If Bob Ross were alive today, he'd be painting happy little trees all over the place in ecstatic fervor for all the arts and culture happenings in Phoenix. To help you see the forest for the trees, here's a recap of the top arts and culture stories of the week.
Scottsdale's Māyā Day and Nightclub to Open April 24
The members of the Scottsdale scene better make sure their swimsuits, beach towels, and sunscreen are in order, as a major pool party venue is set to make its debut next week.
Proprietors of Māyā Day and Nightclub, the 27,300-square-foot beach club and entertainment complex situated in the heart of Scottsdale's party-hearty downtown district, have announced that it will open its doors (and pool) to the tanned and toned masses on Wednesday, April 24.
--Benjamin Leatherman
10 Favorite Pools in Metro Phoenix
Wave goodbye, folks. The good temperatures in Phoenix are about to leave us -- and in their wake will be the sweat stain we call summer. Fortunately, Phoenix does well to make up for its desert state with a pool culture that includes water slides, river tubing, artificial beaches, DJs, and ice cold cocktails.
Pack the sunscreen and put on the shades as you check out our 10 Favorite Pools in Metro Phoenix this summer.
-- Katie Johnson
4/20: 14 Parties, Kick-Backs, and a "High-Waiian Luau" in Metro Phoenix
If your stoner friends seem to have an extra glint in their bloodshot eyes lately, it's probably because this Saturday happens to be April 20. In other words, it's 4/20, the day on which marijuana lovers of the world celebrate and pay tribute to their favorite plant, likely by burning a few.
Because the occasion falls on a weekend this year, there's seemingly twice the number of weed-themed parties or other events at bars, medical marijuana dispensaries, smoke shops, and other locations devoted to cannabis happening around Metro Phoenix. That includes a few shindigs a few taking place a few days prior on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19.
--Benjamin Leatherman
Five Things You'll Need to Know About Sunscreen to Survive Summer in Phoenix
Dr. Michelle Jeffries is a Peoria and Sun City-based, board-certified dermatologist who validated what my clients are showing off this time of year -- sunburned necks, ears, and lips.
Jeffries, who practices at Beatrice Keller Clinic, typically hits on the key points with patients (apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wear protective clothing, and of course re-apply every two hours.) But today, she gives us the rundown on how to protect yourself from getting sun damage and slowing down the inevitable aging process.
Check out all the tips on how to save your skin.
--Gigi Arredondo
Rumors have been afoot that the über-geeks running Phoenix Comicon are arranging a guest appearance by one of the stars of rampantly popular British sci-fi show Doctor Who.
Turns out the scuttlebutt was, indeed, true as the event's organizers revealed over the weekend that American actor John Barrowman, known to Whovians throughout the universe as Captain Jack Harkness, will make a stop at Phoenix Comicon 2013 next month.
--Benjamin Leatherman
