I haven’t been to Phoenix in some time, and Scottsdale is still relatively unfamiliar to me.  However, I have done some research, and I think I can offer some pretty good suggestions for “stuff.”  I am going to limit myself to Scottsdale for restaurants, since most will be staying at the conference hotel and won’t want to go into Phoenix proper.  So everything below is Scottsdale , unless specifically noted otherwise.

Restaurants

* Mary Elaine’s, which is at the Phoenician resort.  Probably the best in town.
* Windows at the Green (also at the Phoenician).  Southwestern, as are the next five.
* The Roaring Fork
* Lon’s at the Hermosa
* Fusion
* Gregory’s World Bistro
* Rancho Pinot
* Sapporo (Thai)
* Sixth Avenue Bistrot Chez Francois (French)
* The Salt Cellar (seafood)

Bars and Nightclubs

* Devil’s Martini
* Axis/Radius (dance club)
* Six (cool lounge)
* Papago Brewing Company (brewpub)

Weird Sightseeing

* The Buffalo Museum of America (not the city)

Music

* The Rhythm Room (in Phoenix ---best for the blues)
* Monroe ’s Blues Bar (also in Phoenix , the next best)
* MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain ( Phoenix , swing dancing in an oldtime place)
* The Rogue ( Scottsdale , punk music)
* Handlebar-J Restaurant and Saloon ( Scottsdale , country)

Radio (all FM)

* Alt Rock: 103.9, 101.5
* Country 102.5
* Hip-hop 92.3
* Jazz 91.5