‘Interconnections’ Exhibit
Through August 8
@Central Gallery,
Burton Barr Library
1221 N. Central Ave.
602-262-4636
Artist Laura Spalding Best’s work explores the collective aesthetic of the urban landscape. Specifically, her paintings separate and celebrate the blights on the vista, and emphasize the unappreciated flaws in our everyday view. Best has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Arizona State University. She created the public mural, “Centennial” at the APS Power Substation on Roosevelt Row.
‘Feel the Heat: Desert Prints’ Exhibit
Through Sept. 30
The Gallery @ City Hall
200 W. Washington St.
Featuring 55 prints of the Arizona and Southwest landscape by George Elbert Burr and Oscar Strobel. Burr, who moved to Phoenix in 1924, was a leading American printmaker and illustrator known for his richly detailed etchings of landscapes. Strobel, who moved to Phoenix in 1926, was a well-known illustrator. Working from his hacienda on McDonald Drive in Scottsdale, he became known for calendars and murals inspired by the “vastness, force, light and color” he saw in the Southwest landscape. The show is the third in a series of rotating exhibitions from the city’s historic Municipal Art Collection of 1,000 artworks. Gallery hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit phoenix.gov/arts.
Friday Night Concerts
7:30 p.m. Fridays in July
Arizona American Italian Club
7509 N. 12th St.
602-944-3090
Fridays are sizzlin’ at the AAIC with free concerts by some hot local bands. July 5 features Chicago blues with The Rocket 88’s, followed by fireworks in the parking lot; on July 12, enjoy “The New Brothers” with Lewis Ray Cammarata; “The Neil Diamond Tribute” with lead singer Tad Lindstrom takes the stage on July 19; and classic rock band Toucan Eddy will shake things up on July 26. Seating is limited; an optional buffet will be available for $12. Open to the public, however, club membership is required to purchase alcohol.
The Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
6 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
602-534-FEST
The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. Families also can enjoy free kids inflatable rides, plenty of food and beverage vendors and more. To avoid traffic congestion and limited parking around the park, attendees can use Metro light rail, with a stop located on Central Avenue just north of Indian School Road.
Five Stages’ Friendly People Productions
July 9-18
Herberger Theater, KAX stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Part of the Lunch Time Theater series. Inspired by “live lit” events like public radio’s This American Life, Friendly People Productions puts a theatrical spin on the work of contemporary authors and storytellers. The show features five actresses in solo performances about life’s surprises. Show times are 12:10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are $6 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Afternoon Delight: Now That’s Comedy!’
Class 6 Theatre
July 23-Aug. 1
Herberger Theater, KAX stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Part of the Lunch Time Theater series. Featuring works by Samara Siskind and A.R. Gurney, enjoy this existential fight to the finish that pits man against woman against the bleeding heart of drama in three brilliant comic scenes that will help you escape the heat with some thought-provoking laughter and perhaps, if you plan ahead, a delicious sandwich. Show times are 12:10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are $6 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
AAIC Charity Barbecue
6 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Arizona American Italian Club
7509 N. 12th St.
602-944-3090
Enjoy hamburgers, sides, beverages and live music by the Chez New Motown Band. Proceeds benefit the families of Phoenix Police Officer Daryl Raetz and Firefighter Bradley Harper, who died in the line of duty. Cost is $20 per person. Tickets are available at the club bar, from 2 to 10 p.m. daily.
‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Culture Wars (But Were Afraid to Ask)’
New Carpa Theater Co.
Aug. 6-15
Herberger Theater, KAX stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Playwright-actor-journalist-professor and hyperbolically hyphenated-American James E. Garcia ponders the question, “Can’t we all just get along?” and more in this fast-paced, farcically surrealistic satire about the rapidly changing makeup of U.S. society. Show times are 12:10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are $6 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Rent’
Aug. 21-Sept. 15
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Based on Puccini’s La Boheme, “Rent” follows a group of impoverished, young Bohemian artists and musicians struggling to live in New York City’s Lower East Side. Filled with humor and poignancy, love and laughter, these voices sing out to us about the struggles we all face today. Single tickets go on sale July 1. Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
