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Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival
On That Note
By Dale Shepard
This month’s music report is on the annual Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival held on April 14th & 15th in downtown Glendale. This event has been going on for 29 years and brings many national and local artists to the stage. This event has always been free and brings out thousands of music lovers.
One of the artists that took the stage on Saturday was saxophonist Dominic Amato and his band. Dominic is one of the premier, up and coming artists in the country and has toured with Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge and others in his young career. Dominic comes from a talented family of musicians and singers. Dom’s brother, Giovanni, handles the vocals for the band with his smooth R&B style. The band surrounding Dominic is very talented as well. A personal highlight of the evening was drummer, Ira King laying out a solo that impressed all in attendance.
Dominic’s style is free-flowing and interactive with his audience. His talents are only equaled by his humbleness and desire for his audience to have a great time. Dominic has two cd’s out, “Fresh From the Groove” and his newest, “Illuminate”. Dominic’s music never lacks for drive. He also teams up with his brother in the band STATIC, which has played halftime at many Suns games.
Jazz lovers would be doing themselves a favor by checking out Dominic’s music at his website, dominicamato.com. The Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival is a great venue for local artists to showcase their talents. Stay tuned for additional music venues I will be highlighting going on around the Valley of the Sun!
First Friday Phoenix
http://phoenix.org/festivals/first-friday-phoenix-art-walks/
Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market
Photo copyright by Elizabeth R. Rose
Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market
Each March, the Heard Indian Market will provide you with a colorful array of the best Native American jewelry, art and entertainment. The Heard market is one of Arizona’s most significant cultural events and draws nearly 20,000 visitors. You’ll spend the better part of the day visiting the more than 700 Native American artists from all across the country who bring the finest jewelry, art, baskets, katsinas and pottery to show and sell at the Heard.
Not only will you have the opportunity to visit and speak with these distinguished artists, you’ll enjoy the entertainment… hoop dancing, traditional music and more. Stop by a food booth for fair food including American Indian favorites like fry bread, posole stew, piki bread and Hopi stew as well as Mexican and American fare.
The event lasts two days, Saturday and Sunday and if you are a Heard Museum Member, you can get in early. Collectors usually do this. Those might be bargain hunters go on Sunday afternoon when there is less to see but, if the artist doesn’t want to pack things away for the next show, some bargaining can be had.
This amazing outdoor market takes place in large tents throughout the Heard Museum courtyards. Entertainment is held in the grassy amphitheater. With the mild weather Phoenix enjoys in March, this is a wonderful event to attend.
Parking and Entrance Fees:
Parking is free and the Phoenix Metro Light Rail stops right in front of the Heard Museum. tickets are available at the gate. Cost: $20 for adults; children 16 and under free; $10 for students with I.D. and American Indians with tribal I.D.
More Information:
Heard Museum Website
Elizabeth (Liz) Rose is the Senior Editor at Striped Pot Boutique Travel Magazine and writer for Phoenix Getaways at Examiner.com. She is also a freelance writer, photographer and business woman with a passion for travel. She lives in the Southwest and is an expert in cultural tourism for Arizona and New Mexico. What Liz likes best about Phoenix are Saguaros, sunsets and swimming pools.
What Your Guy’s Home Decor Says About Him
What Your Guy’s Home Décor Says About Him
By: Meghan Krein
Going over to a guy’s house for the first time can turn you into a bundle of nerves, wondering if he’s just inviting you over to get some action or if he genuinely likes you and wants to get to know you better in an intimate setting. But, at the same time it can be a great opportunity to scope his place out and discover what he’s all about. It’s time to put all that Nancy Drew reading into action. Below are a few things to be on the lookout for and the meaning behind them.
- A Musical Instrument: No matter if it’s a guitar or set of drums, this guy has emotional problems. Get ready to play therapist while he plays tortured love songs.
- Wine Rack: A man with a rack has class. It shows he’s cultured, really enjoys the taste of alcohol and likes entertaining. So, sit back and let him entertain you.
- Pets: Unless you spot a python and a freezer full of rodents, pets are a clue that he’s domesticated. Expect cozy nights curled up on the sofa with your man – and Fido.
- Pictures of Family and Friends: He’s the guy next door. He loves life and wants to share it with everyone. Um, just make sure his ex is out of the picture.
- Stuffed Animals: This is his first time living alone and he’s scared. You should be too.
- Old plates of food in the sink: He’s a mommy’s boy and never had to do anything for himself. Maybe after you finish scrubbing those dirty dishes, you can sew the button back on his jacket?
- Incense: He does drugs and invited you over because he’s paranoid the cops are going to raid his place any moment. At least if you’re there, you can take the fall. Well, if you loved him you would.
Meghan hails from Iowa, home of corn and pigs, which explains why she lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. She earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology and works in the mental health field. Meghan has over 13 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in relationships and sex. Fun facts about Meghan: She once worked as a counselor in a men’s prison, judges people by their astrological sign, is addicted to exercise, and adores a martini.
New Soleri Footbridge Dedicated at Scottsdale Waterfront
Soleri Bridge
New Soleri Footbridge Dedicated at Scottsdale Waterfront
By: Trevor Freeman
Scottsdale, Arizona recently celebrated the completion of one of the most ambitious public art projects in the city’s history. On Saturday, December 11th, 2010, the new Soleri Footbridge was officially dedicated in Old Town Scottsdale.
The $3.5 million dollar bridge spans the Arizona Canal near Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road in an area known as “The Waterfront.” It is the first of architect Paolo Soleri’s bridges to be completed.
The bridge is 24 feet wide at the south end and 18 feet wide at the north end. It features clean, modern lines that hang low over the water’s surface. The bridge’s basic function is to allow pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders to cross the canal safely. However, the bridge also incorporates several features which are appropriate to its desert location including a built-in solar calendar and a gathering plaza with a cast bronze windbell.
The main support for the bridge comes from a pair of 64 foot-tall columns which stand at a near-vertical 80-degree angle. When the sun reaches its highest point of the day (solar noon), its light will shine through a six-inch gap between the supports on to the deck of the bridge. The Soleri Footbridge is proof that art can be both functional and beautiful at the same time.
Paolo Soleri is an architect who is known around the world for his unique style of “arcology,” a term he coined which combines architecture and ecology. Soleri is also the founder of the Cosanti Foundation, a non-profit educational group that oversees Cosanti in Scottsdale and Arcosanti in Mayer, Arizona (approximately 75 miles north of Phoenix).
Both of these facilities aim to promote Soleri’s vision of architecture that is conscious of its environment. They are also functioning studios and galleries where artisans work in bronze casting, ceramics, and earth-formed structures. We would like to congratulate Mr. Soleri and the City of Scottsdale on their tremendous achievements!
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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.
If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.
Encanto Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Encanto Park Ceremony
Encanto Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary
By: Trevor Freeman
One of Phoenix’s most unique icons recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. I’m talking about Encanto Park, located on 15th Avenue between Thomas Road and McDowell Road.
As one of Phoenix’s 31 Points of Pride, Encanto Park has received special recognition as a significant landmark in Phoenix’s history and culture. The massive 222-acre park is truly an oasis in the desert with its abundant water features including a 7.5 acre lagoon, boathouse, and public swimming pool.
The idea for the park came about in 1934 from millionaire philanthropist William G. Hartranft, who also served as the first director of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation board. He envisioned a grand city park that would be as iconic as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park or San Diego’s Balboa Park.
The park’s design and layout incorporates elements from English Garden Parks of the 1920s and 1930s as well as the City Beautiful Movement that took place during the turn of the 20th century.
Over the years, Encanto Park has been upgraded with modern features like picnic areas with barbecue grills, a nature trail, and sports facilities such as a baseball diamond, basketball court, and tennis courts. For over seven decades, it’s been one of the most popular spots for Phoenix residents to eat, play, and relax under the park’s numerous shade trees.
But there’s more to Encanto than just sports and recreation. Encanto Park is also home to Enchanted Island, an amusement park geared towards children of all ages. Enchanted Island has plenty of rides and attractions to choose from such as a historic carousel, train ride, bumper boats, and more. There’s even a water park for those hot summer days!
As the park turned 75 this year, the City of Phoenix put together a big celebration on Saturday, November 27th. The whole day was filled with events such as live music from local artists, activities for kids, and a fireworks display at night.
Encanto Park really has something for everyone. It was voted one of the 12 best parks in America by Forbes Magazine in 2009, and for good reason! In many ways, Encanto is the crown jewel of city parks in Phoenix. If you haven’t been there, I would strongly encourage you to stop by and check it out for yourself!
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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.
If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.
Glendale Glitters Festival of Lights
Glendale Glitters Festival of Light
Glendale Glitters Festival of Lights
By: Trevor Freeman
If you’re not from Arizona, you may find that winters in Phoenix can take some getting used to. When Christmastime rolls around, many find that it’s hard to get into the spirit of the season when there is no snow on the ground. While strings of lights are no substitute for snow, they are the best we have.
The City of Glendale, Arizona gets its residents in the West Valley going every year with a celebration called Glendale Glitters. All 16 blocks of historic downtown Glendale are decorated with over 1.5 million colored lights, making it the largest FREE light display in all of Arizona! You’ll find lights hanging from buildings, trees, lampposts, and everywhere else!
Of course, there’s more to Glendale Glitters than just a lot of festive decorations. Murphy Park in front of Glendale City Hall is a center of activity including live music and dancing, food vendors, and even horse-drawn carriage rides!
The City of Glendale has made this year one of the best yet for coming down to check out the festivities. For the first time ever, two public parking garages are now open in addition to on-street parking. The City Hall garage at 59th Avenue and Glendale Avenue and the Bank of America building garage at 58th Avenue and Glenn Drive both offer premier parking for $10 per vehicle.
The centerpiece is a 30-foot tall Christmas tree loaded with decorations. This year’s tree features a dancing light display that is synchronized to a selection of eight popular Christmas songs.
Come check out Glendale Glitters nightly from 5 to 10pm, now through January 8th, 2011. For more details, please visit http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/
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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.
If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.
Arizona International Auto Show November 25-28 2010
Arizona Auto Show November 1
Arizona International Auto Show 2010
By: Trevor Freeman
November is that special time of year when the weather starts to get cold, families come together for Thanksgiving, and the cars roll into town. By cars, I mean the Arizona International Auto show at the Phoenix Convention Center. This event comes to town each year on Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s show could be the best one yet!
Here’s how it works: for four days, the Phoenix Convention Center fills up with brand-new vehicles from the world’s major automakers. They are on display in a no-pressure environment where prospective buyers can get a feel for them. You can sit down, play with the knobs, adjust the seat, and kick the tires without being hassled by salesmen.
With over 400 cars spread out among 310,000 square feet of space, the 2010 Arizona International Auto Show is a fun way to check out all the latest models while walking off the extra pounds from Thanksgiving.
Besides mass-production vehicles, the Auto Show is also a great place to check out concept vehicles. These one-off models may or may not make it to production, so in some cases this may be your only chance to see them. This year the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and Chevrolet Camaro LS7 concept vehicles will be on display.
My favorite part of the auto show takes place at the curb in front of the Phoenix Convention Center, where select carmakers have ride-and-drive events set up. This gives you a chance to ride along in or drive a brand new car around downtown Phoenix. Last year, I drove the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS automatic coupe with the 400-horsepower V8. It was such a blast that I was smiling all day long!
Arizona Auto Show November Number 2
Other manufacturers including Ford and Jeep also have ride-and-drive pavilions featuring their latest models. The Jeep exhibit takes passengers over a rough off-road course in a Trail-Rated Jeep vehicle, which is driven by a professional 4×4 driver. At the Ford pavilion, drivers can take the wheel of a brand new 2011 Ford Fiesta, Mustang, Taurus, Edge, F150 pickup, or a Super Duty Diesel truck.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend your Thanksgiving weekend, I highly recommend visiting the Arizona International Auto Show.
Date: November 25-28, 2010
Hours: 9am to 7pm Thursday and Sunday, 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday
Admission: $9 adults, $5 military, students, seniors, and children 7-12. Children 6 and under are free.
For more information, visit: http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/phoenix/generalinfo.jsp
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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.
If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.
9 Great Books About Arizona
9 Great Books About Arizona
By: Trevor Freeman
If I had to pick just one word to describe Arizona, it would be inspiring. Maybe it’s the variety of landscapes and climates, or perhaps it is the remarkable sunsets. Whatever the reason, there’s just something about Arizona that inspires people to get creative. Here is my list of some cool books about Arizona:
Weird Arizona Book Cover
1. Weird Arizona by Wesley Treat
This book features all of the weird, strange, and unique places you won’t find in other travel guides. Weird Arizona features roadside attractions, haunted places, and all manner of weirdness. Definitely a must-read for those off-the-beaten-path explorers. It also makes a great gift!
Weird Arizona by Wesley Treat
2. Moon Handbooks: Arizona by Bill Weir
A dear friend gifted me this excellent travel guide to Arizona. It covers Page to Nogales and everything in between. The best Arizona has to offer in attractions, lodging, and dining are all packed into this extremely portable book. Weir goes a step beyond other travel guides by introducing each of Arizona’s regions with a detailed and contextual history.
3. Phoenix Then and Now by Paul Scharbach and John Akers
Take a trip back through time and see what Phoenix used to look like in its early days. This book takes it a step further with “rephotography” – modern-day photos from the same locations as historical photos. Akers and Scharbach do a masterful job of showing the city’s changing face over time.
Phoenix Then and Now
4. The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons by John Wesley Powell
Civil War veteran, geologist, and explorer John Wesley Powell was the first man to lead an exploration of the Colorado River Valley in 1869. Powell’s journal records the incredible 1,000 mile journey that led to the first recorded exploration of the Grand Canyon with the soul of a poet and the wit of a scientist.
5. Official Arizona Trivia by Marshall Trimble
As the Official State Historian of Arizona, Marshall Trimble has spent his life preserving the state’s history and culture through his written works. In Arizona Trivia, he recounts the weird, wacky, and unusual facts about the state’s history that you simply won’t find anywhere else!
6. Phoenix: 21st Century City by Edward Booth-Clibborn
This book is a compilation of photographs that highlights the architectural and artistic side of Phoenix as it continues to grow and expand in a seemingly endless sprawl of suburbs. It’s worth owning just for the remarkable photographs of a city that is contstantly in transition and the effects that has on its residents.
7. Arcosanti: An Urban Laboratory? by Paolo Soleri
This Italian-born architect has adopted Arizona as the home for his vision of the future. Arcology is a fusion of architecture and ecology, exhibited at Soleri’s experimental community in Mayer, Arizona and at Cosanti in Scottsdale. His visions of the future are as ambitious as they are grand, which makes for some controversial yet interesting theology.
8. Monumental Places: National Parks and Monuments in the Grand Canyon State by George McNamee
Published by Arizona Highways, this book takes readers on a tour of Arizona’s most famous places. At just 80 pages, the focus of this book is clearly on quality. It features the stunning, award-winning photographs that Arizona Highways magazine is famous for. Great for shutterbugs and Arizona enthusiasts alike.
9. Route 66 Across Arizona by Richard and Sherry Magnum
Check out this comprehensive index of Historic Route 66 in Arizona! From the New Mexico border to the California State Line, this book features maps, photos, and information about the Mother Road’s path through Arizona.
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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.
If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.
On That Note
