Tucson Deals for Saturday, September 4, 2010

In my previous post, I stated:

The true mark of a vibrant urban core isn’t the popularity of special events like ball games, conventions or even First Fridays. Rather it is the events that fill in the gaps in between these. It is the creation of a 24/7 culture where things are going on every day (and night) of the week. While I wouldn’t say that we have quire arrived there, we are a lot closer that it may appear.

In addition to the many events that occur at least once a week, there are also several monthly events going on around Downtown Phoenix. Taken together, these events should provide ample opportunity to get out, meet new people and become active players in a vibrant downtown community.

Here are 10 events to get you started:

1. Torch Theater drop-in

Free drop-in workshops on the first Tuesday of every month. No need to register, just come and get a free intro to improv.

2. Anti-Art School

A costumed/themed drawing workshop every second Tuesday of the month, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Lost Leaf.

3. Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular

“Romp through Arizona history with stories and images” the second Thursday of every month at Phoenix Metro Retro.

4. Smunch Phoenix

A Saturday morning gathering of brunch-loving people. It’s not an exclusive club of snobbish foodies, rather a group of people who like to get together and share a great brunch with new and old friends. Smunch almost always takes place on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

5. Craft night at Butter Toast Boutique

This vintage boutique gets creative on second Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

6. Get Your PHX

The goal of Get Your PHX is to support those who pioneer new restaurants, stores, bars and event spaces and to provide a chance for you to meet others like you, who want to get the most out of Phoenix. It takes place on the third Thursday of every month at various locations in and around Downtown.

7. Places, Spaces & Faces

A potluck-style community dinner celebrating great buildings and amazing people in Central Phoenix on the third Saturday evening of every month.

8. Downtown Phoenix Book Group

Switching off monthly between fiction and non-fiction on the fourth Wednesday of every month at MADE art boutique.

9. RadiatePHX

A community networking group of people who care about place making, design, community building and our vital urban core on the last Tuesday of every month at various at various locations in and around Downtown. (Disclaimer: RadiatePHX is an initiative of Urban Affair, publisher of DPJ.)

10. Critical Mass

A bicycle celebration ride to raise awareness about bicyclists on the road and cars sharing the road on the last Friday of each month. The starting point is Steel Indian School Park, near the Indian School Road and 3rd Street entrance.

Once again, I’m sure that I am missing a lot of other events that occur on a monthly basis in and around Downtown. If you would like to add anything to the list, please add a comment!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Downtown Phoenix Vitality: Monthly Events

With the Diamondbacks pretty much out of the playoff picture, they have the rest of the season to play the spoiler role. As they did last year, the D-backs are looking to make life difficult for some of the National League playoff contenders. The Diamondbacks face both the Rockies and the Giants in two more series as they hope to make the running for the NL West more interesting for both teams. Additionally, the D-backs have the opportunity to put a skid on the Reds’ winning ways in a couple of weeks.

Brandon Allen's grand slam against the Padres was the highlight of the week.

This past week was a hot one for the D-backs, as the temperatures cooled down in Phoenix (OK, slightly cooled down). The team played solid baseball, winning five of their last six against some pretty demanding opponents. In the first series against the Giants, San Francisco was at risk of being swept at home by the Snakes, who put up some excellent offensive numbers. The highlight of that series was Barry Enright throwing a shutout against the Giants’ perennial Cy Young award winner, Tim Lincecum. After blanking the Giants, the D-backs drove in 11 runs the following day before losing a close one at the end of the series.

Arizona returned home to face the National League West-leading San Diego Padres in what promised to be a challenging series. Apparently the D-backs did not get the memo, as they made quick work of the Padres by successfully sweeping them in the three-game series. The most significant contribution of the series was that of Brandon Allen, who was called up from the minors again for the end of this season, and helped the Diamondbacks complete a stellar come-from-behind victory. Allen hit his first grand slam to seal the Padres’ fate.

In addition to the winning stint, there was plenty going on off the field, when Justin Upton’s shoulder became a concern earlier this week. The D-backs called up two left-handed pitchers, Mike Hampton and Zach Kroenke, from Triple-A Reno. Rookie pitcher Daniel Hudson won co-honors for the Rookie of the Month for his pitching prowess. (Hudson arrived in Arizona as a result of the Edwin Jackson trade earlier this season.) Additionally, a rehabilitation update was given for Brandon Webb, whose future with the team is questionable as his contract nears its end this season. There is a lot going on for the Diamondbacks, who already seem to be retooling for the 2011 season.

This week, the D-backs will face the Astros and the Giants at home. This weekend’s promotions include a Miguel Montero bobble head giveaway to the first 15,000 fans on Saturday against the Astros and a Mark Reynolds growth chart that will be given to the first 5,000 kids ages 12 and under. Finally, on Wednesday against the Giants, it will be Roberto Clemente recognition day as the D-backs wrap up their home stand.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

D-back Digest | Late Season Happenings