You asked for it and we will deliver: more local events and news. There are plenty of events around Phoenix to keep you busy. Here are some of the ones we noticed and we think you might like as well.
1) The fine folks at Local First Arizona are hosting another Good Business Summit on January 22nd and 23rd.
“The 2020 Arizona Good Business Summit will bring over 500 businesses and community leaders together in Downtown Phoenix to discuss the dynamics and complexity of doing business in today’s world. Over this two day conference, experience 35+ keynotes, workshops, business trainings, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations featuring more than 50 local and national experts redefining what it means to do good business.”
2) Our friends at Urban Farm U host events all the time.
On January 16th – 18th and also January 23rd – 25th, they will be hosting pop-up nurseries where you can pick up deciduous trees, bushes and vines.
You could pick up trees anywhere. The difference with Urban Farm U is that they wrap you in a warm blanket of education through podcasts, seminars and library tools.
3) The City of Phoenix is considering rate changes to trash and recycling.
Remember how recycling nation-wide took a punch to the gut last year when China stopped taking our boat-loads of recyclable materials? And, since the US spent the last 40 years out-sourcing recycling to other countries rather than building our domestic recycling industry, we were left in a lurch.
Well, that has led to hard decisions in cities all over the country. Do we charge more to pick up your recycling? Do we stop collecting recyclable materials?
It’s a shame. We spent so many years correcting people when they said that cities don’t really recycle, and then it turns out we may not be able to recycle until the US re-builds its domestic industry. Then we have to start the education process all over again.
Anyway, my belly-aching aside, the City of Phoenix has some hard decisions to make and they need your help. Please see the website announcement here and look for the link for the survey. Please take 3 minutes to fill that out.
4) Americano!, at Phoenix Theater Main Stage. January 29th – Feb. 23.
Stories like these, which humanize the lives of refugees, are not told enough. See the Phoenix Theater site for ticket information.
“This true story world premiere musical follows Tony, the child of immigrants who discovers his undocumented status when he tries to enlist in the Marines. With his lifelong dream of serving in the military vanishing quickly, Tony must confront his family, his heritage, and a deeply divided country. With a sumptuous original score of new songs, Americano! casts a deeply human light on what it means to be a Dreamer.”
5) The Arizona Wine Festival, January 25th and 26th
Over the last 20 years, the wine industry has exploded. I remember hearing stories as a kid in Sierra Vista about mythical vineyards in Cochise County, but “you probably would not want to drink that stuff,” they said.
Well, the wine industry has attracted dollars, tourism and rural economic development, all with a crop that uses significantly less water than other imports such as cotton, alfalfa, almonds and pistachios.
So, tip a glass to that at the Arizona Wine Festival in downtown Phoenix.
“The Cochise Graham Wine Council, Inc partners will present the largest gathering of Arizona wineries. This festival will feature over 25 Arizona Wineries pouring over 200 different wines. The festival will have 5 to 7 food trucks, a vintage village and numerous other non-winery vendors. There will be live entertainment throughout the festival.”
