ProMusica Announces Exciting Season
2018-08-01 - 2018-08-30
You won’t want to miss the fantastic 16th season of ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra! “Broadway, Beatles and Blues” kicks off the season Nov. 3 and 4; Dec. 7–9, take a musical journey through the 12 days of Christmas with “It’s Christmas!”; and the magnificent story of one of America’s most revered naturalist comes to life on stage and in music with “Mountain Days: The John Muir Musical in Concert,” March 23 and 24. Interim artistic director and accomplished musician Patti Graetz will take the helm of this year’s productions. Adults–$22; Seniors (65+) and military–$20; Students 16-26–$12; children 15 and younger–free with paid adult. Discounted group and season tickets available. See website for schedule and locations. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org

DC Ranch Chef Fights Hunger in Myanmar
2018-08-01 - 2018-08-30
Lenard Rubin, executive chef at The Country Club at DC Ranch, participated in the World Chefs Without Borders Myanmar Tour for Humanity, traveling at his own expense with 59 other chefs to raise funds toward a goal of zero hunger by providing education and resources to those in need and afflicted by natural disasters. The people of Myanmar are still recovering from a cyclonic storm that has been deemed the worst natural disaster in recorded history. worldchefswithoutborders.org

New Softball Coach Joins NDP Team
2018-08-01 - 2018-08-30
Kim Braatz-Voisard has been named new head coach of the Notre Dame Saints girls’ softball. Braatz-Voisard brings a lot to the plate, having played professional softball in Europe, as well as for the Colorado Silver Bullets USA Women’s Baseball team, where she earned the title of first woman to hit an out-of-the-park home run and two gold medals. She has coached in Italy, France, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Canada. Most recently, she coached at Samford University in Birmingham, AL before coming to the Valley, where she coached at McClintock High School and Glendale Community College. In addition to sports, Braatz-Voisard is a busy mom to two children, Madison, 19, and Franklin, 16. Welcome, Coach Braatz-Voisard!

Art of the Monsoon
2018-08-01 - 2018-08-30
Artist Laura Thurbon captures the magnificence of these summer storms, and has amassed worldwide collections in the United States, South America, Europe, Israel, and India. She has many published works, and public murals around the Southwest United States. Her work will be featured at Gallery Andrea this month. 7019 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Mon.–Sat., noon to 5 p.m. 480-481-2530; artandrea.com

Nature’s Numbers and Patterns
2018-08-01 - 2018-08-30
If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by nature’s recurring numbers and patterns, you’re not alone. This month, the Arizona Science Center presents “A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature” so you can find out how it all adds up! General admission + $6.95–$8.95. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 602-716-2000; azscience.org

In the Company of Women
2018-08-01 08:00 - 2018-08-12 17:00 (America/Phoenix)
Phoenix Art Museum has rummaged through the storage rooms to assemble this show from the permanent collection, featuring about 50 works by women artists in the 20th and 21st centuries, including Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe. $18; discounts available for students, seniors and children. 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-257-1222, phxart.org

CreateSpace & Math Gaming Day
2018-08-01 14:00 - 16:00
Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to bring their creativity and build geckobots, snap circuitry, K’Nex, marble mazes and more. Mathnasium of Cave Creek will host stations from 2–4 p.m. RSVP. Free. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 1–4 p.m. 480-488-2286; desertfoothillslibrary.org

First Friday in the Galleries
2018-08-03 17:00 - 20:00
​Browse Sedona Gallery Association galleries and meet highlighted artists, take in special exhibits and fun art events. Enjoy light refreshments and begin your weekend with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene! Free. See website for featured locations. 5–8 p.m. sedonagalleryassociation.com

Grape Train Escape
2018-08-04 08:00 - 17:00
Verde Canyon Railroad presents the Grape Train Escape as a tribute to great wines of the Grand Canyon State. Enjoy a sampling of Arizona Stronghold wines and enjoy complimentary specialty dishes and hors d’oeuvres. $99. 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale. 1 p.m. 800-582-7245; verdecanyonrr.com

69th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture
2018-08-04 09:00 - 2018-08-05 17:00
Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona presents work from more than 70 Navajo artists, storytellers and cultural interpreters from many clans. Meet basket makers creating works on-site, join rug weavers, silversmiths, potters, painters and storytellers to learn about the Navajo way of living in harmony and hike with a Navajo ethno botanist. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. $8–$12. 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 928-774-5213; musnaz.org

Payson Food Truck Festival
2018-08-04 11:00 - 2018-09-04 21:00
Head up to Rim Country for a weekend of fun as ASU football touches down in Payson. The Payson Food Truck Festival features dozens of food trucks with something for everyone, live music, a kids’ zone and more. Free. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Green Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club, Payson. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 928-472-5110; paysonrimcountry.com

Teddy Bear Tea
2018-08-05 15:00 - 17:00
Little ones and their favorite bears are invited to join Goldilocks for storytime at this fourth annual tea party. Afternoon tea for adults, nursery tea and gift bag for littles are included. Adults $25; Children $15; Bears free. RSVP. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Carefree. 3–5 p.m. 480-488-4812; carefreetea.com

My Beloved World
2018-08-06 - 2018-08-16
This riveting Herberger Lunchtime Theater presentation is based on the coming-of-age memoir by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who grew up in a Bronx housing project and went on to attend Princeton and Yale. $7. Herberger Theater Kax Stage, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. See website for show times. herbergertheater.org

A Walk in the Park
2018-08-08 14:30 - 16:00
Cave Creekers Paul Diefenderfer and Kerry Ecker hiked down the tanner trail in the east portion of the Grand Canyon. Six days and 120 miles later they exited the South Bass Trail. Come experience the story through their own words. RSVP by phone. Free. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 2:30–4 p.m. 480-488-2286; desertfoothillslibrary.org

31st Annual AZ Cowboy Poets Gathering
2018-08-09 08:00 - 2018-08-11 17:00
Head on up to Prescott where more than 40 of the country’s best speakers and singers take the stage for this renowned gathering and tribute to the American cowboy. Ticket prices and schedules online. Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott. 928-776-2000; azcowboypoets.org

Newsies
2018-08-10 08:00 - 2018-08-26 17:00
If you haven’t seen Newsies, you’re missing one of the most exciting musicals today! Valley Youth Theatre presents this tale of a charismatic turn-of-the-century teenaged newsies fighting the titans of publishing. $20.50–$39.50. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. 602-254-7399; herbergertheater.org

Mile-High Brew Festival
2018-08-11 16:00 - 20:00
Savor beer samples from some of the Southwest’s finest craft breweries, take in live music, and taste from local restaurants and food trucks, all in the pleasant air of a Prescott summer. $40 general admission; see website for ticket options. Downtown Prescott. 4–8 p.m. 928-776-8686; milehighbrewfest.com

Addams Family Young Auditions
2018-08-11 18:00 - 19:30
Youth ages 12–18 are invited to audition for Musical Theatre of Anthem’s production of Addams Family Young@Part. A prep workshop will be held Aug. 9 and 10 from 6–7:30 p.m. Auditions held Aug. 11 at 12:30 p.m. $325; sibling discounts and scholarships available. 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Learn to Paint Still Life
2018-08-13 09:00 - 2018-08-15 16:00
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to use oil paints to create a still life work of art, this is your opportunity! Instructor Robert Lemler will discuss design, arrangement and lighting, and provide aspiring painters of all levels with instruction and inspiration. $350. Scottsdale Artists’ School, 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. scottsdaleartsschool.org

Contemporary Film Festival: The Art of Satire
2018-08-15 18:30 - 22:00
Phoenix Art Museum’s Contemporary Forum Film Festival explores the art world through a satirical lens, celebrating characters who show moral courage in the face of uncertainty. $5. Whiteman Hall, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 6:30 p.m. phxart.org

Payson Rodeo
2018-08-16 08:00 - 2018-08-18 17:00
It’s the world’s oldest continuous rodeo, and it’s right here in Arizona! There’s nothing like the Payson Rodeo! See website for performance schedule, and don’t miss the rodeo after-party dance Aug. 17 and 18. Online adult tickets $18; Seniors $16; Children 8–12 $10; Free for children 7 and under and active military. Tickets $20 at the gate. 1400 S. Beeline Hwy., Payson. paysonrimcountry.com

Beau Jest
2018-08-16 08:00 - 2018-09-29 17:00
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre presents this fun comedy theater production of a woman who invents a boyfriend to please her parents. $25–$27. 8670 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Tickets and schedule online. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Winemaker Dinner
2018-08-16 18:30 - 20:00
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch will host Frank Family Vineyards at this tasty event for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. $95–$105 per person. RSVP required. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale. 6:30 p.m. 480-444-1234 ext. 8640; scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com

Eliane Elias at MIM
2018-08-16 19:00 - 21:00
Grammy-winning pianist, singer and songwriter Eliane Elias blends her Brazilian roots and sensuous, alluring voice with virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills at MIM. $33.50–$48.50. 4725 E. Mayo, Phoenix. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Prickly Pear Festival
2018-08-18 07:00 - 18:00
Come celebrate Arizona’s own unique incredible, edible dessert, the prickly pear! A foraging hike, margarita shake-off, vendors, a pageant, music, food and more! See website for schedule. Free. 199 N. Lobb, Superior. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. superiorarizonachamber.org

Desert Guide Training
2018-08-18 08:00 - 2018-08-19 17:00
The Desert Awareness Committee will offer a 32-hour course covering the history, definition and principles of desert interpretation. Ideal for anyone interested in refining their techniques or in becoming a volunteer guide at Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, MIM, local museums and other area parks and attractions. Registration $230; Certification $150. Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B, Scottsdale. Register by email: dvaszily@deserteducation.com; 480-532-6423; interpnet.com

Opera and Gelato Film Festival
2018-08-19 14:00 - 16:00
Arizona Opera is proud to present the second annual Opera and Gelato Film Festival, featuring Puccini’s classic opera, La bohème. Enjoy gelato and refreshments for purchase. RSVP required. Free. Arizona Opera Center, Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box Theater, 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 2 p.m. azopera.org

It’s All About the Hat
2018-08-19 14:00 - 17:00
There’s always something fun going on at English Tea Room, and this month is no exception. Learn to turn straw hats into masterpieces worthy of Ascot or Kentucky with milliner Jeanne Bjorn. Upcycled straw hats, tea and scones will be provided. Bring accessories, trim and threads. Seating limited. RSVP early. $35. 201 Easy St., Carefree. 2–5 p.m. 480-488-4812; carefreetea.com

ProMusica Arizona Auditions
2018-08-21 19:00 - 21:00
It’s time to start warming up! ProMusica Arizona (PMAZ) will be holding auditions for its chorale and orchestra at Crosswinds Presbyterian Church Aug. 21. All voices and instrument auditions are welcome. Appointment required. See website for details. 20125 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. 7 p.m. 623-326-5172

Clarissa Burt Healthy Living Classes
2018-08-23 08:00 - 17:00
Internationally renowned supermodel, award-winning actress, television/radio producer, public speaker, author and survivor of “Celebrity Survivor” TV show Clarissa Burt teaches you (live!) how to make sumptuous Italian gluten-free meals from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., then returns at 2 p.m. to teach you how to take toxins out of your beauty regime. RSVP required. Each class is $20. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; desertfoothillslibrary.org
