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Calling All Classic Car Lovers!

by Kelly Tope on November 6, 2009 in Special Events, Things To Do

1549_SWN07_484x188Westworld of Scottsdale presents Goodguy’s 12th Annual Southwest Hot Rod & Custom Car National. This show features over 3,000 hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars & trick trucks thru ‘72.  These cars will all be showcased November 20-22 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

This giant outdoor car show will also include a swap meet, vendor & manufacturer exhibits and more. With fun for the whole family like a Model Car Show and free model make and take, come out and enjoy gorgeous cars and beautiful weather.

Ticket prices start at $17 for adult tickets and $6 for children (ages7-12). For more detailed information on times, parking and tickets purchases please visit www.southwestnats.com or call 925-838-9876.

Green Street Scottsdale is Just Around the Corner!

by Kelly Tope on November 3, 2009 in Special Events, Things To Do

SFW08_LeKae GalleryPart celebration, part art exhibit, part music festival, and all environmentally friendly, Green Street Scottsdale will celebrate the city’s sustainability efforts on Nov. 12. The free event will kick off with a special ArtWalk in the Scottsdale Arts District at 7 p.m. along Main Street and Marshall Way in downtown Scottsdale. The event continues at the SouthBridge and Scottsdale Waterfront districts with a live Latin Jazz concert, organic beer tastings, eco-friendly public art installations and interactive exhibits that highlight Scottsdale’s green projects.

The Green Street Scottsdale ArtWalk will feature artist demonstrations with recycled and reusable materials and live music from local bands. Meanwhile, the SouthBridge and Scottsdale Waterfront areas are set to feature interactive exhibits highlighting the city’s most dynamic sustainability initiatives.  

Green Street Scottsdale also will throw some Latin flavor into the eco-friendly mix. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ free Latin Jazz concert will be at Southbridge and all event participants can “live la vida Locavore” while they enjoy specialty cuisine made with local and organic ingredients from a Scottsdale vendor. An outdoor beer garden on the Marshall Way Bridge will provide samples of some of the world’s tastiest organic brews, courtesy of DRAFT Magazine.

Transportation options will be available to those who take the Valley Metro Light Rail to the Priest and Washington station in Phoenix. From there, the free and eco-friendly Scottsdale Trolley (they run on biodiesel) will pick up attendees to take them to downtown Scottsdale. The trolley will run from 5 to 11 p.m., and there also will be plenty of hybrid taxis from Discount Cab for guests wishing to extend the festivities later into the night.

For more information, maps, featured artists, demonstrators and participating galleries, visit www.greenstreetscottsdale.com. With all this good, clean, green fun, who could resist?

Join Norm from Cheers at The Big Pour

by Josh Kenzer on November 2, 2009 in Dining and Nightlife, Special Events

George Wendt Book CoverEvery man’s bar buddy, George Wendt, aka “Norm,” will grace a barstool at The Big Pour, Sat., Nov. 14, at Scottsdale Waterfront. George graciously accepted the invitation to visit fans, sign his new book Drinking With George, participate in a beer seminar and hoist a few in the process.

The Big Pour, Nov. 12-14, will offer a Saturday “Fan” ticket @ $50 specifically for Norm fans that includes:

  • Meet & greet with George
  • Signed Copy of his book “Drinking With George”
  • 15 Pours from a selection of hundreds of craft beers
  • Everclear Concert

In true spirit of the occasion, George said: “Hope they have a warm barstool for me…plenty of copies my new book and I’m ready to throw some down with Big Pour fans in Scottsdale.”

Wendt, who graces DRAFT Magazine’s November/December cover, will enjoy The Big Pour with other patrons, experiencing a beer lover’s adventure with hundreds of craft beers from breweries across the globe, never before in Arizona.

The Capitol Christmas Tree is Coming from Arizona

by Josh Kenzer on November 2, 2009 in What's Happening, What's Noteworthy

capitol-christmas-tree-201x300Arizona has been given a grand opportunity to showcase the “Grand Canyon State” with a tree to provide that magic splendor you see each year on television of the beautiful Christmas tree illuminating the foreground of the Nation’s Capitol.

There will be a tree cutting ceremony this Saturday, November 7th in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine, Arizona. From there, the tree will make several stops in Arizona before heading across the country to be presented to the President on Monday, November 30th.

You are invited to attend the tree cutting ceremony or stop in and see the tree as it travels through Arizona. For all the details, check out the official website at http://capitolchristmastree2009.org/

Wearable ArtWalk and Wearable Runway Fashion Show

by Josh Kenzer on October 30, 2009 in Fashion News, Shopping, Special Events, Things To Do

DeborahPaswatersw-ModelScottsdale Fashion Week has confirmed a Wearable ArtWalk gallery line up that spotlights live body painted models, botanical fashions, fashion hounds, couture jewelry collections, and wearable fiber art.

The celebration kicks off on SouthBridge with the Wearable ArtWalk Opening Presentation and Preview Runway Fashion Show from 6-7p.m. where models will showcase exclusive designs on an outdoor runway.

The show will open with Calvin Charles Gallery’s ‘Living Sculpture’ by Deborah Paswaters who will start the runway action with her live body painted models. Ambiance Fleur Eclectics, exhibiting at Occasions! By Design, will close the show with its collection of live botanicals presented as wearable art on fashion models.

Participating Wearable ArtWalk Galleries

  • Babette | 7051 E 5th Ave
  • Wilde Meyer Gallery | 4142 N Marshall Way
  • Cornelis Hollander Designs | 4151 N Marshall Way
  • Galina Couture | 4151 N Marshall Way
  • Naked Horse | 4151 N Marshall Way
  • Calvin Charles | 4201 N Marshall Way
  • Jewelry by Gauthier | 4211 N Marshall Way
  • Palavela Home | 4222 N Marshall Way
  • Gallery Andrea | 7019 E Main St
  • Xanadu | 7039 E Main St
  • Occasions! By Design | 7077 E Main Street
  • Colores | 7100 N. Main Street

Little Black Dress Wines has created a Wearable ArtWalk Passport that will be available at the SouthBridge presentation and the Wearable ArtWalk galleries. Guests are encouraged to wear their own ‘little black dress’ to the event and collect stamps from Wearable galleries for the chance to win two VIP tickets to Scottsdale Fashion Week on November 6 and 7.

The Wearable ArtWalk is free and takes place from 7-9 p.m. in various galleries on Main Street, Marshall Way and Stetson Avenue in downtown Scottsdale. Full details about gallery shows are at www.scottsdalefashionweek.com/artwalk.asp.

Wearable ArtWalk’s musical entertainment begins at 7 pm and includes pop-rock faves Jay & Ash at the Party Before ArtWalk (near the Stetson fashion stage), plus neoclassical pianist Elijah Bossenbroek, the flute sounds of Flavio, and solo singer-songwriter showcase Soliloquies featuring Jeordie and Teneia Sanders.

Throughout the night ArtWalkers will enjoy complimentary samples from the Little Black Dress Wines, Bacon Restaurant, Crudo Café, and Icelandic Glacial Water.

The 3rd annual event is open to the public and is presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association in conjunction with the City of Scottsdale. Additional sponsors include Little Black Dress Wines, ShowUp.com, and the Scottsdale Downtowner.

Free parking and trolley or carriage rides are available at all corners of the Arts District. For information about future ArtWalk events visit www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com.

The Bigger and Better Scottsdale Fashion Square

by Mitchell Tay on October 29, 2009 in Member Spotlight, Shopping, Things To Do, What's Happening

For those who love shopping Scottsdale Fashion Square is the mall just for that. The mall recently added a new 100,000 square foot extension to the already ginormous mall, now totalling 1.9 million square feet of retail space. If you’re not aware, Fashion Square is the the largest mall in the southwest so make sure to wear your comfortable shoes handy if shopping for awhile. In the newly expanded wing you’ll find the widely-known Barney’s New York anchored at the end of the mall, with other popular stores such as, Forever 21, H&M, Banana Republic, and J. Crew adjacent to it. While the majority of the major stores have already opened there are still a handful of stores waiting to make their debut.  And if you love to eat be sure to check out the two restaurants that opened up in the expansion: Modern Ssteak and Marcella’s Italian Kitchen.

Modern Steak is not your typical steakhouse ambiance. It’s light and youthful with very elegant decor, yet still intimate. My colleague, Melissa, raved about the short rib sandwich and peanut butter cup dessert which she said tasted like “deliciousness.” Modern Steak also has a convenient walk-up window for a quick bite on the run called Modern Burger. It has a fairly simple menu with very reasonable prices. Marcella’s Italian Kitchen is also a moderately priced restaurant that’s not too casual or too fancy. My other colleague, Sara, really enjoyed the restaurant’s lunch specials.

A couple other items to make note of is the new underground parking and valet parking options for  convenient access to the mall.

Regardless if you’re just visiting Scottsdale or a local, make sure you have enough hours set aside if you love to shop.

Scottsdale Fashion Week Schedule Announced

by Josh Kenzer on October 28, 2009 in Shopping, Shopping News, Special Events

Phoenix Fashion WeekThe evenings of November 6 and 7 will be alive with over two-dozen runway shows. The Main Runway will be located on the Scottsdale Waterfront at Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This New York style tented fashion show will showcase leading fashion designers and tastemakers on an 80-foot runway. Coinciding with the In-Tent shows, an outdoor runway under the stars across the Arizona canal at Southbridge will feature up-and-coming designers. For more information, visit the Scottsdale Fashion Week website.

Friday, November 6, 2009

  • SouthBridge Open Runway | Show Times (pm):
    • 5:30 – Dance Performance
    • 6:15 – iuk iuk – Designer of the Year
    • 7:00 – Destiny’s Bride
    • 7:45 – Twirl Boutique
    • 8:30 – Angela Johnson
    • 9:15 – Italia Rocks Couture
    • 10:00 – Tikini Hut
    • 10:45 – Ivon Reyes Couture
  • Lifestyle Showcase
    5:00pm to 11:00pm
    Scottsdale Waterfront at SouthBridge
  • Main Tent Stage Runway
    Show Times (pm):

    • 6:00 – Kevan Hall
    • 7:00 – Zhao Bandi
    • 8:00 – bebe
    • 9:00 – Escada
    • 10:00 – Dillard’s with Celebrity Fashion Stylist Nolé Marin and Designer Eva Franco

Saturday, November 7, 2009

  • SouthBridge Open Runway | Show Times (pm):
    • 5:30 – Nostalgic Boutique and AGA Couture
    • 6:15 – Joya Bazaar
    • 7:00 – Garage
    • 7:45 – RAW by Amelia Walsh
    • 8:30 – VMarie Fashion
    • 9:15 – Vickilyn’s Closet
    • 10:00 – Art Institute of Phoenix
    • 10:45 – Pucci Salon
  • Lifestyle Showcase
    5:00pm to 11:00pm
    Scottsdale Waterfront at SouthBridge
  • Main Tent Stage Runway
    Presented by Scottsdale Fashion Square
    Show Times (pm):

    • 6:00 – Banana Republic
    • 7:00 – kate spade
    • 8:00 – St. John
    • 9:00 – CH Carolina Herrera
    • 10:00 – Barneys New York

Nick Cave: Meet Me at the Center of the Earth

by Josh Kenzer on October 26, 2009 in Art Exhibit, Arts and Culture

Now through November 29th, 2009
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Experience the “Soundsuits” of Chicago-based artist and former Alvin Ailey dancer Nick Cave—multi-layered mixed-media, wearable sculptures named for the sounds made when worn. Reminiscent of African and religious ceremonial costumes as well as high fashion, they are made using scavenged ordinary materials—fabrics, beads, sequins, old bottle caps, rusted iron sticks, twigs, leaves and hair—that Cave re-contextualizes into visionary masterpieces.

Celebrate Spooky Scottsdale Events this Halloween

by Whitney Willis on October 23, 2009 in Attractions and Adventures, Things To Do

With Halloween less than a week away, it’s time to start looking at all of the spooktacular events that Scottsdale has to offer.

PumpkinMarket

Start out the Halloween season by visiting the Desert Botanical Garden’s 8th annual Great Pumpkin Festival Oct. 22-Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Experience a weekend festival that brings the true feel of autumn to the desert. The Great Pumpkin Festival comes to life with pumpkins, hayrides, country-western entertainment and carnival games. Don’t miss the hay bale maze and the Arizona Big Train Operators’ interactive exhibit. All activities are included with Garden admission. Prices are $15 for adults, $13.50 for seniors, $7.50 for students ages 13-18 with proper I.D., $5 for children ages three to 12 and children three and under are free.

Halloween Day festivities begin 10 a.m. and continue through 5:30 p.m. as Adelante Gallery at el Pedregal celebrates the Dia De Los Muertos holiday featuring Day of the Dead Art and Imagery by four local artists and festive live music by Louis Castro on the courtyard stage. View unique, hand-crafted works of art such as paintings, custom-made sugar skulls and jewelry showing the holiday’s famous skeletons. Specialty margaritas will be available in addition to homemade “Pan de Muertos” (Day of the Dead Bread) by Chef Christine Wieland. Admission is free.

And to finish off your spooky night, attend The Fairmont Scottsdale’s Haunted Hotel Halloween Ball at Stone Rose Lounge. Starting at 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 Scottsdale’s most sophisticated Halloween event begins featuring music, classic cocktails, celebrity guests and the Valley’s best costume contest with a variety of cash and prizes. The Haunted Hotel Halloween Ball in partnership with 944 Magazine offers a lavish twist on classic Halloween festivities with a decadent “Haunted Hotel” theme hosted by one of Scottsdale’s hottest outdoor nightlife destinations. Fortunetellers and tarot card readers will entertain partygoers throughout the evening along with a surprise live act by performance artists, and the best part is – admission is free!

Worlds First Microsoft Retail Store Opens in Scottsdale

by Josh Kenzer on October 22, 2009 in Shopping, Shopping News

The worlds first Microsoft Retail Store opened this morning in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. View the video below for the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the store.