hit the Road(full article)

7/08/10

The Whisperlights, a Tempe-based “hard dark pop” band, are hitting the West Coast on their first tour, and will wrap it up July 29 at the Lost Leaf.

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.

First Friday: Shawn Anderson Unplugged(full article)

7/02/10

SuTRA Midtown Yoga is the spot for music-filled First Friday with some of Phoenix’s up-and-coming artists.

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.

Final Friday (and All Weekend Long): Phoenix Comicon(full article)

5/28/10

Get your nose out of the latest Spiderman comic and head to Comicon this weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Third Friday: Go Native(full article)

5/21/10

Native+You at the Heard Museum offers a relaxed vibe and strong dose of culture.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Nikki F. on Rhythm Room(full article)

3/16/10

Out of the few music venues we have to choose from in Phoenix, the Rhythm Room might be my favorite.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Andy G. on Char’s Has the Blues(full article)

3/02/10

Holy crap — venues like this exist in Phoenix? Who knew?

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.

See Ya, Mini Ts(full article)

12/28/09

Miniature 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.

Jimmy Eat World’s Not at All Secret Show(full article)

12/10/09

For a “secret” show, it sure was let out of the bag. But, Jimmy Eat World brought us a memorable kiss-off to the current Modified Arts anyway.

You Me and Apollo Heading Down the Train Tracks(full article)

11/16/09

You 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(full article)

11/16/09

Local bands Terra Firma and Big Fast Easy will rock Civic Space Park this Third Friday.

Music from the Weekend: ‘When in AZ’ and CenPhoTV Benefit(full article)

11/09/09

Lots of music rang throughout Downtown Phoenix neighborhoods this past weekend.

Help CenPhoTV, Hear Some Sweet Melodies(full article)

11/04/09

By now most of us have heard that CenPhoTV’s equipment was stolen a few weeks back. Now Stinkweeds is pitching in to help.

‘When in AZ’ Heads Outdoors(full article)

11/03/09

This Saturday, November 7, the ‘When in AZ’ crew returns with its biggest show yet, presenting seven acts on two stages at Civic Space Park.

Rocky Votolato is Coming to a Living Room Near You(full article)

10/19/09

In 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.

First Friday: First @ Park (and a Whole Lot More)(full article)

10/01/09

Friday debuts First @ Park, where Civic Space’s businesses, arts spaces and, well, park space all come together in celebration of First Friday.

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.

Grand Avenue Festival Music Schedule(full article)

9/25/09

Here 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.

‘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.

Third Friday Concert: Sydney Sprague & Ash and the Impulse(full article)

9/17/09

This 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(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.

‘When in AZ’ Sweats All Over the Rhythm Room(full article)

9/15/09

The scene from last week’s When in AZ compilation release show at the Rhythm Room was sweaty, full of cheap beer and sometimes oddly confusing.

‘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.

‘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.

Drive a Soul and Rock ‘n Roll(full article)

8/26/09

Kia’s Soul Collective event motors into Downtown Phoenix this week, and it gives visitors the opportunity to test drive a sweet ride and witness some some face-melting rock.

8/25 RadiatePhx – Big Picture Questions(full article)

8/19/09

August 25 is the last Tuesday of the month and that means it’s time for RadiatePhx. Join Carol Johnson from the City of Phoenix Planning Department and discuss what you value most about Phoenix.

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.

Courtney Marie Andrews’ Painter’s Hands(full article)

7/29/09

Phoenix-born-and-bred singer/songstress Courtney Marie Andrews is throwing a mega-folk party at Modified Arts on Friday, July 31 to celebrate the release of her second full-length record, Painter’s Hands and a Seventh Son. Andrews has been crooning up arts venues around Phoenix for several years now and is a founding member of budding Phoenix label River Jones Music.

Third Friday Concert Series at Civic Space(full article)

7/17/09

Today is Third Friday which means another free concert at the Downtown Civic Space Park at Central Avenue and Van Buren Street. The show, featuring Gospel Claws and Dry River Yacht Club, begins at 7:30pm.

Singles Night With The DBacks(full article)

7/07/09

Monday may be singles night at the grocery store but this Friday, July 10, is Singles Night at Chase Field. As Phoenix heats up, so are the Diamondbacks as they have been playing some solid baseball as of late. (edit – vote for Mark Reynolds) What better way to cool off than to chill with [...]

Stay Out Late On The Light Rail(full article)

7/03/09

Metro light rail is extending the hours of operation for Friday and Saturday nights to help those that do not want to worry about missing the last train when dining out, attending a show or just having some fun.

New Revolver Locked and Loaded(full article)

7/01/09

Everyone’s favorite Melrose record store, Revolver Records, has packed up and headed south to Roosevelt Row. When you’re done reading this, head over to Roosevelt and 2nd Street to check out the roomy new confines.

Swimming, Star Style(full article)

6/26/09

eards, Lucky Strikes, margarita slushies and sleeves of tats abound at the debut of 2009′s Star Swim at the Wyndham Hotel. Nevermind the bands that played (more on that in a minute), this now weekly event is the place for twentysomethings to let loose is half-naked reckless abandonment, and if the crowd from the first weekend is any indication, this thing is catching on fast. The rooftop pool was full of boozin’, cruisin’ for digits and generally (sometimes frighteningly) loud people dancing in some very unconventional fashions.

Skylounge Hosts Mayor’s Monthly Mixer(full article)

6/18/09

Join Mayor Phil Gordon on Friday, June 19 for the next Mayor’s Monthly Mixer at Skylounge, 132 E. Washington St. The mixer will be from 5:30 to 7:30pm followed by the Third Friday Concert Series at the Dowtown Civic Space Park.

What the Folk!(full article)

6/17/09

Like the soothing geeeetar pickin’ of some good folk? Downtown is about to chime with acoustics. Thursday, June 18 is the Phoenix Annual Summer Folk Festival presented by River Jones Music.

Blues at the Q(full article)

5/27/09

It can be hard to find jazz in Phoenix if you’re not at the Rhythm Room, so head out to The Farm at South Mountain’s Quiessence Restaurant to enjoy some food and drink and some of Phoenix’s best jazz musicians in a rare open-air environment. This isn’t the cramped confines of dark and dingy club. This is the beautiful airiness of a warm Arizona summer night at the Q’s awesome patio.

Lost Leaf Anniversary This Monday(full article)

5/24/09

End memorial weekend at Lost Leaf, a wine and beer house in downtown Phoenix, on Monday, May 25 at 7pm to celebrate their first anniversary with a whole host of bands. The event is free and each band will play no more than three songs.

Free Live Music At Pink Spot This Saturday(full article)

5/15/09

Mark, Julie and Jack will be performing songs with three part harmony on Saturday, May 16 at Pink Spot Coffee & Ice Cream from 7 to 9pm.

Your Third Friday Options(full article)

5/14/09

There’s a rather large list of happenings for this month’s Third Friday festivities. Choose wisely, downtowners.

Up at the Clarendon Hotel, Phoenix Friday Nights is having a special rooftop sunset edition with grub from the brand spankin’ new Gallo Blanco on the ground level. It’s a 2-for-1: Check out the much-hyped foodstuff and meet your fellow Phoenicians. Win!

Best Places For Free Jams(full article)

5/14/09

Expanding on last week’s blog about where to go to mooch a free movie, this week will focus on the best places in the Phoenix area to catch free music. No matter what your taste in tunes, Phoenix has a space that offers a preview local talent. The venues range from open air to small [...]

Pre-Solstice Celebration This Friday(full article)

5/12/09

Celebrate the Pre-Solstice and support the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation on May 15 at the Dr. George M. Brockway House at 5pm.

Mayor’s Monthly Mixer And Third Friday Concert Series This Friday(full article)

5/12/09

Join Mayor Phil Gordon on Friday, May 15 at Sonoma Casual Dining for the Mayor’s Monthly Mixer.
The mixer will be from 5:30 to 7:30pm followed by the Third Friday Concert Series across the street at the Civic Space Park at 7:30pm.

The Dears at Rhythm Room(full article)

5/06/09

Montréal’s The Dears are coming to the Rhythm Room on Thursday, May 21. Since releasing 2008′s Missiles, this Canadian sevenpiece has been rounding every corner of North America with their piano-heavy, soulful rock. Somewhat under the radar, they’ve pursued a fanbase the old-fashioned way: playing shows. Don’t miss your chance to see them in an [...]

Get Your Green On(full article)

5/01/09

Do you live green? Or are you still curious how to? Haus Modern Living near Camelback and Central has all the answers at Saturday’s DIG (Do It Green) celebration. Dubbed “the green outdoor living event for the urban dweller,” Haus will welcome green designers, gardeners, local artisans and supply companies for a lovely little festival [...]

Phoenix Art Museum Holds Train Tracks Quarter Finals(full article)

4/23/09

Launched as a grassroots channel for local musicians to display their talent, The Train Tracks is the most innovative outlet for live music to ever hit Phoenix. Once a week, Valley artists ranging from single performers to entire bands, rockers to opera singers, perform acoustically live on the Metro Light Rail. Their raw, uncut performances are posted to thetraintracks.org where the general public votes for their favorite.

Wine+Art=Win(full article)

4/22/09

Like wine? How about some art? When you put the two together, plus a dash of charitable goodness, you get the VinArte: The Art of Wine fundraiser, taking place this Saturday at the Phoenix Art Museum‘s Sculpture Garden.

Grand Opening Of Civic Space(full article)

4/18/09

Looks like the Civic Space is going to be a success, as hundreds of students, residents and curious visitors stopped by to celebrate the grand opening on April 16. There were giveaways, contests and a concert for the lucky attendees. See below for images.

First “Third Friday Concert Series” at Civic Space this Friday(full article)

4/17/09

Come celebrate Phoenix’s first “Third Friday Concert Series” on Friday, April 17 at the new Downtown Civic Space park. The free concert will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will feature Turn Back, O Man and The Matthew Reveles Band.

Record Store Day at Stinkweeds(full article)

4/12/09

Come celebrate national record store day at Stinkweeds (10 W. Camelback Rd.) next Saturday, April 18. Designated as a day to support your trusty independent record store, Stinkweeds is going all out, even releasing its own exclusive album, Phoenix: We Love It,  full of great local bands (Go Big Casino, Sam Means from the Format, [...]

ASU Jazz Combos to headline Green Jazz Series concert for encore(full article)

4/11/09

The Arizona State University Jazz Combos will headline the Green Jazz Series concert for a special encore performance on Wednesday, April 15.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Herberger Theater, 222. E. Monroe St.

Tunes for Change at The Rhythm Room(full article)

4/07/09

Bring your spare change and a $10 donation to the Tunes for Change concert at The Rhythm Room on Sunday, April 12.

Tunes for Change benefits the participants of the Lodestar Day Resource Center in downtown Phoenix, which strives to help people end their homelessness. The concert, which is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., features the sounds of The Market, Psych 101, Daryl Scairiot, and Dave Riley. The Rhythm Room is located at 10th Street and Indian School Road.

Travel Back In Time At Orpheum(full article)

4/07/09

Where can you experience Spanish Baroque Revival and Italian architecture reminiscent of the Davanzati Palace right here in Phoenix? At the Orpheum Theatre of course! Do you know what year the Orpheum Theatre was originally built or what big stars have graced its stage? Learn about this and more during a tour of Phoenix’s historic theatre.

Art Builds “Urban Campus”(full article)

4/06/09

Strong 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.

Art, Advocacy, Action Today At Downtown Phoenix Campus(full article)

4/03/09

Arizona 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.

Fringe entering final weekend(full article)

4/02/09

The Phoenix Fringe Festival (PHX:fringe) presents innovative, experimental and provocative theatre by local, national and international artists. PHX:fringe seeks to develop a cutting-edge, urban audience by offering an edgy assortment of performance choices in non-traditional downtown spaces. The PHX:fringe promotes artistic exploration by supporting the risky, adventurous work of established and emerging artists while also providing accessible, affordable performances to the community.

Tempe Music Festival this weekend(full article)

4/01/09

Sure, it’s not in Phoenix, but it’s a light rail ride away. Hit up the concert and head on back to Phoenix to avoid the crush of crazy concert goers on Mill Ave.

Ear Candy on the Fringe(full article)

3/27/09

A 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.  [...]

Phoenix Fringe Festival Is Here(full article)

3/26/09

Introducing the Phoenix:Fringe Festival, which will transform Roosevelt Row and Grand Ave into an experimental performing arts hub March 27 through April 5. PHX:Fringe showcases local, national and international artists in provocative, edgy performances in favorite downtown arts spots.

Cantemus Presents Mozart at Trinity Cathedral(full article)

3/25/09

Join Cantemus this Friday at Trinity Cathedral (100 W. Roosevelt St.) as they take a look into some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sacred choral works: the Vesperae solennes de Confessore and the Missa Brevis in C Major.

Take a Date to the Phoenix Symphony(full article)

3/25/09

The Phoenix Symphony was recently nominated by azcentral.com as one of the “Best Places for a First Date”. Through April 15th, anyone can log onto azcentral.com and vote for their top choice (hint: the First Date question is located under the “People & Places category). We’re up against some pretty tough competition in the First Date category so we thought we’d take a moment to examine some of the benefits of choosing The Phoenix Symphony as your First Date activity.

Guide To Art Detour 2009(full article)

3/06/09

For 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.

Lily Tomlin Live At The Orpheum(full article)

3/05/09

Emmy, 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(full article)

3/04/09

Groove 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!

March Is Phoenix Arts Month!(full article)

3/03/09

Every 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.

The Stiletto Formal @ The Modified(full article)

2/26/09

Looking 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:

Duran Duran in Concert at the Dodge(full article)

4/28/08

The English Rock Band who broke on to the music scene in the 1980′s during the “Second British Invasion” of the United States will be be bringing their current tour to the Dodge Theatre on May 6th.

Phoenix Children’s Chorus at the Orpheum(full article)

4/27/08

Spring Concert – “Sing, Sing, Sing” with Guest Artist, BOOM! Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 203 West Adams Street, Phoenix BOOM! Percussion Entertainment is a high energy, fast-paced, humorous and silly performance that will keep you on your toes and leave you wanting more! The highly skilled performers use [...]

Arizona Theater Company presents the Clean House(full article)

4/27/08

May 1 - 18. Matilda is the child of the two of the funniest people in Brazil. She has gotten a job as a cleaning woman for an American doctor with no sense of humor. Herberger Theater Center. Dates and times vary. Tickets are $26-$59. For information, call 602 256 6995 or get info online

Speak Spanish To Me(full article)

4/23/08

Produced by Actor’s Theatre At the Herberger, April 25th thru May 11th – Special (pay what you wish performance) on Sunday, April 27th at 2 PM. Love and culture clash at ASU. Actors Theatre has proudly commissioned this World Premiere comedy/romance by award–winning playwright Bernardo Solano. It is the first day of school at ASU [...]

George Lopez at the Dodge(full article)

4/21/08

Latino funny man George Lopez plus special guest Bryan Kellen are appearing at the Dodge for 3 nights beginning Thursday, April 24th. get info online George’s website

Arizona Opera presents: La Traviata(full article)

4/16/08

April 17 - 20. Arizona Opera performs Verdi’s timeless classic about love and sacrifice. Symphony Hall. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $31-$144. For information, call 480-784-4444 or get info online

BellMagination(full article)

4/16/08

April 20. Herberger Theater Center, 3 PM & 7 PM Bronzeworks and Scottsdale Handbell Ensemble, two contemporary handbell groups from Desert Bells International, will perform a variety of musical literature, from classical to pop, from sacred to jazz!  These two groups will be ringing bells from Great Britain, Holland and the United States. This concert will [...]

Buy a Rental Property in SoDo(full article)

4/16/08

This cute, brick bungalow with covered front porch and covered carport represents a great owner-occupied or investment property opportunity in the Central Park neighborhood of SoDo Phoenix. City Park with Recreation Center just steps away from the property. Just around the corner from the Bentley Projects Gallery and City Bakery. Just a short walk to [...]

Margaret Cho at the Dodge(full article)

4/14/08

Check out the Comedy of Margaret Cho with her “Beautiful” Tour.  Friday, April 18th at the Dodge. Doors open at 7 PM, show starts at 8 PM. info online

Arizona Theatre Co Presents: To Kill a Mockingbird(full article)

4/11/08

The final performance of this great American classic is happening Sunday at 1 PM at the Herberger Theater Center. A great American classic and one of the most beloved coming-of-age stories ever written, Harper Lee’s moving tale of life in rural Alabama during the Depression is filled with heartache and joy, conflict and conciliation. In [...]

Phoenix Symphony by Request(full article)

4/06/08

April 12 @ Orpheum Theatre Last fall, audiences across the Valley eagerly voted for their favorite Classical selections, and now, the results are in! Join Michael Christie as he conducts a program of beloved selections including Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Smetana’s The Moldau, and Beethoven’s titanic Symphony No. 7. American Pianist Spencer Myer [...]

Stray Cat Theater Presents Pulp!(full article)

4/02/08

The 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 [...]

Metro Rock n’ Rail Karaoke Party(full article)

3/26/08

This event looks like great fun! Music, free food, karaoke contest, door prizes & free gift certificates to local retail shops.  What a great way to spend your lunch hour. Central & Columbus (Between Osborn & Indian School) Thursday, March 27th from 11:30 AM to 1 PM For more info call 602 495 8217 Sponsored [...]