There’s a lot going on this time of year in the Valley of the Sun, so when we give up coveted print for an event that’s outside of the ‘hood, you know that it’s well worth the nod. And yes, the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention at Tucson’s coolest —…
While the rest of the nation may be anticipating the coming of spring, particularly those out east, we Arizonans know that the month of March simply means that the heat is about to come marching. So when the 11th Annual Chandler Classic Car and Hot Rod Show rolls through downtown…
Since taking over as commish last year, Adam Silver has made no secret of his desire to shake things up around the NBA, which might include a new playoff format. For now, the Phoenix Suns will have to duke it out for a playoff spot in the stacked Western Conference,…
When it comes to Tempe’s historic Mill Avenue District, there are two camps; the grizzled, old rockers who bitterly eulogize the passing of one of Arizona’s coolest spots in-between tequila shots and ‘90s rock name-drops, then there are those who are doing something about it. Sure, Endgame, 699 South Mill…
If you’re one of the few surviving members of the human race who has yet to be voluntarily tattooed or pierced, then pat yourself on the back. You are, quite ironically, the real contrarian. Still, if you’ve been hoping to dip your pen in the inkwell, so to speak, your…
Say what you will about former ASU standout James Harden: He doesn’t play defense. The refs bail him out. He needs to buy a razor, or several. Whatever. Either way, “the beard” is in serious contention for the league’s MVP and has his Houston Rockets poised to make a deep…
Phoenix has certainly kicked off the new year on an athletic note. Between the bowls and opens, even the Suns are in the midst of an unprecedented eight-game home stand. It’s as if the world’s finest athletes are all descending upon the Valley at once. And then there’s Jim Gaffigan…
For over a decade, Americans have been entertained by the seemingly insurmountable number of individuals who, often erroneously, think they can sing. With its immense popularity, American Idol ushered in an era of singing shows which were promptly followed by dance competition shows. Fortunately, most of us know we can’t…
If there’s one subject that artist Charity Hall isn’t afraid to broach, it’s insects. In fact, it’s about all she “brooches.” From scorpions and centipedes to katydids and katydid-nots, (okay, we made that last one up), Hall has built quite an artistic reputation on the back of the bug. While…
Unless you were living under a rock this past summer — something not entirely ill-advised in Arizona — you know that Lebron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This despite the jersey burnings and the now infamously documented acrimony from owner Daniel Gilbert upon his initial departure to Miami. Shortly…
From shih tzus to sheepdogs, the finest purebreds around will be on display at the Great Arizona Dog Show this Friday, January 9, at Glendale’s Camelback Ranch, 10710 West Camelback Road. Whether you’re a full-blown fancier or a casual admirer of man’s best friend, there will be plenty of canine…
The 2014 college football season marks the first time that a playoff system will determine a national champion. In lieu of computers, a committee of actual humans will select four teams to duke it out for the title. Yes, Condoleezza Rice is on that committee. The changes brought on by…
Despite what the locals might have you believe, not everything is bigger in Texas. But when it comes to basketball, it certainly feels like everything is better. As of early December, Texas’ three professional teams boasted a combined record of 46-15. Hoops aficionados will be quick to point out that…
It’s hard to imagine what downtown Mesa would look like without its stunning arts center. Catalyzing a much needed renewal in recent years, the MAC, 1 East Main Street, has given the city a serious art cred boost. No, scream-o kid, The Nile wasn’t cutting it. In continuing to provide…
Looking for a riveting Phoenix Suns game to go to? The Suns versus the Orlando Magic probably isn’t it. The Magic are hardly magical, and despite Phoenix’s mediocre start, the Suns are the better team. Still, the matchup marks the return of the Valley’s own Channing Frye. In 2012, the…
By now you’re probably familiar with Movember. The campaign to “change the face” of men’s health has accrued quite a bit of pop culture capital in recent years. But did you know that so-called mo bros raised a cool $22.9 million in 2013? So that unkempt coworker who’s been changing…
Arizona football fans haven’t exactly been spoiled over the years. For decades the Cardinals were the laughing stock of the NFL, while both ASU and U of A’s programs have epitomized mediocrity. Not so in 2014. The Cats and the Sun Devils have maintained national rankings basically all season long,…
If you ever find yourself perusing the upcoming event calendars at phoenixpubliclibrary.org, you’ll quickly be amazed at the wealth of educational opportunities that the Phoenix public libraries offer. From math tutoring to toddler time, our libraries are one of the Valley’s richest resources for, well, enrichment. But this Wednesday they’re…
Before writer, film director and all-around renaissance man Kevin Smith was ‘too fat for 40’ (his words), he was too cool for school. In the early 1990s, Smith’s low budget celluloid gem Clerks put Hollywood on notice. Shortly thereafter he wrote and directed Mallrats. Like Clerks, his follow-up (technically a…
Youth, excitement, athleticism — these aren’t words that spring to mind when describing the San Antonio Spurs. Think more along the lines of methodical, precise, andselfless. But youth and athleticism sum up the current Phoenix Suns squad quite pithily.For Suns fans, the past decade has been a bitter dance with…
On paper, a starting lineup that includes Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, and Carlos Boozer looks pretty damn formidable. Turns out, that particular piece of paper is pockmarked, frayed, and dates back to about 2007. In NBA years, that’s a really long time ago.Still, Lakers fans are hitching their wagons to…
Sometimes it feels like the LGBTQ community has hijacked the rainbow and that the rest of us can’t rock a vintage Care Bears T-shirt without raising a few eyebrows. But you know what? Our LGBTQ friends have had a hard enough path; they deserve a few rainbows. And with the…
