The Dorris Opera House may sound like a mere myth to some thanks to the limited remaining evidence of its existence and the tall tales of its heyday that involve a “massacre.” However, it is in fact one of Phoenix’s most significant pieces of history, contributing culture to the city thereby putting it on the map and stimulating its growth.
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.
It was Lima, Peru 2010. I was pretty much inhaling mouthwatering, made-from-scratch authentic empanadas on a street corner with a local I’d just met. A few minutes earlier, we’d been standing in a line in front of a tiny make-shift outdoor booth about 20 people deep, for what I was promised were the best empanadas I would ever eat in my life.
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.
On the corner of a well-worn jeweler’s bench is a black and white photograph of a handsome young man in a military uniform. His hair is neatly groomed into a single wave and polished with pomade, and even without color, the sun gleams brightly from the gold buttons on his jacket. In the corner, handwritten in once-black Bic pen ink is the notation, “1943.”
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.
A massive, illuminated lace ribbon, hand-crocheted by over 100 volunteers will twist, dip, soar and envelop visitors at Scottsdale Public Art’s annual Canal Convergence Nov. 9–18 on the Arizona Canal.
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.
If art were words, Andy Burgess would be a master of anthologies. He would write about bygone eras in American history one post-war decade at a time, waxing eloquently about their illusory idealism and the rosy hope that has fed the American dream since before statehood.
