From architectural tours and design talks to theater, art, and an evening of drag, here's what to mark up that calendar with this week in Phoenix.
Taliesin West Behind the Scenes Tour
Few people and places are as synonymous as Frank Lloyd Wright and Arizona. In fact, it's damn near impossible to talk about the former without mentioning the latter. The celebrated architect called the Grand Canyon State home, living in a winter retreat called Taliesin West for more than 20 years.
See also: 6 Art Exhibitions to See in Metro Phoenix This Summer
Tucked away in the McDowell Mountains, 620-acre estate was completed in 1937. Today it houses his archives and a memorial garden, though the original, organic vision remains in tact. Tours are offered daily, but the three-hour guided Behind the Scenes Tour is reserved for Mondays and Thursdays, and is a highlight for any architecture enthusiast. It includes admission to his private office and Taliesin Fellowship Dining Room for mid-morning tea.
Take the tour at 9:15 a.m. Monday, July 21, at Taliesin West, 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale. Tickets are $70 in advance and $75 on site. Reservations are required. Call 480-627-5340 or visit www.franklloydwright.org. -- Janessa Hilliard
New Jersey, we're sorry. You deserve more credit than you get for your creative output. From Bebe Neuwirth to Ice-T, your contributions to American pop culture are impressive. It's just that we hear so much about your crime rates and the legal troubles of your Real Housewives that we forget you gave us Jason Alexander and Queen Latifah. And Frankie Valli, too. Our bad, Jerz. Our bad.
Speaking of the falsetto-ed wonder, we have the chance to make it up to the Garden State as Jersey Boys comes to Gammage Auditorium for a two-week run. The musical, which was recently adapted into a film nobody saw (we'll save our apology to Clint Eastwood for another time), chronicles the rise to stardom of Valli and The Four Seasons, as told from each member's perspective --- and with a boat load of their songs, including "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry."
Resist the urge to sing along when the show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at 1200 South Forest Avenue in Tempe. Performances run through August 3. Tickets are $25 to $135 via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 480-965-3434. -- Becky Bartkowski
PechaKucha Night Phoenix: Design for Good
At PechaKucha Night Phoenix, design-driven minds of the public and the American Institute of Graphic Arts can meet, greet, and take note from creative catalysts in the community as they present on projects that produce positive change in society.
Featured speakers include Pat and Mike Murray of Maker Twins, Lindsay Kinkade of Design RePublic, Quinn Whissen of This Could Be PHX, Patricia Murphey of Northern Arizona University, and Cavin Costello of The Ranch Mine. PechaKucha Night Phoenix: Design for Good is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at FilmBar, 815 North Second Street. Drinks and AIGA membership overview kick off at 6:30 p.m., followed by presentations at 7 p.m., and then a meet and greet with the speakers at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for AIGA Arizona Members, $15 for general admission in advance, and $20 at the door. Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.pechakucha.org. -- Katie Johnson
RAW Artists Present Communique
We've officially hit the part of summer where everyone's tired of dodging the sun and we need our senses fully indulged. You can party arty and soak in the sights and sounds of RAW Artists Phoenix's latest shindig Communique on Thursday, July 24.
RAW Artists Phoenix rolls massive with artists of almost every stripe scheduled to partake in the festivities. The immense roster of visual artists and photographers include Aaron Allan, Doctor Bird, Sheila Dee, Alison Parker, and Uriah Venezuela. Performers include spoken word artist Truth B. Told, Fourth World Burlesque, and Anaya Tribal Belly Dance troupe. Local fashion will be repped by Rachel Alban, Nathan Firelight, and Brandi Lamb. It wouldn't be a party without music, and rock bands Mister Lucky and Compañeros will do it up live while Senbad spins soulful beats throughout the night.
RAW Artists Phoenix present Communique from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Monarch Theatre, 122 East Washington Street. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.rawartists.org/phoenix. -- Jose Gonzalez
Lady Christian's Trailer Trash Revue
Lady Christian's first foray into show business was as a bouncer at a gay bar, tasked with managing drunks and taking out the trash. These days, the drag queen, who grew up singing gospel, keeps company with each -- only from a higher perch onstage.
Lady Christian's Trailer Trash Revue tantalizes audiences on the final Friday of every month at popular gay cabaret The Rock, one of the gems in Seventh Avenue's gay club crown. The show features staples like comedic jabs and impeccable lip-syncing, but expect more honky-tonk than show tunes or Cher.
Revel in the trash at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at the Rock, 4129 North Seventh Avenue. Admission varies and table reservations are required. Call 602-248-8559 or visit www.therockdmphoenix.com for tickets. -- Janessa Hilliard
Editor's note: This post has been modified from its original version.
