First, she is holding an artist reception on a Second Friday (not First or Third). For those of us who have bemoaned the lumping of events on First Fridays, this is a welcomed change.

Second, and more importantly, Christine is offering those of us who have had to cut our spending during the economic downturn a unique way to purchase her art: She will be offering a substantially discounted monetary price in return for a commitment to provide five to 10 hours of volunteer service through Hands On Phoenix. Prices and volunteer hours per art piece will be set by the artist. Those who wish to purchase her work in the traditional method (i.e., paying the full monetary price) still may do so.

“I’m hoping people who come to my show look a little different at what they consider an investment,” Cassano says. “By volunteering, you can get so much out of that just by making a personal investment.”

Want to learn more? A full explanation is available here. Here is an overview of the show:

“Invest With Confidence” draws attention to the disparity between how the American people are feeling the economic recession and the extent to which they are understanding it. Each piece contains a host of embedded objects representing free market commodities, as well as a piece of modern paper currency that is sealed within the work but accessible enough to be removed and recirculated by the collector, thus raising questions about the negotiable integrity of the piece and the value of the art as investment.

Image courtesy of Christine Cassano

If You Go: Christine Cassano’s “Invest with Confidence”

Practical Art, 5070 N. Central Ave. in Uptown (light rail station at Central/Camelback) — 602.264.1414

A free, public reception for the artist will be held Friday, July 9 at 7 p.m. No RSVPs are necessary. Exhibit runs July 1 to 31.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Christine Cassano: Recasting the Local Art Scene

Target Free Sizzlin’ Summer Saturdays in July at Heard Museum

Parents now have a place and time to take the kids during the summer to escape the heat. Adults can enjoy the museum while kids enjoy the free arts and crafts, dance performances and artist demonstrations, and meet popular children’s authors, all thanks to Target.

The fun at the Heard takes place every Saturday in July. This Saturday is “Fancy Flyers” day, with arts and crafts paying homage to our favorite winged animals. Dance performances by the Yellow Bird Dancers will rile the crowd. Kids will walk away with treats and a goody bags filled with activities, crayons, stickers and more.

For more information, please call 602.252.8848 or visit heard.org/Sizzlin. The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Midtown (light rail at Encanto Station).

A Tiki good cause

Refuse to have a case of the Mondays in July, thanks to Hula’s Modern Tiki. Every Monday, the restaurant will be donating 10% of its proceeds to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix.

Hula’s “Mahalo Mondays” started in March and has since raised over $7,500 to organizations such as the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, The Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund, The Boys & Girls Clubs and Free Arts Arizona.

So, end Mondays on a wonderful note with a delicious meal at Hula’s Modern Tiki and give to amazing causes.

Hula’s Modern Tiki is located at 4700 N. Central Ave. in Uptown (light rail station at Central/Camelback) — 602.265.TIKI

Beat the heat and keep the beat at Portland’s

Portland’s Restaurant and Wine Bar just added some new flavor to its Saturday nights with live music and special prix fixe dinners.

During dinner, you can enjoy live acoustic music every Saturday night featuring local artists like Shelby James, Betsy Ganz, Jeff Schnuck and Zubia + DeGuvera from 8 to 11 p.m.

The special three-course prix fixe dinner is only $25 with mouth-watering meals like tempura rock shrimp, Stilton blue cheese bistro steak or sustainably farmed Scottish salmon. And, don’t forget dessert, with the tiramisu or Claire’s flourless chocolate torte.

Portland’s is located at 105 W. Portland Ave in Roosevelt (light rail at Roosevelt Station) — 602.795.7480

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Downtown Beat | Sizzlin’ at the Heard, ‘Mahalo Mondays’ and Jams at Portland’s

Rahul R.
Chandler, AZ
Five-star rating
04.25.10

Some of the criticisms of AABC are likely generational. I began collecting comics before comics became an indie and underground edgy kind of hobby in which kids wear superhero shirts, listen to post-modern punk and play card games. I started collecting in 1985, and being 34 years old, that makes me ancient in terms of modern comic book collectors. AABC is right up my alley. The store is only about comic books. They have the best back issue supply in the city. They purchase enough copies so that they rarely run out of an issue. The comics are kept well and all the ones on the shelves are in NM condition. They keep comics on the shelves longer than most stores so you can arrive weeks after an issue debuted and it will still be there. The staff cater to collectors like me. They are informative and helpful but don’t act too smart to be condescending nor do they try to hard sell you issues like at other stores.

Some have implied they are rude or not friendly, and that isn’t the case. Like I said, it’s generational. At places like Atomic, the sales people are very conversational and will engage you and just chat because that’s what they do there. It’s a younger vibe there and it’s part of their culture. At AABC, the sales staff leave you alone but not because they are being rude — they just want you to shop in peace without being harrassed. Again, if you are one of these types who shop at Atomic and then go into AABC, it will feel very different, but that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. It’s just two different approaches to comics. So, it depends on what you are seeking.

All About Books & Comics is located at 5060 N. Central Ave. in Uptown (light rail station at Central/Camelback) — 602.277.0757

The DPJ Yelper of the Week offers honest insight on a Downtown business to help you explore your core. DPJ hopes that by partnering with Yelp to spread the good word about well-loved Downtown spots, you’ll spread your patronage and support local business.

Yelp is a social networking and local search engine that provides the reviews of places and things that matter to you. Simply log in, pick a place and queue up your inner critic. You can write a beaming review of your favorite gelato spot, or a scathing portrayal of that rental car facility you had to use after that curb came out of nowhere. Yelp’s reviews are at once honest, uncensored, wildly hilarious and true. Heck, the site must be doing something right — it had 26 million viewers just last month!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Rahul R. on All About Books & Comics

Sunny B.
Phoenix, AZ
Four-star rating
04.07.10

After reading so many banging reviews I decided to hop in to DDs and give it a try. I was immediately impressed with the selection. Tons of fresh salads, sandwiches and mains. I was feeling too lazy to cook, so I picked up the garlic mashed potatoes (FANTASTIC for garlic lovers), the grilled veggies (delicious). I also got the turkey meatloaf that while a little dry, had a wonderful flavor and consistency. Next time I may have to pick up some sauce for the top. Same can be said for the pork, it was a bit dry, but I had some mango chutney I threw on top and it was great.

I can’t wait to come back and try one of their many sandwiches, or soups, or lasagna, or eggplant parmesan or chili relleno… you get the picture.

Dinner for two for about 20 bucks and homemade meals without the hassle of cooking. This place rocks.

D’licious Dishes is located at 5345 N. 7th Ave. in Uptown (light rail station at 7th Ave/Camelback) — 602.274.4663

The DPJ Yelper of the Week offers honest insight on a Downtown business to help you explore your core. DPJ hopes that by partnering with Yelp to spread the good word about well-loved Downtown spots, you’ll spread your patronage and support local business.

Yelp is a social networking and local search engine that provides the reviews of places and things that matter to you. Simply log in, pick a place and queue up your inner critic. You can write a beaming review of your favorite gelato spot, or a scathing portrayal of that rental car facility you had to use after that curb came out of nowhere. Yelp’s reviews are at once honest, uncensored, wildly hilarious and true. Heck, the site must be doing something right — it had 26 million viewers just last month!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Sunny B. on D’licious Dishes

Tiffany B.
Phoenix, AZ
Five-star rating
02.02.10

So I stopped in here for a little music retail therapy – I think I was a little grumpy, but not after this shopping trip! The guy behind the counter was REALLY helpful and friendly. He asked if there was anything I was looking for….my answer was, “nope, but if you have ideas I’d love them”.

He asked some of the bands that I listened to, and quickly realized we had a musical meeting of minds.

I ended up hanging out listening to new bands for about an hour… and walked away with some old used CDs that I somehow didn’t have anymore.

The 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…and just for the level of knowledge that the people in the store have. I know this is a matter of opinion, but to me the recording quality is just so much better on a CD…

Also – I found out that one of the people who works at Stinkweeds does his own web radio music show, and if his show is anything like his music suggestions (seems logical eh?) than this is a great place to find new music and to look at all the local concert listings.

Thanks Stinkweeds – I’ll be back soon when I’m in need for my next music fix!

Stinkweeds is located at 12 W. Camelback Rd. in Uptown (light rail station at Central/Camelback) — 602.248.9461

The DPJ Yelper of the Week offers honest insight on a Downtown business to help you explore your core. DPJ hopes that by partnering with Yelp to spread the good word about well-loved Downtown spots, you’ll spread your patronage and support local business.

Yelp is a social networking and local search engine that provides the reviews of places and things that matter to you. Simply log in, pick a place and queue up your inner critic. You can write a beaming review of your favorite gelato spot, or a scathing portrayal of that rental car facility you had to use after that curb came out of nowhere. Yelp’s reviews are at once honest, uncensored, wildly hilarious and true. Heck, the site must be doing something right — it had 26 million viewers just last month!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Tiffany B. on Stinkweeds

Pierson Place is historically important to Phoenix for the diversity in housing represented by its 16 architectural styles. The neighborhood retains examples not only of the architecture, but also of the building materials and construction practices used from the 1920s through the 1950s. The district is home to seven adobe buildings, and houses a mix of owner-occupied homes and properties offered as rentals, including single-family homes on residential lots, small duplexes or quads. Later, infill construction provided multifamily housing for rent or sale.

Homes in Pierson Place are quaint and high on the charm.

Many of Pierson Place’s original residents no longer live here; however, some of my neighbors grew up here and still live in the family home. Some of us have been around for decades; others are new to Phoenix and Pierson Place. We have kids, dogs, roommates and hail from all over the world!

This location offers great access to the city center, and we do not have to venture far for recreation or entertainment. Schools, museums, cultural activities, First Fridays and, of course, light rail are on our doorstep! Shopping and errands can begin and end less than a mile from my home in Pierson Place; a bike ride or a short walk will get me to restaurants, groceries, coffee shops, boutiques, exercise programs, critter care, spas and beautifying or just poking around looking for treasures among the many shops along 7th Avenue! Often, when I am asked where I got some article or another, I can smile and say, “I shop ‘the Avenue.’”

We are not the largest historic district or the oldest, nor do we have the cachet of some, but we offer a great place to live near the resources of our large metropolitan area. Pierson Place is safe and affordable, and we know and meet our neighbors at the shops and stores close to home!

Pam Perry is a Pierson Place resident and editor of the neighborhood’s newsletter. The Pierson Place Historic District stretches from Camelback Road south to canal and 7th Avenue east to Central Avenue.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

m7 Week: Pierson Place Historic District

The Windsor Square neighborhood, which is located just north of Camelback Road and stretches from Central Avenue to 7th Street, was originally one of Phoenix’s first suburbs. This neighborhood of 260 homes was predominantly built in the 1930s and ’40s, and is unique for older Phoenix neighborhoods, as the lots were laid out on “curvy” streets as opposed to the standard “grid” street program.

The Windsor Square Tour, which is held every other year, will be a self-guided walking tour of 11 historic homes and gardens. The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance online or on the day of the event. Tour headquarters on Sunday will be at Orange Drive and 2nd Street, just northeast of the Central/Camelback intersection.

Lyle Plocher is a licensed Arizona real estate broker with the Urban Connection Realty team at HomeSmart. Lyle can be reached at lyle@downtownphoenixjournal.com.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

City Dwelling | Windsor Square Historic Home Tour

Note: Email us at info@downtownphoenixjournal.com and we will send you the list of destinations mentioned here in one handy guide.

Si Robins, DPJ Managing Editor
1. Grilled vegetable sandwiches at the Urban Grocery & Wine Bar
2. Urban kickball at Conspire
3. Free nights at the Phoenix Art Museum
4. Urban infill at Plus Minus Studio
5. Retro duds at R&R Surplus
6. Virtually any cocktail at SideBar
7. The sheer potential of a space like Fractal
8. Environmental friendliness at Civic Space Park
9. Live music at the Lost Leaf
10. Tammie Coe cookies
11. Cornhole at Local Breeze
12. Biking in Encanto
13. The buzz at Suns playoff games
14. The relaxed vibe of Third Fridays

Yuri Artibise, Staff Writer
1. Business meetings at Lola Downtown
2. Chatting up tourists on the Metro Light Rail
3. Co-working at Lux Coffeebar
4. Buying unique housewarming gifts at Frances
5. Lusting after jewelry by Heidi Abrahamson
6. Discussing ‘infill development’ at After Hours Gallery
7. Having breakfast for lunch at Matt’s Big Breakfast
8. Stretching out on the grass at Roosevelt Park (3rd Ave, south of Roosevelt)
9. Searching for ghosts at the Hotel San Carlos
10. Winding down with a cookie and coffee at Royal at the Market
11. Getting disoriented in James Turrell’s light sculpture “Mohl ip” at the Phoenix Art Museum
12. Participating in the Critical Mass bike ride
13. Noshing on chilquiles verdes at Gallo Blanco
14. Sampling the rotating tap at Roosevelt Tavern

Kenny Bump, “Sips & Grub” Blogger
1. First meal at Gallo Blanco in the Clarendon Hotel
2. Watching The Swell Season in the Orpheum Theatre
3. Roosevelt Tavern
4. Tuck Shop
5. Jimmy Eat World’s Secret show at Modified Arts
6. The PHX Brew Party hosted by communitas
7. The view of Downtown from the top of After Hours Creative
8. Phoenix Design Fair in the Anchor Building
9. Dear and the Headlights during Star Swim on top of the Wyndham
10. Playing my first gig at the musical opening of fractal
11. St. Francis
12. Lux Coffee
13. Stinkweeds
14. The first First Friday I attended and knew that I didn’t want to leave

Janessa Hilliard, DPJ Staff Writer
1. Paddle boating in Encanto Park
2. Tea at the Japanese Friendship Garden
3. The view from the top of South Mountain
4. A picnic in Civic Space Park
5. Spending a day lounging by the rooftop pool at Hotel San Carlos
6. Biking around Downtown
7. Taking a tour of the State Capitol. Can you name the five c’s of Arizona?
8. Matt’s Big Breakfast – Why cook breakfast the morning after when you can just go out for it? Almost always worth the wait.
9. Cibo — It’s like your neighborhood diner, except with an outside patio that’s oh-so-romantic.
10. Paisley Town — If you want a variety of shopping & great food at one adorable, cohesive location.
11. Sweets & Beats on Grand Avenue — If your sweet tooth needs satisfying while adding to your record collection.
12. Lost Leaf — If you love a low-key atmosphere where the conversation is stimulating and the music isn’t overpowering.
13. Tammie Coe Cakes — There is nothing more beautiful — or delicious! — than these amazing creations.
14. The Compass Room at the Hyatt — The rotating dining room view is totally worth it, if you’re willing to shell out a pretty penny.

Deona Smith, DPJ Staff Writer
1. Local Breeze – My place away from home where everybody knows my name! This is hands down the best patio to chill out at in Downtown Phoenix.
2. Civic Space Park — Whenever I need to get away, I walk to this park and enjoy the grass and view of the city.
3. The Willo District — Whenever you want to take a Sunday drive and check out some historical homes, this is my favorite place to do it.
4. Central Ave. — You might be thinking just Central Ave.? Yes, just Central Ave., I love driving down it to get home, the view of the city just over the bridge warms my heart.
5. Carly’s — Anytime I am craving smoked mozzarella I go to Carly’s for my favorite sandwich in town…The Europa. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
6. The Roosevelt Tavern — Warm, cozy and friendly… The Roosevelt is my favorite place for happy hour and the coldest beer on tap in the city.
7. Roosevelt Row — I live in the neighborhood, I can’t help but love it!
8. Bikini Lounge – Who doesn’t enjoy a great dive bar? Bikini is the place to be especially on a First Friday.
9. US Airways Center — Let’s face it, I am a Suns fan and love going to the games!
10. The Sheraton Hotel — Just this location in general is my favorite part of Downtown. I love the feel of “Downtown” and this makes me feel like I am in the heart of it.
11. The many locally owned coffee shops in Phoenix — From Fair Trade to Lux, each place offers a unique atmosphere plus great coffee and teas to be had!
12. Two Hippies — Beach House, Magic Mushroom Burgers, Pita House and Breakfast Joint, oh my! Great atmosphere at each location and awesome eats!
13. Heritage Square — It hosts the Matsuri Festival, one of my favorite yearly events. Not to mention, Rose and Crown and Pizzeria Bianco!
14. Burton Barr Central Library — The best library in Arizona. The architecture, the smell of a library, several quiet places to read and the helpful staff — the Phoenix library is simply awesome.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

A Whole Lotta Love for Downtown

This week’s games
01/15/10 SUNS @ Hawks, 6 p.m., ESPN
01/16/10 SUNS @ Bobcats, 5 p.m., My45
01/18/10 SUNS @ Grizzlies, 3:30 p.m., TNT
01/20/10 SUNS vs Nets, 7 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona

With the Suns out on the road for a few games, we here at Suns Spot decided to take a look at some of the places around Downtown Phoenix where Suns fans can still enjoy the games that are played away from US Airways Center. (And, after last night’s performance, there’s no way I could write about the Suns’ current play without shooting myself.)

First we’ll start with a place that’s both close to USAC and to the team: Majerle’s Sports Bar. The bar and grill owned by and named after the former Suns great and current assistant coach, Dan Majerle, is located at 24 N. 2nd St., right in the heart of Copper Square in one of the older buildings in the Downtown area. Majerle’s offers great food at great prices to go along with the great vibes, as Suns memorabilia adorns the walls inside the sports bar. Every Suns game is shown on many of the flat-screen TVs throughout the restaurant. As an added bonus for Suns fans, when the game begins, the music goes off and the sound of the games echoes throughout the bar. This is a nice touch, as most places I’ve gone to watch the game never turn the sound on. Majerle’s constantly runs specials such as Martini Mondays, which allows patrons to get a martini for $5 throughout the month of January. All in all, Majerle’s is definitely a place any Suns fan can enjoy.

Perhaps you’re not into restaurants named after an ex-athlete, and maybe you’d prefer one named after a rock star, such as Alice Cooperstown over on 1st and Jackson streets. Cooperstown has been around since 1998 and is known as the place “Where Jocks and Rock Meet,” as the nearly 6,000-square-foot, two-story dining room contains a rock n’ roll atmosphere while playing all sports and only sports on all 16 of its big-screen TVs. Cooperstown shows every Suns game, paired with its made-from-scratch homestyle and barbecue dishes, along with daily drink specials. Cooperstown is definitely a place every Suns fans should consider going to take in a Suns road game.

For those looking to enjoy a Suns road game without heading all the way into Downtown, Half Moon Sports Grill on 20th Street and Highland Avenue is always an excellent choice. Half Moon may not be owned by a celebrity like our first two selections (though there is an interesting story behind its name, which can be found on its website), but it does offer up a great atmosphere for fans to take in games while enjoying a wide menu, including the New Times Best of Phoenix award-winning wings. The best part about the wings? They’re half-off during all Suns games. With today’s economy the way it is, you can’t afford not to head over to Half Moon and take advantage of the great deal on these delectable wings during a Suns road game.

For the last recommendation from Suns Spot, I had to go with none other than the New Times 2009 Best Downtown Sports Bar winner, Coach & Willie’s. Coach and Willie’s, on the corner of 3rd and Jackson streets, has over 20 HD flat screens that broadcast every Suns game. If the TVs aren’t enough to win you over, Coach and Willie’s offers a happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. that is great for when the Suns are on East Coast trips with early tip-off times. The happy hour includes $3 appetizers, domestic bottles, well drinks and house wine. If you can’t make it over in time to enjoy happy hour or the Suns happen to be playing a late game, Coach and Willie’s still has you covered with its reverse happy hour, running Monday-Friday 8-10 p.m., and consisting of half-priced drafts, margaritas and house wine along with $5 appetizers. If you haven’t yet, I highly suggest stopping by Coach and Willie’s sometime for a game. There’s a reason it was voted the best.

Hopefully, after reading what I suggested, Suns fans will have a better idea of the places in Phoenix that offer great deals to those wanting to watch the road game while getting a bite to eat (or knocking back a few). Be sure to check out the “eats & drinks” section of DPJ for even more restaurants and bars in the Downtown area.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Suns Spot | Suns Hit the Road, You Hit the Bars

Jessica F.
Phoenix, AZ
Five-star rating
08.29.09

I’m reluctant to review this location since it’s where I find all my greatest deals and really, I don’t want to share with you. But I will since we’re friends.

50% off Saturdays are CRAZY. Be prepared. If you are clostraphobic you should avoid it at all costs. However, you can get smokin’ deals on pretty much everything if you’re willing to deal with massive crowds. This Saturday I got close to $200 worth of pristine Anne Taylor dresses, slacks, and shirts for about $15 — total.

This store is clean and doesn’t smell like dead people — a huge bonus in my book. It’s well organized and the people that work there are really helpful. One of the better thrift stores in the area by far.

Goodwill is located at 4005 N. 16th St. in Uptown — (602) 279.5870

The DPJ Yelper of the Week offers honest insight on a Downtown business to help you explore your core. DPJ hopes that by partnering with Yelp to spread the good word about well-loved Downtown spots, you’ll spread your patronage and support local business.

Yelp is a social networking and local search engine that provides the reviews of places and things that matter to you. Simply log in, pick a place and queue up your inner critic. You can write a beaming review of your favorite gelato spot, or a scathing portrayal of that rental car facility you had to use after that curb came out of nowhere. Yelp’s reviews are at once honest, uncensored, wildly hilarious and true. Heck, the site must be doing something right — it had 25 million viewers just last month!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

DPJ Yelper of the Week: Jessica F. on 16th Street Goodwill