Editors Note: We’ve made some changes to the ‘Best Things’ list by removing the ‘Event’s and ‘Concerts’ list. We moved both of the pages to new locations and the links to both of these pages can be found at the top of every page. Here’s the links to…
We are going to continue to list the concerts and events for the coming week here (as you will note at the bottom of the page). However, all concerts and events that are off on the horizon will be posted on the pages above.
The coming week is highlighted by the September 11th memorials around town. Tempe and Scottsdale looks to be the only ones to have memorial events posted at press time. From what the City of Tempe has planned, it’s going to be a great event.
1) Healing Fields – September 11th Memorial – Tempe Beach Park – September 10-12 – 5pm to 11pm each day – According to the Healing Fields website "Tempe will honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at its 7th annual Healing Field tribute at Tempe Beach Park. The public is invited to view the display of American flags representing victims of that terrible day. On Sept. 11, the event will open with a ceremony at 5:40 a.m., and there will be a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m."
4) 2nd Friday in Mesa – Friday September 10th – 6 pm to 10 pm – Free – The Downtown Mesa Merchants present second friday a great event for everyone to enjoy art, music and entertainment.
5) Arizona State University Football – This week marks the second week of the 2010 Arizona State Football season. The Sun Devils will take on Northern Arizona at home Saturday night September 11th at 7:00 PM.
6) 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 the best of Major League Baseball!
Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season:
Udachi:
Riding a bullet out of hell on a path to the 3rd plane of existence, Udachi’s influence lies heavily in the psychedelic and manic aspect of dance music. His style can swing from heavy bass inferno drop’s to shuffly 2 step low end stormers. When he goes left you better follow. Kids making up drinking games to the JellyRoll drop, signals a generation of misfits and creepoids ready to jump in and be swallowed up by Udachi’s unique bass-jump rhythms and signature quirky style.
Pickster One:
Arizona-based DJ and music producer Pickster One has been making major waves in the United States and Europe over the last 5 years. With his forward-thinking and highly innovative DJ sets, he has put himself into a genre all his own and has developed an incredibly diverse fan base. Pickster One takes influences from a broad scope of musical genres including Hip-hop, Glitch, Dubstep, and countless other experimental, electronic genres to form a new-school, high-energy set that rocks the party and keeps the dance floor packed.
9) 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!
10) Phoenix Coyotes Rookie Camp – September 11th – 15th – Jobing.com Arena – Fans can get a first look at the future of the Phoenix Coyotes including 2009 first round draft pick Oliver Ekman-Larssen.
11) Phoenix International Raceway’s September 11th Blood Drive – September 11th – 8am to 2 pm – According to PIR’s website "The blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd. in Avondale. Fans wishing to participate in the Sept. 11 blood drive should enter the track at Gate 8 and proceed through the In-Field Tunnel to the Media Center.
Donors must weigh at least 110 lbs. and be at least 17 years of age. Donors must also be in good health, must not have donated blood in the past 56 days, and must present a current donor card or proper form of photo identification at the time of donation."
You must register for an appointment before heading out to the Racetrack!
12) Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).
Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:
Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 7pm – “That’s Life” From Sinatra to Sondheim
Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO
13) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
14) 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.
15).Charlie Hunter – September 12th – Rhythm Room – The Jazz legend returns to Phoenix!
18) Mesa Arts Center Season Kick off Party – Friday, Sept. 10 – 6 – 10 p.m. – Free – from the Mesa Arts Center press release "Experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center. New exhibitions open at Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) which will feature artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. Festivities include free live performances by Mesa Arts Center’s Founding Resident Company organizations in the four theaters along with Art Studios activities and demonstrations. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio."
Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
21.5)New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week:
Tickets on sale September 13th at 10:00 AM
Trans Siberian Orchestra – Jobing.com Arena – November 28th – 3:00 PM and 7:30PM – Tickets for the 3:00 PM show: http://bit.ly/clsN46 Tickets for the evening show: http://bit.ly/9Ef8LN – According to the promoters: "Trans-Siberian Orchestra, one of the top selling concert acts in the world creates one of the most captivating concert experiences on the road today. Insistent on giving their fans the most "value for their dollar," TSO puts on an over-the-top audio/visual spectacular complete with lasers, pyrotechnics, and state of the art lighting allowing generations of fans to be enthralled year after year. The tour will make a stop in Gle…ndale for Two performances on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at Jobing.com Arena. Showtimes are scheduled for 3:00pm and 7:30pm."
Not too much going on this weekend…must be a holiday weekend or something. Seriously though, there’s some great events going on this week. However, most entertainment options are taking the weekend off. Starting next week, the Fall events and entertainment will be many and varied. You can call this weekend ‘the calm before the storm’.
1) Phoenix Cooks! – September 4th – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – THE premiere Phoenix foodie event takes place at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa! Don’t miss this chance to see some of the area’s top chefs and establishments
2) 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!
3) Phoenix Mercury – The 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champions are in the 2010 WNBA Western Conference Finals against the Seattle Storm! Game 2 of the Conference Finals will be September 5th at the US Airways Center at noon! Great Tickets are still available!!
4) Adult Swim – Labor Day Massive – September 5th – 2 PM til 2 AM – Hotel San Carlos – The Final Adult Swim of the 2010 season promises to be a great one! Boo-ya-shock-a!
5) Arizona State University Football – This week marks the opening of the 2010 Arizona State Football season. The Sun Devils will take on Portland State at home Saturday night September 4th at 7:00 PM.
6) 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 the best of Major League Baseball!
Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season:
The Captain
26 – part time model, full time hustler and Label Manager, VP of Trouble & Bass Recordings – The Captain came to New York City in the hot summer of 2004 from the dirtiest of the south,Savannah, GA, where he first started DJing / coordinating events. He has traveled all over the world, Across the US and Canada and into Europe showcasing the heavy sounds of T&B. The Captain has been featured in The Fader, Village Voice…, Time Out New York, Useless Magazine, BPM, Missbehave Magazine, Big Shot Magazine, Metro Pop and XLR8R.
ekb*
A former front woman of indie rock bands during college, ekb* made the switch to the decks when she first experienced the music and atmosphere of the DJ culture in the Pacific Northwest. After moving to Phoenix in 1998, she bought turntables and started collecting and spinning vinyl. An audiophile from the start, she was drawn to the infinite variety of textures and possibilities provided by the world of dance music.
9) 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!
10) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
11)
Black Pearl Poetry Thursdays – 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!
13) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
14) 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.
15) 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.
Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).
Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:
Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 7pm – “That’s Life” From Sinatra to Sondheim
Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO
2nd Friday in Mesa – Friday September 10th – 6 pm to 10 pm – Free – The Downtown Mesa Merchants present second friday a great event for everyone to enjoy art, music and entertainment..
1st Annual Helicopter Ball Drop – Friday September 24th – 12:30 to 1:00 PM – A great fundraiser that benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Gabriel’s Angels, North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and ArmedZilla Foundation
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
Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.
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.
Phoenix Coyotes Home Opener – October 16th – 6:00 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Fresh from opening the season in Prague the Phoenix Coyotes will open their 2010-2011 season against the team that defeated them in the playoffs….the Detroit Red Wings.
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.
22nd Annual Insight Bowl – 8:00 PM – December 28th – Sun Devil Stadium – According to the Insight Bowl’s Webiste "This bowl game is an electrifying experience in college football that you won’t want to miss! The Insight Bowl is bigger and better this year with the third pick from the Big 12 Conference and the third or fourth pick from the Big Ten Conference, after the BCS selections. These two conference face-off with hard-hitting action and rambunctious fans in attendance to support their teams. Annually held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, the Insight Bowl will be televised on ESPN."
40th Annual Fiesta Bowl – January 1, 2011 – 6:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium – According to the Fiesta Bowl’s website: "As a member of the Bowl Championship Series, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl will host the Big 12 Conference champion and another top team in college football. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN."
Tostitos BCS National Championship – January 10th – 6:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium – According to the Fiesta Bowl’s website: "The Fiesta Bowl is proud to host its seventh national championship game on January 10, 2011. The No. 1 team in the country will face-off against the No. 2 team at University of Phoenix Stadium vying for the national title."
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) Mesa Arts Center Season Kick off Party – Friday, Sept. 10 – 6 – 10 p.m. – Free – from the Mesa Arts Center press release "Experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center. New exhibitions open at Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) which will feature artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. Festivities include free live performances by Mesa Arts Center’s Founding Resident Company organizations in the four theaters along with Art Studios activities and demonstrations. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio."
19) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
Arizona Fall Frenzy – September 17th, 18th, and 19th – Tempe Beach Park – One of the strongest local festival lineups in a LONG time descends on the Tempe Beach park for what will be a memorable festival. Scheduled to perform are: Stone Temple Pilots, Shinedown, The Cult, Sevendust, Weezer, Sublime with Rome, Primus, Devo, Blue October, The Dirty Heads, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, Hellyeah, Airbourne, Hail the Villain, and New Medicine. Check out our Day 1 preview of the Arizona Fall Frenzy!!
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.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – Friday October 1 – Dodge Theater – Described by the London Times as “the best tribute show in the world,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings their tribute to Phoenix with the ‘Greatest Hits World Tour.’ The show will include jaw-dropping note-for-note musical excerpts from Pink Floyd’s legendary albums Wish You Were Here, Animals, Dark Side of the Moon & The Wall
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. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
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!
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
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
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!"
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
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."
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”.
Moscow Ballet’s adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’ – December 22nd – Dodge Theater – Moscow Ballet features top graduates of the Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic, and Kiev schools. Critics rave that the Great Russian Nutcracker is “flawless,” “breathtaking,” and “dazzling.” Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical ballet to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for everyone.
Tons of stuff going on AND our events list is getting so big that we may need to create a separate page for Events on the Horizon. There’s so many fun things going on it’s hard to actually what’s THE best thing to do for the coming week. From Green Day, to the Mercury starting the playoffs to the first professional skateboarding league there’s literally something for everyone!
1) 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.
2) Black Carl – Sail Inn – Tempe – The band takes the stage at Midnight. If you haven’t seen Black Carl yet, do it! They put on a hell of a live show!
3) Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
4) ASU Football Mock Game – August 27th – 7 PM – Sun Devil Stadium – The ASU Football team will hold an inter-squad mock game (last year they used referees) and will be open to the public.
5) The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
GIRL UNIT:
Although he was born and bred in the UK, 24-year-old Philip Gamble’s musical passions originate on the American side of the Atlantic. Miami bass, electro, ghettotech, Chicago house, and especially US hip-hop and R&B are all influences, which he then distills into an abstract, 808-driven house template. Gamble began releasing mixes under the name Girl U No Its True in 2006, but only recently started dropping remixes and original productions under the shortened Girl Unit moniker. His I.R.L. EP on Night Slugs has been a staple release for the post-funky set, remixes for C.R.S.T. and Pirate Soundsystem are on the way, and his jaw-dropping and as-yet-unreleased song "Wut" is poised to be a game-changer when it surfaces later this year.
MyKill Bio:
San Francisco dj and producer MyKill has often been cited as "one of the most energetic dj’s in the Bay Area". His passion for music and love of entertaining takes him to different audiences every weekend. Having performed in almost every major club in the Bay Area he has held residencies at various venues such as Trigger, 1015 Folsom, Paradise Lounge, Fahrenheit (SJ), and the Beauty Bar as well as playing signature party nights from the likes of Blow Up, Bootie, Electro Pop Rocks, Glam, and the Academy of Sciences "Nightlife" event. Hailing from Phoenix originally he’s performed all over the Southwest, Mexico, California, and now even holds a current residency in Anchorage, Alaska. Known for playing a wide variety of sounds from Electro to House, Hip Hop, and Club music all seamlessly mixed together with his own signature style and energy. He’s also known to release mixes on a regular basis and received quite a bit of praise on his "Club Killers" series documenting the new marriage of electro and top 40 music.
Nth Bio:
DJ Nth’s (GottaGroove / DTS / DMb /Los Angeles) sound is hard to pin down as he has long been known to wear many different guises as a DJ and play everything from House, Progressive, Trance, Breaks, Disco House, ElectroHouse, and from time to time creatively weave them all together into diverse set. As a former Arizona DJ, he headlined at many events and club nights around the state as well as a long-standing residency at the infamous Kind weekly where he DJed with the world’s top DJs such as: Paul van Dyk, DJ Dan, Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, Digweed, Max Graham, Sander Kleinenberg, and others.
8) Dave Mustane Book Signing - Changing Hands – Tempe – 10am to noon – The heavy metal legend will be signing copies of his new tell all memoirs ‘Mustane: A heavy metal memoir’
9) Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).
This week’s concert:
Friday, August 27, 2010 – 7:30pm – Brad Richte (Guitarist/Songwriter)
Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:
Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 7pm – “That’s Life” From Sinatra to Sondheim
Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO
10) 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 Theater on the last day of their current tour on Friday August 27th."
11)
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.
**THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE FLASHLIGHT TOURS!!!**
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 the best of Major League Baseball!
Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season:
14) 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!
15) 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.
16) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
17) Upcoming Events
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!
Mesa Arts Center Season Kick off Party – Friday, Sept. 10 – 6 – 10 p.m. – Free – from the Mesa Arts Center press release "Experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center. New exhibitions open at Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) which will feature artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. Festivities include free live performances by Mesa Arts Center’s Founding Resident Company organizations in the four theaters along with Art Studios activities and demonstrations. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio."
2nd Friday in Mesa – Friday August 13th – 6 pm to 10 pm – Free – The Downtown Mesa Merchants present second friday a great event for everyone to enjoy art, music and entertainment..
1st Annual Helicopter Ball Drop – Friday September 24th – 12:30 to 1:00 PM – A great fundraiser that benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Gabriel’s Angels, North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and ArmedZilla Foundation
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
Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.
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.
Phoenix Coyotes Home Opener – October 16th – 6:00 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Fresh from opening the season in Prague the Phoenix Coyotes will open their 2010-2011 season against the team that defeated them in the playoffs….the Detroit Red Wings.
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.
22nd Annual Insight Bowl – 8:00 PM – December 28th – Sun Devil Stadium – According to the Insight Bowl’s Webiste "This bowl game is an electrifying experience in college football that you won’t want to miss! The Insight Bowl is bigger and better this year with the third pick from the Big 12 Conference and the third or fourth pick from the Big Ten Conference, after the BCS selections. These two conference face-off with hard-hitting action and rambunctious fans in attendance to support their teams. Annually held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, the Insight Bowl will be televised on ESPN."
40th Annual Fiesta Bowl – January 1, 2011 – 6:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium – According to the Fiesta Bowl’s website: "As a member of the Bowl Championship Series, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl will host the Big 12 Conference champion and another top team in college football. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN."
Tostitos BCS National Championship – January 10th – 6:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium – According to the Fiesta Bowl’s website: "The Fiesta Bowl is proud to host its seventh national championship game on January 10, 2011. The No. 1 team in the country will face-off against the No. 2 team at University of Phoenix Stadium vying for the national title."
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) Raven Events ‘Sip, Shop, and Socialize’ – August 27th – Devil’s Martini North – 5 to 9 PM – According to the promoter "The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events for the purpose of bringing guests
together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with the 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. All are welcome to attend. This is a free event."
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) Lucky Strike Lanes – Downtown Phoenix – The newest night spot in downtown Phoenix opens Friday morning. Dress Code enforced.
21) 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.
27) Black Pearl Poetry Thursdays – 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):
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.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – Friday October 1 – Dodge Theater – Described by the London Times as “the best tribute show in the world,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings their tribute to Phoenix with the ‘Greatest Hits World Tour.’ The show will include jaw-dropping note-for-note musical excerpts from Pink Floyd’s legendary albums Wish You Were Here, Animals, Dark Side of the Moon & The Wall
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. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
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!
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
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
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!"
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
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."
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”.
Moscow Ballet’s adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’ – December 22nd – Dodge Theater – Moscow Ballet features top graduates of the Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic, and Kiev schools. Critics rave that the Great Russian Nutcracker is “flawless,” “breathtaking,” and “dazzling.” Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical ballet to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for everyone.
4) Chandler Art Walk – Downtown Chandler – Third Friday of every month
5) ASU Football Open Team Scrimmage – August 20th – 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Sun Devil Stadium – The 2010 ASU Football Team will hold a team scrimmage and will be open to the public.
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.
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 the best of Major League Baseball!
Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season:
14) 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!
15) 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.
16) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
17) Upcoming Events
Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).
Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:
Friday, August 27, 2010 – 7:30pm – Brad Richte (Guitarist/Songwriter)
Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 7pm – “That’s Life” From Sinatra to Sondheim
Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO
Raven Events ‘Sip, Shop, and Socialize’ – August 27th – Devil’s Martini North – 5 to 9 PM – According to the promoter “The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events for the purpose of bringing guests
together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with the 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. All are welcome to attend. This is a free event.”
ASU Football Mock Game – August 27th – 7 PM – Sun Devil Stadium – The ASU Football team will hold an inter-squad mock game (last year they used referees) and will be open to the public.
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
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!
2nd Friday in Mesa – Friday August 13th – 6 pm to 10 pm – Free – The Downtown Mesa Merchants present second friday a great event for everyone to enjoy art, music and entertainment..
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
Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.
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.
Phoenix Coyotes Home Opener – October 16th – 6:00 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Fresh from opening the season in Prague the Phoenix Coyotes will open their 2010-2011 season against the team that defeated them in the playoffs….the Detroit Red Wings.
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 – 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) Black Pearl Poetry Thursdays – 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!
19) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market – Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
21) 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.
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
Tickets on August 23rd at 10 AM
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – Friday October 1 – Dodge Theater – Described by the London Times as “the best tribute show in the world,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show brings their tribute to Phoenix with the ‘Greatest Hits World Tour.’ The show will include jaw-dropping note-for-note musical excerpts from Pink Floyd’s legendary albums Wish You Were Here, Animals, Dark Side of the Moon & The Wall
The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
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.”
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. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
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!
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
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
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!”
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
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.”
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”.
Moscow Ballet’s adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’ – December 22nd – Dodge Theater – Moscow Ballet features top graduates of the Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic, and Kiev schools. Critics rave that the Great Russian Nutcracker is “flawless,” “breathtaking,” and “dazzling.” Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical ballet to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for everyone.
As you can see from the list below, there’s so much to do across town for the coming week! Highlighting this list is former 10,000 Maniacs singer Natalie Merchant on her first tour in seven years. Free Concerts, free national park admission, free open houses are among some of the fun things going this week!
2) 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.
3) Fetish Heat – August 14th – Venue of Scottsdale – Lords of Acid and My Life with the Thrill kill Kult headline the yearly fetish event.
4) 2nd Friday in Mesa – Friday August 13th – 6 pm to 10 pm – Free – The Downtown Mesa Merchants present second Friday a great event for everyone to enjoy art, music and entertainment.. This month features ‘Dog Days of Summer’ a dog and pet related event. There will even be prizes for dogs this month.
5) Chandler Center for the Arts Free Concert Series – Every Friday until September 19th, the Chandler Center for the Arts will have a series of concerts that is open to the public (seating is on a first come, first served basis).
Here’s the lineup of concerts that you can see for no charge:
THIS WEEK – Friday August 13, 2010 – 7:30pm – Bad Cactus Brass Band (New Orleans Jazz)
Friday, August 27, 2010 – 7:30pm – Brad Richte (Guitarist/Songwriter)
Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 7pm – “That’s Life” From Sinatra to Sondheim
Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 3pm – Calo Flamenco – CUADRO
6) Blood into Wine Movie/Wine Tasting Event – August 18th – 6PM – Hyatt at Gainey Ranch – According to the event’s website "The evening starts at 6pm with a tasting of the Arizona Wines featured throughout the film. This Arizona Wine Experience tasting will feature the wines from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Page Springs Vineyards & Cellars, and Caduceus Cellars Merkin Vineyards. One of the producers from the movie will even be on hand to introduce the film, as well as answer any questions you may have."
B. Rich (aka Barrett Richards) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of America’s welcome purveyors of bass-heavy house music. With nearly a decade of DJ and producing experience within a rave scene that has come and gone, he has positioned himself nicely into house music and dropped like a bomb. He was influenced at a young age by early hip hop and old school rave …such as Moby and has crafted a unique sound that is becoming internationally recognized.
His sets are known to fly all over the map, between electro house, bassline, baltimore breaks, old skool dance and dubstep all with a unifying element: huge low end frequencies. When behind the tables he shows the signs of an artist and performer who truly loves their work.
Warming things up will be FUSE favorite HUSSY HUSSY… PLUS it’s also gonna get silly as we’re celebrating the b-day of Dj ASTROFUNK!!!
Residents Mara, Sol Martinez, Disko Da, & Substation will also be droppin some sounds and joining the party as always!
9) X103.9′s Third Thursday – August 19th – 8 PM – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill – Mesa – Free All-Ages Show – The Venue may have moved from Scottsdale but the chance to see a great up and coming artist is still there for fans. This month’s edition features:
The Stone Foxes, The Hypno Twins, and Weird is the New Cool
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.
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:
14) The Reverend Horton Heat – August 17th – Marquee Theater – The legendary Rockabilly guitarist…with a twist plays in probably the best venue in town.
15) Raven Events B2B Networking Mixer – Un Bacio – Free – August 12th – 6 to 10 PM – According to the promoters "This is THE best event to mix, mingle, network and socialize in an informal, open forum. We provide a comfortable, inviting environment openly welcoming anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit! The B2B Networking Mixer is a popular event that takes place every 2nd Thursday of each month and brings in about 500 guests. Each month we market and showcase 2 to 4 businesses or organizations that become the focal point of interest during the B2B Mixer. Although this event is held in a fun, upbeat atmosphere, make no mistake about it, in attendance are like-minded individuals who are there to exchange ideas, get referrals, make beneficial introductions and seek out serious business connections. This is a FREE event so bring plenty of business cards and get ready to connect with some of the Valley’s most enterprising, successful business owners and professionals in the Valley! "
16) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
ASU Football Open Team Scrimmage – 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Sun Devil Stadium – The 2010 ASU Football Team will hold a team scrimmage and will be open to the public.
ASU Football Mock Game – August 27th – 7 PM – Sun Devil Stadium – The ASU Football team will hold an inter-squad mock game (last year they used referees) and will be open to the public.
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
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!
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
Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.
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.
Phoenix Coyotes Home Opener – October 16th – 6:00 PM – Jobing.com Arena – Fresh from opening the season in Prague the Phoenix Coyotes will open their 2010-2011 season against the team that defeated them in the playoffs….the Detroit Red Wings.
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 – 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) Black Pearl Poetry Thursdays – 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!
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) 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.
21) 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.
25) Yoga in the Park – Biltmore Fashion Park – Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.
26) 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!
27) 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.
30) 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.
31)
21.5) Concerts
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
Moscow Ballet’s adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’ – December 22nd – Dodge Theater – Moscow Ballet features top graduates of the Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic, and Kiev schools. Critics rave that the Great Russian Nutcracker is “flawless,” “breathtaking,” and “dazzling.” Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical ballet to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for everyone.
The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
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."
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. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:
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!
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
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
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!"
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
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."
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”.
There’s so much to do around town this week it’s hard to pack it in to just one aritcle! The number one item for the coming week is the Arizona Diamondbacks retiring Luis Gonzalez’s numer Saturday afternoon which will be the first in franchise history. Don’t forget that it’s First Friday in downtown Phoenix this week as well! Also, check out our ever growing list of events in the coming weeks and months! Finally, note that tickets for Jerry Seinfeld, Gorillaz go on sale tomorrow and, by popular demand, a second show with Daniel Tosh (info in the concerts section) goes on sale Monday.
1) Luis Gonzalez’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!
2) 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
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.
6) 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!
This Friday rotating resident DJ MUSA will be celebrating her new CD release " " as well as her b-day… Also, making his return to the FUSE rooftop will be valley favorite DON RICARDO!
Plus residents Mara, Sol Martinez, & Disko Da will be droppin some sounds and joining the party as always!
11) 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.
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!
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:
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) – Live music on the second Thursday of every month.
17) Upcoming Events
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.
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
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
Chambers of Fear – Starting October 1st – Billed as Arizona’s Scariest Haunted House, Chambers of Fear is the first of many great haunted house destinations around the greater Phoenix area.
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.
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 – 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) Black Pearl Poetry Thursdays – 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!
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) 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.
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
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!
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.
The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
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."
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. 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
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
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!"
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
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."
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”.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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’
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!
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.
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
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
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.
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 – 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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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
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
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”.
It may be hotter than a frying pan out there right now but that doesn’t mean there isn’t’ anything to do around town. This week’s edition of ‘Best Things’ features a full updated list of events as well as adding new Mesa Arts Center events off on the horizon. You can always tell when the end of the summer is near….when venues start publishing their fall events.
Don’t forget that the new H&M Grand Opening at the Scottsdale Fashion Square is this week as well (see below)!
1) NU – Heard Museum – 5:30 to 9:00 PM – This month’s edition of The Heard Museum’s Cultural event features music, spa, wine tasting, food, and more! Check the link or the Facebook event below for full details.
2) Phoenix Coyotes Open House – July 21st – Jobing.com Arena – 7 to 9 PM – The Phoenix Coyotes are holding their annual open house for all fans. Admission is Free!
3) Robert Plant and the Band of Joy – July 20th – Dodge Theater 7:30PM – Tickets on sale April 5th at 10 AM – The legendary Led Zeppelin Singer brings one of his solo bands for a one night only show at the Dodge Theater
4) Arizona Derby Dames – Double Header Banked Track Roller Derby Bout – July 17th – Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum – In their 5th year, the Arizona Derby Dames have become one of Phoenix’s premiere entertainment sources. Check out some great banked track roller derby under the roof of the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum (on the Arizona State Fairgrounds).
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)
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!
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:
The Rave: Variety Hits
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)
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.
10) 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
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’
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):
14) 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) H&M Scottsdale Fashion Square Grand Opening – July 22 – Noon – The latest store in the H&M Chain will open at the Scottsdale Fashion Square on the 22nd. Along with the Grand Opening comes tons of fun, prizes and other goodies. People can line up starting at 6 AM for the grand opening. We’ll have more for you about the Grand Opening soon with all the details.
Raven’s Sip, Shop, & Socialize Mixer – July 23 – Devil’s Martini North – According to the event promoter "The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events for the purpose of bringing guests together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with the 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. All are welcome to attend. This is a free event."
Blooze Bar Benefit Bash – July 24th – The Red Owl (2155 E University Drive) – If you haven’t heard by now one of the most popular local music destinations in Phoenix, the Blooze Bar, was gutted by a fire a few weeks ago. The local community is banding together for a benefit to help the bar rebuild and they are asking for your help. Cover is $5 and it goes to help with the rebuild.
Fetish Heat – August 14th – Venue of Scottsdale – Lords of Acid and My Life with the Thrill kill Kult headline the yearly fetish event.
Street League Skateboarding – August 28th – Jobing.com Arena – The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!
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.
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.
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 the local art galleries.
21.5) Concerts
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
Tickets on Sale July 17th at 10 AM
Nickelback – October 29th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – See Link for full details and to purchase tickets
Tickets on Sale Now
Ratt – July 31 – Club 910 – Legendary Metal band Ratt plays a rare and intimate club show
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"
The Tubes – August 27 – The Compound Grill – Yes, it’s the original group.
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.
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
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:
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”.
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
1) World Cup 2010 in South Africa – Every four years, the largest sporting event in the world takes place in various countries around the globe. This year, the world decends upon South Africa to witness the best international football (soccer) players in the world. From today until July 11th the best of the best in international football (soccer) will battle to see who is the best in the world. If there ever was a time to become a fan of Soccer/international football, NOW is the time. ESPN/ESPN3.comABC has your coverage for all the games in the tournament.
Now that the knockout round is about to begin, THIS is the time to watch the World Cup!
All the games from the World Cup will be archived on ESPN3.com. If you miss any game, you can catch any game in its entirety from ESPN3.com.
2) Adult Swim – Sunday’s Through Labor Day- 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.
3) 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 ‘Slumber Party Massacre II & III:
4) 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
5) Raven Events Sip, Shop and Socalize Mixer – Friday June 25th – Devil’s Martini North – Free – According to the event promoter: "The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events for the purpose of bringing guests together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with the 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. All are welcome to attend, including GUYS! This is a free event."
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!
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:
Groove Merchants: Variety Covers
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.
This week’s movie is ‘Michael Jackson: This is it’ and starts at June 25th at 7:30 PM
10) 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.
12) 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.
13) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season – Another season of Diamondbacks baseball is well underway. 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):
14) 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) Thursday Night Market – The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.
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
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) 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)
21.5) Concerts
New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):
Show Updates!
Lilith – July 8th – Cricket Wireless Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ – THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!
Christina Aguilera – August 14th – 8 PM – US Airways Center – THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!
Cheap Trick – July 3rd – Grand Ballroom at the Talking Stick Resort – Scottsdale, AZ
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”.
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
