HIGHROADS Online - May / June 2008

IN EVERY ISSUE

Central Phoenix

January 3-4
Bugs Bunny on Broadway, Phoenix.
Beep! Beep! Experience your favorite “wascally wabbit” and his friends Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote and Porky Pig in full movie-palace glory. Watch classic Warner Brothers Studios cartoons on the big screen — including The Rabbit of Seville and What's Opera, Doc? — while The Phoenix Symphony plays Carl Stalling’s original Looney Tunes scores live, inspired by the classics of Rossini, Wagner, Strauss and many others. Symphony Hall, 225 E. Adams St. 602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org.

January 10-March 29
“Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography,” Phoenix.
The exhibit includes images of early photographers dangling from cables with their cumbersome equipment as well as more modern images featuring the canyon’s startling natural beauty. Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. 602-262-4636.

January 16-February 21
Wet Plate Collodion Portraits, Phoenix.
Jill Enfield initiated the “New American Project” to explore reasons for immigration and to present a portraiture of that moment within a journey. Tilt Gallery, 919 W. Fillmore St. 602-716-5667, tiltgallery.com.

January 25-31
Quilting in the Desert, Phoenix.
Instructors in this series of quilting workshops include Arizona’s prize-winning quilter Sharon Schamber, plus Jacqueline de Jonge of The Netherlands and Pam Holland of Australia. Two locations: Ottawa University, 10020 N. 25th Ave.; Crown Plaza Hotel, 2532 W. Peoria Ave. 602-788-3408, 928-282-7311, quiltcamp.com.

February 8
Willo Home Tour, Phoenix.
This unique neighborhood tour features outstanding examples of Tudor, Spanish and Bungalow style homes dating from the 1920s through the 1940s. Willo Historic District, 3rd and Holly Avenues (tickets), willohistoricdistrict.com.

February 14-15
VNSA Used Book Sale, Phoenix.
This is one of the largest used book sales in the country with over 600,000 items for sale: hard covers, paperbacks, texts, videos, CDs, computer manuals, maps, puzzles and other book-related items organized into 27 categories for easy shopping. Almost all books will be half price all day Sunday. Arizona State Fairgrounds Exhibit Building, 1826 W. McDowell Rd. 602-265-6805, vnsabooksale.org.

February 21
Dolls, Bears & More Show and Sale, Phoenix.
The Sunbonnet club hosts their annual show where guests can browse, shop and stay for the competition. North Phoenix Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5757 N. Central Ave. 623-935-9204.

February 21-22
Small World Doll House Miniature Show and Sale, Phoenix.
Enjoy children’s workshops, sales, raffles, door prizes and displays. Arizona State University West, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd. 602-667-5533.

East Valley

January 15-April 11 (Thursdays and Saturdays)

Native American Performances, Scottsdale.
The series of free festivals celebrates Native American society while focusing on the individual cultures of tribes throughout the Southwest. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. 800-805-0471, ext. 158. ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com.

January 16-18
Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival, Carefree.
More than 165 juried fine artisans will display paintings in all mediums, sculptures, bronzes, jewelry, sparkling hand-blown glass, rope baskets, photography and more. Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy St. 480-837-5637, ThunderbirdArtists.com.

January 16-March 29
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale.
This juried invitational show features 100 of the finest artists from the U.S., Canada and the U.K., who work in an intimate studio setting, showing and selling their work to visiting art lovers. White tents at Scottsdale Road and Loop 101. 480-443-7695, celebrateart.com.

January 17, 23
Chandler Downtown Historic Walking Tour, Chandler.
Learn about Chandler’s history, from its founding to 1931, through the eyes of Lucille Wilson, a.k.a. re-enactor Hazel Overturf. Downtown Chandler, 1 N. San Marcos Pl. 480-782-2878.

January 17-February 14
“Behold the Brilliance” Glass Art Show, Scottsdale.
Eight acclaimed glass fine artists from throughout Arizona will exhibit and sell their work at the inaugural show. Cattletrack Gallery, 6105 N. Cattletrack Rd. 480-607-3658.

January 24
Canyon Arts Festival, Gold Canyon.
Browse the works of 70 local artists while enjoying live Native American music and dance. Gold Canyon Elementary School, 5810 S. Alameda Rd. 480-983-2171, goldcanyonarts.org.

January 24
Historic Home Tour, Mesa.
This year’s tour will be in the Evergreen District and will showcase private homes and a variety of historic buildings such as the Sirrine House and Antique Wedding House. Evergreen Historic Home and Business District, Grand Street. 480-644-4699, mesahistoricalmuseum.org.

January 26
FBR Open Scottsdale.
One of the five oldest events in the PGA tour, the annual Open features a winning mix of golf, galleries and galas. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd. 602-870-0163, fbropen.com.

January 31—May 13
At the Crossroads of American Photography, Scottsdale.
Through their exquisite images, the exhibit examines the interrelationship of three photographers who helped define the course of American photography: Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind and Fredrich Sommer.Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), 7380 E. 2nd St., 480-874-4654, smoca.org.

February 14—May 24
Seriously Funny Exhibit, Scottsdale.
Ten artists explore humor as a cathartic tool of expression for SMoCA's tenth anniversary season. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), 7380 E. 2nd St., 480-874-4654, smoca.org.

February 20-22
NHRA Arizona Nationals, Chandler.
Tony Schumacher, who has tasted victory at Firebird on three different occasions, will lead a contingent of NHRA’s top drivers, including Funny Car legends John Force and Cruz Pedregon and 2008 Pro Stock title contender Dave Connolly. Firebird International Raceway, 20000 S. Maricopa Rd. 602-268-0200, firebirdraceway.com.

February 20-22
Out West Art Fest, Cave Creek.
Enjoy a dynamic showcase of both contemporary and Western art, along with live music, food and demonstrations. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. 480-575-6624, outwestartfest.org.

February 21-22
Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale, Mesa.
Enjoy carvings on display, vendors and exhibitions at the largest judged woodcarving show in the Southwest. Mesa Centennial Hall, 210 N. Center St. 480-951-6175.

February 21-22
Self-guided Ceramics Studio Tour, Tempe.
The tour offers the public a rare opportunity to view the working and living spaces of participating ceramics artists. Studios will offer live demonstrations of wheel throwing, hand building and glazing techniques. Brochures are available at Ceramics Research Center, southeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street. 480-965-7092, asuartmuseum.asu.edu/ceramicsresearchcenter/index.htm (downloadable brochure).

West Valley

February 7
Palo Verde Patchers Quilt Show, Sun City West.
The show will feature 100 quilts on display, vendors, a boutique and silent auction. The Madison, 18626 Spanish Garden. 623-214-1713.

February 27-March 1
International Sportsmen’s Expo, Glendale.
Nearly 400 exhibitors cover the entire outdoor sports experience, including travel, fishing, hunting and outdoor-lifestyle furnishings. University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Way. 800-545-6100, sportsexpos.com.

Southern Arizona

January 22
Faculty Reading with Poet Boyer Rickel and Poet/Author Ander Monson, Tucson.
Poet Boyer Rickel will read poems from his new book, remanance. Author Ander Monson will read poetry from his most recent collection, Our Aperture. University of Arizona, Gallagher Theater in the Student Union. 520-626-3765.

January 23-25
Ghost Weekend, Bisbee.
Be spirited along on the Old Bisbee and Tombstone Ghost Tours. Paranormal and metaphysical vendors are expected to manifest. Copper Queen Hotel, 11 Howell Ave., 520-432-3308, OldBisbeeGhostTour.com.

January 23
“DeGrazia: 100 Years, 100 Works” Retrospective Exhibition, Tucson.
A yearlong centennial celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of renowned Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia opens with a reception and the first chance for many to see some of the original artwork that brought him international acclaim. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Rd. 800-545-2185, degrazia.org.

January 24
Poetry Joeys, Tucson
Take part in a Saturday morning reading and activity group for children, taught by experienced poets, writers, and teaching artists who base their lessons on the Poetry Center’s curriculum, VERSE! Poetry for Young Children. The Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St., 520-626-3765.

January 28-February 15
Rock, Gem & Lapidary Show, Tucson
Browse wholesale and retail beads, fossils, minerals, lapidary equipment, cabochons, slabs, cabbing rough, faceting rough, gemology equipment and much more. 1201 N. Main Ave., 520-792-1439, rglshow.com.

February 4-8
Tubac Festival of the Arts, Tubac
Arizona’s longest running art festival showcases the work of hundreds of visiting artists, craft persons and musicians from around the country. Horse-drawn trolleys, roving entertainers and a food court enhance the festival atmosphere. Tubac Village, exit 34 on I-19. 520-398-2704.

February 12-15
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Tucson
An estimated 240 retail dealers will fill the arena with a variety of mineral, fossil and lapidary crafts during the largest gem and mineral show in the U.S. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 520-322-5773, tgms.org.

February 21-March 1
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson
Don't miss the first major outdoor rodeo of the year, featuring the "Who's Who" of pro-rodeo, and the world's longest non-motorized parade. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. 800-864-5662, tucsonrodeo.com.

February 21-March 29
Tucson Museum of Art League Designer Showhouse, Tucson
See hundreds of new, innovative decorating and remodeling ideas and resources — set in cosmetic legend Merle Norman’s 5000-square-foot 1950s-era estate. 8520 E. Wrightstown Rd. 520-722-7436, TucsonMuseumofArt.org/Showhouse.

Northern Arizona

February 7
Fun in the Sun with Dolls, Yuma
The Yuma Doll Club presents dolls, bears, miniatures, accessories, trains, train displays and toys. Yuma Civic Center, 1440 Desert Hills Dr. 928-726-9646.

February 7-8
Winterfest Street Festival, Lake Havasu City.
This annual event spreads across a one-mile stretch. Vendors from across the U.S. will display arts and crafts, sell merchandise and perform demonstrations. Entertainment will be in Pima Wash on the Pearl Bailey Showmobile throughout both days. Upper McCulloch Boulevard. 928-855-4115.

Flipping for Charity
February 24
National Pancake Day, Nationwide.
IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. In return, IHOP will ask guests to donate what they would have paid for the pancakes, or more, to Children’s Miracle Network or other local charities. This year, IHOP restaurants around the country hope to raise $1,000,000, which will benefit children’s hospitals and other charities throughout the U.S. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit ihoppancakeday.com.

*NOTE: For centuries, the English have "flipped" for pancakes in celebration of Shrove Tuesday, which heralds the beginning of fasting during Lent. Long ago, strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products . . . hence the name Pancake Tuesday.