From First Friday haps to soccer, trivia, and modern dance, here's what to mark your calendar with this weekend.
Phoenix artist Daniel Shepherd brings solo work to Willo North Gallery for an upcoming show entitled "an idea of why." The artist, who works in abstract paintings and collages using old magazines and photographs, uses these repurposed materials to create work minimalist in style and complex in message. The goal of this exhibition, he says, is to explore "how everyone has their own idea of why, everyone thinks their idea of why is the right reason -- but in the end it's a question, but then again it's not a question."
See also: 5 Must-See First Friday Shows in Phoenix on August 1
An opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. on First Friday, August 1, at Willo North Gallery, 2811 North Seventh Avenue. The reception includes live music. Light refreshments will be served.The closing reception is Third Friday, August 15, and the show remains on view through Friday, August 22. The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.willonorth.com or call 602-448-9041 for details. -- Janessa Hilliard
And now for something completely intimate.
Leaving behind larger-than-life arrangements, Scorpius Dance Theatre will resurrect a small-scale 2005 production as part of Actors Theatre Phoenix's ongoing summer stock schedule at Black Theatre Troupe Center for the Performing Arts.
Intimate features original choreography by Scorpius founder and artistic director Lisa Starry and simple, scant black costuming. Billed as a chance to get up close (not too close) and personal with the performers, the show comprises solos, pair work, and group pieces that explore intimacy and relationships through contemporary dance.
Showtime is 10 p.m. Friday, August 1, at Black Theatre Troupe Center for the Performing Arts, 1333 East Washington Street. Tickets are $20 and available via www.actorstheatrephoenix.org or by calling 602-888-0368. For more about Scorpius, visit www.scorpiusdance.com. -- Becky Bartkowski
It might be a myth that dinosaurs have provided us with oil, but those prehistoric reptiles have certainly fueled imaginations. For those with all sorts of terrible lizards on the brain, the second edition of the Phoenix DinoCon stomps into downtown Phoenix this Saturday, August 2.
The biggest score this year might be Sedona's Michael Trcic, visual effects artist, who'll head up the panel "Walking the Dinosaur: Building the T. Rex for Jurassic Park." (Yes, that Jurassic Park.) Both the Tyrannosaurus Theater and the Diplodocus Demo Room are filled to the gills with panels that will entertain as well as keep fossil-nerds happy like "Pop Culture Dinos" and the Turbo Dinosaur edition of the supremely fun Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown. The Brontosaurus Bar will keep the 21-plus folks on tilt while the Velociraptor Vendor Room features prints, cleverly crafted wares, and other artifacts to take home.
The second annual Phoenix DinoCon will be held at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 North Third Street. Registration opens at 2:30 p.m. and admission is $5. Limited tickets will be available at the door. Visit www.phxdinocon.com for the panel schedule and other info. -- Jose Gonzalez
Arizona United vs. Sacramento Republic FC
Sometimes it's good to play in a small league. A few weeks ago, Arizona United were struggling near the bottom of the USL-Pro table. After a short hot-streak, however, United are, well, still near the bottom of the table, but they're also within striking distance of a playoff spot thanks to the league's small size. Whether United can continue their run at a playoff spot remains to be seen.
United's playoff-worthiness will be put to the test on Saturday's when they take on Sacramento Republic FC at Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 North 83rd Avenue. Sacramento Republic are one of the few truly dominant squads in the league and should be a hearty test. United will definitely have to score to keep up, and will probably look to recently-acquired striker Long Tan to do the job.
The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 2. Tickets start at $7. Visit www.peoriasportscomplex.com. -- Ed Kummerer
For those who consider themselves either pop culture connoisseurs or oracles of obscure information, downtown Phoenix is delivering a weekly event that exercises your mental talents. Crescent Trivia Night is a weekly evening of quiz games, prizes like free concert tickets and gift cards, discounted food and drinks, and beats by DJ Bruce. Enjoy $2 PBRs, $3 Reyka Vodka, $4 Four Peaks, $4 house wine, $6 nachos, $1 chips and salsa, and $3 bean burritos while you test your knowledge of music, movies, and maybe a few facts you never thought you'd hear yourself reciting in public.
Trivia Night happens Sunday, August 3, and every Sunday at Crescent Ballroom, 308 North Second Avenue. The music starts at 5 p.m., and trivia runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.crescentphx.com or call 602-716-2222. -- Katie Johnson
Editor's note: This post has been modified from its original version.