AZ Vibe – The Ultimate Phoenix Entertainment Resource

Where Phoenix goes to find out what's really going on!

CHICAGO - AUGUST 07: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs onstage during the 2010 Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park on August 7, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

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.

6) American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 27th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

7) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!

This week features:

Girl Unit, Mykill, Nth

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.

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149212775097358&ref=ts

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!!!**

12) Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

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:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

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!

Phoenix Cooks! -- September 4th -- JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

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..

NU -- Native + You -- Heard Museum -- Third Friday of every month

Chandler Art Walk -- Downtown Chandler -- Third Friday of every month

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

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.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Saturday, September 25th

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.

Arizona Taco Festival -- October 9th -- Scottsdale Waterfront

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

Tempe Oktoberfest -- October 1-3 -- Tempe Beach Park -- Free

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

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.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party -- November 7th -- Noon to 5 PM -- Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- November 11th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weekend -- November 11-14 -- Phoenix International Raceway

Tempe Festival of the Arts Fall Festival -- December 3-5 -- Downtown Tempe -- Free

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

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 Parade -- December 31 -- 11:00 AM -- Central Ave

Fiesta Bowl Block Party -- December 31 -- 5:00 PM -- 12:30 AM -- Mill Avenue

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 -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

Subway Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weekend -- February 25th-27th, 2011 -- Phoenix International Raceway

Arizona Barbecue Festival -- March 19th, 2011 -- Scottsdale Waterfront

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.

Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weekend -- November 12th and 13th, 2011 -- Phoenix International Raceway

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.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

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.

22) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s -- Fair Trade Cafe -- 1st and Roosevelt -- Downtown Phoenix -- Check out some great open mic poetry!

23) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

24) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

25) 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.

26) North Scottsdale Farmers Market -- Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM -- Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

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):

Tickets on Sale Now

Country Thunder -- Florence, Arizona -- April 7th -- April 10th, 2011 -- Early bird tickets are on sale now! Click this link for tickets!

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Various locations

Shows off on the horizon:

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Arizona Fall Frenzy -- September 17th, 18th, and 19th -- Tempe Beach Park

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten- Show #1 -- September 25th -- 7:30 PM- Dodge Theater

By popular demand! Daniel Tosh -- Tour Twenty Ten -- Show #2 -- Dodge Theater -- September 25th -- 10:30 PM

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

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

Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler and Chris Young -- October 1st -- 7:30 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

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

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Daily Life in Paris.

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!"

Gorillaz -- October 26th -- Dodge Theater

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."

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Point of Grace -- November 12th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics."

Abba Maina -- November 13th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live."

Chandler Symphony Orchestra -- November 14th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Free

So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- November 17th -- Jobing.com Arena

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

Andre Rieu -- November 29th at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular -- December 1st and December 2nd (4 performances) -- Jobing.com Arena

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.

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. -- March 19th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

Ricky Skaggs -- March 26th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 12% [?]

Top 21.5 things to do for the week ending August 26, 2010

Posted by Editor On August - 19 - 2010

There seems to be a bug going around which has taken over the editor so we’ll make this brief. Get out, and enjoy your weekend!

1) Foodies Like Us 1st Anniversary Fiesta -- August 23rd -- 5:30-7:30 PM -- La Hacienda located in the the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel

2) Shaggy with special Guests Steel Pulse -- Auguest 21st -- Fort McDowell Casino -- Two reggae legends play a great venue!

3) NU -- Native + You -- Heard Museum -- Third Friday of every month

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.

6) Asia (Original Lineup) -- August 25th -- Celebrity Theater

7) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen! This week features:

“Da Vault”

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127691143944398

8) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

9) 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.

10) ASU Women’s Volleyball Marooon and Gold Scrimmage -- August 20th -- Wells Fargo Arena

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.

12) North Scottsdale Farmers Market -- Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM -- Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

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:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

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!

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

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..

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- September 25th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Saturday, September 25th

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.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

Tempe Oktoberfest -- October 1-3 -- Tempe Beach Park -- Free

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

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.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party -- November 7th -- Noon to 5 PM -- Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- November 11th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

Tempe Festival of the Arts Fall Festival -- December 3-5 -- Downtown Tempe -- Free

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- My Wild Life -- March 23rd, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.

18) 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) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

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.

22) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s -- Fair Trade Cafe -- 1st and Roosevelt -- Downtown Phoenix -- Check out some great open mic poetry!

23) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

21.5) Concerts

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

Tickets on Sale Now

Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler and Chris Young -- October 1st -- 7:30 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Varions locations

Shows off on the horizon:

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.”

Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

Green Day with AFI - August 30th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM -- Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Arizona Fall Frenzy -- September 17th, 18th, and 19th -- Tempe Beach Park

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten- Show #1 -- September 25th -- 7:30 PM- Dodge Theater

By popular demand! Daniel Tosh -- Tour Twenty Ten -- Show #2 -- Dodge Theater -- September 25th -- 10:30 PM

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

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

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Daily Life in Paris.

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!”

Gorillaz -- October 26th -- Dodge Theater

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.”

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Point of Grace -- November 12th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: “True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics.”

Abba Maina -- November 13th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: “Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live.”

Chandler Symphony Orchestra -- November 14th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Free

So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- November 17th -- Jobing.com Arena

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

Andre Rieu -- November 29th at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular -- December 1st and December 2nd (4 performances) -- Jobing.com Arena

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.

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. -- March 19th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

Ricky Skaggs -- March 26th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 10% [?]

Top 21.5 things to do for the week ending August 19th, 2010

Posted by Editor On August - 12 - 2010

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!

1) Natalie Merchant’s first tour in seven years -- Dodge Theater -- August 17th -- Click link for more info and to purchase tickets

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."

7) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen! This week features:

B. Rich & resident DJ Astrofunk’s Birthday Party

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!

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149338068415402&ref=mf

8) Joey Medina -- The Comedy Spot -- Scottsdale -- Friday, Saturday & Sunday August 13, 14 & 15 -- SHOWTIMES: 8:00 & 10:00 p.m.(Fri & Sat) & 7:00 p.m.(Sunday) -- Tickets $10 -- $12 -- $15

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

10) American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

John Mayer performs in London

11)

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.

12) Phoenix Coyotes Open House -- Free -- August 12th -- 6 to 8 PM -- Jobing.com Arena

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:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

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! "

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146744612004381&ref=ts

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 Art Walk -- Downtown Chandler -- Third Friday of every month

NU -- Native + You -- Heard Museum -- Third Friday 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!

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- September 25th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Saturday, September 25th

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.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

Tempe Oktoberfest -- October 1-3 -- Tempe Beach Park -- Free

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

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.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party -- November 7th -- Noon to 5 PM -- Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- November 11th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

Tempe Festival of the Arts Fall Festival -- December 3-5 -- Downtown Tempe -- Free

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- My Wild Life -- March 23rd, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.

18) 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.

22) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s -- Fair Trade Cafe -- 1st and Roosevelt -- Downtown Phoenix -- Check out some great open mic poetry!

23) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

24) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

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.

28) North Scottsdale Farmers Market -- Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM -- Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

29) 101.5 End of Summer Jamz 2010 Featuring Bone Thugs & Harmony, New Boyz, Asher Roth, Fareast Movement & Bobby Brackins -- Saturday August 14th -- 6 to 11 PM -- Celebrity Theater

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):

Tickets on Sale Now

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular -- December 1st and December 2nd (4 performances) -- Jobing.com Arena

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.

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Varions locations

Show Updates!

Christina Aguilera -- August 14th -- 8 PM -- US Airways Center -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!

Limp Bizkit With special guest Ice cube -- August 7 -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!

Shows off on the horizon:

 

Shaggy with special Guests Steel Pulse -- Auguest 21st -- Fort McDowell Casino -- Two reggae legends play a great venue!

Asia (Original Lineup) -- August 25th -- Celebrity Theater

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."

Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

Green Day with AFI - August 30th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM -- Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Arizona Fall Frenzy -- September 17th, 18th, and 19th -- Tempe Beach Park

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten- Show #1 -- September 25th -- 7:30 PM- Dodge Theater

By popular demand! Daniel Tosh -- Tour Twenty Ten -- Show #2 -- Dodge Theater -- September 25th -- 10:30 PM

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

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

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Daily Life in Paris.

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!"

Gorillaz -- October 26th -- Dodge Theater

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."

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Point of Grace -- November 12th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics."

Abba Maina -- November 13th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live."

Chandler Symphony Orchestra -- November 14th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Free

So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- November 17th -- Jobing.com Arena

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

Andre Rieu -- November 29th at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. -- March 19th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

Ricky Skaggs -- March 26th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 43% [?]

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!

Tickets for the game can be purchased here:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

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

3) Phoenix Coyotes Open House -- Free -- August 12th -- 6 to 8 PM -- Jobing.com Arena

4) Ted Nugent -- August 11th -- Celebrity Theater

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!

*NOTE* No First Friday events in the Roosevelt Row Section of Downtown for August!

7) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen! This week features:

MUSA’s CD Release/Bday, + Don Ricardo Returns!!

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!

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135477203158286

8) UFC 117 -- Sonnell vs Silva -- Saturday -- 6 PM -- Among the places to watch -- Tempe Bar in North Scottsdale -- The Sandbar in Peoria -- The Sandbar in Scottsdale

9) Nick Dipaolo -- August 6, 7, and 8 -- The Comedy Spot -- Scottsdale -- Appearances include The David Letterman Show, and Howard Stern.

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148715565142577

10) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM -- Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate B.

11) 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:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

14) North Scottsdale Farmers Market -- Every Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM -- Located at 94th Street and Shea Boulevard

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”

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136228586392998

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.

Chandler Art Walk -- Downtown Chandler -- Third Friday of every month

NU -- Native + You -- Heard Museum -- Third Friday of every month

Street League Skateboarding -- August 28th -- Jobing.com Arena -- The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- September 25th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Saturday, September 25th

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.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

Tempe Oktoberfest -- October 1-3 -- Tempe Beach Park -- Free

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party -- November 7th -- Noon to 5 PM -- Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- November 11th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- My Wild Life -- March 23rd, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.

18) 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.

22) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s -- Fair Trade Cafe -- 1st and Roosevelt -- Downtown Phoenix -- Check out some great open mic poetry!

23) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

24) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

Tickets on Sale August 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!

Gorillaz -- October 26th -- Dodge Theater

Tickets on Sale August 9th at 10 AM

By popular demand! Daniel Tosh -- Tour Twenty Ten -- Show #2 -- Dodge Theater -- September 25th -- 10:30 PM

Tickets on Sale Now

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Varions locations

Show Updates!

Christina Aguilera -- August 14th -- 8 PM -- US Airways Center -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!

Limp Bizkit With special guest Ice cube -- August 7 -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!

Shows off on the horizon:

The Reverend Horton Heat -- August 17th -- Marquee Theater

Natalie Merchant’s first tour in seven years -- Dodge Theater -- August 17th -- Click link for more info and to purchase tickets

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

John Mayer performs in London

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.

Shaggy with special Guests Steel Pulse -- Auguest 21st -- Fort McDowell Casino -- Two reggae legends play a great venue!

Asia (Original Lineup) -- August 25th -- Celebrity Theater

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."

Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

Green Day with AFI - August 30th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM -- Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Arizona Fall Frenzy -- September 17th, 18th, and 19th -- Tempe Beach Park

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten- Show #1 -- September 25th -- 7:30 PM- Dodge Theater

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 -- Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers -- October 10th -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Actor/Comedian Steve Martin showcases one of his long standing, but rarely showcased, talents to Scottsdale. He will be performing his banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers. According to the SCFTPA’s website: “More than 30 years after Steve Martin’s novelty hit about a pharaoh born in Arizona made its debut on Saturday Night Live, this comedian, actor, playwright and bona-fide banjo player’s second musical album (The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo) spent 30 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. It’s an amazing triumph considering he also composed and performed all of the songs on the CD, which won him a Grammy Award for ‘Best Bluegrass Album.’

Partnered with The Steep Canyon Rangers band, Steve Martin rides into the West’s Most Western Town with his posse of five bluegrass musicians from North Carolina, performing on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin. Spotlighting his fleet skills at the bluegrass technique of the clawhammer, Martin will pepper his 100-minute mostly instrumental concert with humorous quips.”

Kenny Rogers -- October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Daily Life in Paris.

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."

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Point of Grace -- November 12th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics."

Abba Maina -- November 13th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live."

Chandler Symphony Orchestra -- November 14th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Free

So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- November 17th -- Jobing.com Arena

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

Andre Rieu -- November 29th at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. -- March 19th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

Ricky Skaggs -- March 26th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 64% [?]

10 great dating ideas in and around Phoenix

Posted by Editor On August - 3 - 2010

The Arizona Diamondbacks practice at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, in this October 2, 2007 file photo.  REUTERS/Jeff Topping/Files  (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY LAW SPORT BASEBALL)

Need some Ideas on where to take dates around town?  Read on!

I’ve been talking with friends around town about their dating stories and it’s clear to me that some people just don’t know how to date or know where to go on good dates in Phoenix.  It’s not that they aren’t good people or good catches.  It’s the fact that some people simply are not educated on how to properly date a member of the opposite sex (this applies to men and women).

This is the first article in a dating series that gives people a list of current ideas on where to take dates. One of the first things that needs to be learned when it comes to dating is where to take your date and where not to take your date out for a few hours.  If you think the classic ‘Dinner and…’ dates are appropriate (Dinner and Dancing, Dinner and a Movie, Dinner and Drinks, etc) for say the first few dates, adjustments to your dating habits is probably what’s needed.   Hopefully, this list can help!

Without further delay, here’s the list (in no particular order)….

  1. Biking/Walking/Rollerblading – With so many miles of paths (paved or not) and Canals that criss-cross the greater Phoenix Area, it’s really easy to plot out a date to a great destination no matter what the length of the trip may be.  While you’re out, there’s lots of time to talk and enjoy the weather (when it’s under 100 degrees).   This includes Rollerblading/Walking/Biking in places like the Scottsdale Greenbelt or around Tempe Town Lake.
  2. Outdoor Cultural Festivals – Now that we’re on the tail end of the blazing summer heat, the weekends will soon be packed with Cultural Festivals, most of which will be free.  These events include Tempe Oktoberfest, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, and the Arizona Aloha Festival.  We will have up to date lists of all the Cultural events on the main AZ Vibe site as summer turns into Fall.
  3. Salsa/Swing Dancing (the ones that have lessons before dancing) – These are one of the best places for dates as it’s a great way to not only socialize but interact and see if you can communicate well with your date while dancing.  If you’ve never taken any dancing lessons, that’s even better for both parties as it will be a great lesson on how the two of you can work together to learn a dance step or two. An example of a great place to go is the new Salsa Lessons/Dancing night at Camarone’s in the Westgate City Center (Glendale). $10 cover and the first 50 ladies get in for free. Dress Code is enforced.
  4. Desert Botanical Gardens – Without a doubt, this is one of the best kept secrets for dating in the Phoenix area.  The Desert Botanical Gardens is a great destination for a date during the day time (when it’s not hot enough to quickly cook bacon and eggs in the summer heat).  In addition, during the Summer evenings is the amazing ‘Garden Flashlight Tours’. During the Flashlight Tours you get the chance to see the desert flora and fauna adjust from the daylight to the nighttime in an up close and personal setting.  This is a great educational experience AND there are plenty of chances to talk and connect in between the different areas and stations on the Flashlight Tours.
  5. First Friday’s in Downtown Phoenix/Thursday Art Walks in Scottsdale – Art walks are a perfect destination for those of you who are on tight budgets.  Not only do you have lots of time to talk but you also can get into some potentially great discussions about art, your date’s philosophies, and whatnot.
  6. Phoenix Art Museum/Heard Museum/Arizona Science Center – In regards to the Art Museums, much of what applies for #5, applies here.  The Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum are two great cultural destinations with some amazing and educational displays for all to witness.  In regards to the Arizona Science Center, you have the  opportunity to let your proverbial hair down and be goofy with some of the exhibits (and to see if your date can let their proverbial hair down as well).   Note for the budget conscious: Admission to the Phoenix Art Museum on First Friday and every Wednesday are on a donation basis (essentially free).  The Heard Museum is free every third Friday for NU and every second Sunday for Arizona residents only.
  7. Miniature Golf – Indoor and Outdoor – Another destination for the budget conscious, miniature golf is a great way to get the competitive juices flowing, while chatting and having fun.  Plus it’s also fun to make fun bets per hole or per game….like a bet for a second date.
  8. Picnic in a Park – Probably not the best idea for a first date but if you are really clicking with someone, this is a great way to make an impression.  Lots of time to chat and it’s even better if you make the picnic a surprise.
  9. Phoenix Mercury/Phoenix Coyotes/Arizona Diamondbacks Games – Heading to sporting events, if your date is indeed into sports, is a great way to spend a first or second date.  You can sit, chat and, if the noise level isn’t too loud,  have a great conversation as well as some fun!  However, make sure that you or your date are not hard core fans of any of these teams.  Find a sport that none of you know about and don’t have emotional investment in.  You don’t want your date to see you if your team loses because of a blown call or play now, do you?

    Note: I didn’t include the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals here because, as of press time, the Suns don’t have their ticket pricing up for next season and the Arizona Cardinals tickets are out of the range for what we consider appropriate spending for the first few dates.

  10. Hiking – If you and your date are the active types, leveraging the Phoenix area’s many nearby hiking trails is a great way to spend a date.  You can talk while you hike to your destination and have a great time.  Remember: Make sure that you and your date are prepared for hiking when it’s hot out with these rules!!!

Honorable mention

Wine Tasting – The greater Phoenix area is blessed with so many tasting rooms it’s hard not to leverage them for a date.  Many of these tasting rooms have great deals on wine tastings and it’s a great way to spend time getting to know the person you are dating in an relaxed setting.

————————————————————————-

This article isn’t meant to be ‘the’ list of places that everyone should take dates to.  These are just ideas, in no particular order, which hopefully can help you break out of the boring date destination mindset and increase your odds of making a match with your date.

Make sure you always scout your date locations ahead of time and have a backup plan in case of weather or other last minute changes!

Who knows?  Perhaps this list will help you find that special someone.

Next week at this time, we will have an article about the worst places to take a date in Phoenix.

Popularity: 58% [?]

Lady Gaga - Glastonbury Festival Performance


No matter which way you look at it, Lady Gaga’s Saturday appearance at the US Airways Center is THE biggest event of the week. Also, keep an eye on the growing events list. Now that Summer is on it’s last legs and people will be going outside more, there’s going to be an INSANE amount of events going on around town.

1) Monster Ball Tour Featuring Lady Gaga -- Saturday July 31st -- US Airways Center -- Quickly becoming one of the best known and best selling pop artists of the modern era, Lady Gaga brings a brand new vision of her songs to the US Airways Center. Her shows have been selling out across North America and this show is sure to sell out. Semi Precious Weapons will open the show.

2) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen! This week features:

Astrofunk, ekb*, & Alkeme + DREA’s B-Day!!

Astrofunk: I’m just like you. Except I am from the other side of the sun.

Alkeme: Originally from South America and East Coast nurtured, Alkeme integrates the suave and soulful city light grooves with a touch of Martini Lounge Class ambiance. Deep House Passion and sensual beats accompanied with the latest in top 40 mixes, Alkeme offers you a taste of the eclectic, the unique, the sensual and sexy.

ekb*: An audiophile from the start, she was drawn to the infinite variety of textures and possibilities provided by the world of dance music. ekb* continues to keep her focus on the dance floor. While primarily a breaks DJ, ekb* also has a long standing passion for house music. Showcasing her musical knowledge and skill, you will hear her incorporate elements of funk, disco, and speed garage in her high energy sets. When the party needs a mellow and sophisticated vibe, she also celebrates the sounds of jazz, reggae and soul. Whatever the mood or flavor, ekb* has something in her crates to satisfy your soul.

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135477203158286

3) ANT -- The Comedy Spot -- Old Town Scottsdale -- The loudmouth comic who is most famous for his appearances on ‘Last Comic Standing’ comes to the The Comedy Spot, a very intimate venue for comedy.

4) Ratt -- July 31 -- Club 910 -- Legendary Metal band Ratt plays a rare and intimate club show

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100589389996973

5) Garden Flashlight Tours -- Every Thursday and Saturday until August 28th -- Desert Botanical Garden -- Need a great idea for an Outdoor Date night? Try the Flashlight Tours at the Desert Botanical Garden its a great outing and a great way to learn more about the local desert flora and fauna of the area. (First picture in this article is from the Garden Flashlight Tours)

6) Black Pearl Poetry Phoenix Friday’s -- Fair Trade Cafe -- 1st and Roosevelt -- Downtown Phoenix -- Check out some great open mic poetry!

7) Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series -- Kierland Commons in Scottsdale -- Every Saturday in June and July (except 4th of July weekend) from 7 PM to 10 PM.

This week’s feature band: Cold Shott: Blues, Jazz, Rock & Soul

8) Phoenix Mercury -- The 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champions are back for another season and they only have one goal in mind….win the Championship again. Come see your Phoenix Mercury play the WNBA’s best. Even former Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley is impressed by the high level of competition in this league.

9) Scottsdale Art Walk -- Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM -- FREE -- Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all the local art galleries.

10) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 PM -- Under the shade at Scottsdale Stadium Enter Through Gate B.

11) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

12) MADCAP Theaters -- Tempe -- Ongoing -- I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!

One of the feature events is the screening of the ‘Troop Beverly Hills’

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133885273312739

13) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball is well underway. New manager Kirk Gibson has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!

Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees): http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895 1

4) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

15) House of Floyd -- August 6 -- The Compound Grill -- According to the Compound Grill’s website "House of Floyd is more than just a band; they’re a full-on multimedia experience with LASERS, visuals and a whole lot more. This is a must-attend for any Pink Floyd fan"

16) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

17) Upcoming Events

Luis Gonzales’s #20 gets retired by the Diamondbacks -- August 7th -- Chase Field -- The Diamondbacks will be retiring the first number in franchise history on August 7th at 5 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this historic event in Phoenix Sports!

Fetish Heat -- August 14th -- Venue of Scottsdale -- Lords of Acid and My Life with the Thrill kill Kult headline the yearly fetish event.

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- August 14-15 -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Date TBD

Street League Skateboarding -- August 28th -- Jobing.com Arena -- The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- September 25th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

Tempe Oktoberfest -- October 1-3 -- Tempe Beach Park -- Free

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

3rd Annual Indian School Corridor Block Party -- November 7th -- Noon to 5 PM -- Indian School Road between 32nd Street and 38th Street

Free Entrance Days in All US National Parks -- November 11th -- No fees will be collected on this weekend so people can enjoy their national parks. Check the link for the full list of parks participating in this offer.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- My Wild Life -- March 23rd, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.

18) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

19) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

20) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

Tickets on Sale August 1st

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Varions locations

Tickets on Sale August 6th at 10 AM

Jerry Seinfeld -- October 9th -- Dodge Theater -- Legendary funny man Jerry Seinfeld heads back to the place where he is the funniest, on stage. Don’t miss this rare performance! Ticket links will be posted shortly.

Gorillaz -- October 26th -- Dodge Theater

Tickets on Sale Now

Shaggy with special Guests Steel Pulse -- Auguest 21st -- Fort McDowell Casino -- Two reggae legends play a great venue!

The Maine -- Friday August 27 -- The Nile Theater -- 105 West Main Street Mesa -- According to the promoter’s website:

"The Phoenix based rockers debuted at #16 on the Billboard Album Chart this week with the release of their new Album “Black & White” (SIRE).

The album is the bands second album, first on major label Sire Records. Earlier this week MTV premiered the new video “Inside Of You” calling it a “Instant classic!”

The band will be preforming at The Nile Theatre on the last day of their current tour on Friday August 27th."

Arizona Fall Frenzy -- September 17th, 18th, and 19th -- Tempe Beach Park

Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi -- October 24th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website "Dating back to the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago, Chinese acrobatic spectacles were first called “Bai Xi,” meaning “one hundred amazing acts,” in reference to the performer’s seemingly limitless skills and innumerable feats they could perform. These daring and beautiful talents were featured in command performances for China’s imperial courts and have been passed down and enhanced through generations. Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi combines all aspects of the traditional and the modern in acrobatic stage performance; awesome displays of physical strength and incredible feats of balance, traditional and contemporary dance and martial arts…all performed in spectacular costumes, on the stage and high in the air. This grand theatrical production from Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi is a breathtaking spectacle! "

Alpin Hong - October 29th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Pianist Alpin Hong has the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper and a mentor for the iPod generation. Whatever your notions are about classical music, push them aside right now! Opening the ears, eyes and imagination with his combination of stunning technique, emotional range and humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet. Rooted in extensive classical training and a love of skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames, Alpin is a creative force unmatched in its youthful vivacity and boundless energy. Alpin connects with people of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds with his uniquely humorous and visionary approach to arts education."

 

Point of Grace -- November 12th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "True talent really knows no boundaries, so it’s no surprise to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” “We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics."

Abba Maina -- November 13th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: "Abba Mania’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since 1999, touring the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish super group to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2002 ‘Abba Mania’ played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre, London re-creating the ABBA phenomenon for fans from all over the world, as far away as Tahiti. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and ‘Abba Mania’ gives you exactly that: 2 hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully, too, earning them the coveted Radio Regernbogen Best Musical’ award in Germany following a sell-out run at the Deutsches Theater Munich. ‘Abba Mania’ is not only for life long, die-hard ABBA fans but also for the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ABBA live."

Chandler Symphony Orchestra -- November 14th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Free --

Alpin Hong - October 29th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website

So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- November 17th -- Jobing.com Arena

 

Show Updates!

Christina Aguilera -- August 14th -- 8 PM -- US Airways Center -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!

Limp Bizkit With special guest Ice cube -- August 7 -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!

Shows off on the horizon:

TOBY KEITH’S American Ride Tour -- August 8th 7:17 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Prices: Reserved Tickets: $69.75, $49.75 , $29.75 -- Lawn: $29.75 -- 6 Pack of tickets: $99.96 -- Ticket Special two tickets for $40 -- Trace Adkins and Jame Otto open the show

Ted Nugent -- August 11th -- Celebrity Theater

The Reverend Horton Heat -- August 17th -- Marquee Theater

Natalie Merchant’s first tour in seven years -- Dodge Theater -- August 17th -- Click link for more info and to purchase tickets

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

John Mayer performs in London

John Mayer -- August 18th at 7:30 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.

Asia (Original Lineup) -- August 25th -- Celebrity Theater

The Tubes -- August 27 -- The Compound Grill -- Yes, it’s the original group.

Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

Green Day with AFI - August 30th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM -- Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten -- September 25th -- Dodge Theater

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey.

Here’s a sample of what you can expect from the show:

Jack Johnson: To the Sea Tour 2010 -- Sunday October 10th at 7:00 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Constantly working on perfecting his already great live show, Jack Johnson is returning to Phoenix to support his new album ‘To the Sea’. The really cool aspect about this show is that 100% of the proceeds from the tour will go to charity! Your ticket will not just allow you to see a great live act but you will also be helping out Johnson’s All At Once Community. G. Love and Special Sauce along with Zee Avi will open the show.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers -- October 10th -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Actor/Comedian Steve Martin showcases one of his long standing, but rarely showcased, talents to Scottsdale. He will be performing his banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers. According to the SCFTPA’s website: “More than 30 years after Steve Martin’s novelty hit about a pharaoh born in Arizona made its debut on Saturday Night Live, this comedian, actor, playwright and bona-fide banjo player’s second musical album (The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo) spent 30 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. It’s an amazing triumph considering he also composed and performed all of the songs on the CD, which won him a Grammy Award for ‘Best Bluegrass Album.’

Partnered with The Steep Canyon Rangers band, Steve Martin rides into the West’s Most Western Town with his posse of five bluegrass musicians from North Carolina, performing on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin. Spotlighting his fleet skills at the bluegrass technique of the clawhammer, Martin will pepper his 100-minute mostly instrumental concert with humorous quips.”

Kenny Rogers -- October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Daily Life in Paris.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band -- MGM Grand Hotel -- Las Vegas, NV -- Saturday October 23rd -- 7:00 PM -- We don’t normally post out of town information like this but since Mr. Buffett will be in close proximity to Phoenix, we had to post this. Also, if you have never seen him perform in Las Vegas, you must go. He throws one HELL of a party not only at his show but with his after parties at his bars on the Las Vegas Strip. *NOTE* THE JIMMY BUFFETT SHOW IS IN LAS VEGAS!!

Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi -- October 23rd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Jazz Legend Stanley Clarke and Jazz Virtuoso Hiromi converge on the SCFTPA for what is to be an amazing night of Jazz.

Details on what to expect in the video below:

Ravi Shankar -- October 23rd -- Mesa Arts Center -- The Sitar master returns to the valley

Nickelback -- October 29th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

Andre Rieu -- November 29th at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Andre Rieu along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in Glendale as part of his ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. Mr. Rieu had this to say about his upcoming tour: “Next year will be the ‘Celebration of Music Tour’. I always say that music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Music triggers emotions. I want to bring an ode to waltzes and polkas that bring joy, to romantic ballads and to many more beautiful melodies. It will be a very special night”.

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. -- March 19th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

Ricky Skaggs -- March 26th, 2011 -- 7:30 PM -- Chandler Center for the Arts

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 37% [?]

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.

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128211500543899&ref=mf

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).

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131229660231031

5) Garden Flashlight Tours -- Every Thursday and Saturday until August 28th -- Desert Botanical Garden -- Need a great idea for an Outdoor Date night? Try the Flashlight Tours at the Desert Botanical Garden its a great outing and a great way to learn more about the local desert flora and fauna of the area. (First picture in this article is from the Garden Flashlight Tours)

6) Fuse Fridays — Bar Smith — Downtown Phoenix — Fun starts at 9:00 PM

Check out one of the best reasons to head to Downtown Phoenix on a Friday Night. Fuse Fridays is a great night of beats and is also a great place to see and be seen!

This week features:

THE GET DOWNNN / HUSSY HUSSY / SUBSTATION

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137459172948367&ref=mf

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.

Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards - Show

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

This Moment and 3 inches of Blood.

Tickets can be purchased here:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1900447EE02D10E1?artistid=1423692&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60

2nd Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival - Day 3

 

11) Silverspoon Pickups -- Marquee Theater -- July 17th

12) MADCAP Theaters -- Tempe -- Ongoing -- I think by now everyone knows that MADCAP has earned a permanent spot on the best things to do list for the week for the wonderful selection of movies to choose from. Check their listings (click the link) for what’s showing for the given week. You just might find that gem of a movie, a classic or something new and original to watch. MADCAP has it all!

One of the feature events is the screening of the ‘Troop Beverly Hills’

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133885273312739

13) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball is well underway. New manager Kirk Gibson has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!

Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

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.

16) Leann Rimes -- Celebrity Theater -- July 17th -- 8:00 PM

17) Upcoming Events

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."

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119686684744422

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.

2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival -- Grand Avenue -- Downtown Phoenix -- Date TBD

Street League Skateboarding -- August 28th -- Jobing.com Arena -- The Worlds first professional skateboarding league featuring the worlds best skateboarders!

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2010-2011 Season -- Sept 9th -- April 30th -- Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Restaurant Week -- September 18th -- 26th -- Various Locations

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Ocean Adventure: An Evening with Jean Michel Cousteau -- October 20th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father’s life and ongoing legacy.

5th Annual Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts -- October 3rd -- 4-6:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the Valley’s premier culinary events, Dine Out with the Chefs celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new roster of outstanding chefs, live entertainment and other surprises. Guests mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

John Lithgow in Stories by Heart -- October 21st and 22nd -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- America’s Great Wildlife Migrations -- December 8th -- Mesa Arts Center -- Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species—from bobcats to butterflies.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- Exploring Mars: The Next Generation -- January 19th, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor.

National Geographic Live! 4-Part Speaker Series -- My Wild Life -- March 23rd, 2011 -- Mesa Arts Center -- Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to National Geographic WILD TV correspondent.

18) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

19) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

20) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

21) 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.

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- 8 AM to Noon -- 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix, Az 85044

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.

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour: 2010 -- September 17th -- Mesa Arts Center

Modern English -- September 17th -- The Compound Grill

The Zac Brown Band -- September 25th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

Sheena Easton -- October 1 -- Mesa Arts Center

Vince Gill -- October 19th -- Mesa Arts Center

Ravi Shankar -- October 23rd -- Mesa Arts Center -- The Sitar master returns to the valley

Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis -- February 17 -- Mesa Arts Center

 

Tickets on Sale July 23rd

O.A.R. -- September 28th -- Celebrity Theater -- See Link for full details and to purchase tickets

 

Tickets on Sale August 1st

Phoenix Symphony 2010-2011 Season -- Varions locations

 

Show Updates!

Christina Aguilera -- August 14th -- 8 PM -- US Airways Center -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!

Limp Bizkit With special guest Ice cube -- August 7 -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED!!!

Shows off on the horizon:

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.

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster by clicking this link.

Echo 2009 Awards - 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.

Lady Gaga - Glastonbury Festival Performance


Lyle Lovett and his Large Band -- July 28th -- Celebrity Theater

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

Ted Nugent -- August 11th -- Celebrity Theater

The Reverend Horton Heat -- August 17th -- Marquee Theater

Natalie Merchant’s first tour in seven years -- Dodge Theater -- August 17th -- Click link for more info and to purchase tickets

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

John Mayer performs in London

John Mayer -- August 18th at 7:30 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- John Mayer brings the Summer leg of his Battle Studies World Tour to Phoenix for a show at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. Mayer has been selling out out across the country since his ‘Battle Studies’ album debuted in November of 2009. Reserved tickets will be priced at $69.50 and $49.50. Lawn tickets will be priced at $36.00. A Special $117 Four Pack Lawn Ticket Package is also available while supplies last. Owl City will open the show.

Asia (Original Lineup) -- August 25th -- Celebrity Theater

Goo Goo Dolls with Switchfoot & Green River Ordinance -- Saturday August 28th -- Dodge Theater

Green Day with AFI - August 30th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on Sale April 3rd at 10 AM -- Green Day returns to Phoenix almost a year to the day after their last Phoenix show. One of the better acts to see live, Green Day never fails to deliver.

Michael Bolton -- September 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets on Sale now! More details in the link.

Charlie Hunter -- September 12th -- Rhythm Room

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Margaret Cho -- The Cho Dependent Tour 2010 -- September 18th -- Dodge Theatre

Chris Issac -- September 23rd -- Celebrity Theater

Pixies with the Fuck Buttons -- Friday September 24th -- Mesa Amphitheater

Howie Mandel -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Friday September 24th at 8 PM -- While Howie has remained a constant force in show business for over 30 years, he has been thrust back in the spotlight as the host of what has become a national phenomenon “Deal or No Deal.” The show has become an instant hit. Howie Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning “St. Elsewhere,” to the international (and also Emmy nominated) “Bobby’s World,” Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.

KISS -- September 24th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131254943551789

Daniel Tosh -- Tosh Tour Twenty Ten -- September 25th -- Dodge Theater

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- September 26th -- US Airways Center -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- New Show date ANDnew opening act!

 

 

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

Carrie Underwood -- October 3rd at 7:30 PM -- Jobing.com Arena -- Multi Platinum Recording Artist Carrie Underwood is bringing her highly successful ‘Play on Tour’ tour to the Jobing.com Arena in October. Ms. Underwood will be donating 36 cents from every ticket sold for this show to ‘Save the Children’s United States Program’. Billy Currington and Sons of Syliva will open the show.

For you Facebook Types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112735855423819

Benise -- The Spanish Guitar -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- Sunday October 3rd at 7:00 PM -- According to the Chandler Center for the Arts website: BENISE, and his Emmy Award Winning Nights of Fire Cast, returns with a new World Music & Dance production “THE SPANISH GUITAR”.In this new show Benise’s guitar becomes the keeper of stories of glory and tragedy through times and worlds gone by, a treasure chest of inspiration. His masterful and passionate playing, brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces make this show a truly magical journey. 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

Daily Life in Paris.

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:

Kenny Loggins -- November 3rd -- Celebrity Theater

Roger Waters -- ‘The Wall’ -- Saturday November 27th -- US Airways Center (More Details and ticket info in the link)

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

The Manhattan Transfer -- March 31, 2011 -- Celebrity Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 44% [?]

Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transitioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizon to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.

NCAA Football: SEP 30 Oregon v ASU

 

1) ASU Football Spring Game -- Sun Devil Stadium -- Saturday April 24th -- 2 PM -- Free

2) Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets -- Individual tickets for the first round are on sale now!!!!

Phoenix Coyotes Second Round Playoff tickets go on sale today (see below)!

Check out the link below for more information on how you can secure your tickets for the post season!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/26/phoenix-coyotes-and-phoenix-suns-playoff-tickets-go-on-sale-this-weekend/

3) McDowell Mountain Music Festival -- April 23-25th -- Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center -- One of the great music festivals in the Phoenix Area is back for another year. The great thing about this festival is that 100% of the proceeds go to area charities. This year, all the proceeds will go to Ear Candy Charities and the Phoenix Day Family and Learning Center.

4)

Sip, Shop, Socialize -- April 23rd -- 5PM to 9PM -- Devil’s Martini North -- Free -- According to Raven Events website the event is described as: "The Sip, Shop & Socialize™ event was created by Raven Events, LLC for the purpose of bringing guests together to mix and mingle for social and professional reasons, and presenting them with opportunity to discover and support unique local businesses that offer gifts, products and services. By combining business networking, happy hour specials, delicious food, and convenient shopping, there is sure to be something for everyone who attends this popular event. Everyone is welcome to attend, including GUYS! This is a free event."

5) Movies in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- FREE -- The popular event is back for another year at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This free event is a great way to just kick back and watch some great movies on the big screen outside!

THIS WEEK’S MOVIE: Planet of the Apes

For more information and a list of movies in the coming weeks, check this link out: http://bit.ly/dmrnJO

6)

Arizona Derby Dames Double Header Banked Track Roller Derby -- Saturday April 24th -- Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum -- 7:00PM -- 10:30 PM

7) Cheech and Chong - Get It Legal -- Saturday -- April 24th -- 8:00 PM Dodge Theatre

Tickets:


8) Men’s Pac-10 Golf Tournament -- April 26-28 -- Karsten Golf Course -- Tempe

9) D13: Ultimatum -- This is something I’ve been seeing trailers about for quite some time but have never seen advertised in a movie theater or on DVD. D13 is a 2009 French action film that is a blend of Action and Parkour (a type of urban gymnastics)

There will be a parkour demonstration at the screenings.

10) The Grand Opening of the Musical Instrument Museum -- What’s being billed as the ‘World’s first global musical instrument museum’ opens on April 24th in Scottsdale

11) Rock the Zoo featuring Vertical horizon and Marcy Playground -- April 23rd -- Phoenix Zoo -- The Phoenix Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year features two great acts. I personally have seen the types of Parties the Phoenix Zoo throws. I’m here to say that they know how to put on one hell of a party!

12) Leslie’s Lucky Ducky Derby -- Saturday April 24th -- Scottsdale Waterfront

13) UFest -- April 24th -- Fear Farm -- Tickets only $39 -- A killer festival featuring Three Days Grace, Danzig, Powerman 5000, Helmet and many more.

14)
Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

15)

2010 My Nana’s Salsa Challenge Benefitting the Hemophilia Association -- Saturday April 24th -- Tempe Beach Park

16) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

17) Upcoming Events

Viva Las Vegas Casino Night and Silent Auction -- CityCenter of City North -- May 1st -- 7 to 11:30 PM

2010 ASU Undie Run -- May 4th -- 8 PM to 10 PM -- Tempe SRC Fields (ASU Campus) -- The Annual event held on the last day of classes for the ASU academic year. Show up in an outfit that you want to donate to charity, strip down to your underwear (donating the outfit to those in need) and go on the run in your underwear

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150116334790332&ref=mf

Phoenix Comicon 10 -- May 27th-30th -- Phoenix Convention Center -- Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

18) RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles -- April 22-25th Orpheum Theater

Rain - The Beatles Experience

Tickets to the Orpheum Theater Shows:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=33&LID=&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Rain-a-Tribute-To-the-Beatles-tickets/artist/1242978?camefrom=CFC_BUYAT&brand=[=BRAND=]

19) Walk in Wednesdays (Open Mic Night) Tempe Center for the Arts -- Every Wednesday night -- 6:30-11PM -- The Lounge at the Tempe Center for the Arts -- Check out some of the area’s up and coming artists in a spectacular setting.

20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM -- On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.

21) Market on Mill -- Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

24) Scottsdale Art Walk -- Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM -- FREE -- Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all

25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

26) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

27) Roka Akor Farmers Market -- Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Beginning January 31st)

28) Thursday Night Market -- The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

Tickets on sale Friday April 23rd at 10:00 AM

Detroit Red Wings v Phoenix Coyotes - Game Two

Phoenix Coyotes Individual Round 2 Playoff Tickets -- Tickets for the Phoenix Coyotes 2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Second Round Games go on sale Friday. Please note that these are for individual tickets only.

Echo 2009 Awards - Show

Tickets on sale Saturday April 24th at 10:00 AM

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.

2009 American Music Awards - Rehearsals

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.

Tickets on sale Monday April 26th at 10:00 AM

Tony Bennett -- Sunday June 6th at 8:00 PM -- Dodge Theater -- The legendary crooner brings his timeless music to the Dodge Theater for a memorable evening.

Tickets on sale Saturday May 1st at 10:00 AM

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”.

Tickets going on sale Monday April 26th at 10 AM in Las Vegas, Nevada

Daily Life in Paris.

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.

Shows off on the horizon:

Conan O'Brien Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Legally prohibited from being funny on Television’ tour -- April 30th at the Dodge Theater -- Tickets on Sale now

Marcus Roberts Trio- Friday April 30th, 2010 at 8:00 PM -- In the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Pianist Marcus Roberts’ highly innovative and original piano style reflects his passion for great music of every genre, from the masters of jazz and classical music to his mother’s gospel singing. Blind since the age of 5, the self-taught prodigy studied classical piano and later toured and recorded with Wynton Marsalis. Now leading his own ensemble, he performs with drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Roland Guerin.

Lavy Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers -- Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Ampitheater -- $25 -- The San Francisco based Lavy Smith brings an all star Big Band to Scottsdale for a night of wonderful blues, swing, salsa and many more musical styles.

Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine’ Tour -- Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Beatles and Friends: Sounds of the 60′s -- May 7th, 8th, 9th -- Phoenix Symphony -- Symphony Hall -- Guest conductor Michael Krajewski and Tenor Ron Evan brings many of the Beatles classic hits along with other 60′s hits from artists like the Beach Boys and the Mama’s and the Papa’s.

Tickets for May 7th performance | Tickets for May 8th Performance | Tickets for May 9th Matinee

Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show

Heart -- Celebrity Theater -- May 8 -- 8:00 PM

Solas and Bearfoot -- Saturday May 8th at 7:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Amphitheater -- $25 -- Solas has a reputation for being the top Celtic band from the United States. Their influences reached across the world. Opening the show will be Alaskan Bluegrass band Bearfoot.

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angels Philharmonic -- Wednesday May 12th at 7:30 PM -- Symphony Hall -- One of the most exciting conductors of our era will be bringing the Los Angeles Philharmonic (the Phoenix Symphony will not be performing at this event) and a program that includes ‘Mahler’s massive Symphony No. 1′. Don’t miss this chance to see an amazing night of music.

Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto -- May 13th at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- May 15th at Symphony Hall -- The Phoenix Symphony is bringing a touch of world music to the current Season by showcasing Tan Dun’s Oscar Winning Soundtrack to ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Performing this masterpiece will be guest conductor En Shao who is currently the Chief Conductor of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Guest Conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra. The concert will also feature erhu player Betti Ziang who is renown for her mastery of this instrument.

Click here for tickets to the May 13th Performance at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Click here for tickets to the May 15th performance at Symphony Hall

Pato Banton -- May 16th -- Club Red -- (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) -- One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h

Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers -- May 18th -- US Airways Center

Carole King and James Taylor ‘Intimate and in the Round’ Trubadour Reunion Tour -- Jobing.com Arena -- May 19th at 7:30 PM -- Tickets available at all Live Nation outlets and at Live Nations’s website:

Styx, Foreigner and Kansas -- Friday May 21st at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Brooks and Dunn -- May 21st -- Cricket Wireless Pavillion

2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute To Neil Young - Show

Crosby, Stills and Nash -- Saturday May 29th -- Dodge Theater

Tim McGraw -- June 3rd -- 7 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on sale today!!!

Chicago with the Doobie Brothers -- June 15th -- Dodge Theater -- Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix

Iron Maiden and Dream Theater -- June 17th at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Country Throwdown Tour -- June 18th -- 1PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield

Vans Warped Tour -- June 29th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Doors open at 11:00 AM -- Tickets only $34.95 -- For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.

Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room

Kings of Leon -- Saturday July 10th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Leann Rimes -- Celebrity Theater -- July 17th -- 8:00 PM

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

Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards - Show

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.

 

 

Lady Gaga - Glastonbury Festival Performance

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.

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

John Mayer performs in London

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.

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

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.

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

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 41% [?]

Top 21.5 things to do for the week ending April 22, 2010

Posted by Editor On April - 15 - 2010

Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transitioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizon to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.

 

I don’t need to tell everyone that the biggest event of the weekend is Pat’s Run. If you have the chance to go out and support a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of a huge portion of Phoenix residents, do so!

Rose Bowl

1)Pat’s Run -- Sun Devil Stadium -- April 17th -- 7AM to 11AM

2) Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets -- Individual tickets for the first round are on sale now!!!! Check out the link below for more information on how you can secure your tickets for the post season!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/26/phoenix-coyotes-and-phoenix-suns-playoff-tickets-go-on-sale-this-weekend/

3)
Atomic Punks (a KILLER tribute to early Van Halen) -- April 17th -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

4)
The Eagles -- April 21st -- US Airways Center

5) Movies in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- FREE -- The popular event is back for another year at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This free event is a great way to just kick back and watch some great movies on the big screen outside!

THIS WEEK’S MOVIE: Cabaret (1972) -- Starring Liza Minnelli in one of her best movie roles

For more information and a list of movies in the coming weeks, check this link out: http://bit.ly/dmrnJO

6) Maricopa County Fair -- April 14th-18th -- Arizona State Fairgrounds

7) Scottsdale Culinary Festival -- April 13th-18th

Mark Knopfler Performs In Perth


8) Mark Knopfler: SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010 at Dodge Theater

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119749753741

9) Record Store Day -- Stinkweeds

10) Tempe Symphony Orchestra -- Monday April, 19th 7:30 PM -- Free show -- Tempe Center for the Arts -- Doors open at 6:30 -- First come, first served for tickets

11) ASU Baseball Weekend Series with USC

12) Arizona Polish Festival - April 17th -- 10AM -- 9 PM

For you facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=391087553568&index=1

Mandela Day: A 46664 Celebration Concert - Dress Rehearsal


13) Baaba Maal -- Thursday April 22, 2010 at 7:30 PM -- In the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the brightest stars on the African continent, Senegalese master musician Baaba Maal is renowned for his fiery performances fusing funk, rock and blues with traditional West African beats and melodies. For more than two decades, he has traveled the world sharing his uplifting message of empowerment, enlightenment and peace.

14)
Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

15)

Phoenix Improv Festival -- April 15th, 16th, and 17th -- Herberger Theater

16) Country Thunder -- Arizona -- April 14th -- April 17th -- Florence Arizona

17) Upcoming Events

Rock the Zoo featuring Vertical horizon and Marcy Playground -- April 23rd -- Phoenix Zoo -- The Phoenix Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year features two great acts. I personally have seen the types of Parties the Phoenix Zoo throws. I’m here to say that they know how to put on one hell of a party!

Leslie’s Lucky Ducky Derby -- Saturday April 24th -- Scottsdale Waterfront

Viva Las Vegas Casino Night and Silent Auction -- CityCenter of City North -- May 1st -- 7 to 11:30 PM

2010 ASU Undie Run -- May 4th -- 8 PM to 10 PM -- Tempe SRC Fields (ASU Campus) -- The Annual event held on the last day of classes for the ASU academic year. Show up in an outfit that you want to donate to charity, strip down to your underwear (donating the outfit to those in need) and go on the run in your underwear

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150116334790332&ref=mf

Phoenix Comicon 10 -- May 27th-30th -- Phoenix Convention Center -- Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

18) RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles -- April 20-21 Mesa Arts Center -- April 22-25th Orpheum Theater

Rain - The Beatles Experience

Tickets to the Mesa Arts Center Shows:

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/performances/broadway/rain

Tickets to the Orpheum Theater Shows:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=33&LID=&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Rain-a-Tribute-To-the-Beatles-tickets/artist/1242978?camefrom=CFC_BUYAT&brand=[=BRAND=]

19) Walk in Wednesdays (Open Mic Night) Tempe Center for the Arts -- Every Wednesday night -- 6:30-11PM -- The Lounge at the Tempe Center for the Arts -- Check out some of the area’s up and coming artists in a spectacular setting.

20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM -- On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.

21) Market on Mill -- Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

24) Scottsdale Art Walk -- Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM -- FREE -- Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all

25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

26) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

27) Roka Akor Farmers Market -- Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Beginning January 31st)

28) Thursday Night Market -- The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.

29) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

John Mayer performs in London

Tickets on sale Saturday April 17th at 10:00 AM

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.

Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards - Show

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.

Tickets on sale Monday April 19th at 10:00 AM

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.

Tickets on sale Saturday April 24th at 10:00 AM

Echo 2009 Awards - 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.

Tickets on sale now

Lavy Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers -- Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Ampitheater -- $25 -- The San Francisco based Lavy Smith brings an all star Big Band to Scottsdale for a night of wonderful blues, swing, salsa and many more musical styles.

Solas and Bearfoot -- Saturday May 8th at 7:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Amphitheater -- $25 -- Solas has a reputation for being the top Celtic band from the United States. Their influences reached across the world. Opening the show will be Alaskan Bluegrass band Bearfoot.

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angels Philharmonic -- Wednesday May 12th at 7:30 PM -- Symphony Hall -- One of the most exciting conductors of our era will be bringing the Los Angeles Philharmonic (the Phoenix Symphony will not be performing at this event) and a program that includes ‘Mahler’s massive Symphony No. 1′. Don’t miss this chance to see an amazing night of music.

Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto -- May 13th at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- May 15th at Symphony Hall -- The Phoenix Symphony is bringing a touch of world music to the current Season by showcasing Tan Dun’s Oscar Winning Soundtrack to ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Performing this masterpiece will be guest conductor En Shao who is currently the Chief Conductor of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Guest Conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra. The concert will also feature erhu player Betti Ziang who is renown for her mastery of this instrument.

Click here for tickets to the May 13th Performance at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Click here for tickets to the May 15th performance at Symphony Hall

Shows off on the horizon:

McDowell Mountain Music Festival -- April 23-25th -- Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center -- One of the great music festivals in the Phoenix Area is back for another year. The great thing about this festival is that 100% of the proceeds go to area charities. This year, all the proceeds will go to Ear Candy Charities and the Phoenix Day Family and Learning Center

Cheech and Chong - Get It Legal -- Saturday -- April 24th -- 8:00 PM Dodge Theatre

Tickets:

Conan O'Brien Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Legally prohibited from being funny on Television’ tour -- April 30th at the Dodge Theater -- Tickets on Sale now

Marcus Roberts Trio- Friday April 30th, 2010 at 8:00 PM -- In the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Pianist Marcus Roberts’ highly innovative and original piano style reflects his passion for great music of every genre, from the masters of jazz and classical music to his mother’s gospel singing. Blind since the age of 5, the self-taught prodigy studied classical piano and later toured and recorded with Wynton Marsalis. Now leading his own ensemble, he performs with drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Roland Guerin.

Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine’ Tour -- Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Beatles and Friends: Sounds of the 60′s -- May 7th, 8th, 9th -- Phoenix Symphony -- Symphony Hall -- Guest conductor Michael Krajewski and Tenor Ron Evan brings many of the Beatles classic hits along with other 60′s hits from artists like the Beach Boys and the Mama’s and the Papa’s.

Tickets for May 7th performance | Tickets for May 8th Performance | Tickets for May 9th Matinee

Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show

Heart -- Celebrity Theater -- May 8 -- 8:00 PM

Pato Banton -- May 16th -- Club Red -- (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) -- One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h

Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers -- May 18th -- US Airways Center

Carole King and James Taylor ‘Intimate and in the Round’ Trubadour Reunion Tour -- Jobing.com Arena -- May 19th at 7:30 PM -- Tickets available at all Live Nation outlets and at Live Nations’s website:

Styx, Foreigner and Kansas -- Friday May 21st at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Brooks and Dunn -- May 21st -- Cricket Wireless Pavillion

2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute To Neil Young - Show

Crosby, Stills and Nash -- Saturday May 29th -- Dodge Theater

Tim McGraw -- June 3rd -- 7 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on sale today!!!

Chicago with the Doobie Brothers -- June 15th -- Dodge Theater -- Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix

Iron Maiden and Dream Theater -- June 17th at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Country Throwdown Tour -- June 18th -- 1PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield

Vans Warped Tour -- June 29th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Doors open at 11:00 AM -- Tickets only $34.95 -- For fifteen years, the Vans Warped Tour brings the best collection of Punk, not ready for the main stream, or new bands for everyone to check out. This year is no different as there’s a tremendously diverse lineup of artists to check out.

Lineup: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, ALKALINE TRIO, THE BOUNCING SOULS ANDREW W.K., BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, FACE TO FACE, WE THE KINGS, SUICIDE SILENCE, BREATHE CAROLINA, I CAN MAKE A MESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS, EMMURE, HEY MONDAY, PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SET YOUR GOALS, WHITE CHAPEL, YOU ME AT SIX, FOUR YEAR STRONG, ANARBOR, FAKE PROBLEMS, NEVER SHOUT NEVER, MIKE POSNER, THE CAB, THE CASUALTIES, THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, THE ROCKET SUMMER, POLAR BEAR CLUB,THE PRETTY RECKLESS, ARTIST VS POET, ALESANA, THE SUMMER SET, VERSAEMERGE, ENTER SHIKARI, I SEE STARS, SPARKS THE RESCUE, ATTACK ATTACK!, SUM 41, AM TAXI, BREATHE ELECTRIC, FIGHT FAIR, IN FEAR AND FAITH, OF MICE AND MEN, WE ARE THE IN CROWD, EMAROSA, CALL THE COPS, CONFIDE, AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT, FAR FROM FINISHED, MAYDAY PARADE, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE SWELLERS, CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, EYES SET TO KILL

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room

Kings of Leon -- Saturday July 10th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Leann Rimes -- Celebrity Theater -- July 17th -- 8:00 PM

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

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.

 

 

Lady Gaga - Glastonbury Festival Performance

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.

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

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.

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

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

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 39% [?]

Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transitioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizon to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.

Man, this week’s edition of the ‘often copied (by other publications around town), but never repeated’ things to do around town is PACKED with some great options. From food festivals, to Muse, Bad Brains, Elvis Costello, to NASCAR action. There’s literally something for everyone this week. Check it out!

 

 

1) Muse -- April 9th, 2010 -- US Airlines Arena At long last Muse is coming to Phoenix! Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the best rock acts today!

2) Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets -- Individual tickets for the first round are on sale now!!!! Check out the link below for more information on how you can secure your tickets for the post season!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/26/phoenix-coyotes-and-phoenix-suns-playoff-tickets-go-on-sale-this-weekend/

3)

Sundance Channel Hosts The Debut Of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With . . ."

Elvis Costello Solo show -- April 9th -- Desert Sky Series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets on sale now.

4)

Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Phoenix International Raceway -- SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 Weekend -- April 8-10th -- The Action of NASCAR comes to one of the tracks that drivers love! Come see why it’s such a fun weekend if you are a race fan or not.

Tickets: http://secure.racetickets.com//PhoenixIntlRaceway/ft/TicketSales/index.cfm?event=tixList&display=tixList&EstablishmentKey=9&EstablishmentType=T&TixEventID=2325&showCart=no&HeadlineStoryID=18266&GatewayPass=y

5) Movies in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- FREE -- The popular event is back for another year at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This free event is a great way to just kick back and watch some great movies on the big screen outside!

THIS WEEK’S MOVIE: DR. No (1962) -- Starring Sean Connery in his first 007 role

For more information and a list of movies in the coming weeks, check this link out: http://bit.ly/dmrnJO

NBA All-Star Game Basketball match - Dallas

6) Maricopa County Fair -- April 14th-18th -- Arizona State Fairgrounds

7) Scottsdale Culinary Festival -- April 13th-18th

NYPL Presents George Carlin Tribute Hosted By Whoopi Goldberg

8) An Evening with Kevin Smith -- April 10th -- 7:00 PM Orpheum Theater

9) Arizona Barbecue Festival -- Scottsdale Waterfront -- April 10th -- 10 AM -- $10

10) Phoenix Fringe Festival -- April 2nd through April 11th -- The Fringe festival is back for another year of experimental artists showcasing their talents. This festival is one of the reasons why Phoenix is rich in Arts and Culture.

11) Star Wars: The Clone Wars night at the Phoenix Suns game -- April 11th versus the Houston Rockets -- If you’re a Star Wars fan, you MUST go to this game!!

12) The Glass Menagerie -- Arizona Theater Company -- Through April 11th

13)

Taste 2010 -- Sunday April 11th -- 6 to 9 PM -- Kierland Commons -- For 36 years, the Taste events have been a showcase of the best of what Phoenix has to offer in food and wine. This year promises to showcase the best of the best while benefitting The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix.

14)
Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!

Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

15) Jesus Christ Superstar -- ASU Gammage -- Through April 11th -- The Classic Broadway musical is a show not to be missed!

16) Bad Brains -- April 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets only $13

17) Upcoming Events

Phoenix Improv Festival -- April 15th, 16th, and 17th -- Herberger Theater

 

Rose Bowl

Pat’s Run -- Sun Devil Stadium -- April 17th -- 7AM to 11AM

Rock the Zoo featuring Vertical horizon and Marcy Playground -- April 23rd -- Phoenix Zoo -- The Phoenix Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year features two great acts. I personally have seen the types of Parties the Phoenix Zoo throws. I’m here to say that they know how to put on one hell of a party!

Leslie’s Lucky Ducky Derby -- Saturday April 24th -- Scottsdale Waterfront

Viva Las Vegas Casino Night and Silent Auction -- CityCenter of City North -- May 1st -- 7 to 11:30 PM

2010 ASU Undie Run -- May 4th -- 8 PM to 10 PM -- Tempe SRC Fields (ASU Campus) -- The Annual event held on the last day of classes for the ASU academic year. Show up in an outfit that you want to donate to charity, strip down to your underwear (donating the outfit to those in need) and go on the run in your underwear

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150116334790332&ref=mf

Phoenix Comicon 10 -- May 27th-30th -- Phoenix Convention Center -- Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

18) Vampire Weekend -- Marquee Theater -- April, 13th 2010 -- 7:00 PM -- All Ages Show -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website was down at press time)

19) Raven Events Red Light District Costume Ball -- Saturday April 4th -- 8 PM -- The infamous costume party is back for its annual tongue-in-cheek, fun and mayhem! You’ve heard about it. You’ve thought about it. Now it’s time to attend…It’s a Saints & Sinners, Pimp ‘n Ho, Drag Queen and Fetish Party all in one! This year the Red Light District Costume Ball promises to be better than ever with hundreds of guests in wild, crazy outrageous costumes. We’re making sure that this will be one of the most tantalizing and memorable charity events of the year!

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106086649419156&index=1

20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM -- On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.

21) Market on Mill -- Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

24) Scottsdale Art Walk -- Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM -- FREE -- Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all

25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

26) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

27) Roka Akor Farmers Market -- Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Beginning January 31st)

28) Thursday Night Market -- The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.

29) Country Thunder -- Arizona -- April 14th -- April 17th -- Florence Arizona

30) Walk in Wednesdays (Open Mic Night) Tempe Center for the Arts -- Every Wednesday night -- 6:30-11PM -- The Lounge at the Tempe Center for the Arts -- Check out some of the area’s up and coming artists in a spectacular setting.

31) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

32) Phoenix Suns -- The new season is in full swing and they are out to do one thing. Win it all! Catch all the action courtside!

Tickets:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Phoenix-Suns-tickets/artist/806004

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

Lady Gaga - Glastonbury Festival Performance

Tickets on sale Saturday April 10th at 10:00 AM

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.

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.

Tickets on sale Monday April 12th at 10:00 AM

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.

Tickets on sale now

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

 

Mandela Day: A 46664 Celebration Concert - Dress Rehearsal

Baaba Maal -- Thursday April 22, 2010 at 7:30 PM -- In the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- One of the brightest stars on the African continent, Senegalese master musician Baaba Maal is renowned for his fiery performances fusing funk, rock and blues with traditional West African beats and melodies. For more than two decades, he has traveled the world sharing his uplifting message of empowerment, enlightenment and peace.

Marcus Roberts Trio- Friday April 30th, 2010 at 8:00 PM -- In the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts -- Pianist Marcus Roberts’ highly innovative and original piano style reflects his passion for great music of every genre, from the masters of jazz and classical music to his mother’s gospel singing. Blind since the age of 5, the self-taught prodigy studied classical piano and later toured and recorded with Wynton Marsalis. Now leading his own ensemble, he performs with drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Roland Guerin.

Beatles and Friends: Sounds of the 60′s -- May 7th, 8th, 9th -- Phoenix Symphony -- Symphony Hall -- Guest conductor Michael Krajewski and Tenor Ron Evan brings many of the Beatles classic hits along with other 60′s hits from artists like the Beach Boys and the Mama’s and the Papa’s.

Tickets for May 7th performance | Tickets for May 8th Performance | Tickets for May 9th Matinee

Shows off on the horizon:

Atomic Punks (a KILLER tribute to early Van Halen) -- April 17th -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

 

Mark Knopfler Performs In Perth

Mark Knopfler: SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010 at Dodge Theater

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119749753741

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles -- April 20-21 Mesa Arts Center -- April 22-25th Orpheum Theater

Rain - The Beatles Experience

Tickets to the Mesa Arts Center Shows:

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/performances/broadway/rain

Tickets to the Orpheum Theater Shows:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=33&LID=&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Rain-a-Tribute-To-the-Beatles-tickets/artist/1242978?camefrom=CFC_BUYAT&brand=[=BRAND=]

The Eagles -- April 21st -- US Airways Center

McDowell Mountain Music Festival -- April 23-25th -- Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center -- One of the great music festivals in the Phoenix Area is back for another year. The great thing about this festival is that 100% of the proceeds go to area charities. This year, all the proceeds will go to Ear Candy Charities and the Phoenix Day Family and Learning Center

Cheech and Chong - Get It Legal -- Saturday -- April 24th -- 8:00 PM Dodge Theatre

Tickets:

Conan O'Brien Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Legally prohibited from being funny on Television’ tour -- April 30th at the Dodge Theater -- Tickets on Sale now

Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine’ Tour -- Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show

Heart -- Celebrity Theater -- May 8 -- 8:00 PM

Pato Banton -- May 16th -- Club Red -- (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) -- One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h

Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers -- May 18th -- US Airways Center

Carole King and James Taylor ‘Intimate and in the Round’ Trubadour Reunion Tour -- Jobing.com Arena -- May 19th at 7:30 PM -- Tickets available at all Live Nation outlets and at Live Nations’s website:

Styx, Foreigner and Kansas -- Friday May 21st at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Brooks and Dunn -- May 21st -- Cricket Wireless Pavillion

2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute To Neil Young - Show

Crosby, Stills and Nash -- Saturday May 29th -- Dodge Theater

Tim McGraw -- June 3rd -- 7 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on sale today!!!

Chicago with the Doobie Brothers -- June 15th -- Dodge Theater -- Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix

Iron Maiden and Dream Theater -- June 17th at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Country Throwdown Tour -- June 18th -- 1PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room

Kings of Leon -- Saturday July 10th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Leann Rimes -- Celebrity Theater -- July 17th -- 8:00 PM

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

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

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.

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Kenny Rogers -- October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 48% [?]

Top 21.5 things to do for the week ending April 8th, 2010

Posted by Woody On April - 2 - 2010

Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transistioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizion to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.

The top things to do this week is to catch opening day of Baseball at Chase Field. It’s an afternoon game, and if you can’t come down with a ’9 inning flu’ the Diamondbacks website have notes you can print out and give to your boss (no joke!).

It’s also First Friday tonight. One of the best reasons why Phoenix is such a great city.

Also catch a Phoenix Coyotes game. There’s two home games left in the regular season before the playoffs! Next week is Fan Appreciation day where they will have TONS of cool prizes to giveaway!

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies in Denver

1) Arizona Diamondbacks 2010 Season -- Another season of Diamondbacks baseball begins on April 5th with an afternoon game against the San Diego Padres. New manager AJ Hinch has the Diamondbacks ready to take on Major League Baseball’s best! Don’t miss the action this season as they challenge for the AL West title!

Ticketmaster has your individual tickets for all game this season (including the Cubs and Yankees):

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Arizona-Diamondbacks-tickets/artist/805895

2) Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets -- Individual tickets for the first round are on sale now!!!! Check out the link below for more information on how you can secure your tickets for the post season!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/26/phoenix-coyotes-and-phoenix-suns-playoff-tickets-go-on-sale-this-weekend/

3) First Friday -- Downtown PhoenixIt’s that time of the month where the artists of Phoenix open their doors to the public. Since First Friday is one of the coolest and greatest cultural events that Phoenix has to offer it’s a must see event! Check out the pictures on our Facebook Fan Page for but a small sample of the goings on.

For more information about First Friday, check this link out:

http://www.artlinkphoenix.com/

Here’s some of the places/areas that will be open tonight!

http://www.phxart.org/

http://www.perihelionarts.com/Shows.php?id=1100

http://grandavephoenix.com/

http://www.rooseveltrow.org/

A bake sale is going on at Hidden House as well:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109949365689519&index=1

…and last but not least our favorite local band, Black Carl, will be playing in the Roosevelt Row section of First Friday:

http://www.myspace.com/iamblackcarl

4) Casting Call for CBS’s ‘Big Brother’ -- Ever think you could do better than the people that have been on past seasons of Big Brother? Well, now’s your chance. On April 3rd from 1 to 5 PM at the Sandbar Mexican Grill in Chandler, representatives from CBS will be on hand to see if you have what it takes to be on their show.

…as we’re going to post all the latest deals for tickets and other cool things.

5) Movies in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- FREE -- The popular event is back for another year at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This free event is a great way to just kick back and watch some great movies on the big screen outside!

THIS WEEK’S MOVIE: ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953) -- Starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn

For more information and a list of movies in the coming weeks, check this link out: http://bit.ly/dmrnJO

NBA All-Star Game Basketball match - Dallas

6) Phoenix Suns -- The new season is in full swing and out to do one thing. Win it all! Catch all the action courtside!

Tickets:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Phoenix-Suns-tickets/artist/806004

7) Drowning Pool and Burnt Halo -- Tempe Marketplace -- Free Show that starts at 7:00 PM

8) Michelle Shocked -- April 2nd at 9 PM -- The Compound Grill

9) Forks and Corks -- April 8th -- 5:30 to 8:00 PM -- Camelback Esplanade -- One of the are’s best food events that highlights the top tier chefs, restaurants, and wineries takes place in the Biltmore area. Come sample some of the best that Arizona has to offer!

10) Phoenix Fringe Festival -- April 2nd through April 11th -- The Fringe festival is back for another year of experimental artists showcasing their talents. This festival is one of the reasons why Phoenix is rich in Arts and Culture.

11) Chas Elstner -- Comedy Spot Comedy Club April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th -- Scottsdale

12) The Glass Menagerie -- Arizona Theater Company -- Through April 11th

13)
Phoenix Coyotes -- The Phoenix Coyotes are on the verge of clinching their first playoff birth for the first time since 2001. There’s only a few regular season home games left so don’t miss your chance to see the hottest team in Phoenix battle for their playoff positions. Ticket’s for this weekend’s Oilers game (as well as playoff tickets) are selling out fast.

Pick up your tickets today!

Keep checking here…

http://coyotes.azvibe.com/20092010-phoenix-coyotes-ticketpromotional-schedule/

14)
Thursday Night Market -- The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.

http://www.thursdaynightmarket.com/Thursday_NIght_Market/Home.html

http://www.pitchengine.com/free-release.php?id=46302

15) Jesus Christ Superstar -- ASU Gammage -- Through April 11th -- The Classic Broadway musical is a show not to be missed!

16) FUSE -- Bar Smith -- Friday Nights -- $5 -- Bar Smith -- Downtown Phoenix -- 10PM -- 2 AM -- 18 dj’s, 2 Floors, Hosted Bar option -

Tonight’s Feature is:

DJ DLG & Astrofunk !!!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109333332424034&ref=mf

17) Upcoming Events

Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Phoenix International Raceway -- SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 Weekend -- April 8-10th -- The Action of NASCAR comes to one of the tracks that drivers love! Come see why it’s such a fun weekend if you are a race fan or not.

Tickets: http://secure.racetickets.com//PhoenixIntlRaceway/ft/TicketSales/index.cfm?event=tixList&display=tixList&EstablishmentKey=9&EstablishmentType=T&TixEventID=2325&showCart=no&HeadlineStoryID=18266&GatewayPass=y

Arizona Barbecue Festival -- Scottsdale Waterfront -- April 10th -- 10 AM -- $10

Star Wars: The Clone Wars night at the Phoenix Suns game -- April 11th versus the Houston Rockets -- If you’re a Star Wars fan, you MUST go to this game!!

Taste 2010 -- Sunday April 11th -- 6 to 9 PM -- Kierland Commons -- For 36 years, the Taste events have been a showcase of the best of what Phoenix has to offer in food and wine. This year promises to showcase the best of the best while benefitting The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival -- April 13th-18th

Phoenix Improv Festival -- April 15th, 16th, and 17th -- Herberger Theater

Maricopa County Fair -- April 14th-18th -- Arizona State Fairgrounds

Rose Bowl

Pat’s Run -- Sun Devil Stadium -- April 17th -- 7AM to 11AM

Rock the Zoo featuring Vertical horizon and Marcy Playground -- April 23rd -- Phoenix Zoo -- The Phoenix Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year features two great acts. I personally have seen the types of Parties the Phoenix Zoo throws. I’m here to say that they know how to put on one hell of a party!

Viva Las Vegas Casino Night and Silent Auction -- CityCenter of City North -- May 1st -- 7 to 11:30 PM

2010 ASU Undie Run -- May 4th -- 8 PM to 10 PM -- Tempe SRC Fields (ASU Campus) -- The Annual event held on the last day of classes for the ASU academic year. Show up in an outfit that you want to donate to charity, strip down to your underwear (donating the outfit to those in need) and go on the run in your underwear

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150116334790332&ref=mf

Phoenix Comicon 10 -- May 27th-30th -- Phoenix Convention Center -- Stan Lee will be on hand to sign autographs on Sunday (must pre-register for the autograph session)

Fashion Week 2010 -- September 30th, October 1st and 2nd -- Schedule and site TBD

18) Walk in Wednesdays (Open Mic Night) Tempe Center for the Arts -- Every Wednesday night -- 6:30-11PM -- The Lounge at the Tempe Center for the Arts -- Check out some of the area’s up and coming artists in a spectacular setting.

19) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM -- On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.

21) Market on Mill -- Every Thursday outside of the MADCAP theaters in Tempe, is a local public market that has been quickly gaining in popularity. Check out some great local farmers and craftspeople (among others) that sell their fare to the masses.

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Yoga in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- Every Sunday in the Center Lawn at 10:30 AM is a free 60 minute Yoga session.

24) Scottsdale Art Walk -- Every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM -- FREE -- Dubbed ‘America’s Original Art Walk’ art fans get the opportunity to browse through all

25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.

26) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=416588935283&index=1

27)Roka Akor Farmers Market -- Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Beginning January 31st)

http://twitpic.com/yzya5

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

Tim McGraw -- June 3rd -- 7 PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Tickets on sale today!!!

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

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.

Shows off on the horizon:

Sundance Channel Hosts The Debut Of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With . . ."

;

Elvis Costello Solo show -- April 9th -- Desert Sky Series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets on sale now.

Muse -- April 9th, 2010 -- US Airlines Arena At long last Muse is coming to Phoenix! Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the best rock acts today!

NYPL Presents George Carlin Tribute Hosted By Whoopi Goldberg

An Evening with Kevin Smith -- April 10th -- 7:00 PM Orpheum Theater

Bad Brains -- April 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets only $13

Vampire Weekend -- Marquee Theater -- April, 13th 2010 -- 7:00 PM -- All Ages Show -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

Country Thunder -- Arizona -- April 14th -- April 17th -- Florence Arizona

Atomic Punks (a KILLER tribute to early Van Halen) -- April 17th -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

 

Mark Knopfler Performs In Perth

Mark Knopfler: SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010 at Dodge Theater

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119749753741

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles -- April 20-21 Mesa Arts Center -- April 22-25th Orpheum Theater

Rain - The Beatles Experience

Tickets to the Mesa Arts Center Shows:

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/performances/broadway/rain

Tickets to the Orpheum Theater Shows:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=33&LID=&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Rain-a-Tribute-To-the-Beatles-tickets/artist/1242978?camefrom=CFC_BUYAT&brand=[=BRAND=]

The Eagles -- April 21st -- US Airways Center

McDowell Mountain Music Festival -- April 23-25th -- Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center -- One of the great music festivals in the Phoenix Area is back for another year. The great thing about this festival is that 100% of the proceeds go to area charities. This year, all the proceeds will go to Ear Candy Charities and the Phoenix Day Family and Learning Center

Cheech and Chong - Get It Legal -- Saturday -- April 24th -- 8:00 PM Dodge Theatre

Tickets:

Conan O'Brien Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Legally prohibited from being funny on Television’ tour -- April 30th at the Dodge Theater -- Tickets on Sale now

Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine’ Tour -- Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show

Heart -- Celebrity Theater -- May 8 -- 8:00 PM

Pato Banton -- May 16th -- Club Red -- (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) -- One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h

Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers -- May 18th -- US Airways Center

Carole King and James Taylor ‘Intimate and in the Round’ Trubadour Reunion Tour -- Jobing.com Arena -- May 19th at 7:30 PM -- Tickets available at all Live Nation outlets and at Live Nations’s website:

Styx, Foreigner and Kansas -- Friday May 21st at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

Brooks and Dunn -- May 21st -- Cricket Wireless Pavillion

2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute To Neil Young - Show

Crosby, Stills and Nash -- Saturday May 29th -- Dodge Theater

Chicago with the Doobie Brothers -- June 15th -- Dodge Theater -- Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix

Iron Maiden and Dream Theater -- June 17th at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Country Throwdown Tour -- June 18th -- 1PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room

Kings of Leon -- Saturday July 10th -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Leann Rimes -- Celebrity Theater -- July 17th -- 8:00 PM

American Carnage Tour: Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament - August 17th -- Dodge Theater (This is the new and rescheduled date)

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Kenny Rogers -- October 14th at 7:30 PM at the Dodge Theater

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/05/tom-petty-and-the-heartbreakers-are-coming-to-phoenix/

Popularity: 37% [?]

Chinese Celebrate The Dragon Boat Festival


Well, we are in the middle of a major overhaul of the main AZ Vibe website at the moment and that includes this weekly article. As you can see we are transistioning to a new format and eventually will be moving the events and concerts off on the horizion to their own dedicate page. If you look at the Concerts format at the bottom of this page, each event has a link to either the ticket purchasing page or to an article with expanded coverage and information. This is the format we are going to be transferring to when the overhaul is done.

As for this week, the four main general events going on around town are:

- Wrestlemania XXVI -- The Grandaddy of all Wrestling events is finally here. Taking over the University of Phoenix Stadium, the WWE never failed to put on anything less than a tremendous event.

- Spring Training winding down -- We’re in the final days of Spring Training and if you haven’t gone out to check out a game in this lovely weather, do it!

- Big events in Tempe -- The Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Dragon Boat festival out on Tempe Town lake make for a tremendous cultural afternoon out in the sun.

- Concerts -- Paul McCartney and the Black Eyed Peas highlight a tremendous week in music around town

1)THE biggest thing goin on this coming week are the events surrounding the tail end of the WWE Wrestlemania XXVI. Two wrestling events and one Hall of Fame evening are the proverbial cherry on the frosting for a tremendous week with the WWE. Here’s the three events you should check out:

WWE Hall of Fame Night - March 27th -- Dodge Theater -- This is the night that the WWE dedicated to enshrining past wrestlers into it’s Hall of Fame

Wrestlemania XXVI -- March 28th 2010 -- 3:30PM -- University of Phoenix Stadium -- Tickets on Sale at all Ticketmaster Outlets and Ticketmaster.com.

WWE Monday Night Raw -- US Airways Center -- March 29th 5:30 PM

WWE Monday Night Raw In Las Vegas

2) Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets -- Individual tickets go on sale this weekend! Check out the link below for more information on how you can secure your tickets for the post season!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/03/26/phoenix-coyotes-and-phoenix-suns-playoff-tickets-go-on-sale-this-weekend/

3) Paul McCartney -- Sunday March 28th -- Jobing.com Arena

Paul McCartney performs in concert in Paris

4) Phoenix Coyotes -- The Phoenix Coyotes are on the verge of clinching their first playoff birth for the first time since 2001. There’s only a few regular season home games left so don’t miss your chance to see the hottest team in Phoenix battle for their playoff positions. Ticket’s for this weekend’s Avalanche game is selling out fast.

Pick up your tickets today!

Keep checking here…

http://coyotes.azvibe.com/20092010-phoenix-coyotes-ticketpromotional-schedule/

…as we’re going to post all the latest deals for tickets and other cool things.

5) Movies in the Park -- Biltmore Fashion Park -- FREE -- The popular event is back for another year at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This free event is a great way to just kick back and watch some great movies on the big screen outside!

THIS WEEK’S MOVIE: THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

For more information and a list of movies in the coming weeks, check this link out: http://bit.ly/dmrnJO

NBA All-Star Game Basketball match - Dallas

6) Phoenix Suns -- The new season is in full swing and out to do one thing. Win it all! Catch all the action courtside!

Tickets:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=85&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Phoenix-Suns-tickets/artist/806004

7) Spring Training almost over! We’ve got your guide for purchasing tickets online for all spring training games for all Cactus League games (Includes Tuscon too)!

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2010/01/11/2010-arizona-spring-training-ticket-onsale-dates/

8) Rosanne Cash -- March 26th -- 7:30 PM -- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

9) The Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace -- February 6 to March 28, 2010 -- Open every Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 6 PM

**THIS IS THE FINAL WEEKEND OF THE FESTIVAL**

10) Alkaline Trio -- March 30th -- Marquee Theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

11) Bon Viviant -- March 28th -- Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass -- This is a food and wine tasting event that benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. Come dressed in your best Western gear and sample some of the best foods and wines in the area. There will be live music and a silent auction so come on out and help a great cause!

12) Tempe Festival of the Arts -- March 26-28 -- Downtown Tempe

Also, within the festival is the Arizona Wine Festival

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=416294759061&index=1

13) 6th Annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival -- March 28th and 29th -- Tempe Town Lake

Samsung 3D LED TV Launch Party with THE BLACK EYED PEAS

14) Black Eyed Peas -- Jobing.com Arena March 31st at 7:30 PM

15)Chandler Jazz Festival -- March 26-27 -- Downtown Chandler -- Check out some great Jazz in a great setting.

16) FUSE -- Bar Smith -- Friday Nights -- $5 -- Bar Smith -- Downtown Phoenix -- 10PM -- 2 AM -- 18 dj’s, 2 Floors, Hosted Bar option -

Tonight’s Feature is:

Quarter End Celebration w/Joshie of Electrostatic!!!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102218123152011&ref=mf

17) Upcoming Events

Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Phoenix International Raceway -- SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 Weekend -- April 10th -- The Action of NASCAR comes to one of the tracks that drivers love! Come see why it’s such a fun weekend if you are a race fan or not.

http://www.phoenixraceway.com/Articles/2010/02/PIR-Announces-April-Event-Weekend-Schedule.aspx

Tickets: http://secure.racetickets.com//PhoenixIntlRaceway/ft/TicketSales/index.cfm?event=tixList&display=tixList&EstablishmentKey=9&EstablishmentType=T&TixEventID=2325&showCart=no&HeadlineStoryID=18266&GatewayPass=y

Arizona Barbecue Festival -- Scottsdale Waterfront -- April 10th -- 10 AM -- $10

http://azbbqfestival.com/

Rose Bowl

Pat’s Run -- Sun Devil Stadium -- April 17th -- 7AM to 11AM

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178979986366&ref=mf

Scottsdale Culinary Festival -- April 13th-18th

http://www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org/Home/tabid/948/Default.aspx

Maricopa County Fair -- April 14th-18th -- Arizona State Fairgrounds

http://maricopacountyfair.org/

Rock the Zoo featuring Vertical horizon and Marcy Playground -- April 23rd -- Phoenix Zoo -- The Phoenix Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year features two great acts. I personally have seen the types of Parties the Phoenix Zoo throws. I’m here to say that they know how to put on one hell of a party!

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/RockTheZoo2010/

2010 ASU Undie Run -- May 4th -- 8 PM to 10 PM -- Tempe SRC Fields (ASU Campus) -- The Annual event held on the last day of classes for the ASU academic year. Show up in an outfit that you want to donate to charity, strip down to your underwear (donating the outfit to those in need) and go on the run in your underwear

For you Facebook types:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150116334790332&ref=mf

18) Walk in Wednesdays (Open Mic Night) Tempe Center for the Arts -- Every Wednesday night -- 6:30-11PM -- The Lounge at the Tempe Center for the Arts -- Check out some of the area’s up and coming artists in a spectacular setting.

http://www.tempe.gov/TCA/wiw.htm

19) The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission every Thursday

http://www.smoca.org/

20) Scottsdale Old Town Farmer’s Market -- Every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM -- On the Corner of Brown and 1st Street in Old Town (Across the Street from ‘The Mission’ and ‘The Carriage House’.

http://arizonafarmersmarkets.com/pageScottsdaleOldtown/ScottsdaleOTsat.htm

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.

http://marketonmill.org/

22) Chandler Farmer’s Market is every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park (downtown Chandler)

23) Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers -- March 26th and 27th -- 8 PM -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

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

http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/

25) Don’t forget the Downtown Phoenix Public Market -- Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to Noon. http://www.foodconnect.org/phoenixmarket/

26) Black Pearl Poetry -- Tempe -- Thursdays -- MADCAP Theaters -- $5 Adults $3 Students (no matter what age) -- 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM -- A poetry open mic night right in downtown Tempe!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=416588935283&index=1

27)Roka Akor Farmers Market -- Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Beginning January 31st)

http://twitpic.com/yzya5

28) Thursday Night Market -- The return of local farmers (and other) markets on Mill avenue starts up again on Feb 18th.

http://www.thursdaynightmarket.com/Thursday_NIght_Market/Home.html

http://www.pitchengine.com/free-release.php?id=46302

29) Tony and Tina’s Wedding -- March 23rd to March 28th -- Chandler Center for the Arts -- One of the best theater experiences that YOU participate in. Comes with dinner and a champagne toast.

http://www.tonylovestina.com/shows_tony_tina_wedding_1.cfm?eid=80

21.5) Concerts

New to the Concert/Event Calendar this week (Info and Ticket Purchasing in the links for each event):

NYPL Presents George Carlin Tribute Hosted By Whoopi Goldberg

An Evening with Kevin Smith -- April 10th -- 7:00 PM Orpheum Theater

Bad Brains -- April 10th -- 8PM -- Tickets only $13

Soundwave Festival Sydney

Paramore with Tegan and Sara -- Dodge Theater -- September 15th -- Tickets on sale March 26th at 10 AM

Chicago with the Doobie Brothers -- June 15th -- Dodge Theater -- Tickets on sale March 29th at 10 AM -- Two of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time will be starting a co-headlining tour in Phoenix

Country Throwdown Tour -- June 18th -- 1PM -- Cricket Wireless Pavilion -- Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton 7 the Grove, Heidi Newfield

Atomic Punks (a KILLER tribute to early Van Halen) -- April 17th -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

Shows off on the horizon:

Sundance Channel Hosts The Debut Of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With . . ."

;

Elvis Costello Solo show -- April 9th -- Desert Sky Series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets on sale now.

Muse -- April 9th, 2010 -- US Airlines Arena At long last Muse is coming to Phoenix! Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the best rock acts today!

Vampire Weekend -- Marquee Theater -- April, 13th 2010 -- 7:00 PM -- All Ages Show -- Marquee theater (Call (480) 829-0707 for tickets because the promoter’s website is down)

Country Thunder -- Arizona -- April 14th -- April 17th -- Florence Arizona

 

Mark Knopfler Performs In Perth

Mark Knopfler: SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010 at Dodge Theater

For you Facebook Types: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119749753741

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles -- April 20-21 Mesa Arts Center -- April 22-25th Orpheum Theater

Rain - The Beatles Experience

Tickets to the Mesa Arts Center Shows:

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/performances/broadway/rain

Tickets to the Orpheum Theater Shows:

http://ticketsus.at/azvibe?CTY=33&LID=&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/Rain-a-Tribute-To-the-Beatles-tickets/artist/1242978?camefrom=CFC_BUYAT&brand=[=BRAND=]

The Eagles -- April 21st -- US Airways Center

Cheech and Chong - Get It Legal -- Saturday -- April 24th -- 8:00 PM Dodge Theatre

Tickets:

Conan O'Brien Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Legally prohibited from being funny on Television’ tour -- April 30th at the Dodge Theater -- Tickets on Sale now

Sugarland’s ‘Incredible Machine’ Tour -- Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show

Heart -- Celebrity Theater -- May 8 -- 8:00 PM

Pato Banton -- May 16th -- Club Red -- (Tickets can be purchased via ticketweb.com) -- One of the greatest Reggae artists of all time is playing an intimate show at Club Red. This is a perfect venue to see Pato Banton in.h

Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers -- May 18th -- US Airways Center