It’s that time again for this weekend’s concert roundup. Let’s take a look at some of the great music being featured in the Valley.

Forming in 1978, punk rock legens Social Distortion will playing Tempe’s Marquee Theatre tonight at 6:30 p.m. As we reported earlier this week, the Blake Eyed Peas’ own Will.i.am will be performing at the Phoenix Open’s Birds Nest tonight as well. Or if you feel like having a calm Friday night, head over to ASU’s Gammage Theatre in Tempe to check out Menahem Pressler, German-American pianist who will be playing with the ASU Chamber Orchestra at 7:00 p.m.

Release your inner Irish this Saturday with Celtic Nights: Journey of Hope, playing at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at 8:00 p.m. Local singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews will be performing at the Crescent Ballroom, for more info click here. Don’t forget to check out the closing band of the Phoenix Open, 80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack, playing Saturday night. Take a load off this Super Bowl Sunday and head over to the Sail Inn for their weekly Reggae Party at 8:00 p.m.

Do you need a break from your typical lunch hour? As we all know, the weather in the Valley is spectacular, so enjoy the outdoors at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. Running through spring, CityScape will be hosting “Pop Up Park” at Patriots Square, Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. . Hang out and enjoy free activities.

Play basketball, Frisebee, Scrabble, Jenga and cornhole, rent books and magazines. Or you can relax on lawn chairs and blankets. With live music every Thursday with DJ William Reed and Friday with Sean Watson, stop by for a picnic in the park after grabbing some food from one of the many nearby restaurants.

Win VIP tickets to a screening of German movie master Wim Wenders’ new film PINA Tuesday, February 7 at Harkins Theatre Scottsdale 101. In this Official German Oscar® Entry for Best Foreign Language Film, the genius behind Wings of Desire and The Buena Vista Social Club has captured the brilliantly inventive dance world of late legendary choreographer Pina Bausch in 3D. Sensual and visually stunning, PINA takes the audience into Bausch’s imaginative sets, such as a gliding monorail and a towering man-made waterfall, powerfully rendering the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers in her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble. Check the trailer below for more details…

To win tickets, Tweet us up with “I Love to Dance” @DesertLivToday or email max@scoopfactory.com by Friday, February 3 at 5:00 p.m. Two winners will win two tickets each. The screening is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7; winners must arrive before 6:45 p.m. to obtain seats.

Not sure what to do for Valentine’s Day this year? The W Scottsdale is inviting all married couples to come and renew their wedding vows at their luxurious resort. The ordained W Scottsdale General Manager Ren Hirose will lead a group vow renewal ceremony on the hotel pool’s WET deck, accompanied by a live musical performance and champagne toast.

After the ceremony, couples can book the Valentine’s Day package which will include a $50 dining credit at Sushi Roku, overnight accommodations in a Spectacular Room, where the couple can split champagne and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in bed.

Don’t worry if you’re not available the 14th because the offer is good February 10 – 18. The vow renewal ceremony will be held at 9:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day and will cost you exactly one kiss. For reservations and more information click here.

The W Scottsdale | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Legendary 1970s supermodel Pat Cleveland will give a lively and intimate discussion titled “The Golden Heart of Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo” at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 at the Phoenix Art Museum. Not only will Cleveland bring the spirit of di Sant’ Angelo to life through personal accounts of studio fittings and runway experiences, but she will shed light on the fantasy of the designer’s imagination, explaining how the fabrics felt and moved and how di Sant’ Angelo pinned them to achieve particular results. Cleveland will also expound on her experience as a top model in an era in which young women were experiencing new roles and new freedoms, and how fashion reflected those changes. Included with general museum admission; seating is first-come, first-served.

Phoenix Art Museum | 1625 North Central Avenue |  Phoenix, AZ | 85004

Just in time for Arizona’s centennial celebration, the Phoenix Art Museum is hosting Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century.

Taking place from now to the end of April, this exhibit commemorates the famous Arizonan architect and explores his tenets of organic architecture. Though Wright did most of his work primarily in the mid-century, his style and method resonates with today and holds a major part in Arizonan history.

The exhibition looks into many of Wright’s career accomplishments including Unity Temple in Illinois, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, Johnson Wax Administration Building and Taliesin, both in Wisconsin and of course Taliesin West in Scottsdale. After the construction of the Taliesin West, Wright retired in the Valley and spent the remainder of his days designing dozens of residential and commercial structures.

Phx Art Museum | 1625 North Central Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Image via Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

So remember when we covered all the fun stuff going down at this week’s 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open? Well there’s more to be thrilled about. A few lucky “Fans” of the Coors Light Birds Nest Facebook page will get a chance to meet some of the headlining musical acts from the Open.

A few lucky fans will have the opportunity to go backstage at the after party to meet Will.i.am, The Goo Goo Dolls, Kelley James, and Slightly Stoopid. How can you win? Simple, by becoming a fan on the Birds Nest Facebook page. To save you some time click here.

Keep an eye out this week on the Birds Nest site for winners. Good luck!

Natural-cheese purveyors Tillamook will kick off their third annual cross-country “Loaf Love Tour” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 4 at the Phoenix Zoo. The event, which is dedicated to “bringing tasty cheese to the people,” will include a scavenger hunt, coupons, a chance to meet Tillamook Brand Ambassadors and mascot Loafy, and of course, samples of the company’s all-natural cheeses, which are made with hormone-free milk. But there early, cheese lovers: as another fun and tasty way to spread the “Loaf Love,” the first 100 fans to enter at 9 a.m.  sporting their brightest Tillamook orange will enjoy free admission; orange-clad fans arriving after first 100 tickets are gone will receive $1 off admission. For the discounts, participants must check-in at the Tillamook Baby Loaf bus located outside the Phoenix Zoo main gate.

For more info, click here.

Phoenix Zoo | 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ | 85008

Be prepared for a great mood lifter with this new song from Chairlift. It just makes you want to dance carefree through a library just like the cast of Breakfast Club. Catchy, poppy and the perfect way to kick off your work week, here’s “I Belong in Your Arms”

Our big mouth’s are back this week with another Mix Tape by DJ William F-ing Reed. These five songs of the week will get your big mouth smirking and your fist a pumpin’. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

Santigold – Big Mouth
Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid
Miike Snow – Paddling Out
Apparat – Ash/Black Veil
Lower Dens – Brains

We’re clapping furiously for the local foundation, Act One (part of the ON Media Publications family), for hosting 300 high school students January 25 for the Arizona Opera’s Community Night showing of Madama Butterfly. 300 kids sponsored by Act One joined over 2,000 high school students from Valley Title 1 schools, a Federal designation for underserved school populations, who would otherwise not be able to afford the student rate and travel expenses of such life-enriching events. ON Media’s publishers Russ and Linda ‘Mac’ Perlich started the Act One foundation to allow such students access to experiential arts learning. Foundation sponsorships underwrite the costs of school buses, performance tickets and distribution of study guides and other supplementary materials for pre- and post performance in-classroom instruction. The first year, Act One scheduled over 17 events for close to 7,000 K-12 students.

If you would like to participate or for more information, contact Colin Columna, Director of Act One at ccolumna@act1az.org.

Craving a good media fix? We’ve got your back. It’s time to round up the best in Valley media blogs and present them to you in a quick, easy to read fashion for the girl/guy on the go just waiting for a great activity to plop on your screen with little to no effort. It’s a good deal. Read on to get the hometown low down.

Ahh, the bolo tie. This blazing symbol of the Southwest can usually be found square on the neck of a man someone could call “Grandpa” or proudly on display amidst the finely crafted turquoise in many galleries littering the streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Well, now you can see it on display at a real museum for its artistic value. Yep, that’s right, The Heard Museum’s exhibition entitled “Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary” has set up shop until November 4 and it’s something everyone should check out. Thank Jackalope Ranch for bringing this to our attention, our necks are itching with excitement.

Looks like downtown is just bursting with culture as usual thanks to all the info provided by the Downtown Phoenix Journal. If you don’t have plans this Sunday, take the family into the heart of Phoenix to experience the Phoenix Art Museum’s 4th Annual Walkabout. It’s an event to celebrate world culture and it’s the same cost of regular museum admission. Get down with some African Drums, listen to the soothing sounds of Japanese flutes and even get some history of Arizona by listening to Frank Lloyd Wright mini tours. Great even to to enrich your life and cha-cha-cha your way out of the Superbowl waiting blues.

If you haven’t checked out America’s Taco Shop’s two Valley locations (Phoenix and Tempe), now is the time. With rave reviews from locals all around, the classic taco joint has some pretty amazing specials and a weekend-only ceviche that “is worth planning your lunch around” according to CenPho. And, if the “Coming Soon” signs are still correct, one will be opening up in Scottsdale on 1st St. and Goldwater right next to Arcadia Farm. Now, if only we knew when “soon” was….

images via CenPho and Downtown Phoenix Journal

It’s that time again for the greatest show on grass. Sure we’re excited about the 16th hole, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open offers much more than cheering for our hometown hero Phil Mickelson from Monday, January 30 – February 5. For a guide to all official daytime golf events, click here.

For those 21-and older swing into the Coors Light Birds Nest, just across from the Open’s grounds. This after-tournament tent party opens at 3:30 p.m. each day February 1 – 4 with multiple bars and a giant stage for acts that include The Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am this year. Admission is $25 – $35, and $120 for VIP. For tickets and more info, click here.

Here’s what’s rockin’ the Birds Nest:

Wednesday, February 1: Slightly Stoopid will kick off the four days of concerts, entertaining fans with their reggae rock fusion. Local band Elvis Before Noon and DJ Ronnie G will also perform. Show begins at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 2: The Goo Goo Dolls will slide into the Birds Nest to perform some of your favorites like it was 1998 again. DJ Ronnie G and Kelly James will also perform beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, February 3: Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be spinning records. Check out his DJ skills before his electro-dance album drops later this year. Also performing, The Chadwicks, Kelly James and yep, DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 4: What PGA Tour wouldn’t be complete without an 80s cover band? Flashback Heart Attack, from southern California, performs with Champagne Tap, Smasht and DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

New to this year, with crowds reaching the thousands, cell phones are permitted. No more hiding that Droid in your sock! And speaking of socks, check out our Tee Time: A Gentlemen’s Guide To Dressing at The Open.

Image via WM Phoenix Open

We wish we could go “Here,” there and everywhere with the gorgeous Agyness Deyn in the new indie film “HERE,” directed by Lucas Guadagnino for The Luxury Collection hotels. The 15-minute flick features The Phoenician Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. Well, you’re here to win to go there!

One lucky random winner will win a pair of 80-minute spa treatments from the menu offered at The Centre for Well-Being at the Scottsdale resort, valid February 1, 2012 – February 1, 2013 (except holidays). Watch the video and answer the question, “What is the color of Agyness’s dress when she first enters The Phoenician in the film?” Email your answer to max@scoopfactory.com and one lucky, random winner will be selected for the pair of treatments. Your answer must be submitted by Monday, January 30th at 12:00 noon to win.

Ballet Arizona and Desert Botanical Garden present the Arizona premiere of MOMIX: Botanica, January 27 and January 28 at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix.

Botanica, like other MOMIX creations, creates a magical and ethereal world that is appropriate for the whole family. MOMIX dancer-illusionists conjure a world of surrealistic images using light, shadow, props, humor and the human body. Beautiful and enthralling, Botanica features an eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Vivaldi. It follows the rhythms of the seasons, the changing shape of life on Earth and the passing of a day. The performance is enhanced by spectacular costumes, projections and giant puppetry designed by Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil, Disney and the Metropolitan Opera.

Ticket info and more after the jump: »READ MORE

Do you ever wish you could match culinary skills with the likes of Bobby Flay, Emeril or Chef Jose Garces? Well now you can start training and maybe one day go head to head in Kitchen Stadium to take the title, “Iron Chef.” Or at least just impress your friends at home.

The Saguaro is introducing Cook Like an Iron Chef - a series of cooking classes taught by executive chef Pete Balodimas, taking place at the Old Town Whiskey restaurant. He’ll teach you the recipes, tricks and techniques of The Saguaro’s very own Iron Chef Jose Garces.

The first class, held on January 29, will focus on pickling – right in time for all the Super Bowl parties.

At $30 per class, register quick because each class only seats 20 people. For registration click here.

The Saguaro Hotel | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 

Image via FoodNetwork

Super Bowl tickets are a bagillion dollars. It’s a fact. What does that mean for all of us folks stuck here enduring 75 degree weather far, far away from the midwest’s third or forth most exciting city during all the action? It means we have to throw a kickass Super Bowl Party filled with good friends, delicious food and enough beer to drown any sports related sorrows. It’s called homegating and it’s better than tailgating for many reasons, the main one being you don’t have to pack up all your sh*t, set it all up and then drunkenly put it all away in the midst of  either tears or exaggerated dance moves (depending on the outcome of the game). If you need some tips on how to plan an epic homegating experience, read on.

The Menu is the most important thing. Hands down. Keegan Gerhard of The Food Network Challenge had a right adorable idea of theme-ing your food based on the teams participating. New England Patriots? Clam Chowder, Whalburgers (the name of the Whalburg’s hamburger place in Boston, just serve sliders and call them that), baked beans, crab cakes and Boston Cream Pie . New York Giants? Long Island Ice Tea, Street Dogs (you can set up a condiment station to look like a street cart), pretzels, pizza and cheese cake…New York style. More traditional (boring) ideas can be found here.  »READ MORE

Judging by our own lives, we’re sure it’s been awhile since you’ve made your own Valentines. Still, the idea is fun, especially if it only costs a buck. Enter The Occasional Artist, a new store in Glendale dedicated to all things art – especially if it involves paper. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. January 31st the paper goods and art supply shop will have a 10-Card Extravaganza featuring ten Valentine- and love-themed cards (good for adults as well as kids) for $1 each. Guests drop by anytime, choose the cards they would like to make and head to a station complete with all the supplies needed. A head start on inexpensive Valentines? What’s not to love?

The Occasional Artist | 7150 N. 57th Drive | Glendale, AZ | 85301

Image via The Occasional Artist

Mikey L’Heureux, photographer, graphic artist and a budding filmmaker from Mesa, Arizona now in Los Angeles is on the clock with us today. Mikey was one of eight winning photographers selected by Ron Howard and Canon as part of “Project Imagin8ion,” the first user-generated photo contest in history to inspire a Hollywood film. Over 100,000 submissions were reviewed, with Mikey winning in the MOOD category for his “City Lights,” shot inspiring the short film that became “when you find me.” Canon will be bringing the film to Phoenix Thursday, February 2nd at The Ahwatukee 24 Theatre at 6:30 p.m.

So what inspires the Mesa-native in his artistic quest? Want to know more about the photo and the competition? Are you ready Mikey? Roll ‘em…

»READ MORE

The Lux Art Institute in California will be showing resident Artist Lila Jang’s collection from Januar 12 – March 3. This young South Korean sculptor finds inspiration in the confines of a small living space.

Jang takes ordinary furniture and turns it into something unique and beautiful whilst keeping its practical nature. “My work represents who and where we are as human beings: in the midpoint of that constant struggle between reality and the ideal,” she said in her profile on the Lux Web site. Her pieces are often described as, fluid furniture, from the often whimsical, curvaceous designs.

Her art work has been shown across the world and if you find yourself in California you won’t want to miss this awesome exhibit.

Lux Art Institute | 1550 S. El Camino Real | Encinitas, CA 92024 »READ MORE

This past week was a big one for music. The legendary Etta James passed away, Cults made their TV debut on everyone’s favorite talk show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, and the impending SOPA and PIPA bills had all of the best download websites sweating bullets about not being able to share amazing tunes with the general public and vice versa. How does one cope with such a roller coaster of emotions? Listen to music, of course. Here’s the latest from Canadian artist, Grimes, and her song “Genesis” from the Yours Truly video series.

Via SayNotes

The holiday season may seem long over, but that doesn’t mean the festivities are. The Chinese New Year is now upon us, and from traditional Chinese music and dance to a 5K marathon, Desert Living Today has rounded up the Valley of the Sun’s best ways to bring on the Year of the Dragon:

1. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 28, the Musical Instrument Museum will present traditional Chinese folk songs, dance, martial arts and original artwork. Learn even more about Chinese instruments in one of the docent-led mini-tours of the China exhibits, eat from a Chinese-inspired menu at the MIM Café, or make a fun, easy craft. Free with museum admission. »READ MORE

Come one, come all to AZ Mills Outlet Mall this January and February! Starting January 26, one of the last real traveling circus acts will be swinging by the Valley for a number of performances. Circus Vargas is a spectacular interactive circus featuring an elegant display of strength, speed, grace and dexterity combined with an overall ambience of humor, foolishness, and drollery. Taking place in the southwest parking lot, the show has everything from acrobatic trampoline artists and double flying trapeze to the globe of death and more.

The show starts Thursday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. and will continue everyday until February 6. Tickets range from $15 – $50 each. Click here to purchase tickets.

AZ Mills | 5000 South Arizona Mills Circle | Tempe AZ, 85282 

See the full schedule after the jump:

»READ MORE

This weekend’s mix tape. It’s for you, for you, it’s all for you from our resident mix master DJ William F-ing Reed. This is our idea of fun. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.
Apparat – Ash/Black Veil by Mute UK

Steve Aoki – Ladi Dadi feat Wynter Gordon (Part II) by steveaoki

The Maccabees – Pelican (Official Audio) by leonardalbert

Ana Tijoux – Shock by evolucionproducciones

Lana Del Rey – Video Games by Ella Corneea