Third Friday is upon us and, as always, there's plenty to keep busy with all over the Valley -- from a Chinese New Year Festival in Chandler, Barret-Jackson's collector cars in Scottsdale, and Dennis Miller performing downtown. Here are our top picks for things to do and see this weekend.
Steve Rannazzisi @ Stand Up Live
You might not recognize the name Steve Rannazzisi (or be able to pronounce it), but if you're familiar with FX's The League -- a raunchy comedic look at a fantasy football league -- you certainly recognize him as foul-mouthed Kevin, hubby to fantasy mastermind (and fellow obscenity artist) Jenny.
Rannazzisi (say it: ren-uh-zee-see) will perform tonight at Stand Up Live at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Tickets are $17 and available here.
"'N Sex: A Ceramic Expo of Insect Reproduction" @ eye lounge
Bug sex isn't a topic often skewered in public, artistic forum. But a new collaborative show involving four ASU entomology students, two ceramicists, and one artist-biologist does just that. If interested in the mating rituals of insects such as jumping spiders, stalk-eyed flies, and water bugs.
See it tonight at eye lounge starting at 5 p.m. for an artist and scientist reception. Admission is free. The exhibition will be on view through Wednesday, February 15. See more here.
Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel @ Poisoned Pen
Syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry and TV writer Alan Zweibel have a loony creative process. The two collaborated on the novel Lunatics, a comedic tale of two men whose lives collide following chapters of twists, turns, and unconventional plot. Those hairpin turns are no coincidence. Here's why: Each of the writers took on the voice of one of the main characters. Barry would write one chapter, send it to Zweibel, and he would follow it with another.
Barry and Zweibel will sign Lunatics at Poisoned Pen on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is free; the book costs $26. See more here.
Opening Night Party @ Fillmore Creative
Celebrate the opening of Joey G.'s warehouse space Fillmore Creative on Saturday night with tours of the building -- 3,200 square feet of living and studio space that includes a sewing lab, tattoo shop, and recording studio -- a live performance from The Insects, and other local music acts, plus live art, and grub from Woody's food truck.
The shindig starts at Fillmore Creative at 8 p.m. and goes late. No cover. See more here.
Margin Call Screening @ FilmBar
This high-stakes thriller focuses on the 2008 financial meltdown from the point of view of risk analysts at a Manhattan investment firm. With a top-notch cast including Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto, the film is an interesting contrast to the ongoing Occupy Wall Street protests.
See it at FilmBar on Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets to the matinee are $5.
Follow Jackalope Ranch on Facebook and Twitter.
