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Tempe events this week–Flip Orley at the Tempe Improv

Posted by: Nancy

May 20, 2013

It’s great to have the Tempe Improv back in operation. Since reopening in April, there’s been a bunch of great comics performing in the newly remodeled club. This week Flip Orley will quite literally mesmerize the audience with his standout blend of stand-up comedy and hypnosis.

Flip invites volunteers to join him on stage and become part of his routine. Ever respectful of his volunteers, he’s careful not to embarrass anyone, preferring instead to have the audience laugh with, not those who brave the stage. Anyone who does not feel comfortable is encouraged to say so and leave the stage. Flip truly wants everyone to have a good time.

Flip’s routines range from simple where he might make people forget their own names or forget how to spell, to more complicated situations. He never knows how people are going to respond, which makes for shows that are always fresh and funny. A good hypnotist/comedian has to be excellent at improv in order to take advantage of the situations that arise on his stage and Flip exploits those opportunities very well. It also takes a pretty gutsy performer to brave all the unknowns inherent in working with a bunch of hypnotized strangers.

Flip originally studied psychology at the University of Arizona with plans to become a clinical hypnotist, but turned instead to stand-up comedy. Eventually he merged the two and has become one of the most popular acts of its kind at comedy clubs across the country.  His knowledge and appreciation of the benefits of the clinical side of hypnoses prompted him to develop techniques in seminars, workshops and CDs to help people deal with such issues as stress management, weight control and quitting smoking. He has assisted dentists and doctors with patients who are allergic to anesthesia. He aided a dentist who operated on a patient for almost two hours without an anesthetic and has helped bring difficult pregnancies to full term through stress control.

One other thing about Flip – he’s originally from Phoenix and loves returning to his hometown to perform. You can catch his act, or become part of it May 23-26 at the Tempe Improv.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://tempeimprov.com. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

 

 

Filed under: Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe events this week – Jerry Riopelle at the TCA

Posted by: Nancy

May 13, 2013

Legendary Singer/songwriter/producer and inventor Jerry Riopelle will perform with local artists Blaine Long, Marconias and Roxie Whipple in a night of original music, hosted by Walt Richardson, at the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), May 17, 7:30 p.m.

Jerry Riopelle first came on the scene in the 1970s and has maintained a loyal fan base ever since. His music reflects various genres such as rhythm and blues, rock and country, jazz and reggae. He is known not only as an entertainer, but also as a song writer and inventor. Several of his Top 40 hits have been recorded by artists, including Herb Alpert, Joan Baez, Leon Russell, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge and Meat Loaf. He has also written many songs for films and television. He is a member of the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Jerry invented and received patents for Beamz®, a laser-based musical device for which he was awarded the 2003 Innovator of the Year award at the Arizona Technology Expo.  Since then, the device has won additional awards for its benefits in recreational music and occupational therapy.

Jerry Riopelle’s performance is part of the award-winning Songwriter’s Showcase series produced by the TCA and filmed for television and Internet by Tempe’s government access channel Tempe 11. The series features selected local performers from TCA’s Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic Night and In the Spotlight events who join a regional headliner for a night of live original music. Past headliners include Gin Blossoms co-founder Jesse Valenzuela, four-time Grammy nominee William Eaton, Arizona Blues favorite Hans Olson, Obadiah Parker and The Sugar Thieves. The series appears on local PBS channels in Phoenix, Tucson and other government access channels around the state.

There are many more great events taking place in Tempe this week. See below for more and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe events this week – jelly fish at SEA LIFE Arizona

Posted by: Nancy

May 6, 2013

SEA LIFE Arizona Tempe 150x150 Tempe events this week – jelly fish at SEA LIFE Arizona

Sea Life Arizona at Arizona Mills

I love jellyfish, those tentacled, transparent, luminous, undulating sea critters that live in oceans and big public aquariums far from Arizona.  I always figured that, unless I happen to encounter one while vacationing by the sea or visiting one of the big aquariums that have jelly fish exhibits, my chances of actually seeing just one jelly fish were pretty remote. Living here in the middle of the desert, I thought it was highly unlikely that I would ever see several varieties of this strange, fanciful sea life. So, imagine how excited I was to hear that this Friday, May 10, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is opening Jelly Fish Discovery, featuring the largest collection of jelly fish in Arizona.

Jelly fish are beautiful and fascinating, but let’s face it, for whatever reason, they are not given the kinds of attention and notoriety that other sea creatures like, say dolphins, sharks and sting rays receive. However, thanks to SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, we can now see some of the many beautiful varieties and learn more about their mysterious lives. Questions such as, “what is a jelly fish?,” what do they eat?,” “what’s up with all those tentacles?,” and many more will be answered.

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is located at Arizona Mills and is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  On Friday, May 10, it will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

There are many more great events taking place in Tempe this week. See below for more and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe events this week – FLASHDANCE at ASU Gammage

Posted by: Nancy

April 29, 2013

Flashdance The Musical 3 for newsletter2 150x150 Tempe events this week – FLASHDANCE at ASU Gammage

FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL comes to ASU Gammage this week.

I loved Flashdance, the movie and am so excited that the big Broadway musical version is coming to Tempe this week.  Yep, millions of us got that “Flashdance” feeling in 1983 when the movie, with its great music, dancing and romantic story, swept us away. Fast forward thirty years we can be swept away again by FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL when it comes to ASU Gammage, April 30-May 5.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of becoming a respected professional performer. Along the way she falls in love with her boss at the mill.  And, in true fairy-tale fashion, it all works out in the end with Alex’s prince of a boss/boyfriend helping to make her dream come true. Think of it as Cinderella in a welding mask and leg warmers!

The audience shares in Alex’s trials and triumphs with great dancing and a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll.”  plus 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://asugammage.com/shows.

For more great events to enjoy this week, check out this list.  View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

 

Filed under: Arts and Culture,ASU,Entertainment & Nightlife

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: David Sedaris at ASU Gammage

Posted by: Patrick

April 25, 2013

davidsedaris180x2402 The Man, The Myth, The Legend: David Sedaris at ASU Gammage

“I’m the most important person in the lives of almost everyone I know and a good number of the people I’ve never even met.”

I love this quote.   It makes me laugh every time I read it.  That’s the beauty of David Sedaris.  He makes you laugh with his satirical genius but you know there is nothing but truth to what he says.  The best selling author will be at ASU Gammage, tonight at 7:30 p.m., reading excerpts from his new book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.  His new collection of essays examines world travel through the eyes of Americans and vice versa.   The nice folks over at Amazon summed it up best when they said, “From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler’s experiences.”  If that doesn’t leave you intrigued, nothing will.

Sedaris was born in New York but moved to North Carolina as a child.  He attended Kent State University before transferring to, and graduating from, the School of the Art Institute in Chicago in 1987.  He published his first collection of essays in 1994 and has been described as one of the “rock star writers”.  Currently, he lives in West Sussex, London.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls will be his ninth published collection of essays.  Some of his more famous works include Me Talk Pretty One Day and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.  One of the funniest essays of his I’ve ever read is called SantaLand Diaries.  It’s about his supposed experience as an elf in New York when he was working at Macy’s during Christmas time.  Now, I wasn’t a bad kid growing up.  But, like most children, every once and while, you have a tantrum because that’s what kids do.  He describes a child, having a tantrum.  His mother calls over to Sedaris, dressed as one of Santa’s elves, to tell her son that if doesn’t stop screaming and yelling, Santa won’t bring him any toys.  I love this because I can picture my mom doing this.  His response is priceless.  “I said that Santa changed his policy and no longer traffics in coal. Instead, if you’re bad, he comes to your house and steals things. I told Riley that if he didn’t behave himself, Santa was going to take away his TV and all his electrical appliances and leave him in the dark…I said, he’s going to take your car and your furniture, and all of your towels and blankets and leave you with nothing.”

If you’re looking for some laughs to get you through the rest of this week, go see him tonight at ASU Gammage.  He’ll be having a book signing after the show, so you’ll be able to meet the satirical genius yourself.

Do you want to know about more great events happening in Tempe?  Be sure to check out our WEBSITE or call 800-283-6734.

 

Filed under: Arts and Culture,ASU,Entertainment & Nightlife,Special Events,Tempe Livin'

Tempe events this week – Frank Caliendo at the Tempe Improv

Posted by: Nancy

April 15, 2013

There’s some good news this week–the Tempe Improv is back in business with a fresh look and a great lineup of very funny comics performing over the next months. The Tempe Improv has been a staple of Tempe’s arts and entertainment scene since 1988 and has introduced some of the best known comics to audiences for more than 30 years. It closed briefly last year.  Now, under new management and having undergone extensive renovations, it’s ready to keep us laughing again in new state-of-the-art surroundings.

Everything in the club has been transformed.  From the full-service upscale bar in the balcony, to the wall-to-wall renovations throughout the club, there’s a fresh contemporary feel. Audiences can look forward to amazing food and a first-class comedy experience in a beautiful new club with the same charm loyalists have always appreciated.

The new Tempe Improv team will continue its legacy as the East Valley’s favorite comedy destination.  This weekend, April 19-21, Frank Caliendo will be there to kick things off.  Most likely you’ve seen him in at least one of many appearances on a variety of TV shows. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman FOX NFL Pregame Show with Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson, to name just a few.  He’s also known for his numerous impressions which include Charles Barkley, Robin Williams, William Shatner and Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Frank Caliendo is just the start. The Tempe Improv will continue to host great comics, including Mitch Fatel, Chris D’Elia, Pablo Francisco, Kevin Nealon, Carlos Mencia, Maz Jobrani, Bob Marley, Flip Orley and other great acts scheduled to perform.

The Tempe Improv is located in the Cornerstone Mall at University Drive and Rural Road. For more information and show times visit http://tempeimprov.com

You’ll not be at a loss for things to do in Tempe this week. Check out this great lineup. View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

 

Filed under: Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe Events This Week – Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Posted by: Nancy

April 8, 2013

the cast of Disneys Beauty and the Beast Photo by Joan Marcus 150x150 Tempe Events This Week Disneys BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on stage at ASU Gammage, April 9-14

One of my all-time favorites, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is coming to ASU Gammage this week, April 9-14. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this musical love story is a classic filled with unforgettable characters –the lovely Belle, the buffoonishly macho Gaston, the singing and dancing table ware and of course, the Beast in all his fierce and furry magnificence. Then there are the lavish sets, gorgeous costumes and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the title song. It’s just spectacular! I don’t care how old you are, this show never grows old. Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is truly for all audiences.

All of you allergy sufferers take heart.  There are plenty of terrific and mostly indoor arts and entertainment events happening in Tempe this week. Choose from this great lineup and take cover inside. View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe Events this week – Music events at Tempe History Museum

Posted by: Nancy

March 11, 2013

Tempe History Museum1 150x150 Tempe Events this week – Music events at Tempe History Museum

Tempe History Museum, Bill Timmer

The Tempe History Museum does a terrific job of presenting Tempe’s past with an impressive array of fun and interesting interactive exhibits.  But, the museum also presents a number of free concerts and lectures, films and fun music events. This weekend the Museum is hosting two music events, one with a historic bent and one very much in the present.

On March 14,  7 p.m., the Museum, in partnership with the ASU Public History Program, will bring us images and music from the Great Depression of the 1930s. The 198 String Band will perform lesser-known songs from the 1930s against a backdrop of compelling Depression-era documentary photographs. The sequences of the songs and streaming images will be interwoven with audio excerpts from oral histories, poems and narratives, as well as historical commentary.

On March 16 the Museum, in partnership with Classical Revolution PHX, will be fully in the present  with LOUD II: An Outdoor Celebration of LOUD Bands and Food Trucks, 2-6 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature sustainable green themes, loud music, bold flavors and arts and crafts. Bands, including Mana Sax Orchestra AZ, Bad Cactus Brass Band and the B-One Quartet will perform recycled and re-purposed music in new arrangements. The weather forecast for Saturday is perfect, so bring a picnic blanket, enjoy the sunshine, music, delicious food and green arts and crafts while learning more about sustaining our world. Event admission is free. Food trucks will provide tasty fare for a charge.

In addition to the Tempe History Museum activities, there are many other exciting arts, culture and entertainment options Tempe offers this week, including a some raucous St. Patrick’s Day events.  View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

Filed under: Entertainment & Nightlife,Tempe Livin'

Tempe Events This Week – MEMPHIS at ASU Gammage

Posted by: Nancy

March 4, 2013

Felicia Boswell Felicia and Bryan Fenkart Huey in the National Tour of MEMPHIS Photo by Paul Kolnik 150x150 Tempe Events This Week – MEMPHIS at ASU Gammage

MEMPHIS comes to ASU Gammage, March 5-10, 2013

You’ll have no problem finding a great variety of art, culture and entertaining events in Tempe, including a big one at ASU Gammage, which continues to bring great musical theatre to the Arizona. This week we can look forward to seeing another outstanding Broadway blockbuster, MEMPHIS, at ASU Gammage, March 5-10.  Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS takes place in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950′s and is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.  Along the way, the two fall in love, which was totally taboo in that time and place. Memphis has a great story line, is full of rousing music and electrifying dancing and is sure to be one show not to be missed. Not surprisingly it won four 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

There are plenty more arts and cultural events choose from in Tempe this week. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Entertainment & Nightlife

Tempe Events This Week – Comic Chris Bennett at the TCA

Posted by: Nancy

February 11, 2013

The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) new Tempe Comedy Concert Series is helping to fill the void left with the closing of the Tempe Improv last year.  I know that I was not alone in feeling sad when the Improv closed its doors.  After all, it was, for many years, one of the country’s most prominent comedy clubs, playing a huge role in advancing the careers of some very funny and famous comedians. Now, thanks to the TCA, we can look forward to once again enjoying great comedy live in Tempe.

This Friday the TCA will present comic Chris Bennett, who definitely has some impressive comedy credentials.  He made his TV debut on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and has appeared at numerous clubs and festivals around the country. His unique style of comedy has awarded him the title of the funniest actor in New York at the then named New York Improv. He also won the Funniest Person in the Valley Contest, the 2006 Southwest Comedy Festival and The Ha Ha Comedy Café’s Contest in North Hollywood, Calif. The night will include a special appearance by 91-year-old comic Gert the Joke Lady.  This show is recommended for ages 16 and older.

There will be laughs aplenty at the TCA’s Comedy Concert Series in the weeks ahead. But, first take a look at what’s going on throughout Tempe this week. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

Filed under: Arts and Culture,Entertainment & Nightlife
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