“I told myself I would give him 10 chances,” Laurelann Porter begins, begging the question: how many would you give? Porter, a doctoral candidate in Theatre and Performance of the Americas at ASU, takes the stage to tell about leaving her own abusive marriage. Her one-woman show, How not to…

For a decade the beauty, brains, and talent of the Valley’s Asian-American community have taken center stage at Miss Asia Arizona. This year’s 10th annual event celebrates that and more with a pageant steeped in opportunities for personal and professional growth and leadership. Created by Gene Flores, a Pacific Islander…

Just because it’s chipped or rusted doesn’t mean it’s not a great find. From the slightly bent-out-of-shape to the truly out-of-this-world, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market returns with all the handmade and vintage goodies one could want. With more than 170 vendors, expect booths from local companies like Hello…

Two years ago, shortly after her father’s death, Phoenix-based artist Casebeer was going through his effects. As she read one letter he had written, a line jumped out at her. “In the second paragraph, after all this stuff, it just said, ‘everything is fine here,’ and I — knowing my…

Down and dirty; slick and sweaty. What sounds scandalous is actually a description of what’s in store for participants of the Phoenix Mud Run, presented by Terrain Racing. Mud lovers will encounter a variety of obstacles during their 5K, 10K, and 20K bouts complete with grand prizes.Muck around from 9…

If trekking through troves of vintage vestments is your thing, then we’ve found a mecca for you. While the Valley has no shortage of antique shops filled to the brim, Front Porch Pickins Market offers another chance with a variety of goodies. Browsing through everything from Midcentury Modern furniture to…

The sixth annual Filmi-Fusion Dance Championships dazzle and delight with costumes and dancing when Bollywood America brings India’s cultural phenomenon downtown this weekend. Shows blend belly dancing and Hindi cinema to create an electrifying take on storytelling.Eleven teams from around the country — and Canada — compete for the title…

One’s brisk morning walk gets cultural with the monthly networking series, Building Mornings, brainchild of Reinvent Phoenix — which focuses on walkable communities, offers an in-depth examination of historic local architecture. This week’s walk explores the Luhrs City Center, an Art Deco skyscraper from 1929 still standing in the heart…

One of the Valley’s prize Midcentury Modern gems, Hotel Valley Ho has a rich and storied past. Nearly in its 60s, the hotel has played home for stars like Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Natalie Wood. These days it hosts posh cocktail carnivals, summertime swims, and chic staycations…

For nearly half a century, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company has wowed millions with a unique take on contemporary modern dance, rooted in the African-American cultural experience.The company comes calling this weekend, performing two shows, each with distinct programs, including Ronald Brown’s Grace, one of the more captivating…

We’re fairly confident that if you’re old enough to get into this prom, your days of dancing in a decked out high school gymnasium or hotel ballroom are behind you.Phoenix Spokes People are throwing a Bike Prom: a night of drinking, dancing, and riding. Expect all the prom staples, from…

Though it’s only just begun, spring already feels like summer. Desert Botanical Garden is helping to ease that transition with its annual Agave on the Rocks event. Cool off by strolling the garden after sunset, salted rim in hand.Noted tequileria, Azunia Tequila, of the Jalisco region of Mexico, will host…

For being such a wealthy nation, the well being of our country’s children is truly troubling. The Raising of America, a documentary series soon to debut on PBS, brings the quality education and the importance of healthcare back into focus. Hosted by The Alliance for Family, Friend and Neighbor Child…

Now in its eighth year — just as captivating and clever as always — the 2015 contemporary dance and film festival Breaking Ground returns to Tempe for an inspired night of performing arts. Winner of last year’s New Times award for Best Dance Festival and produced by local company CONDER/dance,…

Douglas Miles, who lives and works on the San Carlos Apache-Akimel O’odham Reservation hours outside Phoenix, is known for his updated approach to Native American art and culture. Balancing fine art and street art, he is able to toe fine line, creating representations of both community and popular culture.Miles —…

Whether you’re a movie buff, a dedicated reader, or a passive fan, “Page to Screen” is sure to please. From art to action figures, the memorabilia display highlights the written word’s adaptation to both silver and small screens. Hundreds of items — from James Bond to Walt Disney — are…

Now in its 27th year as a spring staple, Artlink’s Art Detour takes over the galleries and sidewalks in the heart of downtown, featuring more than 100 participating artsy locations. Highlights include a block party by Paint PHX along Fifth Street and “Detour de Grand,” focusing on galleries from Grand…

One of Arizona’s most popular cultural events celebrates nearly 60 years of artistry and crowd-pleasing activities. Now in its 57th year, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market brings chefs and dancers alongside nearly 600 artists — ranging from painters to fashion designers, and everything in between.“Celebrating the Art…

The tiny house movement returns to the Valley this month with “MicroDwelling 2015: Alternative Spaces for Simple Living.” The showcase features about a dozen projects, including four built by ASU students in design and sustainability programs. Returning architects Dan Dwyer and event creator Patrick McCue will also show their small…