Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts Announces 2018–19 Season

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' Live & Local Fridays concert series opens on Sept. 7 and showcases eight Arizona groups spanning rockabilly-honky tonk, indie-folk, African rhythms, blues, hip-hop, folk-rock, jazz, indie-rock and pop on Friday evenings through Sept. 28.

Live & Local Fridays
8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater Main Stage
Advance: $19 / $12
Day of Show: $22 / $15

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
One of the Valley's hottest bands, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra delivers an earth-shattering mix of jazz, funk, soul and African rhythms.

Ryanhood
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Named "Best Group/Duo" by the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards, Tucson's Ryanhood cut their musical teeth as Boston street performers before taking their folk-rock sound on the road.

Vinyl Station
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
Phoenix's Vinyl Station duo combines tight harmonies, driving rhythms and melodic hooks for their own brand of indie rock reminiscent of The National, The War on Drugs and early U2.

Marmalade Skies
A Musical Tribute to the Beatles
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
Marmalade Skies, a six-piece band with both male and female vocals, pays tribute to the most influential rock act of the 1960s - The Beatles. The band's repertoire includes more than 100 Fab Four songs.

Live & Local Fridays Cabaret
8:30 p.m.
Stage 2
Tickets: Advance, $12; day of show, $15

Pat Roberts and the Heymakers
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers perform authentic rockabilly and honky-tonk music, influenced by such artists as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, and anchored by Roberts' own echo-drenched guitar.

AJ Odneal
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Whether accompanying herself on guitar or ukulele, AJ Odneal's voice is always smooth and her lyrics engaging.

The Gaines Brothers
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
The Gaines Brothers' blend of jazz, hip-hop and R&B has placed them on the same stage as Charlie Wilson, Sister Sledge, Justin Timberlake and Weezer.

Moonlight Magic
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
Moonlight Magic infuses its own blend of "lounge exotica" with an eclectic mix of surf, bossa nova, ska and boogaloo sounds.

For all Live & Local concerts:

Supporting Sponsor: The Saguaro Scottsdale
Media Sponsor: Phoenix New Times

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Hot Tuna
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $55 / $35

Hot Tuna first formed in 1969 as a side project of the rock band Jefferson Airplane. Now, almost half a century later, guitarist-singer Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continue to explore American roots music through Hot Tuna's acoustic and electric blues sound. Opening artist is guitarist Steve Kimock.

Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents

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Brazilian Day Festival
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, 2-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Adults: $15. Children 11 and under: $5

With festivities and entertainment running throughout the day, this celebration of Brazil's Independence Day features more than 90 musicians, dancers and performers from across Brazil, Mexico and the United States, who will engage audiences with a program inspired by Brazil's diverse, historic and colorful culture.

Presented in partnership with Afro Baile

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Art House Cinema Series

September through March

Virginia G. Piper Theater
Films will be added throughout the season.

$12

Rural Route Film Festival

Shorts Program

Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, 1 p.m.

20th Anniversary Animation

Show of Shows

Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.

A Man Named Pearl

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, 1 p.m.

Keep Talking

Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, 1 p.m.

The Man Who Fell to Earth

Sunday, March 3, 2019, 1 p.m.

Selected Shorts -

No Festival Required

Sunday, March 17, 2019, 1 p.m.t March 17, 1 p

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Talk Cinema

Sept. 25, 2018
Oct. 16, 2018
Nov. 13, 2018
Jan. 29, 2019
Feb. 26, 2019
March 26, 2019
April 23, 2019
May 21, 2019
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
General Admission: $14

Mixing Hollywood flair with the element of surprise, Talk Cinema offers sneak previews of new independent and foreign films from Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and other internationally ranked film festivals, personally selected by nationally recognized film critic Harlan Jacobson. Screenings are followed by critical discussions with film scholars and special guests.

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An Evening With Al Di Meola
With Special Guest Jordan Rudess
Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $50 / $35

Al Di Meola's pioneering blend of world music and jazz has garnered more than 6 million in worldwide record sales and earned him three gold albums in his four-decade career. The critically acclaimed, bona fide guitar hero's dazzling technique, depth of writing and soulfulness of expression have won him legions of fans. Jordan Rudess, virtuoso keyboardist with the progressive rock band Dream Theater, is Di Meola's special guest.

Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents

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OCTOBER 2018

Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre
Flamenco Intimo

Saturdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 28, 2018, 8 p.m.
Stage 2

$22 / $18

Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre brings the power of internationally experienced flamenco dancers and musicians to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' Stage 2 every Saturday night in October and November 2018. Beautiful costumes, undulating arms, fiery footwork, intricate guitar and soul-stirring vocals come together to deliver an unforgettable show.

Program:

Eight different programs of live music and dance featuring invited guests from Spain and elsewhere.

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AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
The Fats Waller Musical Show

Oct. 11-27, 2018

Thursday, Oct. 11, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 25, 7:30 pm.
Friday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.

Stage 2
$45 (M $37) / $38

Featuring music from the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s and '30s, Ain't Misbehavin' won the 1978 Tony and Drama Desk awards for Best Musical. Produced by Scottsdale Arts, this musical revue stars five triple-threat actors who strut, strum and sing the songs made famous by Thomas "Fats" Waller.

Produced by Scottsdale Arts

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David Bromberg Quintet
With Special Guest John McEuen of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Theater
$65 / $45 / $30

David Bromberg is "an American music icon" (Dr. John) and counts Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, The Eagles and so many more as collaborators, fans and friends. The Blues, the Whole Blues and Nothing But the Blues, was Bromberg's 18th album and DownBeat magazine's 2017 Blues Album of the Year. Known as the "Godfather of Americana," the legendary folk musician and singer-songwriter embraces this distinctly American music with passion and grace.

John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966, began playing the banjo at age 17 and branched out to learn guitar, fiddle and mandolin. He has made over 40 albums (seven solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards and has performed in more than 10,000 concerts; his first with Bob Dylan in 1965. He was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in 2017.

Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents

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Mandy Harvey
With Special Guest Lelea
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$26 / $18

The award-winning singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker lost her residual hearing when she was 19. She came in fourth last year on Season 12 of "America's Got Talent."

Lelea Fonua is a teenage singer-songwriter-musician who started performing at age 9. After two short months playing his ukulele, he began performing regular gigs and has been the opening act for such artists as Jordin Sparks, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Motley Crüe, Joan Jett and L.A. Guns.

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An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories With Graham Nash
Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$75 / $65 / $45

Grammy Award winner, legendary musician and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee - with Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Hollies - Graham Nash performs an intimate solo show of songs and stories.

Nash's remarkable body of work includes his early contributions to the Hollies from 1964 to '68, including "Stop Stop Stop," "Pay You Back With Interest," "On A Carousel," "Carrie Anne" and "King Midas In Reverse." The original union of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young lasted only 20 months but resulted in such classic hits as Nash's "Marrakesh Express," "Pre-Road Downs" (written for then-girlfriend Joni Mitchell) and "Lady Of the Island." CSNY's Déjà Vu (1970) featured Nash's "Teach Your Children" and "Our House."

Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents

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Ignite Phoenix
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Tickets on sale Sept. 15

Ignite Phoenix features five-minute, lightning-round-style presentations from people around the Valley. Topics range from creative to cerebral to motivational to technical and everything in between, and they all have one thing in common: passion. Everyone is welcome to participate. Organizers judge submissions on a variety of aspects. All presentations are given equal standing/billing; there are no featured presenters, keynotes or special slots for presenters. It's all about sharing ideas, promoting community and inspiring others.

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Sippin' Series
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Mezzanine and Young @ Art Gallery
October 2018 to May 2019
$50, pair. $30, individual

Explore the culinary arts through this exciting new partnership with Young's Market. Learn more about the unique and varied spirits and treats available in our region, and dazzle your guests during your next gathering. A series of six events paired with light bites.

Classic Cocktails

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

Master the finer details of crafting a classic cocktail.

Winter Wines

Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.

Wines of the season paired with surprising twists on holiday food classics.

History of Rum

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, 7 p.m.

Examine the history and culture of this Caribbean spirit.

Rosés and Sweets

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, 7 p.m.

Enjoy spring's best selection of rosé wines paired with decadent treats.

Beer 101

Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7 p.m.

Learn the ins and outs of brewing from the experts at Uncle Bear's Brewery.

Agaves and Tequilas

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 7 p.m.

Understand the differences among silver, reposado and añejo tequilas.

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ASU Concerts @ the Center
An Evening of Chamber Music with ASU School of Music
Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater

$10

Musicians from ASU School of Music present an evening of chamber music.

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Vicki Lawrence and Mama:
A Two-Woman Show
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $59 / $42

The Emmy Award-winning, multi-talented comedian performs as herself and her most endearing character, Thelma Harper, aka "Mama," created when Lawrence was a member of the now-legendary cast of The Carol Burnett Show.

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Virginia G. Piper Concert Series
Yekwon Sunwoo, piano
Gold Medalist, 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, 3 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$59 (M $51) / $39 / $29

Yekwon Sunwoo impressed judges at the 2017 Van Cliburn international Piano Competition with "crisp, effervescent playing" (New York Times) and became the first South Korean to capture the Gold Medal. He has been praised for "fastidious fingerwork" and "a true legato" (The Dallas Morning News), "animated, light-filled playing" (The Washington Post), and "subtle and powerful" playing (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).

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NOVEMBER 2018

Scottsdale International Film Festival Opening Night

Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
Virginia G. Piper Theater

Reception: 6:15 p.m.
Film and Pressentation: 7:15 p.m.

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Story Pirates
AfterDark
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, 8:30 p.m.
Stage 2
$23 (M $15)

Story Pirates, the celebrated New York City arts education organization, perform their hilarious adults-only version of their musical sketch comedy show adapted from the writings of elementary school kids. Their no-holds-barred approach shares the same stories, but flavors the performances with a decidedly grown-up flair.

Supporting Sponsor: Rhonda and Gary Anderson

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Story Pirates
Greatest Hits Show
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 11 a.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$23 (M $15) / $19

Based on real stories written by kids, this family-friendly sketch comedy musical gives children in the audience a chance to craft an improvised portion of each performance. Story Pirates' acclaimed programs and professional development services for teachers are in place at more than 350 schools from coast to coast. Their podcasts and radio broadcasts are heard by kids and adults around the world.

Supporting Sponsor: Rhonda and Gary Anderson

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Discovery Series Cuba: Film Screening
Sergio & Sergei
Friday, Nov. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$10

It's 1991: The USSR is falling apart as Cuba enters a difficult economic crisis. Sergio, a Cuban professor of Marxism who can't provide for his family, and Sergei, a Soviet cosmonaut stranded on the Mir space station, share a common passion: amateur radio. This is the Arizona premiere of Sergio & Sergei, winner of Best Script at the Havana Film Festival New York and Best Film of Central America and the Caribbean at the International Film Festival of Panama. Sergio & Sergei was directed by Ernesto Daranas Serrano, the Cuban filmmaker behind Conducta and Fallen Gods.

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Martha Graham Dance Company
The EVE Project

Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $49 / $39

The EVE Project celebrates the upcoming 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote in 1920. The range of women choreographers featured in this pioneering company's program is comprehensive, from the deepest roots of modern dance - Martha Graham's heroines and anti-heroines - to contemporary superstars. The Graham portion of the show may include her 1936, all-women Chronicle, with music by Wallingford Riegger, and the classics Appalachian Spring, a ballet set to Aaron Copland's beloved composition, and Cave of the Heart, choreographed to music by Samuel Barber.

Signature Sponsor: Ethelyn Cohen in memory of Howard Cohen

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Virginia G. Piper Concert Series
David Finckel, cello
Wu Han, piano
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, 3 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$49 (M $41) / $39 / $29

Called "America's power couple of chamber music" by The Wall Street Journal, David Finckel and Wu Han champion the rich repertoire of music for cello and piano. Their program will bring to life three works by composers who represent the peak of mastery in the German Classical and Romantic traditions with "absolute security, conviction and authority" (Strings magazine).

Program:
Beethoven: Sonata in A Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 69
Brahms: Sonata No. 1 in E minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 38
Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 2 in D Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 58

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Mark Cortale Presents
Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Jessie Mueller
Featuring Seth Rudetsky as Pianist and Host
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$89 (M $81) / $ 69 / $59

Mark Cortale's Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts series showcases some of Broadway's brightest stars in the Center's intimate Virginia G. Piper Theater. Hosted by multi-talented pianist and comedian Seth Rudetsky, these cabaret-style concerts mix popular song with candid showbiz stories.

Jessie Mueller won a 2014 Tony Award for "Best Actress in a Musical" for her portrayal of singer-songwriter Carole King in Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. She originated the lead role of Jenna in the musical Waitress on Broadway and starred as Julie Jordan in the Broadway revival of Carousel in 2018.

Seth Rudetsky is the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's On Broadway as well as the host of Seth Speaks on SiriusXM Stars. He has played piano for more than a dozen Broadway shows, including Ragtime, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, among many others.

Presenting Sponsor: Linda and Sherman Saperstein
Supporting Sponsor: Hotel Valley Ho

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ASU Concerts @ the Center
Big Band Night
Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$10

The ASU Concert Jazz Band performs choice selections spanning the history of big band music and beyond.

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The Capitol Steps
Make America Grin Again

Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Virginia G. Piper Theater
$69 (M $61) / $59 / $49

Returning for their annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Scottsdale, The Capitol Steps plan to bring down the House ... and Senate ... with their blend of sharp political satire set to popular music. The irreverent D.C.-based troupe, with 38 albums to its credit, pokes fun at all sides of the issues, from left to right, with fresh, up-to-the-minute material inspired by the latest headlines, scandals and more.

The Steps will share songs and skits from their latest album, Make America Grin Again, and their performances will include political satire set to some of your favorite tunes, along with possible "guest appearances" by many of your favorite (or least-favorite, as the case may be) politicians.

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DECEMBER 2018

Scottsdale Arts Gala
Matthew Morrison
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
Virginia G. Piper Theater

Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Morrison headlines the annual Scottsdale Arts Gala.

He starred on Broadway as J.M Barrie musical Finding Neverland, a musical that follows the relationship between Barrie and the Davies family, who became the author's inspiration for the creation of Peter Pan. Morrison received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of "Favorite Actor in a Musical" in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.

The multi-talented performer also appeared in a continuing role on the CBS television hit show The Good Wife, where he played U.S. Attorney Connor Fox through the series finale. Other television credits include guest star roles in seasons 13 and 14 of ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and a starring role as director of the glee club in Fox's musical-comedy show Glee, which received the Golden Globe award for "Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical" in 2010 and 2011.

About the gala: Guests should expect the unexpected - an evening of cutting-edge, immersive art experiences, a sophisticated culinary presentation, an auction filled with unique objects and adventures and an awe-inspiring live performance. Guests also will witness an exclusive preview of a re-imagined Scottsdale Arts campus, including improvements to the Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium, Stage 2 and more.

Presenting Sponsor: BMO Harris Bank
Supporting Sponsor: APS

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Sister's Christmas Catechism
The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
Dec. 7-16, 2018
Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m.
Stage 2
$39 (M $31)

In an unusually jolly mood, Sister, the tart-tongued, ruler-wielding nun, teaches her students the story of the Nativity and asks for their help to solve the greatest Christmas caper ever: Who swiped the gold that those three wise men gave to Baby Jesus? Using the latest forensic technology and her uncanny ability to detect guilt, Sister creates an unforgettable living Nativity with her students to expose the culprit. Each performance is unique and will appeal to people of all ages and faiths.

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