1. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo + Toto at Comerica Theatre – August 29
Love is a battlefield as ‘80s rocker Pat Benatar and husband Neil Giraldo bring their “We Live for Love Tour” to the Valley. They share the stage with Toto, of “Africa” and “Rosanna” fame. $191 - $392. 7:30 PM. 400 W. Washington St. Phoenix, 602-379-2800, concerts1.livenation.com
1. Deep Purple & Alice Cooper with The Edgar Winter Band at Ak-Chin Pavilion – August 15
Deep Purple continues their Long Goodbye Tour in support of their latest album, “Infinite.” Alice Cooper will join them as he plays all his hits like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” $15+. 6:30-11 p.m. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, concerts1.livenation.com.
1. Kabarett at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – August 11
This isn’t a normal theatrical performance that you may find around the Valley. Kabarett will feature a selection of French and German theater songs, classic film scores, off-beat pop and original music. $12-$19. 8-9:30 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, tickets.scottsdalearts.org.
1. John Mayer at Talking Stick Resort Arena – August 1
The Connecticut-native singer-songwriter is bringing his silky guitar strums and vocals to the Valley. Sing along to classics like “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and new songs like “Love on the Weekend.” $50+. 7 p.m. 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, johnmayer.com.
1. Vinyl Voices at The Coronado – July 25
Storytelling and record playing collide at Vinyl Voices. Speakers include Jeff Cardello, Michelle Edwards, Kim Porter and more. Hosts Jose Gonzalez and Leslie Barton will engage with the speakers to help them open up about their lives and how music guided their self-discovery. Free. 8-10 p.m. 2201 N. 7th St., Phoenix, facebook.com/events.
1. Le Painted Grape at El Panzon y Frida – July 19
In an hour and a half, you’ll transform a plain-looking wine glass into a colorful and functional piece of art. July’s design is a bright and inviting sunflower that will bring a bit of happy to any kitchen. The art supplies and glass are provided. $30. 6-7:30 p.m. 7323 E. Shoeman Ln., Scottsdale, facebook.com/events.
1. The Little Mermaid Broadway Musical at Dream City Church – July 13-16
Having a fish tail and spending her days under the sea won’t stop Ariel from chasing her dreams. Her curiosity regarding the human world leads her to adventure and love that will get laughs and cries from the whole family. $10-$32.50. Th 7:30 p.m.; F 7:30 p.m.; Sa 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m.; Su 2:30 p.m. 13613 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, summermusical.org.
Even though it’s hot as Hades, we Phoenicians still have patriotism. Here are some ways to embrace our red-hot Valley as we celebrate the red, white and blue.
1. All-American Festival at Peoria Sports Complex – July 4
Before you sit down to enjoy the fireworks show, take the family to this festival for an evening full of entertainment. There will be a Water Zone, Kids Zone, food eating contests, cornhole tournament, bounce houses and food concessions. $10; free, kids under 12. 5-10 p.m. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, facebook.com/events.
1. Book of Souls Tour with Iron Maiden at Talking Stick Resort Arena – June 28
Whether you were a metal-loving teen in the ‘80s or discovered the genre in the 21st century, Iron Maiden has surely blasted forth from your speakers at some point. They have transcended the decades and continue to rock in 2017. This year’s tour is coming off their 2016 tour that reached six continents and 35 countries. They’ll be joined by the band Ghost while they travel in the states. $65+. 11 p.m. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, ironmaiden.com.
1. Build It!: Frank Lloyd Wright at Chandler Public Library – June 21
Set the Legos aside for a day and discover what it would be like to be architect Frank Lloyd Wright with activities inspired by his career like city planning and structure building. There will also be an exhibit that showcases Wright’s time in Chandler and how he contributed to the community. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler, chandlerlibrary.libcal.com
1. Off the Page with Wil Williams at Wasted Ink Zine Distro – June 13
Explore what you’re passionate about and how to translate that feeling into words on paper. Wil Williams, a local writer and Northern Arizona University alum, will be covering “persona pieces” and other introspective ways of composing. The workshop will be followed by an open mic available to anyone who would like to present their work. $5-10. Workshop, 7-8 p.m.; Open Mic, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Wasted Ink Zine Distro, 2222 N. 16th St., Phoenix, wizd-az.com/events.
1. Beatmaking Workshop at Paradise Valley Community College – June 5
Do you have a beat stuck in your head, and aren’t sure how to get it out of there? Attend one of PVCC’s four beatmaking workshops this month, where instructors will coach you on how to create beats using apps, iPads and control surfaces. Whether you know your way around a soundboard or you occasionally clap along to a rhythm, all skill sets are welcomed. Free. Every Monday in June, 6:30-8:30 p.m. PVCC Fine Arts – CPA 115 Music Room, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, pvccfinearts.com.
1. First Friday at Phoenix Art Museum – June 2
The first Friday of every month is dedicated to the arts in the Valley, so it’s no surprise that the Phoenix Art Museum joins in the fun. The museum offers free general admission and discounted special exhibition admission. There will be live music all night while guests explore the Samurai, Yeohlee, Photography of the American Road and other exhibits. Free. 6 – 10 p.m. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, phxart.org.
1. Phoenix Comicon – May 25-28
Calling all sci-fi fans, comic enthusiasts and bookworms – Phoenix Comicon is back. Spend the weekend browsing the tables set up in the exhibitor hall and meet actors and writers like Karen Gillan, Dick Van Dyke, Anthony Michael Hall and Bonnie Wright. Full event $75; T $20; F and Su $30; Sa $45. T, F, Sa 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix, phoenixcomicon.com.
