Midtown
May First Friday | The MAP
Posted on 5/04/12 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
Hi Phoenix! Here is a map of arts and biz destinations that will make your First Friday a bit more fun.
These are the spaces that participated in the recent Art Detour 24, so you may find a few that are closed this evening – and then there a few that have popped up since Detour:
• Pedal Craft PHX – if you missed this the first time around now is the time to check it out in person. Kitchen Sink Studios, 828 N. 3rd St.
• bIGGY Art Sale – First Studio will be filled with iggyart paintings and artwork from the last 7+ years. First Studio, 631 N. 1st Ave.
• Fenix PCG – an open house at the Westminster Apartments on the corner of 2nd Ave. and Roosevelt St. (BTW, we’re calling it…2nd Avenue is the next big thing to hit Downtown. Keep your eyes/ears peeled.)
Check out the map below or download the First Friday Map here
Click to enlarge.
From the Wire | Local Fastsigns Franchise Owner to be on ‘Undercover Boss’
Posted on 5/01/12 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.
PHOENIX FASTSIGNS® TO BE FEATURED ON CBS’S HIT SERIES “UNDERCOVER BOSS”
Franchise Owner Inspired CEO with Two Important “Signs” While in Valley
Scott Koehler, who has owned a local franchise of FASTSIGNS® for 10 ½ years, will be featured in the FASTSIGNS® episode of CBS’s hit series “Undercover Boss,” Friday, May 4th from 7:00-8:00pm.
On Friday, there will be an open house from 2:00pm-6:30pm with refreshments & door prizes at the FASTSIGNS® store located at 2517 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix. Then the “viewing” party will be across the street at The Fairfield Inn & Suites, 2520 N. Central Ave., to celebrate with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, starting at 6pm. For more information call 602-266-7446.
Each week, the two-time Emmy Award-nominated “Undercover Boss” follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects that their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS® received two important “signs” while on her undercover trip to the Valley. The first was on the job site with Scott. “I was impressed the moment we arrived seeing the magnitude of the project,” states Monson. “It was an impressive and difficult exterior install three stories up. Not a typical FASTSIGNS® project” “ It was exhilarating to work with Scott and I asked him how he knew how to do this type of install and his reply was that ‘he learned how to do it on his own’.” “I realized that corporate needed to provide this training and they will integrate it into the corporate franchise training program starting mid-summer of this year.”
FASTSIGNS® CEO Catherine Monson in hydraulic lift with franchisee owner Scott Koehler ready for exterior sign install.
The second “sign” about how Scott was as a business owner dealing with business and life challenges. She learned his wife has multiple sclerosis and due to chemotherapy treatments is unable to conceive. They were turned down by the first adoption agency they went to. Then Scott was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had two surgeries. An introduction by a friend enabled them to adopt a newborn baby girl. His cancer returned and he made the decision to have his bladder removed. At the end of 2008 business was down 35-40% with light rail construction in front of his location and then the recession. He had to downsize, no vacations and put in extra hours, yet has persevered with a positive attitude.
“I know too many people in life that don’t have the challenges he has and they complain. Scott is positive and full of gratitude,” states Monson. “I collect positive quotes and Scott exudes inspiration.” “His outlook on life motivated me to create an award in his honor that will be given out at our annual corporate event.”
“I am a positive person. I see no point in being negative. Negative people tend to get negative results. Positive people at least have an opportunity for a positive result.” states Koehler. “I am blessed to be alive and I have a wonderful family. I enjoy my business and being a part of this show and the rewards I have received from Catherine and FASTSIGNS® International are incredible!”
To find out what rewards Scott received, you will have to watch the show on Friday, May 4th at 7pm. Come join us in the fun of the reveal!
From the Wire | Phoenix College Jazz Celebration Festival to Benefit Rosie’s House
Posted on 4/04/12 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.
Come and enjoy the sounds of saxophonist Chris Vadala at the Phoenix College Jazz Celebration Festival Concert on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. The concert also features the Superstition Jazz Orchestra and the Doublers Collective.
The performance will be in PC’s Bulpitt Auditorium, 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix, starting at 8 p.m. The concert caps off a full day of musical instruction as part of the Music Department’s annual festival. Students from throughout the state travel to PC that day to get professional instruction at the school’s Sessions Recital Hall.
This year’s featured guest, Mr. Vadala, is the director of Jazz Studies at the University of Maryland, where he is also a saxophone professor. He played in the Chuck Mangione Band for many years and has appeared on more than 100 recordings to date, including jingle sessions and film and TV scores. The educator and performer also plays the flute and clarinet.
He will be backed by the Superstition Jazz Orchestra, a dynamic big band made up of top professional musicians from Phoenix. Based in Phoenix College, the band performs under the direction of Milas Yoes, coordinator of Instrumental Music, Jazz Studies, and Humanities at PC. The Doublers Collective will also play with Mr. Vadala and specializes in woodwind instruments in a progressive jazz setting.
In keeping with the educational focus of the performance, students from PC’s Live Sound Reinforcement classes will handle the sound mixing and microphone duties for the live performance. And a group of young students from Rosie’s House, a Phoenix-based non-profit music academy for children, will be performing in the lobby prior to show time.
Admission is $5 and all proceeds will go to Rosie’s House, which provides music lessons and loaned instruments to low-income children.
“It should be a gala event,” said PC’s Yoes. “It will be a night of saxophone madness. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Rosie’s House for this performance.”
Following the concert, a reception at Hob Nobs Café and Spirits, 149 W. McDowell Road, from 10 p.m. – midnight will continue the celebration, with a jam session of PC students and others.
If You Go
When: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Where: Phoenix College’s Bulpitt Auditorium, 1202 W. Thomas Road
Listen Up PHX | The Lineup 4.2 – 4.8
Posted on 4/03/12 by Erin Bartynski » No Comments
Each week, Listen Up PHX brings you The Lineup, a list of live music events going on in greater Downtown Phoenix, picked by music blogger Erin Bartynski.
Ease in to April’s concert schedule this week with a few of these local live-music suggestions!
Wednesday 4.4: The Afternoon Concert Series at Civic Space Park will have free live music outside from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come enjoy your lunch surrounded by grass, sun, and sound!
Portugal. The Man
Thursday 4.5: Dick Dale, the legendary surf guitar-rocker with over a dozen albums under his belt, will be at the Rhythm Room. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and at the door.
The Black Moods will be playing a free rock show at Copper Blues. Doors are at 7:30 p.m., and the show is 21+, so come early and grab a tap beer or two
Friday 4.6: Portugal. The Man will be at the Crescent Ballroom with opening act The Lonely Forest. Doors at 7, music at 8. Tickets are $22.50.
The Arizona Center will host its second installment of the Live Music Series, this week featuring the Michael Villanueva Duo. Music is from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., no cover.
The Trunk Space will be celebrating their 8th birthday starting at 7 p.m., with live music by Andrew Jackson Jihad, Liam and The Ladies, Dogbreth, and Good Amount. The event is $7, and food will be provided by Green.
Saturday 4.7: Dylan Charles and the Border Crossers will be at The Lost Leaf, playing blues-y folk/funk starting at 9 p.m. 21+, no cover.
Sunday 4.8: Grupo Fantasma will bring their Grammy-nominated Latin sound to the Crescent Ballroom with opening band Fayuca. Doors are at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $11-12, show is 21+.
From the Wire | The World Dances! A Celebration of the Universal Language
Posted on 3/29/12 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.
Shannon Conklin of Divine Chaos Tribal. Photo by Dark Unicorn Photography.
Phoenix theater-goers are about to embark on a multicultural dance journey with the March 31st production of “The World Dances! A Celebration of the Universal Language“ at the Viad Playhouse in the Park. Professional performances representing India, Africa, Ireland, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Spain, Russia and more are on the itinerary for this global dance event.
She’s Got Hips Productions has assembled a diverse cast of professionals from around the country to stage this unique multicultural event. Performers include Michelle al Farfesha from New Mexico, and A’isha Azar from Washington along with Zahr Jamil Middle Eastern Dance Company, Divine Chaos Tribal, Maguire Irish Dance, Riyasha Daulat, Almagul Temirtekova and Arizona Dunun Ensemble.
A lifelong dancer and Middle Eastern dance professional. Mahin Sciacca launched this project to show the power and variety of dance across the globe. “In our shrinking world, we are increasingly aware of our human diversity. ‘The World Dances!’ is a window into the shared experience of dance as an expression of joy and a celebration of its many forms. We invite people to come take a trip around the world – right from their theater seat!”
More show details and ticket information can be found here.
Event Details:
The World Dances! A Celebration of the Universal Language
Date: Saturday, March 31st 7:30 pm
Location: Viad Playhouse in the Park, 1850 N. Central Ave.
About Mahin:
Mahin has been teaching and performing Middle Eastern belly dance in the Phoenix area for over 10 years. She is the author of the internationally published “Daily Bellydance Quickies”, a national workshop instructor and free-lance dance writer for Shimmy and Zaghareet! magazines.
