There is so much going on during First Friday on Grand Avenue that you may miss a thing or two. Oftentimes, it’s the little nooks and crannies of the galleries, warehouses, back yards and makeshift art lots that provide the best visitor experience. Here’s a thrilling roundup of all of Grand’s happenings for February First Friday.
Bragg’s Pie Factory (1301 NW Grand Ave.), home to Fractal, Modern Cat and several other cool spots, is showing an exhibit of paintings and sculpture by local artist Luis Gutierrez in its main room facing Grand.
Sapna Café at McKinley and Grand
It’s not often an artist from Upstate New York shows in Phoenix, so you know it’s going to be good. From 6 to 9 p.m., “City Scapes” by Peter Liepke will be shown at Tilt Gallery (919 W. Fillmore St.) Peter will be visiting for questions and conversation. His work has been featured in multiple publications, and he was recently nominated in the 2010 International Black & White Spider Awards.
Hungry yet? Valley Pizza (1348 W. Roosevelt St.) is offering a 14″ two-topping pizza and a whole pound of boneless buffalo wings for $20. Plus, they feature a pizza called The Monsoon, so how can you go wrong? Down the street at the Paisley Violin (1028 NW Grand Ave.), dinner and music is the theme of the night. Featured artist Tiffany Greer and jazz trio Crooning Avant Garde will be on hand, as well as music from indie/Americana vocalist Anjonette. Sapna Café (1301 NW Grand Ave.) is serving up its globespanning dishes throughout the evening (and it’s BYOB!)
On the corner of 15th Avenue, Bikini Lounge (1502 NW Grand Ave.) is always pouring drinks, Sweets & Beats (1504 NW Grand Ave.) dishes out, well, sweets and beats until 11 p.m. and Kooky Krafts (1500 NW Grand Ave.) has all kinds of kitchy trinkets — think tiki dolls, fish bowls, crafting supplies and more — until 10 p.m.
One of the better aspects of Grand has always been its eclectic mix of tunes, and this week is no exception. Boys and Frogs will be holding down the fort at the PHiX (1113 NW Grand Ave.) with its blend of tight, melodic rock. Phoenix Fall Space (1023 NW Grand Ave.) will have live jams by Midnight Workshop and art by Denise Fleisch and Jimi Girdner. And, Paisley Town, across the street in the back yard of the Paisley Violin, always has some sort of performance going on. Speaking of Paisley Town, Butter Toast boutique, one of several businesses in the space, will be open until 10:30 and is offering 10% off any customer that mentions the Grand Avenue Merchants Association. Stock up now!
For more information on Grand Avenue First Friday festivities, visit GrandAvePhoenix.com.
