Urban AZ’s first Spoken Word Showcase brings together a range of poetic performers, along with R&B artists Dwele and Bilal with a band, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Ahmed Alsoudani says that America is a dreamland. Yet, his complex paintings of violence and warfare are very much influenced by his upbringing.

With all the gizmos, gadgets and electronic media available these days, it can be tough for parents to get kids to sit down with good old-fashioned books. But regular reading, done for fun, is linked to better school performance and can expose kids to a world of knowledge.

It may not be as mainstream a form of expression these days as, say, Instagram, but poetry, that old-fashioned art of arranging language to create an emotional response through meaning, sound and rhythm, is alive and well.

Walter Salles' "On the Road" was made with noble intentions, finely-crafted filmmaking and handsome casting, but, alas, it does not burn, burn, burn.

Arizona State University is getting experimental.

The Mesa Arts Center will have a new outdoor stage for performances and visual art demonstrations in the next year or two, as part of a transformation planned for the 8-year old facility.

The Corona del Sol wrestling program has more than proved itself this season in the dual meet format.

These are a few of Chicky Winkleman’s favorite Hanukkah things: ironic, ugly sweaters adorned with Stars of David, his roommate’s Christmas tree and making latkes, alone in the afternoon.

Technology is making writing a book easier for many striving writers, but publishing it can still be intimidating for many.

Phoenix rapper Frankie Peterson is gearing up for a teen rap event on Friday, stretching his reach to the youth even further.

Through the month of October, Chandler-Gilbert will be hosting events in celebration of the local Hispanic community.

Do decency, integrity, ethics, forgiveness, respect, thoughtfulness, self-reflection, kindness, empathy, civility, morality, generosity, hope, and honesty mean anything to anyone today? Are these traits of weakness that separate than sheep from the wolves, the leaders from the followers, the innovators from the implementers? How do we determine what really matters in the world and in our lives, and what tools do we use to know?

Healing is what brought them together and healing is what Janet Purcell and John Campbell hope to share with those who read their new book, “Threads of Two Voices.”

Desert Foothills United Methodist’s new pastor is no stranger to the Valley or to ministry.

The Raven Golf Club Phoenix, 3636 E. Baseline Road, has a Wee Ravens golf clinic for those children 10 and under who want to learn the game.

Phoenix resident William David has decided to turn self-published author and novice painter in his retirement. His first novel, “Gunplay: Beauty Redeemed,” addresses contemporary ideas, and its structure reflects the everyday use of technology.

Sharon Day’s career as a writer is picking up momentum.

Alta Ella Glass, 96, of Ahwatukee passed away on Monday, May 7 to be together again with her beloved husband, Ben.

Alta Ella Glass, 96, of Ahwatukee passed away on Monday, May 7 to be together again with her beloved husband, Ben.

If anchovies gross you out, know this — compared to what people ate before there were anchovies, they’re practically cake and ice cream.

If anchovies gross you out, know this — compared to what people ate before there were anchovies, they’re practically cake and ice cream.

The question of whether the Bible becomes part of classroom study is now in the hands of Gov. Jan Brewer.

If you could step inside a kaleidoscope, it might look and feel something like Mirazozo.