In this issue: Kingston Trio, celebrate Elvis, Sushi 101, John Stewart Tribute Band, low flutes and a quarter auction.

This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.

If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly “Free Things To Do” column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.

Events are presented here in date order.

What: The Kingston Trio
When: August 9, 10 11, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale

Tickets will be $20 at the door. Arrive early as seats are limited.

What: Elvis Week at MIM
When: August 10 through August 16, 2012
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
MIM will honor the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing with new Arizona-related memorabilia in the Elvis exhibit and a variety of events celebrating the life and music of The King. There will also be film screenings of “Charro!” which starred Elvis and was filmed in Apache Junction. Many of the new items featured in the Elvis exhibit have ties to his time in Arizona. There are two of Elvis’s jumpsuits which he wore at concerts in Arizona and memorabilia from the movie “Charro!,” including a costume (shirt, vest and gun holster), the original movie script, a production call sheet, a movie poster, and track and vocal records. Each day during Elvis Week has a different schedule featuring some of the following activities: gallery talks discussing the history and significance of items on display in the Elvis exhibit; educational talks on the conservation work done to restore two items owned by Elvis; film screenings of the movie “Charro!”; a Design-a-Guitar Workshop, where young Elvis fans can design a paper guitar that is fit for The King; trivia sessions where museum guests can test their knowledge about the life and music of Elvis. All activities are free with museum admission. There will be a special Elvis-themed menu in the Caf at MIM and Elvis merchandise available for purchase in the museum store.

What: Sushi 101 Class
When: Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: RA Sushi at Kierland Commons in North Scottsdale

Participants will learn about the history of sushi, test their skills in the art of sushi rolling, and enjoy an assortment of tasty appetizers and fresh sushi. The class is $45 per person (includes tax and gratuity) and covers sushi rolling lessons, a non-alcoholic beverage, miso soup, edamame, two maki (rolls), two pieces of nigiri, a sushi rolling mat, and a voucher good for a complimentary lunch on a return visit. Registration is required. Call 480-951-5888.

What: John Stewart Tribute Band
When: Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale

Tickets will be $20 at the door. Arrive early as seats are limited.

What: Desert Echoes Flute Project presents Peter Sheridan on Low Flutes
When: Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe
Tickets are $8 for seniors and students, $12 for adults (not including service or convenience fees). The performance presents a rare opportunity to hear the “powerhouse down in the depths” on these popular and amazing instruments.

What: Quarter Auction Craze
When: Friday, August 17, 2012. Doors at 5 p.m. auction at 6 p.m.
Where: Dr. Saide Recreation Center, 1003 E. Eason Avenue, Buckeye
Businesses such as Celebrating Home, Mary Kay, Scentsy, 31 Purses, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Gift Baskets with Flair, and the Natural Way will be on hand auctioning off prize packages that retail for $100. The Quarter Auction Craze is a cross between bingo and an auction. Each prize package will be up for bid for one or two quarters per auction paddle. If you’ve paid your quarter to participate in that auction and your auction paddle number is called – you win! Bring your quarters and friends. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $3 and includes a free auction paddle. Additional paddles are $1 each. Please RSVP to Phil Yabes at (623) 349-6604 by Thursday, August 16, by 4:00 p.m. to receive a free raffle ticket!

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If you’ve arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.

If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you’d like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}