Facebook Inc.

Ask MC Magic about Love, Life, Hip Hop, or Anything Else

MC Magic has been writing a column for us for a few months now, but anyone who follows Arizona's reigning slow-jam king on Twitter or Facebook knows that he's into keeping in touch with his fans. With that in mind--and because Ann Landers and Dear Abby just don't know you as well as he does--we'd ... More >>

Chasing Amy: Overcooked Reality and the Decline of Western Civility

Amy's Baking Company: Overcooked Reality and the Decline of Western Civility

Editor's note: After the insanity of the last two weeks, we decided that the Amy's Baking Company saga desperately needed some context. New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld graciously complied. A tall, thin man with long, gray hair and a pair of saggy but expensive jeans shakes the handles of tw ... More >>

Four Must-See Local DJs at This Weekend's Dirty Disco in Peoria

Listen up, local party monsters and EDM fans. There are a few things you'll definitely need before going wild out at the massive outdoor dance fiesta and electronica rager known as Dirty Disco tomorrow evening. First, make sure to sport a colorful and eye-catching ensemble that you don't mind gettin ... More >>

Bao Bing, the Cool and Fruity Asian Treat, Gets Its Own Shop in Central Phoenix May 4

Bao bing (pronounced bow-BING) has been a ubiquitous part of Asian cuisine for hundreds of years (seriously, it's been traced back to China as early as the seventh century A.D.) But here in the United States, the dessert made with finely shaved ice, fresh fruit, and flavored sugar syrup and condense ... More >>

Shine Coffee Adding a "Living Room" and Urban Park to Downtown Space

Last fall, Shine Coffee owners Laryn and Christiaan Blok expanded their coffee business from a retro-cool Airstream trailer to a walk-up java shop in a tiny, Colonial-style structure at 10 West Vernon Avenue (across from the Heard Museum light-rail stop on the north side of the street). See also: ... More >>

Here's How Not to Approach a Journalist on Facebook

Dear Spence When your singer, who goes by the name of Daniel David Spence on Facebook, first approached me on Facebook to become my "friend," I strongly considered accepting his request to friend me. After all, I work in digital marketing as a social media strategist, and I accept everyone who requ ... More >>

Local Musician and DJ Thom Gabaldon (a.k.a darksouldealer) Passes Away

We have the unfortunate task of reporting some tragic news today that's bound to sadden many. Local DJ and musician Thom Gabaldon, who performed off and on over the years as darksouldealer, passed away early this morning after succumbing to cancer. He was 44 years old. As many of his countless fri ... More >>

Quick PHX 2013: Party

Five Places to Eat, Drink and Celebrate for Mardi Gras in Metro Phoenix

We're usually looking for a reason to convince our more responsible friends to go out drinking on a Tuesday night, which is why Fat Tuesday is one of our favorite days of the year. As much as we wish we could pack our bags and hit Bourbon Street for authentic eats and Hurricanes, we'll be celebratin ... More >>

5 Sweet Spots for Valentine Treats in Metro Phoenix

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and for the anxious holiday planner that can really only mean one thing: Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Rather than half-assing it with some predictable drug store purchase of candy and a card, we suggest you show a little love to local business this yea ... More >>

A Ramen Bowl with a Built-In iPhone Holder. Really

Chin-up lonely college students, now you don't have to endure your nightly bowl of bachelor chow alone, you can enjoy it basking in the light of your iPhone! MisoSoupDesign is a small company that recently unveiled a ramen bowl with a smartphone holder integrated into the rim of the bowl. See Also: ... More >>

KILLtheALEX on the Perils of a Huge Mohawk and How M.A.S.K. Got Him Wearing Goggles

It isn't hard to miss Alex King when he's out and about at industrial or fetish events, probably because he rocks a foot-high multicolored Mohawk and a pair of goggles strapped to his melon. According to the 35-year-old musician and DJ, both help provide him with awesome powers when he's gigging wit ... More >>

How Should I Promote My Shows?

Are you a musician? Is your group having issues? Critic Jessica Hopper has played in and managed bands, toured internationally, booked shows, produced records, worked as a publicist, and is the author of The Girls' Guide to Rocking, a how-to for teen ladies. She is here to help you stop doing it wro ... More >>

DJ Element Announces His Retirement

One of the best turntablists in Arizona, if not the entire southwest, announced today that he's hanging up his headphones for good and bidding farewell to the DJ world. Logan Howard, known to many by his moniker DJ Element, dropped a bombshell on the local music scene within the last hour when he s ... More >>

12 Favorite Local EDM Mixes of 2012

The overwhelming popularity of electronic dance music continued its exponential growth over the last 12 months, both nationwide and here in the Valley of the Sun. Beats were bumping nearly nonstop across the local music landscape in 2012 as new dance clubs (such as the Monarch Theatre and EPIQ) debu ... More >>

PALMS Keep It Like a Secret

As 2012 draws to a close, we'll be looking forward to the 2013 and spotlighting 13 Phoenix bands that will be making a mark on the Southwest throughout the new year. Today, Christina Caldwell brings us a look at PALMS (all caps, babies), the fast-rising indie/surf outfit that recently signed to the ... More >>

Now Which Arizona Teen's Post-Shooting Act Is the Worst: Joker, Facebook Threat, or Toy Gun?

Less than one week after a gunman murdered 27 people, including 20 children, in Connecticut, three Arizona teenagers have made some incredibly poor decisions relating to schools.One, in Gilbert, was walking on a high school campus with a "toy rifle," while the another, in Kingman, posted to Facebook ... More >>

Culture Jammers MAN-CAT Introduce Lana Del Rey's, Ahem, Pussy Cola (NSFW)

The late, great and totally irreverent comedian Bill Hicks once predicted the ultimate television commercial, describing it as such: "Here's the woman's face. Beautiful. Camera pulls back. Naked breast. Camera pulls back, she's totally naked, legs apart, two fingers right here and it just says 'Dri ... More >>

The Sword's J.D. Cronise: "All Rock Is Stoner Rock"

Austin metal quartet The Sword has gone through some significant changes since the release of 2010's Warp Riders, a high-concept album taking place on the halves of a fictional planet each locked in eternal day and nighttime. They replaced their drummer, signed to a new label, and toned their earl ... More >>

Holy Pumpkin Spice, Look at These Gingerbread Houses

The Victoria, BC upscale hotel Inn at Laurel Point is running a national gingerbread house competition to support what else, Habitat For Humanity an organization devoted to constructing homes for the less fortunate. See Also: -Where to See Sweet Gingerbread House Displays in Phoenix -Kahlúa Ginge ... More >>

Eating Christmas: Crescent Ballroom Hosts Tania Katan, Robrt Pela, Kim Porter and More Valley Writers at Chow Bella's First-Ever Holiday Literary Event

Hey, what are you doing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12? Wrong answer. You're heading downtown to Crescent Ballroom to hear some of the Valley's best writers nosh on the holidays, in the form of "Eating Christmas" -- our first-ever Christmas/Food mash-up. See also: -Tania Katan's Gasoline-S ... More >>

What's The Best Way to Promote My Band?

Are you a musician? Is your group having issues? Critic Jessica Hopper has played in and managed bands, toured internationally, booked shows, produced records, worked as a publicist, and is the author of The Girls' Guide to Rocking, a how-to for teen ladies. She is here to help you stop doing it wro ... More >>

Mesa Medical-Marijuana Club Busted by Gilbert PD; Paul Bellesen, Chad Czarnecki and Robert Ryan Face Charges

Valley marijuana patients lost another over-the-counter source for their meds earlier this month when Gilbert police raided Arizona Natural Solutions in Mesa. The cannabis/compassion club at 1055 North Mesa Drive had been operating since at least February, when its principals began its Facebook pag ... More >>

Results of Last Night's Fried Chicken Throw Down Between Noca and FnB

Last night was the EPIC Fried Chicken Throw Down between Noca and FnB, held at Noca -- which, it could be argued, makes for home field advantage, but never mind. No one here is suggesting fowl play. See also: Nine Favorite Spots for Fried Chicken in Metro Phoenix The hype leading up to this blitzk ... More >>

If Mitt Romney Won't Tell You Which Corrupt Tax Loopholes Need to Be Closed, We Will

Ask Fan Landers: Should I Publicly Humiliate My Bandmate for What He's Done?

Are you a musician? Is your group having issues? Critic Jessica Hopper has played in and managed bands, toured internationally, booked shows, produced records, worked as a publicist, and is the author of The Girls' Guide to Rocking, a how-to for teen ladies. She is here to help you stop doing it wro ... More >>

Five Favorite Metro Phoenix Shops for Bakeware and Serveware

We try not to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to food presentation, having the right serveware and bakeware can inspire one to bake and cook away the day. Good looking "ware" also makes it look like you know what you're doing no matter what the outcome. See also: The Making of The Bak ... More >>

Mac Demarco, Trunk Space, 9/18/12

Mac Demarco @ Trunk Space| Tuesday, September 18Seeing totally disparate genre blends in one night is cool, but it's always nice to see a bill that is fully united under one auspice. I'm going to give last night's Mac Demarco show an easy filing: The Joy of the Floor Tom. Or, maybe: Precis on Reverb ... More >>

8 Kids More Metal Than You

See also: The Most Anticipated Heavy Metal Releases of the Fall See also: The 10 Hottest Chicks in Metal See also: Six Desert Metal Bands You Need to Hear See also: A Closer Look at KUPD's MILF Contest 2012There are few things in this world that have the ability to coax an "Awwwww...that is so damn ... More >>

Ten Favorite Places in Metro Phoenix to Dine After You've Worked Up a Sweat

See also: Phoenix Best Coffee House, North Valley, and Breakfast Sunny Side Up at Scramble in North Phoenix. Arizona is a pretty relaxed place. Still, when you feel hungry after a workout, dog walk or hike, it's easy to dread having to stop at home just to make yourself look "presentable." Here are ... More >>

Allah-Las: Analog Garage Rock With Actual Soul

By now you've no doubt read, re-read, shared on Facebook and Twitter, and angrily commented on our friends at West Coast Sound's monster of a list, The 20 Worst Hipster Bands. Like it or hate it, it's hard to debate one key fact brought up by Ben Westhoff: "...most of today's 20 and 30-something b ... More >>

Nine Food Trucks We Wish Would Road Trip to Phoenix

See also: 10 Corporate Food Trucks Totally Bogarting the Mobile Kitchen Scene, Man Don't get us wrong, we're damn proud of the Valley's mobile food scene. And it's not like Phoenix doesn't boast some nationally recognized trucks. Now-defunct Truckin' Good Food from Jeff Kraus made a list of Most In ... More >>

Name Kitchen 56's Giant-Ass $18 Burger (and Then Possibly Be Killed By It)

Extending a middle finger high and proud to rising food prices, world hunger, and nationwide obesity, Kitchen 56, the Arcadia restaurant serving American comfort food, wants you to name its newest burger. The reward? The winner gets one a month until the end of the year. Where, given the burger's un ... More >>

Jan Brewer's Most Embarrassing Moments of 2012 (So Far...)

It ain't no party about off-the-wall statements by Arizona politicians unless Governor Jan's invited. Last week we took a look at some of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's most puzzling moments of 2012 (so far). Given the infamous embarrassing moments the Guv has did have -- such as the ... More >>

Duke St. Rollins on Jan Brewer, Ted Nugent, Joe Arpaio, Sean Hannity, Tebagger Spelling Errors, and More

See also: Joe Arpaio Owned by the Infamous Duke St. Rollins.Part verbal terrorist, part international man of mystery, Duke St. Rollins trolls the Facebook sites of teatard politicos and talking heads, leaving behind flaming piles of fresh manure that the 'baggers are never entirely able to extinguis ... More >>

CLOSING: Next Coffee Company in Glendale

On the heels of Royal Coffee Bar shuttering its location in Downtown Phoenix, Next Coffee Company, a neighborhood java shop in Glendale, has announced it will be closing its doors as well. First opened in 2008 and across the street from Midwestern University, Next started as a hangout for college s ... More >>

Hoodlums Music and Movies in Tempe To Close in August (Temporarily?)

See also: Hoodlums Music Turns 13: Reflections From Owner Steve Wiley See also: Hoodlums to Host "Hoodstock" Festival to Benefit Tempe's Broadmor Elementary Sad news out of Tempe today: Hoodlums Music and Movies is going into "hibernation" on Wednesday, August 15. It's a curious term, hibernation ... More >>

Erick Biez, What Are You Listening To?

Erick Biez The local comedian performs on the Stand Up Live Comedy Gold Showcase featuring Jeff Dye on Wednesday, June 27. For more info, go here. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? No radio, not now, not ever. I'm actually on a huge pod ... More >>

R.I.P. Joseph "Vito" Albanese: Former Phoenix Punk Pioneer Killed in Seattle Cafe Racer Shootings

News reports indicate that the shooting at Seattle's Cafe Racer Espresso on Wednesday, May 30, took the life of Joseph "Vito" Albanese, an establishing member of the Phoenix punk rock scene. Matt Driscoll of our sister paper Seattle Weekly's Daily Weekly blog writes that 40-year-old Ian L. Stawick ... More >>

Astor House: Happy Hour Report Card

The Spot: Astor House, 2243 N. 12th St. 602-687-9775. facebook.com/astorhouse The Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday The Details: All beer is $3 and cocktails are $5. As for wine, it depends on when you get there: From 3 to 4 p.m., all glasses of wine are only $3 and bottles only $12. Thi ... More >>

Mirth Wants to Be the Groupon Killer

Mirth, which announced its existence at TechCrunch's Disrupt NYC convention, bills itself as a business-friendly alternative to deal programs like Groupon and LivingSocial. A Mirth account is attached to your credit card and automatically recognizes when you've gone to an establishment twice in a si ... More >>

Laurie Notaro's Army of Foodies (Part Two)

I'm sorry, but there are always more. As soon as I hit save on my Army of Foodies list, I came up with another five. While these Amuse Douchers aren't always as prominent in everyday foodie structure, they are there. Thankfully, most of them will move on in about three months to whatever the next ... More >>

Record Store Day Round Up 2012: Valley Stores Offer Up Exclusives, Live Performances and More on RSD

As we inch closer to Record Store Day we're directing our attention to the wonderful independent storefronts participating in this weekend's revered event. In recent years the indie-moniker has been thrown around so much that it's almost diluted the meaning of the word. Luckily RSD helps us revel in ... More >>

Russell Pearce's Ban Amnesty Now's Haters, and PoliticoMafioso's Anti-Pearce Top Ten

When recalled state Senate President Russell Pearce's Ban Amnesty Now announced a "buy-cott" of New Times' advertisers, I quipped that it was like being boycotted by the Ku Klux Klan. An exaggeration, to be sure, but not by as much as you might think.Take for example the comments of BAN supporters t ... More >>

Vegan Mexican Restaurant Owner Not Helping Stereotype of Vegans

Gee, sounds like somebody needs a cheeseburger. From time to time here at Chow Bella, we write something we know might make people angry. But once in a while, a post we thought was totally innocuous sets someone off. This is one of those times. When we announced that Tediberto's -- an indie, vegan ... More >>

Breaking News: Clubhouse Music Venue Closes Down

​See also: Last Night's Town Hall Meeting on Clubhouse Music Venue Shooting Filled With Anger, Accusations, and Rhetoric We've received word this afternoon that the Clubhouse Music Venue was shut down earlier today. While no word of the concert hall's closure has been posted on its website or Fa ... More >>

Update and Interview with Zenyata White, One Half of the Now Famous Lesbian Couple Asked to Leave District American Kitchen Last Sunday

We were happy to get a return call from Zenyata White yesterday. She apologized for not getting back to us more quickly as she'd been busy with new fewer than five different news stations and calls from CNN affiliates after the what happened at District American Kitchen on Sunday.

Ten Favorite Gourmet Pizza Shops in the Valley

Since pizza -- a basic dish associated with Naples but not exclusively so -- was taken to America by Italian emigrants, shops selling the flat disks topped with goodness have popped up on nearly every street corner. And since most folks have a cherished neighborhood hangout that offers up simple a ... More >>

Want to Win Tickets To Tonight's Sold-Out Walk the Moon and Young the Giant Show?

You guys sure like those Young the Giant guys: Their gig tonight at Crescent Ballroom sold out so quickly they added a second date tomorrow. And it's sold out, too. But we've got a pair of tickets to giveaway courtesy of Cincinnati popsters Walk the Moon. The quartet (name nicked from a modified P ... More >>