Arizona Comic Mini Expo
Sometimes an acronym rings just too perfectly. ACME stands for Arizona Comic Mini Expo, and “
Zap! and pow! at 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Bonus Round, 24 West Camelback Road — the nerd bar (with free classic video games and so many beers) that is, of course, right next to a comic book store. Visit the Arizona Comic Mini Expo website. Julie Peterson
The Whole Story: Part 2
Personal narratives have the potential to broaden your horizon and open your eyes to experiences and perspectives that you might not have seen before. The Whole Story aims to do just that by spotlighting stories that reflect on the black experience in America.
Back for its second edition, this storytelling event will take place on First Friday, May 5, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 North Central Avenue. Tickets are $10 for
Caleb Reese Festival of New Plays and Musicals
Phoenix Theatre’s annual Caleb Reese Festival of New Plays and Musicals provides protracted catharsis and amusement through Saturday, May 13. Fresh work has been whipped into the shape of two cabarets, staged readings of five full-length scripts, and a program of six short plays.
It’s easy to simply jump in, but promo materials do suggest a couple of points of interest, including:
• Metaphorical Shoes, a title that brings to mind their tendency to be on the other foot, be worn if they fit, and await dropping, and
• We Should Kill Caesar, which eerily parallels current issues.
The fest commences Friday, May 5, with Community, a play that ponders whether racism or amateur theater is worse, and The Things We Do, by former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods. Both begin at 7:30 p.m. at 100 East McDowell Road. Tickets
"Friends Helping Friends"
Fed up with alternative facts? Try some good, old-fashioned escapism through art as artists come together for “Friends Helping Friends.” The exhibition’s free opening reception happens from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 5, at the Icehouse Gallery, 429 West Jackson Street.
The show features paintings and sculptures from more than three dozen Arizona artists – including Tato Caraveo, Michele Bledsoe, Frank Ybarra, Jon Wassom, Constance McBride, and Larry Ortega. Icehouse Gallery is donating proceeds from all opening night sales to support a local gallery owner facing medical issues.
So, basically, the opening is a great way to meet local artists and snag some great art while doing a good deed. Your karma will thank you. See the Facebook page for details. Lynn Trimble
Golden Girls Trivia
It’s okay if you got giddy when the entire Golden Girls catalog became available on Hulu. Stand proud — you don’t need to have any shame in your Golden game.
In fact, go show off your love for the long-running sitcom at Golden Girls Trivia. Gather a team of up to four pals and win prizes using your collective knowledge to prove just how much time you’ve invested in the lives of those seasoned Miami housemates, Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose. And if you come up short, there are also raffles and cheesecake. Rock your best polyester threads from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at Kobalt, 3110 North Central Avenue, #125. Admission is free, and proceeds from the event benefit the Joshua Tree Feeding Program. Visit the Kobalt website. Amy Young
The Urban Wine & Jazz Walk
Jazz is best experienced with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Expand your musical palate while sampling some reds and whites at The Urban Wine & Jazz Walk. Local establishments will offer samples of wines and appetizers in the afternoon. The evening’s festivities coincide with the International Jazz Day Festival, which features performances outside the Phoenix Public Market.
The Urban Wine and Jazz Walk begins at 1 p.m. at any participating location on Saturday, May 6, and the first 300 people who arrive at Chico Malo, 50 West Jefferson Street, will receive a complimentary wine glass. Wine samples range from $2 to $3 each. For more information and a list of participating restaurants, visit the Downtown Phoenix website. Jason Keil
Prom-i-Con
What the world needs
Hosted at Yucca Tap Room, 29 West Southern Avenue in Tempe, Yucca Prom welcomes the 21-and-over crowd who love to get extra dressed up for this annual evening. Though costumes are not required, you are heavily encouraged to be a sport and don your best cape or gown for a fun night in the two-room music venue. Just try not to sweat off your face paint during sets from Luau and Snakeburner, one of the more boogie-inducing cover bands in town.
The free Prom-i-Con runs from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. For more information, call 480-967-4777 or visit the Yucca website. RSVP at this Facebook page. Lauren Cusimano
Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm
It’s a bittersweet time to be a basketball fan in the Valley — the Suns contributing the bitterness and with the Phoenix Mercury the sweetness. The perennial WNBA contenders enter the 2017 season having locked in defensive juggernaut Brittney Griner to a long-term contract, while Diana Taurasi sits poised to become the league’s all-time scoring leader. And having come off of a rare losing season in 2016, the Merc will surely be eager to right the ship with a deep playoff run this summer. First things first: The Valley’s winningest hoops squad (this side of 2010) will do some preseason fine tuning when the Seattle Storm visit Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 East Jefferson Street, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Tickets are $9 and up. Visit the Mercury website or call 602-379-7800 for details. Rob Kroehler
Cinco Phoenix Festival
Cinco de Mayo started as a way to commemorate Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla, but the day has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, especially here in Phoenix. The Cinco Phoenix Festival on Sunday, May 7, pays tribute to Mexican traditions by doing more than just slinging tequila. It features mariachi and ballet