Coffee at Kerr with Arizona Opera - A Sneak peek at the 2026-2027 season
2026-03-04 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix)
A Sneak peek at the 2026-2027 season

Get an exclusive first look at Arizona Opera’s upcoming 2026-2027 Season with a special lecture and live musical performance. Enjoy captivating highlights and insights into the operas that will take the stage next season.

Presented by President and General Director Brian DeMaris.

Co-presented with Arizona Opera

Refreshments provided by Renegade Coffee Company, renegadecoffeeaz.com

Coffee events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring Arizona Opera performers and guest musicians. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.

Coffee and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.Event begins at 10:30 a.m.

RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: February 18 at 10:30 a.m.

This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

This is a hybrid event. Tune in on ASU Kerr’s YouTube channel!

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Piano Heist
2026-03-06 19:30 - 21:00
In 2022, lifelong friends Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin were taken aback by the stark realization that the piano had fallen out of favour. Determined to restore its luster and reclaim its title as the ultimate instrument, they embarked on an exhilarating journey. Drawing inspiration from the masterpieces of legendary composers, songwriters, and performers over the last three centuries, they crafted a mesmerizing show that spans the spectrum from classical piano masterpieces to vibrant boogie-woogie, romantic ballads, and epic 80s synth battles in Piano Heist: Keys are the Champions! This enchanting experience unfolds as a delightful blend of theatrical magic, humour, audience engagement, touching narratives, a sprinkle of history, and an explosion of musical creativity. Tours have taken them across Canada and the Western U.S., captivating audiences with over 140 performances in both quaint towns and bustling cities. Looking ahead, they are excited to unveil a brand-new Christmas production in 2025: A Very Merry Heistmas!

Website (https://pianoheist.com/)

Schumann and Beyond: Executive Piano
2026-03-07 15:00 - 16:45
Join pianists Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby and Christopher Bowlby for an afternoon of solo and four-hand piano music celebrating the poetic imagination, emotional depth and collaborative spirit of the Romantic tradition.

The program centers on two landmark solo works by Robert Schumann: Carnaval, Op. 9, performed by Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby, and Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6, performed by Christopher Bowlby. These complementary cycles—by turns playful, introspective and impassioned—offer a vivid portrait of Schumann’s inner world and his deeply personal musical language.

The duo portion of the program features Sergei Rachmaninoff’s beloved Vocalise in an arrangement for piano four hands, alongside additional four-hand repertoire to be announced. Heard together, the solo and duo works illuminate the piano’s expressive range—from intimate, inward reflection to rich, shared sonority.

For more than twenty-five years, Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby and Christopher Bowlby have established themselves internationally as a highly regarded piano duo, while also maintaining active careers as soloists, collaborators and mentors to advanced students whom they frequently co-teach as a team. Their partnership reflects a rare synthesis of performance, pedagogy and artistic leadership.

Polish-born pianist Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby received her graduate and post-graduate training at the F. Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, where she studied with Professors Andrzej Stefański and Tatiana Shebanova. Her later studies brought her to North America, where she met Christopher Bowlby; together, they pursued advanced degrees in piano performance in the United States and Canada, continuing to refine their work as a duo.

Their concert engagements have taken them to major venues and institutions in Europe and North America, including Salle Cortot in Paris, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Biblioteca Nacional de Catalunya in Barcelona and historic venues in Italy, Poland and Spain, alongside appearances at festivals, competitions and concert series across the United States and Canada. They are frequent guest artists and lecturers at state, regional and national Music Teachers National Association conferences.

Equally central to their artistic lives is their commitment to music education and cultural leadership. In 2005, Kaminska-Bowlby and Bowlby founded the Chopin Academy of Music in Issaquah, Washington, where they oversee the training of hundreds of high-achieving students in collaboration with an international faculty of artist-teachers. Their students have earned top honors in local, national and international competitions.

They also serve as executive directors of the Seattle International Piano Competition & Festival, supporting emerging artists from around the world, and lead Chopin Piano Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona, extending their educational and artistic mission to the Southwest.

This concert is presented as part of the Executive Piano Series, a curated initiative devoted to thoughtful, high-level piano performances in refined, intimate settings—inviting audiences to engage deeply with the music and the artists behind it.

For more information:https://executivepianoseries.comhttps://chopin-piano-arts.comhttps://www.seattlepianocompetition.org

Winston Churchill - Solo Theatre by Randy Otto
2026-03-08 16:00 - 17:30
WINSTON CHURCHILL – LIVE | A PORTRAIT OF RESILIENCE AND LEADERSHIP

Randy Otto’s portrayal of Winston Churchill is a testament to the power of performance in exploring history. Whether delivering Churchill’s iconic speeches or engaging in on-on-one dialogs during “Ask Winston,” Otto conveys the essence of quick Churchillian wit, fierce tenacity and that never give in resolve, which inspired not only the British people but brought the rest of the free world together, defending liberty and freedom.

Through his dedication, research and passion for storytelling, Otto brings to life the complexities of a remarkable leader, reminding us of the enduring relevance of Churchill’s legacy and the lessons it imparts for future generations.

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - Saxophone Ensembles of Arizona State University
2026-03-10 10:30 - 12:00
Saxophone Ensembles of Arizona State University: Kodachrome

Co-presented with ASU School of Music

Tea events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring musicians from the ASU School of Music. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.

Tea and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.Event begins at 10:30 a.m.

RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: February 24 at 10:30 a.m.

This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

This is a hybrid event. Tune in at our YouTube channel!

JADE
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:00
Blending jazz, pop and R&B, Jade Johnson brings a soulful, confident sound shaped by experience and momentum. She has performed powerful renditions of the National Anthem for the Phoenix Suns, Mercury and Diamondbacks, in addition to the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers. Her work includes appearances on TV’s Black-ish and notable performances on the Off-Broadway stage. Don’t miss this special homecoming performance from an Arizona star on the rise.

Comedy @ Kerr
2026-03-25 19:30 - 21:00
Get ready to laugh at our bimonthly comedy series, Comedy @ Kerr!

We collect donations for Vista del Camino Food Bank. Hygiene items are especially needed but non-perishable food items are great, too!

This event is every other month on the last Wednesday.

CONTENT WARNING: This event is 18+ due to adult language and situations.

Spencer Domolky @spencerdomolky Spencer Domolky is a Phoenix-based comedian originally from the Washington DC metro area. Spencer got his start in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he quickly became a regular at clubs like Go Bananas and the Funny Bone. He soon began traveling around the Midwest, delighting crowds with his dry, yet playful stage demeanor. He has opened for national headlining acts such as Sam Tallent, Jeremiah Watkins, and Chad Daniels. He can be seen performing at clubs across the greater Phoenix area, and he is frequently featured on Don’t Tell Comedy shows. Spencer was a finalist in the 2022-2024 Funniest Person in Cincinnati competitions.

Cierra Renee Miranda @cierrareneemiranda Don’t let her diminutive stature fool you, this pistol packs a punch. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Cierra Renee Miranda’s fiery punchlines have been scorching the desert’s comedy scene since 2008. Covering everything from the idiosyncrasies of public restrooms to the mundane events of office life, this little Latina’s quick wits go unmatched. Whether you are seeing her for five minutes or 45, her curiously cantankerous views on life, love and happiness will leave you wanting more.

Raj Sivaraman @rajsivaraman Raj Sivaraman is a writer, comedian, and unfunded research scientist. He has been featured in the New York Times, TimeOut New York, and Jeopardy! Raj has performed comedy around the US and the triple I’s of Ireland, India, and Iceland. He has presented scientific research mostly in the US (with one poster in Finland). He has written for Comedy Central, and his sketch album “In Case of Emergency” is available in several boxes under his bed.

Sara Gordon @saraggordon Sara Gordon is a Los Angeles comedian hailing from New York. She has performed at top comedy clubs all over the country including Caroline’s on Broadway (Best of New York Comedy Festival), New York Comedy Club and The Stand in NYC and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. In her free time she enjoys short walks on the beach and gluten. Keep up with her on Instagram @saraggordon, she loves new followers and compliments.

Phoenix Magic Club: An Afternoon of Magic
2026-03-29 15:00 - 17:00
Phoenix Magic Club Presents: An Afternoon of Magic

Join us for a fun, family-friendly afternoon of live magic on Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 PM!

Members of the Phoenix Magic Club will take the stage to share an exciting variety of magical performances—from sleight-of-hand and mind-reading to visual illusions and comedy magic. This clean, high-energy show is designed for audiences of all ages and is a perfect outing for families, friends and anyone who enjoys a little wonder.

Come experience the mystery and laughter that happens when some of the Valley’s most passionate magicians gather to perform live.

Coffee at Kerr with Arizona Opera - Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
2026-04-08 10:30 - 12:00
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)

Step into the enchanting world of Cinderella with a lively preview lecture and musical performance that brings Rossini’s sparkling take on the Cinderella story to life. Discover the opera’s rich characters, dazzling score, and the magic behind its upcoming production.

Co-presented with Arizona Opera

Refreshments provided by Renegade Coffee Company, renegadecoffeeaz.com

Coffee events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring Arizona Opera performers and guest musicians. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.

Coffee and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.Event begins at 10:30 a.m.

RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: March 25 at 10:30 a.m.

This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

This is a hybrid event. Tune into the livestream!

King Liz by Fernanda Coppel
2026-04-10 19:30 - 22:00
Sports agent Liz Rico has money and an elite client roster, but a woman in a man’s industry has to fight to stay on top. She’s worked twice as hard to get where she is and wants to take over the agency that she’s helped build.

Enter Freddie Luna, a high school basketball superstar with a troubled past. If Liz can keep this talented yet volatile young star in line, she just might end up making not only his career, but her own as well. But at what price? This is a staged reading presentation of this thrilling play that premiered at Second Stage in NYC.

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr.

This project is funded in part by a grant from Scottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale.

King Liz is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - Piano studio of Baruch Meir
2026-04-14 10:30 - 12:00
Piano studio of Baruch Meir

Co-presented with ASU School of Music

Tea events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring musicians from the ASU School of Music. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.

Tea and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.Event begins at 10:30 a.m.

RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: March 31 at 10:30 a.m.

This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

Dina Preston Band
2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:00
Join the Dina Preston Band as they launch their 2026 “We’ve Been Everywhere” Tour on April 17 at ASU Kerr!

Hailing from Arizona and having performed in 44 countries, the Dina Preston Band brings a fresh, powerful fusion of Americana, blending country, rock, blues, and soul to the Kerr stage. More than just a band, they are storytellers who transform life’s journeys into unforgettable songs, merging global influences with boots-on-the-ground authenticity.

Led by the powerhouse vocals of Dina Preston and the skilled guitar and leadership of her husband Don Ortiz, the band shines with Michael Ghormley’s deep bass grooves, Kenny Skaggs’ multi-instrumental talents and rich vocals, and Henry Lara’s dynamic drumming. Their chemistry and passion create live shows packed with energy, emotion, and connection.

Don’t miss the exclusive VIP experience, only 24 tickets available! VIPs will enjoy:

Premier front-section seating (rows 1 and 2)

A meet & greet with the band and Andre House staff

A signed copy of the We’ve Been Everywhere album or CD

This special night also supports a vital cause: a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Andre House of Hospitality, a Phoenix nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Andre House will also be present at the concert to share more about their mission and impact.

Learn more about Andre House of Hospitality at andrehouse.org

Expect an evening of original songs, crowd-favorite covers, and stories inspired by life on the road and real human experience, all in support of music with a mission.

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Executive Piano Series presents: Fanya Lin in concert
2026-04-18 15:00 - 16:45
Described as a “striking interpreter” who gives a “committed and heartfelt performance” by Musical America and The New York Times, Steinway Artist Fanya Lin has entranced audiences worldwide with her charismatic and fiery performances. Her orchestral appearances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (UK), Toruń Symphony (Poland), Orquestra Sinfônica do Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), New Art Symphony (Taiwan), Hiroshima Tafel Orchestra (Japan), Flagstaff Symphony (US), among others. Her concerto album Rhapsodic featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Maestro Theodore Kuchar and the Lublin Philharmonic was selected as Textura’s “Top 20 Classical Picks” and won 2nd Prize for the Petrichor Records’ Best Album Award in 2024.

Lin’s upcoming recital titled Metamorphosis features the thematic variations and transformation in piano repertoire, including Johannes Brahms’s Chorale Prelude Op. 122 No. 10; Taiwanese composer Yi-Chih Lu’s Dark Sky; three preludes from polish composer Karol Szymanowski’s Op. 1; Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor; and the monumental B minor sonata composed by Franz Liszt.

The Metamorphosis program opens with Johannes Brahms’s Chorale Prelude Op. 122 No. 10, Herzlich tut mich verlangen, transcribed by pianist Ferruccio Busoni. Originally composed during the last year of Brahms’s life in 1897, the Eleven Chorale Preludes are among his most intimate works. Written for organ, they distill a lifetime of compositional mastery into music of quiet gravity and spiritual depth. Herzlich tut mich verlangen (“My heart is filled with longing”) is a meditation on sorrow, consolation and faith. They were written during Brahms’ visit to Ischl, where Brahms had vacationed annually from 1889, but his final visit was clouded by Clara Schumann’s recent death in May 1896, as well as Brahms’ own health battle with liver cancer.

From the last note of Herzlich tut mich verlangen, we dive into a completely different world constructed by Taiwanese composer, Yi-Chih Lu, threaded by the same key and the ending and opening notes of the two pieces. The thematic material of Dark Sky was drawn from the Taiwanese folk tune with the same title, depicting the subtropical rainy season of Taiwan, the fisherman’s anxiety toward the bad weather and the quarrel between an old couple. In Yi-Chih Lu’s transcription of Dark Sky, the thematic material was mingled with Prokofiev’s rhythm, a vintage form of fugue and the Rachmaninoff ending.

Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937) stands as one of the most significant Polish composers of the 20th century, reflecting the major musical currents of his time. Initially influenced by Chopin and Wagner, his music draws from a wide range of inspirations of European traditions, while incorporating exotic elements of Oriental culture. Closely connected to the piano throughout his life, Szymanowski composed for the instrument from his earliest years to his final works. Although many early piano pieces have been lost, he emerged at age eighteen with the Nine Preludes, a work that immediately impressed audiences and critics. Shaped by Chopin’s models yet infused with intense youthful emotionalism, the Preludes reveal Szymanowski’s distinctive voice through rich harmonic language, polyrhythms and emotionally charged climaxes that already anticipate the innovations of Scriabin. The three preludes selected today are in B minor and D minor, foreshadowing the remained two pieces in the program.

The first half of the concert comes to an end with the return of yet another transcription of Busoni. Ferrucio Busoni displayed a passion for Bach at an early age. He made an exhaustive study of Bach’s music and throughout his adult life worked tirelessly at editing and making transcriptions of works by the Baroque master. The transcription of Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 for solo violin was made sometime in the late 1890s and was dedicated to the pianist Eugene d’Albert; Busoni himself played it frequently on his own blazingly brilliant recitals. The Chaconne was originally the final movement of the Bach’s Violin Partita No.2, a set of more than 60 variations on a simple bass theme. Busoni tried to remain as close to the original as possible while adapting the music to suit the technical possibilities of the piano. Sound wise, he sometimes oriented himself on orchestral colours or organ registers, which echoes with the transcription of Brahms’ Eleven Chorale Preludes originally written for Organs.

Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B minor (1853) stands as one of the most groundbreaking works of the nineteenth-century piano repertoire, redefining large-scale musical form through unity and thematic transformation. Cast in a single continuous movement of approximately thirty minutes, the sonata encompasses the expressive and structural functions of a traditional sonata-allegro form, while integrating a group of motives introduced at the opening that unfolds throughout the entire composition. Structurally, the sonata begins with a dark, ominous introduction that leads into an expansive exposition, while the same violent theme then turns into the most beautiful, tender and surreal second thematic area. The middle section of Andante sostenuto and Quasi Adagio can be regarded as the development or the 3rd movement of a five-movement work, then to return to the Fugue in Allegro energico. The second thematic area then comes back in a different key. The piece finally ends with the return of the slow development section, contrary to Liszt’s traditional loud and explosive endings, the sonata shares the reflective and introspective atmosphere as if paying a tribute to Beethoven’s late period work or Schumann’s Op. 17.

For more information:https://executivepianoseries.com

Music Theatre Solo Cabarets – Night 1
2026-04-28 19:30 - 21:30
Cabarets created and presented by ASU Music Theatre Performance students!

Join us for an evening of entertaining songs and stories, cleverly woven together with a personal touch. Each member of the class develops, writes and performs their own 15-minute solo cabaret act with live piano accompaniment, designed to create an intimate musical experience built on the fundamental concepts of cabaret– being yourself on purpose and connecting with the audience.

Cash bar and refreshments are available during the event!

This production contains mature themes, adult language and is intended for mature audiences.

Ticket proceeds help fund the annual Music Theatre Showcase trip to New York City.

Music Theatre Solo Cabarets – Night 2
2026-04-29 19:30 - 21:30

Music Theatre Solo Cabarets – Night 3
2026-04-30 19:30 - 21:30

El Dorado's Gold, co-presented with The Bridge Initiative
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-10 14:00 - 16:00
El Dorado’s Gold tells the story of Tucker Callahan, a Black cowboy who returns to his ranch after betraying his family and seeks redemption. His mother presents him with letters from his late great-grandfather, believing they will change his life because “it’s time.”

Season Closing Singalong
2026-05-11 19:00 - 20:30
Join us as we celebrate the close of our phenomenal season by inviting YOU to the mic! Singers from the community are invited to bring short songs, and/or join full-group singalongs. Musical Collaborator extraordinaire Lincoln Wright will be at the historic Steinway piano, leading the way, alongside TBI’s leaders Amie Bjorklund & Brenda Foley as we toast the season’s success and raise the voices of our community.

To participate as a singer, bring sheet music – 2 minutes, please (solo, duet, groups are all welcome). Sign up at the door, first come, first served. Be prepared to stay for the whole event as we will call singers up throughout the evening.

Co-produced by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr in partnership with Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona.

This project is funded in part by a grant from Scottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale.

Emma & James – Formal Concert & Filmed Showcase
2026-05-15 19:30 - 21:15
Join Emma & James Music at ASU Kerr on Friday, May 15, for a special formal filmed showcase — an intimate, elevated evening of original live music where the audience becomes part of a professionally captured performance experience.

Doors and bar open for pre-party at 6 p.m. with light bites, door prize drawings and more! Gary Beckert performs an opening set at 7 p.m. Emma and James take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early for the fun!

Emma & James Music is a husband-and-wife duo known for soulful, smoky vocals, blues- and rock-influenced alternative originals and songs that range from intimate and haunting to deep and emotionally powerful. Joined by additional musicians for this event, they will bring a fuller live sound to a night designed to feel visually memorable, immersive and special.

Guests are invited to dress up and enjoy more than a typical concert. Set in the unique atmosphere of ASU Kerr, this one-night event is created for music lovers, date nights and anyone who wants to be part of something that feels both meaningful and memorable. Guests are also encouraged to arrive early, settle in and enjoy the venue’s pre-show atmosphere, with the bar open before the performance and through intermission.

With a polished live presence shaped by years of performance experience, Emma & James aim to create an evening that feels both personal and cinematic — a special night out where the audience helps create the energy, atmosphere and captured experience of the show itself.

YouTube: @EmmaAndJames (https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaAndJames)

Facebook: @emmaandjames (https://www.facebook.com/emmaandjames/)

Love Letters, co-presented with Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company
2026-05-23 19:00 - 20:30
Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company Presents…“LOVE LETTERS” By A.R. Gurneyfor a Special Engagement with Two Performances Only,at ASU Kerr in Scottsdale.

Pulitzer Prize Nominated “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney“You cannot stage a play more simply than this, and yet it’s about everything in life. First love, loss of opportunities, loss of life, loss of love…It’s a beautiful play, and all you do is speak it.”

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama (1985), this classic American serio-comedy has been performed and loved around the world. In its simplest form, it is a story of friendship and love that spans fifty yearsall told through love letters exchanged between the two character, Andrew and Melissa. The play explores the lives and relationship two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. This funny and touching work is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”

Director Mike Arseneault says “this beautiful piece of theatre has been a passion of his for a lifetime across four cities and two countries”. This will be the fifth production of “Love Letters” that he has produced in the United States and Canada. Audiences fall in love with the characters, the relationship and the situations. It’s storytelling at its finest. “The audience will laugh out loud and be moved to tears as the stories and incredible friendship unfolds.” says director Mike Arseneault.

A perfect way to celebrate love! Get ready for some belt laughs and bring a tissue or two. Thanks to the enduing power of “Love Letters”, it has attracted many international actors and famous couple to play the roles of Andrew and Melissa. They include Holland Taylor and A.R. Gurney (original cast), Joanna Gleason and John Rubinstein, Kathleen Turner and John Rubinstein, Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards, Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy, Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen and Anjelica Huston, Stacy Keach and Diana Rigg, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke, Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti, Brooke Shields and John Slattery. Other famous film and TV performers Hollywood Legends: Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Charlton Heston, Julie Harris, Christopher Walken, Sigourney Weaver, Sissy Spacek, Laura Linney and Steven Weber (who starred in the 1999 television adaptation), Jeff Daniels, William Hurt, Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton and Keir Dullea.

This production presents the script as originally written, which includes outdated cultural depictions, strong language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences Ages 16+.

This volunteer production is directed by Mike Arseneault, artistic director and executive producer of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company and presented in collaboration with ASU Kerr.

Love Letters is produced with special licensing permission from Concord Theatricals, 250 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10107-0102.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:WHEN (TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY):Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 7:00 pm evening performanceSunday, May 24, 2026 – 2:00 pm matinee performance

WHERE (VENUE):ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

TICKETS:Tickets are $27 (general admission) or $34 (reserved) excluding ticket fees. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online through Ticketmaster or by telephone by calling the ASU KERR Box Office during Box Office hours (Wednesday – Friday, 10am-5pm) at 480-596-2660. Ticket fee includes parking.

LINK TO TICKETS: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1900646DFB83EEE9

CAST BIOGRAPHIES:To Be AnnouncedThe cast for this production features Amy Sperry as Melissa Gardner and Mike Arseneault as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Biographies will follow and be shared on social media.

ABOUT: SCOTTSDALE OLD TOWN THEATRE COMPANYScottsdale Old Town Theatre Company. (OTTC) is a new volunteer community theatre group produced by RecreateNow LLC that creates FRESH THEATRE. We are honored to perform at the historic ASU KerrCultural Center and share Louise Kerr’s passion for trailblazing as well and building a vital home and community for theatre arts.

Scottsdale OTTC’s inaugural production was the acclaimed original musical revue Songs From Film, which ran for four performances, January 15-18, 2026, at the historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center inScottsdale, Arizona.

The purpose of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company is to entertain, provoke, educate, inspire and move our audiences with our creative interpretations and storytelling.

Scottsdale OTTC Artistic Director Mike Arseneault was previously founder and artistic director for IOCO Players Theatre in Port Moody located in greater Vancouver, British Columbia. He has been active as a performer, director, and producer on theatre Boards for forty years in Toronto, Portland Oregon, Vancouver, B.C. and Scottsdale, Arizona.

To get involved or become a show sponsor of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company, contact them by email at scottsdaleottc@gmail.com.

Find out and follow Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company online at:Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/scottsdaleoldtowntheatrecompanyInstagram: www.instagram.com/scottsdaleoldtowntheatreco

Love Letters, co-presented with Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company
2026-05-24 14:00 - 15:30
Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company Presents…“LOVE LETTERS” By A.R. Gurneyfor a Special Engagement with Two Performances Only,at ASU Kerr in Scottsdale.

Pulitzer Prize Nominated “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney“You cannot stage a play more simply than this, and yet it’s about everything in life. First love, loss of opportunities, loss of life, loss of love…It’s a beautiful play, and all you do is speak it.”

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama (1985), this classic American serio-comedy has been performed and loved around the world. In its simplest form, it is a story of friendship and love that spans fifty years all told through love letters exchanged between the two character, Andrew and Melissa. The play explores the lives and relationship two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. This funny and touching work is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”

Director Mike Arseneault says, “This beautiful piece of theatre has been a passion of his for a lifetime across four cities and two countries”. This will be the fifth production of “Love Letters” that he has produced in the United States and Canada. Audiences fall in love with the characters, the relationship and the situations. It’s storytelling at its finest. “The audience will laugh out loud and be moved to tears as the stories and incredible friendship unfolds” says director Mike Arseneault.

A perfect way to celebrate love! Get ready for some belt laughs and bring a tissue or two. Thanks to the enduing power of “Love Letters”, it has attracted many international actors and famous couple to play the roles of Andrew and Melissa. They include Holland Taylor and A.R. Gurney (original cast), Joanna Gleason and John Rubinstein, Kathleen Turner and John Rubinstein, Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards, Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy, Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen and Anjelica Huston, Stacy Keach and Diana Rigg, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke, Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti, Brooke Shields and John Slattery. Other famous film and TV performers Hollywood Legends: Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Charlton Heston, Julie Harris, Christopher Walken, Sigourney Weaver, Sissy Spacek, Laura Linney and Steven Weber (who starred in the 1999 television adaptation), Jeff Daniels, William Hurt, Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton and Keir Dullea.

This production presents the script as originally written, which includes outdated cultural depictions, strong language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences Ages 16+.

This volunteer production is directed by Mike Arseneault, artistic director and executive producer of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company and presented in collaboration with ASU Kerr.

Love Letters is produced with special licensing permission from Concord Theatricals, 250 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10107-0102.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:WHEN (TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY):Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 7:00 pm evening performanceSunday, May 24, 2026 – 2:00 pm matinee performance

WHERE (VENUE):ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

TICKETS:Tickets are $27 (general admission) or $34 (reserved) excluding ticket fees. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online through Ticketmaster or by telephone by calling the ASU KERR Box Office during Box Office hours (Wednesday – Friday, 10am-5pm) at 480-596-2660. Ticket fee includes parking.

LINK TO TICKETS: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1900646DFC65F00D

CAST BIOGRAPHIES:To Be AnnouncedThe cast for this production features Amy Sperry as Melissa Gardner and Mike Arseneault as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Biographies will follow and be shared on social media.

ABOUT: SCOTTSDALE OLD TOWN THEATRE COMPANYScottsdale Old Town Theatre Company. (OTTC) is a new volunteer community theatre group produced by RecreateNow LLC that creates FRESH THEATRE. We are honored to perform at the historic ASU KerrCultural Center and share Louise Kerr’s passion for trailblazing as well and building a vital home and community for theatre arts.

Scottsdale OTTC’s inaugural production was the acclaimed original musical revue Songs From Film, which ran for four performances, January 15-18, 2026, at the historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center inScottsdale, Arizona.

The purpose of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company is to entertain, provoke, educate, inspire and move our audiences with our creative interpretations and storytelling.

Scottsdale OTTC Artistic Director Mike Arseneault was previously founder and artistic director for IOCO Players Theatre in Port Moody located in greater Vancouver, British Columbia. He has been active as a performer, director, and producer on theatre Boards for forty years in Toronto, Portland Oregon, Vancouver, B.C. and Scottsdale, Arizona.

To get involved or become a show sponsor of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company, contact them by email at scottsdaleottc@gmail.com.

Find out and follow Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company online at:Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/scottsdaleoldtowntheatrecompanyInstagram: www.instagram.com/scottsdaleoldtowntheatreco

Comedy @ Kerr
2026-05-27 19:30 - 21:00
Get ready to laugh at our bimonthly comedy series, Comedy @ Kerr!

We collect donations for Vista del Camino Food Bank. Hygiene items are especially needed but non-perishable food items are great, too!

This event is every other month on the last Wednesday.

THIS EVENT IS 18+, bar for 21+ with ID

Leigh CummingsLeigh Cummings has been delighting audiences with her high-energy stand-up comedy for over a decade. She was born and raised in Tucson, AZ, but now calls the bright lights of Phoenix home. She was a semi-finalist in Arizona’s Funniest Comedian contest and was selected for the Four Corners Comedy Festival. She enjoys performing for a variety of audiences as her comedy is versatile and includes clean comedy sets and performances for women’s groups. Leigh shares the humor in life along with the joys and pains of singledom and womanhood.

Nicole RiesgoA former English teacher, security guard, and 2nd place winner in a toddler beauty pageant, Nicole is an Arizona-based comedian praying she doesn’t miss the light. Described as “oblivious, but in a good way” by friends, as a “detriment to the workplace” by her employer, and as “alert and well-nourished” by her physicians, Nicole has yet to meet a situation she can’t make awkward. When she isn’t third-wheeling her parents at local casinos and Mexican restaurants, she’s spending her evenings tipping bartenders to be her friends, trading traumas with strangers, and reminiscing about her flip-phone-owning days. Find her on Instagram as duchessofsouthtucson, where she enjoys curating stories for former coworkers, loyal bots, and brand-new comedy show friends.

Chase HarterChase Harter is from Phoenix, Arizona his comedy is best known for the erratic levels of ADHD sparking his many interests (which include but are not limited to: Muay Thai Fighting, Oil Painting, niche ways to exercise, dogs, thrifting, archery, etc.) Mixing feel-good sarcasm with a smile while easily navigating being openly gay in a red state, but not making it his full personality, his clever delivery and quick wittedness is unmatched. Chase was recently awarded Best Of Fest at Big Pine Comedy Festival in Chandler.

Peter JordanPeter Jordan is a comedian.

Sari BeliakSari Beliak is a writer and comedian from Phoenix, AZ. She is a former senior contributing writer for The Onion and regular contributor to sites like The Hard Times, Reductress, and McSweeney’s. Her comedy album ‘Dead Dog Mom’ (released on Burn This Records) debuted at #1 on iTunes in May of 2025. She was a guest writer on your favorite NPR news quiz show, ‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.’ She hosts and curates a comedy show at the historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Old Town Scottsdale. Sari has performed at Bird City Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Fest, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Treefort, and Laugh Riot Grrrl Fest. In 2020, she was a finalist for NBC’s Late Night Writers Workshop, which was an otherwise totally normal and chill year.

CONTENT WARNING: This show is 18+. There may be strong language and adult situations.

Spiritual Thing: Sound Healing
2026-05-30 19:00 - 21:00
Immerse yourself in this intentional, exhilarating and safe container of sonic bliss! Hear and feel why these artists have sold out every ASU Kerr show, and be welcomed into the positive community connecting through Spiritual Thing.

Back for a fourth round of heart-opening joy, Spiritual Thing brings sound healing to a new level, offering you a one-of-a-kind hypnotic, analog-meets-digital experience crafted to realign mind, body and spirit.

Their sessions feature the vibrations of an amazing menagerie of sacred global instruments including crystal singing bowls, native flutes, resonant gongs, chimes and more.

Spiritual Thing merges layers of lush synthesizers, harmonizing mantras and soothing vocals with the analog warmth of vintage electric piano and the venue’s unique 1899 Steinway grand piano, then lifts them higher with heavenly effects.

Encourage balance for yourself and others as you feel these frequencies and dive deeply into the waves of their meditative soundscapes. This is space music in more ways than one.

IMPORTANT DETAILS: For this event, guests can choose between three ticketing levels:

-Traditional seating is available in the pews.

-For a more meditative experience, you’re invited to bring your own mat for a pit-level floor or upper level space. Most patrons in these sections lie down for the majority of the event. You are welcome to quietly stretch or sit in your space.

Each mat space is about 3’x6′ per person on the venue’s tiled floor; keep this in mind when selecting your mat as capacity is extremely limited. If your mat is bigger you may not be accommodated. Please note that mat spaces in the GA Upper Level are also on the floor, not in a seat.

For those purchasing mat space tickets, we encourage comfortable clothing and recommend bringing these items as you will be on the venue’s tiled floor:

-yoga or camping mat

-blanket

-eye covering

-pillow

These items will not be provided by the venue. The recommended supplies will help you relax more completely and ease into the restorative sound healing practice.

Each section is general admission, with no reserved spaces.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Arriving by this time is encouraged to get the best selection of space or seating.

$78 for mat space in the pit (GA FLOOR)$68 for mat space on the upper tier (GA UPPER LEVEL)$48 for a pew seat (GA PEWS)

Livestream ticket also available for $36! Watch from the comfort of your own space, no in-person attendance for this ticket type. You must email boxoffice@asukerr.com after purchase to provide the name on the ticket order and the email address associated with your YouTube account. You must be signed into the same YouTube/Google account to view the livestream.

buy livestream ticket

Let's Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac
2026-06-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-06-28 14:00 - 16:00
Conceived by Rod Ambrose | Directed by James E. Garcia

Visionary Phoenix cultural leader Rod Ambrose invites you to experience the transformative power of spoken word theatricalized in Let’s Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac. This vibrant “Word Music” showcase features the likes of renowned jazz trumpeter Gabriel Bey, Culture-Hub PHX founder and poet Chris “Truth-B-Told” Owens, artist, poet and choreographer, Therosia Reynolds and spoken word artist and poet Rashaad Thomas. Under the charged direction of James E. Garcia, the cast creates a tapestry of voices, bridging the eloquence of William Shakespeare to the raw, urban poetry of Tupac Amaru Shakur. The show is infused by themes—love, justice, struggle and the enduring activism of hope—that have echoed across generations. Let’s Rock… is more than a performance, it’s a tribute to language as a force for change, a testament to the lasting impact of storytelling and the celebration of artistry and activism.

Comedy @ Kerr
2026-07-29 19:30 - 21:30
Get ready to laugh at our bimonthly comedy series, Comedy @ Kerr! Join us in the Kerr Studio in the heart of Scottsdale for stand-up comedy from rotating guests. This event is every other month on the last Wednesday.

THIS EVENT IS 18+, bar for 21+ with IDContent warning: There may be strong language and descriptions of adult situations.

Sari Beliak host and curatorInstagram @saribeliakSari Beliak is a writer, comedian and storyteller from Phoenix, Arizona. She is a former senior contributing writer to The Onion and has written for major comedy sites like The Hard Times, Reductress, ClickHole and National Lampoon. She was recently a guest writer on your favorite news quiz show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” on NPR. She was a finalist for NBC’s Late Night Writers Workshop in 2020, which was an otherwise totally normal and chill year.

Mo Kitazumi Instagram @mokitazumiMo Kitazumi entered the comedy scene during a midlife crisis, pursuing stand-up comedy one open mic at a time. She is an elementary school librarian by day and a stand-up comedian by night. Her comedy draws on her experiences as a woman, family life and the misadventures that happen because she always says, “Yes! And…?” Follow her on Instagram for the latest information on upcoming shows.

Wolf BrownInstagram @gilariouswolfWolf Brown is a Native American stand-up comedian from the village of Bapchule on the Gila River Indian Community. His comedy blends one-liners, storytelling and roasts, and he regularly performs throughout Arizona, including at casinos.

Sharing the experiences of a “rezzy” Native navigating a modern world, his material resonates with a wide range of audiences. He recently gained viral attention on TikTok. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @gilariouswolf. His comedy album “Gilarious” (pronounced “hilarious”), was released in September 2024.

Ashley RoseInstagram @ashleyrosecomedyAshley Rose, a Los Angeles native now based in Phoenix, performs throughout the Valley at venues including Stand Up Live, The Improv, Mic Drop Mania and Stir Crazy Comedy Club. An empty nester and mom to three French bulldogs, she brings a sarcastic, deadpan perspective to a wide range of relatable topics. She is the winner of the 2023 Funniest Person With a Day Job comedy competition.

MAOSHO
2026-09-06 16:00 - 18:00
MAOSHO brings together two acclaimed Japanese musicians whose backgrounds span traditional and contemporary music. Jazz pianist and trumpeter Mao Sone joins shamisen performer and folk singer Sho Asano for a program that blends Japanese folk traditions with jazz improvisation.

The duo combines the sounds of Tsugaru shamisen, piano, trumpet and voice in performances that explore connections between Japanese music and jazz. Following a series of well-received concerts in New York City in 2025, MAOSHO continues to share a collaboration that bridges musical traditions while creating something new.

Performers

Mao Sone, piano and trumpet

Sho Asano, shamisen and voice

Program includes

Sakura Sakura Fantasy — Mao Sone

HAYASHI — Mao Sone

My Favorite Things — Richard Rodgers (arr. Sho Asano)

Yagibushi — Japanese folk song (arr. Mao Sone)

About Mao SoneMao Sone is a Japanese pianist, trumpeter and composer known for his work across jazz and contemporary music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, he performs internationally as both a pianist and trumpeter.

About Sho AsanoSho Asano is a Japanese shamisen performer, folk singer and composer. A former child prodigy and award-winning performer, he has appeared throughout Japan and abroad, bringing traditional Japanese music to audiences around the world.

Feng E
2026-09-23 19:30 - 21:30
Taiwanese ukulele player Feng E returns to the United States.

Following a showcase at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans, Feng E brings his live performance to ASU Kerr. The concert offers audiences an opportunity to experience the skill and creativity that have made him one of the most widely recognized young ukulele performers in the world.

He gained international recognition at a young age through appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Asia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent, and has built an online audience of nearly 1 million YouTube subscribers.
