Exploring your authentic Arizona lifestyle
One of Arizona’s oldest performing arts organizations is about to receive a long-overdue honor. And if that was not enough, the prestige arrives in the midst of the group’s best season yet—a season that builds upon its storied history and provides audiences with the symphonious sounds of the Valley’s most talented male singers.
Strolling through the Orientation Gallery of Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum, there is one instrument in particular that is almost impossible to miss. One could even say that it is the elephant in the room: it is nearly as enormous and very rarely discussed.
These are the first words that came to mind after meeting Jace Williams, a somewhat reserved Cave Creek 14-year-old who attends Cactus Shadows High School. Jace is not your typical Arizona teenager; he’s part of the USA Trampoline and Tumbling Gymnastics Team and is headed for St. Petersburgh, Russia this November to compete in the prestigious World Age Group Competition (WAGC) in trampoline.
Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up at three years old. However, 14-year-old North Scottsdale resident Avery Gay knew from the second she stepped out on stage for her first ballet recital that dancing was not only her journey, but also her destination.
When Michael Phelps’ mother first enrolled him in swim classes at a local aquatics center in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, he didn’t take to it like a fish to water. In fact, he was so afraid to get his face wet that his teacher started him on his back to foster a better sense of comfort in the water. From that shaky beginning, the rest is Olympic history.
From the breathtaking beauty of the red rocks, to the scent of sage- and mesquite-covered mesas, to the soul-soothing sounds of the high desert, for many, Sedona is a cathedral without walls. Love is the doctrine here, and it is spoken in one thousand different languages.
Hall of Flame Fire Museum and National Firefighting Hall of Heroes succeeds in preserving and exhibiting the amazing and awe-inspiring artifacts relating to the history of firefighting. Along with their commitment to recognize and honor firefighters, this local museum that straddles the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale is great for anyone with a fascination with all things firefighting.
Seth Fairweather is comfortable in silence. Slow with a smile, he is frugal with his words, relinquishing them quietly and without hyperbole. His black shirt and faded black jeans underscore his reticence, and a brow deep in thought hoods his blue eyes.
The North Valley is home to some of the most lauded and accomplished musical organizations. One of the newest, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Concert Series led by Executive Producer Joseph Wytko, has found its niche among them.
Painter Amado Peña doesn’t know what to expect when he reunites with ceramist Rich Lopez for a unique collaboration at the Thunderbird Artists 25th Annual Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, but that’s part of the fun.