Let's Go!

Let's Go!

The NE Valley's Source For Events, Hiking,
Dining, Business and the Arts

Be sure to pick up the newsstand edition of the Arizona Sentinel Let's Go! available at these locations.

On the Go!
Your guide for places to go and things to do in the Northeast Valley and around the state

Quick links:
Animals - Art - Art Festivals - Art Walks - Bikes - Cars/Motorcycles
Celebrations - Crafts - Culinary Events - Cultural Celebrations
Cultural Fairs - Dance - Easter Events - Expos - Family Fun
Festivals - Fundraisers - Gardening - Hikes - Home Tours
Horses - Museums - Music - Nature - Rodeos
Sports - Theater

Note – Event dates, hours and other details are subject to change.
Call to verify before attending any event listed below.

Animals

Paws Fur Spring
Glendale Public Library
Glendale
(602) 865-5760
March 24
A dog health and gift expo to benefit Banner Health’s Dog Therapy Program, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Art

13th Annual Spring Paintout and Art Show and Sale
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
Through April 1

Third Annual Arizona Fine Art EXPO
Southeast Corner of Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale
(480) 837-5637
Through March 25
$7.

17th Annual Celebration of Fine Art
Scottsdale Rd. and Loop 1010 Freeway
Scottsdale
(480) 443-7695
Through March 25
$8.

Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art: Treasures from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix
(602) 307-2090
Through May 6
$8 to $18.

Jelly: An Installation by Artist Gwyneth Scally
Mesa Contemporary Arts
Mesa
(480) 644-6560
Through April 22

Grand Canyon Grandeur: Early Paintings and Prints from the Hays Collection
Mesa
(480) 644-2230
Through March 18
At Mesa Southwest Museum, $4 to $8.

8th Annual Sculpture in the Streets
Mesa
(480) 890-2613
Through April 6
Lifelike sculptures are distributed throughout downtown Mesa, free.

Art Is an Idea: The Moquay Collection
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
Through May 20
A preeminent private collection of contemporary art in the Phoenix metro area.

Art Festivals

12th Annual Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival
Downtown Carefree
(480) 837-5637
March 2-4
Wine tasting event featuring first class wines from all over the world, live musical entertainment, gourmet food, fine arts, unique shops, restaurants, $2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

37th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival 2007
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 9-11
A juried fair that includes 185 artists, performances, artist demonstrations and presentations on three stages, specially-themed children’s area, 40 food and beverage booths, $7, under 12 free, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3rd Annual Fine Art and Wine Affaire
Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-5637
March 23-25
Features more than 125 artists from throughout the United States. Original paintings, bronzes, pottery, sculptures, photography, batiks, mixed media sculptures, jewelry, live musical entertainment, gourmet food and chocolates, $2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sonoran Festival of Fine Art 2007
Town Center
Carefree
(480) 575-6624
March 30 through April 1
100 nationally and locally acclaimed artists. Also a youth art exhibit, sponsored by the Sonoran Arts League, free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

30th Annual Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts
Mill Ave.
Tempe
March 30 through April 1
Second largest arts and entertainment festival in the southwest, 450 national artists and craftspeople. Special area for children. Free, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Art Walks

Festival ArtWalk
Scottsdale Arts District
Scottsdale
(480) 990-8989
March 8
Dozens of galleries, free opening receptions, demonstrations, live music, sponsored by Scottsdale Gallery Association, free, 7 to 9 p.m.

Bikes

Takin’ the Ride
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-1654
March 10
Hundreds of motorcycles will pass through Fountain Hills. The ride will benefit families of fallen law enforcement officers. Final stop is Saguaro Boulevard and Parkview Avenue.noon to 7 p.m.

Nova Desert Classic Bike Race
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills
March 24-25
Visit the web site at www.teambigbear.com.

11th Annual Arizona Bike Week
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(480) 704-1142
(602) 997-6107
March 28 through April 1
Motorcycle racing, flat track racing, charity rides, concert, vendor show, motorcycle demo rides, entertainment, food, free, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cars/Motorcycles

Classic Carriages Collector Car & Motorcycle Auction
University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale
(877) 999-0900
March 14-18

Celebrations

Arizona State Capitol Event
Arizona State Capitol
Phoenix
(602) 542-4174
March 28
Part of the Arizona State Parks 50 year celebration.

Crafts

Arizona Quilters Guild Quilt Show
ASU West Campus
(602) 220-9889
Phoenix
March 16-17
$7.

Culinary Events

Agave on the Rocks
Desert Botanical Gardens
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
March 30
Enjoy sipping on a variety of flavored margaritas, Southwest and Mexican cuisine prepared by the Valley’s leading restaurants, and the great sounds of mariachi, salsa and marimba, must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Reservations required, $60 to $65, 6 p.m.

Cultural Celebrations

Heard Museum Guild 49th Annual Indian Fair and Market
Phoenix
(602) 252-8840
March 3-4
Features more than 600 of the nation’s top Native American artists, lively music and dance performances and a variety of Native foods including posole, Hopi piki bread and frybread, $18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ancient Technology Day
Pueblo Grande Museum
Phoenix
(602) 495-0901
March 10
Demonstrators in various arts such as basket weaving, flint knapping, rock art, arrow making, pottery, sample from traditional agave heart roast, arts and crafts for the kids, learn how to throw an atlatl and boomerang, free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

13th Annual Aloha Festival
Heritage & Science Park
Phoenix
(602) 262-5071
March 17-18
A celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring music, entertainment, island crafts, games for the entire family plus Hawaiian foods, free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First Official Arizona Celebration of Cesar Chavez
Steele Indian School Park
Phoenix
(602) 272-0080 ext. 1
March 31 through April 1
The event will include music, education and housing fairs, national leaders and a community service village, hosted by the Arizona Cesar Chavez Foundation.

17th Annual Heard Museum Guild Native American Student Arts Show and Sale
Phoenix
(602) 252-8840
March 31 through April 4
Artwork by 1,200 young Native American artists from around the country and Canada, $4 to $10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5th Season of Native Trails presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Scottsdale
(480) 421-1004
Through April 7
A series of free festivals celebrating Native American culture, highlighting tribes from across Arizona including the Fort McDowell Yavapai, Hopi, Apache and Navajo nations, includes Native American music and dance created with traditional flutes and drums, arts, crafts and jewelry also available, monthly guest performers, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, free, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cultural Fairs

4th Annual Native American Fine Art Show
Fort McDowell Casino
Fort McDowell
(480) 816-7162
March 10-11
More than 100 Native American artisans and cultural performances, Native food, art auction, free, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort McDowell Yavapai Native American Art Show and Farmer’s Market
Fort McDowell Radisson Resort
Fort McDowell
(480) 816-7162
March 16-18
The best painters, potters, weavers, jewelers and other Native American artisans are invited to attend, visit with the artisans, watch demonstrations and cultural performances, Native American food, free, Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 6-7
Combines the beauty of classical ballet with the innovation of modern dance, 8 p.m., $36 to $56.

Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
ASU Gammage
Tempe
(480) 965-3434
(480) 784-4444
March 13-18
Part of the M&I Bank Broadway Across American series, charts Chita’s amazing journey from aspiring ballerina to Broadway legend.

Stomp
Maricopa County Events Center
Phoenix
(623) 544-2888
March 29 through April 1
The international percussion sensation, part of the Broadway on the Boulevard series.

Easter Events

Jesus the Christ Easter Pageant
Mesa Arizona Temple Grounds
Mesa
(480) 964-7164
March 28 through April 7
Drama, dance and musical story about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presented in Spanish some nights and English some nights, $, 8 p.m.

Expos

It’s a Baby Shopping Extravaganza
WestWorld
Scottsdale
March 8
Visit www.itsababyaz.com.

7th Annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition
State Fairgrounds
Phoenix
(800) 546-6100
March 9-11
Features the latest in adventure trips, hunting accessories, fishing gear and family fun. $10, Friday noon to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Annual Big Boys & Their Toys 2007
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(602) 331-4744
March 17-18
Features automobiles and accessories, luxury homes and properties, electronics for home and business. Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $20.

Phoenix Golf, Travel and Leisure Expo
Cardinal Stadium
Glendale
March 23-25
Golf related exhibits, displays and interactive features as well as demo bays and instructional seminars

Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo
Ben Avery Shooting Facility
Phoenix
(602) 789-3392
March 31 through April 1
Demonstrations and exhibits on hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, archery, off-highway vehicle (OHV) and watercraft recreation, conservation and wildlife education, camping and other outdoor elements, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family Fun

Exclusively Little 2007
McCormick Railroad Park
Scottsdale
(480) 312-2312
March 3
Free.

Annual Rock Art Center Expo and Family Free Day
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
Phoenix
(623) 582-8007
March 24
A free day of fun for all ages, activities include flint napping, face painting, atlatl throwing, artifact and biology kits, trail interpretation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eggstravaganza
Golden Eagle Park
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-1654
March 31 (rain date, Saturday, April 7)
A children’s egg hunt with 12,000 filled eggs, along with Hoppy Bunny will be held. 9 to 10 a.m. Arrive early.

Festivals

Sunday A’Fair
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-ARTS
March 4
Features the Valley’s top entertainers, at noon the Black Velvet Band and at 2 p.m. Brid Dower, a diverse selection of arts and crafts, hands-on craft activities for children, docent-guided tours of the outdoor sculptures, free, noon to 4:30 p.m.

19th Annual Ostrich Festival
Tumbleweed Regional Park
Chandler
(480) 963-4571
March 9-11
Ostrich races, carnival rides, exotic petting zoo, international food, national and regional entertainment, interactive kid’s area, parade, Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday noon to 11 p.m. $5 to $7

4th Annual Open House
Williams Gateway Airport
Mesa
March 10
Free.

Great Arizona Beer Festival
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe
(480) 968-7559
(602) 271-4000
March 10-11
Features 250+ brews, food and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, benefits Sun Sounds, 2 to 6 p.m. $25 to $30.

6th Annual “Lark in the Park”
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix
(480) 945-3302
March 11
1-mile fun walk or 5K fun run, followed by live music, a pancake breakfast and kids activities such as face painting, crafts and games until 11:30 a.m., $15 to $20 individual, $25 to $35 couple, $35 to $45 family, 7 a.m., fundraiser.

17th Annual National Festival of the West
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Chandler
(602) 996-4387
March 15-18
Western music, cowboy poetry, western vendors, costume contests, film celebrities, chuck wagon cook-off, mounted action shooting championships, $6 to $12.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Fountain Hills
March 17
The world famous fountain turns emerald green at noon and 6 p.m., festivities include food, traditional Irish music and the appearance of the Fountain Hills “Leprechaun”.

5th Annual Basnat Mela
(Kite Flying Festival)
Phoenix
(480) 515-2030
(623) 570-9526
March 17
A seasonal festival celebrated at the end of winter to welcome spring, “yellow” is the color of the festival, it is also a cultural festival, vendors with Pakistani arts and crafts, apparel and jewelry, traditional Pakistani food, music, youth activities, experience a henna tattoo, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.

Sunday A’Fair
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-ARTS
March 25
Features the Valley’s top entertainers, with Hans Olson at noon and Dyno Glides at 2 p.m., a diverse selection of arts and crafts, hands-on craft activities for children, docent-guided tours of the outdoor sculptures, free, noon to 4:30 p.m.

19th Annual Arizona’s Annual Renaissance Festival
Apache Junction
(520) 463-2700
Through April 1
$6 to $18, five and under free.

Fundraisers

Celebrity Martini Mix and Taste
Devil’s Martini
North Scottsdale
(602) 788-8622 ext. 24
March 10
Local celebrities and athletes mix drinks for an event which includes a silent auction, food, live auction, compete for tips, benefits the Lymphoma and Leukemia society.

23rd Annual Southwest Salsa Challenge
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe
(602) 955-3947
March 24
Fundraiser for Hemophilia Association, 70+ different salsas, sampling contest, margarita mix-off, live bands, kid zone, music, $10, 12 and under are free, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Gardening

6th Annual Real Gardens for Real People Tour
Scottsdale
(602) 470-1556 ext. 1017
March 24
Presented by Maricopa County Master Gardeners, five gardens, developed by the owners, not professionally landscaped gardens, on-site seminars and workshops, $15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tour the Carraro Cactus Garden
Surrounding the landmark Tovrea Castle
Phoenix
(602) 256-3220
Through May 11
$15.

Feast Your Eyes: The Unexpected Beauty of Vegetable Gardens
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
Through April 22

Hikes

Archaeology Awareness Open House
Tonto National Monument
Globe
(928) 467-2241
March 17-18
No reservations required to hike the unpaved, moderately strenuous 3-mile round trip trail to the 40-room Upper Cliff Dwelling, the one-mile round trip trail to the 19-room Lower Cliff Dwelling is also open.

Home Tours

31st Annual Fountain Hills Women’s Club Home Tour
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-9014, (480) 837-8168.
March 3.
$25.

20th Annual Coronado Historic Home Tour
Phoenix
(602) 252-0173
March 4
$9 with canned food donation, $10.

Horses

Cactus Reining Horse Classic
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(623) 465-1571
(480) 312-6802
March 7-11

36th Annual Carousel Horse Show
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(602) 993-0706
March 15-18
Features Arabians, Morgans, Saddlebreds, driving horses and ponies, Tennessee Walking horses and Peruvian Pasos, roadsters and mules, free.

Arizona State Ponies of the Americas Horse Show
WestWorld
Scottsdale
March 17-18

Scottsdale Spring Hunter Jumper Horse Show
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(480) 312-6802
March 20 through April 1

Annual Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(623) 465-5034
March 28 through April 1
An exhibition of registered miniature horses in halter and performance classes, harness driving, obstacle driving, hunter jumper, free, 8 a.m.

Museums

Annual Native Art Appraisal Day
Heard Museum & Heard Museum North
Phoenix
(602) 252-8840
March 31
Art dealers will examine visitors’ Native American artwork and cultural materials for one day only, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrity
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
Through April 29

Art is an Idea: The Moquay Collection
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
Through May 20
Celebrating Freedom: The Art of Willie Birch
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
Through April 29
The first major museum survey of Birch’s figurative drawings.

Music

The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra
ASU Gammage
Tempe
(480) 965-8863
March 1
Free.

Musicfest 2007 – The Music of New Orleans with a Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Scottsdale First Assembly Dream Center
Carefree/Cave Creek
(480) 488-0806
March 2
With Byron Stripling and Band featuring Derek Smith and Wycliffe Gordon, $30, 7:30 p.m.

Noche Flamenca
Scottsdale Performing Arts Center
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 2-3
Founded in Madrid in 1993 by artistic director Martin Santangelo and his wife Soledad Barrio to maintain the essence, purity and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms, $42, 8 p.m.

Schimmel Winners Shine – Classic Concerts
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 827-2143
March 3
With the Mesa Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Young Artists Concerto Competition winner, 8 p.m., $10 to $40.

Concerts in the Park
Fountain Park
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-1654
March 4, 11, 18, 25
All shows start at 2:30 p.m.
Walt Richardson, featuring Reggae music (March 4).
The New Potatoes, featuring Celtic music of Ireland (March 11).
Arpeggio, featuring classical flute and bassoon duo (March 18).
Fushicho Daiko with Phoenix’ “Great Drum” drummers (March 25).

Musicfest 2007
The Phoenix Symphony
Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
Carefree/Cave Creek
(480) 488-0806
March 4
$35, 3 p.m.

Jazz Goes Broadway: Featuring the Jerry Donato Band with Vicki McDermitt
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
March 4
3 p.m., $17 to $24.

ASU Jazz Ensemble
Tuesday Morning Music and Coffee Concerts
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
(480) 596-2660
March 6
Directed by Mike Kocour, RSVP required, free, 10 a.m.

Realta!
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 7
Former lead tenor of Riverdance, Brian Dunphy teams with the amazing Irish Divas, the Emerald Isle Orchestra and dazzling Celtic violi troupe The Fiddlin’ Colleens, folk tunes, classics and contemporary selections of music from Ireland, 3 p.m., $35.

National Philharmonic of Russia
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 8
8 p.m.

Coffee at Kerr
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
(480) 596-2660
March 8
Featuring Young Sounds of Arizona, Arizona’s premiere Youth Jazz Big Band, RSVP required, 10 a.m.

The Last of the Breed Tour
Tim’s Toyota Center
Prescott Valley
(866) 443-8849
March 9
Featuring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price with Asleep at the Wheel, 8 p.m.

The Cathie Ryan Band
A Celtic Trio
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
(480) 596-2660
March 9
One of Irish music’s finest female vocalists and songwriters, an original and distinctive voice in Celtic music, Coffee with Kerr at 10:30 a.m., evening performance at 8 p.m.

Rachael Price
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 10
Featuring great American jazz standards, 7:30 p.m., $28.

Vienna Choir Boys
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 11
One of the world’s most popular choirs, 7:30 p.m., $26 to $42.

Fountain Hills Community Chorus
Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
(480) 837-1654
March 11
$15. 4 p. m.

Eric Clapton
US Airways Center
Phoenix
(480) 784-4444
March 11
Features Robert Cray as the opening act, 7:30 p.m., $41.25 to $121.25.

Sunday at Kerr
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
(480) 596-2660
March 11
Featuring Operatunity – In Your Face Opera, they make opera lovers out of the most skeptical, 3 p.m.

Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra
Grace Chapel
Scottsdale
(480) 945-8071
March 12-13
With Jeremy Cushman, violin, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago’s Own Judy Roberts Returns!
Kerr Cultural Center
March 14-15
Each night’s concerts are completely different, including a contrasting line-up of musicians, 7:30 p.m., $17 to $24.

Soul Solution
Carefree Town Center
Carefree
(480) 488-3686
March 15
Music of the 1960s, ‘70s and beyond, sponsored by Arizona Public Service, 7 p.m.

Glenn Miller Orchestra
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 17
Formed in 1956, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the most sought-after big bands in the world today, 5 and 8 p.m., $40.

20th Anniversary – A Night in the 40s Big Band Dance and USO Show
CAF Aircraft Museum
Mesa
(480) 924-1940
March 17
$30 to $35.

Take 6
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 18
This acapella ensemble is universally admired in the music industry, mixing sounds of gospel, jazz and R&B, the group remains committed to its devotional roots and to using music as a ministry, $40, 7:30 p.m.

Pat Metheney and Brad Mehldau featuring Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 20
Unique and powerful jazz quartet, $37.50 to $57.50, 7:30 p.m.

Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations – Liszt: The Devil Made Me Do It!
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 20
A concert with commentary, features music of transcendental virtuosity and hair-raising excitement, $38, 7:30 p.m.

Annual Jazz in the Garden Concert Series
Desert Botanical Gardens
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
March 23 through June 22
$10 to $16, Fridays, 7 p.m.

Irish Rovers
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 24
International ambassadors of Irish music and an exciting stage show, 8 p.m., $24 to $34.

Close Encounters with Music: Patrons and Protégés
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 24
Featuring the Aviv Quartet and Yehuda Hanani, cello, Hanani puts the composers and their times in perspective to enrich the concert experience, includes a newly commissioned work for accordion and cello, $25, 8 p.m.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 25
Virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell joins the orchestra, classical music, 7:30 p.m., $35 to $75.

Josh Groban
US Airways Center
Phoenix
(480) 784-4444
March 25
With a special guest, 7:30 p.m., $47.50 to $97.50.

Virginia G. Piper Concert Series – Roberto Plano
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 25
A finalist at the 12th Van Cliburn International Competition, $22, 7:30 p.m.

Rod Stewart
Jobing.com Arena
Glendale
(480) 784-4444
March 27
Celebrates Rod’s recent return to his rock roots, the tour will feature a rotating circular center stage.

The Blue Side of Jazz: With Mike Kocour and Blaise Lantana
Kerr Cultural Center
Scottsdale
(480) 596-2660
March 28
10:30 a.m., Coffee at Kerr, free, but RSVP required.

Sound in the Ground – Jelly/Belly
Mesa Contemporary Arts
Mesa
(480) 644-6560
March 29
Musical performers, artist demonstrations, activities, surprises, coordinates with exhibition, 9 p.m. to midnight, $6 to $8.

Inti-Illimani
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 29
Rooted in traditional Latin American music and playing on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments. $38, 7:30 p.m.

Pinchas Zukerman
Symphony Hall
Phoenix
(602) 495-1999
March 29 through April 1
Conducts and violin, Amanda Forsyth, cello, 7:30 and 8 and 3 p.m.

Coffee Classics: Pinchas Zukerman
Symphony Hall
Phoenix
(602) 495-1999
March 30
With Phoenix Symphony, Pinchas Zukerman conducts and violin, Amanda Forsyth, cello, 11 a.m.

Dianne Reeves
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 30
One of the preeminent jazz vocalists in the world today, she is tied to a powerful storytelling instinct, $42, 8 p.m.

5th Annual Circle K Tempe Music Festival
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe
(480) 970-FEST
March 30-31
Features more than 30 national and local acts on three stages, from mainstream, classic to alternative/hard rock acts and more. $35 to $45.

A Symphony by Any Other Name
Classic Concerts
Mesa
(480) 827-2143
March 31
With the Mesa Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., $10 to $40.

Nature

Marshall Butterfly Pavilion
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
March 2 through May 13
Whimsical, dream-like habitat where hundreds of vibrant-colored butterflies flutter by, feeding and flitting among the flowers, $2 with admission, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Annual Spring Plant Sale
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Superior
(520) 689-2811
March 16 through April 11
Thousands of drought-tolerant plants from shrubs, vines, trees, cacti and succulents, horticulturists on hand to answer questions and lead tours at 1:30 p.m., $3 to $7.50, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring Plant Sale Festival
Desert Botanical Gardens
Phoenix
(480) 941-1225
March 17-18
Wildflowers, desert-adapted plants, trees, shrubs, agaves and yuccas, Australian native plants, herbs, vines and bulbs, sculptures, wind chimes, garden art, tools and accessories, free, Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rodeos

54th Annual Jaycees’ Parada Del Sol Rodeo
WestWorld
Scottsdale
(480) 990-3179
March 2-4
Rodeos, major dances, concerts, live country western music, children’s activities, Friday and Saturday 1 and 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., $.

Southwest Regional Championships
Rawhide Arena at Wild Horse Pass
Chandler
Mach 15-18

Sports

2007 Safeway International LPGA Tournament
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club
Phoenix
(602) 495-4653
March 19-25
One of the state’s largest women’s athletic events, with a $1.5 million purse, benefits community health programs, $20 to $50.

Alternative Race Day
Free T-Shirt Giveaway
Turf Paradise
Phoenix
March 24
Live horse races and daily simulcasting, camels, ostrich, buffalo and more take to the track for a fun day of racing, free T-shirt giveaway, family fun park, bounce house inflatables and face painting for the kids.

24th Annual Arizona Senior Olympic State Games
Phoenix
(602) 261-8765
Through March 11

Theater

My Fair Lady
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Mesa
(480) 325-6700
March 1 through April 14
One of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Broadway in the Desert Starlight Room
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-9661
March 3
Fountain Hills Community Theater’s annual fundraiser with this year’s theme, “Carnivale,” will offer an evening of fun, sumptuous dining and toe-tapping entertainment. Sold out.

Shout! The Mod Musical
Theater 4301
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 6-18
$38.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 8 through 24
Shakespeare’s early comedy seems to proclaim “all’s fair in love and war,” as it unfolds a tale of a disguised and resourceful heroine, an irreverent servant, shady characters, outlaws and one of the most famous and funny canines in all of classical literature, by Southwest Shakespeare Company.

The Secret Garden
Scottsdale Community Players
Scottsdale
(480) 990-7405
March 9 - 25
A musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel. $20 for adults, $18 for seniors or students

Elaine Stritch at Liberty
Scottsdale Performing Arts Center
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 9-10
A behind-the-scenes look at the legend herself, filled with rich stories about her life in theater and the highs and lows of her great career, from standing ovations to alcoholism and relationships gone bad, $65, 8 p.m.

Emanuel Ax
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 14
He is renowned for his poetic temperament and unsurpassed virtuosity, $62, 7:30 p.m.

Moonlight and Valentino
North Valley Community Playhouse
Phoenix
(602) 765-1581
March 15-31
North Valley Community Playhouse, $5 to $15.

March Off the Cuff
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 16
An improvisational troupe of Stageworks, 7:30 p.m., $10.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare – Abridged
Fountain Hills Community Theater
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-9661
March 16 through April 1
Adults $20, children 12 and younger, $15.

Look Into Your Heart Gala Event and Silent Auction
Scottsdale Hilton Resort and Villas
Scottsdale
(480) 483-1664
March 23
The second annual sit-down dinner and silent auction is a fundraiser for Scottsdale Desert Stages. 6 to 10 p.m. Children’s Gala is from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
$100 per person; $15 for children’s gala.

The Actor’s Gang: George Orwell’s 1984
Center for the Arts
Scottsdale
(480) 994-2787
March 23-24
Brings to life George Orwell’s masterpiece 1984, includes an exclusive Ignite on March 23, $44, 8 p.m.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 26-27
Starring Ted Neeley, part of the Theater League’s Mesa Broadway Series, 8 p.m., $.

Cyrano de Bergerac
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
March 29 through April 14
Edmond Rostand’s immortal tale of a man with a flashing rapier and a rapier wit is one of the greatest stories of love and honor ever penned, by Southwest Shakespeare Company.

The Wizard of Oz
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
Scottsdale
(480) 483-1664
March 30 through May 6
Musical tale, based on the best-loved children’s classic by L. Frank Baum, suitable for all ages, reservations recommended. 7:30, 1 and 3 p.m., $12 to $15.

Six Degrees of Separation
North Valley Community Playhouse
Phoenix
(602) 765-1581
Through March 3
$5 to $15.

Dorothy Meets Alice, or The Wizard of Wonderland
Fountain Hills Community Theater Youth Theater
Fountain Hills
(480) 837-9661
Through March 4
The Youth Theater’s annual YABOY (Young Actors Benefiting Other Youth) production.
$12 for adults; $10 for children 12 and younger.

Too Many Frogs
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
(480) 644-6500
Through March 11
Part of the Stageworks Series, a new play based on the new best-selling book by Sandy Asher
$14 to $15.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Scottsdale Desert Stages
Scottsdale
(480) 483-1664
Through March 18
$22 to $25.

SUDS: The Rocking ‘60s Musical Soap Opera
Scottsdale Desert Stages
Scottsdale
(480) 483-1664
Through March
$15 to $22.