Arizona Musicfest Illuminates Icons and Innovators
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
With 50 concerts featuring distinguished artists and celebrity performers, Arizona Musicfest’s upcoming season stands as its most ambitious yet. The landmark series cements the organization’s status as a cultural cornerstone of North Scottsdale while delivering unprecedented variety to its devoted audience.
“This season marks transformative growth for Arizona Musicfest,” notes Allan Naplan, executive and producing director. “From new artists making their Arizona Musicfest debuts to return engagements of beloved audience favorites, we’re creating extraordinary experiences that make our community of donors and patrons proud.”
The star-studded lineup includes one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers, Lyle Lovett; Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin; and audience favorite Michael Feinstein, who returns to honor his friend Tony Bennett in a concert featuring the Carnegie Hall Big Band. Broadway sensation Sutton Foster makes her highly anticipated debut, while Pink Martini celebrates its 30th anniversary tour on the Arizona Musicfest stage.
The season’s programming reflects Arizona Musicfest’s commitment to diverse musical experiences.
“As a nonprofit organization, we’re deeply committed to delivering performances that resonate with our community’s sophisticated and varied cultural appetite,” Naplan explains. “Each season, we carefully curate a blend of classical masterworks, contemporary artists and beloved entertainers that showcase musical excellence across genres.”
By popular demand, the season welcomes back The Barricade Boys, the lauded stars of London’s West End who previously wowed audiences with their high-energy performance featuring some of the greatest hits of pop, rock, swing and musical theater. Michael Cavanaugh also returns with a new concert experience celebrating the music of the world’s great singer-songwriters.
“It has been thrilling to witness how Arizona Musicfest’s success and expanded offerings have transformed North Scottsdale’s cultural landscape,” Naplan says. “Over the past decade, our dramatic growth has not only elevated the area’s cultural character but has also generated significant economic impact for our community.”
That impact also resonates beyond the concert hall.
“You can see this most visibly on concert nights, when local restaurants overflow with patrons enjoying pre-performance dining,” explains Naplan, noting that the City of Scottsdale’s Tourism Development Committee and City Council recently recognized the nonprofit organization’s vital role in attracting visitors to the area.
This momentum has inspired bold new initiatives, including an expansion of the Musicfest footprint.
“We’re particularly excited to introduce concert performances, this April, at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix,” Naplan says. “This venue expansion allows us to introduce Musicfest’s signature artistry and high-caliber performances to new audiences while maintaining our strong core presence in North Scottsdale.”
As one of Scottsdale’s premier cultural institutions, Arizona Musicfest continues to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
“Our success stems directly from our unwavering commitment to both artistic excellence and community service,” Naplan says. “We’ve built our reputation on consistently delivering performances and programs that meet the highest standards.”
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