Final Downtown Devil Discussion of semester examines Phoenix's identity and the arts

ddd_thumb

Four panelists and dozens of downtown Phoenix artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders and students gathered Wednesday night at the final Downtown Devil Discussion of this semester to tackle that very question: Does Phoenix have a realized identity? Read story

Performance space for comedy and theater closing after nine years on Grand Avenue

Comedy and theater space Soul Invictus is closing its doors, leaving theater groups in search of a new home and creating a hole for the entertainment community of Grand Avenue. Read story

Local bow tie company celebrates one-year anniversary, looks to expand merchandise

Dapper + Dash, a local company that repurposes vintage fabrics into new bow ties and other accessories, is celebrating its first anniversary this Friday. Read story

Activists hold event at Capitol to increase civic engagement

dayinaction_thumb

Unity and civic engagement defined the March 11 Day of Action that brought together union members and political activists to both lobby and rally at the Arizona State Capitol Monday. Read story

Local businesses offer one week of student discounts to promote community involvement

USGD’s local affairs director is collaborating with local businesses to create a week that aims to increase student interest in the downtown community. Read story

FilmBar theater adds specialty nights and themed series to line-up as business grows

FilmBar, an independent movie theater and bar on Second and Garfield streets, is expanding it’s programming to include specialty nights eight days a month and a themed film series once a month. Read story

Taiko drumming incorporates Japanese flavor into downtown arts and culture scene

Taiko is an ancient Japanese art form used in religious, entertainment, and military contexts across centuries. The practice of ensemble Taiko, practiced at Fushicho Daiko, is a more recent form. Read story

Seed Spot co-founder cultivates young entrepreneurs with life-improving ideas

An exchange of ideas between friends over a bottle of wine could be the new “once upon a time” in the entrepreneurial and business world. Such was the situation for Courtney Klein Johnson, the co-founder of downtown Phoenix’s Seed Spot. Read story

CO+HOOTS creator adds entrepreneurial spark to Washington Row

jennypoon_thumb

As soon as she enters, Jenny Poon brings a new energy to the already bustling, warm building. The shared workspace is an old auto shop renovated to remain industrious but also modern, with local art, inspirational quotes and images of owls littered liberally about. Read story

Councilman has vision of transforming First Street into pedestrian walkway

firststreet_thumb

Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski has a vision for a pedestrian-only First Street that would feature grassy walkways, cultural centers and an area devoted to sports legends. Read story