So, what do you do in Phoenix for fun, if you are a liberal sophisticate? (live, things to do)

[joninaz]

I also grew tired of beading, but found that quilting is a ranked higher among sophisticates. Here a local quilting guild, though I'm not sure of their political leanings.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by FireKwame

I am completely confused by this thread! How does beading equal liberalism and sophistication, OP? Are you sure you aren't looking for arts and crafts information?

Here, why don't you check out the opera:

Phoenix Opera - Magnificence is our Middle Name!

P.S. I like BOTH Opera AND shooting at cans. It's a big world, I try not to live it inside any little boxes.

You may enjoy skeet shooting or trapshooting:

Arizona Sporting Clays - Skeet Shooting - Trapshooting - Gun Clubs

Just wondering if there is a place to watch the opera while you shoot things?

[TurcoLoco]

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

Just wondering if there is a place to watch the opera while you shoot things?

Wtf? Shoot things while watching Opera?
When I think of AZ history (Tombstone - Birdcage Theather), I think people would be shooting at the Opera performers...

[Plin]

Am I the only one who thinks that anyone who self-identifies as a "sophisticate," isn't one?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Plin

Am I the only one who thinks that anyone who self-identifies as a "sophisticate," isn't one?

NO! If you have to say you ARE (fill in the blank), you are NOT!

Who woulda think beading makes ya soooo "sophisticated"... Running for some beads right after work!

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

NO! If you have to say you ARE (fill in the blank), you are NOT!

Who woulda think beading makes ya soooo "sophisticated"... Running for some beads right after work!

You do realize, of course, what I said was sort of tongue-in-cheek.

Actually, beading is all the rage (or it was, until I lost interest, however I have such a collection that I am now bored). The prized "beads" I have come from Italy and vintage at that - such as wedding cake and millefiori. I won't tell you how much I spent on them, but they've tripled in value. Unfortunately, they just don't have the artisanship of years past in what you will find as masquerading as anything of value today. In fact, I think Italy probably makes the finest jewelry around. Even at the gem show I went to recently - nothing of value except for real gemstones.

But there are some good ideas in this thread

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by joninaz

I also grew tired of beading, but found that quilting is a ranked higher among sophisticates. Here a local quilting guild, though I'm not sure of their political leanings.

Thanks for the link, but I don't have the patience for quilting, plus it is sort of country, and I'm not into that.

Yeah, beading is great for awhile, but one can only accumulate so many sets. Plus, it's super hard to find decent beads. I went to this shop in Scottsdale voted "Best Of" and nothing can compare to the older vintage stuff.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

I love attending events downtown like the Phoenix Contemporary Design Fair that took place the 19-20 at the Ice House in the warehouse district. They often have such design fairs and events in this location. This is the website for the event:
Phoenix Contemporary Design Fair 2008
Even though this event is over it will give you a general idea of what occurs at this location. I am younger and love to club, BUT I have friends that do not like the atmosphere and are older than myself. In this situation we love to relax and sip on wine/cocktails/a good beer at "Sunsets at the Clarendon" which is a rooftop bar and lounging area with great views of uptown and downtown Phoenix. This place is not much fun during Phoenix's hot summer days, but the evenings are great. If you can't catch the Monet, Matisse, and More exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum, then wait a few weeks when the European masters of art tour comes to town. I believe the tour will circulate through PAM during the summer months. The Ralph Rucci design tour from Italy is currently being showcased as well. His designs and couture are world renowned. On May 9 a fierce fashion show downtown (benefit as well) will transfix the warehouse district; check out this site:
Circle of Ideas - Cycles of Beauty May 9, 2008

I also attend many events that are for the gay community and not sure if listing those events would be of much interest to you. First Friday's aren't the only times there are things going on in Roosevelt Row or Grand Avenue galleries. The lounges, studios, bars and restaurants are open everyday and crowds gather every weekend. It is much easier to navigate without the massive crowd that permeates during First Friday.

There are more events and spots that I love but I am falling asleep. I am sure there will be more posts tomorrow and I will reply with more of my "what to do in Phoenix for fun" ideas.

Thanks, great post. I will have to start looking into things like this. It's been my experience that the gay community hosts some of the greatest events (so please share them!). So much about San Francisco and its uniqueness can be attributed to the gay community. I went to a Halloween party in the Castro (part of City heavily populated by gay people) and the party was the BEST, no holds barred. The most incredibly creative costumes. That night was truly one of my best in SF, apart from Phantom of the Opera, which probably ranks #1.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by Beena

Ahhh...just what we need. Another person who thinks they are sophisticated.

Have you tried hiking the desert and pooping between two rocks?

What a crass and unsophisticated rube you are. Just like so many in this unsophisticated, unliberal, hellhole of a city.

If one is really sophisticated, one must poop on TOP of the rock, taking great care to lay it out using the principles of feng shui. Of course this is all done whilst reading Noam Chomsky and pondering what color Prius to buy.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Elmonellie

What a crass and unsophisticated rube you are. Just like so many in this unsophisticated, unliberal, hellhole of a city.

If one is really sophisticated, one must poop on TOP of the rock, taking great care to lay it out using the principles of feng shui. Of course this is all done whilst reading Noam Chomsky and pondering what color Prius to buy.

Well, I was going to ignore these "poop" posts, but it's just an example of what I am getting at here, and why no doubt you are NOT a liberal. You and I would not travel in the same social circles.