Hello downtown Phoenix readers! It’s T.J. Triolo, your guide to downtown Phoenix events. Now I have a public service announcement for you; go vote on Tuesday! It’s election day, and if you want to have a say in your government, then go make your voice heard. After all, voter turnout is pretty low, and you can help change that! Okay, enough advocacy now; let’s move on to the events!
Go Vote 2018 – a Concert and a Rally
Monday Nov. 5
Starts at 8:15 p.m.
The Van Buren
401 W. Van Buren St.
Okay, so maybe I lied about being done with encouraging people to vote. This event is as its name says: First, a concert featuring musicians, including the Gin Blossoms, Calexico and the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. Then, as for political rallying, this event also includes former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Representative Ruben Gallego and former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. There’s also pizza provided by Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco, so if I haven’t sold you on the event already, the pizza from one of my favorite pizza chefs should convince you. The event costs $15.
Veteran’s Day Celebration
Friday Nov. 9
9–9:45 a.m.
CityScape
1 E. Washington St.
Veteran’s Day is this Sunday, so CityScape is holding a celebration in honor of the holiday. Arizona State University’s Senior Associate Athletics Director, Natesh Rao, will be the guest speaker. There will also be an Honor Guard from Luke Air Force Base to perform the flag ceremony, as well as a performance of the national anthem. This event is free.
Introduction Niwaki Workshop – Pine Pruning
Saturday Nov. 10
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. 3rd Ave.
If you’ve ever seen plants that look like pine trees, but kind of don’t, then they probably were pine trees. They are called Niwaki, and they’re a Japanese art form that involves trimming pine trees into different shapes. They look nice, and because they look nice, you should learn how to make them. The technique has been passed down for more than 1000 years, making it kind of ancient and mystical to me. It’s amazing, so go take the class to learn how to do it! This event costs $30.
Arizona Hip Hop Festival
Saturday Nov. 10 and Sunday Nov. 11
12–10 p.m.
In front of Monarch Theatre
122 E. Washington St.
Are you into hip-hop music? I certainly am! This is a festival dedicated to hip-hop, complete with eight performance stages, a kids’ play area, art walk, food, vendors and lowriders. There are also a lot of performers scheduled! I don’t recognize any of the names myself, but this would be the perfect opportunity to expand your hip hop horizons. Entry costs $50.
Untrashed Recycled Fashion Show 2018
Saturday Nov. 10
2:30–4 p.m.
Unexpected Art Gallery
734 W. Polk St.
Make fashion trashion-y at this event, where guests recycle materials into clothing. If recycling is not a cool enough incentive, there are cash prizes for the best trashy fashion. Yes, you can win money from this (First place gets $100), and money is a great motivation to do things. You’ll also have to model your own trashy fashion, so look your best and show off your style. The event is free.
Contact the reporter at Thomas.Triolo@asu.edu.
Downtown Devil's community section editor. I also write the Downtown Digest, a weekly column with things to do, with experience writing news articles and creating news videos as well. Graduating from ASU in May 2020.
