It’s not often art lovers get to see a work in progress let alone contribute to it, but Arizona Opera gives fans the opportunity to do just that this weekend when they present the first reading of “Riders of the Purple Sage” — an original opera based on Zane Grey’s western novel, set on the Arizona-Utah border.

The Mountain Pointe duo of Natrell Curtis and Jalen Brown keep getting national attention.

Hard rocker Tom Keifer would be among the first to say that life doesn’t go as planned. The long-time musician, best known for his lead role in the band Cinderella, released his first solo album – ”The Way Life Goes” – April 30 after a 10-year process and a long struggle with partial vocal chord paralysis — the ruination of many music careers.

Trumpeter/bandleader Doc Severinsen can still hit the notes, and it's not something he ever takes for granted. He always warms up.

The Heady Hoop Tribe, an eclectic group of four women who aim to inspire others through the creative power of modern hoop dance, bring a sense of community to Phoenix.

He has given standout performances in the likes of “The Big Lebowski,” “Crazy Heart” and “True Grit,” but Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges’ enormous talent doesn’t stop there. His illustrious resume runs the gamut from musician to author to humanitarian, which begs the question: Is there anything he can’t do?

Revel in days gone by with this high energy musical revue, featuring live musicians and dancers celebrating the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and The Andrews Sisters, among others.

Using nothing more than the soot from a wood burning stove mixed with his own saliva, deaf artist James Castle used this homemade ink to communicate with the world.

Ahwatukee Music Maker Workshops has summer camps for all levels to get kids rocking, moving and mastering music.

Downtown Chandler’s nice most anytime, but it’ll be a particularly good spot to while away a few hours April 5-6.

While the recently opened Speakeasy Saloon and Grill may be a great place to get a fresh steak or enjoy a live country band, owner Jon Harris said to him it'��s all about family.

Lane Change is practicing a new song for its set list, Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” The manager is coaching the vocalists on the harmonies: “This note needs to be higher.” “This part is too early.” “Let’s start from this part.” Then they start at the recognizable chorus.

Twenty-three students at Horizon Honors High School performed rehearsed pieces for their peers, staff and parents this week, all historical icons from the Harlem Renaissance.

It’s no surprise that Chelsea Bain has been attending NASCAR races since she was 5 years old. Her dad, Emmett “Buddy” Jobe, brought NASCAR to Phoenix International Raceway in 1987. Now, Bain is more involved in NASCAR than she ever has been, but not as a spectator — as a rockin’ country musician.

Roots and Boots: Featuring Sammy Kershaw, Joe Diffie & Aaron Tippin: Enjoy a night of throw-back country music when these stars unite for one evening in Chandler. Pictures are allowed, though audio, video and cell phone use is not. The musicians will sign autographs after the show.

Patti Austin Sings Ella and the Duke: Accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony, the world-reknown jazz musician sings the music of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald including favorites like “Cottontail,” “I Got It Bad” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

You know him as Luke Duke from “The Dukes of Hazzard,” but what you may not know about Tom Wopat, one of the two lead actors from the classic 1980s TV show, is that aside from his history of driving around the General Lee and foiling Boss Hogg’s latest scheme, he and his former co-star John Schneider are also accomplished musicians.

Jessica Starr was never one to take no as an answer.

Acclaimed jazz musicians Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellway recreate their famous 2010 Library of Congress concert for Valley jazz lovers.

Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo - Spanish dancers, singers and musicians bring a bit of Andalucía to Scottsdale.

During his first period class, Josh Thye conducted Desert Vista High School’s top wind ensemble Thursday morning as they worked through a crinkle in the song “Shooting Stars.”

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Beth Lawrence has performed and written music around the world, including on Broadway, and has 12 award-winning CDs to her credit, but she said her real claim to fame is making a difference in people’s lives through music.

The Phoenix Symphony is one of just 22 American orchestras to receive a first-year Getty Education and Community Investment Grant. The grant was awarded as a new and emerging work to expand the orchestra’s B-Sharp Music Wellness program, targeting the homeless population of urban Phoenix, and is recognition of the Phoenix Symphony’s innovation and dedication to increasing its relevance to the community.