Tag Archives: Urban Fun

No Joke, It’s First Friday!

First Friday Art Walk In Downtown Phoenix Arizona- April 1st, 2016

Jesse Perry April 1st, 2016

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Courtesy of Shade Projects

It’s no time to be an April Fool – join the festivities in downtown Phoenix for this month’s Art Walk and see what everyone is talking about. There is always something new and exciting to discover around every corner, even for you frequent-frequenters of First Friday.

Alley Cats

You’ve heard of street art, but have you heard of alley art?  Take a peep tonight from 7-10 p.m. “… and maybe watch your step”, in the alleyway between Roosevelt and Garfield and 5th & 6th street for the first feature exhibit of Alley Art, a DIY style art show series brought to you by Kharli Mandeville. Behind Lawn Gnome Publishing, located at 905 N. 5th Street.

Inspired Soles

First Friday,arts walk,phoenix,historic,real estate

Courtesy of Kharli Mandeville

Join over 70 artists for this years 5th Annual Inspired Soles show, which features a host of stiletto-shaped canvases that have been transformed into unique works of art, ranging from paintings to sculptures to wearable designs. Come out and see if you can find your “sole mate” in Warehouse 215 at Bentley Projects, located at 215 E. Grant Street, from 6-10 p.m.

The Naturalness of Strange Things

Award winning artists, Bill Dambrova and Abbey Messmer are known for their, “inspired by strange things” style of artwork, so it was natural that they would want to exhibit together. Shade Project is proud to present this mind-altering combo displaying a tapestry of, “vibrant, bold and diverse paintings and mixed media sculpture.” Come connect with these artists and find out what their focus is all about, tonight from 6-10 p.m. in the MonOrchid, located at 214 E. Roosevelt St.

We Can All Be Free

There are moments in history that ripple with creativity and are eternally inspirational.  One such moment took place in post-war Hungary in the 1950’s with people painting entire villages with bright, colorful, thematic images that reflected their culture and beliefs. This is where artist Lara Plecas draws her inspiration. Join her to see how it all comes together, tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Practical Art, located at 5070 N. Central Ave.

PSYCHOPOMP

Don’t expect this exhibit to be filled the ‘usual’ pomp and circumstance. In fact, it will be any thing but. Featuring the work of Constance McBride and Dean Reynolds, this show promises to deliver a fierce display of traditional skills and techniques in a juxtaposed flurry of graphite drawings, oil paintings and breath-taking sculpture depicting the human form in ways that can only be described as deeply reflective.  Join the artists tonight from 6-10 p.m. at 9 the Gallery, located at 1229 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

This is one of many events occurring in Historic Phoenix. Subscribe to our blog to keep up to date on fun events in and around Phoenix.

CityScape to Present Weekly Jazz Concert Series in April

Weekly Jazz Concert Series Begins at CityScape In Downtown Phoenix in Advance of Phoenix International Jazz Day

downtown phoenix jazz,central phoenix,real estate,historic districtsFree Outdoor Lunchtime Concert Series Every Tuesday in April Leads Up to April 30 Event

CityScape Phoenix will host a free outdoor lunchtime jazz concert series every Tuesday in April leading up to the 5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day on Saturday, April 30.

The series and event is in partnership with The International Jazz Day Foundation and will entertain audiences with a lineup of great local jazz and blues artists who will perform at Patriots Park, located in the center of CityScape, every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. With cool spring temperatures and a variety of restaurants at CityScape, it’s the perfect excuse to order lunch to-go and enjoy it outside.

Weekly Jazz Concert Series at CityScape

  • April 5 – The Musical Magic of Doc Jones Ensemble
  • April 12 – The Anthony Pear Project
  • April 19 – Tom Daley & Friends
  • April 26 – Bobby Hamilton
    The free series leads up to the 5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day held at CityScape on April 30 from 4pm until 10pm. This same day more than 196 global celebrations take place to celebrate jazz and the role it plays in uniting people around the world. General admission is $25 at the gate and VIP seating is available for $75. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketlobster.com or 602-268-0600.

Arizona’s own lucky charm trumpeter Jesse McGuire headlines this year’s jazz event, with a surprise special guest to be named later. Famous for his execution of the Star Spangled Banner, Jesse McGuire has performed for three U.S. presidents, and at many major sporting events, most notably game seven of the 2001 World Series when the Diamondbacks defeated the NY Yankees to bring home a victory.

5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day Featured Performers

  • Royce Murray – accomplished songwriter whose career includes collaborations with R&B icon Barry White; opening acts for Tony Monaco, Joey DeFrancesco and the legendary Jimmy
  • Smith; and playing organ for ABC, CBS and NBC television soap operas.
  • Dowell Davis – known as “D” to his fellow players, Davis has graced national and international stages with his drumming since 1983. He’s an accomplished artist who has played a variety of musical styles, and has an innate understanding of grooving.
  • Dan Pinson- Born in Phoenix, he has appeared with or opened for Stevie Wonder, Spyrogyra, The Temptations, Beach Boys, Gato Barbieri, Pinson has performed in venues around the world.
  • Carlos Rivas – International Latino jazz artist who has performed throughout the world. He is founder and director of Mex-Sal, one of Arizona’s most prestigious Latin groups.
  • Kerry Campbell – Jazz saxophonist and former member of The Dramatics and famed band War, Campbell has performed with jazz greats Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Sample among others.
  • Loannis Goudelis – Piano “Ioannis Goudelis has performed internationally at festivals, clubs and concert halls throughout the world including the most of the United States, Europe, Africa, Central America and the Pacific.
  • William “Doc” Jones – Jazz saxophonist, keyboard artist, founder of NextStudent Academy and Jaz Day AZ, Doc Jones has performed with Aretha Franklin and The Temptations among others.

For more information, visit www.cityscapephoenix.com. Ample and convenient underground parking is available and validated by restaurants and retailers with purchase.

If you live downtown in or near historic districts like Willo, F.Q. Story, Encanto-Palmcroft or Roosevelt, you can walk or bike to the light rail and get there easily and quickly.