1 Jul 10

Staycations AZ Style – Part 2

Prescott!
Another great reason to stay in Arizona this summer!! With all the charm of a small town, cool weather and just a couple hours drive from the “warmth” of the valley, Prescott is a wonderful getaway! Stay at the historic Hassayampa Inn within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants or the Hotel St. Michael right on historic Whiskey Row. Be sure to visit Sharlot Hall for “An Arizona History Adventure”. Discover the unique galleries, art exhibits, framers market, golf and more!
Here are just a few of the events going on this summer:
Prescott Indian Art Market (PIAM), July 10th & 11th :
One of the premier Native American art markets in the southwest, PIAM features both traditional and contemporary works of art, including distinctive jewelry, exquisite ceramics, sculpture, hand-woven baskets and blankets. An all-Indian artist jury chooses participants on the basis of quality in both traditional and contemporary styles. Attendees stroll among demonstrations of American Indian weaving, Katsina carving, silversmithing, and the making of baskets. Entertainment is provided by Native American dancers, singers, and musicians in the Museum Amphitheater. Also popular is the Navajo fry bread. More information, call 928-445-3122 or visit our PIAM page.

World’s Oldest Rodeo, June 28 – July 4:  This year Prescott celebrates its 123rd year as Home of the “World’s Oldest Rodeo”.  Events scheduled include Professional Bull Riding, Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Dance, 5th Annual Shootout on Whiskey Row, Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, a Fine Arts & Crafts Show and appearances from Rodeo Royalty around town. Festivities culminate with a Fourth of July celebration, including a fireworks extravaganza, at Pioneer Park. Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds from June 28-July 4. Tickets range from $12 – $25.

2nd Annual Prescott BBQ Days, July 10 -11:  Join the finger lickin’ fun as over 30 teams of BBQ fanatics from all over the West compete for cash, trophies and bragging rights. A dinner, dance and silent auction kick off the weekend event on Friday, with the tasting and competition on the following day.  Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, July 10-11.  Saturday adult admission is $5, which includes 2 taster tickets.  Additional taster tickets are $2.  Children 12 and under are free.

Start Exploring!!

Ace Bailey

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours LLC

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11 Jun 10

Staycations Arizona Style

It’s that time of year again! Get to know where you live. No need to battle security at the airport, crying babies (you don’t know) in the seat next to you and the pesky summer surcharges! (what’s up with those anyway??) Stay and play where you live! Visitors pay thousands of dollars to travel here to do what you can do for much less!

Let’s start with one of my favorites, Hotel Valley Ho. This mid-century property is one of the best examples of preserved mid-century architecture in a hotel property in the country! Home of the original Pool Party their OH Pool was voted “One of the World’s Coolest” by Travel and Leisure magazine! They have mid-week rates starting at $99 and weekend rates from $129. Check back often for specials!

Be sure to indulge in an wonderful meal at Cafe Zu Zu. Executive Chef Chuck Wiley has taken comfort food to the next level! His beef stroganoff is beyond amazing!

While you are at the Valley Ho explore the it in depth on the “Magical History Tour“, a fascinating 90 minute walking tour of the hotel. You’ll go up on the roof, into a condo, into Trader Vic’s (they have one of the happiest happy hours around!! ) and learn about the stars who have stayed and played there!

At the “Ho” you are within walking distance of Scottsdale’s famous arts district, historic Old Town and  DownTown where you will find great local shopping. If you don’t feel like walking the free downtown trolley stops right in front of the hotel and will take you all around downtown!

Remember if you want to get a group together Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours will custom design a art event to your specifications!

So come on!! Start vacationing and exploring where you live!!

We’ll be back with more!

Ace Bailey, President
Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours LLC


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14 Jan 10

Rewind Remix Replay

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is known for it fabulous cutting edge shows. Their latest installation includes items donated from individuals all over the valley! I donated 3 “vintage” audio pieces, an 8-track player, 8-track boom box and a set of headphones that are so large they dent your hair! In conjunction with the show the following events are being offered. They should all be great!

WHAT:
Free DJ demonstrations & gallery talks @ SMoCA
Featuring DJs Mark Chai & World Famous Rani “G”

WHERE:
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7374 East Second Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

WHEN:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
7:00 pm

VALLEY DJs MARK CHAI & W.F. RANI “G” GIVE TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE SMOCA “REWIND REMIX REPLAY” MUSIC DESIGN EXHIBITION

(Scottsdale, AZ) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is thrilled to host two Valley DJs who will demonstrate and discuss their diverse styles inside the gallery DJ station currently installed as part of the Museum’s new exhibition Rewind Remix Replay: Design, Music & Everyday Experience. The event will take place on Thursday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. inside the Museum and is free and open to the public. This interactive occasion features area DJs Mark Chai and World Famous Rani “G,” kicking off the first of many free SMoCA activities this spring investigating music, design and popular culture.

ABOUT THE DJs:
Mark Chai has been a Phoenix house/downtempo/funk DJ since 2000, and he is known to mix house, hip hop, indie disco and dancehall into his sets. Chai is a freelance designer and a founding principal of MarkchiDesign, a Phoenix brand identity and product development firm. Chai has performed for World Life Music, Desert House Productions, ONE, private events and at many Valley venues.

World Famous Rani “G” first began his musical journey on the island of Cyprus at the age of 10 when he blended tunes together using two cassette tape decks. Today, his DJ quest for unique music includes soul, Afro, Latin-driven deep house and world-beat. Rani has hosted many DJ events and has had numerous guest appearances around the country. He recently opened for Mark Farina (OM Records, San Francisco).

MORE UPCOMING REWIND REMIX REPLAY RELATED EVENTS:

WED, FEB 3  NOON             “Music and Popular Culture” by Dr. Richard Mook
Free lunchtime brown bag lecture in Stage 2 Theater

THUR, FEB 11  6:30 PM       “Rewind Remix Replay” by guest curator Prasad Boradkar
Free gallery talk and walk-through of the exhibition

FRI, FEB 19  7-9 PM   Spring Opening Celebration

SAT, FEB 20  1:30-4 PM   “iPods, Boomboxes, Turntables, Synthesizers and Guitars”
Free afternoon panel discussion in Stage 2 Theater. Limited seating. RSVP to: SMoCArsvp@sccarts.org
Featuring:
•jasen Emmons, Director, Experience Music Project, Seattle;
•Lyle Owerko, photographer, filmmaker, boombox collector;
•Trevor J. Pinch, Professor of Science & Technology Studies and Sociology, Cornell University; 
•Jonathan Hayes, Creative Director, Numark Industries;

THUR, APRIL 29  7:00 PM   DJ Demonstrations and Gallery Talks in the Museum
Featuring DJs Maji, dk.strickler and Mr. P-Body.

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5 Jan 10

Explore Downtown Scottsdale

Did you know that in downtown Scottsdale there is a wonderful rare book store that specializes in fine first editions, manuscripts, signed or inscribed items? Charles Parkhurst Rare Books and Autographs has a beautiful new location right on the corner of Marshall Way and 5th Ave. This is a not to be missed  local treasure. I could have spent hours just browsing and listening to Linda talk about the history of the books and the artwork.

Just down the street is the historic Craftsman Court on the corner of 5th Ave and Craftsman Court. There you’ll find La Bagarie Etcetera a wonderful handbag store that specializes in a selection of hand-bags par excellence. Hand painted bags by Jane Yoo, as well as Bags by Pinky, Viva, Toby Weston, and many more.  There is also Back to the Rack, Scottsdale’s Finest Consignment Store, where you’ll find fine quality ladies fashions, home decor and unique gifts. The Angel Store and More has a beautiful variety of all types of gifts and carries not only angels but crosses, jewelry, books, candles and cards. The Loft Art Studios and Gallery is tucked away in the peaceful courtyard and is an eclectic gallery and working studio.

These are just a few of the many treasures in Downtown Scottsdale where there is certainly something for everyone in just a short walk! So go in, meet the owners, find out what makes Downtown Scottsdale so special and a perfect place to do all your holiday shopping!!!

On Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours Free Art & Cultural Trolley you will find out about these and many other wonderful local businesses. The tours are conducted on the second Saturday of each month and reservations are necessary. Contact Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours for more information at 480.634.6850

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26 Aug 09

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

It always seems that the town we live in is the last place we think to explore when it comes to visiting interesting places. For us it’s Scottsdale, AZ and we LOVE it!! Most people would be very pleasantly surprised to find that there are great shops, galleries, restaurants and architecture within a short walk or drive from their own front door. Many of these “hidden treasures” are locally owned and when you shop locally owned businesses, your money is re-circulated over and over and creates up to 75% more tax revenue to your community and state! So grab your camera and go out and be a tourist in your own town! Visit your local Convention and Visitors Bureau get maps and information on local history, arts, tours, restaurants and shops. Enjoy your own home town! And right now is a great time to book a night at a local resort because the rates are super! The Hotel Valley Ho is one of our favorites. To enhance your experience there you can book a historic architecture tour of this fabulous mid-century property.

Ace Bailey, President

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours

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6 Jul 09

2nd Saturdays FREE Art & Cultural Trolley Tours

downtown Scottsdale trolley

I am really excited about a new tour of downtown Scottsdale. Ultimate has partnered with the City of Scottsdale in offering an art and cultural trolley tour of downtown Scottsdale. It is the second Saturday of each month, starting July 11. Registered participants will meet at the Old Town Farmer’s Market at 10:30 a.m. The tour is free and will include a drawing for a stay in a downtown Scottsdale hotel. Call the City of Scottsdale to register 480-312-7750. It will be a great way to experience downtown Scottsdale, the Arts District and learn about some of our fascinating history.

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1 Jul 09

Friday Scottsdale Republic Cover Article Features Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours!

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours was recently featured in the Friday issue of the Scottsdale Republic, on the cover and with a 3-page spread! I am hoping that this article will inspire locals to explore Scottsdale and the valley and experience the richness of our arts and culture.

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27 Jun 09

Santa Fe-The Finale

the ranch

Saturday, my last day in Santa Fe, (for this trip anyway!) My flight out of Albuquerque wasn’t until late afternoon so Leslie and I decided to take the “long way”. After running a few errands we left Santa Fe around 10 a.m. and headed to “the ranch”.  The ranch is the home of Schenck Southwest Publishing. It is the year-round home of Billy Schenk and the Santa Fe summer home of my friend from Scottsdale, Mark McDowell. The peaceful property is about 20 minutes south of town but feels much further. There are a couple of homes that were built on the property over 80 years ago that have been lovingly preserved and, in some cases, added on to creating wonderful, rambling haciendas. Leslie and I  were treated to a private tour of the ranch and the homes. The one-of-a-kind and antique furniture in the homes was amazing! There is also a newer building that is an office and Mark’s studio/home that is in the processes of being completed. The views of the valley are stunning. It was the kind of place that you are in no hurry to leave but we had more to do on the way to the airport.

We headed out to start our trip to Albuquerque via the Turquoise Trail. Our first stop was in the old mining town of Cerrillos. We stopped for the scenic overlook and could have spent an hour or so exploring the old museum and other sites but we wanted to get to Madrid for lunch. Madrid is a historic mining town turned funky art town. As we pass the city limits we saw a gypsy festival going on in a little valley with people dressed up and dancing. I say they were “dressed up” for all I know they could have been a band of real gypsies! The highway is lined with old buildings and homes most of which have been restored and are now little restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and studios. We decided to have lunch at the  Mine Shaft Tavern known for their great burgers.  Fortunately we arrived with time to spare because it took about 45 minutes for us to be served. Our buffalo burgers were excellent although by the time we were served we were so hungry that buffalo jerky would probably have tasted like Kolbe beef! Side note, Madrid is where Wild Hogs was filmed and there are plenty of bikers around. It is a very colorful, fun town.

Albuquerque is only about 45 minutes from Madrid. The drive was very easy and we didn’t hit any traffic until we hit I40 which is only about 10 minutes from the airport.

Thanks to Leslie, my Santa Fe trip was unforgettable and I feel like I know Santa Fe a little more like a local! I can’t wait to go back and learn more. I have always wanted people who participate in my Scottsdale tours to feel like they have lived here for a short period of time. This trip has confirmed that and will help me continue to keep that as our primary focus.

Oh, yes I did finally get that map of Santa Fe on Wednesday!

Ace Bailey

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20 Jun 09

Santa Fe IIII

mission cafe and sweet shop

Well Friday and my Santa Fe adventure wraps up when I head to the airport on Saturday morning. But it isn’t over yet! Once again the day started out working at home, blogging and such. It was such a beautiful day that Leslie and I walked downtown to the Mission Cafe and Sweet Shop, which is right down the alley from the oldest home in the country. They have free wi fi so we could continue to work and have lunch enjoying the great weather.

Friday evening is the Gallery Walk in downtown Santa Fe. Most galleries are open from 5-7 and you have the opportunity to meet gallery owners and exhibiting artists as well as very friendly Santa Feans. We strolled down Canyon Road to Meyer Gallery where they serve free wine, beer and margaritas to the art patrons. Just be sure not to leave the gallery with an unfinished drink. Security is very strict! After a great gallery walk we headed over to Corazón to meet up with Jack and his girlfriend Katie and celebrate her birthday. Corazon is a popular bar/restaurant for 20 somethings in Santa Fe but the “well over 20’s” crowd was very welcome as well. We walked in and Leslie was immediately greeted by the band that was warming up. Turns out they were friends from back in the day! Not knowing what to expect from the menu we were very pleasantly surprised with the delicious shrimp with lime/chili sauce, the seared tuna and the flash fried calamari! All of the dishes were delicious. The only drawback was the air-head service but the company, food and drinks made up for it.

We left Corazon and drove downtown to Matador in hopes of meeting up with Austin (Leslie’s other son). Matador is a subterranean “alternative” bar. First we were carded before being allowed to descend into the bar. At 50+ it was pretty funny. Upon entering the bar memories of the 60-70’s came rushing back with the smell of incense, cozy little seating areas and muted conversations. Be sure to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards or checks.

Walking back to the car we met Peter Weiss who was on his way to play at Milagro. Milago is a restaurant, bar that is tucked away at the end of a walkway off of San Francisco Street. At 10:00 the bar was very busy as was the restaurant. The two story restaurant is a huge atrium, lovely to look at but it makes the acoustics deplorable.  It was virtually impossible to hear the 3 piece band. Since that was the primary reason for being there we didn’t stay long.

Ace Bailey

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12 Jun 09

Santa Fe III

balloon man!

Thursday, Leslie’s birthday and it was the most beautiful day in Santa Fe so far! Warm and no rain. We started the birthday celebrations with lunch at Coyote Cantina the adjunct establishment to the popular Coyote Café. The Cantina serves light Latino/Cuban fare and cocktails on a festively painted terrace. After a leisurely lunch with our mutual friend Peter Weiss, Leslie took me to her favorite resale shop,  Double Take. It is a huge selection that includes a combination of new and used clothing (children-adult), jewelry,  furniture, dishes…you name it. Beautifully displayed in a large open space, it is very easy to stroll through and see all the wonderful things for sale.

From there we walked around the corner to Cowgirl BBQ where we met Leslie’s friend Betsy and her husband Wolfgang for excellent margaritas and were hilariously entertained by the Balloon Man. Leslie’s 2 sons met us there and we walked downtown to the Pink Adobe which is adjacent to the Inn of the Five Graces. The hostess overheard Leslie mention in passing that it would be fun to see the Inn. She personally took us over and introduced us to the Inn keeper Steve who proceeded to give us an hour long tour complete with fascinating history of the property and obscure facts of early Santa Fe.

I should add that Leslie is only in Santa Fe for a few days trying to rent her fabulous 1920’s adobe home which is within walking distance of town. She will be returning to Scottsdale in a week or so. When she gets back I get to go back to acquainting her with the local finds in her “new” home town.

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