Best Things to Do This Weekend: Michael Che, Rockabilly Rules 7, “Rise and Grind"

You've survived the work week. Now? It's time for some weekend fun. How about a game of Drag Bingo, some Third Friday art shows, or a stand-up set with Michael Che? For more things to do, visit Phoenix New Times' curated calendar.

“Rise and Grind"
Some people need a daily coffee fix. Others get a similar jolt from creativity. That’s the thinking behind “Rise and Grind,” an exhibition of work by more than 50 artists opening on Friday, September 15, at Grand ArtHaus, 1501 Grand Avenue.

Join the free opening reception, which doubles as the venue’s first anniversary party, from 7 to 11 p.m. Beside the art show, the evening will feature an art raffle, music from DJ Fact 135, and other festivities. Above all, it’s a celebration of the rugged grit and drive shown by creatives amid an ever-changing urban landscape. Visit the Grand ArtHaus Facebook page. Lynn Trimble

Michael Che
While most of his Saturday Night Live friends relaxed on their summer vacation, Weekend Update co-host Michael Che went back to work early for some prime-time television specials. While watching Tina Fey devour a sheet cake in response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Che channeled his point of view with a relaxed, stoner-esque delivery with enough bite underneath to keep his face free of frosting. His Netflix special Michael Che Matters explores the country’s deeper issues that he doesn’t always have time to touch on from behind the news desk — gun rights, inequality, and racism, to name a few.

Che is scheduled to perform at 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Friday, September 15, and 7 and 9:30 on Saturday, September 16, at Stand Up Live, 50 West Jefferson Street. Tickets are $25 with a two-drink minimum. For more information, visit the Stand Up Live website. Jason Keil

Kiss
Having grown up in Chile under Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship in the ’70s and ’80s, playwright Guillermo Calderón has a solid handle on oppression, and his work crosses cultural lines to prove relatable to all disenfranchised humans. Kiss features two couples in Damascus who have a standing date to watch their favorite soap opera (which is what people in this country used to do, pre-streaming, when they had friends who’d come to their house). But one evening, boundaries get crossed and passions rage.

The play is way funny and also treats big ideas, but what those are and why they’re entertaining to listen to are matters best left for you to resolve in your opening night seat, 8 p.m. Friday, September 15, at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 West Rio Salado Parkway. Stray Cat Theatre’s production continues through Saturday, September 30. Tickets are $20 to $30 at 480-350-2822 or the Stray Cat Theatre website. Julie Peterson

Drag Queen Bingo
We can’t quite capture with words how wonderful this event might be, so we’ll just get right to it: It’s bingo with drag queens and cats in a coffee and wine bar.

Drag Queen Bingo is a friendly game of chance with cat-themed prizes. It’s hosted by Freddy Prince Charming and Felicia Minor. Also cats will be, like, everywhere.

The games run from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 15, at the La Gattara Cat Lounge & Boutique, 1301 East University Drive, #136, in Tempe. The venue also has desserts, items for sale, and cats looking for a permanent home. Tickets are $25, but space is limited. For more information, call 480-659-0150. Visit the La Gattara website and the Facebook event page. Lauren Cusimano


2017 Diaspora Showcase Africa
U.S. news coverage of Africa these days tends to focus on the negative and not much else. The 2017 Diaspora Showcase Africa is shining a light on the great fashion, food, art, and music that comes from the world’s second-largest continent. Focusing on jazz and the classics, this event will feature music by composer and multi-instrumentalist Tunde Jegede and popular world music vocalist SOMI. You can also check out fashion designs by VanElse and watch a performance by dancer Wade Hampton.

Get cultured at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 15, at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 West Rio Salado Parkway. Tickets are $49 to $69. For more information, visit the Diaspora Showcase website. Jason Keil

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
There’s nothing wrong with bonding over a shared love of old stuff. That’s how Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market got started.

More than five years strong, this shopping paradise was founded by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt. The two moms met at a church group and discovered a shared love of hunting for vintage treasures. After joking about creating their own backyard shopping spot, they put the plan into action, and it’s grown from there.

Now hundreds of vendors participate in their events in Scottsdale, San Diego, and Pomona, California. Clothes, jewelry, home goods, and furniture are just a few of the types of items vendors have to offer.

Save up to spend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road. Admission is $8. If you can’t wait until 9 a.m., there’s an early-bird option from 8 to 9 a.m. for $20 to $25. Visit the Junk in the Trunk website. Amy Young