Familiar with the mood-enhancing, color-changing wall behind the bar at SIX? Now the sleek Scottsdale lounge takes the transformation several steps further, with a refreshing new addition to Scottsdale nightlife: Mint. Every Thursday, SIX's cozy decor is radically altered with all-white draperies, cabanas and sheer curtains illuminated by soothing green lighting. A special menu to fit the night's theme includes lamb chops with mint jelly, mint tofu spring rolls and mint chocolate mousse cake, plus three signature mint cocktails available just for the occasion. Rock blended with hip-hop, plus some vintage funk and soul, makes for a crowd-pleasing music mix. Quite the elaborate production, even the smallest details fit the theme, from green-flamed candles to mint aromatherapy. Doors open at 7 p.m. at SIX, 3316 East Stetson in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-663-6620.
Friday, October 24
The Mesa Pow Wow celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a weekend full of the traditional music and dance that have made it a destination for folks who love Native American culture. Kicking off the event is a special concert from DAWA and David Montour at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 24. Then starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, the festival gets into full swing with 100 Native American arts and food vendors, plus fun activities for kids. The highlight of the weekend is the inter-tribal dance competition, emceed by Roy Track, with categories for men, women, juniors (age 8 to 16) and tiny tots (age 7 and under). Admission is free at Pioneer Park, 526 East Main in Mesa. To find out more, call 480-644-EVENT (3836).
Saturday, October 25
Arizona native and manicurist to celebs such as Demi Moore, Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, Deborah Lippmann makes a personal appearance at Nordstrom on Saturday, October 25. Creator of her own line of nail polishes, Lippmann concocted her latest color, "Sarah Smile," (a pale, sheer pink) with Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to meet the nail expert and get her take on the newest manicure trends at Nordstrom Fashion Square, 7055 East Camelback in Scottsdale. To find out more, call 480-946-4111.
Sunday, October 26
Spend the day at Tempe Town Lake on Sunday, October 26, to watch the desert's most ironic spectator sport: rowing. Featuring three-and-a-half-mile, endurance-based races called "head races," typical of the fall rowing season, the inaugural Hothead Regatta attracts 400 rowers from across the country for some intense competition under the Arizona sun. KDKB provides music throughout the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon, or possibly beyond. (If you stick around until 4 p.m., take in a free concert at Live@theLake, this week featuring Latin rhythms from Carmela Y Mas.) Admission is free, and races can be viewed from both sides of the lake. To meet team members, head to the lake's north side by taking Curry/Washington to Lakeview, which loops around Mill and is a block away from Mill in either direction. For more information, visit www.tempe.gov/lake or call 480-350-8625.
Monday, October 27
Second City, the Chicago-based comedy troupe that launched the careers of mega-stars like Bill Murray, Chris Farley and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, sends its National Touring Company to the Valley for a special one-night performance of hilarious, cutting-edge improv, skits and music at the Tempe Improv on Monday, October 27. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets are $15. For reservations or to find out more, call 480-921-9877. The Improv is located at 930 East University in Tempe.
Best-selling crime author Ann Rule's latest book, Heart Full of Lies: A True Story of Desire and Death, is somewhat of a reversal from her previous titles. Instead of telling another story of women tormented by the men who were supposed to love them, this work delves into the actual case of Liysa Northon, an Oregon woman who manipulated the men in her life and even murdered her own husband in October 2000. Rule, a former Seattle police officer, signs copies of her new tome at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 27, at The Poisoned Pen, 4014 North Goldwater in Scottsdale. Call 480-947-2974 to find out more.
Tuesday, October 28
To every one of Mommy's Little Monsters seeking Another State of Mind, we're Telling Them that the place to find rock 'n' roll bliss on Tuesday, October 28, is at The Marquee Theatre, where old-school punk legends Social Distortion are sure to draw a huge crowd. Led by tattooed, charismatic, gravely voiced lead singer Mike Ness, the band formed in Orange County, California, in 1979, and established its heavyweight status in the punk pantheon in the early '80s. Strong new releases through the 1990's helped Social Distortion spark the interest of new fans as well as hang on to die-hard devotees. Doors open at 7 p.m. and Squad Five-O opens the show. All-ages tickets are $25, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 480-784-4444. The Marquee is located at 730 North Mill in Tempe.
Wednesday, October 29
This week's Coffee at Kerr lecture and performance series features a unique presentation by local poet and visual artist David Chorlton, who reads his own work as well as pieces by literary legends. Violinist Roberta Chorlton and the violin-and-guitar duo Lyra perform an enchanting musical backdrop to the reading. The 10 a.m. event is free, but reservations are required; call 480-596-2660 to r.s.v.p. Tickets for the performers' 8 p.m. show on Saturday, November 1, run from $15.50 to $18.50. Kerr Cultural Center is located off Rose, directly south of The Borgata, at 6110 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.asukerr.com or call 480-596-2660.
