Celebrate Lions and Tigers and Suns Fans, Oh My! Grab your favorite Suns gear and decorate your car in all things orange as the Phoenix Zoo rallies the Valley during its summertime Cruise the Zoo, July 18. The drive-through experience allows guests to see flamingos, giraffes, elephants, tortoises, zebras, monkeys and more from the comfort of their own air-conditioned car. Designed to be approximately 30 minutes in length, the narrated tour offers insights, information and facts about...
Experience Old-World Circus Acts Zoppé Italian Family Circus proves that the show must go on with the debut of its live, multimedia drive-in circus. Featuring a human cannonball, Tulga the Strong Man, the Wheel of Death, aerial displays, equestrian showmanship and swinging trapeze artists, the extravaganza takes place in the Big Surf parking lot on an elevated circus ring viewed from the safety of your own vehicle. Fans can bring chairs and tailgate while the action unfolds in front of them, with sound transmitted...
December 25-27 Celebrate Peace in Tempe Valley artists Edgar Fernandez, Shachi Kale, Nick Rascona, Kaori Takamura and Annie Lopez share their visions for Peace in an outdoor exhibition at Tempe Center for the Arts. Located on the east side of the venue through January 24, the project includes a 75-foot-long text wall along the exterior windows of the center’s sculpture garden and a mini art exhibit that is visible from the gallery windows that face the east breezeway entrance. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.,...
May 29
James Taylor
The legendary singer/songwriter is recognized for his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing in such hits as “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Shower the People” and “Country Road.” Bonnie Raitt is special guest. 7:30 p.m. Call for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.
The season opener for Arizona Opera, Hercules vs. Vampires, demonstrates just how fine the line between highbrow and lowbrow can be. The mythological Greek hero Hercules ventures into the underworld to fetch a cure for a princess who, thanks to an evil king, has lost her memory. Sure... OK.
There’s nothing about this story that wouldn’t have been taken seriously by generations of grand opera composers. Indeed, it’s arguably a more straightforward narrative than that of many operas.
Apparently there's nothing that doesn't pair well with yoga. This past year, Phoenix has welcomed yoga with goats, yoga with cats, yoga on paddleboards, and now... yoga with booze. This "fitness" trend (and we say "fitness" with a massive grain of salt because surely, replenishing your body with booze after a sweat sesh is not really healthy, per se) is good news for all those who've ever thought, "You know what sounds good right now? A beer," while in flying locus. Still, a leisurely morning or afternoon spent in feel-good asanas followed by a refreshing cocktail sounds downright lovely as the temps around the Valley finally begin cooling off. Below, a variety of places offering one-hour classes for a low fee and the opportunity to sip delicious craft cocktails, beers or mimosas afterwards. Grab your mats.
Award winning Chilean author Alejandro Zambra begins his literary residency in Phoenix next week.Presented by CALA Alliance (Celebracion Artistica de las Americas) in partnership with Changing Hands Bookstore, Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, and Cardboard House Press, the Bonsái author will participate in a series of free literary events in the Valley including a bilingual workshop at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, a visit to Arizona State University and a lecture and book reading at Changing Hands Bookstore. (Event details below.)
Mamma Mia! – September 12–October 15
A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you'll never forget. Cleverly told through the songs of ABBA, Mamma Mia! follows Sophie and her journey to find her father, while her mother comes face to face with three men from her romantic past. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $35.00–$85.00. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, tickets.phoenixtheatre.com, 602-254-215.
After Labor Day it’s official: Summer 2017 is over. As Game of Thrones fans would say, winter is coming. (Also in Phoenix, just as in GOT, winter may be coming but it will feel like summer continues to last for approximately six years.)
But before you break out the pumpkin spice, check out these events and discounts happening over Labor Day weekend while Phoenix continues broiling in 105+ degree heat:
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. 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.
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.
Nothing says “Arizona” like saguaros, the Grand Canyon and, of course, puppets. OK, so puppets might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but with one of the most notable puppet theaters in the U.S. located in the heart of Phoenix, puppetry is a part of our local culture.
