Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

One of my favorite holiday season events is almost here. It’s the 15^th annual New Year’s Day book sale at Changing Hands Bookstore. Much more than just a book sale, it’s an event that is eagerly anticipated by book lovers and fans of Changing Hands who wouldn’t dream of missing it, regardless of how much they celebrated New Year’s Eve. The store will be open from noon until 9:00 pm on January 1^st to accommodate every last one of them.

True, with everything in the store—books, gift items, music, cards—discounted 25%, this is a big sale. However, there are also a lot of delicious free treats provided by area restaurants, including Wildflower Bread Company, Trader Joe’s and Mac’s Broiler Tap. There are intangible qualities too, such as the camaraderie among all those readers who love to browse bookstore shelves for great reads and who love to talk about what they’ve read. Readers tend to be nice, sociable people who love to strike-up conversations about favorite books and authors, while waiting in the check out line. I have to admit that the first time I went I was a bit reluctant to stay because the check-out line was so long. But, really the line isn’t a big deal because it moves quickly thanks to all the lively discussions about books along with plenty of tasty nibbles offered by the considerate and efficient staff. And, singles take note: the book sales lines can lead to romance as was the case for one couple, who met in the check out line, fell in love and were married a year later.

Changing Hands Bookstore has been an important part of Tempe’s literary arts scene since 1974. Beyond the book sale, there is a hefty schedule of first class literary activities for adults and kids every month, including author events and book signings, workshops on writing and publishing, poetry readings and book clubs. There are also monthly sessions devoted to tarot and readings, conversational Spanish and French and sign language.

For old friends of Changing Hands, the annual book sale is an essential holiday tradition not to be missed. For first-timers, it’s a wonderful way to become acquainted with this gem of an independent bookseller. For everyone, it’s a chance to stock up on great books (both new and gently used) and to meet new friends who have at least two things in common: a passion for books and an appreciation of outstanding bookstores like Changing Hands. I’ll be there for sure. Will you?

ASU Sun Devils, make room for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Iowa State Cyclones! Both teams and their fans are set to take over Sun Devil Stadium for an exciting Insight Bowl on December 31. The teams have arrived and are preparing for the big game. Fans from Iowa and Minnesota are ready to cheer their teams on to victory and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our hometown.

In my humble opinion, Tempe is the perfect place for a college bowl game, especially on New Year’s Eve. Tempe is a spirited college town that knows how to roll out the welcome mat for visitors. At the Insight Bowl, fans will be able to attend pep rallies for their team in the Mill Avenue District, walk to the stadium for the big game and then, walk right into one of the country’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Fiesta Bowl Block Party is a fun-filled street party with live entertainment, activities for the whole family, fireworks displays and beer gardens.

The Insight Bowl kicks off at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The block party gates open at 5 p.m. For more details about these events, go to http://www.tempecvb.com/infopages/landing_insight.aspx.

May the best team win!

I have to say that I feel very fortunate to have traveled to some pretty amazing sites beyond our borders.  Ancient ruins, beautiful scenery and cultural experiences are all on my list of must sees.  But I must admit that I take my home state for granted.  I have to remind myself that people from all over the world dream of coming to the Southwest.  I went hiking in the Superstition Mountains this past Sunday. It was not a hard hike, but exhausting because I have not been out on the trails for a while!  We hiked and talked and laughed and I did not really pay attention to where I was until we reached an amazing valley.  It was filled with Saguaro, craggy cliffs, green desert flora and peace and quiet.  It was relaxing and exhilarating.  At that moment I was reminded that the Sonoran Desert is a unique environment filled with beauty that people from far away only dream about visiting someday.  But for me, it is in my own backyard. 

My how times flies. First, the holiday season raced into our lives with the speed of a bullet train. Then, Tempe Town Lake, is celebrating its 10th birthday. Lucky for us, both events are being celebrated together this Saturday, December 12.

The Tempe Town Lake birthday party begins at 3 p.m. There will be a giant replica of the lake by Cookies from Home and you can sample birthday cake from some of our best local restaurants and bakeries. Chuck E. Baby and the All Stars will play some of everyone’s favorite hits, and they’ll have a jam session with some of Tempe’s most rockin’ musicians. You can try free recreational activities, like kayaking, and make crafts with the kids.

The fun continues at 5:30 p.m., when Santa Claus arrives at the lake by boat. Tuba Christmas (if you haven’t heard them play, you’re missing out) will perform at 5:45 to ring in the holiday cheer. And, at 6:45, you can join Chuck E. Baby and the All Stars, Tuba Christmas and thousands of your Tempe neighbors and sing “Happy Birthday” to our favorite lake.

At 7:00 p.m., the APS Fantasy of Lights Holiday Boat Parade begins. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 10 years of Tempe Town Lake then by showcasing it in all of its glory — with dozens of lighted boats. It really is a beautiful sight and the perfect way to celebrate the season…in Tempe. For more info, go to http://www.tempe.gov/lake/partyschedule.htm.

Little House on the Prairie, The Musical, based on the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, opened Monday night at ASU Gammage. As someone who couldn’t wait for the next episode of the TV series (which ran for almost a decade during the 1970s and 80s), I had difficulty resisting the temptation to compare the stage production to the television version. I haven’t read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, so until last night, my only experience with this story of an intrepid family surviving the hardship of settling on the prairie of South Dakota, was the TV series. I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this show.   

Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura, in the TV series, is convincing as the loving, patient and ever self-sacrificing Ma/Caroline. However, the real staring role is that of Laura, played by Kara Lindsay, who was amazing as she grew from a self-centered, rambunctious youth to mature and loving young woman. And what a voice!  The other roles were perfectly cast.  Kate Lopest was hilarious as the annoying, but endearing Nellie Olsen, and I was totally smitten with Kevin Massey, whose gorgeous voice gave me goose bumps, as Laura’s one and only, Almanzo Wilder. Ten-year old Carlie Rose Sonenclar, who played the youngest daughter Carrie, is a tremendous talent at such a young age. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in future Broadway productions.  The sets, lighting and staging simply and poignantly portrayed the austerity of pioneer life in the 1880s. The music and lyrics beautifully expressed the triumphs and travails experienced by the tenacious pioneers who had the guts to pull up roots and  venture west.  It’s top notch family entertainment–a wonderful gift this holiday season.  

Little House on the Prairie runs through December 13.  For a look at ASU Gammage from a performer’s point of view, read Kevin Massey’s (Almanzo Wilder) blog on http://asugammage.blogspot.com/. 

Are you in the mood for a show that’s terribly funny and not inspired by the holiday season? Then “Speech & Debate” by Tempe’s Stray Cat Theatre is for you. I went to the opening night last Friday and laughed until I cried. Described as “kind of like a pre-Glee Glee,” the story line revolves around a group of high school misfits who are tied together by a bit of a scandal at their high school. I won’t give away any of the plot, because I’d hate to ruin the twists and turns. Just trust me, it’s fun and a great production.

Stray Cat Theatre is now in its 8th season. This alternative theater company fits perfectly into Tempe’s arts scene. All performances at the Tempe Performing Arts Center, located at 132 E. Sixth Street (just east of Mill Avenue, near Forest).

Thanks to Stray Cat for bringing something a little different to Tempe this December. The show runs through December 19. Check out www.straycattheatre.org for all of the details.

The shopping season is in full swing and thankfully that means that the Tempe Festival of the Arts can’t be far behind. Everyone’s favorite Tempe event is happening along Mill Avenue from 10 a.m. to dusk, Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6. Admission is free. There will be more than 400 artists selling their handmade paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and much, much more. There are collection-worthy masterpieces as well as arts and crafts for art lovers with a limited budget. And, it’s a great chance to meet the artists. They will be on-site to greet festival attendees.

Mill Avenue will also be sprinkled with musicians, street performers and activities for the whole family to enjoy. There is a cottage edibles and crafts section with tasty treats and perfect, inexpensive holiday gifts. Be sure to complete your holiday shopping early this year at the Tempe Festival of the Arts. For more details, visit www.tempefestivalofthearts.com.

It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is over, the tryptophan has all worn off, the amazing leftovers all but devoured. Now the holiday shopping mayhem begins, and of course we have all put it off until the last minute because the months have just flown by. If you, like many others, were brave enough to shop at Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or the Mill Avenue District this past weekend for Black Friday, you know first hand that getting a great deal is what shoppers are all about this holiday season. It is now Cyber Monday which is great for those of us who can’t handle the crowds and the chaos of in store shopping but still want a great deal.

This weekend, December 4-6, on Mill Avenue is the 41st Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts which is another great place to look for gifts for the art lover in your family. Or if you are just looking for something to do it is a great way to spend the weekend, walking around Mill Avenue with friends enjoying the fact that the weather is still amazing and it is the first weekend of December. The vendors have art on display ranging from affordable to very expensive, and admiring is also welcome. I would suggest taking the Light Rail because Mill Avenue will be closed off for the Festival. In conjunction with this event the Arizona Wine Growers Association hosts the Arizona Wine Festival. Admission is $10 to the wine festival and includes 6 tastings. Admission to the Festival of the Arts is free.

Now to check the book enthusiast in your life off your gift list, head on over to Changing Hands Bookstore and find them just what they need, whether it be their favorite book or a gift card so they can pick something out on their own. While you’re at it you can take some of your old books to trade in to save yourself some money. It is easy to loose track of time there with their great selection of both new and used books, luckily Wildflower Bread Company is right next door so you can grab a quick bite to eat or have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Just in case after all the holiday shopping you still haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, you should head down to Tempe Town Lake for the APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade on Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. There will be a variety of festively lit boats and people are invited to enter their festively lit vessels as well . The event will be topped off with a fireworks finale. 

I hope you all enjoy your holiday season – don’t forget what it is all about!

The holiday season in this part of the world really is the most wonderful time.  We are blessed with the weather to celebrate, which inspires some of the most elaborate outdoor holiday decorating frenzies anywhere.  Climbing around on the roof, ala Clark Griswold, installing lights isn’t half bad when it’s a splendid, sunny seventy something degrees. The balmy temperatures and lack of precipitation result in creative displays and throngs of spectators who comb the neighborhoods nightly in search of their favorite displays.  

We are also blessed with local holiday traditions that keep us in a festive mood.  One of my favorites is the 41^st Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts.  It’s coming up next weekend, December 4-6.  For three days, The Mill Avenue District  is closed to traffic to accommodate the booths of 400 artists and craftspeople.  There’s also live music, street performers, a wine festival and a Kids Innovation Station where the kiddos can create their own beautiful works.  While the Midwesterners and East Coast folks are bundled up against the elements doing their holiday shopping, I’ll be doing mine in capris, shirtsleeves and sandals at the Tempe Festival of the Arts. 

There’s always great theater for families throughout the holidays and this year is no exception. All you fans of the Junie B. Jones books will love Childplay’s production of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at the Tempe Center for the Arts now through December 27.   

Remember stalwart and lovable Ingalls:  Ma, Pa, Laura and Mary from Little House on the Prairie? Or how about the irritating Nellie Olson and Harriet, her equally annoying mother? They’ll be singing and dancing they’re way back our hearts in Little House on the Prairie, the Musical at ASU Gammage, December 8-13. And Leapin’ lizards, you and the kids can leap into the New Year with that other family favorite, Annie, which returns to ASU Gammage December 29-January 3. 

I’m lucky to live in Tempe, where the winters are calm, the livin’ is easy and the holidays really are warm and relaxed.  I would love to hear about your Tempe holiday favorites too.  

My friend and I took a stroll down Mill Avenue on Thursday, which is Music on Mill night. We were ready to enjoy the cool evening and live music performed by musicians all along Mill Avenue and a little food and beverage too, although we hadn’t decided where to go for the latter.  We were at Mill & 6^th Street enjoying some live music, when we were approached by the owner of Regions Bistro & Bar, who invited us into his newly reopened restaurant. Not that we required too much arm twisting, but we were totally seduced by his friendliness and  promise of happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers.  A couple of glasses of wine each and a small plate of melt-in-your-mouth roasted prime rib sliders later we were two very happy campers.  We were even happier with the tab which was under ten bucks each.  Love the décor too.  It’s chic, but not pretentious, spare, but not spartan.  

Welcome back Regions Bistro & Bar - I’ll be back for sure to sample more detectible dishes on your tantalizing menu.