Entertainment Calendar (5/16)

Friday, May 16

Concert/reading of the new musical Babe:An Olympic Musical: 7 p.m. tonight and May 30, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Hosted by the Pandora Festival of the Arizona Women's Theatre Company. This is a concert/reading of a major new musical about women athletes, world-class competition, mothers and sisters and about the bisexual woman who broke all the rules to become the "athlete of the century" - Babe Didrikson. Tickets are $12 in advance at www.azwtc.org, $13 at the door and $40 for a Pandora Pass. (480) 607-7107.

Saturday, May 17

Trace Adkins headlines D-backs post-game concert: The Arizona Diamondbacks are teaming up with Miller Brewing, Fry's Food & Drug Stores and KNIX Radio to host a concert featuring country music recording artist and "The Celebrity Apprentice" runner-up Trace Adkins at Chase Field following the 5:10 p.m. game against the Detroit Tigers. The concert is free with a ticket to that night's game. (602) 514-8400 or www.dbacks.com.

Sunday, 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.

Monday, May 19

The Wedding Singer (musical): 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.

The Wedding Singer (film): 7 p.m., Harkins Valley Art Theatre, 509 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Harkins and Arizona State University Gammage are bringing back the 1998 hit to the big screen in celebration of its theatrical version playing at Gammage Auditorium. The "Wedding party" kicks off at 7 p.m. with a free screening of the film followed by a sneak peek at the musical. Guests will also have the chance to meet the cast and win free wedding merchandise and tickets to the show at Gammage. The party is free and includes the movie screening. RSVP's required to  press@asugammage.com.

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.

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.

Smokey Joe's Café: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller: today through June 8, Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe St. Presented by Black Theatre Troupe. Curtain times: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Additional matinees: 2 p.m. June 4 and The Target Family Matinee at 2 p.m. June 7 at 2 p.m. with specially priced $12 ticket for families. Tickets: $22-$32. (602) 252-8497, ext 3.

Dear Ruth: today through June 27, Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 1940s romantic comedy. Performances: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. $17-$19. (480) 497-1181.

Friday, May 23

Comedy Club presents 5th Laugh: 7:30 p.m., Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S. 51 St. Headlining will be Jay Penn, voted the "Valley's Funniest Person" numerous times. Also performing will be Bob Howard, Manny Llanez and Sy Minsker - the oldest stand-up comedian on the planet! Cavin Whiters, a former rocker turning comedian from Prescott, will also be a guest. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.clean-comedy.com or $20 at the door. Anders, (480) 759-5120, ahwatukeecomedyclub@cox.net or www.clean-comedy.com.

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. Special guest: Lauren Harris. 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.

Books for a Better World Benefit Concert: 7 p.m., Phoenix Country Day School, 3901 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. Burns-it-Up!, a Chandler-based performing arts company, is collaborating with dance groups and singing ensembles to raise funds for a local charity, Books for a Better World. Ahwatukee Foothills residents Barbara Albrecht-Montague and Tiffany Hendricks will perform. Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door. Karen, (480) 332-7914, karen@burnsitup.com or www.booksforabetterworld.com.

Sunday, June 1

Anniversary All Gallery Artists Show: today through Aug. 30, Duley-Jones Gallery, 7100 E. Main St., Scottsdale. The gallery will celebrate its seventh anniversary with an exhibit of new work by gallery artists. An artists' reception will be held 7-9 p.m. July 10 during the Summer Spectacular ArtWalk. www.DuleyJones.com.

Tuesday, June 3

Chicago and The Doobie Brothers: 7:30 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Tickets, $38.50-$85, with a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets at $125, avaialble at www.livenation.com, the box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call (480) 784-4444.

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

Valley Youth Theatre presents Cinderella: today through June 22, Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St. Features eight Ahwatukee Foothills youths. Show times: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. No public performance June 14. Tickets, $17 to $33, available through the box office by calling (602) 252-8497 or online at www.herbergertheater.org/cinderella. www.VYT.com.

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.

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story: closes today, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Adult tickets, $45-$54, include a buffet meal. Tickets for children 12 and under are $22. Show Only seats are $25. www.broadwaypalmwest.com or (480) 325-6700.

Sunday, June 8

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

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

Opening reception for local artist Michael Long: 6-9 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430.

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.

Saturday, June 28

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today and tomorrow, Firebird Raceway, 20000 S. Maricopa Road. Features the world's top pro wakeboarders performing rail tricks and aerial stunts, while maneuvering on the water at a speed of approximately 25 mph. On land, fans will experience great food and music, athlete autograph signings, chances to win free gear and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment and fashions. Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.prowakeboardtour.com. General admission tickets are buy one get one free online only until June 27.

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.

Friday, Aug. 1

Maricopa County Home & Garden Show: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today and tomorrow, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for ages 3-12, free for those 2 and under. www.MaricopaCountyHomeShows.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.

Send submissions to jwalker@ahwatukee.com.