Now on the fourth leg of their gigantic U.S. tour, The Red Hot Chili Peppers rock Phoenix with The Flaming Lips and punk legend Mike Watt on Thursday, October 9. The superstar lineup clearly has a wild mix of styles, but one thing all the acts have in common is their roots in the early to mid-'80s punk underground. The Chili Peppers just celebrated their 20th anniversary, the Lips aren't far behind, and Watt beat them both (the first record by his band The Minutemen came out in 1980). But the concert is anything but nostalgic -- these performers are all at the top of their game. Tickets are $34 to $44 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 480-784-4444. Showtime is 7 p.m. at Cricket Pavilion, 2121 North 83rd Avenue, located a half-mile north of Encanto Boulevard. Parking is $10 to $20.
Friday, October 10
As part of its New World Harvest festivities, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts a weekend chock-full of diverse events at Native American Recognition Days, Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12. Now that the summer heat's behind us, the celebration is a fun way to appreciate the great outdoors along with the many facets of Native American culture. On Friday at 7 p.m., Tony Redhouse and Mimi Solaire perform a special yoga ceremony; preregistration is required. On Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., Chef Charles Wiley of elements, the acclaimed restaurant at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, gives Native American cooking demonstrations. Then at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Hayden's Ferry Review, the Arizona State University literary mag, hosts "Literary Night at the Garden," with readings by three Native American students. As part of the Music in the Garden series, Sharon Burch gives a concert of songs in the Navajo language at noon on Sunday, and additional music and dance performances by other artists take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Also during those hours, local artists demonstrate their techniques and sell beadwork, jewelry and kachina carvings. Except for Burch's concert, $16, all of the Recognition Days events are free with garden admission: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $4 for kids and free for children under 2. The Garden is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway. Visit www.dbg.org or call 480-941-1225 for details.
An authority on living a life of hell on wheels, biker icon Ralph "Sonny" Barger shares the insider's perspective in his first novel, Dead in 5 Heartbeats, written with Keith and Kent Zimmerman. Resembling the Hells Angels founder (and Cave Creek resident) himself, protagonist Everett "Patch" Kinkade's existence is filled with sex, violence and vicious motorcycle club rivalries that persist even after he moves to Arizona to take a break from leading California's most powerful biker gang. After a deadly showdown between Patch's crew and another club, he realizes he needs to join his brothers in the fight. Barger discusses and signs his new book at 7 p.m. Friday, October 10, at Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 South McClintock in Tempe. Call 480-730-0205 for further details.
Saturday, October 11
When it opened nearly two years ago, the Devil's Martini in Old Town Scottsdale got immediate buzz from its chic, cozy decor, elegant eats and incredible cocktails. (After all, with a name like that, the drinks had better be first-rate.) Now the popular nightspot branches out with a new supper club in north Scottsdale that promises to keep the same swanky, relaxing vibe as its downtown sister. The opening night gala is Saturday, October 11, at 10825 North Scottsdale Road, located one light north of Shea Boulevard. Festivities run until 1 a.m. To find out more, visit www.devilsmartiniscottsdale.com or call 480-348-1666.
Sunday, October 12
In conjunction with its exhibition "Friends of Mexican Art Celebrates 40 Years: Gifts to Valley Museums," Phoenix Art Museum hosts the Friends of Mexican Art 40th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12. At the "Master Craftsmen of Oaxaca & Mexican Folk Art Mercado," visitors can watch Demetrio Aguilar, son of renowned ceramist Josefina Aguilar, create clay figures, Carlomagno Pedro Martinez sculpt black pottery figures, and Zeny Fuentes do wood carvings. Handcrafted Mexican folk art will also be available for purchase. Everything happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the courtyard at Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 North Central, and admission is free. For details call 602-257-1880.
Monday, October 13
Mario Andretti's personality, skill and need for speed made him a famous race car driver. Now the public can meet the man behind the legend (and read more about his life behind the wheel) on Monday, October 13, when Andretti signs copies of his best-selling biography, Mario Andretti: A Driving Passion. He appears at 6:30 p.m. at Kierland Commons' Barnes & Noble, 7030 East Greenway Parkway in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-948-8551.
Tuesday, October 14
Local jazz promoter Al Singer launches a monthly concert series, "The New Piano Jazz Showcase," on Tuesday, October 14, with a performance by the remarkably popular Charles Lewis Quintet. With Joe Corral on flute, Joe Garcia on Latin percussion, Bob Lashier on bass, and Dom Moio on drums joining Lewis at an imposing Steinway grand piano, expect a boisterous, packed house. Showtime is 7 p.m. at Herman & Sons Piano Merchants, 15600 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, located next door to Robb & Stucky. All-ages admission is $5 at the door. Call 480-990-8800 for more information.
Wednesday, October 15
All across the country, culinary wizards are doing what they do best to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer at America's Chefs Cook for the Cure, a fund raiser sponsored by Sur La Table, KitchenAid and Bon Appétit. Locally, foodies can sample incredible cuisine and meet Chipotle's Staci Raymond, Russell Skall of Fleming's Steak House, Rob Walz of Jilly's American Grill, and Jack Gilmore of Z'Tejas. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, at Sur La Table in Chandler, located in Casa Paloma at 7131 West Ray. Tickets are $25. Call 480-893-0660 for details.
