Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts Announces 2018–19 Season
By: A.A. Cristi Aug. 03, 2018
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' Live & Local Fridays concert series opens on Sept. 7 and showcases eight Arizona groups spanning rockabilly-honky tonk, indie-folk, African rhythms, blues, hip-hop, folk-rock, jazz, indie-rock and pop on Friday evenings through Sept. 28.
Live & Local Fridays
8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater Main Stage
Advance: $19 / $12
Day of Show: $22 / $15
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
One of the Valley's hottest bands, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra delivers an earth-shattering mix of jazz, funk, soul and African rhythms.
Ryanhood
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Named "Best Group/Duo" by the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards, Tucson's Ryanhood cut their musical teeth as Boston street performers before taking their folk-rock sound on the road.
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
Phoenix's Vinyl Station duo combines tight harmonies, driving rhythms and melodic hooks for their own brand of indie rock reminiscent of The National, The War on Drugs and early U2.
Marmalade Skies
A Musical Tribute to the Beatles
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
Marmalade Skies, a six-piece band with both male and female vocals, pays tribute to the most influential rock act of the 1960s - The Beatles. The band's repertoire includes more than 100 Fab Four songs.
8:30 p.m.
Stage 2
Tickets: Advance, $12; day of show, $15
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers perform authentic rockabilly and honky-tonk music, influenced by such artists as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, and anchored by Roberts' own echo-drenched guitar.
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Whether accompanying herself on guitar or ukulele, AJ Odneal's voice is always smooth and her lyrics engaging. The Gaines Brothers
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
The Gaines Brothers' blend of jazz, hip-hop and R&B has placed them on the same stage as Charlie Wilson, Sister Sledge, Justin Timberlake and Weezer. Moonlight Magic
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
Moonlight Magic infuses its own blend of "lounge exotica" with an eclectic mix of surf, bossa nova, ska and boogaloo sounds. For all Live & Local concerts:
Supporting Sponsor: The Saguaro Scottsdale
Media Sponsor: Phoenix New Times
Hot Tuna
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $55 / $35
Hot Tuna first formed in 1969 as a side project of the rock band Jefferson Airplane. Now, almost half a century later, guitarist-singer Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continue to explore American roots music through Hot Tuna's acoustic and electric blues sound. Opening artist is guitarist Steve Kimock.
Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents
Brazilian Day Festival
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, 2-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Adults: $15. Children 11 and under: $5
With festivities and entertainment running throughout the day, this celebration of Brazil's Independence Day features more than 90 musicians, dancers and performers from across Brazil, Mexico and the United States, who will engage audiences with a program inspired by Brazil's diverse, historic and colorful culture.
Presented in partnership with Afro Baile
Art House Cinema Series
September through March
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Films will be added throughout the season.
$12
Rural Route Film Festival
Shorts Program
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, 1 p.m.
20th Anniversary Animation
Show of Shows
Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
A Man Named Pearl
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, 1 p.m.
Keep Talking
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, 1 p.m.
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Sunday, March 3, 2019, 1 p.m.
Selected Shorts -
No Festival Required
Sunday, March 17, 2019, 1 p.m.t March 17, 1 p
Talk Cinema
Sept. 25, 2018
Oct. 16, 2018
Nov. 13, 2018
Jan. 29, 2019
Feb. 26, 2019
March 26, 2019
April 23, 2019
May 21, 2019
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
General Admission: $14
An Evening With Al Di Meola
With Special Guest Jordan Rudess
Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $50 / $35
Al Di Meola's pioneering blend of world music and jazz has garnered more than 6 million in worldwide record sales and earned him three gold albums in his four-decade career. The critically acclaimed, bona fide guitar hero's dazzling technique, depth of writing and soulfulness of expression have won him legions of fans. Jordan Rudess, virtuoso keyboardist with the progressive rock band Dream Theater, is Di Meola's special guest.
Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents
OCTOBER 2018
Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre
Flamenco Intimo
Saturdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 28, 2018, 8 p.m.
Stage 2
$22 / $18
Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre brings the power of internationally experienced flamenco dancers and musicians to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' Stage 2 every Saturday night in October and November 2018. Beautiful costumes, undulating arms, fiery footwork, intricate guitar and soul-stirring vocals come together to deliver an unforgettable show.
Program:Eight different programs of live music and dance featuring invited guests from Spain and elsewhere.
AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
The Fats Waller Musical Show
Oct. 11-27, 2018
Thursday, Oct. 11, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 25, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
Stage 2
$45 (M $37) / $38
Featuring music from the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s and '30s, Ain't Misbehavin' won the 1978 Tony and Drama Desk awards for Best Musical. Produced by Scottsdale Arts, this musical revue stars five triple-threat actors who strut, strum and sing the songs made famous by Thomas "Fats" Waller.
Produced by Scottsdale Arts
David Bromberg Quintet
With Special Guest John McEuen of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$65 / $45 / $30
David Bromberg is "an American music icon" (Dr. John) and counts Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, The Eagles and so many more as collaborators, fans and friends. The Blues, the Whole Blues and Nothing But the Blues, was Bromberg's 18th album and DownBeat magazine's 2017 Blues Album of the Year. Known as the "Godfather of Americana," the legendary folk musician and singer-songwriter embraces this distinctly American music with passion and grace.
Mandy Harvey
With Special Guest Lelea
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$26 / $18
The award-winning singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker lost her residual hearing when she was 19. She came in fourth last year on Season 12 of "America's Got Talent."
Lelea Fonua is a teenage singer-songwriter-musician who started performing at age 9. After two short months playing his ukulele, he began performing regular gigs and has been the opening act for such artists as Jordin Sparks, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Motley Crüe, Joan Jett and L.A. Guns.
An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories With Graham Nash
Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $65 / $45
Nash's remarkable body of work includes his early contributions to the Hollies from 1964 to '68, including "Stop Stop Stop," "Pay You Back With Interest," "On A Carousel," "Carrie Anne" and "King Midas In Reverse." The original union of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young lasted only 20 months but resulted in such classic hits as Nash's "Marrakesh Express," "Pre-Road Downs" (written for then-girlfriend Joni Mitchell) and "Lady Of the Island." CSNY's Déjà Vu (1970) featured Nash's "Teach Your Children" and "Our House."
Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents
Ignite Phoenix
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Tickets on sale Sept. 15
Ignite Phoenix features five-minute, lightning-round-style presentations from people around the Valley. Topics range from creative to cerebral to motivational to technical and everything in between, and they all have one thing in common: passion. Everyone is welcome to participate. Organizers judge submissions on a variety of aspects. All presentations are given equal standing/billing; there are no featured presenters, keynotes or special slots for presenters. It's all about sharing ideas, promoting community and inspiring others.
Sippin' Series
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Mezzanine and Young @ Art Gallery
October 2018 to May 2019
$50, pair. $30, individual
Explore the culinary arts through this exciting new partnership with Young's Market. Learn more about the unique and varied spirits and treats available in our region, and dazzle your guests during your next gathering. A series of six events paired with light bites.
Classic Cocktails
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
Master the finer details of crafting a classic cocktail.
Winter Wines
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
Wines of the season paired with surprising twists on holiday food classics.
History of Rum
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, 7 p.m.
Examine the history and culture of this Caribbean spirit.
Rosés and Sweets
Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, 7 p.m.
Enjoy spring's best selection of rosé wines paired with decadent treats.
Beer 101
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of brewing from the experts at Uncle Bear's Brewery.
Agaves and Tequilas
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 7 p.m.
Understand the differences among silver, reposado and añejo tequilas.
ASU Concerts @ the Center
An Evening of Chamber Music with ASU School of Music
Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$10
Musicians from ASU School of Music present an evening of chamber music.
Vicki Lawrence and Mama:
A Two-Woman Show
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $59 / $42
Virginia G. Piper Concert Series
Yekwon Sunwoo, piano
Gold Medalist, 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, 3 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$59 (M $51) / $39 / $29
Yekwon Sunwoo impressed judges at the 2017 Van Cliburn international Piano Competition with "crisp, effervescent playing" (New York Times) and became the first South Korean to capture the Gold Medal. He has been praised for "fastidious fingerwork" and "a true legato" (The Dallas Morning News), "animated, light-filled playing" (The Washington Post), and "subtle and powerful" playing (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
NOVEMBER 2018
Scottsdale International Film Festival Opening Night
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Reception: 6:15 p.m.
Film and Pressentation: 7:15 p.m.
Story Pirates
AfterDark
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, 8:30 p.m.
Stage 2
$23 (M $15)
Story Pirates, the celebrated New York City arts education organization, perform their hilarious adults-only version of their musical sketch comedy show adapted from the writings of elementary school kids. Their no-holds-barred approach shares the same stories, but flavors the performances with a decidedly grown-up flair.
Supporting Sponsor: Rhonda and Gary Anderson
Story Pirates
Greatest Hits Show
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 11 a.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$23 (M $15) / $19
Based on real stories written by kids, this family-friendly sketch comedy musical gives children in the audience a chance to craft an improvised portion of each performance. Story Pirates' acclaimed programs and professional development services for teachers are in place at more than 350 schools from coast to coast. Their podcasts and radio broadcasts are heard by kids and adults around the world.
Supporting Sponsor: Rhonda and Gary Anderson
Discovery Series Cuba: Film Screening
Sergio & Sergei
Friday, Nov. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$10
It's 1991: The USSR is falling apart as Cuba enters a difficult economic crisis. Sergio, a Cuban professor of Marxism who can't provide for his family, and Sergei, a Soviet cosmonaut stranded on the Mir space station, share a common passion: amateur radio. This is the Arizona premiere of Sergio & Sergei, winner of Best Script at the Havana Film Festival New York and Best Film of Central America and the Caribbean at the International Film Festival of Panama. Sergio & Sergei was directed by Ernesto Daranas Serrano, the Cuban filmmaker behind Conducta and Fallen Gods.
Martha Graham Dance Company
The EVE Project
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $49 / $39
The EVE Project celebrates the upcoming 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote in 1920. The range of women choreographers featured in this pioneering company's program is comprehensive, from the deepest roots of modern dance - Martha Graham's heroines and anti-heroines - to contemporary superstars. The Graham portion of the show may include her 1936, all-women Chronicle, with music by Wallingford Riegger, and the classics Appalachian Spring, a ballet set to Aaron Copland's beloved composition, and Cave of the Heart, choreographed to music by Samuel Barber.
Signature Sponsor: Ethelyn Cohen in memory of Howard Cohen
Virginia G. Piper Concert Series
David Finckel, cello
Wu Han, piano
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, 3 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$49 (M $41) / $39 / $29
Program:
Beethoven: Sonata in A Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 69
Brahms: Sonata No. 1 in E minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 38
Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 2 in D Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 58
Mark Cortale Presents
Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Jessie Mueller
Featuring Seth Rudetsky as Pianist and Host
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$89 (M $81) / $ 69 / $59
Mark Cortale's Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts series showcases some of Broadway's brightest stars in the Center's intimate Virginia G. Piper Theater. Hosted by multi-talented pianist and comedian Seth Rudetsky, these cabaret-style concerts mix popular song with candid showbiz stories.
Jessie Mueller won a 2014 Tony Award for "Best Actress in a Musical" for her portrayal of singer-songwriter Carole King in Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. She originated the lead role of Jenna in the musical Waitress on Broadway and starred as Julie Jordan in the Broadway revival of Carousel in 2018.
Seth Rudetsky is the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's On Broadway as well as the host of Seth Speaks on SiriusXM Stars. He has played piano for more than a dozen Broadway shows, including Ragtime, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, among many others.
Presenting Sponsor: Linda and Sherman Saperstein
Supporting Sponsor: Hotel Valley Ho
ASU Concerts @ the Center
Big Band Night
Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$10
The ASU Concert Jazz Band performs choice selections spanning the history of big band music and beyond.
The Capitol Steps
Make America Grin Again
Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $59 / $49
DECEMBER 2018
Scottsdale Arts Gala
Matthew Morrison
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
Virginia G. Piper Theater
The multi-talented performer also appeared in a continuing role on the CBS television hit show The Good Wife, where he played U.S. Attorney Connor Fox through the series finale. Other television credits include guest star roles in seasons 13 and 14 of ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and a starring role as director of the glee club in Fox's musical-comedy show Glee, which received the Golden Globe award for "Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical" in 2010 and 2011.
About the gala: Guests should expect the unexpected - an evening of cutting-edge, immersive art experiences, a sophisticated culinary presentation, an auction filled with unique objects and adventures and an awe-inspiring live performance. Guests also will witness an exclusive preview of a re-imagined Scottsdale Arts campus, including improvements to the Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium, Stage 2 and more.
Presenting Sponsor: BMO Harris Bank
Supporting Sponsor: APS
Sister's Christmas Catechism
The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
Dec. 7-16, 2018
Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m.
Stage 2
$39 (M $31)
In an unusually jolly mood, Sister, the tart-tongued, ruler-wielding nun, teaches her students the story of the Nativity and asks for their help to solve the greatest Christmas caper ever: Who swiped the gold that those three wise men gave to Baby Jesus? Using the latest forensic technology and her uncanny ability to detect guilt, Sister creates an unforgettable living Nativity with her students to expose the culprit. Each performance is unique and will appeal to people of all ages and faiths.
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