Author: Sam Richard
Sam likes to think of himself as Burton Barr Central Library — full of information you don't want, or at the very least, didn't know you needed until you heard it. Seriously, though, once you get past the awkward lingering smell of too many forgotten showers, the library shows its true beauty. And, much like the architectural masterpiece, Sam's chiseled specimen is a thing of beauty. But, not chiseled in the conventional sense, no. Sam is crafted in the exact shape of the Beacon of Books — with a slight bulge in the middle. And, whether or not you're looking for a conversation about urban governance, the state of professional sports media or the history of the modern folk music movement, you can be sure to find the information you need with Sam — or at Burton Barr. Sam is the five-story mind behind The Bearded Truth, which you can find here on DPJ Monday afternoons. He lives in the heart of the city with his beautiful wife, Kim.
Businesses Get On Light Rail Bandwagon
When light-rail construction scared off scores of shoppers, many struggling downtown merchants considered the $1.4 billion line more of a curse than a blessing. Light rail began running in December, and what a difference a few months has made. Last week, several downtown business owners lobbied a transit agency to make sure that their shops would sit near a future light-rail route.
Montini: Phoenix Deserves Better
Ed Montini muses on why he believes Phoenix deserves better than Brand “X.”
Is Downtown Phoenix going through an identity crisis – or just growing up? We here at The Journal would love to hear your thoughts.
Jordre Studio Presents “3”
Simply titled, “3,” this year during Artlink’s Art Detour Jordre Studio will be hosting a show of three diverse artists, Jennie Ignaszewski, Tyson Crosbie and Kyle Jordre (owner of Jordre Studio). The opening reception is being held on March 6, 2009 during First Friday, 6PM-10PM. The studio will also be open during regular Detour hours, Saturday, March 7, 10AM – 6PM; Sunday, March 8, noon – 6PM.
Mutant Pinata Returns, Ready To Hang, Fly, Twist & Turn
The Mutant Pinata Show will take place again this year at 1301 Grand Avenue, at the historic Bragg’s Pie Factory, and will be open for the March First Friday (March 6th from 6 – 12 PM); Art Detour Weekend (March 7th and 8th); as well as the March Third Friday (March 20th) and the April First and Third Fridays (April 3 and 17).
Lily Tomlin Live At The Orpheum
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winning comedienne Lily Tomlin visits Downtown Phoenix this Saturday night, March 7th. The show starts at 8PM on stage at the beautiful Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $161.
Jazz At The Symphony: The BIG Big Band
Groove to the jazzy sounds of the swing era as the greatest hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington are performed by our really BIG big band. “Bandleader” Lawrence Golan leads this evening of standards that promises to be a swingin’ night on the town!
Art Detour, Kid Detour This Weekend
Downtown Phoenix during First Fridays can be a little overwhelming, with hordes of people trying to get their monthly art fix in the span of four hours. So for people who want to enjoy their art and culture in a slightly more relaxed setting, there is Art Detour. The once-a-year, all-weekend event lets visitors take a self-guided tour through the art galleries and studios in central Phoenix.
Sapna’s Cafe Now Open
If you’ve been to the Downtown Phoenix Public Market anytime in the last three years or so, chances are, you’ve encountered Anna Kletkke and her long-running food stand, Sapna Chill Out Cafe. Her tasty soups and salads have been a huge hit, especially since she’s big on vegetarian options.
Now you can enjoy Kletkke’s cooking every day of the week, at her brand-new restaurant, Sapna’s Cafe, which just opened yesterday. It’s located on Grand Avenue (1301 NW Grand, 602-254-6726), in the circa-1947 Bragg’s Pie Building, one of Phoenix’s last examples of “streamline moderne” architecture.
Arizona Disability Expo
Over 100 exhibitors and vendors representing organizations that provide products and services to those with disabilities will be on display in the South Building of the new Phoenix Convention Center from 9AM – 4PM.
Roadrunners Vs. Thunder
The Phoenix Roadrunners play the Stockton Thunder tonight at the US Airways Center on 2nd Street and Jefferson. The game starts at 7PM, and tickets start at just $8!
