The Willow House Grand Re-Opening Party

The early morning hours of October 29, 2007 was a dark time in downtown Phoenix. The Willow House, the iconic, seemingly unmovable coffee shop/art-centric hang/performance venue turned out its lights after a huge blowout bash featuring a séance, DJs, punk rock, and free jazz. Two days later on Halloween, some curious passerbyers observed strange ghost-like noises coming out of the historic Willow District home. The departed spirits didn't seem happy.

But over the next few weeks, the troops rallied, carrying espresso machines and furniture over to the California bungalow style home at 1722 West Van Buren Street, where the new Willow House now resides.

To celebrate, the Phoenix institution is throwing a Grand Reopening Party during First Friday. The eve's entertainment includes performances by World Class Thugs, Hands on Fire, Tom Tuerff, Robin Vining, Foot Ox, and My Feral Kin.