Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sign of the Times...


Major Coup!
This must see show on Jan. 13, 2011, 7pm at Phx Metro Retro - 708 W Hazelwood

Will feature Glen Guyett a local artist/ sign designer of many iconic signs including:
[caption id="attachment_290" align="alignleft" width="201" caption="Mr. Lucky's - Grand Ave"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Bill Johnson's Big Apple on Van Buren "][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_292" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kon Tiki on Van Buren - Gone"]
Best of Phoenix Marshall Shore: RetroSpectactular named by Phoenix New Times.
(Admission $5)

Marshall's Monday Vanishing Phoenix

Check out my newest post on Vanishing Phoenix

Monday, December 20, 2010

Miracle of Roses

Check out Marshall's Monday on Vanishing Phoenix. I have recently been added as a weekly contributer. This about a pageant that long ago vanished, but has been revitalized along with the Old Adobe Mission in Old Town Scottsdale. [caption id="attachment_265" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Miracle of Roses"][/caption]

Hello Mary Lou... You will be missed

[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Mary Lou at the Mystery Castle"][/caption] Check out my post on Vanishing Phoenix about a local one of a kind icon, the Mystery Castle, and it's Princess who recently passed away.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

T-shirt for The Sahara Inn

[caption id="attachment_252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sahara Hotel "][/caption]

The Sahara Inn - While filming the movie Bus Stop Marilyn Monroe stayed in the penthouse of this Fab hotel in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Most recently it was ASU student housing and was then deemed a safety hazard and was recently torn down to become a parking lot. There was a valiant effort by many Downtown to install a dog park, but the Sheraton will have the parking lot.

T-Short for Log Cabin Motel




Log Cabin Motel was located on 24th St and Van Buren. demolished the summer of 2010. Was really the end of an era for Van Buren that at one time was filled with resorts and motels catering to the traveler heading to Las Vegas, LA or beyond. When it opened it had a golf course and a large water wheel out front. It had declined and was the last hourly rate hotel in the city.

T-shirt Starlite/ Diving Lady

[caption id="attachment_241" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Diving Lady Sign in Mesa, AZ"][/caption]

Neon Diving Lady @ the Starlite Motel in Mesa Arizona- The most famous sign on Mesa Main St. came down during a stormi Oct ’10. Whether it will return or not is a on going debate.

T-shirt Bali Hi/ Grand Ave

Bali Hi/ Grand Ave
Imagine back when Grand Ave was filled with resorts and the automobiles most seen were Lincoln and Cadillac’s. The Bali was an upscale motor court along Grand Ave. The epi center of Phx Tiki culture directly across from the Bikini Lounge in an era that predated the interstate system.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Promo video and a new partner for Phoenix in a Hurry: Kingston Trio in the Valley

This is event is in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society Museum @ Papago Park

Kingston Trio in the Valley Phoenix in a Hurry:
Kingston Trio in the Valley

Promo video
Featuring: Screening of Young Men in a Hurry (1963)
Q&A with Bob Shane – founding member of The Kingston Trio and
Bill Zorn – currently a member of the Kingston Trio
Hosted by Marshall Shore – Phoenix New Times, Best of Phoenix 2010

Where: Arizona Historical Society Museum
Papago Park, 1300 N. College Avenue, Tempe, AZ

When: Thursday, Nov 18, 7p
Doors open at 6:30, No reserved seating

Ticket Information

Monday, October 25, 2010

Phoenix in a Hurry: Kingston Trio in the Valley


Phoenix in a Hurry:Kingston Trio in the Valley
Featuring: Screening of Young Men in a Hurry (1963)
Q&A with Bob Shane - founding member of The Kingston Trio and
Bill Zorn - currently a member of the Kingston Trio
Hosted by Marshall Shore - Phoenix New Times, Best of Phoenix 2010

Where: Arizona Historical Society Museum
Papago Park, 1300 N. College Avenue, Tempe, AZ

When: Thursday, Nov 18, 7p
Doors open at 6:30, No reserved seating

Ticket Information

Monday, October 4, 2010

The story before My Florist Cafe

My Florist Cafe with that iconic neon sign [caption id="attachment_203" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="My Florist, Neon sign"]My Florist, Neon sign[/caption]recently closed to dismay of many. Ever wonder about it’s origin? My Florist was opened in 1947 by Vada Pearl Schwartz who became a local legend because of her flamboyant behavior and fondness for orchids. She was know to wear a purple dress with a purple orchid every day. If by chance she was not wearing an orchid your flower order was free. The store was purple inside and out including all the delivery vans. Speaking of purple transportation, she drove a one of a kind purple auto of the future circa 1950’s [caption id="attachment_202" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Besasie X-2, custom built by Raymond Besasie of Milwaukee"][/caption] Guess that explains the Purple background of the sign! She was also know for her unorthodox behavior, such as ride a on a horse into the flower shop and holding up the place. When Vada died in late 1966, her daughter Norma Brooking took over. Like her mother she ran until she too passed, but then the employees took over the store via a trust that Vada had set up. The employees ran My Florist until 1996 when it closed. Then part of the building become a favorite bakery in town Willo Bakery, leading to success of the restaurant that doors were locked and closed Oct, 2010.

Special Event!

Phoenix in a Hurry: Kingston Trio in the Valley A Special Presentation by
Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular


When: Thursday,  Nov 18, 7p
Doors open at 6:30, No reserved seating

Where:
Arizona Historical Society Museum
At Papago Park
1300 N. College Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281

Tickets: $20 via http://marshallshorers1.eventbrite.com

Featuring:
Viewing of -Young Men in a Hurry - 1963 TV pilot featuring The Kingston Trio and filmed in the Valley of the Sun
Q&A with
Bob Shane - Surviving founding member of The Kingston Trio
and
Bill Zorn - Currently a member of the Kingston Trio

Hosted by
Marshall Shore

Why:
The Kingston Trio is an iconic American folk and pop music group that altered the direction of popular music in the U.S. In 1957 three buddies started a band. Taking folk music, and adding a pinch of comedy, the band worked hard and found an enthusiastic audience. About one year later, The Kingston Trio recorded their first album. Later that year, four of their albums were listed by Billboard Magazine in their list of the top ten. A record that still stands unmatched
Even if you aren't old enough to recall their meteoric rise in the music world, you might be surprised how many of their recordings you have heard "M.T.A," "Tom Dooley," "The Tijuana Jail," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" " and my favorite, "Scotch and Soda," Possibly more important than any individual songs is the fact that The Kingston Trio has been credited with the revival of folk music in this country.

Bob Shane, the surviving founding member of Kingston Trio. Bob 1934 born and finished high school in Hawaii, came to the mainland to attend Menlo College in California. Bob returned to learn the family business in 1956, but was drawn back to entertainment.  Performing on the island, he was billed as "Hawaii's Elvis".  In 1957 he joined his high school singing partner Dave Guard and college friend Nick Reynolds to form The Kingston Trio.

Bill Zorn born in 1948 and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1961. After studying music and drama at Arizona State University, Bill earned a place with The New Christy Minstrels where he performed, directed and toured. Then becoming a member of The Kingston Trio for three years. Leaving to work with his brother in England. After a successful career. Bill and his wife Jo had the opportunity to move back to Phoenix, and Bill currently performs, with friends, as a member of The Kingston Trio.

Young Men in a Hurry unaired pilot, filmed in 1963 on location in Phoenix and at Paramount Studio. Featuring the Kingston Trio portraying recent college graduates who are close friends and roommates (at the Martinique.) Drive down Central in a in a convertible, with John the lawyer, Nick a real estate salesman, and Bob is featured as a bank teller whose current job is a source of tension between him and his rancher father (protrayed by Ted Knight who would later gain fame on “the Mary Tyler Moore Show” as Ted Baxter). The three fellows trade on their status as members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce to play music together as a means of making extra money. "Oh Miss Mary" and "Goin' Away For To Leave You" are featured, along with the Trio staple "Coplas!" and the unreleased John Stewart-penned theme song, "Young Men in a Hurry."

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Return of Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular

[caption id="attachment_182" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Sept. 9th"][/caption]

Yes, it's that time again and looking forward to a season of Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular. I am already hard at work planning and researching the next season Sept. - April. In honor of the return by many to school the Sept Show is titled "My Summer." Where I will cover the exciting Summer that I had and will share lot's of great pic and stories.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Score 1 for Masque of the Yellow Moon

OK, So my blogging challenge fell through the a crack, actually it was a spring, Palm Spring in fact. Had a fab time biking, walking and drink in some amazing places like the Parker, Rivera, and the ACE Hotel. Mean while back here in Phoenix some amazing things have happened. MYM is getting exciting. Recently learned that SRP for their 90th Anniversary brought in the composer's son, Ferde Grofe Jr. While at a meeting briefly discussing MYM and Valley of the Sun Suite. My phone rang. I let voice mail pick it up, listening to the message that my friend Jenny left about a super surprise. Heading back to the Ranch I stopped by Jenny's new pad very cute and irrigated. She handed me a thick envelope and inside was a big stack of paper. I had to rub my eyes and look at it again. Here is what I saw[caption id="attachment_167" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Valley of the Sun "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_168" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Ferde Grofe signature"][/caption]Yes, a needle in the haystack. Jenny had found a photo copy of the Conductor's score sent from the LIbrary of Congress in 1992 in preparation for SRP's 90th Anniversary when it was played by the Phoenix Symphony in the Old Capitol Buildings rotunda. Now, I am on the trail of a possible recording that SRP made of the Valley of the Sun Suite.

Also recently Donna and Lisa sent me this link to Channel 8, our PBS affiliate. Who produce a show called Arizona stories. Here is a link to the transcript of the Masque of the Yellow Moon segment.

I have just secured the rights to masqueoftheyellowmoon.com. Currently it links nowhere, yet. But soon, something will be happening and the 1926 -1955 festival will be revived in modern times.

In the works: Kingston Trio show, an Etsy Shop, and Retro Spectacular is returning Thursday, Sept 9th at Phoenix Metro Retro

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Masque of the Yellow Moon

Yes day four of my personal 21 day blog-a-thon! and still going strong. What a great day today has been. It would have been easy to go print some t-shirts or work on something else, but OMG exciting stuff. Began the day at Lux, they really great espresso on the rocks and brioche filled with black berries, No pic because I ate it (YUM.) Ran in Taz and we had a quick talk about before my meeting with Jody Crago a Museum Director in Chandler. We talked for quite a while about the stuff he cool stuff he is planning and the intersections of stuff I am doing with AZ History and building community. I mentioned Masque of the Yellow Moon and that in 2011 it will be celebrated at Trunkspace and Chandler.


This summer I went to DC and one mission was to locate via Library of Congress the only copy of Frede Grofe and his piece call Valley of the Sun Suite that is catalog in a library. Now before I even went Matt Heil found and online version, Yuri recently found a copy hereI think the link to the piece is dead now ....

I just found a copy at lastfm and here is a free link for it here.

So there will be a recreation of the MYM next Spring on Grand Ave and very likely in Chandler!

For those that made all the to the end I offer this pic of a ticket stub from MYM the last it was presented 1955. This came from my friend Donna who I met during the Heard POP Art show. We recently met at Copper Star and gave this stub from went she went to go see her brother perform. [caption id="attachment_159" align="alignleft" width="896" caption="Masque of the Yellow Moon and Donna\'s brother"][/caption]

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Trading one dark room for another

Tuesday night I enjoy the diversion of reviving a decreasing art form in the digital world. Working with negatives from the early 50's to print photos thorough a dark room class at Phoenix Center for the Arts. Here are a few latest successes.[caption id="attachment_142" align="alignright" width="114" caption="circa 1951"][/caption]



This is 50's Phoenix! a slight scent of mafia still lingering on the red flocked wall paper. Last night I traded my tuesday night ritual for Radiate Phx, normally I would have done both, but that additional manhattan put the kibosh on that. We met at Durant's which is celebrating 60 years of business. It's a great networking mixer with some many diverse folks and bartenders that make mean drinks, free pour. With the air of old deals that were made there I am sure new deals were discussed among the crowd. Mine included PK, Phx design week, my art work, business ventures, and how the Valley is a so just do it type of place.

Here is a pic I took after remembering I had my camera! [caption id="attachment_148" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jim, John, and Seth @ Radiate Phx"][/caption]

Thanks to Linda and Yuri I am reading The Saga of Jack Durant by Mabel Leo. This is day 3 of the 21 day challenge. Going strong am I

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

POP Art not POP Tarts @ the Heard

A while ago I received a phone call from the Heard Museum, about performing a Retro Spectacular during third Friday for the POP Art show.Stephen Wood Kate Crowley from the Heard introduced me to the exhibit and fell in love with the exhibit. It brings the art/ fashion/ jewelry into a modern context and compares POP artist like Warhol and Litchenstien to contemporary Native artist. Fast forward to 3rd Friday at the Berlin and a packed house filled to standing room only.

Here is brief recap of the the show:

At the Heard MuseumWalked in wearing a Keith Haring track suit. I must say that I had worn the jacket before, think that the pants were a bit over the top, but it felt amazing to be enveloped in Haring graffiti. Jumping feet first in to the mural that he painted in downtown Phoenix on the boarded up windows of a Woolworth’s.

We talked about Warhol and Lonesome Cowboy a movie he filmed at Tucson Studios. Jumped from his Kachina painting to something from my own collection

to one of my current passions Masque of the Yellow Moon that will be appearing with more information and really cool developments [caption id="attachment_134" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Montgomery Stadium @ Phoenix Union H.S."][/caption] There will be more on the MYM coming. Some really cool developments!

Monday, July 26, 2010

My night with a goat and turning new leaf

I spent Sunday night with a goat @ Mabel's in Scottsdale. Now before you say that's a Packer hangout, remember I am sports challenged. [caption id="attachment_120" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="On Main St. & Goldwater"][/caption]

They hosted a premier party for the new season of Mad Men. The main bar was full of period aficionados dress to the nines. We were escorted to a bookcase that was a secret door opening on to a private lounge. Where the adorable Steve Farley and his wife Kelly Paisley and I dined on some amazing food. Especially like the ice cream sandwich. [caption id="attachment_121" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Steve Farley and Marshall Shore"][/caption]

Kelly Paisley of course being in hot pursuit of saving Beefeater's asked to speak the manager and told Mickey how much we liked the place and learned of it's former life as a Packer's bar. We learned that the goat, or patron saint and image heavily repeated was found during the removal of the sport memorabilia.

So there you know how I spent the night with a goat. I also alluded to a new leaf. While catching up with Kelly and Steve I realized how much is going on in adventure filled life. Cut to a recent event where I was talking with Tony Arranaga the lightrailblogger and lamenting my lack of blogging. He mentioned it takes 21 days creates a habit, so I challenging myself to blog for 21 days and create a habit.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Coming this Thursday

Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular "Sign of the times" A brand new show on Thursday, 7p @ Phx Metro Retro

Sunday, May 2, 2010

My life on the screen

My life on the screen.

Recently I appeared on PBS Antiques Roadshow in the feedback booth with my friend Jenny. I took my Dad’s senior cords from 1959, they had never heard of the fad before. I think they are a fine example of late 50’s folkart. Here they are.[caption id="attachment_103" align="alignnone" width="223" caption="Front of my Dad\'s Senior cords from 1959"][/caption]

I presented at Phoenix’s First PechaKucha, 20 slides x 20 seconds each. Title: Bursting Off the Shelf: Interior Design for Information Access. It was a sold out crowd and a wide diverse group of presenters. Used my Flip camera to record the presentation and here is the link to Vimeo. Enjoy!

PechaKucha Phoenix from Marshall Shore on Vimeo.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

What did you miss at the last Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular

What did you miss at the April, Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular?


Sun City Celebrates 50 years. I highlighted that on Sunday, May 16th you can join the Sun Cities and I for a theater presentation of a woman portraying his secretary and birthday cake.
http://www.suncity50thanniversary.org/


Midcentury living in the "West most Western Town" in Scottsdale

Thompson Rock garden is a Sunny Slope paradise that is folk art sculpted from rock, concrete and other items. I had pleasure of meeting the woman who lives there now, she opened the gate allowing for a close up view.


She introduced us to her friend Gus and his amazing Building Material Museum + garden. His Family move in Sept. 1929 and began building his amazing collection in the 50’s

Boojum Tree, which is a fantasy place that evokes old Mexico and a hidden jungle atmosphere.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Come one... come all...

You will not believe your eyes or ears at the next amazing Marshalll Shore: Retro Spectacular. April brings us two special presentations! Come learn about the Thompson Rock Garden, Building Materials Museum, and the Howdy Dudettes? To Many things to mention here.

Be sure to attend!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Show preview!

My day began with lunch Los Reyes De La Torta in Sunny Slope with the delightful Christina Plante. Coffee was nice displayed on arrival with the wafting scent of cinnamon. YUM The hongas (mushroom) quesadilla was tasty and large. Paul enjoyed the leftovers and NOW wants to go! We made our to view the Thompson Rock Garden from the inside with Miriam the current own of the 50 year old garden. When Miriam mentioned that her friend Gus had a great collection. Now to find something more fantastic there was bit of a drive. Most shocking was the coming to a culda sac and continuing on. We arrived at Gus Building Material Museum. My jaw dropped and I got to touch a medallion from the old Fox Theater in Downtown Phoenix.
The day did not end there. We made our way to the Boojum Tree, a complete out of Valley experience into the wild of a tropical paradise. See and hear more stories attend either show on Thurs April 8 or Fri. April 9th

Friday, March 19, 2010

2 shows in April to Celebrate Spring!

The Valley's funkiest Information Curator will take armchair tourists on a rollicking illustrated ride through the Valley during its midcentury heyday.
This live presentation celebrates unique people
and architecture in a theatrical blend of images and storytelling

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

What Valley celebration was compared to Mardi Gras?

Come to Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular on Thursday, March 11 @ 7p. Where: Phx Metro Retro 708 W. Hazelwood St, Phx nr 7th Ave and Campbell

There will also be an homage to the Oscars covering some of the History about AZ film industry and professionals that have lived here.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Marshall Shore: Phoenix Retro spectacular for March

After the last week I know this is possible. After leaving my job (almost a year ago) to follow my passions and figuring out what that looks like. In one week my new life as an Information Curator™ came to fruition. The Second Thursday of Feb, I began hosting a Marshall Shore: Phoenix Retro Spectacular, check out foundphx.com for more info. It was a huge success, had a blast curating and presenting to a 50 + crowd at Phoenix Metro Retro. Two days later Paul and I hosted our Annual Mardi Gras that raised $135 for CASS. If that was not enough, a few days later presented Off the Shelf: Looking Beyond Libraries for Inspiration for Infopeople. Life is amazing and I could never have dream I would be here writing these words. Best advice just do it!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Phoenix Retro Spectacular

This is the inaugural event for a monthly event that I am hosting. So block the 2nd Thurs. off on your calendar to learn about the history that makes our valley unique. Our journey will begin on the mother road of the valley US Route 60.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Date set for first show

Feb 11th will be the first Phoenix in RETRO*spect (Working title) at Phoenix Metro Retro (708 W. Hazelwood Street, Phx). More details will be released soon!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Welcome to Lost Phx

Here is where I will be posting about the adventures as a Information Curator. Learning and sharing our Valley Post War History. Get ready for some cool things, including a regular l time to participate in the Post War History of the Big Valley.