Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest
12-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6
Amphitheater at Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
480-425-0700
The rich diversity of musical styles—roots-rock, soul, Americana, classic rock and traditional Jewish song—as well the festival’s emphasis on community can be experienced during the free outdoor gathering. Headliners include Rick Recht and Joe Buchanan; local cantors and groups from religious schools also will perform. Free general admission with advance reservation; $75 for VIP ticket package. Visit www.desertgatheringaz.org.
Duke Ellington’s ‘Sacred Concert’
Phoenix Chorale
3 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-253-2224
In 1966 jazz legend Duke Ellington and his big band performed his concert of “sacred music” in Phoenix with the Trinity Cathedral Choir. This work signified a new musical movement—one that combined jazz and spirituality. This 50th anniversary concert features pieces from Ellington’s groundbreaking program of sacred masterworks. Tickets are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors age 65 and older, plus online fees. Visit phoenixchorale.org.
Mercado de las Artes
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 12-13
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Strolling mariachis and artwork by Hispanic artists from Arizona and New Mexico highlight this festive, casual and friendly annual marketplace, the largest of its kind in Arizona. Chat with more than 65 artists as they sell a range of unique artwork, including Santos, pottery, embroidery, furniture making, painting, printmaking and silver and tinwork. Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the Mercado is free with a suggested donation of $10, which includes museum admission. Visit www.heard.org.
‘Rusalka’
Nov. 11-13
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-266-7464
When the water nymph Rusalka wants to be a part of our world, she sacrifices everything for the chance at true love. You think you know the story of this little mermaid, but the fairytale doesn’t break the surface. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s original story, Rusalka features dark forests, woodland sprites, and the glorious aria, “Song To The Moon.” Tickets are $25 to $135. Visit www.azopera.org.
‘Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier’
7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
North Mountain Visitor Center
12950 N. 7th St.
A two-person show based on the life of Wyatt Earp. Set in the mid 1920s, an elderly Wyatt Earp talks about his adventures during the final days of the American frontier from Arizona to Alaska. The year is 1928 and follows the sometimes-turbulent times as he traveled and prospected throughout the west and Alaska. A concert by Linda Blique & The Lucky Band precedes the performance. Tickets are $20 and are available in advance at the NMVC gift shop. Visit http://northmountainvisitorcenter.org.
‘A Bloody Mary Christmas’
Nov. 25-Dec. 30
Space 55
636 E. Pierce St.
Space 55’s holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals. Sun City retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance, and drink themselves silly as they battle a heartless homeowner’s association that tries to evict them from their condo on Christmas Eve. (Please note: This show is NOT suitable for children. Contains adult content.). Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday. Additional performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-29. Visit www.space55.org.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
December 2-18
The Helen K. Mason Center for the Performing Arts
1333 E. Washington St.
602-254-2151, ext. 4
Last season’s sold-out holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes returns to the BTT stage in a new production. A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Tickets are $36 general admission, plus fees. Visit http://www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
Dec. 2-23
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St.
602-253-8188
A very special Friend-and-Relation tells Christopher Robin the story of a Christmas Eve long ago when Eeyore, the old gray donkey who lives by himself in the thistle corner of the woods, believes he has lost his tail and is very miserable. Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and all their friends organize a search party to find his tail. Most performances are matinees; one evening performance on Dec. 2. Visit www.vyt.com.
Christmas Pageant
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Piper Performing Arts Center,
Xavier College Prep
4710 N. 5th St.
The pageant is the traditional story of the birth of Christ as told through reverent music and dance. This year’s theme is “Good News of Great Joy.” The performance is Xavier’s gift to the community, so there is no charge for admission.
Frances Smith Cohen’s ‘Snow Queen’
Dec. 3-4, 9-11 & 16-18
Stage West, Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Center Dance Ensemble’s annual holiday production of the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen is set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. Show times are 2 & 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 & 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $28 adults, $23 seniors and $14 for students, plus fees. Additional lunchtime performances take place Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16, at 12:10 p.m. Tickets are just $6. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
