The Valley Arts page is presented in four sections. Section 1 looks at Arts Festivals: Section 2 covers Museums & Science Centers: Section 3 covers Special Events; Section 4 covers the Performing Arts.
You can access information to local valley arts by either scrolling down each entry below or referring to the Index listing at the side and clicking on the desired heading.
The information to valley arts is updated regularly. If you are a member of a local valley arts group, society or center and would like to be included on our Arts Listing page, send your information to davidappleford@clearchannel.com
The 2nd Annual Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival is dedicated to the craft beer in a can. We are looking for breweries across this great nation whom embrace the can for the good of all beer.
Saturday May 19, 2012 – Saturday afternoon SanTan Brewing presents 2012 Ameri"CAN" Canned Craft Beer Festival
Entertainment:
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center - 3939 North Drinkwater BoulevardScottsdale, AZ85251
For more information CLICK HERE to go to the official festival website
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a wondrous place of imagination, inspiration, creativity and just plain fun! Designed for children ages birth to 10, this is not your typical Museum…here the museum wants you to touch EVERYTHING! And with over 48,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty to touch.
May is Companion Animal Month at the Museum, which is generously sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital. Check the Calendar page on the Museum's website for more information aboutthe programs and events being offered that celebrate the relationship between people and their pets.
Join the museum for a month of exciting programming. CLICK HERE for more nformation on Art Studio projects, programs and events.
Get Out of the Heat & Celebrate Memorial Day at the Museum!
The Children's Museum of Phoenix will be open on Monday, May 28th, from 9am to 4pm. You can make Playful Puppets from 10am to 12pm
Additional questions regarding Field Trips/Groups can be directed to: Group Reservationist Email: groupvisits@childmusephx.org Phone: 602.253.0501 option 3
The Musical Instrument Museum contains more than 12,000 instruments from countries all over the world. This global instrument collection can be viewed being played through the museum's state-of-the-art multimedia displays. Some of the instruments are even available to be played by museum visitors in the downstairs gallery or you can take in one of their frequent concerts in the theatre.
New Exhibition
February 18, 2012–January 6, 2013
Come to MIM for a spectacular look at Arizona’s musical history with the special centennial exhibition “I Am AZ Music: MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music,” opening February 18th. Arizona residents and visitors will uncover new stories and enjoy fresh perspectives on the state’s musical heritage in this special exhibition.
Located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix, The Music Instrument Museum can be contacted at 480-478-6000. Visit their website by clicking here.
Opened in 1929, the Heard Museum was the first cultural attraction in the Phoenix and remains one of the most well known to this day. The Spanish mission-style museum celebrates American Indian cultures and arts. It has become known for its wonderful festivals, exhibits and cultural events as well as its gift shop featuring authentic Indian arts and crafts.
Join The Heard Museum as it brings you great programs and films.
The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave in Phoenix. For more information call at 602-252-8848 or visit its website by clicking here.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Arizona Science Center features 300 hands on exhibits as well as a planetarium and IMAX theatre. Regularly changing shows assure that the experience is never the same twice. With programs for both kids and adults, ranging from camps to birthday parties and adult nights, the Science Center is a great place for families.
The Arizona Science Center is located at 600 E. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix. For more information call 602-716-2000 or visit their website by clicking here.
No Cover Charge: Enjoy live music as seven of the Valley's top performers play "in the round."
Schedule:
7:30-10:30 p.m. April 6 June 29
Host Walt Richardson welcomes seven Arizona singer/songwriters for evenings of live music in the round. Food and beverages will be available and there is no cover charge. The TCA is at 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. For more details CLICK HERE to go directly to the In the Spotlight website.
Some of the summer camps offered include the following:
Young Artists Studio (YAS) Students ages 8-13 can participate in this month-long, visual arts-intensive workshop and have the opportunity to sculpt, paint, draw and create in a variety of media. Each session ends with an opening of an art exhibition of student work. Session I is May 31-June 23; Session II is June 27-July 21. $180 per session.
Young Actors Theatre (YAT) Actors ages 8-13 learn the basic skills of acting and improvisation through theatre games and exercises. Work on a script and learn about set, costume, makeup and other technical elements of theatre while getting ready for the final production at session’s end. Session I is May 31-June 23; Session II is June 27-July 21. $180 per session.
Kamp Kool Youth ages 5-13 can participate in arts and crafts, sports, computers, cooking, science, swimming, guest speakers and field trips. The eight-week camp runs from 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, June 6-July 28, at the Escalante Community Center. $240.
Camp Challenge & Camp Action Kids These summer day camps are for children and adults ages 5-22 with developmental disabilities. Campers will enjoy arts & crafts, games, swimming, music, field trips, bowling and more! Camps are $90-$110, and will be held in two sessions from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays in June and July, at Bustoz Elementary School.
And many more.
For more information including all the available summer camps CLICK HERE to find the official full listing.
Familes can make the most of the beautiful spring weather at the city's annual Movies in the Park free movie series at Kiawanis Park, at Mill Avenue and All-America Way.
May 18: Kun Fu Panda 2
May 25: Hop
All films are rated PG
For more information CLICK HERE to go directly to the official website
142nd Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Wed, June 27 – Mon, July 2, 2012
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS, a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros.® Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Dragonsis a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth®!
Harkins Theatres and Emerging Pictures are proud to present exclusive world class cultural programming with the Opera and Ballet in Cinema Series. This series offers a wide range of cultural entertainment previously unseen in theatres. The Opera and Ballet in Cinema Series brings the best in European opera and ballet presented in crystal-clear Hi-Definition digital projection.
This year, Harkins Theatres is excited to offer several LIVE events, including Giselle and Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci in addition to others.
05/16/12 La Fille Mal Gardee 06/24/12 Raymonda
Showing exclusively at Arrowhead Fountains 18 (AH), Chandler Fashion 20 (CF) and Scottsdale 101 14 (SC). For more information please click here.
Open studios tours are a good way to experience art and artists. Every first Friday evening of each month you can take a free self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix galleries, studios and art spaces. It's called First Friday.
First Friday is organized by Artlink, a nonprofit organization "...dedicated to bringing together artists, the public, and businesses for a greater understanding, appreciation, and promotion of the arts and the development of a strong and vital downtown Phoenix arts community."
The First Friday art walk in downtown Phoenix is held on the first Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about First Friday, contact Artlink at 602-256-7539. This is a free event. For more information on First Friday's CLICK HERE.
SCOTTSDALE MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS FIDDLER ON THE ROOF August 16 – 19, 2012
SMTC presents the enduring classic musical Fiddler on the Rooffor a special engagement. Performances will take place at SMTC’s new home, the intimate 300-seat Dorrance Auditorium on the beautiful campus at Phoenix Country Day School
3901 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.
Show dates are Thursday, August 16th at 7:30PM; Friday, August 17that 8PM; Saturday, August 18th at 2PM and 8PM and concluding Sunday, August 19th @ 2PM.
Reserved seating tickets are $24.50 with senior and student discounted tickets available for $19.50. SMTC also offers $10 tickets for military/veterans and their families. Tickets go on sale May 15th and can be purchased on-line by Clicking Here.
Actors Theatre is so excited about its upcoming season of contemporary and exciting plays that traffic from the imagination of Steve Jobs to the reality of underemployed people in South Boston. And stops along the way for a brand new farce by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor) set on a - wait for it - Golf Course.
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs:
by Mike Daisey
Sept. 21 - October 7
Opus:
By Michael Hollinger
Nov. 2 - 18
The Fox on the Fairway:
by Ken Ludwig
January 25 - Feb 10, 2013
A Steady Rain:
by Keith Huff
March 22 - April 7, 2013
Good People:
by David Lindsay-Abaire
May 3 - 19, 2013
For more information CLICK HERE to go directly to the Actors Theatre website.
The Tempe Community Chorus is a community-based chorus dedicated to creating entertaining concerts filled with a variety of wonderful music. They are singers of all experience levels and from all walks of life who come together to create that great choral sound. They love to sing! They take the business of having fun very seriously, and their rehearsals are filled with joy and laughter and great singing.
The 100-member Tempe Community Chorus will peform popular and classic songs this spring. Tickets are general admission and seats are first-come, first-serve seating.
The chorus performs at 4pm on Sunday May 20 at Sun Lakes United MethodistChurch, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., and at 4pm on Sunday June 3, at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Salado Parkway.
If you're interested in joining the chorus, you're invited to visit them in rehearsal. They practice at the University Presbyterian Church (they are a secular group) near Downtown Tempe. To get more information or to let them know you are going to visit, CLICK HERE to go directly to the chorus website.
This special School Edition of Sweeney Todd has been masterfully adapted, working directly with Mr Sondheim to retain the dark wit and grand scope of the original work, with a few lyric and key changes to facilitate high school productions.
Next Production:
Annie jr.
From: May 25 -June 10
Spotlight Youth Theatre:10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale is located in the west valley on the Northeast corner of West Peoria Avenue and North 43rd Avenue – behind Denny’s.
For more information regarding times, dates and tickets CLICK HERE to go directly to the Spotlight Youth Theatre website.
Decidedly off the beaten path, Stray Cat is indie theatre at its best: quirky, edgy and irreverent. Stray Cat Theatre sctatches the Valley's itch for a visceral, provocative theatre experience for culture-savvy cats who crave something beyond the standard kitty chow.
Stray Cat Theatre is resident at the original Tempe Performing Arts Center: 132 E. 6th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
Call 480-634-6435 or CLICK HERE to go directly to the Stray Cat Theatre website.
Next Production:
May 18 - June 9, 2012
Directed by Ron May
A pregnant housewife is abducted by robots, taken to a rainforest and forced to perform Hedda Gabler by her robot captors. Meanwhile, her family back home in Michigan is trying to find her. A hilarious and savage journey the theatre promises will be unlike anything you've ever seen... ever.
Arizona Broadway Theatre, recognized as the "Best Playhouse of the Valley" by PHOENIX Magazine and winner of WESTMARC's "2011 Best of the West" Award, is a state-of-the-art professional dinner theatre that showcases actors and designers from New York City, the greater Phoenix area, and around the country. Additionally, all aspects of the productions are built at the theatre, making ABTthe largest producer of live year-round theatre in the state. ABT Performing Arts Association Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information, call the box office at 623.776.8400 or CLICK HERE to go directly to the ABT website.
Arizona Opera is a professional opera company which produces fully-staged opera performances, concerts, in-school touring productions, educational and outreach programs that reach over 55,000 schoolchildren and adults annually. Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is one of the few companies in the United States to serve multiple cities.
Lucia di Lammermoor
Phoenix: Oct 12 - 14
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting online www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available through the Arizona Opera Box Office from 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. at 602.266.7464 in Phoenix or 520.293.4336 in Tucson or CLICK HERE to go directly to the Arizona Opera website.
Known for great programming and famous alumni like Jordin Sparks, Emma Stone and Chelsea Kane, the Valley Youth Theatre is celebrating its 23rd Anniversary with performances at both the Herberger Theatre and its downtown theatre. For all VYT information click here.
Theatre Artists Studio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization designed to provide a professional theatre resource for its members and for the community.
Celebrating its sixth year in Scottsdale, the Theatre Artists Studio is a member organization of actors, directors, etc.. Click here for more information or call 602-765-0120.
Scottsdale Desert Theatre is a nonprofit organization providing theatrical entertainment in an intimate, cabaret-style setting. With most all upcoming shows lasting a month or so, there are plenty to choose from year-round. Click here for more information or call 480-483-1664.
Mainstage:
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, April 13th – May 12th Rent, July 13th – August 11th
Actors’ Café: Altar Boys, March 23rd – May 20th The Odd Couple, June 8th – July 29th
Children’s Theatre: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, May 25th – June 24th
This professional dance company performs at Phoenix Theatre and has an upcoming fall and spring series. Click here for more information or call 602-258-9511
With original scripts, Phoenix Theatre's Cookie Company bases plays off of popular fairy tales and classic children's literature. CLICK HERE for more information about their upcoming series or call 602-254-2151.
The Kerr Cultural Center is a intimate performing arts venue located in Scottsdale. For all your information please click here or call 480-596-2660.
Memory and The Blues: Thursday, September 15: 7:30pm
Dave Riley - Renowned Mississippi blues musician; William R. Ferris - Mississippi blues expert and professor; Bob Corritore - Valley blues icon known as a mean harmonica player and owner of the famous Phoenix blues and roots club, The Rhythm Room.
The Hale Centre Theatre located in Gilbert offers quality, family-friendly entertainment that all can enjoy. To find out ticket prices and theatre information please click here. Below is the 2011-2012 Season
Great Arizona Puppet Theatre has been entertaining the Valley for almost 30 years striving to promote the art of puppetry, educate children and their families and celebrate Arizona in its culture, heritage and ecology through the art of puppetry. For theatre and show information please click here. Below is the 2011-2012 Season:
Fountain Hills Theatre Company celebrates 25 Years of Theatre Excellence. The Fountain Hills Theare Company is a nonprofit group with dedicated volenteers producing a variety of shows yearly. For theatre information please click here.
Mainstage:
Due to circumstances beyond FHTC's control, their production of the Jerry Herman musical Mame has been cancelled. However, while Mame has been cancelled, they can still celebrate the man who wrote it! FHTC is pleased to announce the Southwest premier of the Jerry Herman musical revue Jerry’s Girls will be taking its place.
East Valley Children’s Theatre (EVCT) is more than just a theatre. It is a place where children can grow and develop into confident young adults. At EVCT youth gain self-esteem, and develop creativity. To find out how you can be involved with the East Valley Children's Theatre please click here. Season:
For over 35 years the Desert Foothills Theater has been providing theater experiences to the Northeast valley. It was founded in 1975 by Anne and Carl Nusbaum. They had grease paint in their veins, and wanted to share their deep love of live theater with everyone in the Desert Foothills. For all your DFT information please click here.
Disney's Beauty & The Beast: May 18 - 27
Brunch with Belle
Join Desert Foothills Theater before the matinee performances on May 20 and May 27 for Brunch with Belle. Meet Belle and other characters from the production as you enjoy a traditional English Tea complete with finger sandwiches, tea, soft drinks and dessert hosted by the English Rose Tea Room. Tickets are $10 per person!
Del E. Webb Center For The Performing Arts 2011-2012 Season
Located in Wickenburg, the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art seat theatre dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational richness of Wickenburg and our surrounding communities. The Del E. Webb Center provides a diverse lineup of music, dance and theatre production. For all information about what is performaing at the center you can click here.
Camp Imagination's The Jungle Book: June 15
The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the campers of Camp Imagination as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.
Tickets to this performance are available by calling the Webb Center Box Office at 928-684-6624
Located in Downtown Chandler, the Chandler Center for the Arts is the premier cultural resource that focuses on leading, advocating and advancing arts and culture in the greater Chandler area for more than 20 years providing quality, diverse and affordable performing and visual arts programs. Click here for ticket & show information.
Phoenix Theatre, founded in 1920 as Phoenix Little Theatre, is the oldest arts institution in the State of Arizona and one of the oldest continuously operating arts organizations in the country. It is currently celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year! Phoenix Theatre is proud to unveil its 2011-2012 Theatre Season! To purchase tickets to any of these shows or to enquire information about the Phoenix Theatre please click here. Performances include the following:
After more than a year of renovation and renewal, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is embarking upon a new era with the opening of its state-of-the-art Virginia G. Piper Theater and a star-studded 2011 - 2012 season of dance, jazz, classical and world music, theater and satire. Listed below are some of the performances that will be at the Virginia G. Piper Theater. There is also a special buy 3 get one free ticket program on specific shows! To purchase tickets or to find out more information about the shows please click here.
ULTRA-COOL CIRCUS TAKES A DREAM-LIKE JOURNEY THROUGH THE HUMAN MIND
7 Fingers: PSY
Friday, May 18, 8PM - Saturday, May 19, 2pm and 8pm.
Following the success of its awe-inspiring hit performance Traces, 7 Fingers moves into the surreal underworld of the human mind in its latest production, PSY. The company’s extraordinary acrobats and dancers take audiences on a humorous and dream-like journey through the human mind while showcasing breathtaking acrobatics, aerial stunts, juggling and more. Their daring juxtaposition of dark and complex themes with the joyful and celebratory language of the circus arts makes for a rich artistic experience.
SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
ANNOUNCES NEW 2012–13 SEASON
All-star lineup includes Sandra Bernhard, Clint Black, Chris Botti, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Barbara Cook,Chick Corea and Gary Burton, Bill Engvall, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Olga Kern, Eddie Palmieri, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Rita Rudner, Ravi Shankar, Tommy Tune, Dionne Warwick and more!
Greetings Symphony lovers! The 2011-2012 Season is under way and it should be a spectacular year.
More information about the upcoming season can be found at www.phoenixsymphony.org. Individual tickets for the Season can be purchased through the Phoenix Symphony Box Office by phone at 602-495-1999 from 10 am to 2 pm.
2011-2012 Classic Series
Rodrigo: Concierto De Aranjuez: May 17th & May 19th
2011-2012 Pop Series
High Flying! Cirque de la Symphonie: May 25th through May 27th
Arizona Theatre Company 2011-2012 Season is here with some fantastic shows. Escape with your friends and family and experience some of the shows that Arizona Theatre Company has to offer. All shows are located at Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., in Phoenix. For ticket information please call 602-256-6995 or you can log onto arizonatheatre.org. Shows also run in Tucson, usually the week before they arrive in Phoenix. The Tuscon Box Office can be contacted at 520-622-2823.
Childsplay, Arizona's award-winning theatre company for young audiences, is proud to bring its 35th season to the Tempe Arts Center. Below is the 35th Season that Childsplay Theatre, Arizona's Professional Theatre for Young Audiences & Families brings you:
April 22nd - May 20th The Color of Stars
In addition, Summer Camp Registration is now open from June 6th through August 5th Theater classes taught by profes-sional teaching artists are offered for young people ages 4-17. For more information on the shows & camp or to buy tickets, please call the TCA box office at 480-350-2822 or visit the website at www.childsplayaz.org. The Tempe Center for the Arts is located at 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe.
Ballet Arizona is an innovative and provocative professional ballet company that creates, performs, and teaches outstanding classical and contemporary ballet. The company is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating and commissioning new innovative works.
If you would like more information on Ballet Arizona or to enquire about purchasing tickets click here.
Topia: May 2-26
The Desert Botanical Garden, in collaboration with Ballet Arizona, proudly invites you to the premiere of Topia, inspired by the natural beauty of the Sonoran desert landscape. The ballet will be performed in an intimate desert space of the Garden overlooking the dynamic red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Audiences will be inspired to see world class ballet and a world class garden through new eyes.
Get Broadway's Hottest Shows at the Best Price Ever. Season subscribers to the PROGRESSIVE® Broadway Across America – Arizona season are assured priority seating, the same great seats for every show, priority ticket offers for special Broadway engagements. Additional benefits include ticket exchange privileges and lost ticket insurance.
Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. ASU Gammage is the home theater of M&I Bank Broadway Across America – Arizona and the BEYOND series. Its mission is to connect communities through artistic excellence and educational outreach. ASU Gammage is an historic hall designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. To purchase tickets please click here or call the Box Office at 480-784-4444.
Rain: May 11 - May, 12, 2012 La Cage Aux Folles: May 15 - May 20, 2012
And now, ASU Gammage is proud to announce its upcoming 2012-2013 Broadway season! Existing season ticket holders can renew today! Season Tickets for new subscribers go on sale Monday, May 14, 2012. Pre-order today to be first in line for tickets to the 12-13 season.
Anything Goes: November 13-16, 2012. The Addams Family: December 11-16, 2012. Peter Pan: January 8-13, 2013. War Horse: February 5-10, 2013
Memphis: March 6-10, 2013. Flashdance: April 3-May 5, 2013. Sister Act: June 25-30,2013
SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS
Les Miserables: Spetember 11-16, 2012. Beauty & The Beast: April 9-14, 2012
Donny & Marie: Christmas in Arizona: November 27-December 2, 2012
Located in the heart of downtown, the Arizona Science Center features 300 hands on exhibits as well as a planetarium and IMAX theatre. Regularly changing shows assure that the experience is never the same twice. With programs for both kids and adults, ranging from camps to birthday parties and adult nights, the Science Center is a great place for families.
The Kerr Cultural Center is a intimate performing arts venue located in Scottsdale. For all your information please 
Located in Downtown Chandler, the Chandler Center for the Arts is the premier cultural resource that focuses on leading, advocating and advancing arts and culture in the greater Chandler area for more than 20 years providing quality, diverse and affordable performing and visual arts programs. 
Phoenix Theatre, founded in 1920 as Phoenix Little Theatre, is the oldest arts institution in the State of Arizona and one of the oldest continuously operating arts organizations in the country. It is currently celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year! Phoenix Theatre is proud to unveil its 2011-2012 Theatre Season! To purchase tickets to any of these shows or to enquire information about the Phoenix Theatre please 
