Arts Briefs (4/18)

Ahwatukee Children's Theatre presents Seussical

Ahwatukee Children's Theatre, located at 5051 E. Elliot Road, is presenting Seussical. Find out if a really big elephant can really save a bunch of tiny creatures living on a clover blossom.

Tickets are available for the 7 p.m. show April 19, along with the added 4 p.m. show that day. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the ACT front desk from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by calling (480) 705-9319 and ordering with a credit card. These tickets will be held at Will Call.

For more information, contact Ahwatukee Children's Theatre at (480) 705-9319 or at www.azact.org.

Temple participating in art show

Arizona State University student Lindsay Temple's artwork will be part of a senior art exhibition showing April 21 to 25 at Gallery 100 on campus. Temple, a Desert Vista High School graduate, will be graduating Cum Laude next month with a degree in fine arts. Temple works with mixed media.

A reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 21 at Gallery 100, located in the Tempe Center, Suite 199, at the northeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street.

ARTS JAM

The ARTS JAM Student and Community Arts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 in the Tempe Library Courtyard, 3500 S. Rural Road.

Hear free performances, try a new art experience, see art demonstrations or buy a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Corvette.

The Arts Council for Youth is sponsoring the event to support visual and performing arts in the Tempe Elementary, Kyrene and Tempe Union High School communities. The event is co-sponsored by the Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation, the city of Tempe Cultural Services and the city of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.

For more information, contact Jennifer at jsd@artscouncil4youth.org  or (602) 432-9190, visit www.artsjam.org or e-mail info@artsjam.org.

Seventeen contestants vie for Ms. Senior Arizona

Sharon Friendly, Ms. Senior Arizona 2007, will crown her successor at the 19th Annual Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant to be held May 3 at the Maricopa County Events Center, formerly the Sundome. Seventeen contestants are competing for the title of Ms. Senior Arizona 2008. The new Ms. Senior Arizona will travel to New Jersey in November to represent Arizona for the Ms. Senior America.

Ms. Senior Arizona is a statewide pageant and the first and foremost pageant to honor the "Age of Elegance." It accentuates the motivation and inspiration we get from our senior women, our grandmothers, and our great grandmothers. We learn from each of our ladies the value of perseverance, integrity, humor and love, to name just a few of the principals and qualities to live by.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at (623) 474-3353 or Ticketmaster at (480) 784-4444.

For more information, call (480) 634-8753 or visit www.msseniorarizona.com.

SMoCA seeks new interested volunteer guides

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts' docent program is seeking volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to participate. A coffee and information meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. April 24 in the Stage 2 Theater of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts building, 7380 E. Second St. No prior art-history education is necessary.

For more information or to RSVP, call (480) 874-4641 or e-mail SMoCArsvp@sccarts.org.

Salon on wheels offers free mini-makeovers

Chuck Hezekiah, "Mr. Makeover," and a team of beauty experts are coming to town with the Great Beauty Tour, an upbeat, educational program that helps women take the guesswork out of choosing and using skincare products and cosmetics.

The free program is complete with live demonstrations, makeup tips, coupons and, best of all, one-on-one personalized consultations.

Visit the Great Beauty Tour at the Cinco de Mayo event from 1 to 9 p.m. May 3 and noon to 9 p.m. May 4 at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 201 W. Washington St.

For more information, visit maybelline.com.

Music Man auditions

Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave. in Gilbert, will hold auditions May 6 for The Music Man, which will run July 10-Aug. 30. Be prepared to sing 16 bars of music and dance. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions are by appointment only; call (480) 497-1181.

Performances run Thursday through Saturday evenings with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. The first rehearsal is May 17.

Jewelry contest under way

Molina Fine Jewelers is offering Valley residents an opportunity to own a 24-karat gold puffed heart pendant accented with diamonds, valued at $2,500, which can be given as a wedding present or worn with a wedding gown. The winner of the pendant will also receive four free tickets to see The Wedding Singer at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium May 15 to 20.

To participate in the contest, bring in a 5-inch-by-7-inch picture (if you want the photo returned also bring in a self-addresses stamped envelope) and name of your sweetheart by May 9 to Molina Fine Jewelers, 3134 E. Camelback Road, to showcase in the store. All names will be entered and a winner will be drawn and announced on May 9.

LunaFest coming up in May

No Festival Required, the Phoenix Art Museum and Luna Bar will present LunaFest 2009 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at Whiteman Hall at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., to benefit the Breast Cancer Fund.

LunaFest is a national touring show of films by, for and about women. Films contain adult content and are for mature audiences. Animation, documentary and narrative subjects are included in this 90-minute collection of short films from international women directors.

Admission is $10 (cash only) with net proceeds to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund.

For venue information, visit www.phxart.org. For program information, visit www.lunafest.org.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers in Rocky Point

Join Americana rockers Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers in Rocky Point, Mexico, for the band's bi-annual "Circus Mexicus" May 16 to 18.

Events include a charity barbecue, a live concert and fan favorite "hangover brunch."

For more information, check out RCPM's Circus Mexicus Website: http://www.azpeacemakers.com/circusmexicus/index.php.

High School Musical fun

Disney's High School Musical On Tour! is coming to Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium in Tempe June 24 to 29, and the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers an exclusive weekend package for guests.

Offered from $299, the High School Musical Package includes one night in a traditional guestroom, two orchestra tickets for Friday evening, Saturday evening or Saturday matinee shows and a $50 daily resort credit. Show tickets are limited, vary in price and offer resort guests premier seating at the select productions. The package is valid June 27 to 29, is exclusive of tax and gratuity and requires the HSM promotional code.

For reservations or information, call (602) 225-0100 or visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com.

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

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

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

The CoffeeBuzz announces 1st photo tour

CoffeeBuzz owners Carol and Dimitri Lazarescu will hold their first photo tour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20. The tour will be a hands-on experience for anyone wanting to hone their photographic skills at the Vulture Mine in Wickenburg.

Participants will need to bring a digital or film SLR, Medium Format or Large Format camera as well as film, a tripod, memory cards, batteries and a flexible shutter release, if possible.

The cost of the tour is $75, which includes lunch and admission to the Vulture Mine. There will be a gallery showing at The CoffeeBuzz after the shoot, so all participants will have a chance to display their work.

Registration is limited to 20 people. For more details or to register, stop by the shop at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110, call (480) 393-3430 or e-mail Dimitri at Mitica100@aol.com or Carol at msclazarescu@aol.com.

Music series spring sale

Purchase three or more shows from the Sanderson Ford Lincoln Mercury Music Series at the Celebrity Theatre and save 50 percent on your tickets.

The performance schedule is: Guitars & Saxes starring Peter White, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub And Jeff Lorber with special guest Dominic Amato, April 18; Spyro Gyra, April 25; Warren Hill with Marion Meadows & Eric Marienthal, May 10; Robert Cray Band with Guitar Shorty, May 15; Al Jarreau and Sinbad with Everette Harp, May 16; Jesse Cook, May 17; The Rippington's 20th Anniversary Tour with Mindi Abair, June 6; Jonny Lang, June 12; Taj Mahal and Keb Mo, June 17; and Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra, June 27.

Prices vary by show, and to qualify for the discount you must purchase the three shows at the same time. Spring Sale Series tickets are available only at the Celebrity Theatre or by calling (602) 267-1600, ext. 1. All tickets are subject to a surcharge, are final and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Birding, nature festival coming up

The Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival celebrates nature with workshops and field trips where expert guides take visitors to the area's birding hot spots. The eighth annual event, presented by Arizona State Parks and the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, will take place April 24-27 at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

More than 70 field trips are being offered throughout the event, many led by nationally recognized and local experts. From the basics to the expert, there are classes and trips that will fit anyone's skills. There will also be geology trips, butterfly and plant walks, photography, an exhibit hall and an opportunity to shop a variety of vendors during the event.

The $10 registration fee includes park entrance for all four days as well as access to the exhibit hall and workshops. There is an additional charge for field trips, guided walks, and seminars.

For more information or to register, visit www.birdyverde.org or call (928) 282-2202.

Beaux Arts Gala celebrates SAS' 25th anniversary

"Beaux Arts 08," Scottsdale Artists' School's annual fine arts auction and entertainment gala, begins at 5:30 p.m., April 26 on the school's grounds in the Art District in downtown Scottsdale.

Tickets are $150 for open seating and $175 for reserved seating, with tables of 10 available for $1,750. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 (holder of the winning raffle ticket need not be present to win). Food will be provided by Santa Barbara Catering Company, with the James Linton Classical Guitar Trio providing musical entertainment. 

For reservations, call (480) 990-1422.

Registration open for Camp Broadway

Camp Broadway, at Arizona State University's Gammage Theatre, will be held June 16-20. It is a performing arts camp for music, dance and theater-loving kids. Campers will work collaboratively with Broadway's most distinguished performers, writers and designers and will have a chance to see a Broadway classic. Camp tuition is $600 and sells out fast, so early registration is encouraged.

Reserve your camper's spot by calling (480) 965-5062.

Childsplay summer classes

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theater for young audiences, has announced the 2008 Summer Academy Class Schedule.

All classes will take place at a campus, 900 E. Mitchell Drive, Tempe. Childsplay invites new and returning students to be a part of this summer session in four state-of-the-art classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a black box theater.

In addition to the new space, Childsplay has added additional classes including a production class for primary grades, weekday musical theater classes and one-day midsummer classes. The schedule also includes a new extended care for working parents.

For detailed information and to register online, visit www.childsplayaz.org or call (480) 350-8119 for a brochure.

Applicants sought for film, arts festival

The Third Annual Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival is July 19 at Harold's Cave Creek Corral. The creative competition includes several categories, including film, visual arts, photography, poetry, short stories, original song and choreography.

The festival is an open competition to residents statewide with two age divisions per category: youth (ages 12 to 17) and adults (ages 18 and over). Entry fees are $10 for the youth division and $25 for adults. A special presentation of awards is scheduled for July 19 at Harold's Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, in Cave Creek. Admission is free.

Applications can be downloaded at www.CaveCreekFilmandArtsFestival.com. The application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2.

Heard Museum shops annual spring sale

Splurge and save at the Heard Museum Shops annual spring sale April 25, 26 and 27. This twice-yearly shopping event offers discounts on the finest authentic American Indian artwork. Plus, choose from an array of books about the Southwest and American Indians, CDs, children's items and more.

There are four Heard Museum Shops: at the Heard Museum in Central Phoenix, Heard Museum North Scottsdale, Heard Museum West in Surprise and online at www.heardmuseumshop.com. All four locations are part of the sale.

Kimberly Lewis offers free dance classes

If your kids would like to try something new over the summer, then head on over to Kimberly Lewis School of Dance June 9-12 for a week of free dance classes.

Classes, offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 3820 E. Ray Road, will include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop for beginner to advanced level, ages 3 to teen.

For more information, call (480) 706-6040, e-mail klewisdance@yahoo.com or visit www.kimberlylewis.com.

High School Musical coming to Gammage

Hitting Arizona State University's Gammage Theatre June 24-29 is Disney's High School Musical, the stage production based on the 2006 Emmy Award-winning movie.

Tickets are on sale now through the Gammage box office, where they can be purchased from 8 a.m. to noon. After that, tickets are available through Ticketmaster by calling (480) 784-4444 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com/hsmtempe.

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