The Success Chain

Most people associate Tempe as being a college town and home of Arizona State University, but Tempe is so much more. For example, the sheer amount of nightlife concentrated in one area of Tempe exists no where else in this Valley of the Sun, from jazz clubs, to country and rock n’ roll, to hip-hop and swing dance. There’s even an establishment, the Graham Central Station that houses several different clubs inside on building, playing different styles of music to dance to.

Mill Avenue, the main thoroughfare of downtown Tempe is home to the world famous New Year’s Block Party, attracting well over 100,000 revelers every year. The reason why this Block Party attracts so many, is due to the Fiesta Bowl Championship, which the ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium host. Most of Tempe’s entertainment can be found all along Mill Avenue, so there are some of the best hotels in Arizona located right on Mill or within walking distance. Downtown Mill Avenue is pedestrian-friendly, and it’s where you can still see of turn-of-the-century buildings blending right in with the new high-rise condos that are springing up all through the downtown area and a few are right on the banks of the Tempe Town Lake; a San Antonio inspired man-made lake and river walk.

Not far from the Tempe Town Lake is one of the major stops for the brand new Light Rail, which runs through ASU, and into downtown Phoenix. On the opposite end of downtown Mill Avenue is the Frank Lloyd Wright building – Grady Gammage , which still commands one’s attention has you drive, walk by or even go inside to watch one of the several Broadway shows touring through every year. At the east end of Tempe Town Lake is the brand new ‘Tempe Market Place’, and outdoor mall geared to be the new gathering place for the community.

But, without a doubt, Tempe’s Mill Avenue District is the hottest entertainment center in Arizona. It has been the king of hot spots in the Valley of the Sun for decades and with all the new construction of high-rise condos, restaurants and club venues, downtown Tempe will always stay the destination point for tourist and locals alike.

March 14, 2010 was Miami’s Infamous Calle Ocho festival ! This year was absolutely amazing! Fabulous food, loud music, laughter and cheers all around. With the streets lined with vendors and food, it was a sight to be seen. There were no dance floors, just people dancing in the streets to salsa and reggaeton.

Although Calle Ocho is located in what is known as Little Havana, the party was for all Latinos. People sported their country’s flags in every way imaginable. It was a sight of a true melting pot, no fights no disrespect, just mutual pride and love. Uruguayans, Puerto Ricans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, Mexicans, and many more! Everyone was welcome and they were all able to stay in one of Miami’s local hotels .

One, two, three four, Pitbull! Calle Ocho’s very own Armando Christian Perez was there to perform! He is a hit among the ladies’ with his smooth lyrics and daring good looks. But no matter if you are male or female, old or young; you cannot deny his talent and skill.

Pitbull was born in Miami to Cuban immigrants. He has always kept his roots in Miami, and felt a strong connection to his culture. This is most likely the reason for his homage to the city streets in his famous song “Calle Ocho”.

As a blued eyed, white skinned Cuban American, it was hard for Pitbull to gain respect on the streets and in the rap industry. He was on a mission to make sure that Miami was recognized in the music industry, and to bring his style of reggaeton rap Cuban salsa mix to the table. As his record sales have shown, Pitbull is here to stay.

Miami has embraced this Cuban rapper, and bestowed upon him a “Key to the City”. It is an honor that few receive.