#2: “Play Me, I’m Yours” in Mesa, Feb. 27
More than 24 artistically painted and playable pianos will occupy public spaces throughout Mesa in this internationally touring art project devised by British artist Luke Jerram, which makes its Arizona debut this weekend. All two-dozen instruments will be together for one day only at Mesa Arts Center for a free launch event on February 27, before being disbursed along Main Street, near Mesa museums and libraries, on the Mesa Arts Center grounds, and in other Mesa locations for members of the public to play and enjoy through April 29. streetpianosmesa.com
#3: Ani DiFranco at Mesa Arts Center, Feb. 24
The self-described “little folksinger” has worn many musical hats since she started strumming around the coffeeshops of New York as a teenager in the ’80s: jazzy songbird, funky spoken word artist, bluesy chanteuse, politically-charged indie rocker. She’s even dipped her toe in electronica. But whatever sonic shape she takes, her lyrical content continues to be uniformly poetic, political and personal, and it particularly shines against the stripped-down backdrop and subtle melodies of her latest album, “Allergic to Water.” Global alternative group Ruca & the April Fishes opens the show. $42.50, 8 p.m. February 24 in the Piper Repertory Theater at Mesa Arts Center. mesaartscenter.com
#4: “Don Giovanni” by Arizona Opera at Phoenix Symphony Hall, Feb. 26-28
Legendary lothario Don Giovanni’s seductive and deceptive ways have won over – and screwed over – countless women. But the father of one of his paramours, Donna Anna, plans to put a stop to Giovanni’s harassment and lies in this classic opera production. Giovanni is played by baritone Morgan Smith, whose voice “The Bellingham Herald” colorfully referred to as “cognac-smooth.” $25-$135, 7:30 p.m. February 26-27, 2 p.m. February 28 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. azopera.org
#5: “What Would They Wear?” at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, through Feb. 28
In this unique exhibit, ceramicist Miriam Mladinov imagined what famous figures including Marilyn Monroe, Frida Kahlo and the Biblical Samson wore or would wear during a defining moment in their lives – then she created their “clothing” with clay, essentially crafting outfits that are sculptures. $10 admission (includes guided nature walks). 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. ag.arizona.edu/bta
About the main image:
“Blooms” by Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
