Entertainment Calendar (9/5)

Friday, Sept. 5

Artist mime David Barker performs Out Of My Mime For 30 Years: 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mesa Community College Theatre Outback, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. $10, general admission. (480) 461-7170.

Nunsense A-Men: through Oct. 5, Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Musical comedy for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $22 ($20 for seniors and students) in advance and $25 day of show. $15 student rush. Reservations recommended. (480) 483-1664 or www.desertstages.com.

The Spirit of the Saguaro photography exhibit: today through Oct. 19, Desert Botanical Garden Ottosen Gallery, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. The exhibit features 20 large black and white photographs from Arizona photographer Holly Metz. She will also lead a family workshop entitled "The Spirit of the Saguaro: A Mindful Photography Experience for Youth with Artist Holly Metz" on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. This workshop is intended for children ages 7 and up with an accompanying adult. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera. The exhibit is free with garden admission. (480) 941-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Blackbeard: today through Sept. 27,  Herberger Theatre, 222 E. Monroe St. (602) 252-8497 or www.BlackbeardTheMusical.com.

First Friday Concert in the Park: 7 to 9 p.m., Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St. Hosted by the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, the evening features "Nine Times," Americana Rock and Roll. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy great music under the moon and stars. Free. (602) 534-2406.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Phoenix Symphony Opening Night - Wagner Spectacular with Jane Eaglen: 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. This spectacular night will showcase Richard Wagner's most triumphal pieces. $22 to $72. (602) 495-1999.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Childsplay presents Miss Nelson is Missing!: 4 p.m. Target Storybook Preview Performance, play runs Sept. 13 through Oct. 5, Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. This comedy is set in a Texas elementary school in the 1970s. For ages 5 and older. Upcoming shows: Getting Near to Baby (Oct. 19-Nov. 9); The Velveteen Rabbit (Nov. 16-21); Busytown (Jan. 18-Feb. 21); Rock, Paper, Scissors (Feb. 28-March 8); Ferdinand the Bull (March 14-April 5); The NeverEnding Story (April 19-May 17); and Peter and the Wolf (May 31-June 21). www.childsplayaz.org.

B.B. King in concert: 7:30 p.m., Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. Special guests are Steve Ansel & the Jackson Street Band. Tickets, $60 to $100, are still available at the theater or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. To charge by phone, call (602) 267-1600, ext.1. All tickets are subject to a surcharge.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Walking With Dinosaurs - The Live Experience: today through Sunday, US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in this theatrical arena show, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. Tickets: (480) 784-4444, www.ticketmaster.com or at the box office. www.dinosaurlive.com.

Counting Crows and Maroon 5: 7 p.m., Cricket Wireless Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. 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.

Friday, Sept. 12

Ninth annual Fiestas Patrias celebration: today through Sunday, Barrios Unidos Park, 16th Street and Mohave. The event includes musical performers, food, carnival rides, fun and activities for the whole family. Free admission. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight tonight, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Owl and the Sparrow: Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe. Curtain times: 7:30 p.m. tonight, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday. Director Stephane Gauger will be in attendance tonight for post-film Q&A. This is the opening weekend film for the new 2008 Fall Series of Foreign and Independent Films. Tickets: $9.50 (cash only at the door). www.OneNightCinema.com, (480) 897-0677 or onenightcinema@hotmail.com.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Jessica Simpson performance following D-backs game: The post-game concert will take place on the field following the 5:10 p.m. game against the Cincinnati Reds and is free with a ticket to that night's game.

Jim Gaffigan: The Sexy Tour: 8 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. www.livenation.com.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

The Black Crowes "Euphoria or Bust Tour" with special guests Howlin Rain: 7:30 p.m., Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets, $42, available at the box office, www.livenation.com or www.mesaartscenter.com. To charge by phone, call (480) 644-6500. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges. Show information: www.livenation.com. Upcoming: k.d. lang with special guest Dustin O'Halloran, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11; 8 p.m. Nov. 21, trumpeter Chris Botti.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Lindsey Buckingham: 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St. www.livenation.com. Upcoming: Comedian Louis C.K.'s comedy tour "Hilarious," 8 p.m. Sept. 26. Burt Bacharach, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. David Byrne, co-founder of the Talking Heads, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Fourth Annual Slide Rock Apple Festival: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Slide Rock State Park, north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Presented by the Arizona State Parks Foundation. Features "All Things Apple," arts and crafts, food, entertainment, games and activities for kids, a bird walking tour, history walk, a dessert auction, an Apple Fest cookbook, and prize giveaways. www.azstateparks.com or (928) 282-3034.

Ballet Arizona presents Ballet Under the Stars 2008: 7 p.m. tonight, South Mountain Community College Performing Arts Amphitheatre, 7050 S. 24th St. and 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at Tempe Center for the Arts Amphitheater, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. (602) 381-0184 or www.balletaz.org.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Free workshop for the Annual Southeast Valley Cinderella Youth Development Scholarship Pageant: 2 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. The pageant will be held Nov. 1 and is open to all girls ages 3 through 26. A baby pageant for babies 0 to 35 months is also included. A panel of judges will select the winner in each division: Cinderella Tot (ages 3 to 6), Cinderella Miniature Miss (ages 7 to 9), Cinderella Miss (ages 10 to 12), Cinderella Teen (ages 13 to 17) and Cinderella Woman (ages 18 to 26). Andrea, (602) 469-2287 or fynangirls@aol.com, or Kimberly, (480) 236-1169 or fantixs@msn.com.

Monday, Sept. 22

Singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw in concert: 7:30 p.m., Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. Special guest Charlotte Sometimes opens. Tickets are available at livenation.com, luckymanonline.com, the Marquee Theatre Box Office and all Bookman's locations. To charge by phone call (480) 829-1300. Tickets purchased in advance are $25.  All ticket prices are subject to service fees. 

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Storytelling concert: 7 p.m. South Mountain Community College Performance Hall, 7050 S. 24th St. Acclaimed storyteller Don Doyle will be featured in the Faculty Storytelling Concert. Doyle is professor emeritus of the Theatre Department at Arizona State University and received the National Storytelling Network Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for sustained and exemplary contributions to storytelling in North America. Tickets, $10, are available at www.Showup.com. (602) 243-8022 or www.smcstorytelling.com.

The Producers: today through Oct. 19, Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road. The Broadway musical giant set the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor while winning a record 12 Tony awards. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday and Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday evening shows are at 6:30 p.m., matinees are at 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $24 to $52. (602) 254-2151 or www.PhoenixTheatre.com.

Ani DiFranco: 8 p.m., Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. www.celebritytheatre.com or (602) 267-1600, ext.1. Upcoming: Sept. 7, B.B. King.

Friday, Sept. 26

Corks & Cactus: 6:30 to 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.

Melisa and Henry Rose in concert: 7:30 p.m., South Mountain Community College Performance Hall, 7050 S. 24th St. Father-daughter team Melisa Rose, cellist, and Henry Rose, pianist, will be featured in "Images, Moods and Manifestations ... an Evening of Chamber Music for Cello and Piano." Tickets, $10 general admission and free for Maricopa Community College District students with valid identification, are available at Showup.com. Melisa Rose will also teach a cello master class from 10 a.m.  to noon Sept. 27 in the Performance Hall. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. (602) 243-8353.

Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road. www.MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Mariposa Monarca monarch butterfly exhibit: today through Nov. 2, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Guests can view hundreds of live monarch butterflies in the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors can participate in a tagging demonstration each Thursday at 1:30 p.m. as part of the Southwest Monarch Study. Tagging demonstrations require a reservation by e-mail at monarchs@dbg.org or by calling (480) 481-8128. For information, call (480) 941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Susan G. Komen for the Cure presents Art for the Cure: through Oct. 26, Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. More than 20 paintings and small masterpieces from the private art collection of Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and former Ambassador to Hungary, will be on display in an effort to unite people with a passion for art with those who want to make a global difference in the fight against breast cancer. www.PhxArt.org or (602) 257-1222.

Wilma Mankiller to speak and sign books: 7 p.m., Steele Auditorium, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and internationally known Native rights activist, will deliver the second Simon Ortiz and Labriola Center lecture on Indigenous Land, Culture and Community at the Heard Museum. Her topic is Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People. Booksigning to follow immediately after lecture. Free and open to the public. www.heard.org.

Lend Me a Tenor: today through Sunday, Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. Comedy presented by Mesa Encore Theatre. 7 p.m. evening performances, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. (480) 644-6500.

Peter Hammill of Van Der Graaf Generator: Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road. Tickets: www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets or (480) 784-4444. Upcoming: Oct. 16, Bob Schneider.

All Shook Up: today through Nov. 15, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. (480) 325-6700 or visit www.BroadwayPalmWest.com.

Friday, Oct. 3

ZooFari 2008: 7 to 11 p.m., Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. Guests also will enjoy delicacies from the Valley's top restaurants and purveyors of fine wine and spirits. Individual tickets are $225 per person and go on sale July 7. Proceeds will be used to help build a new exhibit and night house for the Zoo's Bornean orangutans. www.phoenixzoo.org or (602) 914-4333.

La Casa Murillo: A Life-Size Shadow Box exhibition: today through Jan. 11, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Opens at 8 p.m. tonight featuring Patrick Murillo's Latino reggae band the RastaFarmers. Tonight's opening is free. (602) 252-8848 or www.heard.org.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Pedro Meyer's photographic exhibit, Heresies: today through Jan. 18, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. (480) 874-4666.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Death in a Landslide: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Theatre Outback, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Comedy presented by the Theatre Arts and Film Department. Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for MCC employees and alumni, $8 for students and seniors. Children under 5 are not admitted. (480) 461-7170.

Friday, Oct. 10

Treasure Island, A Musical Adventure: today through Oct. 26, Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, noon and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets, $18, available by calling (602) 253-8188, ext. 2. www.VYT.com.

Monday, Oct. 13

New Kids On The Block with special guest Natasha Bedingfield: 8 p.m., Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. www.livenation.com. Upcoming: Nov. 26, Coldplay, "Viva La Vida" North American Tour.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Harvest Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage & Science Park , Fifth and Monroe streets. Hosted by the Rosson House/Heritage Square Foundation and Guild. The 1895 Rosson House exhibit is titled Mourning in Victorian Times. Free. (602) 262-5029 or http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/heritage.html.

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.

Friday, Oct. 31

A Midsummer Night's Dream: 8 p.m. tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. Presented by Ballet Arizona, with live music by The Phoenix Symphony. $15 to $117. (602) 381-1096, www.ticketmaster.com or www.balletaz.org.

Saturday, Nov. 1

A Gathering of Weavers: Navajo Weavers Marketplace: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Meet some of the Southwest's finest Navajo weavers during this first-ever marketplace exclusively showcasing textiles. Watch weavers at work and get some early holiday shopping done. Free admission (museum admission additional). www.heard.org.

American Indian Film Celebration: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. 10 a.m., special screening - Phoenix Premiere of Woven Ways; 11 a.m., Highlights of ReelNative - a special project of the We Shall Remain documentary series; 2 p.m., Arizona Premiere of Geronimo - an episode of the We Shall Remain documentary series. All screenings are free; museum admission additional. www.heard.org.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Heard Museum Spanish Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Strolling mariachis and artwork by Hispanic artists from Arizona and New Mexico highlight this festive, casual and friendly annual marketplace. Chat with artists as they sell a range of distinctive and unique artwork. Free admission (museum admission additional). www.heard.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. Honor the memory of all Veterans who served our nation. Gourd dancing starts at 11:30 a.m. Free and open to everyone. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. No advanced registration required. (602) 495-0191.

Friday, Nov. 28

Las Noches de las Luminarias: 5:30-9:30 p.m. today through Sunday, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 16-23, 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) 481-8188.

The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights: today and tomorrow, Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium, Tempe. Part of the M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona series presented by ASU Gammage and Broadway Across America. Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (480) 784-4444 or online at www.asugammage.com.  

Saturday, Dec. 6

Festival of the Wise: today and tomorrow, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. www.festivalofthewise.com.

Friday, Dec. 26

Holidays at The Heard: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Dec. 31, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Included in general museum admission. www.heard.org.

Saturday, Jan. 31

At the Crossroads of American Photography: Callahan, Siskind, Sommer exhibition: today through May 13, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. The exhibition is the centerpiece of the museum's 10th anniversary celebration and includes approximately 150 images. www.smoca.org.

Saturday, Feb. 7

19th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Top Native hoop dancers from the United States and Canada compete for cash prizes and the World Champion title. Enjoy dance performances as well as delicious fry bread and other American Indian foods. Held on the museum grounds, admission to the museum is included. www.heard.org.

Friday, March 6

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market - Best of Show Reception: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. More than 300 of the artists from the Heard's renowned Indian Fair & Market participate in this prestigious juried competition. $75 for Heard Museum members, $100 for non-members. Reservations are required and the event sells out early. www.heard.org.

Saturday, March 7

51st Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. $15 for adults, free for children 16 and under, $5 for students with I.D. www.heard.org.

Saturday, March 21

Heard Museum Council Native Art & Artifacts Appraisal Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Appraisal fees apply. www.heard.org.

Saturday, March 28

Heard Museum Guild American Indian Student Art Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through April 1, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Free with regular museum admission. www.heard.org.

Saturday, April 4

A Gathering of Carvers: Katsina Doll Marketplace: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. More than 100 artists gather to show and sell their unique creations. Enjoy musical performances, booksignings, carving demonstrations and drawings. Admission is free. www.heard.org.

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