Take a Vacation at a Tempe hotel – Many Tempe hotels are offering great deals this summer. If you’re coming to Tempe this summer, or you’re a local who could use a mini-vacation, check out our special offers page for ideas and discounts.

Try a new restaurant – There are a few tasty new places to try, such as Tempe’s Front Porch, Hummus Xpress and Gringo Star Street Bar. There are also many places that may be on your list, but you haven’t had the chance to try them yet. A few of my favorite established local spots are Essence Bakery & Café, Cornish Pasty Co. and Casey Moore’s Oyster House.

Oceanside Ice Arena – Ice skating in the desert is possible at Tempe’s Oceanside Ice Arena. Located near Big Surf Waterpark, Oceanside is an excellent place to cool off and pretend, for an hour or so, that the weather is chilly once again. Open skating hours are 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 and 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.

Ride the Waves at Big Surf – Big Surf Waterpark is now open every weekend, but starting on May 25 it will be open every single day from through August 4. Zoom down slides like the White Serpentine and the Black Hole, soak up the sun on Waikiki Beach or splash with the smallest swimmers at Captain Cook’s Landing. Surfing and boogie boarding sessions are also available daily.

Plan a picnic – I haven’t planned a picnic in a while, but it sure sounds like fun. Grab a blanket, a bocce ball set or a Frisbee and pick up sandwiches from Sacks. There are lots of scenic parks in Tempe with plenty of space to play – see a full list here.

Movies in the Park – Speaking of parks, go to Kiwanis Park on May 24 and see “Finding Nemo” with the whole family. This free event starts at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.). Bring a blanket and snacks (or buy a few treats on site) and relax. Visit the City of Tempe website for the full calendar of movies.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to have a fun Memorial Day in Tempe. For even more ideas, visit www.tempetourism.com. 

Of course there are the usual indoor solutions like retreating for hours on end to the air conditioned comfort of the malls, movie theater,  bowling alleys or laser tag.  These are all activities that will definitely keep you cool and entertained.  But eventually we all crave doing something outdoors other than trying to find relief in the tepid water of the swimming pool.

During the summer months, the Desert Botanical Garden offers Garden Flashlight Tours that will get you outside and give you a chance to see another, cooler side of the desert. From May through August, you can explore how the desert comes to life when the sun goes down. You might see nighthawks that have their own built in super night vision, snakes or other furry or scaly nocturnal desert dwellers. You might even see rare, night blooming flowers. The self-guided tour lets you set your own pace along the trail which takes you to 10 discovery stations.

So, this summer fetch your flashlights and hit the trail for a fun, cool and interesting Garden Flashlight Tour. Tours are held Thursdays and Saturday May 30 – August 31, 7-9 p.m. For more information call the Desert Botanical Garden, 480-941-1225 or visit dbg.org.

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.

• May 14: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 14: Blaise Lantana Birthday Party, Mad Hatter Brew Pub
• May 14- June 1: Topia 2013, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 15: Chris Bennett,  Tempe Improv
• May 15: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic Night, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 16-19: Bob Marley, Tempe Improv
• May 16: Tim Hawley, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 16: Third Thursday on Mill: 2^nd Annual Collector Car Night, Mill Avenue District
• May 16: Outliars Comedy Club, Robby Fox’s  Public House
• May 16: Halocene, Lost in Atlantis, Tempe Marketplace District Plaza
• May 17: Tempe Comedy Concert Series: Gert the Joke Lady; Funny Times 10, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 17: Songwriters’ Showcase IX with Special Guest Jerry Riopelle, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 17: Los Guys featuring Mark Zubia; May 18: Hello Swindon, Tempe Marketplace District Plaza
• May 17: Colton Avery;  May 18: Jamie Reynolds, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 17: Snake Burner; May 18: The Sullivans, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 17 & 18: Brian De Marco, Top of the Rock
• May 18: Bag It Film Screening, Tempe Center for the Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery
• May 18: We Were Strangers/Colton Avery, Marquee Theater
• May 18: Stu Siefert Combo, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 18-26: Childsplay Presents: A Wrinkle in Time, Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe Road Runner Sports Adventure Run is a really fun, 60-minute scavenger run.  There are prizes, giveaways, music, raffles and free beer.   It’s every third Thursday at the Tempe Road Runner Sports at Tempe Marketplace.

Sounds run, right?  All you have to do is register.  Sign in is usually from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or you can register online on their website.  From 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., you have the scavenger hunt.  At sign in, you’ll get a pen, paper and a Ziploc bag for your tickets.  Right before 7:00 p.m., they’ll unveil the map of all the stores you need to run to.  Once it’s time to go, you run around to all the checkpoints, as fast as you can, collecting raffle tickets. You only have 60 minutes, so plan your route accordingly.  Once the scavenger is over, you use your tickets to win prizes, such as shoe discounts, nutritional products, after the race.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise and win free stuff, without a doubt, try the Adventure Run.  Nothing is more exciting than adding a little adventure to your life.

For more information about Tempe events, be sure to visit our website.

There is something magical about a dance performance, whether ballet, jazz or modern, that transforms you. The dancers can somehow tell a story through their movement and that story has the power to move an audience.

This is why I can’t wait to see Topia at Desert Botanical Garden, May 14-June 1. Topia is an original ballet set to the music of Beethoven that was created by Ballet Arizona’s artistic director, Ib Andersen. It is a performance that is inspired by the Sonoran Desert landscape, so there isn’t a better setting that the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden. Topia will be performed outside on at 80 foot panoramic stage with the Papago Park buttes as a glorious backdrop. Topia premiered at the Garden last year, and I’m thrilled that audiences have the chance to see it again.

Check out this video from last year’s performance. I think you’ll agree that it is visually stunning and absolutely beautiful. I just love how ballet dancers make every movement look effortless, when I know that even the smallest gesture is choreographed to perfection. The hours of rehearsal, the strength of each dancer and the thought behind each movement become pure joy and exuberance on stage.

Whether this is your first time seeing a ballet or your 100^th time, don’t miss this Ballet Arizona production. Tickets begin at $40. Guests can choose to have dinner at the Garden prior to the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit the Desert Botanical Garden website or the Ballet Arizona website.

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.

• May 6: Mushroomhead; May 7: Rehab, Marquee Theater
• May 7: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 7: Beth Lederman, Trish Hatley and Dwight Kilian, Mad Hatter Brew Pub
• May 7-8: Ralphie May, Tempe Improv
• May 8: Cassadee Pope, Tempe Marketplace District Plaza
• May 8: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic Night, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 9: Jeff Sulivan, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 9:  Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 9: Outliars Comedy Club, Robby Fox’s  Public HouseMay 9: Bryce Ricci; May 10-12: Maz Jobrani, Tempe Improv
• May 10: Suicidal Tendencies, Marquee Theater
• May 10: Jellyfish Discovery Opens, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
• May 10: Music in the Garden: Fuerza Caribe, Latin Salsa and Bachata Desert Botanical Garden
• May 10: Lakeshore Jazz Series: Terell Stafford Quintet featuring “This Side of Strayhorn,” Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 10: Pete Pancrazi; May 11: Tony Putrino, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 10: Sea Merchants; May 11: Keltic Cowboys, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 10: Paul Ludenia; May 11: Bill Dutcher, Top of the Rock
• May 11: Tequilazona, Tempe Marketplace District Plaza
• May 11: Stu Siefert Combo, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 11-26: Childsplay Presents: A Wrinkle in Time, Tempe Center for the Arts

There are a lot of festivities around town from events at local Mexican food restaurants and bars to a “Cinco de Rhino” party at The Phoenix Zoo. Yes, a rhino party.

First, a bit of fact checking so you know why you’re celebrating…

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. It is celebrated in the U.S., especially the Southwest, more so than in Mexico. It commemorates the small but mighty Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Independence Day celebrated widely in Mexico is not Cinco de Mayo. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

So, what is there to do in Tempe for Cinco de Mayo? Events with drink specials, lots of food, entertainment and more fun stuff are taking place at the following Tempe restaurants:

Loco Patron

Macayo’s Depot Cantina

Dos Gringos

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar

Live Music at the District Stage at Tempe Marketplace from 1-8 p.m.

San Felipe’s Cantina

Cadillac Ranch

In addition, if you’re looking for something to do with the family on May 5, you’re in luck.

The Phoenix Zoo is hosting “Cinco de Rhino” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be games and activities throughout the day, including a special treat for the resident rhino at 10 a.m. and a talk from a zookeeper at 11 a.m.

Big Surf Waterpark will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 5. To celebrate their season opening, everyone who brings in at least five non-perishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance will receive the 50 percent off of general admission ($27.95).

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

Rachel Goede is a local, Tempe artist who is able to paint masterpieces.  She’s an Omaha, NE native that studied painting at ASU and eventually graduated with a BFA in painting from there too.

“I wanted to be an artist ever since I was a little girl.  I always thought being an artist was the most radical and amazing profession a person could possibly have,” she said.  “I still think that, however, being an artist can be hard because not everyone is excited about my art as I am. I love what I do. I have always loved creating art because it calms a craving within me.”

Like most artists, everyone has something that inspires them.  For Rachel, her inspiration comes from people.  “I am inspired by faces. I simply want to document people around me, including myself, so that I can tell others about whom and what I know, and about my life. I paint myself because I know my own face better than any other face.  I love the human figure and the face; I believe the human body is very beautiful.”

Even though she finds her inspiration through the human figure and enjoys that, she has painted some traditional, Arizona landscapes.  Her work includes an art studio classroom at ASU overlooking monument Valley Arizona, as well as, a still life painting about horse culture in Arizona.

“Most of the portraits I have painted are about Arizona in a wider sense, because they are about my experiences while living here. Arizona, and my portrait subjects that I have met here, are very dear to me and I want others to know their roles in my life.”

To see more of Rachel’s work, you can visit her website here.  For more information about Tempe arts and culture, be sure to visit the Tempe Tourism website or call 800-283-6734.

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.

• April 30: Stu Siefer Trio with Dave Henning and Felix Sainz, Mad Hatter Brew Pub
• April 30 & May 1: Prince, Marquee Theater
• April 30- May 5: FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL, ASU Gammage
• May 1: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic Night, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 1: Open Mic, Tempe Improv
• May 1: Open Jam, May 2: Tim Hawley, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 2:  Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 2: Outliars Comedy Club, Robby Fox’s  Public House
• May 2-3: ASU School of Theatre and Film Presents Spring Capstone Screenings, Galvin Playhouse
• May 2: Tyler, The Creato and Special Guest Earl Sweatshirt; May 3: Tom Keifer of Cinderella, Marquee Theater
• May 2-4: Chris D’Elia, Tempe Improv
• May 3: Music in the Garden: Cinco de Moio Latin Grooves, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 3: Class Clowns Comedy, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 3: Tempe Comedy Concert Series: Funny Times 10, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 3: Snake Burner; May 4: Sea Merchants, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 3:  Tim McAlee; May 4:  Bill Dutcher, Top of the Rock
• May 3:Michael Ferraro; May 4:The Beatless, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 3:Vinyl Nova; May 4: Mindy Harris Band, Cascada, May 5: Ratio, Georgia Chrome, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 4: Stu Siefert Combo, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 4: First Saturday for Families, ASU Art Museum
• May 4: The Senators: An Evening of American Roots Music, Tempe History Museum
• May 4: Firematic Flea Market, Hall of Flame Fire Museum
• May 4-26: Childsplay Presents: A Wrinkle in Time, Tempe Center for the Arts

I’ve got to agree with wise Abe. Moms are the most special people on earth. Moms should be thanked daily for the countless hours they spend taking care of everyone in the family. But, officially, there is only one that that’s just for them. Mother’s Day.

Here are just a few places in and near Tempe where you can take your mom or grandmother on May 12. There are lots of excellent choices for brunch, lunch and dinner. Just remember to use your best table manners, just like she taught you.

ASU Karsten Golf Course

At the Trophy Room at ASU Karsten Golf Course, Executive Chef Andrew Brosten’s is preparing a fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, including Rosemary Crusted New York Strip, House Smoked Turkey Breast, Spiced Braised Lamb Shoulder and much more. There will be bottomless bellinis or mimosas ($8) or try a spicy Habanero Bloody Mary ($7). All reservations will include a complimentary family photo. Call 480-921-8073 for reservations. Adults are $43 each and children (10 and under) are $15 each. 

Fiesta Resort and Conference Center

Milagro’s at the Fiesta Resort and Conference Center is another great choice for Mother’s Day Brunch. Their menu features cooked to order eggs and omelets, eggs benedict, seasonal fruit, build your own waffles, peel and eat shrimp, stuffed breast of chicken, spice rubbed prime rib hand carved to order, baked orange roughy and lots of delights for dessert.

Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cost is $25 12 & up, $12 ages 6-11. Call 480-804-5223 for reservations

House of Tricks

Everyone’s favorite Tempe restaurant, House of Tricks, isn’t normally open on Sundays, but they will be open on Sunday, May 12. Join them for a memorable meal for mom on their lush patio or in one of the cozy indoor dining rooms. Their chef will create special menus for the occasion:

3 courses with lots of fantastic choices within each course … $49 per person.
3 course children’s menu … $15 per child.

Make your reservations online or call 480 968-1114.

Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes

The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes has two options for Mother’s Day;

Celebrate your mother with a specialty brunch at Market Café. This restaurant will have more than 40 buffet items, such as a carving station, breakfast entrees, seafood, salads, side dishes and a variety of sweet desserts. Call (602) 225-9000 and ask for Market Café to make your reservations.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adults: $54.95; Ages 13-17: $18.95; ages 12 and under eat free.

Top of the Rock at Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes offers incredible views of Tempe and Phoenix, and a special brunch just for moms. The Top of the Rock buffet will showcase more than 50 items. The carving station will offer Carved Leg of Goat, Agave Baked Ham and Prime Rib. In true Southwestern fashion, there will be a Huevos Rancheros Station and an Arizona Omelet Station. Salads and sides will also make it hard to choose, with lots of breakfast items and brunch favorites like Mac and Cheese Bake and Smoked Chicken Popovers. Desserts include Cake Pops, Vanilla Crème Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cakes and much more. Make your reservations today by calling (602) 431-2370.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$69.95 per person; $24.95 for children 6-17 years; children under 6 are free

Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse

What’s more fun than a bit of Western-themed adventure on Mother’s Day? Our friends at Rawhide will have Mother’s Day specials from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. along with the regular steakhouse lunch and dinner menus. Featured items include your choice of Southern Fried Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Medley, Chipotle Dijon Crusted Pork Loin, Butter Braised Corn, Meyer Lemon Mahi Mahi and Peppercorn Filet. Dessert will be homemade Apple Pie or Chocolate Fudge Cake.

$17.99 plus tax. Gratuity added for parties of 8 or more.

Add any choice of drinks, Prickly Pear Margarita, Chocolatini or a glass of champagne for $7 more.

Reservations are recommended. Call 480-502-5600, ext. 1141.

Rustler’s Rooste

Rustler’s Rooste offers terrific views of the valley and a fun, Western atmosphere that is perfect for kids of all ages. But even better than a cool Western atmosphere is the impeccable food and great service. For Mother’s Day, take in the delicious Western-style brunch, enjoy live music and for well-deserving moms, a glass of champagne or a mimosa. The menu includes Eggs Diablo (the Rooste version of Eggs Benedict with Spicy Machaca and Diablo Sauce), Biscuits and Country Gravy, Ham with w/ Rum Raisin Sauce, Chicken Monterey, side dishes and for dessert, Danishes, Muffins, Pies, Cakes, Cheesecake, Mousses, Cookies and a Chocolate Fountain!

Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the last reservation taken at 1 p.m. Call 602-431-6474 for reservations.

Adults $32.95 & Kids 10 Under $12.95++
Kids in Highchairs are Free

Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from their regular dining menu.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill

The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill at Tempe Marketplace is offering special menu options for Mother’s Day along with the tasty items on the regular menu. Specials include Parmesan Crusted Alaskan Halibut, Crab Stuffed Atlantic Salmon and Herb Crusted Flat Iron Steak. Call (480) 968-2920 for reservations.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – pricing is ala carte

Z’Tejas

The Z’Tejas in Tempe on Sixth Street and Mill will offer their brunch menu for Mother’s Day. Moms will be treated to a free dessert and a complimentary photo with their family. Call for a reservation and more details:  480-377-1170.