Entertainment Calendar (5/9)

Friday, May 9

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Armand Boatman's BE-BOP Revolution (Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes Garden admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Phoenix Symphony's Pop Series: today and tomorrow, Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. Big Screen Legends Featuring the Music of John Williams. www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Sunday, May 11

International Irish music sensation Celtic Woman: 7:30 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Tickets, $35-$65, available at www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster or by calling (602) 379-2888.

Spring Butterfly Exhibit: closes today, Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. (480) 941-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Wednesday, May 14

Lucky Star: through June 8, Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road. www.PhoenixTheatre.com or (602) 254-2151.

Thursday, May 15

Jacob Tyler Lucas performs live classic acoustic guitar: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Dolce Luna, Italian Cafe and Gelato Bar, 4647 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 10. (480) 753-0007.

Bob Marley performs at the Tempe Improv: today through Sunday, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe. Marley has opened for legendary comics such as Dana Carvey and Adam Sandler. $15-17. www.symfonee.com/improv/tempe/home/index.aspx or (480) 921-9877.

Friday, May 16

Jazz at Esperanza Series concludes: 7 p.m., Esperanza Lutheran Church, Ray Road and Thunderhill Place. Cellist Li Ma and pianist Lai Ma Gates will conclude the 2007-08 Jazz at Esperanza series, presented by Friday Night Out. They will combine to play Claude Bolling's Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano, with Wayne Jones on bass and Jason Adams on drums. Admission is free, but freewill donations will be accepted at the door. www.fridaynightout.org or (480) 759-1515.

Rumanian Rhapsody: 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. The benefit concert will help defray medical expenses for Phoenix Symphony violinist Ioana Dumitriu, currently battling cancer. The program will include pieces from Dumitriu's native Rumania, vocal arias sung by Rita Litchfield and favorite orchestral works. Following the concert, join the musicians in the lobby for jazz trio with flutist Joe Corral. This is an all-volunteer event, 100 percent of ticket prices will go to the cause. Tickets can be purchased at the door, suggested minimum donation of $10 by cash or personal check. Open seating. (602) 953-5923.

Cinderella~ A Ragtime Musical: today through June 15, Scottsdale Desert Stages Children's Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Cast members from Ahwatukee Foothills include Shayna Moellenberg as Fifi and Elyssa Blonder and Kendyl Feldman as Featured Newsies. Tickets are $12-$15, and reservations are recommended. The show is suitable for all ages. (480) 483-1664 or www.desertstages.com.

Friday, May 18

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Big Nick and the Gila Monsters featuring the Groove Merchant Horns (Jazzy Blues). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Tuesday, May 20

Phoenix Children's Chorus Auditions: 6 p.m. May 20, Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. 3rd St. For boys and girls who love to sing, second through 12th grade. No previous choral experience needed. The award-winning chorus has performed throughout Europe and Russia and taken top honors at the World Choral Olympics. To schedule an audition, call (602) 534-3788 or visit www.phoenixchildrenschorus.org to complete an online application.

The Wedding Singer: through May 25, Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium. Presented by M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona. Tickets available at the ASU Gammage Box Office and Ticketmaster, (480) 784-4444 or asugammage.com.

Thursday, May 22

Hot Topic presents Gigantour featuring Megadeth: 5:30 p.m., Mesa Amphitheatre, Center Street and University Drive. Headlining with In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High On Fire. Tickets, $39 in advance or $42 day of show, available at www.livenation.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444.

Friday, May 23

Singer/guitarist Mike Haasis performs at Café Zentro: 7-9 p.m. Fridays, Cafe Zentro, 4232 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 1 (near Havana Café). Eclectic music for all ages. (480) 706-7037 or www.cafezentrophx.com.

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Late Harvest (Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, May 24

The Police, with special guest Elvis Costello and the Imposters: 7:30 p.m., Cricket Wireless Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Reserved tickets are $225 and $90; lawn tickets are $40. Tickets available at the box office, www.livenation.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. For show information, visit www.thepolice.com and/or www.livenation.com.

Friday, May 25

Family Fun Day: Arctic Art and Animals: May 25 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Learn more about life in the arctic by making an origami whale, coloring a walrus, navigating an orca maze, solving a whale math puzzle and having your picture taken in front of the Arctic mural with a stuffed plush whale, seal cub, husky or polar bear cub. Create your own picture frame to hold your "Arctic Animal" photo. Complete the activities and get a whale pencil and sharpener. Children under 12 get in free with a paid adult. Admission: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (55+), $5 for students, Heard members and Americans Indians are free. (602) 252-8848 or visit www.heard.org.

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Late Harvest (Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, May 26

Lazarescu offers live music: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays and Sundays, The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 11. Dimitri Lazarescu, co-owner of The CoffeeBuzz and violinist with The Phoenix Symphony, performs live on acoustic and electric violins. Guests from The Phoenix Symphony will occasionally perform with him. The program consists of Classical music as well as Celtic, Gypsy and requests from the audience. Free and open to the public. (480) 393-3430.

Iron Maiden Somewhere Back In Time World Tour 2008: 7:30 p.m., Cricket Wireless Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Lawn tickets, $26; reserved tickets, $30-$56; with a limited amount of GA Pit tickets available at $81. Tickets available at the box office (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), www.livenation.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges.  Show information: www.livenation.com.

Thursday, May 29

Desert Dance Theatre performance: through Saturday. Genesis Dance Series. www.DesertDanceTheatre.org or (480) 962-4584.

Friday, May 30

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Khani Cole (Smooth Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Chado Ralph Rucci exhibit: through Aug. 17, Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. The exhibit features 25 exquisitely made ensembles that span renowned New York fashion designer Ralph Rucci's iconic career.  www.phxart.org.

Saturday, May 31

International legend Eartha Kitt joins The Phoenix Symphony: 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. Tickets, $25-$65, available at the box office at (602) 495-1999 or online at www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Music Nights at the Buzz: 8 p.m. Saturdays, The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. No cover charge. Free and open to the public. (480) 393-3430.

Wednesday, June 4

Downtown Chandler Art Walk: 5-9 p.m. along the streets of San Marcos Place and Boston Street. More than 60 artists, in media ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and fine jewelry, are expected to showcase and sell their work at this juried art walk. There will also be live entertainment. The Art Walk is open to all professional visual artists in the area interested in participating. Professional artists in most media are being sought, and a jury of downtown merchants reviews all submissions and selects the artists. Contact Diane Webb, Special Events Coordinator, at (480) 855-3539 or dwebb@downtownchandler.org.

British rock band The Cure in concert: 7 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Special guest: 65daysofstatic. Tickets, $40-$60, available at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. For more show information, check out www.livenation.com.

Friday, June 6

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Pete Pancrazi (Traditional Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Waterworks Paints the Southwest exhibit: closes today, McCullough-Price House, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. The exhibit features Southwestern watercolors painted by local members of Waterworks Artists, an organization of Valley artists who have exhibited nationally and internationally since 1995. (480) 782-2876 or www.chandleraz.gov/pricehouse.

Chado Ralph Rucci exhibit: through Aug. 17, Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. The exhibit features 25 exquisitely made ensembles that span renowned New York fashion designer Ralph Rucci's iconic career. www.phxart.org.

Saturday, June 7

In My Grandmother's Purse: Through June 14, Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. Presented by Childsplay. (480) 350-2822 or www.childsplayaz.org/tca.

Thursday, June 12

Brad Paisley - The Paisley Party 2008 Tour: Cricket Wireless Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Special guests: Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough. Lawn tickets, $29.25; reserved tickets, $42.50 and $58.50. Tickets available at the box office, www.livenation.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. A venue parking fee, applicable taxes, service and handling charges may be applied. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. Show information: www.livenation.com.

Grammy award-winning singer-guitarist Jonny Lang: 8 p.m., Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. Tickets - $33.50-$100 (VIP, includes meet ‘n greet) available at the box office of at www.sandersonmusic.com. To charge by phone, call (602) 267-1600, ext.1. All tickets are subject to a surcharge.

Friday, June 13

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Cinco de Moio (Latin Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Sunday, June 15

The Went-Away River Comes Home: Through June 22, Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway.  Presented by Childsplay. (480) 350-2822 or www.childsplayaz.org/tca.

Tuesday, June 17

My Fair Lady: through June 22, Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium. Presented by M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona. Tickets available at the ASU Gammage Box Office and Ticketmaster, (480) 784-4444 or asugammage.com.

Friday, June 20

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Groove Defenders (Blues). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, June 21

Crosby, Stills & Nash in concert: 8 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Tickets, $31-$68.50, with a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets at $101, are available at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges. Show information: www.livenation.com.

Sinday, June 22

George Michael brings his 25 LIVE tour: 8 p.m., US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. The tour is in support of his new retrospective record, Twenty-Five. Tickets - $50-$125 available at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444.

Tuesday, June 24

Disney's High School Musical: today through Sunday, Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium. Presented by M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona. (480) 784-4444 or asugammage.com.

Wednesday, June 25

Cyndi Lauper,the B-52s and special guests celebrate The True Colors Tour: 6:30 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Special guests include Wanda Sykes and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, host Carson Kressley. Tickets, $46-$81, with a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets at $201, available at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. Show information: www.livenation.com or www.truecolorstour.com.

Thursday, June 26

Ahwatukee Children's Theatre presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast: today through Sunday, Herberger Theatre, 222 E. Monroe St. Be sure to stay after the show for pictures with the cast. Show times: 7 p.m. tonight, noon and 7 p.m. tomorrow, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $5-$25, available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the box office at (602) 254-7399.

Information: (480) 705-9319 or www.azact.org.

Friday, June 27

Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Sherry Petta (Smooth and Contemporary Jazz). Must be 21 or older to attend. $14 for members, $20 for non-members (includes admission). (480) 481-8188 or www.dbg.org.

Tuesday, July 1

Grammy award-winners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in concert: 7:30 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Tickets, $45-$125, available at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444. Show information: www.livenation.com.

Friday, July 11

Men's Luxury Toy Expo & Auction: today through Sunday, University of Phoenix Stadium, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. www.MensLuxuryToyExpo.com. 

South Pacific: today through Aug. 10, Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road. (480) 483-1664 or www.desertstages.com.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Thanks for Tuning In: The Wallace and Ladmo Show Exhibit: through today, Mesa Historical Museum, 2345 N. Horne, Mesa. www.mesahistoricalmuseum.org.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Young Jewelers and Old Traditions in New Pots: Silver Seed Pots from the Norman L. Sandfield Collection exhibits: closes today,  Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. (602) 252-8848 or www.heard.org.

Friday, Sept. 26

Corks & Cactus: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Sample more than 80 boutique wines from different regions of the world. Wines will be carefully paired with delectable hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by Fabulous Food Catering. The evening will also feature live entertainment as well as the opportunity to talk with representatives from different wineries and purchase wines by the bottle or case. Must be 21 or older. Tickets, $75 each, must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the door. (480) 481-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Maricopa County Home and Garden Show: through Sunday, Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road. www.MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com.

Friday, Oct. 24

The Great Pumpkin Festival: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today through Sunday, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Visit the garden's very own pumpkin patch, where each day the first 1,000 children (ages 12 and under) can pick their own free pumpkin. Hayrides out to the pumpkin patch are available for $1, with paid garden admission. Children can enjoy face painting, the Amazing Bale Maze, balloon artistry, pumpkin decorating and carving demonstrations and much more. There will be a baked goods market by Fabulous Food and a Fall Harvest Market, where visitors can purchase fresh produce such as unique pumpkins, gourds and chili ristras. (480) 481-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, Nov. 1

Dia de los Muertos Celebration: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Experience this traditional Mexican holiday. Celebrate with Mexican food and pastries and live entertainment such as a ballet folklorico, mariachis and the Calacas. Fun family activities include marigold seed planting creating paper flowers or papel picado (paper cut-outs) and a Frida Kahlo activity. Local Latino artists will demonstrate and sell Mexican art and curios in the Garden's Mercado. (480) 481-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Native American Recognition Days: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. In celebration of Native American Recognition Days' (NARD) 25th anniversary, the garden will host a festival dedicated to Native American culture. (480) 481-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Saturday, Nov. 15

Chiles & Chocolate Festival: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Alluring aromas and flavors will fill the air during this culinary festival. See hot and spicy chiles roast before your eyes, sample delicious chile and chocolate products from local vendors, purchase unique Southwest gifts and enjoy cooking demonstrations. Entertainment includes Spanish Flamenco dance and Latin jazz. (480) 481-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Friday, Nov. 28

Las Noches de las Luminarias: 5:30-9:30 p.m. today through Sunday, Dec. 4-7, 11-14 and 18-23, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Thousands of hand-lit luminarias will light the Garden's paths, and there will be a wide variety of entertainment, delicious cuisine prepared by Fabulous Food Catering, exquisite wines to sample, and warm cocoa or cider. Shop for distinctive holiday gifts in the Garden's gift and plant shops. Tickets on sale in Sept. www.dbg.org or (480) 481-481-8188.

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