Stars and stripes swimwear? Check. Sunblock? Got it right here. Excess amounts of disposable cash for drinks? Ready and waiting. Looks like you’re locked and loaded for any of the big pool parties that will take place during the Fourth of July holiday. Many of the usual joints, ranging from…
Members of the local music scene are in mourning today after the sudden death of the owner of a prominent Valley music venue. Kim Commons, the owner and proprietor of Club Red in Mesa, passed away last night after suffering a major stroke over the weekend. He was 63. Commons,…
If you had plans to attend the Fourth of July outdoor concert by Little Big Town at Salt River Fields, said plans just went up kaboom like a skyrocket. Word broke earlier today that the by the performance by country music act on Saturday, July 4 — which was part…
Professional wrestling legend Bret “Hitman” Hart is what you might call a world warrior. The Canadian-born grappler — who’s a multiple-time world champion for the both the WWE and its now-defunct competitor WCW — has traveled the globe a dozen times over and, during his heyday, performed on at least…
There’s a new development in the situation involving local transgender woman Brian Sandy and her issues with Tempe Tavern. Earlier today, the Gilbert resident filed an official complaint with the City of Tempe against the bar and music venue over being denied service and booted out last weekend. The claim,…
Briana Sandy, the local transgender woman who was kicked out of Tempe Tavern over the weekend after being denied service, got an official apology from the management of the bar and music venue yesterday. Tempe Tavern manager Robert Tasso offered up a public mea culpa of sorts to the 55-year-old…
When Briana Sandy stepped into Tempe Tavern over the weekend, the local transgender woman was eager to watch Saturday’s historic Belmont Stakes horse race on the bar’s televisions over a drink. That, however, didn’t happen. Instead, the 55-year-old was refused service and asked by Tempe Tavern’s employees to immediately leave…
If you were to compile a list of the greatest sketch comedy shows of all time, there are a few obvious choices that you’d want to include. Naturally, Britain’s influential Monty Python’s Flying Circus would probably top the list, followed closely by the equally iconic Saturday Night Live and SCTV,…
It ain’t easy being a cosplayer at Phoenix Comicon, or any other convention during the warmer months. It can be uncomfortable walking around downtown Phoenix to begin with, let alone layers of cardboard, PVC, or other costuming material. And believe us, you tend to do a lot of walking at…
Its a warm night in downtown Phoenix and the members of local hip-hop group Drunken Immortals are making things even warmer inside the Pueblo practice space near the Crescent Ballroom as they rehearse a few Beastie Boys covers. A tiny A/C unit in the wall and a ramshackle swamp cooler…
Phoenix Comicon is definitely jam-packed with things to do. This year’s edition of PCC – taking place from Thursday, May 28, until Sunday, May 31 – is no exception, as illustrated by the four-day event’s enormous program guide. Besides all the hubbub and lively booths in the Exhibition Hall, there…
Phoenix Comicon is going to be big this year — really big. In fact, we’ve heard rumors that it will be the biggest year to date for the much-beloved geek bonanza and pop culture convention. Not only are there going to be more guests (read: actors, actresses, comic book creators,…
“Do you want to get a drink or see a show?” asks Charlie Levy. The local concert promoter stands in front of a pair of doors in the landing of Valley Bar, his new basement-level music venue and lounge in downtown Phoenix, as he poses the question. It’s more choose-your-own-adventure…
All About Books and Comics owners Marsha and Alan Giroux have their hands full these days, and not just with stocking the latest titles from Marvel and DC. The couple, who have run the renowned Phoenix comic book emporium for 33 years, are getting ready to leave their longtime location…
You’ll have to forgive Sam Groove if he’s been a little busy over the last couple of weeks. Its to be expected, considering the fact that the local DJ/promoter and others behind the scenes at Hades Entertainment have been busy getting everything ready for this weekend’s Dirty Disco out at…
Motown on Mondays is on the move. The DJs behind popular dance joint — which focuses on remixes of the Motown hits of yesteryear, as well as old-school soul, funk and disco classics — are planning to pack up their tracks and head across downtown Phoenix from the Crescent Ballroom…
According to our calculations, at least 176 days remain until Halloween rolls around, which might seem like an absolute eternity to some folks. Then again, if you’re the organizers of the the Mad Monster Party — the annual convention focused on horror flicks and slasher films — every day is…
When Valley jazz singer Margo Reed passed away last month at the age of 73, the beloved vocalist left behind an indelible legacy. And according to her friends, family members, and fans, its one filled with cherished memories and unforgettable performances by one the true gems of Arizona’s jazz scene…
There is no shortage of places around the Valley to party at on Cinco de Mayo, to say the least. Ditto for all the events that will transpire during the days and nights leading up to the big drinking holiday. For proof, look no further than our annual Cinco guide,…
The first thing you absolutely need to know about Cinco de Mayo is that — despite what your inebriated friends might claim — it isn’t a celebration of Mexico’s secession from Spain. And that’s a fact. (That particular holiday is in September, gringo.) You’ll have plenty of opportunities to set…
Jason Kron vividly remembers his first close encounter with the entity known as Space-Alien Donald. It’s understandable, since getting asked if you were a fellow extraterrestrial is something you don’t soon forget. As the local musician and frontman for Hug of War recalls the otherworldly experience, it happened in late…
There is no shortage of places around the Valley to party at on Cinco de Mayo, to say the least. Ditto for all the events that will transpire during the days and nights leading up to the big drinking holiday. For proof, look no further than our annual Cinco guide,…
