Arts Briefs (8/29)

Children's Museum open Labor Day

Although usually closed on Mondays, the Children's Museum makes an exception on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.

Numerous Art Studio projects are planned, including the group project "Button House," where visitors decorate a wire mesh playhouse with buttons. Storytimes are also held on the half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Art Studio is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Directly across from the Art Studio is the Junior League of Phoenix classroom, which will be presenting "One Yard Art" from 2 to 4 p.m., where visitors will use 3 feet of string to create a continuous line drawing.

Programs are free with paid admission of $9. Children under the age of 1 are admitted free.

The Children's Museum is located at 215 N. 7th St. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.

Call for work

The Phoenix Center for the Arts is accepting submissions for all four juried annual exhibitions - Photography and Kiln Worked Glass Show, Metals and Jewelry Show, African American Vibes of the City, and Arte Latino en la Ciudad. The entry deadline for submissions is Sept. 2.

Entry forms are available at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St. Additional information is available by calling (602) 262-4634. Information about the Phoenix Center for the Arts and a complete listing of the classes offered are available online at phoenix.gov/parks.

Free movies at the ARC

Free movies are being offered in September at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Movies will be shown at 2 p.m. Monday and 6 p.m. Tuesday.

On the schedule are: Sept. 2 (no movie Sept. 1), Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (comedy, PG-13); Sept. 8 and 9, 21 (drama, PG-13); Sept. 15 and 16, Then She Found Me (comedy, R); Sept. 22 and 23, What Happens in Vegas (comedy, PG-13); and Sept. 29 and 30, Sex and the City: the Movie (comedy, R).

For more information, call (480) 893-2549.

Phoenix Bach Choir becomes Phoenix Chorale

On the eve of its 50th anniversary season, the Phoenix Bach Choir has announced that beginning with the 2008-09 concert season the organization's name will change to Phoenix Chorale. The change follows a two-year process of discussion and evaluation and is intended to reflect its extended artistic breadth and to position the group for further expanding its international profile through a series of new recordings and tours.

For more information, visit www.phoenixchorale.org.

Be an ASU Art Museum volunteer

On Sept. 5, the Arizona State University Art Museum is opening up its docent program for interested volunteers. This program is designed for enthusiastic community volunteers that would enjoy being an important part of the local support system for fine arts. Absolutely no experience is necessary.

Docent training is completed in three months. Each applicant must attend one of two hour-long instructional sessions each week, either at 6 p.m. Tuesday or 9 a.m. Friday. The museum is located at the southeast corner of 10th Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe.

A welcome orientation with coffee and tea will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9.

To RSVP, or for any questions, call Andrea Feller at (480) 965-2787.

Open auditions for Ib Andersen's The Nutcracker

Children's auditions for Ballet Arizona's 2008 production of The Nutcracker will take place Sunday, Sept. 7, at its studios, 3645 E Indian School Road. Auditions are open to boys and girls ages 9 to 16 that are 5 feet, 8 inches and under with all levels of ballet experience.

Audition times are 9:30 to 10 a.m. for boys ages 9 to 16, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for girls ages 9 to 12 and 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. for girls ages 13 to 16. Auditioners should arrive one hour before their group time and may be asked to stay and audition with another group.

The registration fee is $10.

Rehearsals will begin Sept. 13 and continue almost every Saturday through Dec. 6. Dress rehearsals will be in Symphony Hall during the week of Dec. 8, prior to the first public performance Dec. 12.

The Nutcracker runs Dec. 12 to 28 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.

For more information, call (602) 381-0184 or visit www.balletaz.org.

Top 40 sounds kick off Fall Starlight Concerts

Chandler's Fall Starlight Concert Series begins Sept. 9, with a free musical performance by Rhythm f/x from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler.

The Scottsdale-based cover band plays a versatile repertoire of energetic dance, rock, Motown and smooth R&B music from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The group has performed together since 1998, and their extensive song list features something for everyone to enjoy.

The free, biannual Starlight Concert Series runs for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the concert amphitheater in the center of Tumbleweed Park, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads.

Performers in the fall Starlight Concert Series include: Sept. 9, Rhythm f/x Top 40/Dance; Sept. 16, Powder Keg Country; Sept. 23, Denise Allen Band Rock/Blues; Sept. 30, The Needham Twins Pop/Country/Folk; Oct. 7, Desert Breeze Country/Blues; Oct. 14, Caji & Salome' Brazilian; Oct. 21, Common Ground Blues Band Blues; and Oct. 28, Dead Eyes of London Oldie Rock.

For more information, call the city's Special Event hotline at (480) 782-2735 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.

Ahwatukee Idol Junior, Ahwatukee Idol are back

The next Ahwatukee Idol Junior (ages 6 to 12) and Ahwatukee Idol (ages 13 to adult) coaching sessions and competitions will be held Sept. 12 and 13 at Ahwatukee Children's Theatre, 5051 E. Elliot Road.

Solo and group entries may enter, and Christian music is welcome. Experience vocal coaching and singing in front of Ahwatukee Foothills' own "Simon, Paula and Randy."

Coaching will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, followed by the performances and contests for Ahwatukee Idol Junior at 3 p.m. and Ahwatukee Idol at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Family and friends are invited to the performances at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 each. First and second place winners at each concert will be named, and all participants will receive certificates and awards.

For more information or to register, e-mail Rhonda Morrison at rhon@iplaybyear.com or visit www.iplaybyear.com.

AZ Optimist Battle of the Bands

Join the Arizona Optimist Clubs and Arizona Diamondbacks as they rock out to raise funds for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek. Enjoy an afternoon of good music for the entire family.

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital is the largest pediatric program of its kind in Arizona, providing complete care for children diagnosed with malignancies and/or life-threatening hematologic diseases.

Tickets, $10, are available online at www.qcpac.com.

Bands are required to perform two songs, and cash prizes will be given out for first, second and third place. Bands must register at www.southeastvalleyoptimists.org/.

For more information, contact Marilyn Pell at mpell@gilbertoptimistclub.org or (480) 892-2936. 

Jake's Corner opens Sept. 5

Jake's Corner was shot entirely in Arizona and opens in Harkins Theatres across the state Sept. 5.

The film features many local cast members and stars Richard Tyson (Black Hawk Down, Kindergarten Cop, There's Something about Mary), Diane Ladd (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, David Lynch's Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose) and Danny Trejo (Grindhouse, Sherry Baby, The Devil's Rejects, Anchorman). Jake's Corner was co-produced by Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle (Majerle also has a cameo appearance in the movie).

The film is the story of a former University of Arizona football player who walked away from the game to live in a small secluded Arizona town - Jake's Corner. His quiet life is turned upside down when he is forced to care for his young nephew after a tragic family accident. The film was born out of director Jeff Santo's documentary "This Old Cub," which chronicles the life of his father Ron Santo, a former all-star third baseman for the Chicago Cubs who suffered from diabetes during his entire career.

Fabulous fall at the DBG

A variety of activities are offered for everyone to enjoy at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway:

- Spirit of the Saguaro / Ottosen Gallery, Sept. 5 to Oct. 19.

- Mariposa Monarca - Monarch Butterfly Exhibit / Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, Sept. 27 to Nov. 2. Reservations are required for tagging by e-mailing monarchs@dbg.org or calling (480) 481-8128.

- Fourth Annual Corks & Cactus, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Sample more than 70 wines from different regions of the world and to talk with representatives from the different wineries. The evening will showcase the musical talents of Dennis Rowland and the Jazz Experience and the culinary talents of Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events. All proceeds from ticket sales and wines purchased at Corks & Cactus directly benefit the Desert Botanical Garden.

- Fall Plant Sale, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19. No admission fee to enter the Fall Plant Sale.

- The Great Pumpkin Festival, 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26.

- Ottosen Entry Garden, Opens in November.

For additional information, call (480) 941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org.

OneNightCinema's fall film series start Sept. 12

OneNightCinema: The Foreign and Independent Film Series at Pollack Tempe Cinemas "Fall 2008 Series" kicks off a fifth year of films and will feature five first-run, noteworthy selections, each making its Phoenix and/or Arizona debut.

Each film screens at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Mondays.

- Owl and the Sparrow (Vietnam/USA). opens Sept. 12.

- Sixty-Six (UK), opens Sept. 19. .

- Tuya's Marriage (People's Republic of China), opens Sept. 26.

- The Singing Revolution (Estonia/USA), opens Oct. 10.

- The Order of Myths (USA), opens Oct. 17.

Tickets are $7.50 for a series pass holder or $9.50 (cash only) at the door. Pollack Tempe Cinemas is located at 1825 E. Elliot Road in Tempe.

For more information, visit www.OneNightCinema.com, call the box office at (480) 897-0677 or e-mail onenightcinema@hotmail.com.

Las Noches de las Luminarias tickets available Sept. 15

Las Noches de las Luminarias returns for 19 nights of musical entertainment and 7,000 hand-lit luminarias starting Nov. 28 at the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 15. 

Las Noches de las Luminarias will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 28 to 30 (general public), Dec. 4 to 7 (Garden members and their guests), Dec. 11 to 14 and 16 to 23 (general public).

For more information, a full list of entertainment, a detailed menu or to purchase tickets, visit www.dbg.org, call (480) 481-8188 or visit the admissions box office.

Museum welcomes restored Liberty Bell

The Arizona Capitol Museum Lunch Bunch will meet from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Sept. 17 in the first floor Museum Lounge at 1700 W. Washington St., and Bill Norton, President of Constitution Week USA, will welcome back the Liberty Bell.

From 1950 to 2005, Arizona's weather took its toll on the Liberty Bell, a prominent feature at the State Capitol. Cast by the Piccard Brothers Foundry in France, the bell weighs one ton and is nearly five feet tall. The bell came to Arizona as part of a U.S. Savings Bond drive on July 6, 1950.

Norton will talk about the just-completed bell restoration project, and the program concludes with a visit to the Liberty Bell in honor of National Constitution Day.

The Lunch Bunch is a free program about Arizona history and current events. Bring your lunch and enjoy coffee and cookies provided by the Museum Guild. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call (602) 926-3620.

The 55,000 square foot Arizona Capitol Museum tells the story of Arizona's history from Territorial Days to the present through more than 20 exhibits. It is part of the State Library, the oldest cultural institution in Arizona, dating to the organization of the Territory in 1863.

SMoCA seeks volunteer docents (museum guides)

Do you love art? Do you value learning? Do you enjoy interacting with others? If so, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art's (SMoCA) docent program may be just the thing to enrich your life. SMoCA's docents are volunteers who are trained by the museum's education department to give tours of the exhibitions. Museum docents share behind-the-scenes info on art, architecture and design with adults and children.

A free coffee and information session for prospective museum guides will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Stage 2 Theater of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. No prior experience is necessary.

To RSVP, call (480) 874-4641.

Live Met Opera series returns

National CineMedia and the Metropolitan Opera have partnered to bring a third season of the critically-acclaimed The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD series transmitted live, in high-definition, to more than 440 movie theatres and performing arts centers in the United States.

The season kicks off Sept. 22, and celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Met will be the never-before-seen, big-screen Opening Night Gala celebration starring soprano Renée Fleming. The new series will also feature live transmissions of five new productions, including one Met premiere. Each live performance, with the exception of the Opening Night Gala, will be followed by an evening encore presentation the second Wednesday after the live performance.

Locally, this season's Met Opera series will be showing at AMC Ahwatukee 24, 4915 E. Ray Road.

The planned schedule is as follows: 

- Sept. 22, Opening Night Gala.

- Oct. 11, Salome. Oct. 22, encore presentation.

- Nov. 8, Doctor Atomic. Nov. 19, encore presentation.

- Nov. 22, La Damnation de Faust. Dec. 3, encore presentation.

- Dec. 20, Thaïs. Jan. 7, encore presentation.

- Jan. 10, La Rondine. Jan. 21, encore presentation.

- Jan. 24, Orfeo Ed Euridice. Feb. 4, encore presentation.

- Feb. 7, Lucia di Lammermoor. Feb. 18, encore presentation.

- March 7, Madama Butterfly. March 18, encore presentation.

- March 21, La Sonnambula. April 1, encore presentation.

- May 9, La Cenerentola. May 20, encore presentation.

For details on the operas, visit the Met's Web site at www.metopera.org/hd. For ticket information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

Urban Affair celebrates downtown Phoenix

Celebrate the downtown Phoenix lifestyle during Urban Affair, the Valley's premier urban living event, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. A cocktail reception will feature several local, live arts performances, and guests will experience a spirited atmosphere that will serve as a kick-off to the arts season.

The schedule includes live performing arts by local artists and representatives of performing arts organizations, iconic downtown restaurants and chefs serving a "progressive tasting menu" throughout the evening and professional and amateur photographers and filmmakers documenting daytime scenes and nightlife

Tickets are available for $30 or $75 VIP, which includes host bar and access to the Champagne & Dessert Gallery. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, produced by the non-profit Community Food Connections.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.urbanaffairaz.com, www.showup.com or call (602) 252-2642.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre announces 2008-09 schedule

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, a premier dining and theatrical experience located at 5247 E. Brown Road in Mesa, will offer the following performances this season: All Shook Up, Oct. 2 to Nov. 15; Holly Jolly Christmas, Nov. 20 to Dec. 25; The Best Little Whorehose in Texas, Dec. 31 to Feb. 14, 2009; Singin' in the Rain, Feb. 19 to April 11; Ring of Fire, April 16 to May 30; High School Musical, June 4 to Aug. 1; and Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical, Aug. 6 to Sept. 26.

For more information, call (480) 325-6700 or visit www.BroadwayPalmWest.com.

Top valley chefs serve up favorite dishes in support of the arts

Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts will be held 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale.

The mouth-watering event celebrates the Valley's exciting dining scene and is a must for anyone who loves food. Now in its third year, it has become one of the most prestigious epicurean events in Arizona, attracting the top chefs in the Valley.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet 17 chefs from the Valley's finest restaurants and sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to some of their signature dishes and most decadent desserts.

Author Pamela Swartz will also sign her brand new edition of Dine Out Phoenix: Where to Eat from Chic to Unique, and there will be a wine tasting, premium vodka and tequila tasting and premium beer tasting courtesy of Hensley, live music by Rakata and a cash bar.

Advance tickets are available for $75 through the box office at (480) 994-ARTS (2787). Tickets at the door are $85. Proceeds will benefit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' youth education and outreach programs.

Chandler Symphony Orchestra season schedule

Following is the 2008-09 season schedule for the Chandler Symphony Orchestra (formerly the San Marcos Symphony). All performances will be held at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 205 N. Arizona Ave., except the Dec. 7 shows, which will take place at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road. Performances will begin at 3 p.m. Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Nov. 7, 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Feb. 6, 3 p.m. March 29 and 3 p.m. May 10.

All of the concerts are free. Donations are accepted to help defray operating costs.

For information, call the box office at (480) 782-2680.

14th Annual Palette of Homes Tour

The Palette of Homes Tour, a self-guided tour of homes located in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, will be held Sunday, Nov. 9.

Two tour options are available, and tickets for both Deluxe Dream Tour and Dream Tour may be purchased by calling (602) 258-8100.

For information, contact Elizabeth Curran at (602) 258-8100 or ecurran@freeartsaz.org or Cheryl Lutton at (480) 664-3960 or clutton@citieswestpub.com.

Herberger Call To Artists

The Herberger Theater Center is accepting artist applications for inclusion in its Steele Pavilion Art Gallery between January and May 2009. Artists are selected by a juried panel consisting of artists from various disciplines. Entries must be postmarked by Oct. 1.

The Call To Artists is open to artists residing in Arizona who are 18 years of age or older. A brief resume or bio, electronic images and a $20 non-refundable fee must accompany the entry form. Official rules and applications are available for downloading at www.herbergertheater.org or by calling (602) 254-7399, ext. 115.

Sonoran Desert Chorale announces upcoming season

Marking its 15th anniversary season, the Sonoran Desert Chorale's 2008-09 season celebrates to a focus of "Peace, Love and Charity."

Performances: World Voices, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, First United Methodist Church (FUMC), 15 E. First Ave., Mesa, and 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Camelback Bible Church (CBC), 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley; Peace on Earth, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, FUMC, and 3 p.m. Dec. 14, CBC; A Mosaic of Sacred Song, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, FUMC, and 3 p.m. March 1, CBC; and Peace, Love and Charity, 7:30 p.m. May 2, FUMC, and 3 p.m. May 3, CBC.

Tickets, $50 for adult packages and $40 for student and senior packages, are available by calling (480) 305-4538. Single tickets, $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, may be purchased by calling (602) 765-1554. Tickets will also be available 30 minutes prior to the concert at the door.

Visit www.sonorandesertchorale.org for more information.

Phoenix Boys Choir concert series

The Phoenix Boys Choir's performances for the upcoming season include:

- Carols From Around The World - celebrate the holidays with traditional American holiday music and carols from countries around the world. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 Del Webb Blvd.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Ikeda Theater; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St.; and 5 p.m. Dec. 21, Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd.

- 60th Anniversary Concert - features a commissioned piece by James DeMars with an appearance by R. Carlos Nakai, performing the traditional Native American flute. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, Chaparral Christian Church.

- When You Wish Upon A Star Spring Pops Concert - take a trip through the magical world of Disney and hear songs from your favorite childhood movies. 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, Mesa Arts Center.

For more information, visit www.phoenixboyschoir.org.

Valley Youth Theatre's 20th anniversary season

Valley Youth Theatre will experience a 2008-09 season of "firsts." Five of the six productions have never been produced by VYT before. Now in its 20th anniversary season, this exciting lineup of five musicals and one Shakespearean comedy will take audiences on a journey over the high seas and to far off lands, each play an adventure through unknown worlds and classic tales.

The upcoming season includes: Treasure Island, A Musical Adventure, Oct. 10 to 26; A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail, Dec. 5 to 23; A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jan. 23 to Feb. 8, 2009; Seussical The Musical, March 6 to 22; and Geppetto and Son, By Stephen Schwartz, An Arizona Premiere, May 1 to 17.

Full season ticket packages and Pick-Your-Own Four packs are available now. To order, visit www.VYT.com and download a form or call (602) 253-8188, ext. 309.

Chandler Center for the Arts summer concert series

The Chandler Center for the Arts' annual, free summer concert season is under way and features five family-friendly, free-to-the-public concerts. Tickets are not required, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Foyer doors will open one hour prior to show time, and doors to the theater will open a half hour prior to show time.

Remaining schedule (all begin at 7:30 p.m.):

- Saturday, Aug. 16, Mikioi (visit them on their MySpace page).

- Saturday, Sept. 6, Susan Artemis will entertain the crowd on piano and with vocals (www.susanartemis.com).

- Friday, Sept. 19, Meadowlark (www.meadowlarkmusic.com).

The Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. This series is supported in part by the Ocotillo Tribune and the Ahwatukee Foothills News.

For a complete schedule, visit www.chandlercenter.org.

Community audition for New Year's Eve Gala vocalist

Win a chance to sing the role of "Christine" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. The Phoenix Symphony is hosting a statewide competition for the opportunity to sing at its annual New Year's Eve Gala.

The vocal competition is open to female Arizona residents ages 8 through 18 years old. Semi-finalists and finalists will perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges. The winner of the competition will perform All I Ask of You live with The Phoenix Symphony and Franc D'Ambrosio, the "World's Longest Running ‘Phantom.'" A fellowship will be awarded to the winner, including season tickets to The Phoenix Symphony Classics Concerts series, a monetary gift and vocal coaching sessions. Entries are being accepted through Oct. 8.

For detailed contest information and official entry form, visit www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Storytelling at CoffeeBuzz

South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute Director LynnAnn Wojciechowicz is hosting a "Stories for Grownups" series from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays at The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110.

The schedule is as follows: Sept. 7, All the live long day; Oct. 5, The falling leaves drift by the window, the autumn leaves; Nov. 2, The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out; Dec. 7, Over the river and through the woods; Jan. 4, Should auld acquaintance be forgot; Feb. 1, All you need is love; Mar. 1, I like the flowers, I love the daffodils; April 5, April in Paris ... (or wherever); and May 3, M is for the million things she gave me.

Support your local storytellers! Bring your family and friends! Have a cup of coffee, an iced tea, Italian soda or a sandwich and relax in a cozy environment as you listen to an afternoon of stories. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cover charge. Listeners and tellers are needed. If you want to tell but are concerned that your story doesn't fit the theme, Wojciechowicz will find a way to make it fit.

For more information, email lynnann.woj@smcmail.maricopa.edu or call (602) 243-8022.

ASU Art Museum upcoming exhibitions and events

The Arizona State University Art Museum, located at Tenth Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe, continues to present contemporary art with exhibitions in all media by regional and international, emerging and established artists. 

Upcoming schedule:

- Through Sept. 28, NOW: Selections from the Ovitz Family Collection. Reception: Sept. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.

- Through Sept. 28, Exploring Dreams: Images from the Permanent Collection.

- Aug. 23 through Feb. 28, Midstream: New Ceramics from the Heartland. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Sept. 5, noon. Reception: Sept. 26, 7 to 9 p.m., with a performance by Teri Frame at 7:30 p.m.

- Sept. 27 through Jan. 4, The Other Mainstream II: Selections from the Collection of Mikki and Stanley Weithorn. Opening reception: Sept. 26, 7 to 9 p.m., Trunk Show with local artist Roy Wasson Valle. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Oct. 3, noon, local artist Steve Yazzie. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Oct. 24, noon, collector Mikki Weithorn.

- Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Jan Fisher Memorial Lecture Series, Annebeth Rosen.

- Oct. 18 through Jan. 25, ASU Herberger College School of Art Faculty Exhibition. Opening reception: Oct. 17, 7 to 9 p.m.

- Oct. 16 through Nov. 19, Social Studies: Project 3. Artist in residence.

- Oct. 18 through Jan. 25, Nadia Hironaka: The Late Show. Opening reception: Oct. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Oct. 17, noon, Artist Nadia Hironaka.

- Dec. 4 through 7, Video Project Space: Aqua Art Miami, Wynwood.

- Jan. 24 through April 26, Breathing is Free: 12,756.3 - The First 1,500, New Work by Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba. Artist performance: Jan. 20 to 30. Artist performance reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m.

- Feb. 14 through May 16, Eden Revisited: The Ceramic Art of Kurt Weiser. Reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Feb. 20, 11 a.m., local artist Kurt Weiser.

- Feb. 17 through July 26, Social Studies: Project 4. Artist in residence. Reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m. 

- March 21 through May 30, NCECA Clay National, 43rd Annual NCECA Conference, April 8 to 11, Ceramic Interface: From Dawn to Digital.

- March 28 through May 31, Potters on Paper: Selections from the Collection. Reception: April 9, 5 to 7 p.m.

- April 2009, 13th Annual ASU Art Museum Short Film and Video Festival. Date to be announced, check website for details http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/filmfest.

- May 16 through Aug. 30, 10th Annual Summer Family Exhibition, Food: Feasts for the Eyes from the Permanent Collection. Family Fun Day: July 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ASU Art Museum is part of the Herberger College of the Arts at Arizona State University. Entry is free. Hours are 11 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 9 p.m. Tuesday during the academic year, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (480) 965-2787 or visit the museum online at http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu.

www.mc.maricopa.edu/community/outback.

ZooFari early bird tickets on sale

Tickets for ZooFari, the Phoenix Zoo's black tie fundraiser, are now available at a special "early bird" price of only $180 per ticket. ZooFari 2008, set for 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, raises funds to support the non profit Phoenix Zoo.

Early bird tickets can be purchased online through Aug. 31 at www.phoenixzoo.org or by calling (602) 914-4333. After Aug. 31, tickets prices will be $200 per person for members and $225 per person for non-members.

Also new this year - ZooFari 2008 will hold a portion of their Zoopendous Silent Auction online. The top 25 items to be auctioned off at ZooFari will be available for early bidding at www.phoenixzoo.org. The online auction begins Sept. 3.

For more information, the raffle or the silent auction, visit www.phoenixzoo.org.

Phoenix Symphony offerings

The 2008-09 season for The Phoenix Symphony includes the Classics, Pops and Family series, as well as the inaugural Target World Music Festival and superstar performers such as Joshua Bell, Lang Lang and Doc Severinsen.

Season highlights include the inaugural Target World Music Festival (Sept. 11 to 21), Pictures at an Exhibition (Nov. 28 and 29), Handel's Messiah (Dec. 10 to 21), Doc Severinsen - El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 30 to Feb. 1), Stravinsky: The Firebird (Feb. 19 to 21), Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (April 9 and 11), Carmina Burana (April 23 and 25), A Salute to Rodgers & Hammerstein (May 15 to 17) and Joshua Bell in Concert (May 23). The season also offers a number of unique offerings such as puppeteer Basil Twist performing in Stravinsky: Petrushka (Nov. 6 to 8), the audience-favorite Bugs Bunny on Broadway (Jan. 3 and 4) and the energetic string trio Time for Three performing on Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances (April 2 to 4).

More information is available online at www.phoenixsymphony.org, and a free concert guide detailing the season is available by calling the box office at (602) 495-1999.

Phoenix Girls Chorus holding auditions

The Phoenix Girls Chorus is conducting auditions for its 2008-09 season. Girls aged 7 to 17 are eligible and will, upon acceptance, be placed in one of five choir levels. The auditions will take place through September at the Phoenix Girls Chorus office at 2701 N. 16th St. in Phoenix, south of Thomas Road.

Girls wishing to audition are asked to prepare one song to sing in the classical, folk, show tune or spiritual style. They should bring either sheet music for the song, or a back-up CD with no vocals. The audition fee is $10.

The Phoenix Girls Chorus is a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 180 girls in five choirs. Six major public concerts are performed each year, as well as numerous public appearances at city events, retirement homes and hospitals.

For more information, call (602) 252-5562 or visit www.girlschorus.org.

Playhouse Disney Live! coming soon

Playhouse Disney Live!, the first live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel's popular Playhouse Disney program block for preschoolers, is coming to US Airways Center Oct. 2 and 3. Show time is 7 p.m. both nights.

The show spotlights characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and My Friends Tigger & Pooh.

Tickets, $20 to $35, are available at www.playhousedisneylive.com, Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (480) 784-4444.

New Carpa Theater lineup

Upcoming performances at New Carpa Theater (formerly Colores Actors-Writers Workshop) at the Herberger Theater Center:

- Nov. 6 to 16, Mr. Ambassador: The Life and Times of Raul H. Castro, by James E. Garcia, Playhouse on the Park. Tickets available immediately at the Web site and phone number listed above.

- Dec. 11 to 20, American Pastorela: The Road to the White House, by James E. Garcia, Playhouse on the Park. Tickets available soon at the Web site and phone number listed above.

For more information, visit www.americanlatino.net/caww.

Heard Museum exhibits and events

Upcoming exhibits at The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave.

Young Jewelers: Forging A Future, on display through Sept. 7; Underworlderness, on display through Jan. 18, 2009; La Casa Murillo: A Life-size Shadow Box, Oct. 3 through Jan. 11, 2009; Innovative Ceramics By Mothers and Daughters, Jan. 10 through Aug. 2009; and The Gifts: Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists, Feb. 21 through Aug. 16.

Ongoing exhibitions include Old Traditions In New Pots: Silver Seed Pots From The Norman L. Sandfield Collection; Home: Native People in the Southwest; Around The World: The Heard Museum Collection; Life In A Cold Place: Arctic Art From The Albrecht Collection; Every Picture Tells a Story; Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience; We Are! Arizona's First People; and History and Collections of the Heard Museum.

For more information, call (602) 252-8848 or visit www.heard.org.

Music in the Garden fall concert series

See the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden and listen to the Valley's premier musicians during the fall 2008 Music in the Garden Concert Series. Performances will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays on Ullmann Terrace, located in the Garden at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Performances include: Oct. 3, Jaleo - Cuban World Beat; Oct. 10, Big Pete Pearson - Blues; Oct. 17, Incendio - Latin World Fusion; Oct. 24, Drew Bennett & Ensemble - Nuevo Flamenco Guitar; Oct. 31, Chris Burton Jácome - Flamenco Guitar; Nov. 7, Gabriel Ayala, Will Clipman and Anthony Wakeman - Native American flute, guitar and drums; and Nov. 14, Quetzal Guerrero - Latin Soul.

Tickets are $14 for members and $20 for non-members, general seating only, and include garden admission.

To purchase tickets, log on to www.dbg.org, call (480) 481-8188 or visit the Admissions Box Office.

Calling past A Chorus Line performers

Arizona State University Gammage and the National touring company of A Chorus Line are looking for any past cast members from the original production of A Chorus Line that played on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre in New York between 1975 and 1990.

The 30th Anniversary Production of A Chorus Line comes to ASU Gammage Sept. 2 to 7, and the current cast would like to extend an invitation to all former cast members to join them for a special reunion event.

If you were a part of the cast, contact ASU Gammage at (480) 965-1884 or press@asugamamge.com by Aug. 22. This is a great opportunity for former cast members to share their memories of how they once dazzled the stage in this "one singular sensation!"

Weekly film series at Heard Museum

The popular Movie Mondays series offers an air-conditioned refuge and showcases the best in filmmaking by and for Native people. Every Monday, visitors to the Heard Museum can enjoy movies and post-film tours/discussions at 1:30 p.m. in the 30-seat Joel and Lila Harnett Theater, located at 2301 N. Central Ave.

The schedule:

- Aug. 4: Marks of Our Ancestors: Indian Rock Art of Arizona (43 min.) looks at important rock art sites and presents comments by archaeologists and Indian communities to interpret the designs.

- Aug. 11: Allan Houser: The Lifetime Work of an American Master (54 min.) provides a thorough biographical summary and displays hundreds of Houser's important paintings and sculpture.

- Aug. 18: Maria: Black Pottery of San Ildefonso Pueblo (30 min.) shows the famous potter making and firing pottery. Pablita Velarde: An Artist and Her People (20 min.) highlights the career of the painter from Santa Clara Pueblo.

- Aug. 25: Mystery of Chaco Canyon (56 min). Narrated by Robert Redford, the film unveils the astronomical brilliance of an ancient people in the Southwest.

- Sept. 1: Labor Day - museum closed.

- Sept. 8: Shaman's Apprentice (54 min.) documents the work of Dr. Mark Plotkin, who works with Indian shamans in the Amazon rainforest to learn and preserve traditional knowledge of plants and healing.

- Sept. 15: Unnatural and Accidental (77 min). Rebecca has returned home to track down her mother, an aboriginal woman who has long been missing. She is drawn into the mysteries of the killer who still haunts the alleys, streets and hotels of this urban wasteland.

- Sept. 22: Shadow Warrior: A Return to Iwo Jima (35 min.) details the story of Navajo Code Talker Teddy Draper Sr.'s 2005 journey back to the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic Battle of Iwo Jima.

- Sept. 29: New Year Baby (80 min). A Cambodian woman's father finally reveals the truth behind how the family came to flee the Khmer Rouge and her birth in a Thai refugee camp.

- Oct. 6: Our Nationhood (96 min) chronicles the Listuguj Mi'gmaq community in Quebec - a people determined to live off of their traditional lands.

- Oct. 13: Relive the Past (2004, 30 min.) is the stirring story of how one tiny tribe defeated the federal and state governments' plans to build a dam that would have drowned their homeland.

- Oct. 20: Woven By Their Grandmother: 19th Century Navajo Blankets (30 min). Explore the 19th century Navajo textiles collection of the National Museum of the American Indian and learn how contemporary weavers sustain their communities' economies and culture.

- Oct. 27: Expiration Date (94 min). Charlie Silvercloud III's father and grandfather were both killed by milk trucks on their 25th birthdays. Charlie is about to turn 25. He has accepted his fate, and is going about shopping for caskets and returning his library books when he meets a girl who won't let him die in peace.

Movie Monday programs are included with museum admission: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (55+), $5 for students, $3 for children (6 to 12); and free for children under 6, Heard members and American Indians.

For more information, call (602) 252-8848 or visit heard.org.

Weekend workshops at Phoenix Art Museum

Scottsdale Artists' School is continuing its series of weekend workshops at Phoenix Art Museum this summer.

- Introduction to Oil Painting will take place Aug. 30 and 31. Experiment with mixing colors, painting on a canvas board and creating a simple still life painting. Students will learn the process of creating an oil painting, from composition and blocking in shapes, to using colors, values, and brushwork to make an image have excitement and depth.

No experience is required for any workshop. Materials are included with tuition, but all students should bring a sketchpad and pencil. Sessions meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

For more information or to register, call (480) 990-1422 or go online to ScottsdaleArtSchool.org (classes are listed under Semester 2008 Local Offsites).

Arizona Opera summer film series

The Arizona Opera Film Series is in its fourth year and is presented in partnership with Phoenix Art Museum's "Movies at the Museum." The summer series is composed of three films that connect to the company's upcoming season, which runs October 2008 to April 2009.

Films are free with museum admission and begin at 1 p.m. at Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Films include: Topsy-Turvy, Aug. 24; and Love Potion No. 9, Sept. 28.

Arizona Opera's 2008-09 season includes Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, Donizetti's The Elixir of Love, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Puccini's Tosca.

For more information, contact Colin Columna at (602) 218-7323 or colin@azopera.com.

Ballet Arizona offering classes for all ages, experience

The School of Ballet Arizona is accepting registrations for the 2008-09 programs that begin in August.

The school's studios at 36th Street and Indian School Road are the same spaces where Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen and his award-winning company will begin crafting their new season in September, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, The Best of Balanchine, and The Nutcracker (featuring school students, selected by audition).

The school offers classes for students of nearly any age and experience. Children's dance programs for ages 3 (with an adult) and up introduce students to the grace and discipline of ballet, while a full range of adult classes provide a fun, musical way to stay fit. New this year is a recreational ballet program, which allows students who love to dance to train in the pre-professional program with a less rigorous schedule.

There are six levels of focused, intensive, pre-professional classes for ages 8 and up. Fall classes begin Aug. 11. Tuition begins at less than $20 per class.

For information, call (602) 381-0188 or visit www.balletaz.org/school.

Exhibits at the DBG

Upcoming exhibits at the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway:

- The Spirit of the Saguaro, Sept. 5 to Oct. 19, Ottosen Gallery in Dorrance Hall, open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Desert Botanical Garden presents an exhibition of photographs from Arizona photographer Holly Metz. The Spirit of the Saguaro celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of this ancient desert plant. Twenty black and white images will be displayed.  Free with Garden admission or membership.

- Mariposa Monarca Monarch Butterfly Exhibit, Sept. 27 to Nov. 2, Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free for members. $3 for non-members 3 years and older, with paid Garden admission. Stroll through the best butterfly habitat in the Southwest and be immersed among hundreds of colorful, fluttering monarchs.

- Ottosen Entry Garden, opening in November, daily from 8 a.m. to  8 p.m. The Ottosen Entry Garden officially opens this November with new visitor amenities and creates more drama and beauty by opening the vista to the beautiful Papago Butte. This new introduction area will highlight the sculptural quality of plants set against iconic local landscape features like Papago Park red buttes, distant desert mountains and the river beds and canals that cut through the Valley floor.  Free with Garden admission or membership.

- Chihuly: The Nature Of Glass, Nov. 22 to May 31, 2009, throughout the Garden. The upcoming Garden-wide exhibition by renowned artist Dale Chihuly will feature new and unique works of glass. Chihuly is known for his innovative glass sculptures, and his work is immediately recognizable for its grand scale and vibrant colors.

For more information, call (480) 941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org.

RENT: School Edition to kick off Greasepaint season

The revived Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale has announced the theatre's 2008-09 schedule, which will get under way with RENT: School Edition Oct. 3 to 26. Other performances include Children of Eden, Dec 5 to 28; Wiley and the Hairy Man, Jan. 30 to Feb. 8; Pippin, March 27 to April 19; and Snoopy!!!, May 8 to 31.

Tickets for musicals are $20, $18 for students/seniors and $15 for children under 12. Groups of 15 or more can order tickets for $10 each. Tickets for Wiley and the Hairy Man (the only play in the season) are $16, $14 for students/seniors and $11 for children under 12 with $8 tickets for groups.

Greasepaint Youtheatre, celebrating 24 years, is a nonprofit corporation that offers a full range of theatrical and educational programming for young people ages 5 to 19. The company performs at Stagebrush Theatre, located at 7020 E. Second St.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (480) 990-7405.

ASU Gammage announces its 2008-09 Broadway season

Arizona State University Gammage has announced its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona season. The seven show series includes some of today's biggest hits straight from Broadway along with several blockbusters that will make their Valley return.

The series includes A Chorus Line, Sept. 2 to 7; The Rat Pack- Live at the Sands, Oct. 14 to 19; Happy Days, Nov. 18 to 23; Spring Awakening, Dec. 9-14; Disney's The Lion King, Jan. 2 to Feb. 8, 2009; Frost/Nixon starring Stacy Keach, March 31 to April 5; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 16 to 21.

M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona special engagements during the 2008-09 season include Rent, March 17 to 22, 2009; Cats, April 7 to 12; Stomp, May 5 to 10; and Wicked, July 1 to 26.

New season subscribers may sign up through July 20, subscriptions start at $118.

Single tickets will go on sale to the general public July 21. Groups can order tickets now at www.asugammage.com/group or by calling (480) 965-6678.

For more information or tickets, visit the box office, www.asugammage.com, Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or call (480) 784-4444.

Childsplay announces the 2008-09 season

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theatre company for young audiences, has announced its 2008-09 Season at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Childsplay is offering eight productions for the public through June 2009 that includes one world premiere, two old favorites, three regional premieres, three musicals and seven page-to-stage adaptations.

The season will include:

- Miss Nelson is Missing, Sept. 7 preview at 4 p.m., runs Sept. 13 to Oct. 5. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Getting Near to Baby, Oct. 19 preview at 4 p.m., runs Oct. 25 to Nov. 9. Recommended for ages seven and older.

- The Velveteen Rabbit, Nov. 16 preview at 4 p.m., runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 21. Recommended for ages three and older.

- Busytown, Jan. 18 preview at 4 p.m., runs Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, 2009. Recommended for ages three and older.

- Rock, Paper, Scissors, Feb. 28 preview at 1 p.m., runs Feb. 28 to March 8, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Ferdinand the Bull, March 14 preview at 1 p.m., runs March 14 to April 5, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- The Neverending Story, April 19 preview at 4 p.m., runs April 25 to May 17, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Peter and the Wolf, May 31 preview at 4 p.m., runs June 6 to 21, 2009. Recommended for ages four and older.

Childsplay Play Passes (flexible subscription packages customized for families) are on sale through the Childsplay Web site, www.childsplayaz.org. Single tickets will be on sale at the theater box office closer to opening dates. Passes cost between $15 and $18 each depending on quantity and date purchased. Single tickets cost between $18 and $25 for adults, $18 and $20 for children, students and seniors (depending on the production) plus applicable box office charges. Each production will have one discounted preview performance with a single ticket price of $12. 

For box office information, call (480) 350-2822 or visit www.childsplayaz.org/tca.

For more information, visit www.Childsplayaz.org.

ASU Gammage announces 2008-09 Broadway season

Arizona State University Gammage has announced its 2008-2009 M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona season. The seven show series includes some of today's biggest hits straight from Broadway along with several Blockbusters that will make their Valley return. The series includes: A Chorus Line, Sept. 2 to 7; The Rat Pack- Live At The Sands, Oct. 14 to 19; Happy Days, Nov. 18 to 23; Spring Awakening, Dec. 9 to 14; Disney's The Lion King, Jan. 2 to Feb. 8, 2009; Frost/Nixon starring Stacy Keach, March 31 to April 5; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 16 to 21.

M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona special engagements during the 2008-09 season include: Rent, March 17 to 22; Cats, April 7 to 12; Stomp, May 5 to 10; and Wicked, July 1 to 26.

For more information, call (480) 784-4444 or visit asugammage.com.

Arizona Theater Co. seeks volunteers

The Arizona Theatre Company is looking for volunteers, called ATC Associates, to help out during performances.

Volunteers receive benefits such as free admission to ATC productions, free parking downtown, an annual appreciation banquet and an opportunity to connect with the community and make new friends.

ATC Associate activities include working at the gift shop during ATC productions, organizing the annual fundraising event, a fashion show, silent auction and high tea at the Phoenician, lending a hand at the ATC administrative office in Phoenix, etc. For information or to volunteer, visit www.aztheatreco.org or e-mail mstrange@arizonatheatre.org.

Send submissions to: jwalker@ahwatukee.com.