Better not obliterate too many brain cells while spring breaking, buddy. There are far too many lectures to take in this March. Time to trade in your beer helmet for a thinking cap, class is in session. “Labors of Love: The Whimsy of Valley Yard Art” @ Burton Barr Central…
Kelsey Dake has a very thick half-wall between her studio and the rest of her home in uptown Phoenix. The 23-year-old illustrator stresses the importance of a work and home-life balance, which is hard to pull off when both things happen in the same space, but probably necessary when you’re…
Bearded Octopus at Gypsy Bar, 3/9/13 Although there may not have been any lions, tigers, or elephants about, CityScape nightspot Gypsy Bar definitely boasted a circus-like aura on Saturday, March 9, during Bearded Octopus. Party promoter Jen Deveroux assembled three ring’s worth of big top characters and creatives for the…
The Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention was a hit, as former movie studio/living history theme park Old Tucson Studios came to life this weekend, full of folks showing off costumes that reimagined the Victorian era. The parameters of the steampunk genre are loosely defined as Victorian science fiction, which in…
We know: The beginning of the work week sucks. But if you take a quick look at the calendar, you’ll see we’re off to a pretty good week of art events, sporting events, dance parties, and more. Here are our must-see events from now to the weekend . . …
If Bob Ross were alive today, he’d be painting happy little trees all over the place in ecstatic fervor for all the arts and culture happenings in Phoenix. To help you see the forest for the trees, here’s a recap of the top arts and culture stories of the week…
Be still our hearts. Spanish mega-retailer Zara is setting up shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Much like competitors H&M and Uniqlo, the fast-fashion chain has hit it big with style-conscious shoppers worldwide, gaining fans for its low prices and on-trend items. See also: – Cellar Door Vintage Opens with Punk…
Because nothing says “Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day” like a bidding war over a sex doll, we bring you Valentina. Valentina is the brain child of Sexônico, an online sex shop, and is the first sex doll to have “human-skin,” plus “fleshy lips, full breasts, and a body that inspires…
The annual Arizona Governor’s Arts Awards recognizes local artists, organizations, educators, businesses, and individuals for contributions to the local arts and culture scene. The Arizona Commission on the Arts announced nominations for the 2013 awards in March and celebrated the winners this week. See also: – Christopher Torrez’s Miniature Terrains…
Stone-faced and brutal, Lee Marvin defined the role of cinematic “tough guy.” Dwayne Epstein, author of the new biography Lee Marvin: Point Blank, describes the moment he realized Marvin’s role as film’s first “action star” as the “quintessential whack on the back of the head. Some people call it a…
Wait. You got your Aziz Ansari tix already, right? Good. ‘Cause his Buried Alive Tour stops at Comerica Theatre on May 5. Ready for the pre-party? Here it goes: 10 GIFS of our favorite swagtastic comedian, Yeezy sidekick, and Parks and Recreation character. (Deal with it, Swansonians.) That one up…
Normally, this time of year, our theater pants would be full of PHX:fringe performances, but we’re having a much less edgy spring than we’d like. The festival’s official website, which went dark in January or February, had featured the same landing page for several months, advising fans to check back…
Summertime is going to be here before you know it. And with it comes the annual surfeit of posh pool parties at upscale swimming joints. One of the more popular places that the well-heeled bikini and boardshorts crowd will be flocking to will be the Maya Day and Nightclub in…
And your list of participating spas will be released on Monday. But before we get there, here’s the skinny: During National Spa Week (April 15-21), local spas slash prices on their signature treatments. We’re talking $50 for treatments and services that are usually $85 to $450. A complete list of…
Hello, weekend. We promise not to waste you. Here’s how. Classic Arcade Corner Competition @ Gotham City Comics Downtown Mesa gets its game face on with ThinGAMEajig, a Second Friday evening of board, arcade, and card play. In on the fun, Gotham City Comics will host a competitive crew of…
Landmark local comedy club Tempe Improv, which closed last summer after decades of hosting hundreds of superstar stand-ups, is making a return. The legendary laugh establishment, located near University Drive and Rural Road in Tempe, is scheduled to reopen its doors in mid-April. It’s just the latest development in the…
Load up on your snack of choice, pal. You have some movies to see. Here are five flicks and festivals you don’t want to miss this month. The Monk at Harkins Shea In our pope-free world, searching for piousness seems pretty pointless. But slacking on our Hail Marys doesn’t really…
Sideshow performer Jeremy Kinison of Cut Throat Freak Show loves to shock and awe with his dangerous-looking antics. And he did plenty of both while living in the Valley for more than a decade, whether it was juggling chainsaws at local bars or leaping on broken glass on street corners…
Steve Wiley is Jackalope Ranch’s Parent Hood. He’s a slightly unorthodox father of five who will weigh in weekly with his mildly rebellious views and observations. If you’d like to see how he came to write this column, watch the intro video. This week, he expresses frustration with his children…
Visiting Christopher Torrez’s Habitations can be a surreal experience. After participating in Mesa Contemporary Arts’ 33rd annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition last year, Torrez was awarded the Juror’s Choice Award, resulting in his current show. The gallery room in the back of Mesa Contemporary Arts is scattered with black boxes containing…
We salute you, spring breakers. As does Kelly Lewis. The globetrotting travel writer founded Go! Girl Guides to publish guidebooks targeted toward women traveling solo in such places as Thailand and Argentina and share a slew of tips. Que sorpresa, coeds, Lewis and Go! Girl Guides: Mexico author Ellen Guill…
Arizona-based artist Mayme Kratz has made it a practice to find art in what some might see as nothing more than barren desert. Her three-dimensional creations highlight the interconnectedness of nature, space, and the creative spirit. This month, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will host screenings of a Mayme…
