Bar Flies
If you spend time in downtown Phoenix even just occasionally and haven’t heard of Bar Flies, we suggest you take a second to reevaluate your life choices and then pay attention. Bar Flies is New Times’ monthly reading series where you’ll hear stories about everything from a lesbian’s first date with a straight man to a Light Rail rider realizing the woman seated across from him is gnawing on some raw steak. Jason P. Woodbury, who shut it down during July’s event, curates the series’ third installment, which is themed “Love and Other Indoor Sports.” The free show starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, at Valley Bar, located in the basement of 130 North Central Avenue. See Valley Bar's website for more info. Evie Carpenter
Exhibition
Stop us before this gets too meta: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is screening an artistically acclaimed film about an artist couple who live in a house that’s also basically a work of art. Was it the last part that did it? We thought it might be the kicker. The museum presents Exhibition, the 2014 film by Joanna Hogg, as part of its film and conversation series at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, in the SMoCA Lounge at 7374 East Second Street. After the movie, Sherry Cameron of Jarson & Jarson will discuss its architectural elements. Tickets are $7 and available by calling 480-874-4666. See details at SMoCA's website. Becky Bartkowski
Bully Mammoth
Like your comedy on the sketchy side? Not a problem.
Local comedy troupe Bully Mammoth is back in action with its first show in eight months. Mammoth member Ryan Gaumont likens breaking the dry spell to the 1992 Pauly Shore flick, Encino Man, where two friends discover a frozen caveman: “They thaw him out and he becomes the coolest dude in school. This show is exactly like that." Scenes include employees fighting boredom while their time-traveling boss leaves them behind to indulge in thrilling adventures, and learning how to order at an authentic Italian restaurant. The scenario-driven hilarity happens at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, at Stand Up Scottsdale, 6820 East Fifth Avenue. Admission is $5. Call 480-882-0730 or visit Stand Up Scottsdale's website. Amy Young