Kaz Art Review of Tempe Center for the Arts
I would give them 5 stars if they could get their ...
I would give them 5 stars if they could get their act together about FOOD! 3-6 years ago when they had the cafe/lounge open and serving salads and wraps, especially for happy hour events and concerts, they partnered with CATERING companies to provide the food and alcohol and service. The TCA manager is a city employee who gets paid no matter what. Now, there is NO FOOD available (except sun chips) and a small carbs laden $8 buffet during weekend HH events, and they won't allow you to bring in your own food! Has completely mystified me for years!
As a result, attendance at The Edge HH events is shamefully sparse when years ago when the food buffet was free it was packed and people purchased a lot of alcohol. I've noticed that most other events are also thinly attended...makes me wonder how long they can keep this up? But with the new parking garage and forthcoming retail stores and restaurants might help. Partnering with ASU has saved their butts! One Tuesday/month during regular school season, ASU provides free musical events in the Lakeside room with complimentary coffee/tea/biscotti service. Get there before 9:15 am when the busloads of seniors unload and you will be sitting in the back.
DO stop in regularly to check out their Art Gallery as they do a great job with this. Their gift shop also has a delightful selection of LOCAL artist jewelry, wearables, cards, etc. The Friday and Saturday night Edge HH also promotes local musical talent gleaned from their Wed walk-in mic nights. Hopefully attendance will pick up again once there are available food options close by.
Otherwise, it is a stunning building, especially at night, and with the infinity pool, gas fires and color lighting. Very magical. Still a favorite place to go to, but it could have been so much more!
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