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Music and Art Venues
Dann Dykas
Omaha, NB. Austin, TX. San Francisco, CA. Detroit, MI. Phoenix, AZ? While the United States is relatively young in the respective history of the world, some of its cities have established themselves world wide as cultural hubs for either art or music. Recent activities around the valley have many people asking 'Has Phoenix finally established itself?' To some Arizonians the answer is yes.
With the now dwarfing number of galleries lining the once desolate streets of Downtown owners are working hard at gaining an upper hand in the 'scene'. Hence, Phoenix is quickly becoming host to many live art/music venues that are changing the cultural experience in the valley.
Throughout history, music and art have been the sole surviving cultural entities of the muses. From operas to album covers the correlation has always existed. But when it comes to the world of Art for Arts sake, music has almost taken a back seat. But now Phoenix is giving respect to the blessed union. Cultural venues such as Modified Arts, The Paper Heart, and the historic Alwun House are brining variety and freshness back to a stagnating art scene. More often than not recently DJ's are listed on art show flyers. Live bands are quickly taking the place of recorded music. And this exposure is helping rocket them to stardom.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts has been a large purveyor of the live art/ live music duet for quite some time. Seasonally the gallery has been the host to SMoCA nights, a swanky cocktail party combining contemporary art installations with Phoenix's hottest bands, DJ's fashion designers and yes, a gallery of live artists. The themed event runs twice a year and always has some artsy noshes to compliment the tasty atmosphere. But make sure to arrive early, because with work like Warhol or some other kitschy contemporary artist it almost always sells out.
On the other side of the world, but only miles away, even Mesa is taking part in this love child of the muses. The newly opened Mesa Contemporary Art Center is also causing a buzz with their new 'Sound in the Ground' event. From fire eaters, glass workshops and performance artists climbing among the patrons to experimental electronic music, live bands and circuit bending 'Sound in the Ground'
promises to be the most cultural thing to happen to Mesa since the Mormans. Experience the live music, digest the scrumptious snacks, and sip some vino among the stunning architecture. Be sure to stay up to date with their events by visiting www.mesaartscenter.com.
Moving a little closer to home is the Bentley Galleries. With two locations (Bentley Gallery in Scottsdale and Bentley Projects in
Phoenix) whatever event they have planned guarantees to only be a short limo (or cab) ride away. Once host to the Phoenix New Times "Best Of" March of Dimes event, The Bentley Galleries know how to do art and music justice. Flashy gowns, camera crews, live jazz and cocktails are almost synonamous with Bentley. Be sure to stay on top of their events. While the galleries keep regular hours, their events are few and far between. Or simply schedule one of your own.
Partnered with award winning Arcadia Farms City Bakery even your event can be catered with artful cuisine. If you can't afford the suggested 'donation' try working the event because this is a play to see and be seen.
Right here in the heart of the artistic movement is one of the most frequent venues, Modified Arts. A relatively raw venue, the building exemplifies the urban gallery with hard wood floors, exposed red brick and plenty of wall space. Managed by the fantastic and multi-talented Kimber Lanning, also owner and music buyer for local music store Stinkweeds (www.stinkweeds.com) on Camelback and Central, Modified features some of the best in up-and-coming music and are in the southwest. Always pulling a crowd for both live music and art, trying to find your way onto stage or walls is a bit of a task. Visual artists are booked up to a year in advance and are curated specifically. Musical acts are booked 3 to 4 months ahead of time for tours, around a month for locals. But if ever interested, Kimber is always accommodating. Whither for music, art, or private/ charity functions try reaching her at kimber@modified.org to make arrangements.
Around the corner in the new Grand Ave. district is the beloved Paper Heart. Now in its 6th year, the Paper Heart is a definite destination on both First and Third Fridays as well as every other day of the month. The venue provides live music, spoken word , poetry, independent films, comedy, live art, a gallery, art studios, a full bar and soon the new Counter Culture Café. Their large art space usually contains the work of anywhere between 5 to 8 different artists including any of the 8 'house artists.' Both established artists and new-and-rising ones make for nice blend of styles and helps introduce people to new artists while viewing favorites. As well as a gallery, the Paper Heart offers an in-house art studio providing space for those who don't have a space of their own. Completely multi-functional the Paper Heart makes for a great place for every aspect of the arts culture. Both artists and performers can contact Scott Sanders (owner and artist) for booking
(booking@thepaperheart.com) Shows are usually booked between 2 to 4 months ahead depending on the night of the week. Check their calendar of events for availability. The Paper Heart is also available for private events such as cocktail parties, fund raisers, weddings and more, but at roughly $100/ hour depending on the event, make sure that it's a killer event to get more bang for your buck.
But everyone who's anyone has been to one of the aforementioned venues either for a concert, an art opening, or just wandering in on a First Friday. But what about those places that are less known? Where do you go when you don't want to face the crowd? Where is the late night marching band or the speak easy? Is there anywhere to see up-coming artists and performers that aren't well known enough to book the proverbial big gigs? You bet!
Just behind Roosevelt row on the corner of Garfield and 3rd St are two legendary places to make sure to hit up for both live music and killer artwork. Holgas, the two story hotel turned art compound boasts almost New York style Gallery/ Living space and wraps itself around an outdoor stage that has been home to both amazing and horrific musical debauchery. The most recent act to make it big and abandon Phoenix
(Skybox) would frequent the stage on First Fridays surrounded by the artistic stylings of the Holgas crew.
Opposite them at 812 N 3rd St. is the Red Dog gallery. Quaint historic house gone gallery, Red Dog Gallery had been an artlink Mystery Gallery before the transplant from Grand Ave in Sept of '94.
Since then they have been host to amazing artwork and fantastic live music and performances. For info on showing or performing contact Shari Bombeck at reddogart@fastmail.fm
One more block down and on the most southern edge of the Roosevelt Row area is an old idea in a new location. .Anti_space (formerly on Madison ave.) is another compound of various musical and artistic characters renovating the old and doing what artists do best, causing trouble. Five galleries, two music studios, and two clothing outfits (no pun intended) make up the eclectic mix of inhabitants of that brightly colored and not so brightly light building on McKinley and 4th St. The whole compound opens its doors on First Friday with live art, music and entertainment in the form of crazy bikes, tight ropes and interactive sculptures. Look for big things from this gallery in the coming year (because its all they have left till the building becomes a high-rise.)
The lists go on and on and on and it's almost impossible to mention all the amazing locations to find live acts and edgy new art. From the warmth of the Lost Leaf to the stark modernism of MonOrchid, it's impossible to catch them all in one night. Even down the street the Grand Ave district exploded recently with gallery spaces such as the Trunk Space and the Phix rocking out and decking the walls with work.
The only real way to stay up on everything is grab flyers, find your favorite galleries on MySpace, and make sure you have that friend who is always on the in. Or you could check out this directory.
Phoenix
Art/Music venues
anti_space 602-256-anti
Colab Lisa Jacobs 623-221-6729
Mint Vintage Nicky http://myspace.com/mintvintage 602-256-9620
Mothballs Scott McKenzie http://antispace.org http://www.myspace.com/antispace
Pravus TBA
Red Spade Studio Dann Dykas 480-383-3146 redspadestudio@gmail.com
Waldoism Jeff "Waldo" Klein 602-714-0166
Wet Paint B-side Gallery Jess 480.967.2002
Alwun house
602-253-7887 web@alwunhouse.org
Art One Gallery
Kraig Foote
Scottsdale 480-946-5076 mail@artonegalleryinc.com
Downtown 602-462-1106 downtown@artonegalleryinc.com
ArtStageSound
602-327-2261 http://www.artstagesound.com
http://www.myspace.com/artstagesound
Bentley Project
Phoenix 602.340.9200 information@bentleygallery.com
Carly's Bistro
602-262-2759 carlysbistro.com
The Firehouse
Phoenix 602-300-7575 michael23@strivedreams.com
http://www.Myspace.com/firehousephoenix
Holgas
(602) 475-8519 http://Myspace.com/holgas
http://www.iheartholgas.com
The Lost Leaf
thelostleaf.org
Eric 602-321-8552
Gallery 602-252-4168
thelostleaf@canyondigital.com
modified arts
http://www.modified.org
Kimber 602-462-5516
Art kimber@modified.org
Music booking@modified.org
MonOrchid
http://monorchid.com
602-258-1098
OnePlace
602-504-5633 http://Oneplacechurch.com
http://myspace.com/oneplacevenue
booking Zach Zimmerman 623-203-8003
The Paisley Violin
602-254-7843 http://www.thepaisley.com
The Paper Heart
602-266-2020 http://www.thepaperheart.com
Booking/art Scott Sanders booking@thepaperheart.com
PHiX
602-252-PHiX http://www.inimi.net
Booking jill@versarybooking.com
Art Lee Berger leros@inimi.net
Red Dog Gallery
(602) 340-1838 http://www.reddogart.com
ark45@cox.net
The Trunk Space
(602) 256-6006 http://www.thetrunkspace.com
For booking thetrunkspace@yahoo.com
With the now dwarfing number of galleries lining the once desolate streets of Downtown owners are working hard at gaining an upper hand in the 'scene'. Hence, Phoenix is quickly becoming host to many live art/music venues that are changing the cultural experience in the valley.
Throughout history, music and art have been the sole surviving cultural entities of the muses. From operas to album covers the correlation has always existed. But when it comes to the world of Art for Arts sake, music has almost taken a back seat. But now Phoenix is giving respect to the blessed union. Cultural venues such as Modified Arts, The Paper Heart, and the historic Alwun House are brining variety and freshness back to a stagnating art scene. More often than not recently DJ's are listed on art show flyers. Live bands are quickly taking the place of recorded music. And this exposure is helping rocket them to stardom.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts has been a large purveyor of the live art/ live music duet for quite some time. Seasonally the gallery has been the host to SMoCA nights, a swanky cocktail party combining contemporary art installations with Phoenix's hottest bands, DJ's fashion designers and yes, a gallery of live artists. The themed event runs twice a year and always has some artsy noshes to compliment the tasty atmosphere. But make sure to arrive early, because with work like Warhol or some other kitschy contemporary artist it almost always sells out.
On the other side of the world, but only miles away, even Mesa is taking part in this love child of the muses. The newly opened Mesa Contemporary Art Center is also causing a buzz with their new 'Sound in the Ground' event. From fire eaters, glass workshops and performance artists climbing among the patrons to experimental electronic music, live bands and circuit bending 'Sound in the Ground'
promises to be the most cultural thing to happen to Mesa since the Mormans. Experience the live music, digest the scrumptious snacks, and sip some vino among the stunning architecture. Be sure to stay up to date with their events by visiting www.mesaartscenter.com.
Moving a little closer to home is the Bentley Galleries. With two locations (Bentley Gallery in Scottsdale and Bentley Projects in
Phoenix) whatever event they have planned guarantees to only be a short limo (or cab) ride away. Once host to the Phoenix New Times "Best Of" March of Dimes event, The Bentley Galleries know how to do art and music justice. Flashy gowns, camera crews, live jazz and cocktails are almost synonamous with Bentley. Be sure to stay on top of their events. While the galleries keep regular hours, their events are few and far between. Or simply schedule one of your own.
Partnered with award winning Arcadia Farms City Bakery even your event can be catered with artful cuisine. If you can't afford the suggested 'donation' try working the event because this is a play to see and be seen.
Right here in the heart of the artistic movement is one of the most frequent venues, Modified Arts. A relatively raw venue, the building exemplifies the urban gallery with hard wood floors, exposed red brick and plenty of wall space. Managed by the fantastic and multi-talented Kimber Lanning, also owner and music buyer for local music store Stinkweeds (www.stinkweeds.com) on Camelback and Central, Modified features some of the best in up-and-coming music and are in the southwest. Always pulling a crowd for both live music and art, trying to find your way onto stage or walls is a bit of a task. Visual artists are booked up to a year in advance and are curated specifically. Musical acts are booked 3 to 4 months ahead of time for tours, around a month for locals. But if ever interested, Kimber is always accommodating. Whither for music, art, or private/ charity functions try reaching her at kimber@modified.org to make arrangements.
Around the corner in the new Grand Ave. district is the beloved Paper Heart. Now in its 6th year, the Paper Heart is a definite destination on both First and Third Fridays as well as every other day of the month. The venue provides live music, spoken word , poetry, independent films, comedy, live art, a gallery, art studios, a full bar and soon the new Counter Culture Café. Their large art space usually contains the work of anywhere between 5 to 8 different artists including any of the 8 'house artists.' Both established artists and new-and-rising ones make for nice blend of styles and helps introduce people to new artists while viewing favorites. As well as a gallery, the Paper Heart offers an in-house art studio providing space for those who don't have a space of their own. Completely multi-functional the Paper Heart makes for a great place for every aspect of the arts culture. Both artists and performers can contact Scott Sanders (owner and artist) for booking
(booking@thepaperheart.com) Shows are usually booked between 2 to 4 months ahead depending on the night of the week. Check their calendar of events for availability. The Paper Heart is also available for private events such as cocktail parties, fund raisers, weddings and more, but at roughly $100/ hour depending on the event, make sure that it's a killer event to get more bang for your buck.
But everyone who's anyone has been to one of the aforementioned venues either for a concert, an art opening, or just wandering in on a First Friday. But what about those places that are less known? Where do you go when you don't want to face the crowd? Where is the late night marching band or the speak easy? Is there anywhere to see up-coming artists and performers that aren't well known enough to book the proverbial big gigs? You bet!
Just behind Roosevelt row on the corner of Garfield and 3rd St are two legendary places to make sure to hit up for both live music and killer artwork. Holgas, the two story hotel turned art compound boasts almost New York style Gallery/ Living space and wraps itself around an outdoor stage that has been home to both amazing and horrific musical debauchery. The most recent act to make it big and abandon Phoenix
(Skybox) would frequent the stage on First Fridays surrounded by the artistic stylings of the Holgas crew.
Opposite them at 812 N 3rd St. is the Red Dog gallery. Quaint historic house gone gallery, Red Dog Gallery had been an artlink Mystery Gallery before the transplant from Grand Ave in Sept of '94.
Since then they have been host to amazing artwork and fantastic live music and performances. For info on showing or performing contact Shari Bombeck at reddogart@fastmail.fm
One more block down and on the most southern edge of the Roosevelt Row area is an old idea in a new location. .Anti_space (formerly on Madison ave.) is another compound of various musical and artistic characters renovating the old and doing what artists do best, causing trouble. Five galleries, two music studios, and two clothing outfits (no pun intended) make up the eclectic mix of inhabitants of that brightly colored and not so brightly light building on McKinley and 4th St. The whole compound opens its doors on First Friday with live art, music and entertainment in the form of crazy bikes, tight ropes and interactive sculptures. Look for big things from this gallery in the coming year (because its all they have left till the building becomes a high-rise.)
The lists go on and on and on and it's almost impossible to mention all the amazing locations to find live acts and edgy new art. From the warmth of the Lost Leaf to the stark modernism of MonOrchid, it's impossible to catch them all in one night. Even down the street the Grand Ave district exploded recently with gallery spaces such as the Trunk Space and the Phix rocking out and decking the walls with work.
The only real way to stay up on everything is grab flyers, find your favorite galleries on MySpace, and make sure you have that friend who is always on the in. Or you could check out this directory.
Phoenix
Art/Music venues
anti_space 602-256-anti
Colab Lisa Jacobs 623-221-6729
Mint Vintage Nicky http://myspace.com/mintvintage 602-256-9620
Mothballs Scott McKenzie http://antispace.org http://www.myspace.com/antispace
Pravus TBA
Red Spade Studio Dann Dykas 480-383-3146 redspadestudio@gmail.com
Waldoism Jeff "Waldo" Klein 602-714-0166
Wet Paint B-side Gallery Jess 480.967.2002
Alwun house
602-253-7887 web@alwunhouse.org
Art One Gallery
Kraig Foote
Scottsdale 480-946-5076 mail@artonegalleryinc.com
Downtown 602-462-1106 downtown@artonegalleryinc.com
ArtStageSound
602-327-2261 http://www.artstagesound.com
http://www.myspace.com/artstagesound
Bentley Project
Phoenix 602.340.9200 information@bentleygallery.com
Carly's Bistro
602-262-2759 carlysbistro.com
The Firehouse
Phoenix 602-300-7575 michael23@strivedreams.com
http://www.Myspace.com/firehousephoenix
Holgas
(602) 475-8519 http://Myspace.com/holgas
http://www.iheartholgas.com
The Lost Leaf
thelostleaf.org
Eric 602-321-8552
Gallery 602-252-4168
thelostleaf@canyondigital.com
modified arts
http://www.modified.org
Kimber 602-462-5516
Art kimber@modified.org
Music booking@modified.org
MonOrchid
http://monorchid.com
602-258-1098
OnePlace
602-504-5633 http://Oneplacechurch.com
http://myspace.com/oneplacevenue
booking Zach Zimmerman 623-203-8003
The Paisley Violin
602-254-7843 http://www.thepaisley.com
The Paper Heart
602-266-2020 http://www.thepaperheart.com
Booking/art Scott Sanders booking@thepaperheart.com
PHiX
602-252-PHiX http://www.inimi.net
Booking jill@versarybooking.com
Art Lee Berger leros@inimi.net
Red Dog Gallery
(602) 340-1838 http://www.reddogart.com
ark45@cox.net
The Trunk Space
(602) 256-6006 http://www.thetrunkspace.com
For booking thetrunkspace@yahoo.com
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