The New Year brings new hope for a less socially distanced cultural landscape as coronavirus vaccines roll out, but 2021 is still fresh and full of precautions. For those still playing it as safe as possible, here are two virtual events and one socially distanced event for indulging in Valley culture and history.
SHFT: PLAYBACK
On January 6 (and every Wednesday), Tempe Center for the Arts’ Facebook page is alive with the sounds of music. The SHFT: PLAYBACK series features past performances from TCA’s Walk-In Wednesdays events, including music by local reggae artist Walt Richardson, acoustic folk-rockers Laura Joy, Robby Roberson and Brian Chartrand and more. The free, hour-long streams start at 6 p.m.
Get Lit with Velma Kee Craig
Native American artist Velma Kee Craig hosts this installment of the Get Lit virtual salon series from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 7. The textile artist, poet and Heard Museum curator will share her thoughts on weaving and writing, and the connections to her indigenous heritage and upbringing on the Navajo Nation. The event is free, but attendance could be limited to 30 guests and registration is required at eventbrite.com.
Haunted/History Phoenix Socially Distanced Walking Tour
Arizona historian Marshall Shore will lead people on a socially distanced, guided walking tour of some of the most storied sites around Downtown Phoenix on Saturday, January 9. Starting at 5 p.m., the two-hour tour takes guests to the Orpheum Theatre and the San Carlos Hotel, both reportedly haunted by the ghosts of women who perished in the 1920s. Debe Branning, founder of the Arizona group MVD Ghostchasers, co-hosts the tour. The tour is limited in size and guests are required to wear masks that cover their noses and mouths. Tickets cost $30 and are available at eventbrite.com.