Gun in the Sun

1/17-1/18
Peaceniks and doves be advised: Steer clear of Papago Park this weekend. For all others who love heavy machinery and artillery, and who long for the days before Bono and Britney turned camouflage into a fashion statement, the 13th annual Papago Military Vehicle Show on Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18, requires your attention, SIR! On a much-storied parcel of land in east Phoenix that once housed German POWs (some of whom escaped but aren't likely roaming the streets today) during World War II, the Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club brings the gamut of metal might from battlefields past: road-weary and rebuilt Jeeps, multi-caliber machine guns, cargo trucks, non-civilian Hummers, bulletproof and armored cars, and a range of weapons carriers. Many are competing for awards from military and club officials who judge the contest on Saturday at noon.

For the kiddies, Sheriff Joe's anti-drug campaign Paladin Tank, which blasts a pyrotechnic charge from the muzzle of its self-propelled 155mm Howitzer gun, will be on display as well. And for those wanna-be arms dealers, a "parts and militaria" swap meet is scheduled for both days of the event.

Admission is free. For information see www.armytrucks.org or call 602-840-5019. Joe Watson

Boozing Proposition

Carefree opens the cellar for festival

1/16-1/18
Drink in some culture on Easy Street -- be sure to swirl and sniff it first -- where 155 artists will set up shop for Carefree's Fine Art & Wine Festival. In addition to some 5,000 artworks lining downtown's Easy and Ho Hum streets, the 11th annual fest features the Native American rhythms of Brule, plus wine tasting and gourmet food. Admission is free on Friday, January 16, $2 on Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18. Call 480-837-5637 for more information. - Jill Koch

Oldies But Goodies

Antiques bring in the New Year

1/16-1/18
If you're a collector, New Year's clichés don't ring true. "Out with the new, in with the old" makes more sense when you're in the market for a rare Victorian vase, a prized comic book or a vintage Bakelite bracelet. This weekend, the Arizona Antique Show and the Arizona Toy & Advertising Round-Up bring plenty of time-worn finds to the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Admission is $3 for adults and free for kids age 14 and under. Visit www.azantiqueshow.com for more information. - Michele Laudig

Rights Minded

Valley events celebrate King's vision

1/15-1/19
"A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan."

-- Martin Luther King Jr. Valley residents have ample opportunity to choose life over debt this week. From Thursday, January 15, through Monday, January 19, various events honor King's legacy, including the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee's "We Are One" commemoration. The lineup includes a 12th Anniversary MLK Mass on Friday, a Youth Celebration at Phoenix College from Thursday through Saturday and, continuing until the end of the month, a Youth Art Exhibition at the Carver Museum. Also on tap: Friday's City of Phoenix MLK Awards Breakfast, Sunday's Candlelight Ceremony, and Monday's MLK March and Festival, themed "Stand Up for Justice." Marchers assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1401 East Jefferson, and the festival follows at Margaret T. Hance Park, with a kids' zone, main-stage entertainment, health fair and craft vendors. Call 602-254-5081 for more information.

Mesa's "Many Faces, One Community" celebration commences with a Friday evening candlelight service and, on Saturday, honors Mesa's youth in "A Night of Tribute." Monday's Celebration Breakfast precedes the MLK Unity Parade, set for 11 a.m. in downtown Mesa, and the MLK Festival, featuring food, carnival rides, and music by Sherry L. Roberson, Vince Redhouse, Novo Mundo, and Gabriel Francisco. Call 480-644-EVENT or see www.ci.mesa.az.us for event locations and times.

Scottsdale gets into the spirit on Sunday, when the Scottsdale Center for the Arts' Sunday A'Fair morphs into Peace and Community Day. Kids' craft activities, food, Native American rhythms by Estun-Bah and worldbeat pop by Azz Izz take over the Civic Plaza, Second Street and Drinkwater, from noon to 4:30 p.m. See www.scottsdalearts.org. - Jill Koch

Sugar Drama

Support the arts with a night of theater

Tue 1/20
Savor sweet, sweet charity -- and culture worth the carbs -- when "Taste of the Arts" transpires Tuesday, January 20, at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Local performing arts groups flavor the fourth annual fund raiser, themed "An Evening of Jazz and Blues," with tasty takes on the genre, while guests gorge on gourmet desserts, and the benevolent do their bidding in a silent auction of local artworks.

The evening's entertainment includes selections from Arizona Theatre Company's It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues, Black Theatre Troupe's Billie Holiday tribute Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Phoenix Theatre's Swing!, plus sounds from the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Youth Band, and the John Summers Trio. The collective sugar high, meanwhile, comes courtesy of the Art Institute of Phoenix Culinary Arts Program, Cathy's Rum Cake, elements, Essence Catering, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch, and Restaurant Hapa.

Tickets are $50; proceeds support Arizonans for Cultural Development, a nonprofit arts advocacy organization. Call 602-253-6535 or e-mail enews@qwest.net for reservations. - Jill Koch