No matter which way you look at it, Lady Gaga’s Saturday appearance at the US Airways Center is THE biggest event of the week. Also, keep an eye on the growing events list. Now that Summer is on it’s last legs and people will be going outside more, there’s going to be an INSANE amount of events going on around town.
1) 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.
2) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM — 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:
Astrofunk, ekb*, & Alkeme + DREA’s B-Day!!
Astrofunk: I’m just like you. Except I am from the other side of the sun.
Alkeme: Originally from South America and East Coast nurtured, Alkeme integrates the suave and soulful city light grooves with a touch of Martini Lounge Class ambiance. Deep House Passion and sensual beats accompanied with the latest in top 40 mixes, Alkeme offers you a taste of the eclectic, the unique, the sensual and sexy.
ekb*: An audiophile from the start, she was drawn to the infinite variety of textures and possibilities provided by the world of dance music. ekb* continues to keep her focus on the dance floor. While primarily a breaks DJ, ekb* also has a long standing passion for house music. Showcasing her musical knowledge and skill, you will hear her incorporate elements of funk, disco, and speed garage in her high energy sets. When the party needs a mellow and sophisticated vibe, she also celebrates the sounds of jazz, reggae and soul. Whatever the mood or flavor, ekb* has something in her crates to satisfy your soul.
For you Facebook types:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135477203158286
3) ANT – The Comedy Spot – Old Town Scottsdale – The loudmouth comic who is most famous for his appearances on ‘Last Comic Standing’ comes to the The Comedy Spot, a very intimate venue for comedy.
4) Ratt – July 31 – Club 910 – Legendary Metal band Ratt plays a rare and intimate club show
For you Facebook Types:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100589389996973
5) Garden Flashlight Tours – Every Thursday and Saturday until August 28th – Desert Botanical Garden – Need a great idea for an Outdoor Date night? Try the Flashlight Tours at the Desert Botanical Garden its a great outing and a great way to learn more about the local desert flora and fauna of the area. (First picture in this article is from the Garden Flashlight Tours)
6) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s – Fair Trade Cafe – 1st and Roosevelt – Downtown Phoenix – Check out some great open mic poetry!
7) Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series – Kierland Commons in Scottsdale – Every Saturday in June and July (except 4th of July weekend) from 7 PM to 10 PM.
This week’s feature band: Cold Shott: Blues, Jazz, Rock & Soul
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) 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.
10) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM – Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate B.
11) Ahwatukee Farmers Market – 8 AM to Noon – 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044
12) MADCAP Theaters – Tempe – Ongoing – I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!
One of the feature events is the screening of the ‘Troop Beverly Hills’
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133885273312739
13) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball is well underway. New manager Kirk Gibson 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): http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895 1
4) 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!
15) House of Floyd – August 6 – The Compound Grill – According to the Compound Grill’s website "House of Floyd is more than just a band; they’re a full-on multimedia experience with LASERS, visuals and a whole lot more. This is a must-attend for any Pink Floyd fan"
16) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)
17) Upcoming Events
Luis Gonzales’s #20 gets retired by the Diamondbacks – August 7th – Chase Field – The Diamondbacks will be retiring the first number in franchise history on August 7th at 5 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this historic event in Phoenix Sports!
Fetish Heat – August 14th – Venue of Scottsdale – Lords of Acid and My Life with the Thrill kill Kult headline the yearly fetish event.
Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks – August 14-15 – No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.
2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival – Grand Avenue – Downtown Phoenix – Date TBD
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season – Sept 9th – April 30th – Mesa Arts Center
Arizona Restaurant Week – September 18th – 26th – Various Locations
Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks – September 25th – No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.
Fashion Week 2010 – September 30th, October 1st and 2nd – Schedule and site TBD
National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series – Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau – October 20th – Mesa Arts Center – Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.
Tempe Oktoberfest – October 1-3 – Tempe Beach Park – Free
5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts – October 3rd – 4-6:30 PM – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.
John Lithgow in Stories by Heart – October 21st and 22nd – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party – November 7th – Noon to 5 PM – Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street
Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks – November 11th – No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.
National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series – America’s Great Wildlife Migrations – December 8th – Mesa Arts Center – Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.
National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series – Exploring Mars: The Next Generation – January 19th, 2011 – Mesa Arts Center – NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.
National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series – My Wild Life – March 23rd, 2011 – Mesa Arts Center – Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.
18) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday
19) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
20) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
21.5) Concerts
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
Tickets on Sale August 1st
Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season – Varions locations
Tickets on Sale August 6th at 10 AM
Jerry Seinfeld – October 9th – Dodge Theater – Legendary funny man Jerry Seinfeld heads back to the place where he is the funniest, on stage. Don’t miss this rare performance! Ticket links will be posted shortly.
Gorillaz – October 26th – Dodge Theater
Tickets on Sale Now
Shaggy with special Guests Steel Pulse – Auguest 21st – Fort McDowell Casino – Two reggae legends play a great venue!
The Maine – Friday August 27 – The Nile Theater – 105 West Main Street Mesa – According to the promoter’s website:
"The Phoenix based rockers debuted at #16 on the Billboard Album Chart this week with the release of their new Album “Black & White” (SIRE).
The album is the bands second album, first on major label Sire Records. Earlier this week MTV premiered the new video “Inside Of You” calling it a “Instant classic!”
The band will be preforming at The Nile Theatre on the last day of their current tour on Friday August 27th."
Arizona Fall Frenzy – September 17th, 18th, and 19th – Tempe Beach Park
Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi – October 24th – Chandler Center for the Arts – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website "Dating back to the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago, Chinese acrobatic spectacles were first called “Bai Xi,” meaning “one hundred amazing acts,” in reference to the performer’s seemingly limitless skills and innumerable feats they could perform. These daring and beautiful talents were featured in command performances for China’s imperial courts and have been passed down and enhanced through generations. Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi combines all aspects of the traditional and the modern in acrobatic stage performance; awesome displays of physical strength and incredible feats of balance, traditional and contemporary dance and martial arts…all performed in spectacular costumes, on the stage and high in the air. This grand theatrical production from Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi is a breathtaking spectacle! "
Alpin Hong - October 29th – Chandler Center for the Arts – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Pianist Alpin Hong has the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper and a mentor for the iPod generation. Whatever your notions are about classical music, push them aside right now! Opening the ears, eyes and imagination with his combination of stunning technique, emotional range and humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet. Rooted in extensive classical training and a love of skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames, Alpin is a creative force unmatched in its youthful vivacity and boundless energy. Alpin connects with people of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds with his uniquely humorous and visionary approach to arts education."
Point of Grace – November 12th – Chandler Center for the Arts – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics."
Abba Maina – November 13th – Chandler Center for the Arts – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live."
Chandler Symphony Orchestra – November 14th – Chandler Center for the Arts – Free –
Alpin Hong - October 29th – Chandler Center for the Arts – According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website
So You Think You Can Dance Tour – November 17th – Jobing.com Arena
Show Updates!
Christina Aguilera – August 14th – 8 PM – US Airways Center – THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!
Limp Bizkit With special guest Ice cube – August 7 – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!
Shows off on the horizon:
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
Ted Nugent – August 11th – Celebrity Theater
The Reverend Horton Heat – August 17th – Marquee Theater
American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th – Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)
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.
Asia (Original Lineup) – August 25th – Celebrity Theater
The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance – Saturday August 28th – Dodge Theater
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.
Charlie Hunter – September 12th – Rhythm Room
Paramore with Tegan and Sara – Dodge Theater – September 15th – Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM
NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 – September 17th – Mesa Arts Center
Modern English – September 17th – The Compound Grill
Margaret Cho – The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 – September 18th – Dodge Theatre
Chris Issac – September 23rd – Celebrity Theater
Pixies with the Fuck Buttons – Friday September 24th – Mesa Amphitheater
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.
KISS – September 24th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion
For you Facebook Types:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789
Daniel Tosh – Tosh Tour Twenty Ten – September 25th – Dodge Theater
The Zac Brown Band – September 25th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – September 26th – US Airways Center – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – New Show date ANDnew opening act!
O.A.R. – September 28th – Celebrity Theater – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
Sheena Easton – October 1 – Mesa Arts Center
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.
For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819
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.
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.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers – October 10th – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – Actor/Comedian Steve Martin showcases one of his long standing, but rarely showcased, talents to Scottsdale. He will be performing his banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers. According to the SCFTPA’s website: “More than 30 years after Steve Martin’s novelty hit about a pharaoh born in Arizona made its debut on Saturday Night Live, this comedian, actor, playwright and bona-fide banjo player’s second musical album (The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo) spent 30 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. It’s an amazing triumph considering he also composed and performed all of the songs on the CD, which won him a Grammy Award for ‘Best Bluegrass Album.’
Partnered with The Steep Canyon Rangers band, Steve Martin rides into the West’s Most Western Town with his posse of five bluegrass musicians from North Carolina, performing on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin. Spotlighting his fleet skills at the bluegrass technique of the clawhammer, Martin will pepper his 100-minute mostly instrumental concert with humorous quips.”
Kenny Rogers – October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater
Vince Gill – October 19th – Mesa Arts Center
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!!
Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi – October 23rd – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – Jazz Legend Stanley Clarke and Jazz Virtuoso Hiromi converge on the SCFTPA for what is to be an amazing night of Jazz.
Details on what to expect in the video below:
Ravi Shankar – October 23rd – Mesa Arts Center – The Sitar master returns to the valley
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
Kenny Loggins – November 3rd – Celebrity Theater
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”.
Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis – February 17 – Mesa Arts Center
Frank Sinatra Jr. – March 19th, 2011 – 7:30 PM – Chandler Center for the Arts
Ricky Skaggs – March 26th, 2011 – 7:30 PM – Chandler Center for the Arts
The Manhattan Transfer – March 31, 2011 – Celebrity Theater
Popularity: 20% [?]


























