The Performing Arts Committee of the Community Church of the Verdes is hosting a series of concerts and lectures for the upcoming 2025 season.

The free lecture series continues Monday, Jan. 27, with Gen. David Fridovich. From 1974 to 2011, Fridovich was on a journey of self-discovery as he pursued what became a fulfilling career as a professional soldier. He shares his discoveries, in search of an answer, along his chosen path that spanned over 37 years.

Additional lectures for the season include Monday, Feb. 3, with Sarah Kearney who leads Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale. Her leadership experience is diverse and rooted in community optimism, service and well-being. What does it take to live healthier and longer? Genetics play a role, but lifestyle is a more reliable predictor. Five regions of the world have been designated as “Blue Zones,” where people have consistently lived to be more than 100 years old. Individuals in these areas have been found to engage in activities and habits that lead to a higher quality of life as they age.

Monday, Feb. 17, is David Danford, Director of Business and Industry at Hillsdale College. He will speak about the free “Online Courses for Lifelong Learners” offered through Hillsdale College.

The final lecture is Monday, March 10, with Pat Miles. After losing her husband to cancer, Miles found healing by writing about grief, loss and planning her own mortality.

The lectures take place at 4 p.m. All events are at the Community Church of the Verdes.

The concert series at the church continues Friday, Feb. 7, with Americana performing. The group pays tribute to the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s with music from the Mamas and Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Carole King, Credence Clearwater, Linda Ronstadt and more.  

TOBY, a Toby Keith tribute wraps up the concerts Friday, March 7.

All concerts start at 7 p.m. Single concerts are $40.

Tickets may be purchased anytime during church office hours, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or at the table in the Rio Verde Post Office, from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday the week of the concerts.