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08-19-08 Release: Downtown Scottsdale Gearing Up For Fall Events

 

  Date: August 19, 2008   
  Contact: Robin Meinhart, Downtown Liaison,
  (480) 312-2647, rmeinhart@ScottsdaleAZ.gov



  Downtown Scottsdale Gearing Up For Fall Events


Downtown Scottsdale is host to more than 25 art, fashion, culinary, and music events which will kickoff in October, 2008.


ArtWalk Block Party, Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. (city block created by Fifth Ave. on the north, Craftsman Court on the east, Third Ave. on the south and Marshall Way on the west) – Here’s an exciting way to jumpstart your ArtWalk experience – starting Oct. 16, from 4-7 p.m., join the party atmosphere at the city block adjacent to the ArtWalk – for easy access, park in the public parking garage between Fifth and Third Avenue, hope over to Craftsman Court for happy hour appetizers and drinks, browse the shops on nearby Fifth and Third Avenue for pre-ArtWalk discounts, and take advantage of menu specials at the nearby Bada Boom pasta room, Bel Sito Italian restaurant, and the Best of Italy deli before beginning your ArtWalk stroll on Marshall Way.
 
ArtWalks – every Thursday, 7-9 p.m. year-round.  For more than 30 years, Downtown Scottsdale has featured the Scottsdale ArtWalk.  Galleries open their doors to the public and show off the works of some of the Southwest’s most extraordinary artists.  Downtown Scottsdale has more art galleries per capita than almost any other city in the United States – over 100 at last count.  The galleries offer a variety of art from contemporary to traditional and include a selection of Western art rivaled only by Santa Fe.  Most of the galleries are clustered along two primary streets – Marshall Way and Main Street that intersect the section of Downtown that is west of Scottsdale Road.  ArtWalk event flyer and map available at: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/downtown


Oct. 16 – Western Art Walk , from 7-9 p.m.  The 19th annual Western ArtWalk returns to the “West’s Most Western Town” and the Scottsdale Arts District on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.  Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) in conjunction with the Downtown Scottsdale Office and sponsored in part by Arizona Collector’s Guide.  The Western ArtWalk is held each Fall while the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) Show is in town. Many of the famed CAA artists will have their works on display or be on hand during the Western ArtWalk to mingle with fans and collectors at featured Scottsdale galleries.  ArtWalkers will also find plenty of western-themed live music, sponsored in part by True West Magazine. This year’s event will feature country-rockers The Chickens, free restaurant samplings and prize giveaways.  For information on other gallery events visit http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com

Weekend Canal Concert Series Oct. 4 – Dec. 28, 2008 from noon to 3 p.m.  Free music!  At the Canal Concert Series every Saturday and Sunday at the water’s edge, just north of Marshall Way Bridge.  Live solo artists will be performing jazz, blues, contemporary, country and more.  Bring the family, blankets and picnic dinner, and enjoy the sights and sounds as you relax by the Waterfront.  For more details, call (480) 312-7750 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/downtown


5th Avenue Free Unplugged Solo Music series begins Saturday, Oct. 4 from noon to 3 p.m. The historic Fifth Avenue shopping district has long promoted local musicians as a way to enhance its pedestrian environment.  Starting Saturday, October 4, the city of Scottsdale Downtown Office in conjunction with the Fifth Avenue merchants association is hosting a series of live performances including several original artists who began their musical careers on 5th Avenue.  These free, live performances will take place in various locations along Fifth Avenue (which is just west of Scottsdale Road and south of the canal).  The performance roster includes:
Oct. 4 - Pete Pancrazi; Oct. 11 – Gradymusic; Oct. 18 - Hans Olson; Oct. 25 - Michael V.; Nov. 1 Hans Olson; Nov. 8 – Mary Hoffman; Nov. 15 – Gradymusic; Nov. 22 - Chris Putrino; Nov. 29 - Patricia Silverber; Dec. 6 - Michael V.; Dec. 13 – Gradymusic; Dec. 20 - Chris Putrino; and Dec. 27 – Hans Olson.  Additional Fifth Avenue information and event listings are available at http://www.virtual5thavenue.com


Oct. 18/19, 2008 - Via Colori Street Painting Festival - Enjoy a festival atmosphere of live music, an array of food and drinks, and sidewalk art at Via Colori Street Painting Festival.  This free event will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.  Held in the historic downtown Arts District, Via Colori will showcase dozens of large scale, pastel drawings being created directly on the pavement as you watch.  Come join in the fun.  Call (602) 650-1221 for more details or visit http://www.ViaColori.com


Oct. 23-25, 2008 – Experience Eats3, a uniquely Arizonan celebration of food, wine and spirits at SouthBridge in downtown Scottsdale. Nearly 40 Arizona chefs and 200 wineries will showcase their finest along with international talents including culinary legend Jacques Pépin, celebrity chef Ming Tsai and recent Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. Arizona’s finest chefs will include James Beard award winners Nobuo Fukuda, Chris Bianco and Robert McGrath and Iron Chef winning chefs Beau MacMillan and Mark Tarbell. The wildly unique events range from a cocktail-infused Iron Bartender competition to the BBQ & Bubbles finale.  Go to http://www.Eats3.com for more event information.


Oct. 31, Nov. 1-2 – Dogathon – Downtown Scottsdale is host to a three-day dog event that includes a Halloween costume party and charity parade, a runway-staged fashion show, and dog field events.  For more information visit http://www.dogathon.com


Starting Nov. 1 – May, 2009 on Saturday and Sunday (starting in December) from 1 to 4 p.m. – The Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague and trusty stead Dusty return to Old Town to serenade shoppers with western classics and local folklore – a must see performance.  Gary rides throughout the Old Town area and concludes his performance with a ride into the Rusty Spur Saloon.


Nov. 6-9, 2008 – Scottsdale Fashion Week.  Downtown Scottsdale is gearing up for the third annual Scottsdale Fashion Week.  The major event features a full schedule of high fashion runway shows, celebrating fashion, art and design, and serves as a showcase for downtown Scottsdale’s burgeoning development as well.  The Scottsdale Fashion Week district is anchored by Westcor’s Scottsdale Fashion Square on the north and encompasses Scottsdale Waterfront, the Arizona Canal, SouthBridge, and the downtown arts district which will again host the opening night’s SFW08 Wearable ArtWalk presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association.  SFW is a fashion, design, beauty, health and fine-living event anchored by an 85-foot runway, and the dramatic urban landscape of downtown Scottsdale.  SFW08 to feature designers and high fashion runway shows; a luxury-goods-and-services pavilion; and a Milan-style Wearable ArtWalk.  More info at http://www.ScottsdaleFashionWeek.com

Nov. 7-9, 2008 – Scottsdale Festival of Greece on Civic Center Mall.  11am to 11pm/Friday; 11am to 10pm/Saturday; 11am to 7pm/Sunday.  This free event is an annual celebration of Greek culture and is geared to all ages.  As a homegrown festival, it features more than 30 food booths, live music and dancing.  For more information call (602) 791-9071.


Jan. 10 through April 11, 2009 (most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at noon).  Native Trails: A Cultural Celebration.  Every Spring, the grassy outdoor amphitheater on Scottsdale Civic Center Mall comes alive with Native American music, dance, art and traditional foods during Natives, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.  These free, noontime festivals feature dancers in traditional dress, Native American arts, crafts and food.  More information at http://www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com


FitCity Scottsdale

Downtown Walking Routes - Get out.  Get fit.  Keep in motion while enjoying the store fronts of downtown Scottsdale.  Revel in the early morning breezes or late day sunsets along the Canal Bank or follow the Art Walk route.  Downtown Walking Routes, which are between one and two miles, are mapped for you at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/downtown

Weekend Farmer’s Market in two Downtown locations:
Saturdays, Nov. 1 – May, 2009.  Old Town Farmer's Market
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  More than 30 vendors including organic produce, flowers, herbs, and an assortment of handmade items.

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 – May, 2009.  Craftsman Court Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  "Go Green" market with a wide assortment of local growers and products related to health, wellness, and sustainable living. This market will also incorporate artist demonstrations in the adjacent Kiva Courtyard that relate to wellness such as guided meditations, yoga, soothing music, & a special family friendly storytime.   More information at http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com
Thursday Artisan Market in Kiva Center Courtyard – Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. starting October 16.
 
A city of good sports
October- Enjoy Arizona Fall League baseball when it returns to Scottsdale Stadium.  Come cheer your home team – the Scottsdale Scorpions, as they take on top minor league players from both the American and National leagues.  While at the stadium, visit the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame.  Daily ticket prices are $6 for adults and $5 for those 17 and younger and seniors.  Scottsdale Stadium is located at 7408 E. Osborn Road.  Visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium or call (480) 312-2586 for more information.

Expect the unexpected
After dark on the third Thursday in October, November and December – The ‘Night Lights’ public art installation combines water, light, and entertainment.  Don't miss Night Lights, a series of art events featuring interactive light-based artworks and unforgettable music performances, all taking place along the beautiful Scottsdale Waterfront, the third Thursdays this Autumn (October 16, November 20 and December 18, 2008) from sundown to midnight.  Artists will transform the space through unique installations and performers will bring fun and excitement to each evening. Additionally, Arizona artist Mary Lucking will create an interactive work featuring a projection onto the water's surface in the Arizona Canal, running nightly October through December.  More information can be found at http://www.ScottsdalePublicArt.org.

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