La Cage has delighted many audiences in different incarnations and locations for almost 40 years. The original play by French Jean Poiret premiered in France in 1973 and was adapted to a popular French film in 1979. Most of us will recognize it as The Bird Cage, the hilarious 1996 American movie version that featured Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Gene Hackman. I’ve seen the French and U.S movie versions and found both to be equally funny and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Tony award-winning incarnation at ASU Gammage.

There are plenty more arts, culture and entertainment events Monday, May 14 through Sunday, May 20. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information. 

• May 15: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 15: Performance with a View: Stephen Cook, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 15-20: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, ASU Gammage
• May 16: Beth Lederman Novo Mundo, Mad Hatter Brewpub (formerly Dave’s Electric Brewpub)
• May 16:  Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 16-26: World Premiere of Topia, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 17: Third Thursday on Mill: Girls Night Out, Mill Avenue District
• May 17:  A Boy Named Sioux, Cadillac Ranch
• May 17: Jeff Sullivan Live; May 18: Take Cover Rula Bula Irish Pub,
• May 17-19: Bob Marley, Tempe Improv
• May 18: Music in the Garden: Pick & Holler, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 18: Dulce Dance Company: Core, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 18: Ghetto Cowgirl, Original Alternative Band; May 19: Knee Deep Experience,  Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 18: Scott & John of Hello Swindon; May 19: Blues Legend Hans Olson, Tempe Marketplace Barnes &  Noble Fountain
• May 18-June 9: Stray Cat Theatre Presents Heddatron, Tempe Center for the Performing Arts
• May 19: Jeff Hunt Band, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 19-20: Childsplay Presents The Color of Stars, Tempe Center for the Arts

Mill Avenue – FREE
480-355-6060
Music on Mill- Every Thursday through June 28, 2012
Each week a variet of musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District. 5:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Third Thursday on Mill – Girls Night Out – May 17, 2012 - FREE
Girls Night Out  is an themed version of Music on Mill and includes activities, raffles and the MAD Couture Challenge fashion show from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Then, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Chicks with Picks will perform at the main stage at Hayden Square.  Pandy Raye and Rhonda Hitchcock started Chicks With Picks in late October 2007. With only a handful of talented girls and weekly showcases. Chicks With Picks has now blossomed into an organization that not only performs great music but has featured/helped over 250 artists (and growing).

Desert Botanical Garden
480-481-8188
Music in the Garden: Spring Concert Series 2012 – May, 2012 through June, 2012
This is a unique venue that provides an opportunity to enjoy the desert landscape garden while discovering  a flare of new music from talented musicians. Sounds like a packaged deal to me! Performances are every Friday in May from 7:00 p.m.- 9:oo p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), and in June from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.). Tickets: member: $15 | general public: $21.
May 11- Chele’- Jazz/Soul
May 18- Pick & Holler- Old time Appalachian
May 25- Chris Burton Jacome- Flamenco Guitar/ Latin
June 1- The Shri Blues Band- Blues
June 8- Crossing 32^nd Street presents a musical tribute to The Who- Rock
June 15- Grupo Liberdade- Brazilian/ World/ Batucadad
June 22- The Sugar Thieves- Delta Blues
June 29- Cold Shott and the Huricane Horns- R&B/ Blues

Tempe Marketplace - FREE
480-966-9338
This outdoor shopping area has exciting atmosphere with fun lighting, cooling misters, comfy sofas to relax on, and fountains spread throughout the shopping and dining district. There are two different stages that offer live music on Friday and Saturday evenings:
District Stage- hosts local performers from 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Some musicians include: Jed’s A Millionaire- Original Alternative Band, Sugahbeat- A top 40 cover & original band, Ghetto Cowgirl- an original alternative band, Knee Deep Experience- Funk, soul, & R&B band, Think Horses featuring Leon Santigo- Unique alternative band, and Ratio- Funk, soul & R&B.
Barnes & Nobel Fountain- hosts local acoustic sets from 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Performers to see: David & Amy of Peppermint James- Indie Acoustic Duo, The Beatless- Cover Band (without Drummer), Scott & John of Hello Swindon- Guitar & Percussion Duo, Blues Legend Hans Olson- Blues Guitarist/Vocalist, Stephanie Light- Indie Guitarist/Vocalist, and  Teneia Sanders- Indie Guitarist.

Tempe Center for the Arts
480-350-2829
The Tempe Center for the Arts has great architectural appeal with a scenic view of Tempe Town Lake and offers a selection of local music, special artists, and many others options to enjoy this summer:
May 12- Carolyn Eynon Singers- Western folk and vocal jazz in concert
May 15- Performance with a View: Stephen Cook (FREE Event)
May 25- Lakeshore Jazz Series: John Proulx
June 3- Tempe Community Chorus
June 19- Performance with a View: Chopin’s Heart, Your Heart™ Lakeside (FREE event)
June 29- In the Spotlight Studio (FREE event)
July 28- Evolving to the Stars: CRYSTAL project Studio

Marquee Theatre
480-829-0707
Marquee lies on the North side of Tempe Town Lake and for many years has hosted well known bands that come and always bring a full house. It’s a standing theatre with a great sound quality and one of my favorite venues in town. Here are a few of their upcoming shows:
May 19- The Expendables
May 30- Of Monsters and Men
June 1- Stryper
June 5- Bow Wow
June 8- An Evening with Collective Soul
June 9- The Main
June 22- The Cult
July 5- Reverend Horton Heat

Sigur Rós at Marquee Theater September 2008

Visit the Tempe Tourism Office website for a full listing of events or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

The week ends on a funny note when Saturday Night Live alumnus Kevin Nealon performs at the Tempe Improv.  He’s known for his SNL characters The Subliminal Man, Franz of Hans and Franz and the anchor of Weekend Update.  He currently stars in Golden Globe nominated Showtime series, Weeds.

 There are plenty more arts, culture and entertainment events Monday-Sunday, View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• May 8: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 9: Blaise Lantana Duo, Mad Hatter Brewpub
• May 9:  Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 9-26: World Premiere of Topia, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 10: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 10:  A Boy Named Sioux, Cadillac Ranch
• May 10: Jeff Sullivan Live; May 11: Sea Merchants Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 10-12: RAIN A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES, ASU Gammage
• May 11: Music in the Garden: Chele’, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 11-12: Kevin Nealon, Tempe Improv
• May 11: Jed’s A Millionaire; May 12: Sugahbeat, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 11: David & Amy of Peppermint James; May 12: The Beatless, Cover Band, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 12: Carolyn Eynon Singers, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 12: Capital Down, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 12-20: Childsplay Presents The Color of Stars, Tempe Center for the Arts

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar and Fat Tuesday will be combining their patios for El Mexcellenté Cinco de Mayo Block Party. The party kicks off at 11:00 a.m. followed by a cornhole competition at noon. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams and “uniforms” are strongly encouraged. Deejay Cancun 1988 and Deejay Skinny will be on the turntables and until 6:30 p.m., enjoy $2 Coronas and $4 margaritas.

Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with host Ronnie from the “Jersey Shore” at School of Rock this Saturday. Local radio station 101.5 JAMZ will be broadcasting live with JD and Mikee Mike from 10:00 p.m.-midnight. The cover charge starts at $10. For table and reservation info call 602-471-1841.

Macayo’s is getting a jump start on Cinco de Mayo this year with the Cinco-Celebration lasting through May 7.  Enjoy $5 dollar Margaritas de Macayo and $5.55 Mex & Match Meals.

Please remember that if you do plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, be smart and safe- Call a cab ride home.
VIP Taxi-602-300-300 (stop by the Tempe Tourism Office Visitor’s Center to receive $2.00-$5.00 off coupons for your next cab ride.)

I’m totally jazzed that the great Francine Reed will be back in town this weekend performing during Songwriter’s Showcase VII at the Tempe Center for the Arts. She’ll join touring country singer Bob Villa, emerging artist Gary Marsh and local favorites Ryan Fremling and Chris Hosken for two nights of great live music on Friday and Saturday.

Francine is a long-time favorite in the Valley, where she used to live and perform solo and with her sister, Margo. She has also appeared with many top names such as such Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James and The Crusaders. During the 80′s Francine recorded and toured with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. She has recorded numerous solo albums and has also appeared on recordings by Delbert McClinton, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison.

I think you’ll agree that there are a lot of good reasons to turn-off the tube and enjoy some live entertainment. Here’s a sample.  View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information. 

• May 1: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 2: Joel Robin + Delphine Cortez, Mad Hatter Brewpub
• May 2:  Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 2: Class Clowns Comedy Showcase; May 3: Kevin O’Dea’s Comedy Circus  Tempe Improv
• May 2-26: World Premiere of Topia, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 3: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 3:  A Boy Named Sioux, Cadillac Ranch
• May 3: Jeff Sullivan Live; May 4: Shawn Johnson, May 5: The Sullivans,  Rula Bula Irish Pub
• May 4: Music in the Garden: Domingo DeGrazia, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 4: Jeff Hunt Band, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 4: Grady Soiné;  May 5: Tony Putrino, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 4-5:  Songwriters’ Showcase VII with Francine Reed, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 4-5: Phx Soul Presents Rodney Perry, Tempe Improv
• May 5: Performances at the Museum: Classical Revolution PHX AZ Centennial Composition Competition, Tempe History Museum
• May 5: Cinco de Tempe Block Party, Tempe Marketplace
• May 5: Cinco de Mayo Block Party, Canteen Modern Tequila Bar and Fat Tuesday
• May 5: First Saturday for Families, ASU Art Museum
• May 5-20: Childsplay Presents The Color of Stars, Tempe Center for the Arts

On Saturday May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., children and their families are invited to the Museum for a variety of activities related to the exciting new exhibition Emerge: Redesigning the Future.

We’ll have electronic musical instruments for exploring what the music of the future might sound like; clay for creating mini sculptures that then become part of the Emerge exhibition; paints, pens and felt for creating your own future world, and more!

First Saturdays for Families are free and open to the public, and there is free parking across 10^thStreet from the Museum, at the Ceramics Research Center.

Hot salsas…check! Mild salsas…check! Lots and lots of chips to eat with my favorite salsas…check! You know what that means? It’s time for the annual My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge this Saturday, April 28, at Tempe Beach Park!

The My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge features restaurants, businesses and individuals competing to make the best salsa in their category.  Over 80 competitors prepare fresh salsa on-site in either the mild or hot category. This tasty event supports the Arizona Hemophilia Association, a non-profit organization that serves the individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders, so you can feel good about every salsa you try!

When you find a salsa that you love, vote for that salsa by dropping in a dollar or two, or more, into the voting jar at the booth. All the money goes back to the Arizona Hemophilia Association, and the competitor with the most money wins the prestigious honor of making some awesome salsa!

A separate competition within the event is the Cazadores Margarita Mix-Off, which takes place from 12:30-3:30 p.m.  Local bartenders compete to show off their talents to win the judge’s vote for best margarita. With this warm weather outside, a margarita is a great way to cool off!

In the middle of all the chips and salsas and margaritas, enjoy the live entertainment too! There will be two stages with a full line-up of live music all day long.

Kids can also enjoy a day of fun at the event’s FUNZONE, featuring interactive games for the entire family including multiple bounce houses, a bungee run, and laser tag. 

Tickets are $10 at the gate and children under 12 are free.  Purchase discounted tickets in advance for just $8 at any valley Fry’s or Fry’s Marketplace.

Rock climbing in Arizona with 360 Adventures

Heights and I have never been friends. I don’t like glass elevators. I don’t like looking over railings. But, I do like to hike in the mountains…I just really don’t like to look down.

How does my fear of heights translate to rock climbing up a 100-foot cliff? You’d be surprised.  

I had the chance to take a 360 Adventures beginning rock climbing class. 360 Adventures is a local company that takes all of the challenges out of exploring the Sonoran Desert. They provide the guides, the knowledge, the equipment and even the snacks.

I set up the rock climbing class for two journalists and my plan was to drop them off and pick them up when they were finished. When Tina from 360 Adventures asked if I wanted to take the class also, I laughed. Then I thought, why not? After all, shouldn’t we all do something that scares us every once and a while?

A few weeks later, I found myself driving with Jill and Wayne, my journalist friends, to Camelback Mountain. We met Eric, our fearless and very skilled, guide at the Echo Canyon trailhead. He had all of the equipment for us – climbing shoes, harnesses, ropes, water and of course, a liability waiver.

In my mind, I thought we would start on maybe a 20 or 30 foot rock climb, just to get our climbing shoes broken in. But no. We hiked uphill until we got to a rock face that was at least 100 feet tall. It might as well have been the same height as a skyscraper. I tried to act nonchalant, but I was petrified. Eric expertly put on his harness, clipped on the rope and climbed quickly to the top, attaching his rope to hooks on the rock wall on his way up.

I wanted Jill and Wayne to have a great time, but I secretly hoped that they wouldn’t make it to the top. If they didn’t do it, then I would have an excuse. But alas, they both made it to the top and seemed to actually enjoy themselves. Darn it. My turn.

I had a moment when I thought to myself, “why am I doing this?” After all, I volunteered to go. I must have climbed about 20 feet when I couldn’t figure out what my next move would be. I hung there in one spot for a few minutes (it felt like an eternity) and really wanted to come back down. Then, Eric said, “think of this as natural movement in an unnatural setting.” That made a lot of sense. I know how to crawl. I could do it. And, I did. I made it all the way to the top and rappelled all the way down. I felt like I conquered Mount Everest. I had such a sense of accomplishment. I conquered my fear.

Next, we rappelled down another rock face. We all did it with Eric’s help, but I must say, my descent wasn’t very graceful. At least my feet were back on solid ground.

Jill and Wayne loved it so much that they can’t wait to go again. As for me, I can’t decide if I’ve checked this off of my bucket list or if it’s something that I want to conquer again. I must say, even covered with a shroud of fear, it was one of my favorite days.

If you want to try it, I highly recommend 360 Adventures. This is not something that you could or should try without an experienced guide. Eric was very knowledgeable, fun, patient and just plain nice. 360 also provides guides for other excursions, such as mountain biking, kayaking and canyoneering (something that I’ve got to try one day).

I’ve hiked Camelback Mountain many times, but I can honestly say that I’ve never walked away with such a sense of accomplishment.

To plan your own adventure, contact 360 Adventures at http://www.360-adventures.com/ or 888-722-0360.

Splish-splash at Tempe Beach Park’s Splash Playground! Kids can cool down and enjoy waterfalls, streams, and pop fountains at this FREE water playground. Plus, the park is conveniently located inside Tempe Beach Park, just one block from all of the tasty ice cream and frozen yogurt shops on Mill Avenue, so go ahead a treat yourself.  Tempe Beach Splash Playground is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through May 27. The park will be open daily from May 28 through the end of August.

In addition to some amazing animal exhibits, the Phoenix Zoo also has two great splash areas for little ones. Leapin’ Lagoon Sprayground and Yakulla Caverns are great places to cool off in between checking out all the interesting creatures. Adults are just $18, children ages 3-12 are $9 and shildren under 2 are free. 

Between arcade games, laser tag, miniature golf and a HUGE waterpark, Golfland Sunsplash is the place to be when the weather heats up. This year Sunsplash has added the “Revolution” slide which features a seven story drop, in addition to the Sidewinder, Thunder Falls and many others. The waterpark is open weekends starting May 12 and open daily through August 7. Thereafter, the park is open on weekends through September 16. General admission tickets are $27.99, and if you purchase a season pass online it’s just $64.99.

Nothing beats the heat like a day on the water. Tempe Town Lake has a wide variety of boats to rent including kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards and pontoon boats. Kids will love cruising around the lake in one of the pedal boots and at only $15 an hour it’s an affordable activity the whole family can enjoy.

Get some water fun in during a day out shopping at the splashpad at Tempe Marketplace. The Kidsplash Fountain is located near Barnes & Noble in The District and is conveniently situated next to Mojo Frozen Yogurt. Always a nice treat on a hot day! The Tempe Marketplace splashpad is open daily and is FREE!

Spend a day at the wavepool without the sunburn. You probably didn’t think it was possible in this scorching heat, but Tempe has its very own indoor waterpark! The Kiwanis Wave Pool features a lap pool, 15ft. slide and real waves! The wave pool is open on Saturdays from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Adults are $7 and children’s tickets start at just $5.

Besides being home to America’s first wave pool, Big Surf Waterpark has added some great additions over the years like the White Serpentine slide, Waikiki Beach and Bora Bora Bay. Big Surf is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 27, and open daily this summer starting May 27 through August 5. Thereafter, the park is open on weekends through September 16. General admission tickets start at $26.95 and season passes are just $49.95.

For more ideas about how to keep cool this summer in Tempe, visit http://www.tempetourism.com/infopages/summer.aspx.

Big Surf Waterpark

Treat your mom to Mother’s Day Tea  on Saturday, May 12 at the Hackett House in downtown Tempe. Their lavish “full teas” include their famous scones, a delectable assortment of savories and sweets, tea served in fine china cups and on fresh-pressed linens. Make sure to register in advance to save a seat for you and your mom. Prices for adult tea parties are $24 per person, and tea is served from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information or to register, call 480-350-8181.

The Embassy Suites Phoenix – Tempe  is preparing a delcious brunch to celebrate Mom. The menu will feature a variety of brunch favorites including an omelet station, fresh seasonal fruits, hand carved prime rib, stuffed pork loin, pan seared salmon, waffles, bacon, sausage, traditional breakfast fare and an overflowing dessert selection. Enjoy brunch from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  Adults are $29.95, children 12 and under are $15.95 and children 5 and under are free! To make a reservation, please call 480-431-2370.

Z’Tejas is offering a wonderful brunch on Mother’s Day, May 13. Mother’s will be celebrated with complimentary family photos plus a delicious dessert! Pair this with their $4 weekend fun bar, featuring build your own breakfast cocktails, and you’ll have an unforgettable brunch experience! Z’Tejas innovative brunch items include Huevos Divorciados and Sweet Shrimp Omelet with Andouille Veracruz as well as classic favorites like Biscuits and Gravy and Stuffed French Toast. For more info call 480-377-1170.

This Mother’s Day, take your mom to the ballet – in the desert! See Topia, a Ballet Arizona performance inspired by the natural beauty of the Sonoran desert landscape. In honor of Mother’s Day, world-renowned Julia Baker Confections will provide a complimentary sweet for each mother in attendance at the May 13 performance. Packages of truffles and chocolates will be available for purchase to take home and enjoy. Each mother will also receive a beautiful rose, compliments of Down’s Florist, making this an evening that will never be forgotten! The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit their website or call the Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096 for tickets.

Indulge your taste buds at the Mother’s Day Brunch on May 13 at the Top of the Rock restaurant at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort. Enjoy brunch from 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. featuring a carving station, made-to-order frittatas & omelets, a selection of seafood and sushi, farm greens, entrees and desserts. $64.95/adults and $24.95/kids (5-12 years old), free for kids under 4 years old. To make a reservation, please call 602-431-2370.

The Market Cafe restaurant at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort celebrates Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13 with a festive brunch from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. featuring a carving station, made-to-order frittatas & omelets, farm fresh meats & vegetables, entrees and hand crafted desserts. $49.95/adults and $24.95/kids (5-12 years old), free for kids under 4 years old. To make a reservation, please call 602-431-2367.

Head to Rustler’s Rooste on Mother’s Day for a sumptuous western-style brunch, live music and a glass of champagne or flavored mimosa for mom. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; with the last reservation taken at 1:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from the regular dining menu. Adults are $32.95 and kids 12 under are $12.95++. Kids in highchairs are Free!

Take in a lite brunch this Mother’s Day at Milagros at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center.  Enjoy a full breakfast buffet with touches of lunch items from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The buffet will offer everything from scrambled eggs, waffles and cheese blintzes to New York strip loin medallions and southwest breast of chicken. Call 480-804-5223 to make a reservation. Adults are $20.95 and kids ages 6 to 12 are just $12.95.

The Tempe Mission Palms is hosting a special Mother’s Day Champaign Brunch on May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Indulge in the many delicious options at the salad station, evo grill station, build your own pancake station, cooked to order risotto station, omelet station, carving station, hickory char grill station, dessert station and a variety of specialty brunch items too!  Price is $29.95 for adults and includes champagne and mimosas. Children ages 6-12 are $14.95 and children 5 and under are free. To make a reservation, call 480-317-1556.

Mission Grille at Tempe Mission Palms