Phoenix Art Museum — March 21 thru April 13

As the newsletters arrived in my inbox from Phoenix Art Museum in the recent weeks, I found myself pleased with how many great exhibits were coming up. First, there’s “Masterpiece Replayed: Monet, Matisse & More,” a thought-provoking showcase of eleven infamous painters and their masterpieces borrowed from various museums (runs through May 4). Next, I delightfully discovered that museum patrons would be viewing the work of Richard Avedon in the exhibit “Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence.” The images of this iconic portrait and fashion photographer have graced the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar (runs through April 13). By the time I received the last announcement, proclaiming the March 21 arrival of an exquisite collection of clothes crafted by iconic fashion designer Ralph Rucci (runs through August 17), I couldn’t help imagining myself reorganizing my calendar to fit them all in.

Then, it hit me—I could enjoy all three at once! I connected the dots and the dates and there it was—an art trifecta! The lucky numbers? March 21 through April 13, ALL THREE of these exhibits will be on display at Phoenix Art Museum! While these stars align for only a short three weeks, it proves that sometimes in life, everything is just right.

If your idea of a great night out includes sushi, sake and sophistication, but you don’t want to blow your budget, hit up Pearl, Old Town’s newest Asian hot spot. Nothing on the menu costs more than $12, and sushi choices range from traditional yellowtail and sashimi to the ever-innovative Red Zeppelin and Tiki Torch rolls. Also a must are the creative and delicious cocktails, such as the Pulp Fiction Martini made with vodka, pineapple, grapefruit and cherry juice all mixed up with egg whites.

Making it a late night? No worries, Pearl offers full-menu service until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Make sure you also check out the awesome promotions, including Beat the Clock Happy Hour every day, and Reverse Happy Hour Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. www.pearlsushi.net.

If you’ve ever purchased a t-shirt, sweatshirt or casual dress made by Michael Stars, you are surely aware of the blissful comfort and soft-as-silk fabrics they provide. Here’s your chance to thank the brand’s founder, Michael Cohen, for such stylish everyday staples. The L.A.-based t-shirt company has just moved to the t.b.d department of Nordstrom, and to celebrate the launch of the spring 2008 collection, Cohen will be available in the department from now until March 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. While at Nordies, you can view the latest styles and receive personal shopping assistance. Before walking away with your new Stars purchases, don’t forget to ask Cohen to autograph them! Visit www.nordstrom.com.

The Suns & Stars gala was V.I.P. packed on Friday night, March 14 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. The annual charity event, which raised approximately $1.1 million this year, benefits the Phoenix Suns Charities. The star-studded night included entertainment provided by Queen Latifah, dinner, and silent auction. Also, guests enjoyed the opportunity to rub elbows with Suns basketball players, coaches, and of course, other attendees. The event was practically a who’s who in Phoenix.

The décor was to the nines. Live drummers provided thumping entertainment pre-show. Best of all, the Suns players were everywhere, signing autographs, flashing smiles, shaking hands.

The highlight of my evening was standing near Suns new addition, 7’ 1” tall Shaquille O’Neal. His sheer size can not even be properly shown on television! His playful personality was evident as he navigated the crowds with his signature amused smile. Other V.I.P.’s spotted (among many)? Dan Majerle, Tom Chambers, and Robert Sarver. And P.S.—Boris Diaw and Raja Bell ARE just as cute in person.

Make sure to secure your spot to this coveted event next year. The gala, attended by over 1,000 guests, is an annual “don’t miss.”

If you’ve not yet made it up to the Heard Museum North Scottsdale’s new location, now’s a great time to do so. The museum, which moved from its north location at the Boulders to the Summit in June of last year, has two galleries totaling 4,000 square feet—one is for permanent displays, one for rotating exhibitions—as well as a gift shop that offers an inventory just as extensive as that of its Phoenix location, complete with selected items from the Berlin Gallery which represents contemporary artists. Plus, the new locale is equipped with an Arcadia Farms Café so you can linger at leisure. The current exhibit, “Cape Dorset Art: Tradition and Innovation” features the work of Inuit peoples from Cape Dorset in Canada’s Arctic, and will be ongoing through Aug. 12. Also, don’t miss Nights at North, every Tuesday night from 5:30-7 p.m. during which the museum now offers lectures, complete with hors d’oeuvres and wine.

Two of music’s most respected hip-hop/R&B artists are collaborating to create a tour that is sure to be the hottest concert ticket of 2008. Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z will perform together in Phoenix at the US Airways Center as part of a 25-date, nation-wide tour. As one of the biggest rappers of all time, concert material will center around his two albums produced since his 2004 tour: American Gangster and Kingdom Come. Both Blige and Jay-Z are hot commodities at this point in their careers, as Blige won two Grammy’s on Feb 10, and Jay-Z went home with one. The concert is not until April 15, but act quickly, because this show is sure to sell-out. Tickets go on sale March 8 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

We all love watching celebrities in their element: tossing a football, shooting three-pointers and chatting it up on-screen. But bartending? Why not! Head over to Devils’ Martini North on March 8 and sip martinis made especially for you by local and national celebrities. At the 10th annual Celebrity Martini Mix & Taste, the stars will concoct delicious drinks in teams of two, while you munch on appetizers and dance, dance, dance. Celebrities that will be in attendance include: Brian Johnson and Marcel Shipp from the Arizona Cardinals, Phil Weber and Jay Glazer from Fox Sports NFL, The Phoenix Suns Gorilla, and many more! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Log on to www.celebritymartini.com for more information.

Embrace your inner girly-girl with Scottsdale’s Girls Day Out at Estilo Boutique! On March 8, the stylish shopping hotspot will serve complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails as you peruse the latest spring fashions. Estilo is known to contain some of the hippest looks in the Valley - the shop has been featured in People Magazine, In Style, US Weekly, Lucky and many more!

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Estilo stylists will be ready and willing to take you under their fashionable wing and help you create your very own spring look. Scope out the newest designer duds from Karen Zambos Vintage Couture and Keryn Dixon’s Elijah and hang out while a DJ provides tunes to shop to. For information about the event, call 480.664.0365. www.estiloboutique.com