The Mill Avenue District Downtowner
Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. March 2012
In This Issue
Aloha Festival
Third Thursday
St. Patrick's Day
Spring Festival of the Arts
Events
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Aloha Festival
March 10-11 

 

Put on your grass skirts and come out to Tempe Beach Park on March 10th and 11th from 10 am to 5 pm for the Arizona Aloha Festival. This exciting festival brings the feel of the islands to the Mill Avenue District. The two day event features Island foods, a raffle for trips to Hawaii, interactive activities for visitors of all ages, as well as a Hawaiian marketplace for visitors to purchase foods and goods. Some of the local foods you can try are the famous Hawaiian "plate lunch," tropical fruits, island beef stew, and Guamanian chicken.  

 

Don't forget to catch the fantastic performances while you attend. At the festival you will see storytellers, Tahitian drummers, slack key guitarists, French Polynesian dancers, and much more. Along with these enhancements the Aloha Festival also honors the winner of the Kokua award. The Aloha Festival is put on each year to raise awareness about both Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture and heritage. Admission is free to the public.

WHAT:      Annual Aloha Festival
WHERE:    Tempe Beach Park
WHEN:      March 10-11, 2012 from 10 am to 5 pm
COST:       FREE 

 

For more information visit www.millavenue.com 

March's Third Thursday is Going to the Dogs 

Pre-Patty's Day Pooch Party in Hayden Square Amphitheater 

 

Join us for a Pre-St. Patty's Pooch Party in Hayden Square Amphitheatre on March 15th to celebrate in style with your two & four-legged friends. We will also be hosting Mill Avenue's first Pop Up Pooch Park for the pups to play and mingle while the adults enjoy the atmosphere.To add to the fun, dress up your pup in your most festive St. Patrick's Day garb and show him off in our Costume Contest; all who enter in advance will receive a Doggie MAD Bag full of treats and toys for their pup.  We are pleased to announce that Mayday Pit Bull Rescue and AZ Friends for Life Rescue will also be joining us that evening with information on both their organizations and adoptable dogs. If your pup can't make it, be sure to enjoy the concert from one of the three surrounding restaurant patios and grab a bite and a beer with friends.  Celtic Rockers The Biffos will be headlining the celebration with traditional Irish rock starting at 5 pm to accompany a full night of howlin' fun. Runaway Phoenix will be on hand to open the celebration. Anyone who  misses out is definitely going to be green with envy. 


MADCAP Theater at Centerpoint will also be buzzing on Third Thursday with Girls Gong Wild. If you have a talent that no one understands or appreciates, use it to win big. This 'Gong Show' styled competition is for both men and women. Join the crowds at MADCAP Theater from 7 pm to 9 pm "where the fun doesn't end until your ears stop ringing." More information to come.       


Don't forget about Local Designers Night every Third Thursday at Here on the Corner. Join local designers with unique fashions ranging from graphic Here on the Cornertees, jewelry and hair pieces, to elegant evening attire. Meet, greet, and buy all your favorite styles. These designers come from all over the valley and are exceptionally talented. Local Designers Night takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm and is a great opportunity for both the shopping enthusiast and networking designer.

Montage Art Studio and Gallery's first juried show "Great Works by Arizona Artists" continues through March 17, 2012. Featured artists Jason Breitenbucher, Barbara Burton, Lynne Arnold, Jim Arnold, Marie Howell, David Vogt, Ingrid Donaldson, Alvin Pace, and John Gleason have their works showcased in the gallery. The studio member artists pieces will also be available for viewing.   


Third Thursdays wouldn't be complete without Music on Mill; musicians andperformers can be identified by their red 'Music on Mill' signs and will be scattered throughout the Mill Avenue District showcasing their talents for passersby. This month's featured artists are Chris Hoskins & Ryan Fremling. Ryan performs on both guitar and vocals, while Chris accompanies on guitar. Look for them on Mill Avenue this month and check out their website at www.ryanfremling.com. (picture courtesy NKBeer.com)



March Third Thursday Lineup
5 - 6 pm Runaway Phoenix Performs @ Hayden Square Amphitheatre
5 - 9 pm Pop up Pooch Park @ Hayden Square Amphitheatre
5 - 9 pm 'Great Works by Arizona Artists' at Montage
5 - 9 pm Local Designers Night @ Here on the Corner
5 - 9 pm Music on Mill
6 - 7 pm Pup Costume Contest @ Hayden Square Amphitheatre
7 - 9 pm The Biffos Perform @ Hayden Square Amphitheatre
7 - 9 pm Girls Gong Wild at MADCAP Theater 
 

 

To Register for the Pup Costume Contest contact Morgan @ morgan@downtowntempe.com 

 

            For more information visit www.millavenue.com
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Saturday March 17, 2012 All Day
 

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and the Mill Avenue District is host to three of the biggest St. Patrick's Day parties in the Valley.

 

picture courtesy of
FloggingMolly.co

Downtown Tempe is lucky enough pardon the pun, to host the Lucky Man's St. Patrick's Day Bash at Tempe Beach Parkeach year. This year's concert will feature Flogging Molly, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and seven other performing bands. The concert starts at 1 pm and tickets are $30. Those who bought tickets ahead of time are encouraged to pick will call tickets in advance to avoid lines the day of the show. The concert will be held rain or shine.  


Not only are the crowds surrounding the lake,Robbie Fox's Public House wi
ll join the party- throwing a traditional Irish party from sun up to sun down. Robbie Fox's 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration begins at 6 am and takes over the entirety of 6th Street with live music, Irish dancers, bag pipes, leprechauns, lamb stew, and fish n' chips served all day. Robbie's will also be serving green beer, and have six beer trucks on site to serve beer continuously throughout the day to the celebrating patrons.


Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant will also be offering a delicious Irish menu all weekend paired with Irish draft beer and pints of Guinness. On Friday, Rula Bula will be giving away tickets for the St. Patrick's Day Bash. Saturday's festivities at 10 am with live music, Celtic dancers, and pipers all day. Roger Clyne will be on-site promoting his signature Moonshine Tequila prior to opening for Flogging Molly. He will also host a traditional San Patricio toast of friendship between the Mexican Irish people. Saturday night will feature both JJ's Band at 6 pm and the late night return of Jeff Hunt Band.

 

For a complete event schedule visit
 
Spring Festival of the Arts Returns to Tempe
March 30-April 1, 2012  

Ranking among the top 200 art festivals in the nation, The 34th Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts returTFA Buttonns at the March 30-April 1.  The festival is comprised of 350 artists sorted into 18 varied categories such as mixed media, clay, digital art, glass, metal, and cottage edibles and crafts.   


From candles made of beeswax, hand crafted wine bottle corks, to elegant paintings and wood fired furniture- the Festival of the Arts has something for everyone, thus explaining why the average attendance for the weekend is over 250,000 people. Visitors to the festival don't just travel to purchase the art however; they also come for the food and entertainment. The festival features a wine and beer garden, and a food court featuring treats such as Indian fry bread, Hawaiian noodles, kennel corn, frozen yogurt, chocolate covered strawberries, and meats fresh off the grill. The entertainment is also rare to disappoint with Indian flute players, clowns, guitar players, stilt walkers, and singers that keep the day lively.  

 

This season's featured is artist is Robert Gertz, a photographer who discovered his passion for the craft through exploration of different film mediums. He is locally based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Mark your calendars so you don't miss this event!

WHAT:      Spring Festival of the Arts
WHEN:      March 30-April 1 from 10 am to 6 pm
WHERE:    Mill Avenue District
COST:       FREE 

 

For more information, visit www.millavenue.com 

                                

Events in Downtown Tempe     

   

Thursday Mar 1 2012

Arizona Wind Symphony: "Continental Drift" @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

The Arizona Wind Symphony (AWS) continues in its second decade of entertaining audiences. AWS plays a wide variety of music, including marches, Broadway and film tunes, overtures, dances, contemporary symphonic wind music and more.  

Saturday Mar 3 2012

 

Great Arizona Beer Festival @ Tempe Beach Park 

This craft beer tasting extravaganza will showcase over 200 brews from more than 50 breweries from across the state, country and around the globe each providing samples of their proudest brewing achievement. As a locally-organized fund raising event, all proceeds benefit Sun Sounds of Arizona, a non-profit radio reading service helping 49,000 people in Arizona with print disabilities.

 

Live Music @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant 

Sat night (9:30 pm - 1 AM) always live music with the Valleys best local talent, we have keep the Mill Ave tradition alive now for 12 years running. We support the local music scene and community.

 

This traveling exhibiting features 87 works by 25 exceptional women artists who reflect Japan's rich and innovative ceramic culture    

 

Closing: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot @ Stray Cat Theatre 

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot uses flashbacks to an imagined childhood, and a courtroom in Purgatory with lawyers who call for the testimonies of such witnesses as Mother Teresa, Caiaphas, Saint Monica, Sigmund Freud and...wait for it...Artistic Director of Nearly Naked Theatre, Damon Dering will be down our alley to play - who else - Satan...to reexamine the plight and fate of the New Testament's most infamous and unexplained sinner. 

 

Sunday Mar 4 2012

Closing: Rock the Presidents @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

You too can become president! A rollicking, multi-media-filled musical revue spanning 223 years of the American presidency - from George Washington to Barack Obama. Stories of the 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through all-new rock, pop and folk music. A Childsplay world premiere with national tour to follow. 

 

Walk.Run.Wag 5k9 @ Tempe Arts Park 

Petco and Purina sponsor the Walk.Run.Wag5k9 to help fight canine obesity and encourage pet health. The event includes a run, walk, and an expo where dogs and owners can shop for pet and sports products. Training coaches and vets will also be on-site.


Thursday Mar 8 2012

Miss Push America Ambassadorial Competition @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

The event raises funds for Push America, the national outreach project of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, works to improve the lives of people with disabilities.


Friday Mar 9 2012

Pat Tillman Foundation Fundraiser @ Rula Bula @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant 

Join the Rula Bula team for a Charity Fundraiser with the Pat Tillman Foundation, silent auction and launch of 2012 Pint for Pat #42 commemorative glassware. Live music, promotions, sport celebrity, live radio broadcast.  Event is  5-7 PM Rula Bula patio.  All proceeds to the Pat Tillman Foundation.


Saturday Mar 10 2012  

AZ Aloha Festival @ Tempe Beach Park 

The Annual Arizona Aloha Festival brings culture, food, dance, and fun to Tempe Beach Park where performers will enchant you with rhythm, music, song and dance from the people of Hawaii and South Pacific. March 10th and 11th.

Desert Sprints Regatta @ Tempe Town Lake   

Come out to Tempe Town Lake Marina from 7am-5pm on March 10, 2012 to watch rowers from around the United States race on the lake's smooth course and battle it out for 1st through 3rd place!


Sunday Mar 11 2012  

2012 Arizona Unite States Pageant "The Pageant with a Purpose" @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

The pageant will crown six age divisions: Little Miss Arizona, Miss Junior Teen Arizona, Miss Teen Arizona, Miss Arizona, Ms. Arizona and Mrs. Arizona. Some of Arizona's most talented and poised young ladies will compete for these prestigious titles.

 

Sonoran Chamber Music: Piano Trio @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

Classical violinist Stephanie Chase and renowned pianist Doris Stevenson will join Arizona State University cello professor Thomas Landschoot for an afternoon of trios by Beethoven and Ravel.

 

Closing:

Wicked @ ASU Gammage 


Monday Mar 12 2012

ASU Latin Jazz band @ MADCAP Theaters 

Dom Moio and the ASU Latin Jazz Band hit with a program of the here and now as well as the best of African-Cuban roots.


Thursday Mar 15 2012 

2012 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

The opening gala event of the 2012 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference features guest saxophone artists with the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble an Symphony Orchestra.

Art Opening Featuring Noah Nipperus, Shannon Hittner, and Brittany Fiani @ Brand X Custom T-Shirts  

Come enjoy a free art reception featuring paintings by Shanon Hittner & Noah N. Nipperus, and the photography of Brittany Fiani. Cupcakes by Shanny will be available and music will be suppliedby VJ X.

 

Arts Opening Featuring Laina McWhorter  

Enjoy the photography of Laina McWhorter as she exhibits solo for the first time. Light refreshments will be available, including gourmet truffle filled raspberries and blackberries, carrot cupcakes, banana chocolate chip cupcakes, and blueberry cream muffins.

 

Girls Gong Wild @ MADCAP Theaters 

Have a talent no one understands? Showcase it at this Gong Style Talent Show for men and women.

Local Designers Night @ Here on the Corner  

Come check out awesome local designers at Here on the Corner every Third Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Meet and Greet with the designers while enjoying food, drinks, and amazing fashions created by designers from 16 to 60. Here on the Corner carries everything from jewelry, graphic tees, gorgeous dresses, to lounge wear. Don't miss out! Here on the Corner is located at 714 S. College Avenue.

Third Thursday St. Patty's Day Pooch Party @ Hayden Square Amphitheatre 

This Third Thursday will include acostume contest for the pups,pop up dog park, pup treats, and Doggie MAD bag giveaways for the hounds. Bring your friends, family, and most importantly your pets for a night of sampling what Mill Avenue has to offer!


Saturday Mar 17 2012 

Luckyman St. Patrick's Day Bash @ Tempe Beach Park 

Luckyman's St. Patrick's Day Bash at Tempe Beach Park featuring Flogging Molly, Inept Hero, Black Bottom Lighters, Halocene, and More! Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Marquee theater

  

St. Patricks Day @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant  

March 17th always the best party and best food in Tempe. Rula Bula  serve "perfect pints" of Guinness and a full food menu all day and night. Live music. Kid and family friendly.

 

Bully Mammoth @ Tempe Center for the Arts   

Yes you heard it, the boys in brown are taking to the stage once again!


Tuesday Mar 20 2012

Paul McDermand @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

McDermand began his musical career as a free-lance percussionist in the Chicago area. In 1981, he moved to the Phoenix area, lending his artistry to film scores, commercial jingles, symphonic productions and stage shows of every description. The list of big-name entertainers with whom he has performed is vast: Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Liberace, the Temptations and the Moody Blues.

 

Performance with a View: Qingging Ye @ Tempe Center for the Arts  

Distinguished University doctoral piano candidate, Aingqing Ye will perform a program of Mozart, Chopin, Debussy and Lisze.


Friday Mar 23 2012  

Battle Royale @ MADCAP Theaters 

Cult Classics & Zia Records presents BATTLE ROYALE by Kinji Fukasaku.

  

Pianist Nicole Pesce @ Tempe Center for the Arts  

Pesce is regarded as "one of the top 10 musicians in the valley" by The Arizona Republic and brings a vast musical repertoire to the stage. Her entertaining piano artistry stretches from classical to hip hop  

 

Saturday Mar 24 2012

MDA Run and Walk @ Tempe Beach Park 

The MDA Run and Walk benefits the fight against Muscular Dystrophy and takes place at Tempe Beach Park from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm

 

PLAY! A Festival of Arts and Technology @ MADCAP Theaters 

PLAY is a digital arts festival.  It celebrates the union of the arts and technology.  This year's theme is disability perception.  PLAY hosts music and dance concerts, activities and exhibits that focus on human limits and abilities.

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by Midnight Mayhem @ MADCAP Theaters 

Rocky Horror Picture Show is doing the Time Warp at MADCAP once again- this time, from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am on Saturday March 24th. Prop bags and Midnight Mayhem t-shirts will be for sale. Keep an eye on midnightmayhem.com for more surprises.   

 

Tuesday Mar 27 2012

A Conversation about Truth with Lynn M. Bunch` @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

Lynn M. Bunch discusses embracing your truth, and your life. Doors open at 5:30 pm.   

 

Friday Mar 30 2012  

 13th Annual Autism/Aspergers Conference @ MADCAP Theaters 

Keynote speakers Dr. Temple Grandin, a woman who has lived with autism, and Dianne Craft, a researcher will share their personal stories and discoveries with the attendees. March 30 & 31st

 

Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts 

The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 20 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist and has received the Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association. The spring and fall events each attract nearly 250,000 visitors to the Mill Avenue District over the course of a 3-day weekend.  

 

Saturday Mar 31 2012

13th Annual Autism/Aspergers Conference @ MADCAP 

   

Dragon Boat Races @ Tempe Beach Park  

The Festival and Race Schedules will be held at the Marina at Tempe Beach Park on March 31st and April 1st, 2012.

 

Yumi La Rosa presents "Mujeres Quatro" @ Tempe Center for the Arts 

Internationally acclaimed Flamenco and Belly Dance artists Yumi La Rosa and Ava Fleming present a journey of cultural music and dance with their fourth annual Mujeres Production. They will be accompanied by special guests from across the nation.

 

Every Tuesday:

Open Mic Night @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant 

Come down to Rula Bula every Tuesday for Open Mic Night from 8pm to Midnight! Musicians this is your chance to play live music every Tuesday night

 

Join Hooters of Tempe every Tuesday night for Trivia from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

 

Every Wednesday:

 All You Can Eat Wings at Hooters @ Hooters of Tempe

Every Wednesday is 'All You Can Eat Wings' all day at Hooters in Tempe! $9.99 a person (some restrictions apply) 

 

Walk in Wednesdays Open Mic Night @ Tempe Center for the Arts

Join Host Walt Richardson for a night of music with Valley singer/songwriters vying for a place in the televised Songwriters' Showcase. Food and beverage is available. No cover charge. Musician sign-in: 5 p.m. Youth age high school and younger can perform from 5 to 6 p.m. (sign up: 4:30 p.m.)

 

Every Thursday: 

Music on Mill 

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District. 

 

 Theme Nights @ Hooters of Tempe 

Join Hooters of Tempe for Theme Nights every Thursday! Hooters Girls dress up in costumes.


Every Saturday:             

 Mass @ All Saints Newman Center 

12:15 pm & 5 pm

 

 Live Music @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant  


Every Sunday: 

 Sunday Mass @ All Saints Newman Center  

8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm 

 

 Service @ First United Methodist Church   

8 am, 9:30 am, 10:45 am, 11:30 am 

 

4pm & 6 pm

 


 Check out all Downtown Tempe events at millavenue.com/events  

Downtown Tempe Community, Inc.

310 S. Mill Avenue

Tempe, Arizona

85281

480-355-6060