Visual Arts
4/22 - 8/27
Art In Hand: Judith Leiber Handbags. Best known for her signature crystal-covered purses in the fanciful shapes of animals, fruits or anything that inspires her fancy, Judith Leiber's creations are meant to be worn to elegant balls or collected as fine art objects. Over 100 handbags drawn from important Valley collections will be on view in this exhibit. INFO> 602-257-1222; www.phyxart.org
4/27, 4/28
The Best of Scottsdale. The downtown Scottsdale arts community is again joining together in April to present The Best of Scottsdale, a month-long series of art demonstrations, colorful ArtWalks, and fun, art-related activities that culminate in a fundraising awards gala. On Thursday, April 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, ArtWalkers can view the winning pieces of artwork during the "Best of Scottsdale ArtWalk." Festivities conclude on April 28 from 8:00 to 10:00 pm at the "Best of Scottsdale Gala," a champagne and dessert fundraiser and celebration for the 2006 artist honorees. INFO> 480-990-3939; www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Now through 12/31
Holy Land: Diaspora and the Desert. Artists examine the dispersion of indigenous people from their homeland communities around the world in this presentation at the Heard Museum. This provocative international group exhibition features work by artists from the United States and Canada as well as Iran, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan. INFO> 602-252-8848; www.heard.org
Now through 9/24
Constructing New Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Berlin has become recognized as a global nexus for contemporary art. This exhibition is the first major survey of contemporary art made in post-Wall Berlin. The majority of the works in the exhibition are from the 21 st century, including a number of new pieces made specifically for this project for the Phoenix Art Museum. INFO> 602-257-1222; www.phyxart.org
Performing Arts
4/20
Violins and Variations. Guest conductor Peter Oundjian leads The Phoenix Symphony in this program featuring young violinist Caitlin Tully. Thursday: 7:30 pm; Friday: 11:00 am; Saturday: 8:00 pm. Tickets: $20-63. INFO> 602-495-1999; www.phoenixsymphony.org
4/25 - 4/30
The Good Body by Eve Ensler. When Eve Ensler takes to the stage, she doesn't just perform a play.she ignites a phenomenon. Her award-winning play The Vagina Monologues is now celebrated internationally. In The Good Body , Ensler takes an inside look at the outside, exploring the cultures of beauty, food and desire through the eyes of women around the world. After a critically acclaimed run on Broadway, she brings this provocative, hilarious and profoundly moving performance to you. Check for show times. Single Ticket: $42. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
4/27 - 6/4
H. M. S. Pinafore. The famous operetta composed by Gilbert and Sullivan will once again sail the high seas - this time at the Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria. This comic operetta, which satirizes class structure in old England and the Royal Navy, was first performed in London in 1878. This whimsical tale of love is celebrated worldwide for its silly satire and infectious tunes.
Dining Times: Tuesday through Saturday, 6:15 pm; Saturday Matinee, 12:15 pm; Sunday Matinee, 11:15 am and Sunday Twilight, 5:15 pm. Curtain Up: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 pm; Saturday Matinee, 2:00 pm; Sunday Matinee, 1:00 pm; and Sunday Twilight, 7:00 pm. Prices: $39 - $49 (price includes dinner, show and tax). INFO> 623-776-8400; www.azbroadwaytheatre.com
4/28
Up Close and Personal with Eve Ensler. An Up Close and Personal reception with the Eve Ensler. Buy an Up Close and Personal ticket to this performance and receive premium seating (or the best available seats if the premium seating is no longer available) followed by a reception with Ms. Ensler. $150 per person includes performance ticket and reception. Proceeds from this special event benefit arts and education programs at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
4/28
Organ & Brass Extravaganza. Organist Brent Hylton joins forces with the members of the Southwest Brass and the Greater Phoenix community of brass players for an enjoyable evening of beautiful music. The concert will be held at 7:30 pm at the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church at 25150 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale. Cost: $25 adults; $5 students. INFO> 480-840-0457
4/28, 4/29
Salsa Spectacular. Robert Moody conducts The Phoenix Symphony in a program featuring Vivaldi9's Four Seasons, rendered with the swinging sounds of salsa music. At Symphony Hall, 225 E. Adams Street in Phoenix. 8:00 pm. Tickets: $18-$63. INFO> 602-495-1999; www.phoenixsymphony.org
4/29
Mavis Staples and the Taj Mahal Trio. Join us for a special outdoor concert in the Amphitheater featuring two musical legends: Mavis Staples and the Taj Mahal Trio. Soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. Taj Mahal has been playing his own distinctive brand of music-variously described as Afro-Caribbean blues, folk-world-blues, hula blues, folk-funk, and a host of other hyphenations-for more than 40 years. A self-taught musician, Taj plays more than 20 instruments. His remarkable voice ranges from gruff and gravelly to smooth and sultry. 7:30 pm. Single ticket: $34. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
4/30 Phoenix Community Concert. The city of Phoenix Parks, Libraries and Recreation Department hosts The Phoenix Symphony in a rousing pops concert at Symphony Hall, 222 E. Adams Street in downtown Phoenix. Concert begins at 3:00 pm. Free tickets will be available beginning April 22 at Phoenix public libraries. INFO> 602-495-1999; www.phoenixsymphony.org
4/30
Natalie MacMaster at Del Webb Center. International fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster will deliver her energetic take on traditional and contemporary Celtic melodies in a one-time only performance at the Webb Center in Wickenburg on Sunday, April 30 at 7:00pm. This performance will successfully close the Webb Center 's 2005-2006 season.
Natalie MacMaster has been hailed as a fiddling sensation since she broke onto the scene in the early 1990's. Her first recording, Fit as a Fiddle (1993), was certified gold in Canada and showcased traditional music - featuring the fiddle, piano, acoustic guitar and bagpipes - from her native Cape Breton Island. MacMaster has been honored with four Canadian Country Music Awards for Fiddler of the Year, the Music Industry of Nova Scotia's awards for Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year, and several East Coast Music Awards in various categories. Tickets are $24 for adults and $5 for children. INFO> 928-684-6624; www.delewebbcenter.org.
5/5
Jesse Cook. Virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook's exotic rumba flamenco fuses world music and percussion from cultures as diverse as Spain, Africa, Cuba, Egypt, France and Brazil. 8:00 pm. Tickets: $38. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
5/7
Jeffrey Siegel. American pianist Jeffrey Siegel presents this special family-friendly program, which features classics like Beethoven's Fur Elise , Bach Goes to Town , Debussy's Fireworks and de Falla's Ritual Fire Dance . 2:00 pm. Tickets: $16. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
May 12
Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz Trio. Violinish Mark O'Connor composed Appalachia Waltz , which mixes the melodic heritage of bluegrass, Celtic folk music and American pop with the structural discipline and technical demands of chamber music. 8:00 pm. Tickets: $38. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
5/13
daKAH Hip-Hop Orchestra. Los-Angeles-based daKAH is the world's largest hip-hop orchestra, featuring more than 60 musicians. DaKAH is the first symphonic ensemble to merge the wildly popular genre of hip-hop with traditional jazz and classical music. 7:30 pm. Tickets: $28. INFO> 480-874-4699; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
5/16 - 5/21
Les Miserables. Les Miserables , the famous story of Jean Valjean written by Victor Hugo was adapted as a musical and opened on Broadway in 1987. Since then, the play has traveled around the world and won many major awards, including eight Tony Awards. Les Misérables has touched the heart of its international audience as few shows in history have ever done. Enjoy it for the first time or again at the ASU Gammage Auditorium during its run of 5/16 through 5/21. Tickets range from $22.25 to $70.50. INFO> 480-965-3434, www.asugammage.com/home.shtml
Special Events
4/18 - 4/23
Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Nationally renowned chefs will tempt celebrants with delicious food at the six-day Scottsdale Culinary Festival. And how more enjoyable when food is accompanied by wine and song - music offered by well-known personalities is part of the festivities. Special events include: the James Beard Dinner on April 18, the Culinary Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on April 20, Carnivale de Cuisine on April 21, Cooks and Corks on April 22 and April 23, Le Tour Culinare on April 22, the Great Arizona Picnic on April 22 and April 23, the Wine Country Brunch on April 23, and the Best of the Fest on April 23. INFO> 480-945-7193; www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org
4/21
VinArte Wine Tasting. A special event hosted by the Men's Art Council to benefit the Phoenix Art Museum will be held on April 21 at the museum. AJ's Fine Foods will serve culinary delights to accompany the selection of wines from six continents and 70 wineries that will be available for sampling and purchasing. Tickets: $40 advance purchase; $50 at the door. INFO> 602-207-2060; www.phxart.org
4/21
ZooBrew. Rock at the Phoenix Zoo with the 80's legends, The Romantics and Berlin. Also included in this fun evening are a buffet dinner, sampling of complimentary specialty beers and a fantastic silent auction. Proceeds go to support the Phoenix Zoo. Tickets are $65 per person and are non-refundable. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold, so get yours now. From 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. INFO> 602-273-1341; www.phoenixzoo.org
4/21 - 4/23
Big Boys & Their Toys. We never really grow up, do we? It's still lots of fun to tinker around with "stuff," isn't it? Well, if you fit that description, get yourself over to WestWorld in Scottsdale and explore the 180,000 square feet of toys, gadgets, gizmos - from cigars, to fitness and scuba diving equipment to golf carts and autos. Times: 4/21, 12 - 8pm; 4/22, 9am - 8pm; 4/23, 9am - 6pm. Tickets: $5 - 15. INFO> 602-331-4744; www.bigboystoysaz.com
April 22
Stars In Your Eyes. The Giant StarLab Planetarium offers a fun, exciting and a unique family learning experience. Inside the dome you are transported into a night-sky environment perfect for learning about upcoming sky events, the stars, constellations, the moon, planets, deep space objects, celestial coordinates, the seasons, multicultural folklore/mythology, and much more. The program length is 40 minutes. The Planetarium has an approximate seating capacity of 75. Plan on arriving early for the programs of your choice. Cost $4 - tickets sold on first come, first served basis. INFO> 623-322-2001; www.azchallenger.org
4/23
African Celebration. The opening of a new store at El Pedregal, that exotic shopping center in North Scottsdale, is the occasion of an African heritage celebration. The new enterprise is called B. Emporium, which will sell a fascinating collection of world artifacts and collectibles. The event will feature African drummers, and art exhibit, fashion show, refreshments and a book signing by Alan Donovan, the author of My Journey Through African Heritage. Proceeds throughout the opening week go to benefit the Phoenix Zoo. INFO> 480-488-7971; www.wyndhampromotions.com/elpedregal
4/28 - 4/29
McDowell Mountain Music Festival. Snap your fingers and tap your toes to the music of these great groups who will appear at the third annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival: The Black Crowes, Los Lobos, Jonny Lang, Buckwheat Zydeco, Burning Spear, The Marshall Tucker Band, Ozomatli, Son Volt, and many more. All proceeds from the festival will benefit two local charities - Phoenix Day Child & Family Learning Center and Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Arizona. The McDowell Mountain Music Festival encourages all ages including families to enjoy this two-day musical event. INFO> 602-343-0453 or email info@mmmf.net
4/28 - 4/30
Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society. This show and sale of prize-wining cactus and succulent plants at the Desert Botanical Garden will be presented by the Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society. Society members will be available throughout the day to answer questions and give tips on growing these beautiful desert plants. Tickets; $4-$10. INFO> 602-463-3913; www.dbg.org
5/5
Herberger Gala 2006. A fabulous street party is planned for the newly constructed Phoenix Civic Plaza Piazza, which connects the Phase One building of the Civic Plaza and the Herberger Theater Center. This unusual street party will feature music by Barrio Latino, fantastic dance performances and delicious gourmet cuisine. Festivities start at 6:30 pm. INFO> 602-254-7399, ext. 105
5/6
AZ Republic Columnist, Ed Montini, Keynote Speaker. Ed (E. J.) Montini, Arizona Republic columnist, will be the keynote speaker at the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest annual gala fundraising dinner. The event, which features a live and silent auction, will be held on Saturday evening, May 6, 2006 at 6:00 pm at the Pointe Hilton Hotel at Squaw Peak 7677 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by credit card or check. Silent Auction donations are being requested and Table Sponsorships are available.
The Arizona Center for the Law in the Public Interest is a private, non-profit 501 (c) 3 public interest law firm dedicated to representing the people of Arizona on issues that affect us all, including clean air and water, school finance reform, open government, consumer rights, campaign finance reform, and the protection of our public lands and natural resources. Since 1974, the Center has fought for individuals and groups who lack the power or money to take on big business and big government. INFO> 602-258-8850; www.aclpi.org
5/6 - 5/28
Peach Festival. This annual festival, held on weekends at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, promises to be a peachy time for everyone. On Saturdays and Sundays there will be train rides, carousel rides, and lots of other fun activities for kids. Peach picking, country store, bakery, sweet shop, celebrity chef demonstrations, arts and crafts and entertainment will add to the whole family's enjoyment. Admission is $2. On Fridays there will be no admission charged to get into the farm for peach picking and a visit to the country store. INFO> 480-987-3100; www.schnepffarms.com
5/14
Mother's Day and Esteban Concert. The Desert Botanical Garden will host a Mother's Day celebration for Mom's and their families featuring a delicious lunch and a concert by the incredible Esteban. Two shows available: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; $39 for concert only; $59 for concert and lunch. INFO> 480-941-1225; www.dbg.org
5/28
Wine, Women & Jazz. The Arizona Women's Partnership will present its fifth annual Wine, Women & Jazz FUNdraising event on Sunday, May 28 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rio Sabor Brazil Restaurant, 10425 N Scottsdale Road (at Shea Blvd ) in Scottsdale.
Popular Jazz Divas Margo Reed, Delphine Cortez, and Blaise Lantana will again provide festive entertainment, as guests enjoy fine wine, great hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 each ($65 at the door). This year's event is hosted and underwritten by Solange Guerra, owner of the Rio Sabor Brazil Restaurant. All proceeds generated from this event will benefit the Arizona Women's Partnership, Inc. and ten selected charities that help underserved women and children at risk.
The Arizona Women's Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the status of Arizona women and empowering women's grass roots organizations through mini grants and publicity. The organization is non-political and non-sectarian, and is sensitive to the needs of underserved and disadvantaged women and their families. INFO> 602-863-9744; www.azwp.org
Children
4/19 - 4/23
Hotel Saguaro. Kids will delight in meeting curious Sammy Saguaro, his wise grandpa and their desert-dwelling friends in this educational show presented by the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Sammy learns how important he is, as a saguaro, to the desert. INFO> 602-262-2050; www.azpuppets.org
4/21 - 5/7
The Jungle Book. Rudyard Kipling's famous story of Mowgli, a boy who has been raised by wolves in a jungle in India, is being brought to the stage by the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix. This story of loyalty and friendship is timeless. INFO> 602-253-8188, ext. 2; www.vyt.com
4/22- 4/30
The Sword In The Stone. Presented by the Cookie Company, young Arthur finds his hearts hold as much magic as any of Merlin's as he faces the challenges that will eventually lead him to the throne of England. INFO> 602-254-2151; www.phxtheatre.org
4/30
Dia de los Ninos. The Phoenix Zoo is the place to be for children as they enjoy mariachi music, folkloric dance, storytelling, crafts and the fun of breaking piñatas. Cost: $6-$14. INFO> 602-273-1341; www.phoenixzoo.org
5/29 - 8/2 (Monday through Friday)
Kid's Club & Child Care. With weekly themes like Passport Around the World; Wacky Inventions; Lights, Camera, Action!; Presto, It's Magic!; Science Explosion; Creative Cooking & Awesome Gifts; Meet the Press; Ready, Set, Go! (NASCAR racing); and Gold Medal Games, the Summer Kid's Club is full of fun, activity and learning. Located at the Desert Willow Elementary School, Kid's Club is open to students K through 5th Grade. Half-day and full-day sessions are offered with morning (before program) and afternoon (after program) care available at additional cost. Grades 1-5 may also register for Friday Field Trips to McCormick Ranch Railroad Park, Harkins Theatre, Crackerjax and swimming at PV pool, with bus transportation included in the fee. Fees vary depending on sessions selected, additional childcare and optional Friday Field Trips. INFO> Desert Foothills Community Education 480- 575-2075; www.ccusd93.org
6/5 - 6/29 (Monday through Thursday)
Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School Camps.
Everyone will enjoy the summer months to the fullest if the junior members of the family are enrolled in programs that engage their minds, muscles and creative interests. With all the camps and summer classes offered by Desert Foothills Community Education, it isn't a question of finding a program; it is finding the right program for your child. Look how many are offered: Child's Play Preschool, Kinder Prep Camp, First Grade Prep Camp, Get Movin' Camp, Discovery Camp, Come Create! Camp, Movies, and Music and More. Ages, schedules, program details, locations and fees vary for each summer camp. INFO> Desert Foothills Community Education; 480-575- 2075; www.ccusd93.org
6/5 - 6/17 (Monday through Friday)
Performing Arts Day Camp. Students in the Performing Arts Day Camp, directed by guest artist C. Nicholas Johnson, will perform "Silent Dialogues: Old and New," a multi-media creation by C. Nicholas Johnson, which includes the vignettes "Street Mime," "Electric Nights," "Bodies of Music,"
"Life Song," "Shadow Love," "Conformity," "Gulliver," "Angels Rising," and "Evolution of the Art." Composer Kevin Glenn has created original scores for the vignettes, which are a mix of encore and original pieces. Students will spend two weeks working with six professionals with experience in mime, dance, theater, music, singing, costuming and set design. Participants will receive a DVD of the performance along with a scrapbook they have created about the experience. The camp dates are June 5-17, with two performances on June 17. Performing Arts Camp, located at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, is open to students, grades 1-12. The fee is $340. INFO> Desert Foothills Community Education; 480- 575- 2075; www.ccusd93.org
6/5 - 6/29 (Monday through Thursday)
College for Kids Academic Program. College for Kids is a comprehensive all-day program for students who want to expand their skills while having fun. The program has always focused on the basics of reading, math and writing; but with the new extended day, it will include the applied sciences and the arts. Students will rotate through seven classes/subjects, like Great Books & Writing, Applied Science, Arts & Crafts, and Computers, throughout the day. College for Kids is open to students in Grades 1 - 6, June 5 to 29, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm at Desert Sun Elementary School. The fee is $500. INFO> Desert Foothills Community Education; 480- 575- 2075; www.ccusd93.org
6/26 - 6/30; 7/17 - 7/21
Morals Matter Summer Camp. Life Taxi, Inc., established by Rita Robinson and Pam McDonald in 2005, uses fine arts, life skills and character education to develop life-long learners and enhance basic skills that enables today's children to reach their full potential - as if they were aboard a plane taxied to the end of the runway ready for take off.
With the assistance of a team of educators, motivational speakers, specialized artists, and seasoned instructors, Life Taxi, Inc. will develop critical life skills and change attitudes, values and behaviors in children in an environment expressed by its name LIFE - Learning Involves Fun Experiences. Children will be exposed to new ideas, opportunities and options until good decisions became second nature for them, until they are able to identify and eliminate the common errors, and until they are supporting and enhancing an already stable, well-balanced community.
This year's summer camp classes will be in the form of simulated TV shows: KINDERGARTEN-4 TH GRADE: Nickelodeon- Enjoy a day with Sponge Bob, Dora The Explorer, The Chalk Zone, Jimmy Neutron, and the Rugrats, while learning about sharing, cooperation, attitude, friendship, etc. Disney- Explore Fantasy, Adventure, Frontier and Tomorrow Lands as you learn how to dream, explore and discover. The Muppets- While using puppets, drama, stage and song learn the importance of friendship and family. Performance scheduled for Friday Night's Extravaganza. X-Games- Sharpen your self-discipline, cooperation, team work, safety, and listening skills while skateboarding, rollerblading and bicycling.
5 TH - 8 TH GRADE : Trading Spaces- While designing your bedroom learn about your personality and find out why your favorite color reflects who you are. Anthem Idol- Unleash your hidden talent and full potential as you compete against Anthem's finest. Be one of the four finalists in Friday Night's Extravaganza where Anthem's Idol will be selected. Sports Center- A true hero knows that integrity, sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance is part of the game. If this is your goal, this class is for you. Survivor- Are you up for the challenge to learn what it takes to be a survivor? Learn how adversity, hardship and tragedy can be overcome.
9 TH - 12 TH GRADE : CSI Anthem- Investigate staged murder scenes to find the truth about drugs, gangs, and violence. The Anthem Amazing Race- Do you love adventure? Are you a team player? If so, take this passion and encompass it with endurance and you could become the first "Anthem Amazing Race" champion. Complete Makeover- Have you ever been described as dazzling, fabulous, spectacular, or gorgeous? This could be you! Let the professionals make you shine. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Donald Trump for a day? Experience what limitless funds can do.
For K-12 th grade, Camp will be divided into three groups: (1) K-4 th grade; (2) 5 th - 8 th grade; and (3) 9 th - 12 th grade. The first camp will run from June 26 through 30 and the second camp will run from July 17 through 21, from 8am to 1pm (M-F), with a Friday Night Extravaganza planned for parents, neighbors, family and community. All classes are $210. Class fees are $200. Cancellation insurance is $10. INFO> 623-551-9593; www.life-taxi.com |
