AZ Vibe – The Ultimate Phoenix Entertainment Resource

I got an e-mail today from the fine people at the Repertory Cinema at Chandler Cinemas announcing the first ever Zombie Scavenger Hunt at the October 3rd First Friday in Downtown Phoenix. I had to scratch my head a bit to figure out what exactly this is but the more I read the more I kept thinking “Man, this is a REALLY cool event”.

Here’s the info about the event.  Please keep in mind that Dressing as a Zombie is not mandatory.  You will need teams of at least two and no more than four.

2008 INTERNATIONAL HORROR & SCI FI FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS the first ever ZOMBIE MASQUERADE SCAVENGER HUNT!

Gather your team for the first ever Zombie Masquerade Scavenger Hunt at First Friday 10-03-08.  Zombie groups of up to 4 will compete in a list of zany tasks at various First Friday locations between 8pm and 10pm this Friday in a chance to win VIP passes and other prizes to the Horror & Sci Fi Film Festival.

The Specifics:

RULES
•       If you are in a Zombie Costume you will receive extra points!
•       Anything not expressly prohibited or illegal is ok.
•         A list of the items to be found and their point values can be picked up at any time between 7:30pm and 10:00pm. Registration begins at 7.30pm, Scavenger Hunt starts at 8:00pm.  Look for our booth on Garfield (the Block Party) between 4th and 6th Street.
•         A team must have at least two people and a name (maximum 4 people)
•         Publicly available transportation (e.g. train, bus, taxi) is fully legal.
•         Items can be turned in any time before 10 PM. You may make as many check-in trips as you like. Items turned in after 10 PM receive 0 points.
•         Photos of objects are not as good as the object (for object specific challenges)
•         Partial credit is liberally allowed. Be creative.
•         The judges’ decisions are very arbitrary and final. Judges will give NO help. Judges will only rule on an item’s worthiness when presented with an item; no hypotheticals.
•         Your team cannot split up into separate vehicles. You can proceed on foot in different directions, but you can use only one vehicle per team. There will be random checkpoints throughout the night, and if your team is not all together at each checkpoint, you will be disqualified
•         You cannot complete everything on the list. Pick and choose a path that maximizes your points. Some items/photos are off the beaten path. Evaluate the possible points gained vs. the time it would take to complete before embarking on a long trip
•         The point total listed is the maximum. The judges have discretion to lower the point total if the photo/item checked-in is a stretch or not exactly what we are looking for
•         Judges also have discretion to provide bonus points for exceptional photos or items

WHAT TO BRING
Zombie Costume
Water
A cell phone
A map of the Downtown Phoenix Area, or better yet an Artlink First Friday Map
A digital camera and it’s accompanying USB cable (to connect to the Judge’s laptop)
The Registration Information completed

PRIZES
1st Place team will receive 4 VIP PASSES to the International Horror & Sci Fi Film Festival ($400 Value)

2nd Place team will receive 4 FLEX PASSES to the International Horror & Sci Fi Film Festival ($100 Value)

Bonus, all participants will receive an exclusive coupon for 2 for 1 passes (can be used on VIP & FLEX) to be redeemed at the Festival

(Right Click the image and select ‘View Image’ to see the full image)

Here’s the location of the event based on the information provided in the image above:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=33.458191,-112.067671&spn=0.004028,0.007821&z=17&msid=110117270783108833567.000458178bfa6a399500b

Popularity: 7% [?]

Well I was at the Gym tonight continuing on my quest to shed off some more of the extra weight I’m carrying around. While there I ran into ‘Uber Hottie from the Gym I go to’. We started talking about what’s going on in our lives, dating stories, books, life and what not until we got to the topic of finding something to do this weekend. Without hesitation, I suggested that she and her friends head on down to Oktoberfest at the Tempe Beach Park this weekend.  It’s the perfect combination of beer, people, and fun.

I’ve never been to this event (am definitely going) so I’m looking forward to checking out something new and cool.

Plan ahead as parking WILL be a nightmare if you drive.  Bike or Bus to the event if you can.

The hours of Oktoberfest are:

Friday (Oct 3rd): 5pm to Midnight
Saturday (Oct 4th): 10am to Midnight
Sunday (Oct 5th): 10am to 6PM

For more information check out the Oktoberfest @ Tempe Beach Park website:

http://www.wowoktoberfest.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000458166f2ed676366aa&ll=33.433053,-111.939955&spn=0.006572,0.015965&z=16

Popularity: 2% [?]

I know that many people who live in the Valley were not born here and have established bonds with various Amateur and Pro Sports teams around the Nation and around the World.
Everyone knows that at sports bars around town the Phoenix Sports teams get first priority.

I follow all the local teams but I’ve been following the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Coyotes REALLY closely.

However, I came from San Diego and became a fan of many teams around the area. When it comes to finding places to watch games with other fans of the same teams, these places aren’t really easy to find because hardly anyone knows about them.

For example, I’m a fan of the Following non-Arizona teams:

San Diego Chargers
San Diego Padres
University of Washington Huskies
San Diego State Aztecs
Vancouver Canucks
Holland’s National Football (Soccer) team

When I lived in San Diego, you could pick up a copy of the San Diego Reader (think a non-political version of the New Times) look in the Bar Advertisements section and every ad would have a listing of what non San Diego based sports teams are watched there. I’m applying this same principal to this new feature.

The first installment of this series starts with an NFL team and a College Football team.

San Diego Chargers – Connolly’s in Glendale

Connolly’s in Glendale is THE place to go watch San Diego Chargers games.  The Bar is owned by Chargers fans, and it’s packed with Chargers fans week in and week out.  It’s a long way to go for some people but if you’re from San Diego and you want a taste of home, Connolly’s is a MUST.

Connollys Bar & Grill
5160 West Northern Ave.
Glendale,  AZ 85301
623-915-5645

(I would have put up a URL to their site but it’s down for some reason)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.00045801307895a4dfcf3&ll=33.558741,-112.170753&spn=0.015235,0.033216&z=15

The Ohio State University Buckeyes – Mickey’s Hangover in Scottsdale

You never need to know when the Buckeyes are on as you can probably hear the cheering all across Old Town Scottsdale Saturday’s during College Football Season. Every game there’s a sizable turnout and even bigger when the Buckeyes play a bowl game. I’m not sure about other Ohio State sports but if you’re a Buckeye Football fan THIS is the place you need to be during College Football Season. If you want to watch the game on a couch you MUST RSVP in advance or else you might not get good seats.

Mickey’s Hangover
4310 North Brown Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

http://www.mickeyshangover.com/
(Warning: Music from the Doors will play when the site loads. There’s no way to turn it off)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&fb=1&cid=0,0,10060886678620332054&near=Scottsdale,+AZ&cd=1&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000458014f07f0093aa8f&ll=33.501682,-111.924634&spn=0.007622,0.016608&z=16

Popularity: 5% [?]

As you have probably noticed I’ve been putting up ads and will be adding more as the week progresses.

The Cool Ticketmaster Widget in the right hand column updates automatically with events coming up in the next 7 to 10 days around the Phoenix area.  If you see a Ticketmaster event  you like, click it and it will take you to the purchase page.  I’m trying to set something up for Live Nation shows as well so stay tuned….

We’re also in the process of interviewing writers for various departmental openings we have needs for.  so expect many and varied new articles, reviews, and whatnot from some great writers in the coming weeks.

Popularity: 2% [?]

That’s right folks it’s almost that time of year!  The Arizona State Fair starts up again starting October 10, 2008 until November 2, 2008 (They are closed every Monday for the duration of the Fair).

From now until October 1, 2008 if you purchase your tickets in advance you can get $2 off the price of admission.

The Catch?  You have to buy them online.

To purchase tickets go here:

https://v2.interactiveticketing.com/TU8AD478406C

…and use the following promo code:

2008ASF

Popularity: 10% [?]

Ok all you BMX, Inline Skate, and Skateboard fans there’s a killer event coming to the Westgate City Center on the 11th and 12th of October.  The first ever Nissan Half-Pipe Jam produced by ASA entertainment is a killer half-pipe demonstration event that is 100% Free!

A Demonstration event, for those of you who have never been to an event like this (used to go to Demonstrations all the time in San Diego when I lived there), is a non-competition event where the pros come out and show their stuff for the fans.

If you have never been to an event like this you really are missing out on some really cool and unique athletes.  Expect us to be there covering the events.  You just don’t miss a cool event like this as you never know who you will see and what you will experience.

Among the Pros who will be rippin’ it up at the Westgate City Center are:

Kevin Robson
John Parker
Shane Yost
Marc Englehart
Danny Mayer
Pierre-Luc Gagnon

VIP Tickets are available for $50 and $100.

The $50 VIP Package includes:

• Access to a private VIP area close to the Half Pipe
• Player Autographs

The $100 VIP Pakcage includes:

• Access to a Private VIP area close to the Half Pipe
• Player Autographs and Photos
• Complementary Nissan Valet
• Four (4) complimentary Miller Lites

The Schedule of events is as follows:

Saturday, October 11:

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Show
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Autograph session in Nissan Tent
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. RideNow Power Hour
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Show
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Autograph session in Nissan Tent
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. RideNow Power Hour
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Show
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Autograph session in Nissan Tent

Sunday, October 12:

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Show
10:30 – 11:30 p.m. Autograph session in Nissan Tent
11:30 – 12:30 p.m. RideNow Power Hour
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Show
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Autograph session in Nissan Tent

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.0004556aa2b0020fe77a7&z=19

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Phoenix Coyotes along with Coyotes Charities are holding the inaugural Pucks and Passports fundraising event on Monday October 6th starting at 6:00 PM.  The Jobing.com arena in Glendale will be the location of this unique event where you will be able to go on a culinary journey through the homelands of the Coyotes sampling various foods and drinks from many countries.  Coyotes players will be among the guides taking you on this amazing journey of culinary delights.

In addition to the Coyotes players, Managing Partner and Head Coach Wayne Gretzky along with General Manager Don Maloney are scheduled to be in attendance.

Tickets to this amazing event are $250 per person and Table sponsorship starts at $1,500.

To purchase tickets contact Maggie Goble at 623-772-3556

Popularity: 3% [?]

Starting October 3rd at the Arizona Broadway Theater will be the classic musical, Cabaret.  This production of Cabaret begins the fourth season (for 2008-2009) of the Arizona Broadway Theater.   From the looks of the season schedule, theater fans are in for a non-stop treat starting with Cabaret.

Here’s what to expect according to the Arizona Broadway Theater’s website:

“We have no troubles here! Here life is beautiful…,” boasts the Emcee of the deliciously tawdry Kit Kat Club in pre-war Berlin. Follow the affair between the nightclub’s former star attraction and an American writer as love and humanity are tested by the marching forces of the Third Reich. Inspiring a widely acclaimed movie version starring Liza Minnelli, this decadent Kander and Ebb smash-hit musical features some of their most memorable numbers such as “Willkommen”, “The Money Song” and “Two Ladies”.

Tickets Start at $49 (Price includes show and Meal)

Dining starts at 5:30 PM Tuesday Through Sunday with the show starting at 7:30 PM

There are Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday with Dining starting at Noon and with a show start time of 2:00PM

To Purchase Tickets, call the Arizona Broadway Theater at 623-776-8400

Box Office Hours are:
Monday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

For more information please refer to the Arizona Broadway Theater’s website:

http://www.azbroadwaytheatre.com/nextSeason.html#cabaret

Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria, AZ  85382
623.776.8400

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000457b6183d929d01bb0&ll=33.638007,-112.224612&spn=0.006985,0.016243&z=16

Popularity: 5% [?]

I found a wine tasting going on at AZ Wine on Wednesday, September 24th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.  Here’s what’s going on:

$10 tasting fee to be refunded with purchase of $10 or more from wines being tasted
Kristie with Valley of the Sun will be here with a taste of Italy. Kristie will be pouring small production family owned wines from Italy. If you are a fan of Italian wines, then this is your tasting because these wines are fantastic and are not widely known………..yet. Ciao!

http://www.azwine.us/events.html#SCOT

AZ Wine
2515 N. Scottsdale Road #15
Scottsdale 85257
480-423-9305

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000457a402bc1ccf0814b&ll=33.481711,-111.922188&spn=0.014926,0.032487&z=15

Popularity: 1% [?]

One of the Coolest indie bands to come along in a while is playing at the Marquee Theater tonight at 7:00 PM.  Vampire Weekend was formed in 2006 and have been generating a buzz among music listeners as a new band that everyone should check out.  ‘The Fuckin Kennies’ opens the show.

Tickets Available at the Marquee Box Office, Bookmans, Stinkweeds.

Online ticket purchases can be made here:

http://www.luckymanonline.com/EventDetail.aspx?eventID=2027

Here’s a sample of Vampire Weekend with one of their newer Singles, ‘Oxford Comma’:

http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend

Marquee Theatre
730 Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&cid=0,0,9588960161918623628&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000457a384f283c5bdf14&ll=33.440878,-111.943538&spn=0.007628,0.014656&z=16

Popularity: 1% [?]

This is the first time I’ve posted an event about a local music show at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Phoenix and this looks to be a great one!  This Sunday September 21st at 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM) will be the Humanity Rocks charity concert.  This event will be a part of the International Day of Peace with the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix featuring a live global online Charity Concert featuring Steve McCarthy of the Steve Miller Band.

Proceeds for this event will help support the Starshine Academy whose focus is to create transformation community schools by igniting and enabling the aspirations of children in at-risk communities.

More information can be found here:

http://www.vbn.tv/humanityrocks/

http://www.hardrock.com/live2/eventDetails.aspx?LocationID=34&eventID=32801&MIBEnumID=3

Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix
3 South 2nd Street
Suite 117
Phoenix, AZ 85004

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.0004575018912c7506b8e&ll=33.446437,-112.06986&spn=0.003966,0.007124&z=17

Popularity: 2% [?]

Well, the news came down today from the Black Crowes website and their show in Mesa will not be rescheduled.

Here’s the press release from the Band’s site:

http://www.blackcrowes.com/091608.html

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

September Dates Cancelled

To our fans,

We sincerely regret to inform you that the following dates are being cancelled due to a band member’s unexpected illness:

9/16 Mesa, AZ
9/17 Los Angeles, CA
9/19 Santa Barbara, CA
9/20 San Diego Street Scene San Diego, CA
9/21 Santa Rosa, CA

* All remaining dates on the 2008 tour will take place as scheduled. *

Despite our best efforts, it is not possible to reschedule the canceled shows at this time.

However, we are working diligently to reschedule these markets in early 2009.

Fans are encouraged to obtain refunds from their original place of purchase.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause our fans. We greatly appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you soon.

All tickets will be refunded at all Live Nation outlets.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Bad Boys from Down under, AC/DC are invading the US once again with their classic shows.  Supporting their new Album ‘Black Ice’ AC/DC will be bringing their madness and mayhem to the US Airways Center on December 10th, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are Reserved and will cost $101.18 per ticket.

Tickets, when they go on sale, can be purchased through Live Nation’s website:

http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/337270/

Popularity: 1% [?]

On Saturday September 27th Carlos Santana will be making his return to the Valley of the sun for an 8:00 PM Show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Carlos Santana will be reaching into his four decades worth of Music that you can be will leave you with your Jaws absolutely dropped by the end of the night. Opening for Santana on the 27th is Carlos Santana’s son Salvador Santana. Salvador brings his own unique take on music and should not be missed.

Here’s some classic Santana tunes, some of which will be played on the 27th. Enjoy:

Tickets can be purchased directly from Live Nation’s website:

http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/322239/

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.0004573cd6edb23cb8d32&ll=33.471285,-112.233614&spn=0.001002,0.001462&z=19

Popularity: 1% [?]

If you’re undecided about purchasing their new album or want to know what all the hype is surrounding Metallica’s new album, Death Magnetic, you can listen to the entire album from Metallica’s website for free:

http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601231

Popularity: 1% [?]