Well, the governor has decreed that restrictions are off. So, naturally people are virtually building human pyramids in bars and restaurants. While we think that’s a little too soon, and the governor should listen to medical experts, all we can do is wish you luck. Stay safe as you think about going to events in April. Get the vaccine, don’t believe the conspiracy theories and use your brain parts.
The American Lung Association is doing a free screening of Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air on April 28th. It is in coordination with their annual State of the Air Report. If you’ve ever exercised outside in the afternoon in Phoenix, you can feel and smell the pollution enter your lungs. There are so many things that we can do to make that better, from phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers with electric ones to encouraging adoption of electric vehicles, generally. Sign up here for more.
Do you have unclaimed property? Okay. This is not an event, but rather a really handy tip. Maricopa County residents have $45M in unclaimed cash. Here’s how to find out if you’re among them. See the article in the AZ Republic at this link. It was pretty simple. An online form revealed that I have some unclaimed property. So, I filled out the paper form and mailed it in. It may be $10 or $500. Who knows? It’s like Christmas in April!
The FilmBar Online. We were pretty sad to learn in January that The Filmbar was leaving it’s original location. They always had those films that you could not see anywhere else, and the beer to go with it. But, I was thrilled last week to see that they are showing outdoor movies at The Pemberton, which, by the way, is a very cool place to hang out while we still have the evenings. They have also initiated a streaming service, which is a unique way to adapt to the madness that was the pandemic. We wish them luck. Quick question here: will they deliver the beer with the streamed movie, too?
Aikido Classes in the Garden. Aikido is based in part on the ancient sword and staff traditions of the samurai in Japanese history. Take part in the wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo) training forms studied by current followers of the Japanese martial art of aikido. $25. There will be a class on April 10th, but also dates in May. Check their Facebook page for more information on dates. I dunno. Do you think this would be a good first date experience? Or, are you in danger of starting off on the wrong foot?
PhxArt + FilmBar Present Films in the Garden. Winner of both the Academy Award for best foreign-language film and the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, Marcel Camus’ Black Orpheus (Orfeu negro) brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to the twentieth-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. With its eye-popping photography and ravishing, epochal soundtrack, Black Orpheus was an international cultural event, and it kicked off the bossa nova craze that set hi-fis across America spinning. $15.
Francine Reed at The Nash. All-time Valley favorite vocalist (and featured Lyle Lovett bandmate for 30+ years) Francine Reed energizes our Spring concert series with Wild Women Don’t Get The Blues and other spirit-lifting gems! If you’ve experienced Francine before, then you know it’s gonna be a party! If this is will be your first time, be prepared for a thrilling afternoon with the outrageous Francine Reed and her notorious accomplices! $49 – $59, $20 streaming. April 11th.
Astronauts – Ocean to Orbit reveals the ways in which NASA uses underwater environments to simulate life and work in space. Join Chris Cassidy (current ISS Commander) as he floats in his space suit alongside a full-sized mock-up the International Space Station in a giant underwater facility in Houston. Dive to the sea floor with astronaut Jeanette Epps as she lives underwater with fellow astronauts for ten continuous days at Aquarius Reef Base in Florida. Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit offers a fascinating look into the high-tech world of astronauts. Do you have the right stuff? Irene P. Flinn Theatre at the Arizona Science Center. $9 plus general admission. Everyday 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Pay What You Wish Wednesday at the Phoenix Art Museum. Phoenix Art Museum offers voluntary-donation hours for general admission and reduced rates to view special-engagement exhibitions. Consider making a donation to support your Museum and these free-access times for our community. 3:00 – 7:00 PM every Wednesday.
