Come enjoy the beautiful fall weather and local music during Mesa Arts Center's free outdoor concerts Thursdays, starting on October 22, in the Wells Fargo Garden. These lunchtime concerts will feature local artists playing a variety of music including folk, country, jazz, Dixieland, oldies, and world music. Chairs and lawn seating are available, but guests are encouraged to bring stadium cushions and blankets. Brown bags and picnic baskets are welcome and many of Downtown Mesa's unique restaurants offer convenient and appetizing take-out options. All Out to Lunch concerts are FREE and open to the public. Guests can combine their lunchtime visit with a FREE visit to Mesa Contemporary Arts, the five visual arts galleries at Mesa Arts Center. Sponsored by Salt River Project, SRP Free Thursdays program continues through 2009, allowing patrons to view the exhibitions for free from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Out to Lunch is sponsored by Employees Community Fund of Boeing Mesa and Arizona Commission on the Arts. Out to Lunch concert series at Mesa Arts Center DATES/TIMES: Thursday, October 22 - December 17, 2009 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. PERFORMERS: October 22 Sandy Oglesby + Friend Storytelling Profound and profoundly funny, Sandy is the type of storyteller who makes you laugh out loud yet her message reaches deep into the soul. Musical intervals between stories will allow listeners to "refresh their ears" and think about the story before the next one begins. October 29 Nosotrosound Traditional Music from throughout Latin America Take a musical journey through Latin America. Using a dozen typical instruments, Nostotrosound will present music from Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina. November 5 Paul McDermand Steel Drum Hugely popular in the Valley for over 20 years, Paul McDermand is also a musician of choice for some of music's biggest acts. Steel drum and marimba artist Paul has appeared with the biggest names in entertainment including Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and The Moody Blues. November 12 That Kool Band Rock and pop favorites from the 50s, 60s, and 70s Great harmonies, flashy guitar work, danceable fun, and an incredible selection of pop music's greatest hits from bands including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Del Shannon, The Box Tops, Neil Diamond, Jay & the Americans, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Elvis, The Kingsmen, and more. November 19 Chris and Lena Jacome Flamenco guitar and dance Husband and wife Chris and Lena Jacome will ignite Out to Lunch with the fire and passion of Flamenco guitar and dance. Chris Jacome is the musical director for the touring Flamenco dance group Calo Flamenco and his music can be heard in the score of the PBS special "Flamenco" as well as the ABC series "Kyle XY". Lena, elegant and agile, is a featured dancer in Calo Flamenco. December 3 Pete Pancrazi Trio Longtime Valley favorite Pete Pancrazi continues to delight audiences with his growing repertoire of original compositions presented in performance alongside jazz standards. The audience will enjoy his nimble guitar work and warm vocals. December 10 Carolyn Sills and the Poor Man's Roses Music of Patsy Cline Brooklyn-based singer Carolyn Sills captures the classic swoon and heart-wrenching emotion of Patsy Cline's classic songs with every note. With songs like "Crazy", "I fall to Pieces" and "Walkin' after Midnight", in the song list, Out to Lunch listeners might need their handkerchiefs but 1950's and 60's holiday favorites like "George Bailey" and "Jinglebell Rock" will bring smiles back again. December 17 Salt River Brass Quintet Classic and pop favorites Salt River Brass will be in its 22nd year at it performs its first season at Mesa Arts Center's Ikeda Theater. If you are unsure about buying tickets to see the spectacular 27-piece turn-of-the-century style band perform Hollywood or Holiday hits or if you can't get enough of them, don't miss this opportunity to see them perform for free outdoors on the Wells Fargo Garden stage. WHERE: Mesa Arts CenterOne East Main St.Mesa, AZ 85211 Shadow Walk/Wells Fargo GardenADMISSION: FREE and open to the publicCONTACT: For more information call 480-644-6500 or visit MesaArtsCenter.com
