THU 3 Objects, the Biltmore’s newest men’s and women’s clothing and home furnishings boutique, is already known for its global thinking, snatching up apparel and merchandise from around the world, including Africa and southeast Asia. And now it’s acting locally, with the “Bella Notte” charity gala to benefit the American…
Goodbye Blue Monday might sound like a nod to ’80s New Wave pioneers New Order. But GBM, a San Diego quartet whose name actually references Kurt Vonnegut’s seminal Breakfast of Champions, has no desire to imitate either the Manchester Invasion (despite citing The Cure as a major influence) or the…
Regarding our mothers, there are certain thoughts we block out — both as kids and as adults. For instance, mom’s most intimate moments with dad. (Even putting it delicately gives us the willies.) And then there’s, frankly, the most frightening and unthinkable — until now, that is: Mom sticks a…
THU 24 You do the math: If a one-man art exhibition featuring the work of local architect/painter Eddie Dominguez raises $5,000 for Body Positive (as Dominguez’s BP benefit show did last year), how much bank should roll in with two artists on the bill? “$10,000 would be wonderful!” says Body…
2/17-2/20 If you think all black movies have to include the words “phat,” “dope” or “fly” in the dialogue, prepare to be schooled at the Arizona Black Film Showcase, which runs from Thursday, February 17, through Sunday, February 20, at South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24th Street. “This event…
What’s the worst way to begin an interview with Paula Poundstone? “Uh, well, how about, ‘Got any TV coming up?’ Yeah, that’s a bad way,” Poundstone says, as a matter of fact. “People have a tendency to belittle [me]. You know, like, ‘Got anything that really impresses me?'” No belittling…
THU 17 It’s game time for local painter David McPherson. If pro athletes can summon the power of the Almighty — you know, “God was on our side today . . .” — McPherson can draw upon his Zen teachings and the blessing of the Venerable Norbu Lama with the…
2/11-3/11 Get your drink on, get your freak on, and get your strap-on, because the 22nd annual Exotic Art Show is back again. “People who like to dress crazy and sexy can come here, and nobody gives them a problem,” says Baron Dixon, one of 60-plus artists exhibiting work in…
SAT 2/12 The tough chicks of Arizona Roller Derby aren’t your typical suckers for Valentine’s Day. In fact, give a Roller girl a rose, and she might just crush your heart. No, really, she might just rip the pulsing muscle out of your chest and blade right over it –…
THU 10 If the organizers of the fourth annual Arizona Black Film Showcase achieve their mission statement — “to become the premier, national media arts event dedicated to supporting black film professionals” — Phoenix could hatch a Spike Lee for the 21st century. On Thursday, February 10, three local indie…
SAT 2/5 We’ve got some deep divides in the Valley: Republican against Democrat, warmonger versus peacenik. But c’mon, people, now, smile on your brother, everybody get together for the free Unity Walk and Diversity Festival on Saturday, February 5, in Tempe. “Cities sometimes argue over the next mall or where…
2/4-2/6 Despite whispers of its demise, the OutFar! Lesbian & Gay Film Festival traipses on. Festival director Amy Ettinger thought this year’s event might be the last, and then she was barraged with ticket inquiries and film submissions. “I was looking at the stacks of stuff and almost had a…
SUN 2/6 You gotta be from the ‘hood, according to Steve Weiss, to understand Arizona’s — statehood, that is: February 12, 1912, the day the Grand Canyon State joined the Union. “Growing up in Arizona,” says the 48-year-old Valley native, “you knew when statehood was celebrated. You learned about the…
THU 3 Before 1978, it took more than faith and loyalty to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to become a priest in the Mormon church. Namely, it depended on gender and the color of one’s skin. While males continue to be the gender of choice for LDS leadership, the “revelation”…
THU 1/27 Where have all the heroes gone? Sure, today’s pop culture heroes deserve some props. (Just how many bullets has 50 Cent taken and survived?) But for hard-core heroism, we must hark back to the 1800s, and people such as Harriet Tubman, who braved the severest of penalties –…
1/31-2/6 In years past, the FBR (formerly Phoenix) Open was best known for bringing a much-needed dose of fun to the often staid and stuffy world of professional golf. And while the frat-party mentality that once ruled the 16th hole may have mellowed (a bit), there is little doubt that…
FRI 1/28 So when, exactly, is local filmmaker Zachary Yoshioka going to get the fuck out of the Valley? Don’t get us wrong: The local film scene needs plenty of young talent if it hopes to amount to anything. But with 15 films and a few music videos under his…
THU 27 This ain’t no flashdance, bub. Sure, the lively choreography, attractive young dancers, and multimedia that Casey Blake incorporates as part of his the eyes of the i’s dance piece in New Danceworks II, the ASU Dance Department’s latest recital, might lead you to believe you’re sleazing it up…
1/25-1/30 There are two types of people who attend car auctions: bidders and gawkers. And while it may be your fantasy to hear the word “sold” attached to your name at a big-time auction, simply spending a day in the presence of the finest collection of classics you’ll see anywhere…
Mikki and Stanley Weithorn aren’t driven as art collectors by trendy artists or the pretentious critics who crown them the “next big thing.” Nor do they equate the work of emerging artists to mere financial investments. But that doesn’t mean the Weithorns’ collection of sculpture, paintings and mixed-media works by…
SAT 1/22 Face facts, football fanatics — true gridiron glory isn’t found in some climate-controlled arena, but rather amidst the grass and mud of an outdoor field. So instead of watching the Arizona Rattlers fumble away yet another championship this spring, check out the Copperstate Football League, which kicks off…
THU 20 Hail to the king, baby. Despite the lion’s share of controversy that has dogged Simba and company ever since they hit the silver screen more than a decade ago — including charges of gender stereotype reinforcement, plagiarism, and the sexual orientation of Scar — we’re going to adopt…
