We’re at Comicon for the weekend and will be updating this posting as we check things out…..and as bandwidth allows…
Thursday
We checked out the preview last night to get a lay of the land and to check out a great Star Trek Q & A called ‘Star Trek Lives (Again)’. I consider myself a pretty big fan of Star Trek having followed most aspects of the Franchise since the first series aired.
However the panelists knowledge of the entire Star Trek ‘Universe’ blew me, and all who were in the packed room, away.
Friday
4:30 PM – Wil Wheaton is on the Stage in the Main Ballroom. The broadcast is available live on the internet right now. He’s in the middle of an Atari 2600 story at the moment.
6:30 PM – Dinner Break
Wil Wheaton’s Awesome Hour was indeed that. Awesome. Recorded the Question and Answer session of his talk and will post the audio later tonight/tomorrow…I just wish there was a media area to work at.
7:55 PM – Hyatt Hotel
The evening portion of the convention has moved to the Hyatt Hotel. Among the events tonight is a Zombie Beauty Pagent and Wil Wheaton Rockband.
Found the video link to Wheaton’s talk. Gonna post it later.
9:45 PM – Wil Wheaton Rockband
Man oh man what a mess. The organizers are realizing that they have too many people showing up and not enough room in the ballroom for everyone. The organizers are doing their best to keep everyone organized and calm.
9:59 – Wil Wheaton Rockband
Ok mess is an understatement. This is unorganized chaos. My patience and desire to participate in this event is wearing thin.
10:20 – Wil Wheaton Anarchy
The band that appeared before this Rock Band event was supposed to start at 9:00 PM followed by the Rock Band event starting at 10:00 PM (going until 2 AM). The band went on at 9:50 PM. Wonderful.
Friday – Conclusion
Well, I gotta hand it to the Comicon People. They got everything re-organized and in line. Kudos to them for a great job behind the scenes to get everything into shape.
I got in line and performed in the Wil Wheaton Rockband, performing the Who’s Baba O’Reiley on ‘no fail’ mode. The makers of Rock Band gave Wheaton an Xbox 360 filled with every single song for Rock Band. Gonna post photos and video of the session later.
The best part of the Wil Wheaton Rockband?
Performing the song ‘Ghostbusters’ with a band dressed as the Ghostbusters….proton packs and all.
3:15 – Session: How to open your own Comic book store
An interesting seminar hosted by two local comic book store owners on tips and traps on opening your own comic store. Great seminar for business owners.
5:30 – TNG Reunion
Just got done with an Hour with Wil Wheaton, Levar Burton, and Jonathan Frakes who were all cast members on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Who knew they were all EXTREMELY funny together. Recorded the entire hour and will post it later this evening.
6:00 PM – Aaron Douglas
The man who played the Chief on the new Battlestar Galatica is about to start his rescheduled appearance.
GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!! GO SUNS GO!!!
2) Phoenix Comicon 10 – May 27th-30th – Phoenix Convention Center – Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session) along with TONS of other great guests (Wil Wheaton, Levar Burton, Jonathan Frakes and more!!!
3) Brian Wilson – May 29th – Talking Stick Resort – Yes, it’s THE Brian Wilson who hardly ever tours.
4) Adult Swim – May 30th – Hotel San Carlos – The event of all summer events is back where it all started, the Pool at the Hotel San Carlos. Space on the pool deck IS limited thanks to the City of Phoenix Fire Marshall.
5) Vanilla Ice – May 28th – 6:30 PM – Venue of Scottsdale
6) Ansel Adams: Discoveries – Phoenix Art Museum – Through June 6 – This exhibition is an amazing look through the life and career of Ansel Adams. An amazing display for art and photo buffs.
8) Phoenix Mercury – The 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champions are back for another season and they only have one goal in mind….win the Championship again. Come see your Phoenix Mercury play the WNBA’s best. Even former Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley is impressed by the high level of competition in this league.
9) George Clinton/Funkadelic/Parlament – May 30th – Grand Ballroom at the Talking Stick Resort – Shake your loose booty to some great grooves!
10) The Melvins – June 2nd – 8 PM – Clubhouse – Tempe – Totimoshi opens
Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!
This week features:
DEATHFACE aka JOHNNY LOVE of GUNS N BOMBS
14) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!
Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
Fashion Week 2010 – September 30th, October 1st and 2nd – Schedule and site TBD
18) Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.
20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM – On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.
Starting next week throught the summer the Farmers Market will move under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium from 8-11:30 AM Saturdays – Enter Through Gate B.
21) Market on Mill – Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.
22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)
23) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
26) Black Pearl Poetry – Tempe – Thursdays – MADCAP Theaters – $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) – 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM – A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!
27) Thursday Night Market – The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.
“Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver” is a stirring tribute to a musical master with accompaniment by the Phoenix Symphony. ‘ According to the Phoenix Symphony’s website: Singer-songwriter John Denver’s run of signature hits made him the most beloved country-folk musician of our time. Following his untimely death, singer Jim Curry has kept his memory alive and joins three of Denver’s former band-mates and The Phoenix Symphony for a cool evening of Denver’s greatest hits. From Rocky Mountain High and Sunshine on My Shoulders, to Thank God I’m a Country Boy, this concert will take you to a time of simple pleasures and bittersweet country sentiment.
Tony Bennett – Sunday June 6th at 8:00 PM – Dodge Theater – The legendary crooner brings his timeless music to the Dodge Theater for a memorable evening.
Chicago with the Doobie Brothers – June 15th – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix
Country Throwdown Tour – June 18th – 1PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield
Vans Warped Tour – June 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 11:00 AM – Tickets only $34.95 – For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.
Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL
Lilith 2010 – July 8th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 2:30 PM – Back for the first time in 11 years Sara McLachlan brings her women powered festival (Formerly known as the Lilith Fair) tour to Phoenix. Lilith promises a day of the best of today’s female artists for fans of all ages! Among the acts on this bill are: Sarah McLachlan, Miranda Lambert, Jenni Rivera, The Go-Go’s, Brandi Carlile, A Fine Frenzy, Marina & The Diamonds, Susan Justice, Molly Jenson, Donna Delory. Reserved tickets will be priced at $101.00, $71.50, $41.50. Lawn Tickets will be priced at $27.00. A Special $75 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Kings of Leon – Saturday July 10th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Rockstar Mayhem Festival – Featuring Korn and Rob Zombie – Friday July 16th at Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors will open at 1:30 PM – Lamb of God and Five Finger Death Punch will also share the mainstage with Korn and Rob Zombie. Reserved tickets priced at $59.85, $49.02 and $31, a limited amount of General Admission Pit tickets priced at $75 . Lawn Tickets will be priced at $31 (plus fees). 4 pack of lawn tickets are also available for $98 (not including fees). Also on the bill is Hatebreed, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Winds of Plague, Atreyu, Norma Jean, In
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy – July 20th – Dodge Theater 7:30PM – Tickets on sale April 5th at 10 AM – The legendary Led Zepplin Singer brings one of his solo bands for a one night only show at the Dodge Theater
Rihanna with special guest Ke$ha – Thursday July 22nd – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – The Multi platinum and Grammy winning R & B Superstar is bringing her ‘Last Girl on Earth’ World Tour to Phoenix. Expect a HUGE production from Rihanna during this tour. “We’ve never done a tour to this capacity. The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level. Visually and sonically it’s going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for,” said Rihanna in a recent interview with AOL.
Reserved tickets will be priced at $95.75, $65.75 and $35.75 with a limited number of Golden Circle tickets also available. Lawn tickets will be priced at $25.75.
REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar – Saturday July 24th at 7:00 PM – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest bands of the 80′s will share the stage and treat fans with a large catalog of classics. Edwin McCain will open the show.
Barenaked Ladies – Dodge Theater – Sunday July 25th at 7:30 PM – Every ticket for this show that is purchased online will include a digital cop of the Barenaked Ladies new album ‘All Tn Good Time’. Tickets will be priced at $48.00 and $38.00 with a limited number of $78.00 Golden Circle tickets also available. 4 Pack tickets are also available for this show.
Scorpions Farewell World Tour with very special guest Tesla – Tuesday July 27th at 7:30 PM – Dodge Theater – You read that right, this is the farewell tour for one of the greatest heavy metal acts of all time. The Scorpions will be bringing their ‘Get your sting and blackout’ road show to the Dodge Theater. This will be the absolute last chance to hear your favorite Scorpions classics before they retire for good. Tickets will be priced at $69.00, $59.00, $45.00, $29.00 with a limited number of $89 Golden Circle tickets also available. A Special Four Pack Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Monster Ball Tour Featuring Lady Gaga – Saturday July 31st – US Airways Center – Quickly becoming one of the best known and best selling pop artists of the modern era, Lady Gaga brings a brand new vision of her songs to the US Airways Center. Her shows have been selling out across North America and this show is sure to sell out. Semi Precious Weapons will open the show.
TOBY KEITH’S American Ride Tour – August 8th 7:17 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Prices: Reserved Tickets: $69.75, $49.75 , $29.75 – Lawn: $29.75 – 6 Pack of tickets: $99.96 – Ticket Special two tickets for $40 – Trace Adkins and Jame Otto open the show
John Mayer – August 18th at 7:30 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.
Green Day with AFI - August 30th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM – Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.
Michael Bolton – September 10th – 8PM – Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.
Howie Mandel – Chandler Center for the Arts – Friday September 24th at 8 PM – While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.
Carrie Underwood – October 3rd at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.
Benise – The Spanish Guitar – Chandler Center for the Arts – Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey.
The Password for the pre-sale is ‘Benise’ (without the quotes)
Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 – Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.
Kenny Rogers – October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – MGM Grand Hotel – Las Vegas, NV – Saturday October 23rd – 7:00 PM – We don’t normally post out of town information like this but since Mr. Buffett will be in close proximity to Phoenix, we had to post this. Also, if you have never seen him perform in Las Vegas, you must go. He throws one HELL of a party not only at his show but with his after parties at his bars on the Las Vegas Strip.
Andre Rieu – November 29th at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.
‘Eating Out 101′ is going to be the first installment of a periodic series about how to make your dining experiences more pleasurable no matter where you go out to eat. These columns are and will be based on my experiences in and around the food industry (over 15 years).
The first tip is a bit of information that all should know when dining out no matter if you’re going to McDonald’s or a five star restaurant:
If you aren’t satisfied with your eating experience ALWAYS tell a manager about it. The good managers will always want to know how to make not only their business run better but to ensure that their customers will be back for future visits.
I’ll give you two examples here of this tip. One when it wasn’t applied and one when it was.
King’s Fish House in the Tempe Marketplace – This is an example of why you should notify the manager of poor food quality/experience. My girlfriend and I went to King’s Fish House a few weeks ago as my girlfriend really wanted their Cioppino. When it’s done right at King’s Fish House, it’s an amazing dish.
When the Cioppino arrived, I got a sample of some of the seafood in the dish only to discover that the majority of the seafood was overcooked but the shrimp that was included in the dish was not deveined (meaning that the Shrimp’s waste intestines were not cleaned out before cooking…a major health risk).
In addition, the seafood was so overcooked that the shell of the Dungeness Crab in the dish was rubbery and extremely difficult to break apart with crab crackers.
For those of you who don’t eat crab too much, rubbery crab shells is the first sign that the crab you have been served is overcooked. When crabs are fully cooked, the shells should be red (in the case of Dungeness Crabs) and always have a crisp cracking sound when they are broken with crab crackers.
I had attempted to get my girlfriend to send the dish back but she seemed content with the dish as/is.
If I had received this overcooked Cioppino for my dinner, and I was supposed to pay $25 for it I would have sent the dish back to the kitchen as should all who receive under or overcooked meals.
The Lesson here is to not accept anything less than a good meal if you know you have been served a sub-standard product…especially if you’re going to pay $25 for the meal. In this case, contact the floor or general manager of the establishment and express your concerns to them.
Saddle Ranch – Old Town Scottsdale – I had attended a birthday party a couple weeks ago for a friend at the Saddle Ranch during their dinner rush/happy hour. My girlfriend and I were ready to order food and drinks the moment we arrived at the Saddle Ranch. When we joined up with the rest of the party goers, we were told that the waitress had requested we order from her exclusively instead of going to the bar.
No problem.
Fifteen minutes later….
The waitress finally showed up to our party area and took our order. This was after I caught her flirting with guys at the bar. She had apologized for being late uttering the excuse that she was busy with a bunch of tables…yeesh.
After that point, everything seemed to go downhill.
The waitress messed up orders for our party including one instance where the waitress first totally forgot to place a friend’s order for a New York Steak. I should note that after the entire table got their food, including mine (my friend had placed her order long before I had arrived), my friend told the waitress about her order not arriving. The waitress put in the order but the wrong steak arrived. Not wanting to deal with the waitress anymore my friend ate the steak that she did not order.
When we had finished our meals and were ready to leave, we decided to just pay, ignore the waitress completely about the problems with the service and talk to the manager about our experiences directly.
My friend and I were able to relay our concerns to the Saddle Ranch Manager one on one. At the end of the conversation the Saddle Ranch Manager thanked us for our feedback. He then told us he was pretty new at this particular store, he was in the process of evaluating the staff and some changes would be made (he didn’t say what they were). He then pulled out a couple cards for my friend and I that were good for 30% off our bill the next time we ate at the Saddle Ranch.
The point of this second example is to show you an example of what to do when your service is substandard and what a good manager does in a restaurant to retain your business.
This manager listened to the feedback of his customers and wanted to retain us as customers. I personally wasn’t expecting the 30% off coupon and would have not been expecting any compensation like this in other situations. All I wanted to do was to relay my experiences to the manager which is what you all should do if you have a less than great dining experience.
So what happens when the manager doesn’t take to your suggestions or brushes them off in any way?
It’s time to find a new restaurant and avoid the establishments that won’t take your comments.
Some great events going on around town this week. The Suns are in the Western Conference Finals, Brooks and Dunn visit the Valley of the Sun on their Farewell Tour, and the ‘Lost’ series finale are just some of the great things going on in and around town.
1) Brooks and Dunn – May 21st – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – This is the last time EVER that you will get to see Brooks and Dunn as they are currently on their Farewell Tour! I’ve seen them live and they put on a TREMENDOUS show!
2) NU(Native+You)= Art+Opera+Drinks+Dining – Heard Museum – Every 3rd Friday – Free – From the NU Facebook Event: “The Heard Museum’s third Friday evening free series, NU (Native + You), will mix opera and art on March 19th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The evening includes a film, Barking Water, that was a Sundance Film Festival Selection, music tonight is by Dry River Yacht Club, plus a cash bar until 9pm and their cafe serves dinner til 8pm!. Admission to the event and museum is FREE.
3) Queensryche – May 22nd – Orpheum Theater – The band is Touring with ‘The First Adults-Only Rock Show’ (21 and over) – According to the Band’s website: "FEATURING GO-GO AND BURLESQUE DANCERS, DRAG QUEENS, A JUGGLER, TRAPEZE ARTIST, A CONTORTIONIST AND MUCH, MUCH MORE TO COME TO PHOENIX, SAN DIEGO AND PALM SPRINGS. BAND TO PERFORM HITS PLUS NEVER-HEARD-BEFORE SELECTIONS AT WHAT’S BEING HERALDED AS “THE FIRST ADULTS ONLY ROCK SHOW" Icon opens the show.
5)Robert Cray – May 25 – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – 6 PM – The Legendary blues singer/guitarist brings a career spanning over 35 years to Phoenix. Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns open the show
6)
Ansel Adams: Discoveries – Phoenix Art Museum – Through June 6 – This exhibition is an amazing look through the life and career of Ansel Adams. An amazing display for art and photo buffs.
The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events, LLC for the purpose of bringing guests together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with opportunity to discover and support unique local businesses that offer gifts, products and services. By combining business networking, happy hour specials, delicious food, and convenient shopping, there is sure to be something for everyone who attends this popular event. Everyone is welcome to attend, including GUYS! This is a free event.
8) Phoenix Mercury – The 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champions are back for another season and they only have one goal in mind….win the Championship again. Come see your Phoenix Mercury play the WNBA’s best. Even former Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley is impressed by the high level of competition in this league.
14) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):
Phoenix Comicon 10 – May 27th-30th – Phoenix Convention Center – Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)
Fashion Week 2010 – September 30th, October 1st and 2nd – Schedule and site TBD
18) Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.
20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM – On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.
21) Market on Mill – Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.
22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)
23) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
26) Black Pearl Poetry – Tempe – Thursdays – MADCAP Theaters – $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) – 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM – A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!
27) Thursday Night Market – The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
On Sale Friday May 21st at 10 AM
Christina Aguilera – August 14th – 8 PM – US Airways Center – The talented Multi-platnium singer will be bringing her ‘Bionic’ World Tour to Phoenix. Fans who purchase tickets to her show online before Jun 4th will receive a digital copy of her new album ‘Bionic’ on June 7th. Tickets priced at $104.25, $74.25, $54.25 and $34.25. Leona Lewis Opens the Show
Tim McGraw – June 3rd – 7 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on sale today!!!
Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver – June 4th and 5th at 7:00 PM – Symphony Hall – The Phoenix Symphony closes out its 2009-2010 Pop season with a great tribute to a Folk/Pop legend. "Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver" is a stirring tribute to a musical master with accompaniment by the Phoenix Symphony. ‘ According to the Phoenix Symphony’s website: Singer-songwriter John Denver’s run of signature hits made him the most beloved country-folk musician of our time. Following his untimely death, singer Jim Curry has kept his memory alive and joins three of Denver’s former band-mates and The Phoenix Symphony for a cool evening of Denver’s greatest hits. From Rocky Mountain High and Sunshine on My Shoulders, to Thank God I’m a Country Boy, this concert will take you to a time of simple pleasures and bittersweet country sentiment.
Tony Bennett – Sunday June 6th at 8:00 PM – Dodge Theater – The legendary crooner brings his timeless music to the Dodge Theater for a memorable evening.
Chicago with the Doobie Brothers – June 15th – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix
Country Throwdown Tour – June 18th – 1PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield
Vans Warped Tour – June 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 11:00 AM – Tickets only $34.95 – For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.
Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL
Lilith 2010 – July 8th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 2:30 PM – Back for the first time in 11 years Sara McLachlan brings her women powered festival (Formerly known as the Lilith Fair) tour to Phoenix. Lilith promises a day of the best of today’s female artists for fans of all ages! Among the acts on this bill are: Sarah McLachlan, Miranda Lambert, Jenni Rivera, The Go-Go’s, Brandi Carlile, A Fine Frenzy, Marina & The Diamonds, Susan Justice, Molly Jenson, Donna Delory. Reserved tickets will be priced at $101.00, $71.50, $41.50. Lawn Tickets will be priced at $27.00. A Special $75 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Kings of Leon – Saturday July 10th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Rockstar Mayhem Festival – Featuring Korn and Rob Zombie – Friday July 16th at Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors will open at 1:30 PM – Lamb of God and Five Finger Death Punch will also share the mainstage with Korn and Rob Zombie. Reserved tickets priced at $59.85, $49.02 and $31, a limited amount of General Admission Pit tickets priced at $75 . Lawn Tickets will be priced at $31 (plus fees). 4 pack of lawn tickets are also available for $98 (not including fees). Also on the bill is Hatebreed, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Winds of Plague, Atreyu, Norma Jean, In
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy – July 20th – Dodge Theater 7:30PM – Tickets on sale April 5th at 10 AM – The legendary Led Zepplin Singer brings one of his solo bands for a one night only show at the Dodge Theater
Rihanna with special guest Ke$ha – Thursday July 22nd – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – The Multi platinum and Grammy winning R & B Superstar is bringing her ‘Last Girl on Earth’ World Tour to Phoenix. Expect a HUGE production from Rihanna during this tour. “We’ve never done a tour to this capacity. The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level. Visually and sonically it’s going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for,” said Rihanna in a recent interview with AOL.
Reserved tickets will be priced at $95.75, $65.75 and $35.75 with a limited number of Golden Circle tickets also available. Lawn tickets will be priced at $25.75.
REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar – Saturday July 24th at 7:00 PM – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest bands of the 80′s will share the stage and treat fans with a large catalog of classics. Edwin McCain will open the show.
Barenaked Ladies – Dodge Theater – Sunday July 25th at 7:30 PM – Every ticket for this show that is purchased online will include a digital cop of the Barenaked Ladies new album ‘All Tn Good Time’. Tickets will be priced at $48.00 and $38.00 with a limited number of $78.00 Golden Circle tickets also available. 4 Pack tickets are also available for this show.
Scorpions Farewell World Tour with very special guest Tesla – Tuesday July 27th at 7:30 PM – Dodge Theater – You read that right, this is the farewell tour for one of the greatest heavy metal acts of all time. The Scorpions will be bringing their ‘Get your sting and blackout’ road show to the Dodge Theater. This will be the absolute last chance to hear your favorite Scorpions classics before they retire for good. Tickets will be priced at $69.00, $59.00, $45.00, $29.00 with a limited number of $89 Golden Circle tickets also available. A Special Four Pack Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Monster Ball Tour Featuring Lady Gaga – Saturday July 31st – US Airways Center – Quickly becoming one of the best known and best selling pop artists of the modern era, Lady Gaga brings a brand new vision of her songs to the US Airways Center. Her shows have been selling out across North America and this show is sure to sell out. Semi Precious Weapons will open the show.
TOBY KEITH’S American Ride Tour – August 8th 7:17 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Prices: Reserved Tickets: $69.75, $49.75 , $29.75 – Lawn: $29.75 – 6 Pack of tickets: $99.96 – Ticket Special two tickets for $40 – Trace Adkins and Jame Otto open the show
John Mayer – August 18th at 7:30 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.
Green Day with AFI - August 30th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM – Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.
Michael Bolton – September 10th – 8PM – Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.
Howie Mandel – Chandler Center for the Arts – Friday September 24th at 8 PM – While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon "Deal or No Deal." The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning "St. Elsewhere," to the international (and also Emmy nominated) "Bobby’s World," Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.
Carrie Underwood – October 3rd at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.
Benise – The Spanish Guitar – Chandler Center for the Arts – Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production "THE SPANISH GUITAR".In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey.
The Password for the pre-sale is ‘Benise’ (without the quotes)
Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 – Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.
Kenny Rogers – October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – MGM Grand Hotel – Las Vegas, NV – Saturday October 23rd – 7:00 PM – We don’t normally post out of town information like this but since Mr. Buffett will be in close proximity to Phoenix, we had to post this. Also, if you have never seen him perform in Las Vegas, you must go. He throws one HELL of a party not only at his show but with his after parties at his bars on the Las Vegas Strip.
Andre Rieu – November 29th at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.
1) Pato Banton – May 16th – Club Red – (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) – One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.
Ansel Adams: Discoveries – Phoenix Art Museum – Through June 6 – This exhibition is an amazing look through the life and career of Ansel Adams. An amazing display for art and photo buffs.
8) Phoenix Mercury – The 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champions are back for another season and they only have one goal in mind….win the Championship again. Come see your Phoenix Mercury play the WNBA’s best. Even former Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley is impressed by the high level of competition in this league.
10) Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto – May 15th at Symphony Hall – The Phoenix Symphony is bringing a touch of world music to the current Season by showcasing Tan Dun’s Oscar Winning Soundtrack to ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Performing this masterpiece will be guest conductor En Shao who is currently the Chief Conductor of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Guest Conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra. The concert will also feature erhu player Betti Ziang who is renown for her mastery of this instrument.
This week features FUSE resident DJ (and FUSE co-founder) Sol Martinez’s CD Release party
14) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):
Phoenix Comicon 10 – May 27th-30th – Phoenix Convention Center – Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)
Fashion Week 2010 – September 30th, October 1st and 2nd – Schedule and site TBD
18) Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.
20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM – On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.
21) Market on Mill – Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.
22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)
23) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
26) Black Pearl Poetry – Tempe – Thursdays – MADCAP Theaters – $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) – 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM – A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!
21.5) Concerts
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
On Sale Saturday May 15th at 10AM
Lilith 2010 – July 8th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 2:30 PM – Back for the first time in 11 years Sara McLachlan brings her women powered festival (Formerly known as the Lilith Fair) tour to Phoenix. Lilith promises a day of the best of today’s female artists for fans of all ages! Among the acts on this bill are: Sarah McLachlan, Miranda Lambert, Jenni Rivera, The Go-Go’s, Brandi Carlile, A Fine Frenzy, Marina & The Diamonds, Susan Justice, Molly Jenson, Donna Delory. Reserved tickets will be priced at $101.00, $71.50, $41.50. Lawn Tickets will be priced at $27.00. A Special $75 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
TOBY KEITH’S American Ride Tour – August 8th 7:17 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Prices: Reserved Tickets: $69.75, $49.75 , $29.75 – Lawn: $29.75 – 6 Pack of tickets: $99.96 – Ticket Special two tickets for $40 – Trace Adkins and Jame Otto open the show
Queensryche – May 22nd – Orpheum Theater – The band is Touring with ‘The First Adults-Only Rock Show’ (21 and over) – According to the Band’s website: "FEATURING GO-GO AND BURLESQUE DANCERS, DRAG QUEENS, A JUGGLER, TRAPEZE ARTIST, A CONTORTIONIST AND MUCH, MUCH MORE TO COME TO PHOENIX, SAN DIEGO AND PALM SPRINGS. BAND TO PERFORM HITS PLUS NEVER-HEARD-BEFORE SELECTIONS AT WHAT’S BEING HERALDED AS “THE FIRST ADULTS ONLY ROCK SHOW" Icon opens the show.
Robert Cray – May 25 – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – 6 PM – The Legendary blues singer/guitarist brings a career spanning over 35 years to Phoenix. Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns open the show
Tim McGraw – June 3rd – 7 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on sale today!!!
Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver – June 4th and 5th at 7:00 PM – Symphony Hall – The Phoenix Symphony closes out its 2009-2010 Pop season with a great tribute to a Folk/Pop legend. "Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver" is a stirring tribute to a musical master with accompaniment by the Phoenix Symphony. ‘ According to the Phoenix Symphony’s website: Singer-songwriter John Denver’s run of signature hits made him the most beloved country-folk musician of our time. Following his untimely death, singer Jim Curry has kept his memory alive and joins three of Denver’s former band-mates and The Phoenix Symphony for a cool evening of Denver’s greatest hits. From Rocky Mountain High and Sunshine on My Shoulders, to Thank God I’m a Country Boy, this concert will take you to a time of simple pleasures and bittersweet country sentiment.
Tony Bennett – Sunday June 6th at 8:00 PM – Dodge Theater – The legendary crooner brings his timeless music to the Dodge Theater for a memorable evening.
Chicago with the Doobie Brothers – June 15th – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix
Country Throwdown Tour – June 18th – 1PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield
Vans Warped Tour – June 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 11:00 AM – Tickets only $34.95 – For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.
Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL
Kings of Leon – Saturday July 10th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Rockstar Mayhem Festival – Featuring Korn and Rob Zombie – Friday July 16th at Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors will open at 1:30 PM – Lamb of God and Five Finger Death Punch will also share the mainstage with Korn and Rob Zombie. Reserved tickets priced at $59.85, $49.02 and $31, a limited amount of General Admission Pit tickets priced at $75 . Lawn Tickets will be priced at $31 (plus fees). 4 pack of lawn tickets are also available for $98 (not including fees). Also on the bill is Hatebreed, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Winds of Plague, Atreyu, Norma Jean, In
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy – July 20th – Dodge Theater 7:30PM – Tickets on sale April 5th at 10 AM – The legendary Led Zepplin Singer brings one of his solo bands for a one night only show at the Dodge Theater
Rihanna with special guest Ke$ha – Thursday July 22nd – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – The Multi platinum and Grammy winning R & B Superstar is bringing her ‘Last Girl on Earth’ World Tour to Phoenix. Expect a HUGE production from Rihanna during this tour. “We’ve never done a tour to this capacity. The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level. Visually and sonically it’s going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for,” said Rihanna in a recent interview with AOL.
Reserved tickets will be priced at $95.75, $65.75 and $35.75 with a limited number of Golden Circle tickets also available. Lawn tickets will be priced at $25.75.
REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar – Saturday July 24th at 7:00 PM – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest bands of the 80′s will share the stage and treat fans with a large catalog of classics. Edwin McCain will open the show.
Barenaked Ladies – Dodge Theater – Sunday July 25th at 7:30 PM – Every ticket for this show that is purchased online will include a digital cop of the Barenaked Ladies new album ‘All Tn Good Time’. Tickets will be priced at $48.00 and $38.00 with a limited number of $78.00 Golden Circle tickets also available. 4 Pack tickets are also available for this show.
Scorpions Farewell World Tour with very special guest Tesla – Tuesday July 27th at 7:30 PM – Dodge Theater – You read that right, this is the farewell tour for one of the greatest heavy metal acts of all time. The Scorpions will be bringing their ‘Get your sting and blackout’ road show to the Dodge Theater. This will be the absolute last chance to hear your favorite Scorpions classics before they retire for good. Tickets will be priced at $69.00, $59.00, $45.00, $29.00 with a limited number of $89 Golden Circle tickets also available. A Special Four Pack Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Monster Ball Tour Featuring Lady Gaga – Saturday July 31st – US Airways Center – Quickly becoming one of the best known and best selling pop artists of the modern era, Lady Gaga brings a brand new vision of her songs to the US Airways Center. Her shows have been selling out across North America and this show is sure to sell out. Semi Precious Weapons will open the show.
John Mayer – August 18th at 7:30 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.
Green Day with AFI - August 30th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM – Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.
Michael Bolton – September 10th – 8PM – Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.
Howie Mandel – Chandler Center for the Arts – Friday September 24th at 8 PM – While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon "Deal or No Deal." The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning "St. Elsewhere," to the international (and also Emmy nominated) "Bobby’s World," Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.
Carrie Underwood – October 3rd at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.
Benise – The Spanish Guitar – Chandler Center for the Arts – Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production "THE SPANISH GUITAR".In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey.
The Password for the pre-sale is ‘Benise’ (without the quotes)
Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 – Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.
Kenny Rogers – October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – MGM Grand Hotel – Las Vegas, NV – Saturday October 23rd – 7:00 PM – We don’t normally post out of town information like this but since Mr. Buffett will be in close proximity to Phoenix, we had to post this. Also, if you have never seen him perform in Las Vegas, you must go. He throws one HELL of a party not only at his show but with his after parties at his bars on the Las Vegas Strip.
Andre Rieu – November 29th at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.
Former 10,000 Maniacs singer Natalie Merchant is going on tour for the first time in seven years. She will be performing August 17th at the Dodge Theater with an eight piece band that will perform songs from her solo career as well as songs from her new album ‘Leave your Sleep’. If you’re a fan of 10,000 Maniacs or a fan of Natalie Merchant, you don’t want to miss this chance to see her perform live.
I also suggest you check out Natalie Merchant’s Website as well. The ability to listen to her back catalog and the way it’s presented is simply amazing. The only drawback is that you can’t listen to entire songs.
Due to increased demand on our main AZ Vibe Twitter page we have started up a separate Twitter account for our sports coverage. Starting tonight at 6PM we will be posting all sports related news, information, articles and other goodies on @azvibesports. All Coyotes, D-Backs, Suns, ASU, Rattlers, and anything else we can dig up will be posted here.
Also, make sure you visit the other sections of our site for your sports needs:
Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transitioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizon to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.
Lots of fun stuff to do for the coming week! Penn and Teller, First Friday, Concerts, Sports and much much more. Don’t forget to check out the WaterDance Film Festival at the Westgate City Center this Friday!
1) Penn & Teller – Mesa Arts Center – Friday May 7, 8 p.m. – One of the most entertaining magic acts in the world today make rare Phoenix appearance. You cannot miss this chance to see Penn & Teller!
3) First Friday – Downtown Phoenix — It’s that time of the month where the artists of Phoenix open their doors to the public. Since First Friday is one of the coolest and greatest cultural events that Phoenix has to offer it’s a must see event! Check out the pictures on our Facebook Fan Page for but a small sample of the goings on.
For more information about First Friday, check this link out:
6) Merle Haggard – Sunday May 9, 7:30 p.m. – Mesa Arts Center
7) Solas and Bearfoot – Saturday May 8th at 7:30 PM – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Amphitheater – $25 – Solas has a reputation for being the top Celtic band from the United States. Their influences reached across the world. Opening the show will be Alaskan Bluegrass band Bearfoot.
9) Beatles and Friends: Sounds of the 60′s – May 7th, 8th, 9th – Phoenix Symphony – Symphony Hall – Guest conductor Michael Krajewski and Tenor Ron Evan brings many of the Beatles classic hits along with other 60′s hits from artists like the Beach Boys and the Mama’s and the Papa’s.
10) Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto – May 13th at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – May 15th at Symphony Hall – The Phoenix Symphony is bringing a touch of world music to the current Season by showcasing Tan Dun’s Oscar Winning Soundtrack to ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Performing this masterpiece will be guest conductor En Shao who is currently the Chief Conductor of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Guest Conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra. The concert will also feature erhu player Betti Ziang who is renown for her mastery of this instrument.
11) Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angels Philharmonic – Wednesday May 12th at 7:30 PM – Symphony Hall – One of the most exciting conductors of our era will be bringing the Los Angeles Philharmonic (the Phoenix Symphony will not be performing at this event) and a program that includes ‘Mahler’s massive Symphony No. 1′. Don’t miss this chance to see an amazing night of music.
14) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):
Phoenix Comicon 10 – May 27th-30th – Phoenix Convention Center – Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)
Fashion Week 2010 – September 30th, October 1st and 2nd – Schedule and site TBD
18) Grand Opening Party – Raven Events – Escape Restaurant and Lounge – May 8th at 8:00 PM – Raven Events is throwning a grand opening party like no other. According to her site: "Join us in celebration of the grand opening of one of Scottsdale’s first real
upscale lounges located on Market Street in DC Ranch. You’ll love discovering
this elegant yet cozy new gathering place that serves an eclectic fusion of food
from around the world at very affordable prices. The interior of Escape Lounge
has a swanky, sexy atmosphere with modern décor in warm hues of reds and
purples. Escape also has a great patio with comfortable seating under the North
Scottsdale moonlight and stars. Escape has plenty of parking in front, on the
side, and in back and is located next to Flemings."
20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM – On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.
21) Market on Mill – Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.
22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)
23) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
24) Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM – FREE – Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all
25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
26) Black Pearl Poetry – Tempe – Thursdays – MADCAP Theaters – $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) – 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM – A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!
Pato Banton – May 16th – Club Red – (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) – One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h
Tim McGraw – June 3rd – 7 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on sale today!!!
Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver – June 4th and 5th at 7:00 PM – Symphony Hall – The Phoenix Symphony closes out its 2009-2010 Pop season with a great tribute to a Folk/Pop legend. "Rocky Mountain High – A Tribute to John Denver" is a stirring tribute to a musical master with acompanyment by the Phoenix Symphony. ‘ According to the Phoenix Symphony’s website: Singer-songwriter John Denver’s run of signature hits made him the most beloved country-folk musician of our time. Following his untimely death, singer Jim Curry has kept his memory alive and joins three of Denver’s former band-mates and The Phoenix Symphony for a cool evening of Denver’s greatest hits. From Rocky Mountain High and Sunshine on My Shoulders, to Thank God I’m a Country Boy, this concert will take you to a time of simple pleasures and bittersweet country sentiment.
Tony Bennett – Sunday June 6th at 8:00 PM – Dodge Theater – The legendary crooner brings his timeless music to the Dodge Theater for a memorable evening.
Chicago with the Doobie Brothers – June 15th – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix
Country Throwdown Tour – June 18th – 1PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield
Vans Warped Tour – June 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors open at 11:00 AM – Tickets only $34.95 – For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.
Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL
Kings of Leon – Saturday July 10th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Rockstar Mayhem Festival – Featuring Korn and Rob Zombie – Friday July 16th at Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Doors will open at 1:30 PM – Lamb of God and Five Finger Death Punch will also share the mainstage with Korn and Rob Zombie. Reserved tickets priced at $59.85, $49.02 and $31, a limited amount of General Admission Pit tickets priced at $75 . Lawn Tickets will be priced at $31 (plus fees). 4 pack of lawn tickets are also available for $98 (not including fees). Also on the bill is Hatebreed, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, Winds of Plague, Atreyu, Norma Jean, In
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy – July 20th – Dodge Theater 7:30PM – Tickets on sale April 5th at 10 AM – The legendary Led Zepplin Singer brings one of his solo bands for a one night only show at the Dodge Theater
Rihanna with special guest Ke$ha – Thursday July 22nd – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – The Multi platinum and Grammy winning R & B Superstar is bringing her ‘Last Girl on Earth’ World Tour to Phoenix. Expect a HUGE production from Rihanna during this tour. “We’ve never done a tour to this capacity. The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level. Visually and sonically it’s going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for,” said Rihanna in a recent interview with AOL.
Reserved tickets will be priced at $95.75, $65.75 and $35.75 with a limited number of Golden Circle tickets also available. Lawn tickets will be priced at $25.75.
REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar – Saturday July 24th at 7:00 PM – Dodge Theater – Two of the biggest bands of the 80′s will share the stage and treat fans with a large catalog of classics. Edwin McCain will open the show.
Barenaked Ladies – Dodge Theater – Sunday July 25th at 7:30 PM – Every ticket for this show that is purchased online will include a digital cop of the Barenaked Ladies new album ‘All Tn Good Time’. Tickets will be priced at $48.00 and $38.00 with a limited number of $78.00 Golden Circle tickets also available. 4 Pack tickets are also available for this show.
Scorpions Farewell World Tour with very special guest Tesla – Tuesday July 27th at 7:30 PM – Dodge Theater – You read that right, this is the farewell tour for one of the greatest heavy metal acts of all time. The Scorpions will be bringing their ‘Get your sting and blackout’ road show to the Dodge Theater. This will be the absolute last chance to hear your favorite Scorpions classics before they retire for good. Tickets will be priced at $69.00, $59.00, $45.00, $29.00 with a limited number of $89 Golden Circle tickets also available. A Special Four Pack Ticket Offer will also be available while supplies last.
Monster Ball Tour Featuring Lady Gaga – Saturday July 31st – US Airways Center – Quickly becoming one of the best known and best selling pop artists of the modern era, Lady Gaga brings a brand new vision of her songs to the US Airways Center. Her shows have been selling out across North America and this show is sure to sell out. Semi Precious Weapons will open the show.
John Mayer – August 18th at 7:30 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.
Green Day with AFI - August 30th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM – Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.
Michael Bolton – September 10th – 8PM – Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.
Howie Mandel – Chandler Center for the Arts – Friday September 24th at 8 PM – While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon "Deal or No Deal." The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning "St. Elsewhere," to the international (and also Emmy nominated) "Bobby’s World," Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.
Carrie Underwood – October 3rd at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.
Benise – The Spanish Guitar – Chandler Center for the Arts – Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production "THE SPANISH GUITAR".In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey.
The Password for the pre-sale is ‘Benise’ (without the quotes)
Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 – Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.
Kenny Rogers – October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – MGM Grand Hotel – Las Vegas, NV – Saturday October 23rd – 7:00 PM – We don’t normally post out of town information like this but since Mr. Buffett will be in close proximity to Phoenix, we had to post this. Also, if you have never seen him perform in Las Vegas, you must go. He throws one HELL of a party not only at his show but with his after parties at his bars on the Las Vegas Strip.
*NOTE* THE JIMMY BUFFETT SHOW IS IN LAS VEGAS!!
Andre Rieu – November 29th at 7:30 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.
The brand new Doors documentary “When You’re Strange” is a fresh look at the legend that was the Doors and will be showing at the MADCAP Theaters in Tempe on May 7th and 8th (info below).
Narrated by actor Johnny Depp, “When You’re Strange” the movie takes a look at the mystery and chemistry that made the Doors such a power force in pop and rock music even to this day. According to Johnny Depp, “Watching the hypnotic, hitherto unreleased footage of Jim, John, Ray and Robby, I felt like I experienced it all through their eyes. As a rock n’ roll documentary, or any kind of documentary for that matter, it simply doesn’t get any better than this. What an honor to have been involved. I am as proud of this as anything I have ever done.”
From what I have been reading, this is a must see event if you are a Doors fan or a movie buff.
“When You’re Strange” is showing May 7th and 8th at the MADCAP Theaters. Showtimes are 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM
One of the premiere outdoor movie events in the greater Phoenix Area returns for another spring. The WaterDance Film Festival begins this Friday at the WaterDance plaza at the Westgate City Center. All are welcome to sit and watch some of Hollywood’s best movies under the stars. Bring your friends, bring a picnic dinner, bring your chairs and have some fun!
Here’s the schedule of events for the Spring:
May 7 – 7:30pm: Up
May 14 – 7:30pm: Shrek 2
May 21 – 7:30pm: Toy Story 2
May 28 – 7:30pm: Twilight: New Moon
June 4 – 7:30pm: Superman Returns
June 11 – 7:30pm: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
June 18 – 8pm: The Blind Side
June 25 – 8pm: Michael Jackson This Is It
On Saturday November 27th, one of the best rock albums of all time will be performed at the US Airways Center when Roger Waters of Pink Floyd Fame performs the rock Opera ‘The Wall’ in its entirety. Not much is known about the makeup of the tour other than the dates booked but you can definitely expect one of the best stage shows you have ever witnessed. When it comes to productions of ‘The Wall’ over the years, (‘The Wall’ has been performed in its entirety only 31 times since it’s release) they all have used the most state of the art technology for each production. Roger Waters has always been at the forefront of technology and music and has proved time and time again that he is not afraid to push the limits of both.
Roger Waters isn’t going to be touring for very much longer and with two former members of Pink Floyd now deceased (Syd Barrett and Richard Wright) and another member officially retired from touring (David Gilmour). This is probably your last chance ever to see not only a high quality Pink Floyd production but Roger Waters in concert.
Do not miss this chance to see one of the best sound and visual experiences you could ever imagine in a concert setting.
Tickets are priced at $203.75, $103.75, $79.75 and $59.75 and do not include applicable service charges.
Roger Waters posted the following essay on his website about why he’s doing ‘The Wall’ again in 2010….
Roger Waters, 2010
I recently came across this quote of mine from 22 years ago:
” What it comes down to for me is this: Will the technologies of communication in our culture, serve to enlighten us and help us to understand one another better, or will they deceive us and keep us apart?”
I believe this is still a supremely relevant question and the jury is out. There is a lot of commercial clutter on the net, and a lot of propaganda, but I have a sense that just beneath the surface understanding is gaining ground. We just have to keep blogging, keep twittering, keep communicating, keep sharing ideas.
30 Years ago when I wrote The Wall I was a frightened young man. Well not that young, I was 36 years old.
It took me a long time to get over my fears. Anyway, in the intervening years it has occurred to me that maybe the story of my fear and loss with it’s concomitant inevitable residue of ridicule, shame and punishment, provides an allegory for broader concerns.: Nationalism, racism, sexism, religion, Whatever! All these issues and ‘isms are driven by the same fears that drove my young life.
This new production of The Wall is an attempt to draw some comparisons, to illuminate our current predicament, and is dedicated to all the innocent lost in the intervening years.
In some quarters, among the chattering classes, there exists a cynical view that human beings as a collective are incapable of developing more ‘humane’ ie, kinder, more generous, more cooperative, more empathetic relationships with one another.
I disagree.
In my view it is too early in our story to leap to such a conclusion, we are after all a very young species.
I believe we have at least a chance to aspire to something better than the dog eat dog ritual slaughter that is our current response to our institutionalized fear of each other.
I feel it is my responsibility as an artist to express my, albeit guarded, optimism, and encourage others to do the same. To quote the great man, ” You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”
