Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe

It’s a Tempe institution, a family-friendly celebration that has been a part of the community since 1984. It’s Arizona’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash and one of the largest in the U.S.—it’s the Fiesta Bowl Block Party. From 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Mill Avenue, between 3^rd Street and University Drive, will become party central with revelers of all ages gathering to ring in 2011.

The block party is known for its live music performed all evening on several stages scattered throughout the Mill Avenue District. This year more than 20 bands will keep things rocking. Then at 10:45 p.m., the East Valley’s own Jimmy Eat World will perform on the main stage through the final count down.

Although the live music is a major part of the block party, there’s a lot more going on during the evening. Roaming street theater performers will include a magician/juggler, magician/slight-of-hand artist, a stilt walker and a fiery unicyclist. 

More magic, mixed with comedy, will have party-goers in stitches at the Circle of Illusion. DJ Rob will keep things hopping at the Center-of-Block-Party Video Dance Club; a giant slide, a Ferris wheel and other fun rides and activities will be found at the Carnival Zone. Kids and their families will find stage performances, activities and hands-on crafts just for them at the Kid’s Zone presented by Radio Disney.

There will be plenty of refreshments available at the Bud Light Beer Garden, College Football Sports Club, Fiesta Food Court and other restaurants and night spots in the Mill Avenue District.

Everything comes to a big, beautiful, glorious crescendo of music and fire works twice during the evening.  To accommodate families and others who might not make it to midnight, the first fireworks display takes place at 10 p.m. At midnight the final display, complete with confetti and Jimmy Eat World, will usher in 2011.

The Fiesta Bowl Block Party is an evening to remember; it’s no wonder it’s been named  one of the top ten places in America to ring in the new year by USA Today.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the Fiesta Bowl Block party, visit http://www.fiestabowl.org/index.php/events/blockparty/.  For more information on other arts and cultural events in Tempe, visit www.TempeScene.com and www.TempeTourism.com.

I’d be hard pressed to find anything pleasant or comforting about coal mining, except for maybe one thing: the pasty.  The pasty is a little pie-like concoction of pastry crust surrounding a filling.  It was sort of the coal miners’ version of a sandwich and it originated in coal mining town of  Cornwall, England many years ago.

Fortunately, one does not have to be a coal miner or live in Cornwall to savor this yummy delight because right here in Tempe, AZ the Cornish Pasty Company is turning out the most wonderful assortment of pasties with all sorts of delectable fillings. 

After hearing from friends and associates and reading rave reviews of this place, I finally decided it was high time I gave it a try.  I ordered the aromatic and heavenly rosemary chicken, an amazing amalgam of roasted chicken, red potatoes, roasted red peppers and brie all contained in a wonderful flaky, tender pastry.  It came with an equally amazing side of mustard cream sauce.  I can’t even begin to tell you how good it was.  Everyone in our party ordered something different. I tasted all of them – the Greek, the Chicken Tikka Masala, the Pesto Chicken and they were all superb.

Located in strip mall on the corner of University and Hardy, the interior was a real surprise. It’s a narrow space, kind of dark, a little reminiscent of a mine, only cozier and full of atmosphere and good vibes.  of There’s a counter overlooking the kitchen and I noticed a lot of activity and conversation between the patrons and the cooks. Our server mentioned that sitting at the counter can be lively and fun and really adds to the whole experience.  There are also several small tables all along the wall.  Old black and white photos of miners at work dot the walls and add interest and ambiance.

I love this place and plan on going back again and again. The food is indescribably delicious, it has great atmosphere, friendly servers and customers and the prices are so reasonable. Next time I’m going to sit at the counter.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Still have some last minute shopping to do? Us too! But, you’re in luck. You can finish your shopping and see a little bit of holiday magic at the same time. Snow What Fun at Tempe Marketplace is happening through December 24. At 7 and 8 p.m. each night, you can see it “snow” in Tempe in front of the huge tree located in The District.

The Tempe version of the fluffy white stuff lasts about 10 minutes or so. For an Arizona native like me, it’s cool sight to see. And the bonus…no bundling up is required.

The District is full of shops like The Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath and Body Works and lots of other great places to finish your shopping list. For more info, go to www.tempemarketplace.com.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It’s another week full of holiday cheer, theatre, music, dance, art exhibitions and author events.  And, there’s still time to enjoy two favorite Holiday events: Las Noches de las Luminarias and Childsplay’s Junie B. in Jinge Bells, Batman Smells! For more events happening this week, December 20-26, visit http://www.tempetourism.com/events/Calendar/ and www.tempescene.com or call 480-894-8158.  

• December 20: Jamin’ Jazz Productions Presents Margo Reed + Joel Robin, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub     
• December 20: Meet Nate Anderson & B. J. Lambesis, Changing Hands Bookstore
• December 20-22, 26: Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 21 & 23: Jared Howe; December 22: Freddie Duran, December 24:  Anna Chepikova, John Henry’s Restaurant
• December 21-24: Childsplay Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 23: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden
• December 23: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 23: The Spin, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant
• December 26: Sunday Night Jam Sessions Led by the Jeff Libman Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

It’s another week full of holiday cheer, theatre, music, dance, art exhibitions and author events. This is just a sample. For a complete listing of Tempe events, visit www.tempetourism.com/events/Calendar/ and www.tempescene.com or call 480-894-8158.   

• December 13: Rachel Eckroth Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 15: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 16: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden
• December 16: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 16: Shelby James; December 18: Big Daddy D & the Detonators, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
• December 16-18: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Learn to Be Latina, Tempe Performing Arts Center
• December 16-19: Los Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 17: Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler: Crescent Dawn, Changing Hands Bookstore
• December 17: Los Guys; December 18: Knee Deep Experience, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 17: Pete Pancrazi; December 18: Luke Nlccoli, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 17: Shawn Johnson and The Paper Snowmen; December 18: The Spin; December 19: Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant
• December 17:  Will Metzler; December 18: Race Brown; December 19:  Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, John Henry’s Restaurant
• December 18: Dmitri Matheny’s Holiday Jazz Party, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 18-19, Childsplay Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 19: Jim Brickman 15th Anniversary Holiday Concert, ASU Gammage
• December 19: Sunday Night Jam Sessions Led by the Jeff Libman Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

Hair: The American tribal Love-Rock musical makes its way to ASU Gammage December 7-12. This tony award wining production tells the story of a group of politically active, pure hearted, hippies living the bohemian lifestyle in New York during pressures of drafting for Vietnam War.

The cast lets it all out as they sing for peace and love! With a simple set, the production does a phenomenal job enhancing costumes, music, lighting, and amazing acting to really create an energetic and lively show. The untamed cast brings the audience to life with interaction and pure oomph. Expect to see the unexpected at this show along with unforgettable songs including the infamous “Aquarius”. This is one show that will be appreciated by everyone.

Show details:
ASU Gammage
Tuesday, December 7th- Sunday, December 12th, 2010
Tickets: $23.50-$67.50
Student discounts offered
480-965-3434

www.asugammage.com

It’s never too late nor too cold to support local business with yummy desserts! Cookiez on Mill has been a long lasting local treat to Mill Avenue for many years now, and not until last week did I discover how tasty it really was.

After an afternoon craving with a sweet tooth in mind, a co-worker and I decided to stop in. This little quaint hole in the wall will surprise you with the unexpected. They offer smoothies with your choice of natural juices and fruit, a variety of fresh sorbet with many flavors, Asian Boba teas, hot chocolates, and even a variety of quick drinks to grab for on-the-go.

But what you’re really waiting for is their claim to fame: Ice cream cookie sandwiches.

They sandwich your choice of ice cream in between two home made cookies that they warm up when you order. You also have choices of cookie flavors so you can mix and match and even order a half. I recommend the chocolate chip cookie with mint chip ice cream!

This place is quite the gem with reasonable prices and amazing customer service. They were warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in until the moment we left.

~Cookies range from $3-4 dollars
~Open Late
~Accept student discounts

Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12 pm – 12 am
Fri-Sat: 12 pm – 2 am
Sun: 1 pm – 12 am

Cookiez on Mill
514 S Mill Ave -Ste 102
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 557-7051

There’s a dazzling array of events happening in Tempe this week, December 6-12. From the Tony-award winning production of Hair at ASU Gammage to the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade to theatre, music, dance, art exhibitions and speakers who will entertain and inspire, There’s no lack of entertaining things to do in Tempe. Remember this is just a sample. For a complete listing of Tempe events, visit http://www.tempetourism.com/events/Calendar/ and www.tempescene.com or call 480-894-8158.  

• December 6: Jamin’ Jazz Productions Presents  Beth Lederman, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 7-12: Hair, ASU Gammage
• December 8: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts                                      
• December 9: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden
• December 9: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 9:  Shelby James, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
• December 9: The Spin; December 10: Shawn Johnson and the Foundation;December 11: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant
• December 9-12: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Learn to Be Latina, Tempe Performing Arts Center 
• December 9-12: Los Noches de los Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 10: Friday Conversations@11: Tania Katan, ASU Art Museum
• December 10: Musical Theater Performance by Studio 3 Performing Arts; Melia Down; December 11: Peppermint James, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 10: Scott & John of Hello Swindon; December 11: Shelby James, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 10-11: CONDER/dance: Breaking Ground 2010, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 10:  Anna Chepikova; December 11: Race Brown; December 12:  Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, John Henry’s Restaurant
• December 11: Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Tempe Beach Park/Tempe Town Lake
• December 11: Rabbi Harold S. Kushner: Inside the Spiritual Mind, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 11-12, Childsplay Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 12: Sunday Night Jam Sessions Led by the Jeff Libman Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

Tempe is fully in the holiday moment. Last weekend, the annual Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade on Mill Avenue got things started with a bunch of fabulous floats all lit up like, well, a Christmas tree. Santa made a grand entrance on the final float and stayed to hear all the requests from the kiddos.  It was just the beginning of holiday events that I look forward to each year. 

Tempe Festival of the Arts

One of my favorite Tempe holiday experiences, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, is this weekend, December 3-5. For three solid days, Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets, between 3^rd Street and University are closed to traffic and lined with booths displaying beautiful works of art. I get all excited just thinking about the fantastic selection of  shimmering silver, gold, glass and gem stone jewelry, photography, some bold, some subtle, beautiful blown glass vessels, delicate, but sturdy ceramics, paintings, ornaments and much more.  I love to shop for those one-of-a-kind gifts for my special peeps.  And, it’s fun to actually meet and mingle with the artists.

For my foodies, I enjoy browsing  for gifts  in the cottage foods and crafts section where there are yummy hand-crafted treats like salsas, olives, cheeses and other tantalizing delicacies.

I can also find the gift of spirits for the imbibers on my shopping list in an area devoted to the art and craft of wine and beer. The Arizona Wine Growers Association will again showcase wines for connoisseurs at the Arizona Wine Festival. More than a dozen Arizona wineries will be highlighted. New this year is the Art of Beer featuring three beer meisters who will be on hand for tastings, serving and selling their craft beers by the bottle or case.

The entertainment, from musicians to magicians, caricature artists, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters and psychics adds a special touch to the festivities. Plus some of the Valley’s preeminent jazz musicians perform every day on the Festival Jazz Stage.

All the browsing and shopping really makes me hungry, especially for my favorite festival treat, kettle corn. The ever present and always irresistible aroma of that golden, crispie, sweet confection drives me strait to a vendor for a big bag of the stuff to munch. If I crave something more substantial there are plenty of other food vendors as well as the numerous great restaurants in the Mill Avenue District.

Parents note: the festival is extremely kid friendly.  In addition to all the roaming magicians, caricature artists, jugglers, stilt walkers and face painters, kids have their own area in which to experience a little art and culture. They can make their own works of art at the Kids Innovation section where they’ll find an array of interactive art activities.

The Tempe Festival of the Arts is one of those wonderfully, complete sensory experiences that just puts me in my happy zone.  The ambiance created by the combination of beautiful art, entertainment, food, friendly folks, great weather all coming together in the Mill Avenue District is another reason why I love Tempe.

Do you love the Tempe Festival of the Arts as much as I do?  Please share your impressions with me.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are behind us, but there is still a flurry of holiday activities ahead. Yes, the holiday season is in full swing and there are plenty of seasonal programs and other great entertainment options taking place this week in Tempe, including the 42^nd Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts.

• November 29: Jamin’ Jazz Productions Presents Stu Siefer Combo, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 1: Meet David Sedaris: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, Changing Hands Bookstore
• December 1: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic with Walt Richardson, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 2: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden
• December 2: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 2: Shelby James; December 3: The Detonators; December 4: The McCarthy Brothers, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
• December 2-5: Tempe Little Theatre Presents The Agony and the Agony, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 3: Sunday Morning Down; December 4: Ted Brown’s Mailbox, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 3: Sydney Sprague; December 4: Jake Dean, Tempe Marketplace Barns & Noble Fountain
• December 3-4: Keltic Kowboys; December 5: Music on the Patio: Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant
• December 3-5: Tempe Festival of the Arts, Mill Avenue District
• December 3-5: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Learn to Be Latina: Tempe Performing Arts Center
• December 4-5: Childsplay Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 5: Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, 7:00-10:00 p.m., John Henry’s Restaurant
• December 5: Sunday Night Jam Sessions Led by the Jeff Libman Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub