Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is leaving behind the old "State of Downtown" speech this year and instead turning it into a "Celebrate Downtown" address.
He plans on delivering his message at 7 p.m. this Saturday at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Avenue (one block west of the Van Buren Light Rail station).
Mayor Stanton's speech will be part of the Art d'Core Gala, a downtown celebration, which begins at 6 p.m.
He plans to highlight the progress of downtown Phoenix and the way businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and his office have been working together to "rebuild neighborhood identity, culture, and business," according to a press release.
The newly formed Downtown Phoenix Inc., a conglomerate of local businesses and neighborhood associations, and Artlink Inc., which bolsters downtown's arts scene with First Fridays and Art Detour, are co-sponsors of the event.
Stanton will be joined by downtown Phoenix artists and neighborhood and business leaders to celebrate downtown with the free, public event.
Arrive early for best seats and to enjoy the music, dancing and art exhibits.
ArtLink promises this event will be a "fun formal" affair with live music and dancing; fabulous food and drink; art installations featuring premiere local artists; and an eye-popping virtual tour of downtown art spaces.
Guests are encouraged to dress colorfully with creative formal attire.
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