In this issue: storytelling, a dysfunctional family, defeat ALS, glow in the dark, learn to play Balinese instruments, see Taylor Swift’s stuff, bless your animal, walk or run, food trucks for a cause, enjoy the choir, take the family to recreate and celebrate an anniversary of me.
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.
Don’t forget that this weekend you’ll find a variety of great Halloween events. Check out The Big Halloween List and Haunted Attractions Central!
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: Storytelling Featuring Donald Davis
When: Friday, October 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Arts Center
Produced in partnership with South Mountain Storytelling Telling Institute, the Mesa Arts Center hosts a special evening of storytelling; featuring a youth teller, an Arizona teller and national treasure, Donald Davis. Donald’s masterful storytelling captures the real and daily adventures of life in an entertaining and engaging way. $20 per ticket.
What: National Theatre Live Presents The Last of the Haussmans
When: October 19 (2 p.m.), October 20 (1 p.m.), October 21 (2 p.m.), 2012
Where: Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix
Recorded live in London, The Last of the Haussmans is a comedic tour de force of one aging woman and her quirky, dysfunctional family. The internationally acclaimed play stars BAFTA recipient Julie Walters. Tickets are $15 for Members, $18 for non-Members.
What: Walk to Defeat ALS
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: Scottsdale Stadium
The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s Signature Event and our biggest fundraiser of the year. The Walk offers an exciting, empowering opportunity for patients, families, friends, companies and organizations to raise funds to support Patient Family Services programs and cutting-edge research. Register online.
What: Neon Splash Dash 5k
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012
Where: Firebird International Raceway
The starting line will illuminate you under high powered ultra-violet blacklights just to give you a small taste of
whats ahead. Run through 4 different Glow Zones, where each one well spray you with a different color of Super Intense U.V. Glow Water. Music at each Zone. After Glow Party with music, Blacklight, Glow Performers and thousands of runners sprayed with Glow Water. There will be a costume contest immediately after the Course closes. Go on and dress up in your brightest, most creative costume – include LEDs, Fluorescent Colors, Glow-in-the-Dark items. You don’t have to run in your costume, but only runners may participate in the contest. All runners will have access to free water snacks as they cross the finish line. 5 p.m. Registration Opens (Closes at 6:30 p.m.); 7 p.m. Race Starts; 8:30 p.m. Costume Contest; 8:45 p.m. Glow Performers. $40+.
What: Balinese Gamelan Workshop
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Experience the sounds of gamelan at MIM’s workshop! Led by Assistant Curator Colin Pearson, these workshops include an introduction to Balinese culture and music, and experience playing authentic Balinese instruments. Musicians and non-musicians will enjoy this unique musical experience. Guests will be asked to sit cross-legged on the floor and remove their shoes during the workshop. If you require extra accommodations or are unable to sit cross-legged, please email colin.pearson@themim.or prior to your arrival. Best for ages 8 and older. Tickets $12 per class or $10 per class when purchased with museum admission.
What: Taylor Swift Exhibit at MIM
When: October 20 and 21 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
The Musical Instrument Museum unveils an exhibit honoring international multiplatinum superstar Taylor Swift. The exhibit will be welcomed with a weekend-long celebration including live music, educational workshops and exhibit talks. The first section of the exhibit details the beginning of Swift’s career, from learning to play guitar and writing songs to the release of her first single, “Tim McGraw,” in June 2006. Objects in this part of the exhibit include Swift’s handwritten lyrics for the song “Tim McGraw,” along with her signature Taylor koa, six-string acoustic guitar and cowboy boots featured in the “Tim McGraw” music video. The second section features Swift’s meteoric rise to superstardom, shown through instruments, stage wear, and set pieces from the Speak Now World Tour. Items on exhibit from this tour include her sparkly red Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, which she played while outfitted in her gold Roberto Cavalli dress for tour performances of “Mine.” Also on display will be a Deering banjo and a Leilani ukulele used on the tour. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a large prop bell that was a featured and interactive set piece used during performances of the song “Haunted” on the Speak Now World Tour. Museum guests may listen to an exhibit talk, attend a songwriting workshop with the Arizona Songwriters Association, watch Taylor Swift music videos in the MIM Music Theater, and listen to students from Rock ‘n’ Roll High School singing Taylor Swift songs. All activities are free with museum admission.
What: PACC911 Pet Adopt-A-Thon, St. Francis Festival, and Blessing of the Animals
When: October 20 and 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley
The largest pet adoption event of the year in the Valley. Over 70 of PACC911’s rescue partners will be on-site participating with purebred and mixed breed dogs, cats, bunnies, small critters and rescued horses (young and old) available for adoption to forever homes. The original blessing of the animals started at The Casa years ago, and the tradition continues. This year’s blessings will take place at noon and 2 p.m. on both days. The popular on-site dog wash will once again be a part of this year’s festivities, as well as a silent auction and raffle prizes. Attendees who bring an unopened bag of pet food will receive a free raffle ticket. All proceeds benefit the PACC911 Emergency Medical Fund (EMF). There will a mobile clinic on-site to provide low cost micro-chipping and shots for dogs and cats. Refreshments as well as fresh grilled food, including sausage, hamburgers and veggie burgers, will also be available for purchase, and the PACC911 store will offer commemorative items.
What: AIDS Walk Phoenix 5K Run
When: Sunday, October 21, 2012. Opens at 7 a.m., run begins at 9 a.m.; walk starts at 9:10 a.m.
Where: 3rd Avenue and Washington St., Phoenix
Walkers, runners, pets and teams raise funds for 20 HIV/AIDS service agencies. This year’s goal is $500,000. Last year $376,00 was raised. Minimum registration is $25. All participants are being asked to raise an additional $25. Event includes entertainment along the walk route. Friendly, good-natured dogs may register to walk with their registered owners. You may also use your pet to raise additional funds. Prizes will be given to the top three dogs that raise the most money. Paws for the Cause registration is $10. Each participant can register up to two dogs.
What: AFFCF’s Foodie Faire for Foster Care
When: Sunday, October 21, 2012 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains, 16770 N. Perimeter Dr., Scottsdale
A choice of five food gourmet food trucks, an ice cream truck, and a dessert truck. In addition to food and beverages, AFFCF will also provide music/entertainment, children’s activities, and a silent auction for a day of family fun for everyone. Admission is $20 per person, children 12 and under are free. A discounted ticket package is available for $50, which includes the cost of admission plus four food truck tickets and one (non-alcoholic) beverage or ice cream ticket.
What: ASU Concert: An Evening of Choral Music
When: Monday, October 22, 2012. 6:30 p.m talk, 7:30 p.m. concert
Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Schola Cantorum, Symphonic Chorale and Solis Camerata. Tickets are $10 each, free for all students with a current I.D.
What: Tumbleweed Recreation Center Family Nights
When: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Tumbleweed Recreation Center , Chandler
Arts and crafts, performances and more presented by Chandler Recreation Division. Ages 1 to 12: $2 for Residents/$3 for Non-Residents; Ages 13 to 17: $3 for Residents/$5 for Non-Residents.
What: Anniversary Party at Me The Artist
When: Friday, October 26, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Me The Artist, CityCenter of CityNorth,
Me The Artist, an instructor-led group painting studio will celebrate a successful first year in business next month at its one year anniversary party, and will feature two complimentary instructor-led paint sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to paint an 8X10 canvas during one of two sessions, at 6 pm and 8 pm. Donations will be accepted that evening in lieu of a paint session fee, and 100% of the proceeds will go to Phoenix Youth at Risk, a local non-profit that helps at-risk and homeless children and teens learn to dream again through structured mentoring programs. Prices range, but average cost is about $40 per person. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails, appetizers, raffle prizes and live music from local teen band, Ruby City Unplugged. Reservations are recommended.
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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.