If you’re curious about what’s going on in the local arts community, we curate a monthly list of what’s new and noteworthy, from new exhibits to upcoming shows.
Welcome Springtime with the Seasonal Art on the Boardwalk Festival
Hosted by Sundance Creek Promotions and located at the Arizona Boardwalk’s outdoor courtyard near OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, Art on the Boardwalk is free and family-friendly. Connect with local artists and shop for fine arts and crafts, home decor and specialty gift items. There will also be a kids’ coloring contest and a student art exhibit by Salt River Elementary students [inspired by famous artists. Enjoy live music by the brother and sister band The Chacons from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Haley Green on Sunday. Get there early Friday morning to be one of the first 50 adults and receive a free tote bag. The event is March 10 through 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Both admission and parking are free.
Take a Visual Journey through Scottsdale’s Heritage with the Native Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk
On Thursday, March 2 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) and its many member galleries are hosting the Native Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk located throughout the Scottsdale Arts District. Nearly 30 galleries and two museums from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and beyond will honor the city’s Native American heritage and showcase that the vibrant Native culture is alive and well in Scottsdale. In addition to dedicated exhibitions within participating galleries, there will be performances from authentic Native dancers and drummers. SGA hosts ArtWalks every Thursday. Go to its website to find out the theme for each week.
TheaterWorks Presents the Hunchback of Notre Dame for its Final Mainstage Production of the 22-23 Season
Now through March 5 in Gyder Theater at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, TheaterWorks will be bringing audiences captivating performances of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The play is a retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero with songs from the iconic Disney animated feature. It will showcase the film’s Academy Award-nominated score and new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Tickets are $40 to $48 and can be purchased at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts Box Office or on its website.
The Arizona Bach Festival Returns for its 14th Anniversary Season
From February 26 through March 14, experience beautiful music from the Baroque era including Bach, Vivaldi and Handel. Enjoy performances from organist Ken Cowan, Chamber Music in Multiples with Michel Corrette, the Arizona Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra and a vocal recital by Josefien Stoppelenburg with Stephen Alltop on harpsichord and Sarah Walder Amata on cello. The first three concerts will take place at the All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix and the last will take place at the Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Scottsdale. Single tickets range from $30 to $45, a festival pass is $125 and all students get in free with identification. Visit arizonabachfestival.org to purchase tickets and learn more.
Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID! Comes to Scottsdale
Esteemed comedian Margaret Cho, a five-time Grammy and Emmy nominee and one of Vogue magazine’s top nine female comedians will be doing a stand-up comedy show on Thursday, March 2 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Cho has also been named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time and CNN’s 50 People Who Changed American Comedy. The show will have mature content and tickets range from $39 to $69. Visit the venue’s website to learn more and purchase tickets.
Free Sunday Concerts are Back at the Scottsdale Civic Center
Experience local music in a chill and family-friendly atmosphere with local vendors, a bar and good company at the Sun & Sounds outdoor concert series. The first concert will be Sunday, March 5 from noon to 4 p.m. Singer-songwriters Remi Goode and Gabe Lehrer will be performing folk and pop covers as well as their original works from noon to 1:30 p.m. and unique rock, soul and pop band Hot House Orchids will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. The venue is also dog-friendly so bring a lawn chair and get ready for some fun in the sun.
Let Go of Stress and Find your Peace with Glow Up @SMoCA: Meditation
On Thursday, March 16, Kadampa Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Tabkay will be guiding a meditation session that helps you let go of stress and find feelings of inner peace and joy. These meditation sessions offer simple methods to improve your quality of life and help apply Buddhist understanding to help solve everyday problems and fight negativity. Wear something comfy, bring a yoga mat, blanket or pillow for ultimate relaxation and reserve your spot early. Tickets are $20 and the event will take place at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
