Car Talk

Some folks take a midday recharge with snacks, an extra cup of coffee, or (shudder) one of those kinda terrifying energy drink power shots. But Herberger Theater’s lunch time shows offer an alternative to the average pick-me-up that’ll fit right into your lunch hour. (You can even bring your sandwich…

Singles Serve

In Woody Allen’s comeback thriller Match Point, former tennis pro Chris, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, debates the merits of being good versus being lucky — with luck being the ultimate determinant of success. The women competing in the third annual Goldwater Women’s Tennis Classic this week are probably hoping…

Dark Ages

Playwright Charles Hinkley’s new work, The Man in the Black Pajamas, is a humor-tinged psychological thriller exploring the bad luck of John Collins, a good-humored biochemical engineer who’s accused of heinous wrongdoing. As his world crumbles around him, Collins starts questioning the loyalty of his family, the nature of his…

Match Point

Horses, hats, and bottles of bubbly. Brits know what they’re doing when it comes to partying during polo matches. Get a crash course in equestrian escapades during Westworld’s Polo Party. Expect gaggles of ladies in full regalia (no crazy-ass Princess Beatrice hats, we hope) scrambling for the attention of one…

Purple Drank

If we’ve learned anything from I Love Lucy, it’s that making wine isn’t a fancy pants excursion Although the Winemaker Dinner probably won’t include anything like Lucille Ball’s famous grape stomping brawl, attendees will get insight into the business of aging grapes to tasty perfection. The Arizona Biltmore, will host…

Roper Boots from Kitten Paws Vintage

Each week Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: These ’70s roper-style boots are beautifully broken in and perfect footwear for the Southwestern trend we’re seeing a lot of this season (think: dangling fringe, earthy prairie tones,…

Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend

Looking to make spooky, scary plans for the weekend? Yes? Good. We’ve amassed a huge guide to doing tricks and treats right (check it out here), plus last-minute/easy costume ideas for shopaholics, and cyclists, too. We schooled you on Halloween party fouls. All you need to do is pick your…

Adventureland

The Brelby Writer’s Circle reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic, placing the iconic Alice in her senior year of art school. Rather than tumbling down a rabbit hole or through a looking glass, the curious creative type ventures into one of her own paintings in search of its lost subject. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7:30…

Firestarter

Whether or not you want to admit it, you’ve likely heard Taio Cruz’s radio hit “Dynamite.” It’s bumped in clubs, amped up athletes, and soundtracked its share of road trips. It’s even influenced high art. Erm. Sort of. The Herberger Institute’s public practice coordinator, Elizabeth Johnson, counts it as one…

King Louis

Much as his comedic hero George Carlin, stand-up comic Louis C.K. trashes his material when it’s chewed up. After each of C.K.’s alternately dark and raunchy taped specials, he wipes his joke slate clean, making way for fresh material. For fans, it ensures that C.K. and his many endeavors (like…

Three Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

Each week Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. This week we hunted down three gems that could be styled as Halloween costumes. Whether you’re looking to add fun touches to your already-planned getup, or you’re in desperate…

Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend

Art aficionados have a full schedule tonight thanks to Third Friday. Jackalope Ranch’s first-ever curated show, “You Are Here: A Collection of Maps of Phoenix”, opens over at Regular Gallery, Steve Hofberger has a new exhibition at monOrchid, eye lounge is hosting its annual benefit show, and art from Mark…

Lost City

We’ll readily admit that, despite the utilitarian nature of the Valley’s grid-based roads, we still manage to get lost sometimes. Lucky for us (and our perpetual discombobulation), New Times’ culture blog Jackalope Ranch will host “You Are Here: A Collection of Maps of Phoenix,” its first-ever gallery show. The exhibition…

A La Mode

Nieman Marcus’ senior vice president and fashion director Ken Downing has the desirable duty of attending fashion shows around the world. After New York, London, Paris, and Milan wrap, he’s the guy who synthesizes the multitude of clothes into wearable trends, choosing and predicting what women will love. During his…

Missoni for Target Open Cardigan

Each week Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: This Missoni for Target open cardigan has alternating navy and teal zigzags. It’s a great find from this limited collection because the knit showcases the design house’s signature…

Three Must-Sees During the 2011 Grand Avenue Festival

Take to the streets (er, avenue) during this Saturday’s Grand Avenue Festival.  The annual event is chock full of local art, culture, and design along the storied stroll and promises even more excitement in its third year of celebration. The daylong to-do is hosted by the Grand Avenue Merchants’ Association, which includes…

Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend

If you’re still trying to come up with a killer costume for the upcoming night of treats and trickery, don’t stress. This weekend you’ll be able to test out some of your character prototypes at costume parties, DIY festivals, bike and beer celebrations, and Occupy Phoenix rallies alike.In case you’re already…

Pattern Recognition

Italian fashion house Missoni’s diffusion Target collection caused nothing short of hullabaloo, overrunning the retailer’s website and stores. The pieces covered in the label’s signature zigzagging pattern proved most covetable. While Italian-born American fashion designer Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo didn’t deal in zigzags, was a textile innovator in his own…

Greek God

The oft-documented collegiate experience has given the world quotable comedies including Animal House and Legally Blonde. While they’ve inspired many a Belushi fan to emulate a zit and fair -haired coquettes to bend and snap, not many frat row fiends can say they were the source material for a bankable…

Skull Brooch at 609East

Each week Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: This handmade skull brooch is perfect for fall — particularly with Halloween and Dia de los Muertos a couple weeks away. With a wink toward Mexican folk art,…

A Modern Phoenix Tour with Alison King

Mid-century modern maven Alison King led the first of Phoenix Design Week’s Modern Phoenix tours on Saturday. The daylong excursion is best described as a grownup field trip (complete with Capri Suns on the bus) catering to lovers of architecture, innovative design, and historic preservation. After exploring the Phoenix Financial…