Fitness at the Flour Mill at Hayden Flour Mill While a workout video, the Rocky theme song, and a few raw eggs for breakfast may work well for the more self-disciplined individuals out there, the rest of us need more hands-on assistance. For those who need serious structure to sustain their workout goals but lack the funds for a high-end personal trainer, Bootcamp Monday may be just the solution. This weekly workout class lets you toughen up while slimming down. It's just one part of the free community workout series, Fitness at the Flour Mill, which also features yoga, Zumba, and hula hoop exercises.
See also: Dan Harkins on Camelview 5's Impending Closure in Scottsdale
Bootcamp meets every Monday starting February 3 at The Green at Hayden Flour Mill, 119 South Mill Avenue in Tempe. All classes start at 5:30 p.m., and admission is pay-what-you-want. For more information, visit www.millavenue.com or call 480-355-6074. -- Katie Johnson
"Chihuly in the Garden" at Desert Botanical Garden He's back. World-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly returns to the Valley with a new exhibition, "Chihuly in the Garden" at Desert Botanical Garden.
Whether you've seen these intricate, vibrant pieces on display in London, Paris, or Seattle -- or caught his last stop in town, "Chihuly: The Nature of Glass" in 2008 -- this six-month long installation offers plenty of chances to study every detail and spiral of his signature blown glass.
Expect plenty of red, yellow, and green hues that play with the desert's fall light and mimic what lives in the garden. The garden itself is 140 acres and the art will be found throughout: dotting trails, hiding in plain sight.
Catch Chihuly daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, May 18. Tickets are $22; discounted admission is available for members. Reservations are highly encouraged. Call 480-941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org. -- Janessa Hilliard
Wizard of Oz at Gammage Auditorium Being evil's all the rage, we know. Angelina Jolie stars as Sleeping Beauty's antagonist in the upcoming Disney flick Maleficent. And, yeah, Wicked made us sympathize with ol' greenie. In theory, we dig the idea of turning a storyline on its ear with a POV change. The problem is that our inner straitlaced goody-two-shoes still wants to root for the classic good gals in all their uncool, nonviolent, pigtailed glory.
All this is to say, quasi-politely, eff your retelling. We'll take our seats for The Wizard of Oz at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, and happily cheer on our braided, gingham-dressed Dorothy 'til she's safe back in Kansas. We'll be glad when that wicked old witch gets hers and probably embarrass ourselves by earnestly singing along to the whole show. And probably crying. So, there.
Performances continue through Sunday, February 9, at Gammage Auditorium. Tickets are $20 and up via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 480-965-3434. For more information, visit www.asugammage.com. -- Becky Bartkowski
Heavy Thursdays at The Heavy Pedal While the rest of the nation fights through feet of snow, Phoenicians are pounding the pavement -- not some slick, salted-down sidewalk. What better weather for a bike ride? Enter Heavy Thursdays, courtesy of bike-gang-turned-clothing brand The Heavy Pedal.
Terrence Patrick and Victor Vasquez, the company's creators, used to participate in "Lux Ride," a predominantly fixed-gear following that started at the Central Phoenix coffee shop a handful of years back. Their ride is reincarnation and extension of its predecessor -- featuring longer courses and a broader audience.
The two- to three-hour route changes weekly, with cyclists crisscrossing Phoenix and riding eastbound toward Scottsdale or Tempe. Each ride ends at the crew's brick-and-mortar warehouse, where bike enthusiasts can enjoy rehydrating or dehydrating with water, brews, and post-ride snacks. Ride off into the night starting at 8 p.m. Thursday, February 6, at 805 West Madison Street. Participation is free. Check out www.facebook.com/events/581382678605385. -- Janessa Hilliard
Jay Pharoah at Tempe Improv Jay Pharoah started on Saturday Night Live as the one of the youngest cast members and four seasons in he's hit his stride. The stand-up and comic impressionist swings through the Valley on Friday.
The Chesapeake, Virginia, native started his performer life in school and community theater productions but it was ultimately his stand-up career, which he kicked off at the age of 15, that got him to the bright lights of 30 Rock. In pre-SNL YouTube videos of Pharoah rocking impressions ranging from Denzel and Will Smith to Christopher Walken and DMX, it's easy to see the charisma and versatility that would later turn heads. We're looking forward to Pharoah's on-point Obama impersonation to lead the parade of characters.
Jay Pharoah will appear at 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. February 7 at Tempe Improv, 930 East University Road, and through Sunday. Tickets are $22 each, and more information can be found at www.tempeimprov.com. -- Jose Gonzalez
