The Ultimate Blog » Arizona http://ultimatearttours.com/blog Ace Bailey's Thoughts on Arizona Art and Culture Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:12:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Staycations AZ Style – Part 2 http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/07/01/staycations-az-style-part-2/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/07/01/staycations-az-style-part-2/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:12:22 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=218 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

]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/07/01/staycations-az-style-part-2/feed/ 0 Staycations Arizona Style http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/06/11/staycations-arizona-style/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/06/11/staycations-arizona-style/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:04:46 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=203

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


]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/06/11/staycations-arizona-style/feed/ 0 Rewind Remix Replay http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/14/rewind-remix-replay/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/14/rewind-remix-replay/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:07:05 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=200 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.

]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/14/rewind-remix-replay/feed/ 0 Explore Downtown Scottsdale http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/05/explore-downtown-scottsdale/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/05/explore-downtown-scottsdale/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:27:15 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=166 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

]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2010/01/05/explore-downtown-scottsdale/feed/ 0 Be a Tourist in Your Own Town http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2009/08/26/be-a-tourist-in-your-own-town/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2009/08/26/be-a-tourist-in-your-own-town/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:39:23 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=154 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

]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2009/08/26/be-a-tourist-in-your-own-town/feed/ 1 Good Article in Sunday’s NYT about great Scottsdale hotels! http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2007/04/16/good-article-in-sundays-nyt-about-great-scottsdale-hotels/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2007/04/16/good-article-in-sundays-nyt-about-great-scottsdale-hotels/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:32:08 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=8 A Hot Hotel Town in the Arizona Desert – New York Times

]]> http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2007/04/16/good-article-in-sundays-nyt-about-great-scottsdale-hotels/feed/ 0 Scottsdale Arizona CVB : Hotels, Golf and Vacation Planning for Scottsdale AZ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2007/04/11/scottsdale-arizona-cvb-hotels-golf-and-vacation-planning-for-scottsdale-az/ http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/2007/04/11/scottsdale-arizona-cvb-hotels-golf-and-vacation-planning-for-scottsdale-az/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2007 22:33:40 +0000 Ace Bailey http://ultimatearttours.com/blog/?p=10 Scottsdale Arizona CVB : Hotels, Golf and Vacation Planning for Scottsdale AZ

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s Great Arizona Picnic this weekend is an excellent reason to visit the great town. For a $5 admission plus food coupons you can sample some of great food prepared by excellent valley chefs. With the obligatory beer tent this is an excellent way to relax and enjoy a fabulous Sunday at the Civic Center mall! Be sure to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art while you are there.

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