Author: Jill

Admittedly, I have a lot to learn at the Arizona Asian Festival. I don’t know tai chi. I can’t do origami. But I can say, without hesitation, that I’m a skilled eater, a talent that’s no doubt shared by our readers, who’ll enjoy tasting naan from India and spring rolls from Vietnam as much as I will.

Now in its 16th year, the Arizona Asian Festival brings East and West together this Saturday and Sunday at Heritage & Science Park. More than a dozen Asian cultures are represented, with two stages that showcase entertainment, including traditional dances and music, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese Taiko drumming and more.

Spend an afternoon strolling through the Avenue of Cultures, featuring booths from different cultures. Or take your tots to the Children’s Wonderland, designed to keep kids happy and parents sane.

Want to learn taekwondo? Local masters can show you how. Interested in body painting? Artists will demonstrate Mehendi, an ancient form of Indian body painting. And I haven’t forgotten my fellow foodies, who can sample heavenly food from Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, China, India and more.

Speaking of heavenly food, Heritage & Science Park has an even bigger coup in store for those who love Asian cuisine. Chef Nobuo Fukuda, winner of numerous accolades (including the biggie, a James Beard Award), is opening his first Downtown restaurant this summer.

Fukuda is transforming The Teeter House from a Victorian tearoom into a cozy sanctuary for his artful blend of Japanese and global cuisine. Nobuo at Teeter House will serve bento boxes, steamed pork buns and Asian teas at lunch, while dinner will feature his signature sashimi and izakaya, or Japanese tavern, food.

Expect local and organic produce in his dishes, and wonderful pairings of wine and food. We’ll keep you posted about the opening date of Nobuo at Teeter House, which will add even more luster to the Downtown Phoenix dining scene. Until then, kanpai!

For anyone who loves quirky, off-the-beaten-path theater, the Phx: Fringe Festival is a big, tempting buffet. More than 30 live performances are on the menu, ranging in price from just $5 to $15. That makes it affordable to catch several of these compelling productions.

The only tough part? Choosing your favorites. To give you a brief taste, here’s a quick look at a few events that grabbed my own interest; be sure to check out the entire program here. The Fringe Festival runs from April 2-11, with performances at venues across Downtown Phoenix.

Dinosaurs Exposed!

I’m a geek, and not ashamed to admit it; I’ve watched all the Discovery Channel programs that recreate dinosaurs. In this live, 45-minute performance, an ape, a monk and a modern day scientist all discover the same pile of bones and speculate about their origins. Finally, the bones come to life and we learn the real story. See it at the Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre; dates and times vary.

Tissues and Razorblades

The SHARP Dance Company of Philadelphia merges their innovative choreography with a stimulating, multimedia set and backdrops. If you’re turned off by classical ballet and tutus, I’m betting this modern dance troupe will whip your head around. Also at the Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre.

The Bike Trip

In this one-man show, author Martin Dockery explores LSD and the whole psychedelic experience on journeys around the world. I’m not advocating anything here, just saying this play could be…interesting. See it at Space 55; times and dates vary.

The Resurrection and Death of the Dr. Rev. Stephen Strange

Well-known local magician, creative guru and all-around amusing oddball, Dr. Strange attempts to come back to life with the help of his wife/assistant, the Mother Fakir Sahar Strange. The show combines vaudeville, circus, sideshows and burlesque with comedy and energy. See it at Modified Arts; times and dates vary.

Family Fringe

This wonderful, interactive theatre event allows children to experience the earth and sky through their five senses. It’s free this Friday night at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

After-Hours Parties

Each Friday and Saturday, the Festival throws after-hour parties all around town. There’s live music, food, drinks and a chance to meet the Fringe performers.

How do you spell your name in Chinese? Where’s Ennis, Ireland? What’s Nimbus Old Monkeyshine?

To scope out the answers, bring your friends, family and curiosity to WorldFEST 2010, a big multicultural bash at Heritage & Science Park. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, WorldFEST 2010 celebrates the culture, art and food of our sister cities in China, Israel, France, Mexico, Ireland and more.

Watch a video promo here.

Admission is everyone’s favorite four-letter word – free – and there’s a dazzling array of things to taste, see and do. Here’s a quick sampling of what you’ll find:

Beer, Beer and More Beer

Beer lovers, start your engines. For just $4, you can buy a sample tray of beer or a full 16 oz cup of your favorite. There are nearly 50 beers from around the world, ranging from Belhaven Scottish Ale and Sapporo Draft to Spaten Oktoberfest. If you prefer grapes to hops, check out the wines from Japan, New Zealand, Germany, France and Australia.

Events for Foodies

On Saturday and Sunday, you can watch Master Chef Theresa Lin at work. A superstar of Asian cuisine who’s authored 16 cookbooks, Lin will demonstrate the art of Chinese cooking. Hungry for more? On Friday, you can attend the World Lunch featuring food from the Havana Café, Pink Pepper Thai and Carolina’s Mexican Food, among others, for just $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event. Plus, you’ll find all kinds of international goodies all weekend long at WorldFEST.

Live Entertainment

Music is a constant at WorldFEST. One stage will feature live bands, including Crooked Grin, the Screamin’ Javelinas and Trash, while the second will showcase performers from around the world like McTeggart Irish Dance and Lau’s Lion Dance Team from China.

Kids’ Stuff

If you’ve got kids or just want to entertain one for the weekend, WorldFEST has tons of ways to keep the little nippers happy. Kids 12 and under receive a “Passport to the World,” which leads them through Sister Cities Village, which is chock-full of exhibits and hands-on activities. Kids can explore a castle, learn how to rope a steer, make Italian masks and do Chinese calligraphy.

This Saturday, some of Downtown’s brightest creative talents will strut their stuff at the Downtown Phoenix Festival of the Arts. This first-ever celebration of Downtown’s burgeoning arts scene is loaded with offbeat and exciting performers and artists. In fact, it’s one of the most interesting line-ups of artists and events yet presented, with everything from a short film festival to an epic painting duel.

But first, I can’t resist a shout-out to one of the participants, fashion designer Xoe McAleece, who came up with a wildly clever idea. Her brainstorm – that sewing machines have a beat – led to the creation of her own sewing machine orchestra, which will click away in unison as the soundtrack for her runway show. I’m betting she beat Project Runway to the punch on that one. Kudos, Xoe. Her line of couture fashion, Vintage Mama, will take to the catwalk along with garments from Las Otras Hermanas.

In another creative move by the festival, four local artists will engage in a showdown on canvas. Kyle Jordre, Ken Peloke, Taylor Swick and Gabe Sandoval – all of whom work on large-scale paintings – will showcase their very different techniques. As an attendee, you get the final say: a chance to vote on the painting you like best.

If you’re a film buff, check out the short film festival, which includes several films produced by ASU students. The movies run the gamut, from documentaries and comedies to dramas and avant-garde works.

The list of performing artists is equally eclectic. Acroyoga Electra will demonstrate their how-did-they-do-that fusion of gymnastics and yoga, live bands programmed by The Shizz will entertain all night, and DJ Benni Beatnik will showcase dubstep, a cross between techno and hip-hop. Local artists will display their work and attendees can show off their own creative gifts on a public art canvas that will be donated to the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

I can’t resist a final shout-out to other participants, in this case two talented locals, flamenco performers Lena and Chris Jacome. If you’ve been watching too much (or any) “Dancing with the Stars,” you might think flamenco is some outmoded art form involving costumes with way too much glitter and velvet. The truth is, flamenco is a passionate, deeply sensual art form invented by gypsies, and I was lucky enough to see live performances of it years ago in a smoky bar in Seville, Spain. When it’s good, it’s as thrilling and rhythmic as anything you’ll ever see.

The Festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Saturday at Heritage Square. To add to the buzz – your own, in this case – a beer and wine garden will serve beer from local brewer Four Peaks and wine from Barefoot Wine and Bubbly.

Admission is $10 presale and $15 at the door. You can purchase tickets in advance through the Downtown Phoenix Festival of the Arts site.

Afraid of falling? Imagine being strapped to a platform that slowly tilts back, then falls to the ground. Scared of loud noises? Then picture yourself startled by noise and able to watch your own reaction, filmed in slow motion.

Both scary and giggle-inducing, the new exhibit at the Arizona Science Center will help you understand the science behind our common fears in a series of creative, first-hand encounters. “Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear” is another terrific example of the Center’s ability to make learning a thrilling, interactive experience.

In the Fear Challenge Course, you’ll have the chance to face four common fears – animals, electric shock, loud noises and falling – in a safe environment. Fear In The Wild is a put-yourself-in-the-picture video game that lets you explore common responses to danger, including the freeze, flight and fight mode.

Since most of us are overgrown kids, this exhibit is perfect for just about any age. It also includes a provocative look at the way media and pop culture reflect our collective fears, plus useful tips to help kids move past those early-age fears.

The exhibit is free to members, $15 per person for children and seniors and $17 per person for adults. And yup, that price includes general admission to the Center.

Want another Fear Factor experience? You have until March 12th to enter for the chance to wear a beard of live bees. True story; I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

On Saturday, March 20th, six winning entries, drawn at random, will proudly wear their bee beard at the Arizona Science Center. If you’d rather watch than participate, demonstrations begin at 11 a.m. and run every 30 minutes until 1:30 p.m.

As for me, I have apiphobia (fear of bees), and I’ll be happy to let you wear the beard in my absence. Just don’t try to shave it off.

In Downtown Phoenix, Happy Hours have multiplied faster than bunnies on Viagra. For anyone on a tight budget – and that’s most of us – Happy Hour equals drinks, dinner and meet-ups, all rolled into one affordable package.

So, without further delay, here’s a listing of some of Downtown’s Happy Hours. You’ll find one – or even two – for nearly every day of the week, with all kinds of drink and appetizer specials included.

Martini Mondays

Feel like a member of the original Rat Pack at Majerle’s Sports Grill, which hosts this toast to retro drinks. Martinis are only $5 each.

Tough Guy Tuesday

Every Tuesday, from 4 pm to 8 pm, Bud Light drafts are only $1 at 1130 The Restaurant, located inside the Arizona Center. Appetizers are $5 off until 7 pm.

Wild Wing Wednesday

If you like wings, you’ve just hit the jackpot. On Wednesdays, from 5 pm to 11 pm, Network’s Bar & Grill offers a hefty bucket of wings for $10; a huge bucket for $25; and an enormous, bring-all-your-friends-and-family bucket for $50. Plus $1 off signature wine and well drinks.

Pint Night Thursdays

Knock back half-priced draft beer every Thursday at Coach and Willie’s from 4 pm until closing.

Absolut-ly Fridays

I don’t know about you, but I love Absolut Vodka, and you’ll find all Absolut Flavors for only $5 each during Martini Madness at Coach and Willie’s. This special goes on all day and night each Friday.

Monday-Friday Happy Hour at Sam’s Cafe

I’ve always loved the food at Sam’s Café, much to the dismay of my scale. From 3 pm to 7 pm, Sam’s offers Happy Hour Specials in their bar, including $3 house wine, Coyote and Grand Canyon margaritas – huge and exceptionally fine – and all manner of munchies, including $3.50 for grilled nachos, carnitas cheese crisp, Southwest bruschetta and more. For $4.50, you can munch on Tumbleweed chicken and onion rings, jalapeno poppers and fire grilled cheeseburgers.

If you want more happy hours – and who doesn’t – check out the Monday-Friday specials at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, the Matador, Hooters, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Kincaid’s and Steve’s Greenhouse Grill.

Urban scavenger hunts have taken off nearly as fast as Wile E. Coyote after Roadrunner.

This weekend, one of the Big Daddy’s of them all is coming to Downtown Phoenix. On Saturday, February 27th, CitySolve Urban Race will take you and a team partner on a crazy quilt adventure across the Valley.

Think Trivial Pursuit meets Amazing Race, and you’ve got the essence of this one-day, high-octane adventure. To participate, partner up with a buddy or loved one, then register at this site. The cost is $50 per person through 5 p.m. on Friday, and $60 per person on race day.

Check-in begins at 11 a. m. at Coach & Willie’s and the race begins at noon. Your team will navigate Valley neighborhoods on foot or by public transportation, trying to solve clues built around pop culture, American history, anagrams and more. It’s not all brainwork, since you’ll also take part in all kinds of offbeat experiences like building a house of cards.

So, what will you get for all this? Judging by the photos, a genuinely fun, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will test your brainpower and daring. And yes, you’ll get your own T-shirt and race number, which entitles you to say, “I took part in CitySolve Urban Race and all I got was”…well, you know the rest.

The top 25 teams will qualify for the national championship, so you’ve got a shot at going for the big prize, which is $5,000. For the Phoenix race, there are prizes for first, second and third place, plus $50 gift certificates for “Best Uniforms” and “Best Tweet,” among others.

For most of us, it’s tough enough writing a coherent email minus any typos or emoticons. But two writers managed to transcend those limitations to write an entire double bill for the theater.

Phoenix playwright Mare Biddle and Canadian playwright Sterling Lynch had never met. But in March of 2009, in one of those fortunate, life-changing moments, the pair connected on Twitter and forged an unusual partnership.

Biddle and Lynch began collaborating on each other’s plays via email and the result is a double bill, Tangelico/A Cube with a View, now playing at Space 55 in Downtown Phoenix.

A Cube with a View, Biddle’s edgy comedy, was written as a companion piece for Lynch’s Tangelico, a farce about the creative process, friendship and memory. The two will finally meet for the first time on Feb. 27, the closing night of their one-act plays. Following the performance, they’ll conduct a live Q&A/Tweet-up on Twitter and with the theater audience.

If you haven’t yet been to Space 55, go and check out this small gem of a troupe. Unlike most of the bigger theaters, Space 55 develops much of its own work, collaborating closely with local writers and performers. Most of the work is offbeat and original, performed in a small, intimate setting.

Founded by actress Shawna Franks, Space 55 has a commitment to nurturing local talent. They host a monthly Writers Workshop where local playwrights can workshop new material and a Writers Forum that gives emerging talents the opportunity to encourage each other and bounce ideas around.

The very definition of a community theater, Space 55 wants people to experience live performances at a price they can afford. “In times like these, I think it’s important for people to find ways to get out, connect with each other and not break the bank,” says Franks.

So, how affordable is it? Performances are priced from $5 to $15 per person. That seems like a darned affordable way to show your support for the Downtown scene and its emerging roster of creative talents.

Downtown Phoenix has more than its share of swoon-worthy spots, and you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy them. Here are a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day to keep your budget in check and curb those last-minute raids on the drugstore candy aisles:

Picnic at the Park

Grab some bread, cheese and wine at the Phoenix Public Market and head for Civic Space Park. While you’re at the Market, pick up some Wei of Chocolate, a wonderful brand of organic dark chocolates made right here in Phoenix. (If you’re a guy, remember that chocolate is an aphrodisiac to women; a study in Italy found that chocolate can actually increase a woman’s sex drive. Go ahead, buy in bulk).

Friendship Garden

Picture stone footbridges, lanterns and flowing streams. Frankly, you had me at stone footbridges. Ro Ho En, also known as the Japanese Friendship Garden, is a beautiful spot that’s perfect for a little canoodling. Admission is only $5 per person. If you’ve got some extra spending money, make reservations at Sens for some Asian tapas.

Hot dogs Plus Home Tour

When it comes to romance, all it takes is a little creativity. Stop by Ed the Hotdogger, load up on your favorite condiments, then hail a cozy pedicab to take you around Downtown’s gorgeous historic districts. To arrange a ride, call the Arizona Pedicab Co. or the Bumble Bee Pedicab Co.

Make a Wish

I’m a big fan of the gardens at the Arizona Center, one of the most undeniably romantic spots in Phoenix. If you’d like to romance your date with a gesture that costs just pennies, throw a few coins in their fountains and tell your honey to make a wish. Cap off the night with dessert at the Teeter House in Heritage Square, the perfect intimate setting. The ice cream topped with chocolate-dipped strawberries is just $5.

More and more, youthful energy and ideas are reshaping Downtown Phoenix. Sean Deckert, an ASU student and artist, is the latest proof that our city is ripe for creative input and change.

Just one year ago, Sean moved Downtown and was juggling his studies with a bartending gig at The Rose and Crown. Today, he’s co-curator of First Fridays in Heritage Square, a juried exhibit that features up-and-coming young artists. Recently, we talked with him about his journey from student to arts entrepreneur.

Q: How did you get involved in promoting the arts?

“In the beginning, I was just looking for a space to display my own art. Since I was working at The Rose and Crown, I realized that Heritage Square was a cool spot that no one was utilizing. Then, I thought: maybe I can get more artists involved, and it grew from there.”

Q: What’s different about your First Fridays event?

“It’s not a street fest. There are no vendors, just artists, so it’s a less crowded space and the atmosphere is amazing. The artists set up, hang out and talk to the public about their work and their methods. In fact, we encourage people to talk to the artists and learn about their work.”

Q: How do you choose the artists for each show?

“Initially, I sent a call out to artists all over the Valley. Our first show was in September of ‘09, and we now have certain artists who continually exhibit, like Jacki Orr, a video artist, Lee Davis, who does woodblock prints and acrylic painting, and Gabe Sandoval, an aerosol artist who paints portraits. Gabe is a highlight of each show: he places a four-foot square panel board on an easel and spray paints live. By the end of the event, he’ll have a finished piece.”

Q: Are you still looking for artists to exhibit?

“Absolutely. Anyone who’d like to show his or her work can contact me at [email protected]. We’re looking for work that makes a strong statement.”

Q: How is The Shizz involved? And what the heck is it?

“The Shizz is a music blogspot that promotes local bands. For this month’s First Fridays event, The Shizz will present two live bands, Whisperlights and Former Friends of Young Americans. If you’d like to find out more about local bands, visit theshizz.org.”

Sponsored by Artlink, the Rosson House Foundation and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, First Fridays at Heritage Square takes place this Friday, Feb. 5 from 6-10 p.m. If you’d like to see some of Sean’s work, check out his upcoming show at the Ice House, Feb. 27 and 28, which features his fine art photography and the paintings of Taylor Swick.

[Editor’s Note: You can read the First Fridays in Heritage Square blog here.]

One of the healthiest trends in Downtown dining is the emphasis on locally grown and organic produce. One after another, restaurants are making it a point to support local growers and add organic fruits and vegetables to their menus.

If you’d like to give these folks some support of your own, here are a few Downtown eateries that will make you feel downright good about indulging:

NINE/05

A recent addition to Downtown, NINE/05 frequents the Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery for its produce. Most of the meats at this modern Asian restaurant are organic, and the acclaimed chef likes using heirloom produce when possible.

District American Kitchen and Wine Bar

This charming spot in the Downtown Sheraton has quite a story to tell. The chefs here give their produce scraps to a farm in Scottsdale, which uses them for compost. The compost is then used to grow fresh, local produce for the restaurant. How’s that for bringing things full-circle? And there’s more to the tale: The same Scottsdale farmer also helped the restaurant plant a garden on the Sheraton’s fourth floor.

Cibo’s

All the vegetables on the menu are locally and organically grown, which means that every salad, from their marvelous Mixed Vegetables to the savory Antipasto, is loaded with fresh produce. If you go to Cibo’s just for the pizza – and who could blame you – you can pat yourself on the back if you have vegetables on your pie.

Pasta Bar

The comfort food at this Italian eatery includes handmade pasta, homemade sausage and locally grown produce from the Phoenix Public Market.

The Roosevelt

Almost everything served at The Roosevelt, a classic pub-style place, is locally grown and organic. For example, the bread comes from a bakery down the street and the greens are grown locally. Matt’s Big Breakfast, which is owned by the same folks, also adheres to the owner’s passion for local food, and features cage-free eggs from humanely raised chickens.

Breadfruit

This fun eatery, which serves up Jamaican food and reggae, gets its fruits and veggies at the Phoenix Public Market and uses only cage-free chickens (who had better lives, but still wound up on someone’s plate).

This Saturday, Kathy Griffin will arrive to slice and dice a few celebrities, and I’m guessing there’s some Tiger on the menu. If you’d like to see one of the funniest women in America, jump online now and reserve your tickets for the 8 p.m. show at the Dodge Theatre.

If you’ve watched Kathy’s comedy specials or her Bravo reality show, “My Life on the D-List,” you know how fearless she is. So far, Kathy says she’s been banned from “The View,” “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” then re-banned from “The View” after making a joke about Barbara Walters. She’s in hot water again after dropping the F-bomb while hosting the New Year’s Eve Show on CNN with Anderson Cooper.

Some Kathy trivia: she won “Celebrity Mole” on ABC; hosted an NBC reality series, “Average Joe” and has won a Grammy and two Emmys. Oh, and she dated Steve Wozniak, Apple’s cheery co-founder, who had a truly terrible debut on “Dancing with the Stars.” Steve, we’re begging you, no more dancing.

If you’ve never seen any of Kathy’s stand-up routines – and I’m betting you have – you can check out her newly released DVD, “Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut a Bitch.”

Right there, you know it’s not Disney on Ice, so leave any kids at home. Then go and laugh till it hurts. You’ll actually be glad you’re not Tom Cruise or Rihanna.