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Funk, NeoSoul, Reggae, Dancehall and Hip Hop! It's small but I love this place! People who usually go here are cool (not the pretentious crowd you see at Scottsdale clubs) ...
Black Friday
July 17
Hidden House (aka The Shop)
607 W Osborn Road, Phoenix
9PM to 2AM
Try to read the flyer below for more info ...
Looking for a new Spoken Word venue in the Valley of the Sun?
Jazzy's Poetic Experience will be held on the last Sunday of each month beginning (July 26) at 6 PM at Bentley's, located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, at 308 N. 2nd Ave.
Doors open early, $5 cover.
Hosted by Jazzy ... feeding your mind body and soul ... one spoken word at a time.
Also all you can eat soul food buffet from 5-7 PM.
For more information, contact Jazzy at sojazzy6145@cox.net or Bentley's at (602) 254-2925.
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Doc and Nayo Jones have been known for a long time as a dynamic musical duo in the Valley of the Sun.
Now, the African-American father and daughter team can be known as OWNERS of a new music lounge and cafe in central Phoenix! Doc and Nayo took over the old Johnny's Uptown location at 40 E. Camelback Road and renamed it as Doc's Place.
Doc's Place officially opened for business on Jan. 1, 2009 and Nayo says she is extremely excited about the future.
"Doc's Place will allow my father and I to bring our music and our vibe to an audience that is craving jazz and contemporary R&B in an adult, upscale environment," said Nayo. "Our goal is to not only cater to an African-American audience, we want people of all races to enjoy Doc's Place."
Doc and Nayo are scheduled to perform live on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Now that we own Doc's Place, we have the opportunity to really put the Doc and Nayo Jones brand out there," said Nayo.
And for those who love spoken word, Doc's Place will continue to host the HomeBase: The Poet's Poetry Set on the first and third Sundays of each month.
For more information about Doc's Place, please call (602) 277-5999 or visit docandnayo.com.
PhxSoul.com has received numerous e-mails from African Americans who are seeking nightlife and entertainment venues for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and above!
You know what? I've found that the "mature African American" crowd has some great options here in the Valley of the Sun!
Here's a list of PhxSoul.com's top nightlife and entertainment recommendations for mature African Americans in the Valley:
Phoenix
Bobby C's
1140 E. Washington St.
(602) 252-2273
Jazz brunch on Sunday and performances throughout the week.
View the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date schedule!
Char's Has the Blues
4631 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 230-0205
You'll see people of all ages dancin' and havin' a good time in this legendary blues spot in Phoenix.
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Legion - AMVETS Post 5
3805 S 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040-1312
You can always count on a good time at The Legion! The Legion caters to the 25 and older crowd. They always play good music, especially on the weekends, they have a kitchen, cheap drinks and the people are always friendly. Maybe a little too friendly at times. Another legendary spot in South Phoenix!
Sportsman Social Club
943 W Watkins St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 252-7153
This is a downhome spot where you can talk with old friends and make new ones. Sportsman Social Club hosts all kinds of events and draws people of all ages. This place is as casual and fun as it gets! Sportsman Social Club is one of South Phoenix's landmarks!
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E Stetson Dr. (Stetson is 1 block southwest of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads)
Scottsdale, AZ
It will be hard to find the bar from the street so you have to Valet Park and just ask the Valet where the bar is.
Mondays: 8-11 p.m. - Margo Reed
Thursdays: 8-11 p.m. - Dennis Rowland
Vocé Lounge
Thurs. - 8:30pm to 12am; Fri.-Sat. 9:30pm to 1am
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Bobby's, a Mancuso Restaurant
7122 E. Greenway Parkway (at Kierland Commons)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-556-0770
Bobby's is a flashy, vibrant environment that reminds you of Vegas and Miami. The entertainment is one of the best kept secrets in town. The musicians play a mix of jazz, soul and R & B here.
West Valley
Skye Fine Dining and Entertainment
16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive
Peoria, AZ
(623) 334-0010
I've been hearing great things about this place - live music every night and a lively crowd. Check out the Calendar of Events on the Website.
East Valley
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!"
PhxSoul.com will do its best to update this page on a regular basis, but I hope this is a good start!
Of course, there are many community events, concerts, theatrical performances and organizations which cater to a mature audience. Please be sure to review PhxSoul.com's Community Events Calendar to find out what else is goin' on in the Valley of the Sun!
And please feel free to click on the Comments link below or send an e-mail to PhxSoul.com to share your entertainment/nightlife information with others!
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Char's Has the Blues
4631 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 230-0205
You'll see people of all ages dancin' and havin' a good time in this legendary blues spot in Phoenix.
the Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
(602)265-4842
You can always count on great live music at the Rhythm Room - Phoenix's Roots, Blues and Concert Club!
Bobby's, a Mancuso Restaurant
7122 E. Greenway Parkway (at Kierland Commons)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-556-0770
Bobby's is a flashy, vibrant environment that reminds you of Vegas and Miami. The entertainment is one of the best kept secrets in town. The musicians play a mix of jazz, soul and R & B here.
Eddie V's Edgewater Grille
20715 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale
(480) 538-8468
Accidentally found the V Lounge inside Eddie V's Edgewater Grille a few years ago while preparing to go to another club in the same plaza. I'm glad I stumbled onto this place! Drink some wine and listen to the fine live music here!
Vocé Lounge
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you'd like to see your live R&B, blues, soul and jazz music spot listed on PhxSoul.com, please add your information to our Online Business Directory.
Ahhhhh … it’s 5 p.m. on Friday and for most of you, that means your work is done! But you and your friends aren’t ready to go home because it’s time for Happy Hour!
But where do you go? Here's my list of great happy hour joints for black people in the Valley of the Sun.
Club Central
3110 N. Central #140
Phoenix AZ
(602) 200-8121
Club Central has stood the test of time as one of the best happy hour spots in Phoenix for African Americans! The DJ bangs hip hop and R&B on the upstairs level and if you think you can sing, you can do your thang in the karaoke downstairs. If you get there before 7 p.m., you don't have to pay cover! If you are in your late 20s to your 40s, Club Central is the place to be!
Z Tejas
7221 W Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85226
From 7-10 PM this place is PACKED with 20- and 30-year-olds. Good place to hang out with friends or to meet cool, easygoing African Americans. No stress, no loud music.
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The East Valley is buzzin' about this spot! The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!" Live performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday. Don't be late!
Merc Bar
2501 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
(602) 508-9449
I love it here because it’s classy, dark, centrally located and the people are easygoing! You’ll probably end up meeting somebody new here. The major drawbacks … the mixed drinks are not cheap and this place doesn’t have a dance floor. You probably won't see too many black people here but it shouldn't matter as long as you're with good friends.
Barcelona
15440 Greenway-Hayden Loop
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 603-0370
Barcelona is one of the more impressive happy hour locations. It's beautiful inside and if you want to host a special event, check out La Rouge at Barcelona.
Barcelona seems to be a happy-hour favorite for black people in the Phoenix area. Later on in the night, the dance floor opens up and this place gets crazy!
Eli's American Grille
7000 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale
(480) 948-9800
If you are 40 years and older, you’re gonna be at home here! You’ll get a chance to hear live music every night of the week and the people here are very friendly … maybe too friendly! A grandma tried to holla at me once at Eli’s! I gotta admit … she looked good! And hey … this spot has a dance floor!
If you think my happy-hour list is on-point or wack, let me know by clicking on the Comments link below!
Where do you go after Happy Hour is over?
• Click here to find out about the best NightClubs for Black People in the Phoenix metro area!
More blogs about phoenix az.
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A few weeks ago, my boys and I ventured to the Arrowhead Mall "club district" in Peoria to see what was poppin'!
We heard a few things about the talent out there and we decided to take a break from the same-old, same-old in Scottsdale.
Plus, I wanted to see if the West Side is ready for the Super Bowl that's coming to the Valley in February 2008! The parties, the parties, ohhhhh ... the parties!
I've already written about the West Side's potential to become the Best Side of the Valley (December 2006). But after my trip to Arrowhead, it's clear that the West Side still has a long way to go!
The First Problem: As I was driving on Bell Road towards the strip of nightclubs, I noticed that I had this "itchy feeling." I wasn't sure why, I thought it might've been that pizza I ate a few hours before, but as I got closer to the left turn on 83rd Avenue, I realized that the "itchy feeling" was my PoPo radar!
Maaaaan ... police were everywhere! I've been to some of the best club strips in the country - Miami Beach, Sunset Strip, Gaslamp District, Las Vegas and Nogales, Arizona and I have never seen Five-0 in force like that! Jake needs to relax if Arrowhead wants a successful club district!
I gotta admit that the police had me shook! They made me nervous as hell and I wasn't even doin' anything illegal!
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Second Problem: So, my boys and I tried to hit El Toro Bravo, a Mexican restaurant that turns into a nightclub in the late hours. It's supposed to be the best club in the vicinity. We obviously came too late because the line was halfway down the street! That joint was packed! Good thing we could hear the music from the sidewalk because the DJ was wack! Kill the Top 40 and the 80s tunes!
Third Problem: I will say that most of the women I've met on the West Side have been very approachable, attractive and friendly. But on that night, I bumped into several women who were even snootier than the ones in Scottsdale! Are you kidding me?
After 10 minutes of standing in front of the club to discuss our next move, my boys and I decided to roll to this joint called The Moon Saloon.
You won't be able to dance there, but the drinks are cheap and the people inside were real cool. If you're with a group of friends and you're just lookin' to chill, The Moon Saloon is a good choice. Of course, you won't see many black people, but hey, this is Arizona!
There are several other clubs/bars in the area such as McDuffy's (you can dance here), Fox and Hound, Ah-So (happy hour) and Skye Restaurant (live music, older crowd). And of course, you can also travel a few miles south on the 101 to the Westgate City Center.
However, Peoria and Glendale just don't have the muscle right now to satisfy the Super Bowl crowd. Do the powers-that-be realize how many people will visit the Phoenix area for that one event?! Maybe the West Valley wants to keep the low-key profile. If so, that's a mistake! Glendale is the home of the Arizona Cardinals' and Phoenix Coyotes' stadiums! The civic leaders have a duty to ensure that there are more entertainment options! The economic impact would be tremendous if the West Valley stepped it up a notch (restaurants, nightclubs and hotels). And I'm sure the residents would love to see the West Side come alive!
For now, I guess the Super Bowl crowd will have to make the super journey to Scottsdale for fun!
Here is PhxSoul.com's suggested list of good nightclubs for black people in the Phoenix metro area. Hip hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Dancehall, Pop, etc ...
If you are a local promoter who would like to have your special events listed on the calendar below, please send us an e-mail with a flyer and/or basic info about your club!
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Other Phoenix-area Nightlife Resources
The following Websites are the best resources on local hip-hop nightclubs and entertainment in Phoenix:
Live Music in the Phoenix area
• For live jazz clubs in the Phoenix area, please read my "Here's Comes the Jazz" post!
• For live blues and soul music joints, please read my "Great Live Blues, Soul Music for Black People in Phoenix" post!
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I've had numerous discussions with black women in the Phoenix area about black men and where to find the good ones!
First, I have to preface this blog entry by saying I'm not gay and I don't go around town looking for black men! However, I've been tempted to write about this for quite some time because I know many professional, beautiful and single women who are looking for that special man to complement their lives.
I was convinced that I needed to step up to the plate and offer my advice after watching an Oprah show about the top 5 cities in America where women could find single men over the age of 35. It was actually an interesting show.
OK, I didn't do any hardcore research to write about this topic. I didn't go out to public places with a notepad and pencil and count how many single black men were in the vicinity. I didn't send any surveys to my fellow black male friends. I'm offering this advice based purely on my observations while I've been out and about in Phoenix over the years.
Here's my list of the top 5 places for women to find professional, single black men over the age of 25 in the Phoenix area. Drumroll please ...
5. Local Gyms - I can't give specifics on which gyms have the highest volume of brothas, but I guarantee that women will have success at these places - especially in the evenings. You women have to be open to engaging in conversations though! I can't count how many times my brothas have complained about women who gave them attitude at LA Fitness or Bally's!
4. Churches - I would hope that everyone attends church to hear the Word, but I've also heard that church is a great place to meet a mate. I can't lie, I've dated a few women that I met at church. Sorry I can't list specific churches that are teeming with single black men, but if you need to find out where all the black churches are in the Valley, I suggest that you pick up a copy of the Arizona Informant. The newspaper lists just about every black church here.
3. Sports Venues - This is tricky because when a man goes to a stadium to watch a game, he's mainly concentrated on the game! However, men always take the time to notice the "scenery" at the stadiums. I must say that I've seen some of the finest women in my life at Arizona Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Phoenix Suns games! The key for women is to be strategic in a sports environment.
Second, you should actually be a fan of the team you are watching! Men love a woman who knows her sports! You can even scream at the players if you want to be noticed, just don't be vulgar about it!
Lastly, I would encourage women to tailgate (hang out at the game a few hours before it starts). Tailgating is usually done at football games. I think it would be sexy as hell to see a group of 3-5 attractive women hanging outside the stadium with a RV or large truck, eating and having a few drinks. I guarantee that you'll meet tons of men (of ALL races) if you tailgate!
2. House Parties or Networking Socials - These are by far the most relaxed environments for meeting a possible mate. There are plenty of house parties and networking socials in town. The key is to find civic or professional groups and people that you are comfortable with. I would encourage people who are new to Phoenix to read newspapers to find professional groups who regularly host socials. Honestly, I think house parties or networking socials offer the best opportunities to meet your match because you are usually around people who share common interests with you.
1. Nightclubs - Sorry to say it, but you'll find the largest volume of black men at the clubs. Clubs here are going to offer quantity, not quality. However, I have to believe that some of these brothas are going to be good catches.
You will definitely find a gang of black men in the "white" Scottsdale clubs like Suede, Axis/Radius and e4. You're taking a risk in going to the Scottsdale clubs because most of these "brothas" are on the prowl for snowbunnies. However, I have faith that my sistas can reel in these "snowflake searchers" if they go about it the right way!
OK, I hope this blog is helpful. I encourage my readers to post their Comments on my blog! Remember, this is not a scientific study ... this is just my advice based on observations!
Also, if black women are interested in learning more about the mindset of African American men in Phoenix, I encourage you to read my post, "How Black Women Can Woo Black Men in Phoenix."
Of course, you are welcome in to chime in with your own suggestions and feedback! Just click on the Comments link below ...
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E Stetson Dr. (Stetson is 1 block southwest of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads)
Scottsdale, AZ
It will be hard to find the bar from the street so you have to Valet Park and just ask the Valet where the bar is.
Mondays: 8-11 p.m. - Margo Reed
Thursdays: 8-11 p.m. - Dennis Rowland
Vocé Lounge
Thurs. - 8:30pm to 12am; Fri.-Sat. 9:30pm to 1am
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!"
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Oscar Taylor
2375 E. Camelback Road
(602) 954-5620
View the Live Music page for the most up-to-date schedule!
Hyatt Gainey Ranch (this is a great date spot)
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale
They play anything from jazz to salsa in up this spot.
Wednesday-Thursday is best for jazz, 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Friday it's a toss-up, I never know what kind of music they're gonna play.
I think it's the best resort in town. Be sure to check out the bar, walk around the pools and check out the Gondola ride.
Chez Nous Cocktail Lounge
915 Grand Avenue, Phoenix
Pimpin' is easy if you do it up in this spot!
It's a great place to hang and meet people. You'll get your soul, R&B and jazz fix at Chez Nous.
Glendale Gaslight Inn
5747 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale,
8-11 p.m. Fri-Sat.
Click here to read my blog entry about this establishment. I'd definitely recommend this place!
Bobby C's
1140 E. Washington St.
(602) 252-2273
Jazz brunch on Sunday and performances throughout the week.
View the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date schedule!
RIP (Rest in Peace): I miss the ultimate creep spot in Phoenix - the Terrace Lounge at the Doubletree La Posada Resort! That place was off tha chain! If you had a 'main squeeze' but wanted to take your 'other woman' out in public (something a true playa should never do), this was the spot! This place was obviously created by an experienced 'creeper' because it was the perfect hideout! I aint sayin' no names but everytime I went to the Terrace Lounge, I saw somebody who was doin' some dirt!
The atmosphere was dark and private, but full of electricity at the same time! The staff served great drinks and it was nice to kick back in those big comfortable seats or the booths against the wall with your girl. Everytime I went, it seemed like a new band was there settin' the crowd on fire! There was a small dance floor in front of the band and it dipped just low enough to where you couldn't be seen well by people walking in the front door. If you spotted your 'real woman' walking in, you could slip out with your 'other woman' and not get caught!
I was a regular from '99 until it closed down in 2005 to make room for condo development! Damn ... if I could open a lounge spot - I'd model it after the Terrace Lounge!
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