FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Sallot 480-481-8101 jsallot@dbg.org www.dbg.org

Avant-Garden Desert Botanical Gardens New Spring Event

Desert Botanical Garden introduces Avant-Garden, a new Thursday night community event for spring. Avant-Garden presents the sights, sounds and flavors of Phoenix. Each week, different unique aspects of our community are showcased against the backdrop of the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden. Fashion, art, music and cuisine come together to create an event like no other. March 10 - Rock the Casbah SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ, and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: A collaboration between renowned belly dancer, Ava Fleming and fiery Flamenco artist Yumi La Rosa will be followed by musical ensemble, Flamenco por la Vida. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. March 17 - Green is Good SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: A storytelling performance featuring Mikel Lander & Meridith Moores bluesy take on Irish soul will be followed by a full hour of music from The Sugar Thieves. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. March 31 - Word of Mouth SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening.

SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: Spoken words come to life with Home Base Poetry and music from the Gaines Brothers will keep your foot tappin all night! Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. April 7 - Urban Renewal Boppart Courtyard SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot and Wei of Chocolate. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: Dont miss an interactive Tai Chi presentation by the Gardens own Jame Mace. Nick Heward and the Elements of Style close out the evening with their blend of soul, funk and blues. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. April 14 - Fashion Forward Ullman Terrace SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot and Wei of Chocolate. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: Fashion comes to life at this event. Featured designs grace the venue, followed by the stylish Silver Thread Trio. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. April 21 - Eat, Drink and Be Merry SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, and Wei of Chocolate. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors.

SEE: A cooking demo provided by Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events and wine tasting by a certified sommelier set the perfect stage for friendly rock n rollers, What Laura Says. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. April 28 - Life is a Cabaret SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: A burlesque performance by Scandalesque and vintage jazz performance by The Energy Trio, make for a delightful evening. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. May 5 - Roots and Recreation SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: A provocative plant presentation and tequila tasting, and Latin soul music by Bata Ire complete this unique Cinco de Mayo celebration. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazzcentric brand of house music, paired with a live musician. May 12 - Saucy Little Number SIP: Enjoy a full cash bar and $5 glasses of wine all evening. SHOP: Amazing products will be available for purchase from select vendors including The Gelato Spot, DiCio Pasta, Desert Smoke BBQ and Anthony Spices. SAVOR: Scrumptious bites from Fabulous Foods Fine Catering and Events will be available for purchase in our concessions area and enjoy free samples from participating vendors. SEE: A swing performance and lesson by Jimmy and Jere Pines will be followed by the return of Garden favorite, Mario Moreno & the Ramblers with their unique blend of blues, rock, swing and cumbia. Throughout the evening DJ World Famous Rani g spins his jazz-centric brand of house music, paired with a live musician.

Must be 21 or older to attend and show proper identification to be admitted. No exceptions. Children will not be admitted, even if a parent or guardian is present. Programming is subject to change. The Garden will be open for regular visitors. WHAT: WHEN: Thursday night community event Thursdays, March 10,17,31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 6:00 p:00 p.m. WHERE: Desert Botanical Garden 1201 North Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 Regular Garden admission will be available for visitors during Spiked! Thursdays at DBG. COST: INFO: Members $10; General Public: $15. Tickets available at www.dbg.org or by calling 480-481-8188.

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