National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series Held At Mesa Arts Center

Mesa Arts Center and National Geographic announce a riveting line-up of events for the fourth season of the Arizona speaker series. National Geographic Live, which has steadily built loyal and enthusiastic audiences over the past three years, will showcase four of National Geographic's most beloved explorers-individuals who have won audiences around the globe with their passion for their work and the stories they bring to the stage. During the 2010-2011 season, audience members will be invited to explore the ocean depths with the legendary Cousteau family, follow fascinating wildlife migrations across North America with a master National Geographic photographer, review the latest discoveries on planet Mars, and join a primatologist and TV correspondent as she tracks curious animal behaviors around the globe. Four-part series tickets are available now, single tickets go on sale Aug. 30. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is sponsoring the Speaker Series for the third consecutive year.

Underwater explorer and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will reflect on his father's life and ongoing legacy. Photographer Joel Sartore will share images and stories about the epic migrations of North American species-from bobcats to butterflies. NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins, who helped design the famous Mars Rovers, will share the latest discoveries from the Red Planet and preview the next stage in exploration of our closest planetary neighbor. The final speaker, Mireya Mayor, will take audiences through the wild ride of her life, from Miami Dolphins cheerleader, to Fulbright Scholar, to primatologist, to Nat Geo WILD TV correspondent.

National Geographic Live and Mesa Arts Center will also present companion events for area students and educators. Each of the speakers featured in the evening series present a matinee performance specifically geared to students (primarily middle school students). Lessons plans and other related materials are available in preparation for the events. Schools may register on a first-come, first-served basis for these matinees at www.nglive.org/arizona.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE ARIZONA SPEAKER SERIES INFORMATION:

OCEAN ADVENTURE: AN EVENING WITH JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU
Underwater Explorer & Conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Ikeda Theater

AMERICA'S GREAT WILDLIFE MIGRATIONS
National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Ikeda Theater

EXPLORING MARS: THE NEXT GENERATION
NASA Engineer Kobie Boykins
Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Ikeda Theater

MY WILD LIFE
Primatologist & Nat Geo WILD TV Host Mireya Mayor
Wednesday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.
Ikeda Theater

HOW TO PURCHASE SERIES TICKETS:
Four-Part Series tickets for National Geographic Live Arizona speaker series are on-sale now. Prices for the four-part series package range from $78-$138. There is a special package available, called Explorers Circle ($330) featuring prime orchestra seating for all presentations and an invitation to a private reception. There are a limited number of Explorers Circle tickets available; $125 of the Explorers Circle ticket price is tax-deductible (receipt provided). Tickets for single events will go on sale beginning Aug. 30.

Series tickets can be purchased through Mesa Arts Center by calling 480-644-6500, online at mesaartscenter.com, or at the Box Office located at One East Main St., in Downtown Mesa. Box Office hours are Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Discounted pricing for series tickets is available for National Geographic magazine subscribers (NGS members) and Mesa Arts Center members. To become a member of Mesa Arts Center, call 480-644-6615. To become a National Geographic Society member and receive National Geographic magazine, call 1-800-NGS-LINE (1-800-647-5463).

The National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. The Arizona series also receives support from Hotel Sponsor, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and partners with community organizations, and media outlets including: Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona Museum of Natural History, KJZZ Public Radio, REI stores in Tempe and Paradise Valley, and the Phoenix Zoo.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
National Geographic Live is the live events division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films, and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers, and photographers covering a wide range of topics including: exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration, and education. For more information visit www.nglive.org.

ABOUT MESA ARTS CENTER
Mesa Arts Center has received numerous awards and accolades for its programs and outstanding new facilities. Arizona's largest arts campus is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons, and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through impacting and engaging experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant; and that enhance the quality of life and vitality of the region. For more information, visit www.mesaartscenter.com. One East Main Street | Mesa | 480-644-6500

To post a comment, you must register and login.