AZ Vibe – The Ultimate Phoenix Entertainment Resource

1) Backyard at the Mission – Scottsdale

The number 1 thing to do this weekend is the new outdoor patio bar behind the Mission in Old Town Scottsdale.  The Mission has been getting nothing but RAVE reviews across the board and is soon to become the latest new restaurant to become a classic.  Come relax at a great outdoors bar that is destined to become a classic.

http://www.themissionaz.com

2) Spring Training for the 2009 season is underway!  At many places around the valley, Major League baseball has begun spring training for the new season.  Check the link below for teams, games, times, and prices in your area!

http://www.cactusleague.com/

3) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – The Venue – Scottsdale – One of the most popular Swing Bands in the Modern era is coming to the Venue of Scottsdale Friday night!  Check them out!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E00423005CD8FDD?artistid=798111&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

4) G Love and Special Sauce

http://www.luckymanonline.com/EventDetail.aspx?eventID=2227

5) Ear Candy Benefit at the Phoenix Roadrunners Hockey game and post game concert featuring Black Carl – Ear Candy has a great fundraiser going on at the Saturday Phoenix Roadrunners Hockey game.  Purchase a ticket through the Ear Candy Website (Link and instructions below) and you will help them out with their fundraising efforts.  There will be a post game concert (also benefiting Ear Candy) that will include one of Phoenix’s best bands, Black Carl.

Now remember use the code EAR CANDY when purchasing tickets or else Ear Candy doesn’t benefit.

http://www.earcandycharity.org/Event.aspx?Id=17

6) Parada del Sol Rodeo – Westworld  – Scottsdale – Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Scottsdale Junior Chamber of Commerce is putting on this PRCA Rodeo.  Come see some great rodeo action all weekend long!

http://www.paradadelsol.org/tickets.htm

7) Slipknot – Jobing.com Arena – Thursday – Supporting on of the best metal albums this year, All Hope Is Gone , Slipknot brings one of the best live shows this year to the Jobing.com Arena.  Don’t miss this chance to see a great band!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E004176998A4679?artistid=763913&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=200

8) Go on a walk/bike ride – I mean come on it’s going to be really nice this weekend, how can you NOT go out?!?!?!

Popularity: 12% [?]

This Friday at the Hackett House is one of the most unique and festive Mardi Gras events in the Valley. The Hackett House in Tempe is hosting their Mardi Gras function once again on the 20th of February from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 for two and can be purchased by calling (480) 350-8181.

You can more than expect New Orleans Style Jazz to be playing amongst all the festivities. The Food you can expect include (from their sample menu):

Crabcakes, Seafood Gumbo, Chicken AND Sausage Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, King Cupcakes, Chocolate chip Bourbon Pecan Bars, Bananas Foster, Pralines, and a Cash Bar.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a taste of Mardi Gras in your own backyard.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000463302a31c6c9dc380&ll=33.429292,-111.942444&spn=0.028581,0.062656&z=14

Popularity: 6% [?]

The Phoenix Chapter of the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation is sponsoring a training program that helps you get trained to run or walk a half marathon. The Program is called ‘Team Challenge’ and helps you to train for the marathon while you help raise money for a great cause.

‘Team Challenge’ is now recruiting teams for our Kona, Hawaii and Napa-to-Sonoma Wine County Half Marathons.

Information Meetings for the Kona & Napa Summer Season:

Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 9:30 am – Red Mountain Multigenerational Center (Mesa)

Thursday, February 26, 2009 @ 5:30 pm – Trader Vic’s (Scottsdale)

* You are asked to RSVP to these events so they can save you a spot

For more information please visit the Team Challenge Website:

http://www.ccteamchallenge.org

Popularity: 7% [?]

This Saturday and Sunday at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix will mark the 45th meeting of the Scottish Gathering and Highland Games.  All are welcome to this celebration of Scottish culture.

The athletic portion of the games include :

• Weight Toss for Height
• Weight Throw for Distance
• Hammer Throw
• Braemar (Standing) Stone Put
• Caber Toss –including the Challenge Caber.

Plus! The Women’s World Highland
Athletic Championship event on Sunday!

Entertainment includes Alex Beaton, The Wicked Tinkers, Craig Davis, The Characters of Christopher Yates, The Muses, Clandestine,

There will be tons of food, beverages and gifts/merchandise as well with over 45 booths including Beer from the Four Peaks Brewery, Scotch Tasting, food and more!.

For more information on the Arizona Scottish Gathering (including parking, shuttle, and train information) please refer to the Arizona Scottish Highland Games and Gathering:

Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Opening Ceremonies
begin at Noon on Saturday.

Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Closing Ceremonies
begin at 3pm on Sunday.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.0004632f62333a6944bbd&ll=33.479563,-112.075653&spn=0.12113,0.250626&z=12

Popularity: 4% [?]

One of the main reasons AZ Vibe was started was to publish cultural events that get buried to the back page by the latest happenings at the clubs, bars and things like that in other publications.

This Saturday at 10 AM in Old Town Scottsdale is the opportunity to see one of the biggest parades so far in the new year, the Parada del Sol. Parada del Sol kicks off a month of western themed events in Scottsdale such as PRCA Rodeos, two Rodeo dances and a plethora of other activities.

The Parada del Sol Parade takes over Scottsdale Road in Old Town from Oak to Indian School (See map below for the Parade route). With over 150 parade entrants, the Parada del Sol Parade is destined to be a classic.

More information on the Parada del Sol can be found here:

http://www.paradadelsol.org/parade.htm

http://www.paradadelsol.org/trailsend.htm

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=33.487581,-111.929054&spn=0.063423,0.153122&z=13&msid=110117270783108833567.000463284d4b3b0587852

Popularity: 3% [?]

We’ve just added a TON of Concerts to the calendar. Among the artists added to the calendar are….

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band
05/14/09
Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Billy Joel & Elton John Face 2 Face Tour 2009
3/26/2009 – 7:30 pm
US Airways Center

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
4/3/2009 – 7:30 pm
Jobing.com Arena

No Fear Energy Music Tour Featuring Lamb of God
4/02/09
Dodge Theatre

Fleetwood Mac Unleashed: Hits Tour 2009
5/24/09
Jobing.com Arena

Dave Matthews Band
5/06/09
Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Tempe Music Festival
With Kid Rock and 3 Doors Down
4/03/09
Tempe Beach Park

YES
2/25/2009
Dodge Theatre

The Pretenders
3/4/2009 -7:30 pm
Dodge Theatre

Popularity: 8% [?]

You read that correct.  On February 20th and February 21st you have the chance to see the classic James Bond/007 movie ‘Goldfinger’ on the big screen along with a screening of just about every single James Bond movie trailer ever made for only $6.

Movie times are as follows:

James Bond Trailers (almost every Bond ever made) 5pm & 9pm

Goldfinger 7pm and 11pm

More information can be found here:

http://midnitemoviemamacita.net/

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.00045dd87af818059aa96&ll=33.33605,-111.843202&spn=0.007422,0.015535&z=16

Popularity: 3% [?]

In case you haven’t heard, the Tempe Music Fest is back and better than ever!  On April 3 and April 4 some of the best acts in Rock music will descend on Tempe Beach Park.

The full lineup hasn’t been set as of today but the confirmed acts are as follows:

Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, All American Rejects, Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine) – The Nightwatchman, Mutemath, Shiny Toy Guns, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Outlaws, and Cowboy Mouth.

In addition to the Main Stage Acts there will be other stages and other activities around the festival that will be announced shortly.  If you are a resident of the greater Phoenix area and are a fan of music, you know that the Tempe Music Fest is an event that you cannot miss.

Right now (for a limited time) you can purchase tickets to one of the hottest tickets in town for $25 per day from Live Nation (Link Below).

Don’t delay!  Pick up a ticket to a festival that is sure to sell out!

Ticket information (with some great discounts in some cases) can be found here:

http://www.tempemusicfestival.com/tickets.shtml

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110117270783108833567.000458166f2ed676366aa&ll=33.430412,-111.94047&spn=0.003707,0.007768&z=17

Popularity: 5% [?]

Ok by now you have heard the audio of Christian Bale on the set of the Terminator Move yelling at one of the members of the crew.

However, have you heard the Family Guy version?!?!!?

Enjoy.

Popularity: 2% [?]

In case you haven’t heard, one of the biggest Mardi Gras parties in Phoenix will be held at the Westgate City Center in Glendale.  From February 19th to February 22nd the Westgate City Center will transform into the closest thing you can find to Bourbon Street outside the City of New Orleans.

The festivities will take over the WaterDance plaza on the North side of the Westgate City Center Grounds and will involve just about all you would expect from a Mardi Gras celebration:

• Bead Throwing from a Balcony
• New Orleans style Jazz
• The Crowning of a King and Queen of Mardi Gras
• Street Performers
• People coming out to have a great time!

Don’t miss this chance to experience all the fun of Mardi Gras without having to head to Sky Harbor and fly to New Orleans!

The ‘Mardi Gras Party Gras’ schedule is as follows:

Thursday, February 19:

• Dixieland Jazz live music        9 – 11 p.m.
• Jambalaya                9:30 – 11 p.m.

Friday, February 20:

• Saxophonist                8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Caricaturist                7 – 11 p.m.
• Paintings by Samantha        8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Jambalaya                9 – 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 21:

• Bead throwing from balcony        6 p.m.
• Patte Williams live music        9 – 11 p.m.
• Saxophonist                8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Caricaturist                7 – 11 p.m.
• Street performers            8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Paintings by Samantha        6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Jambalaya                9 – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 22:

• Dixieland Jazz live music        5 – 6 p.m.
• Caricaturist                7 – 11 p.m.
• Street performers            8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Paintings by Samantha        6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Jambalaya                8 – 9:30 p.m.

Monday, February 23:

• All evening, visit Westgate’s bars and restaurants to collect beads and enjoy food and drink specials.

• The couple with the most beads will be crowned Mardi Gras Party Gras King and Queen.

Fat Tuesday, February 24:

• Bead throwing from balcony        6 p.m.
• Taste of Mardi Gras            7 – 8 p.m.
• Live music                8 – 11 p.m.
• Saxophonist                8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Caricaturist                7 – 11 p.m.
• Street performers            7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Paintings by Samantha        6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Jambalaya                7 – 10 p.m.
• Crowning of King and Queen        10:30 p.m.

Popularity: 8% [?]

This is a new feature we are adding today to AZ Vibe (along with the site re-design) called Fun Time!  From time to time, we’re going to add some posts that have to do with just fun stuff.  They may be time wasters, there may be something funny, it could be anything.

Who knows what will be posted next.

We start this new feature with a Game from Adult Swim called ‘Five Minutes to Kill 2′.  This game is very simple.  You have five minutes to kill yourself.  However, the trick is to find the right combination of objects that will kill yourself in five minutes.

I know it sounds weird but once you check it out you will find this game very addicting.

Enjoy!

http://www.adultswim.com/games/game/index.html?game=fiveMinutes2

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Phoenix Coyotes are holding a sale on tickets with discounts up to 40% off. The Sale is on NOW until Monday February 16th at noon.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com or http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com.

You can also call the Phoenix Coyotes Box office at 480-563-PUCK (7825)

The following games are available on sale:

Monday, Feb. 16 vs. Edmonton Oilers
Thursday, Feb. 19 vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Thursday, March 19 vs. Anaheim Ducks
Thursday, March 26 vs. Edmonton Oilers
Monday, March 30 vs. Dallas Stars
Thursday, April 2 vs. Los Angeles Kings

Popularity: 2% [?]

This is a video making the rounds on YouTube with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder singing Karaoke songs at the Chicago Cubs 2009 fantasy camp:

Eddie singing U2’s ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’

Popularity: 2% [?]

Here’s a quick list of things to do for the next week that are fun and, in some cases, unique!

1. Check out Heart at the Celebrity Theater 2/5/09 – Tickets $50-$100
2. First Friday Artwalk  – Free – Downtown Phoenix
3. FUSE – Bar Smith – $5 – Every Friday Night – Downtown Phoenix – 9PM
4. Arizona Diamondbacks Fan Fest at Chase Field  – Free – 2/7/09 – 10 am to 5 pm
5. Phoenix Coyotes vs. Carolina Panthers – Jobing.com Arena – 7PM
6. Arizona Renaissance Festival – $5-$20 – 2/7/09 – 3/29/09
7. Tuca Body Art Ball – 2/8/09 – Orpheum Theater – 7 PM – Free (must print out ticket.  Click link for tickets)
8. The Eagles of Death Metal at the Martini Ranch in Scottsdale – 2/9/09 – 7PM – $16
9. Ivan Nevell’s DumpstaFunk – RythmRoom – 2/10 – (Tickets can be purchased in the Ticketmaster widget at top right of this page)

Popularity: 11% [?]

Well, another Super Bowl has come and gone and like Superbowl Extra Large (XL Steelers/Seahawks) the refs handed the game on a silver platter to the Steelers.

Anyways, the other big reason why people watch the Superbowl is for the commercials.  We’re going to start the tradition of what we think are the best of the bunch.  Now there’s no ‘Terry Tate -- Office Linebacker’ caliber commercials in this lot but there are some good ones from this year.

The funniest has to be the one second Miller High Life commercial:

Here’s the best of the rest in no particular order….

Coke Zero -- Mean Troy (A Tribute to the classic ‘Mean Joe Green Coke commercial from 1979)

Doritos -- Crystal Ball

TelaFlora

Conan O’Brien’s Bud Light Swedish Commercial

Hulu

The rest of the commercials? Well, they were pretty lame. Overall, the commercials were pretty tame compared to past years.  Not very inventive and not very funny (especially the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials for the ump-teenth year in a row….talk about beating a dead horse).

Here’s the comprehensive list of all the Superbowl Commercials:

http://www.youtube.com/user/adblitz

Think you can come up with a better list? Let us know!

Popularity: 1% [?]