Best of the Valley Hall of Fame
Class of 2024
Heard Museum
According to BOV lore, it was the Heard Museum that originally inspired the Readers’ Pick award for Best Place to Buy American Indian Art – which the historical art museum has won every year since 2000, when BOV launched. “Our success comes from the museum’s reputation, the quality of art and a staff that excels in representing American Indian art to the public,” says Heard executive Kelly Gould, who runs the museum’s retail operations. Founded in 1929 by heirs of The Arizona Republic owner Dwight Heard, an avid art collector and preservationist, the museum celebrates Indigenous creativity through exhibitions and events. Induction into the BOV Hall of Fame reflects their dedication and recognition by the community. “It makes us proud to be a part of an outstanding organization, and grateful to the readers who recognize our hard work,” Gould says. A major renovation of the Museum Shop will add new casework, enhanced lighting, an outdoor sculpture garden and a private viewing room. “This will transform the shop into the world’s premier location for artists to sell their art and for collectors to purchase their treasures.” heard.org
Best Reinvigoration of a Lisa Frank Aesthetic
La Jefa Paint
Artist Kathryn Sesma (aka “La Jefa”) does all her work in neon pinks and purples, fluorescent yellows and greens, ruby-red hearts and sassy ladies dressed to the nines. So, it’s an aha moment when she name-drops Lisa Frank – that other Arizona artist made famous for her brightly colored stickers and glitter-clad stationery – as inspiration.
@lajefapaint
Best Murals You Can Walk On
City of Tempe
Jake Early’s work (pictured below) is all over Tempe in the form of murals and sculptures. Now you can find his paintings in an unusual place: on the ground. He and other local artists are decorating intersections and bike lanes with brightly colored work that experts say slow traffic. Safe and beautiful? We’re in. tempe.gov/government/community-services
Best Place to Get Your Art On
Art of Our Soul
Emmy-winning news anchor Brandon Lee, who has often publicly shared his history with addiction caused by childhood trauma, left his desk at 3TV behind to help others find healing through art. His studio is also staffed with teachers in recovery, helping to make it a safe space for students to heal. 5330 N. 12th St., Phoenix, artofoursoul.com
Best Band Camp
Girls Rock! Phoenix
Though primarily for girls and non-binary kids, all genders are welcome at this week-long band camp held every June. Youngsters learn how to play instruments from local musicians, form their own bands and write songs to be performed at the camp’s culminating showcase. They even make their own merch. Rock on! girlsrockphoenix.org
Cheapest Spot to See a Broadway-Caliber Show
Horizon High School
From the school that launched such Hollywood talents as Max Adler, Garrett Hedlund and Kellan Lutz comes musical productions that rival professional shows. Truly! The four big performances – Broadway Under the Stars and the winter, spring and honors concerts – feature the school’s eight show choirs, two of which train with casts from actual Broadway productions. $5-$15/ticket, 5601 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale, 602-449-6000, horizon.pvschools.net
Best Nonprofit Music Venue
The Trunk Space
They say good things don’t last. Case in point: the nomad-like existence of this experimental art, music and theater venue. Until 2014, it was located on Grand Avenue. Then it occupied a portion of Downtown Phoenix’s Grace Lutheran Church, until its lease expired this past May, forcing another move. Its 11-member board will spend the summer searching for a permanent location. thetrunkspace.com
Best Local Music Event
Phoenix Rock Lottery
The annual fundraiser by concert promoter Stephen “Psyko Steve” Chilton for Rosie’s House delivers the goods in wild and unexpected ways: For one day, 25 local musicians are grouped into five bands to write a trio of original tunes, learn a cover song and perform it all live. crescentphx.com/tm-attraction/phoenix-rock-lottery
Most Surprising Live Music Venue
The Dirty Drummer
Like any good dive bar, The Dirty Drummer is small, dark and tucked into a nondescript shopping center. But it’s a true outlier in the music department. Not content with a mere jukebox for bar tunes, the Drummer boasts an impressive roster of local and nationally touring bands who grace the stage year-round. Live music wasn’t always part of the bar’s 49-year history; the stage was added in 2019 when the late owner’s daughter bought the place. 2303 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 602-840-2726, thedirtydrummer.com
Best Musical Artifact
Wrigley Mansion Piano
The stunning Steinway/Aeolian hybrid Duo Art player piano at Wrigley Mansion has quite an origin story. It was custom-ordered in 1929 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, who used a blank check to convince the rival piano makers to work together to create the masterpiece piano – on which composer George Gershwin ultimately recorded “Rhapsody in Blue.” Final bill for Wrigley: $10,000. Guests on Wrigley Mansion tours can listen to it play. 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, 602-955-4079,
wrigleymansion.com
