Being all alone in the world – that's the theme of The Quiet Earth. But I don’t mean that figuratively. Zac (Bruno Lawrence), the hero of this 1985 film from New Zealand showing at 6 p.m. this Sunday, June 4, at Film Bar Phoenix, suddenly finds himself seemingly the only person left alive on Earth after a science project-gone-wrong.
At the beginning of the documentary "Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent," which opens in the Valley Friday at Harkins Shea, the handsome old title character pads around what appear to be ancient Mexican ruins with a funereal look on his face, morosely contemplating the failure of the world to live up to his standards of perfection. But Tower is not a disillusioned political or religious idealist, not a diplomat whose plans for world peace have been ignored.
Cinco de Mayo, much like St. Patrick’s Day, has come to mean beer-fueled cultural appropriation rather than historical cultural celebration. I’m Irish and though I’m not personally offended when people booze it up while dressed like leprechauns on March 17, I do understand being frustrated by frat bros who refuse to learn about why they’re partying.
As the song goes, “Somewhere over the rainbow, sexual orientation and gender identity of all kinds are embraced and celebrated.”
OK, so maybe that's not exactly how the song went, but it's an apt description of what Steele Indian School Park will be like this weekend during the annual Phoenix Pride Festival.
1. Yellowcard at The Marquee – March 22
Join the band during their final tour in celebration of their album, “Rest In Peace.” This is purportedly their third to last show ever, so this could be your last chance to see them live. $30. 6 p.m., Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, luckymanonline.com.
Art, Hispanic culture and gambling. If ever something embodied the spirit of Arizona better…
We kid. But the Arizona Lottery is combining all three by putting out a call for original artwork to be used on a Día de los Muertos themed lottery ticket. The selected artist will create at least two scenes to appear on $2 Scratchers tickets that will be sold in nearly 3,000 stores statewide in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.
It’s that time of year: Valentine’s Day has come back to taunt the lonely once again. If you don’t have a significant other, don’t fret. You can chalk the entire “holiday” up to a capitalist marketing scheme deployed by greeting card manufacturers and chocolate vendors and blissfully (née bitterly) ignore it until February 15 rolls around, thanks to a cache of activities for members of the Lonely Hearts club happening around the Valley. We are lonely no more!
It really is the most wonderful time of year: Friday is National Ugly Sweater Day!
To help you celebrate, we put together the definitive guide of where to find ugly sweaters and where to wear 'em in our December issue's holiday guide: "Arizona Holiday A to Z."
Forget white-gloved bellhops or the overly enthusiastic, suck-up lobby attendants of Amy Schumer skits, the first to greet you upon arrival at FOUND:RE Phoenix is a lot more casual than those at some stuffy Scottsdale resorts or old-school Downtown high rises: a naked Burt Reynolds in a golden wig on a bearskin rug.
Dear Summer,
It's not you, it's us.
You were really, really hot, we'll admit, perhaps more so than any summer we can remember. And sure, you had your perks – we'll miss the lighter traffic on our morning commutes, and the weekend escapes to cool, breezy hikes up north were downright pleasant, and, of course, the heavily-discounted deals on local resort staycations made us feel like high rollers. But no amount of trips to AC-blasted grocery stores or $11 poolside piña coladas or reclining seat movie theaters could truly make us compatible (besides, your blockbusters this year stunk).
OK, fine. It is you. You're clingy and persistent; overbearing and stifling. We always had to do what you wanted. Did you ever consider that sometimes we didn't feel like hibernating inside just to maintain a normal body temperature? Netflix and chill took on a new, very un-sexy meaning with you.
Although music-centric eat-and-drink spots seem to be universal and plentiful, the few that grace Phoenix with their tunes are unique and far between. From dueling pianos and impromptu stage crashers to the traditional sound of the Wurlitzer organ, the “piano bars” and restaurants across the Valley won’t leave you flat.
Coloring books are not just for kids anymore. Adults are forming coloring meet-ups and clubs to practice the fine art of coloring, which has been touted to promote relaxation, mindfulness and ease stress.
Local fashion designer and retailer Carine Wang describes herself as a “tough cookie.” At 15, she learned sewing and pattern-making, and at 20, she left her native Singapore to attend the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, then affiliated with New York City’s Parsons School of Design.
If you’re looking for something new to do this month, pop over to Practical Art, a retail and gallery space on Central Avenue in Phoenix. This Downtown venue houses the work of more than 130 local artists and hosts community events and shows by local artists. Here are a couple of events Practical Art will be showcasing during the month of May.
When spring temperatures start hovering around 85 degrees, Valley residents dig through drawers and prowl through closets for their shorts, tank tops, sundresses and sandals from years gone by. You know the drill. You try them on, tug at the tight waistband, notice the ripped hemline and look in the mirror and say, “Why did I ever think this (fill in the blank) was a good idea?”
