Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

The Phoenix Rock Gym is excited to announce that it will be joining the fight against AIDS by hosting a birthday bash to benefit The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) on August 18, 2010. Recognized as one of the region’s premier indoor rock climbing facilities, Phoenix Rock Gym is participating in AFCA’s Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up fundraising initiative by donating 18% of the event proceeds to help children affected by the African AIDS crisis.

“Phoenix Rock Gym is excited to mark our eighteenth birthday by helping others” mentions gym owner Paul Dief.  “We are excited to get the opportunity to combine our birthday celebration with Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up (http://www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com/)  . We’re planning an event that climbers of all skill and experience levels will enjoy.”

Founded in 1992, Phoenix Rock Gym allows experts and beginners alike to enjoy the vertical world. With 30 foot high ceilings and 15,000 ft², the gym goes beyond the basics of most rock climbing gyms; it also has 56 top-ropes and a wide variety of terrain challenges like faces, cracks, arêtes, chimneys and more.  The gym offers a fun environment in which to get exercise increase strength and be challenged. Climbing routes are regularly changed, so there’s always something new.

“This event is going to be a great way to build on our fundraising success from Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up events earlier this summer” states Bill Rowland, Climb Up volunteer and Event Manager. “We’re very grateful to Phoenix Rock Gym for hosting an event on our behalf. Most people would be surprised at just how much of an impact an event like this can have on the lives of children that really need the help.”

Event Details
Date:         August 18, 2010
Time:         3-10 pm
Cost:         Varies

Location:
1353 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 921-8322

About The Phoenix Rock Gym

The Phoenix Rock Gym is the place to climb. They’ve got the environment, equipment, and the expertise to get you climbing. So, no matter what your age or experience, Phoenix Rock Gym helps climbers enjoy the thrill, excitement and challenge of climbing!
1353 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 921-8322

http://phoenixrockgym.com

About Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up

Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up is a set of fundraising events created by The American Foundation for Children with AIDS to benefit African children with AIDS. Climb Up events are self-directed charity challenges created by businesses, groups and individuals. 100% of all funds generated from Climb Up events are converted into aid and delivered to partner agencies serving African children with AIDS. More information can be found at www.ClimbUpSoKidsCanGrowUp.com or www.HelpChildrenWithAIDS.org

As always, ASU Museum offers a superb line-up of exhibitions this summer and into the fall. There is always something new and inventive to see when I visit the museum.

There are several exhibits worth making a visit to see right now. If you love ceramic arts, check out Ceramic Design: Manufactured Brilliance and Beauty in Daily Life. This exhibit is housed at the Ceramics Research Center, located across the street from the ASU Art Museum, and runs through August 24.

Another exhibit of interest is Signs and Signals from the Periphery, an installation by internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Dinh Q Lê. Inspired by the street commerce in Vietnamese cities, it features a series of both photographs and sculptures. Running through September 18, there’s plenty of time to see this colorful exhibit.

Opening on August 28 is the new exhibit Lasting Impressions. This exhibit features Japanese prints from the ASU Art Museum print collection spanning from the 18th century to contemporary artists. The culturally inspiring collection can be seen through November 27.

If you’re looking to be inspired, learn something new or just experience the joy of art, a visit to the ASU Art Museum is the perfect outing. It’s also wonderfully cool inside the museum, and in these summer months, that is a huge benefit!

Yes, it’s hot out. So, the best time to enjoy the weather in Arizona during the summer is at night! The sun goes down and the people come out! So, what is there to do at night in Tempe? Head to Tempe Marketplace where live music can be heard every weekend!

Tempe Marketplace has an amazing offering of live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It can be counted on for a great night out at an affordable price – free! All types of music can be heard – rock, acoustic guitar, alternative, classic, country, contemporary and more!

Choose from two types of music at two different stages every weekend. Live performances take place at the District Stage and also at the fountain in front of Barnes & Noble. Enjoy music from both ends of the main shopping district, so no matter where you are while shopping you can hear the sweet sound of live music!

Tempe Marketplace also offers an amazing selection of restaurants too. A few of my favorites are Lucille’s BBQ, Maria Maria, D’Arcy McGees and California Pizza Kitchen. Delicious food and great music…makes for a perfect night out in Tempe!

For a full schedule of live music performances and a list of dining options visit www.tempemarketplace.com!

Cars and Guitars, the newest exhibit at the Gallery at the Tempe Center for the Arts, is now open. If you agree that rock ‘n’ roll and fast cars go together like peanut butter and jelly, then this is something that you can’t miss.

Cars and Guitars features Fender themed guitars, cars, Sucker Punch Sally’s customized motorcycles, Wii Rock Band, music listening stations and more. Cool.

Admission to the Gallery is free. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, please visit http://tempe.gov/tca/Gallery/default.htm.

Fashion, great food and happy hour? How can you go wrong? Our friends at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar have teamed up with Here on the Corner, one of the hippest, most fashion forward and affordable boutiques near the ASU campus. Every Wednesday night this summer, from 5-8 p.m., come to La Bocca at 7th St. and Mill Avenue to see the latest fashions from Here on the Corner, socialize with your friends and grab dinner and a glass of wine. Happy hour lasts until 6:30 p.m.  For more about La Bocca, visit their Web site: http://laboccapizzeria.com/.