ASU Kerr

The Local Spirits
2025-08-09 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix)
THE LOCAL SPIRITS are a Phoenix-based instrumental quartet that puts a creative spin on instrumental music. These four established Phoenix musicians have come together to create a musical group that channels Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Country, Blues, Middle Eastern, and World Music flavors into a style of their own. Guitar and mandolin twin harmonies are woven into drum and bass grooves, creating a genre-defying sound that makes this quartet uniquely creative. They released their 5-song EP in May 2024 and have been releasing singles of new material in preparation for a full-length album.

Bill Dutcher (Guitar)Bill has been an independent recording artist and performer for over 35 years. In that time, he has established himself as a nationally recognized solo-acoustic performer, studio musician, and music instructor. He is the producer of the Extreme Acoustic series at the Musical Instrument Museum, now in its tenth year. He has also represented L.R. Baggs Electronics and Lakewood Guitars from Germany at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade shows. Bill’s talents include six- and 12-string acoustic guitar, Hawaiian guitar, and the rare harp guitar.

Geoff Jouas (Drums/Percussion)Two days after graduating high school, Geoff hit the road as a full-time performer with his band EastonAshe. Over six years, he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout the Midwest and East Coast. He has an endorsement with The Maryland Drum Company, and still plays that kit to this day. Over his 20 years of drumming, Geoff has played with Jay Allan and The Uncommon Good, Rose Colored Eyes, Nameless Prophets, Capital Down, and American Dali. He brings a blend of passion, precision, and deep musicality to every performance.

Mark Miracle (Mandolin)An award-winning mandolinist, Mark Miracle has played Bluegrass/Americana music for over 40 years. His global performances and expertise have made him a sought-after bandmate, guest artist, and teacher. Mark’s style transcends traditional Bluegrass, embracing experimental sub-genres like Newgrass. He brings harmonic magic to the band’s songs through his spontaneous melodic interplay with acoustic guitar, crafting intertwined harmonies that leave a lasting impression.

Tracy Mortimer (Bass Guitar)A Denver native who’s called Arizona home for the past 38 years, Tracy began playing professionally at age 13 and is a graduate of the Musicians Institute Bass Program in Los Angeles, CA. He’s toured with an impressive list of artists and was the bassist for Sugarloaf in 1990. In 2004, he toured with Alligator Records recording artist Long John Hunter, and has also performed with The Drifters, The Platters, The Contours, and Melba Moore. Tracy is also a member of tribute bands Don’t Look Back (Boston) and Listen to the Music (Doobie Brothers), and was a founding member of The Groove Merchants and Chester White and the Soul Pigs.

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Rebels & Royals: A Shakespeare Event
2025-08-29 19:30 - 21:30
Rebels & Royals: A Shakespeare Event

Friday, August 29th

7:00pm – Community share

7:30pm – Show begins

Co-produced by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

Curated by The Bridge Initiative and Arizona Actors Academy

Get ready for a raucous, reverent, and revelatory evening of Shakespeare! Join a stellar cast of performers from across Arizona—including professional actors and standout students from Arizona Actors Academy—for a one-night celebration of the Bard’s most beloved scenes, sonnets, snippets and surprises. From tragic heroes to mischievous lovers, this is Shakespeare as it was meant to be: bold, alive, and deeply human.

And… you can participate! Starting at 7:00, we will host a 30-minute open mic for the community. Bring your favorite bard snippets to share.

**This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant fromScottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale. TheBridge Initiative projects this season are supported in part by a CCGgrant for general operations from the Arizona Commission on the Arts,which receives support from the State of Arizona and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

TBI Season Kick-Off Singalong with Lincoln, Amie & Brenda
2025-09-05 19:30 - 21:00
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new theatre season with YOU at the center! Singers from the community are invited to participate with short solos and 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 “new year” and raise the voices of our community.

To participate as a soloist, bring sheet music – no longer than 2 minutes, please. Sign up available at the door, first come, first served (we may run out of time). Be prepared to stay for the whole event as we will invite singers to the mic throughout the evening.

Co-produced by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

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

**This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant fromScottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale. TheBridge Initiative projects this season are supported in part by a CCGgrant for general operations from the Arizona Commission on the Arts,which receives support from the State of Arizona and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

Coffee at Kerr with Arizona Opera - Zorro
2025-09-17 10:30 - 12:00
Zorro

Join us for an exclusive look at the creation of Zorro, an opera inspired by the legendary masked hero.This special lecture will feature live musical performances and an exclusive preview of the production, offering insight into Armienta’s creative process and vision.

Trained in secret, Diego de la Vega returns home to a land ruled by oppression—and rises as Zorro, the masked swashbuckling defender of the people. Passions ignite and swords clash when he must battle corrupt power, confront lost love, and spark a revolution.

Performed in English and Spanish, the iconic masked avenger is reimagined in a gripping new crowd-pleasing opera that fuses soaring Puccini-inspired melodies with a Latin flair, a revolutionary spirit, and swords ablaze.”

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: September 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Comedy @ Kerr - September
2025-09-24 19:30 - 21:00
Lamar Mitchell, J.R. Insta @lamarmitchelljr

Lamar Mitchell, J.R. has been doing comedy for the past 10+ years, starting in Phoenix in 2014. A stand-up comedian, host, actor and writer, he is also the creative mastermind behind We Major Production that promotes comedy and other shows throughout the Valley. Lamar has opened for some big names in the business, including Lavell Crawford, Trevor Wallace and TMurph to name a few. He has also featured on the main stage of well known shows such as Chocolate Sundaes at Laugh Factory HW, Comedy Madness, Don’t Tell Comedy and Next Stop Comedy.Patrick Aiken Insta @LaughmissilePatrick Aiken dazzles on stage with a dry, biting sense of humor that leaves audiences in stitches. He has been a finalist in several comedy competitions and performed in Big Pine Comedy Festival and the Palms Springs Comedy Festival. Additionally, Patrick has hosted, headlined and produced countless shows across the Valley and also loves using AI to write his comedy bio. Saskia Bee Insta @BeeSaskiaTransplanted from the Deep South in 2018, Saskia is thriving as a desert weirdo, kicking up haboobs of mirth on every stage she hits across Phoenix. With an unused bachelor’s in psychology and years of therapy under her belt, she’s hailed as “remarkably well adjusted,” and is what her brother–in-law calls “an a**hole, but a charming one.”Her comedy influences range from Gilda Radner to Maria Bamford to Tina Fey with a few token males thrown in for looks. Saskia also does improv, mystery dinner theate and game show hosting at Game Show Battle Rooms! As one of the most beloved hosting personalities on the club circuit, Saskia has opened shows for Emo Phillips, Dennis Regan, Chris Kattan and Dusty Slay; but she would still do stand-up in a laundromat if you asked her nicely.

Sari Beliak Insta @saribeliak Sari 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.’ In 2020, she was a finalist for NBC’s Late Night Writer’s Workshop, which was an otherwise totally normal and chill year. She is the host and curator of Comedy@Kerr.

Chopin and Beyond: Executive Piano
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:45
Introducing Scottsdale’s Newest Musical Gem!Don’t miss the thrilling launch of the Executive Piano Series on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 2PM—a bold celebration of the European piano tradition, featuring the electrifying works of Mozart, Chopin, and Liszt.

Be swept away by some of the most challenging and expressive pieces ever written for the piano, including Liszt’s Spanish Rhapsody and Reminiscences de Norma, as well as Chopin’s Barcarolle Op. 60 and the hauntingly beautiful Nocturnes Op. 27 No. 1 and Op. 48 No. 1.

Performed by a remarkable group of young, award-winning pianists from across the U.S.—Robert Yan, Eric Shan, Leonard Mai, and David Liu—all current or former students of distinguished teachers Dr. Ivona Kaminska and Dr. Christopher Bowlby.

Representing the best of European elegance and American artistry, this concert promises a dazzling afternoon of technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Artistic Directors: Dr Ivona Kaminska Bowlby and Dr Christopher Bowlby are directors of the Chopin Academy of Music, Inc, Chopin Piano Arts, Inc, founders and presidents of the Seattle International Piano Festival and Competition. Extremely passionate about the classical piano repertoire, they devote their time to both teaching gifted students, performing, and creating many educational events and competitions to cultivate the best of classical piano traditions. For more info: www.chopin-piano-arts.com

Performers:Robert YanRobert is committed to life as an artist. His approach to music-making is closely tied to his observation of life. Through this lens, he has captivated audiences around the world with raw, visceral performances of Romantic repertoire. His favorite composer is Frederic Chopin, and his favorite pianist is Sergei Rachmaninoff, Josef Hoffmann a close second.

Robert began his piano studies with Dr. Christopher Bowlby at the age of seven. He later studied with Dr. Ivona Kaminska, Dr. Logan Skelton at the University of Michigan and Professor Alexander Korsantia at the New England Conservatory of Music.

As a youngster, he was the first prize winner of many local competitions in Washington State and performed frequently at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Some of his most recent achievements include the gold medal at the Seattle International Piano Festival and Semi-Finalist of the Chopin International Competion in Asia.

David Shichu LiuBorn in China, Shichu Liu began his piano journey at the age of four, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong devotion to music. With a rare blend of discipline, artistry, and technical brilliance, he quickly distinguished himself in competitions across China and the United States.

After relocating to Seattle, Shichu continued his musical development under the mentorship of Dr. Ivona Kaminska at the Chopin Academy of Music. He is currently pursuing his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston while remaining an active student in the Chopin Academy’s Outreach Program. There, he not only continues his training with Dr. Kaminska, but also serves as a practice instructor, mentoring the next generation of young pianists.

Shichu’s accomplishments include multiple First Prizes at distinguished competitions such as the 2015, 2016, and 2018 Bach Festivals, the 2016 Virtuoso Festival, the 2017 Chopin Festival of the Northwest, and the 2017 Outstanding Artists Competition of Washington State. He also earned Second Prize at the 2017 Simon Fiset Competition, a further testament to his consistent artistic excellence. In 2018, he was selected to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto in F minor, Op. 21 with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra at the esteemed Chan Centre in Canada.

A committed lifelong learner, Shichu has enriched his artistry through masterclasses with renowned pianists such as Dr. Logan Skelton, Dr. Christopher Bowlby, Dr. Peter Mack, and Dr. Sara Davis Buechner. His performances have graced prestigious venues including Benaroya Hall in Seattle and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City—milestones that mark him as a rising force on the international classical stage.

In addition to his academic and performance pursuits, Shichu is dedicated to sharing his love for music with others. He teaches private students and serves as the pianist at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Issaquah, WA. His journey is a vivid testament to the transformative power of music, and to a young artist’s unwavering commitment to excellence and expression.

Eric Yechong Shan:A native of Shanghai, the versatile young artist Yechong (Eric) Shan moved to Seattle in 2016, studying under Dr. Ivona Kaminska Bowlby at the Chopin Academy of Music. Since then, he has won first prizes in the Washington State Outstanding Artist Competition, Simon Fiset Competition, Carmel Klavier International, NLMF Concerto Competition in Minnesota, Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle, Grand Prize Virtuoso Festival, and received platinum in the 2023 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (piano solo category). Eric has performed on the stages of Carnegie Hall, Oriental Art Center in Shanghai, Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, Benaroya Hall, and many others. He has also coached with artists such as Alexander Tutunov, Logan Skelton, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Peter Mack, Douglas Humpherys, Xiang-Dong Kong, and Christopher Bowlby. Currently pursuing a degree in Music Technology at NYU, Eric is expanding his artistry through sound design, composition, and production. He continues to expand his artistic voice by creating original works that blend classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. He is especially interested in cross-genre storytelling through music and the emotional narratives that emerge from sound.

Children/Senior tickets are available through the box office for $20.

Unstandard: Songs in the Key of She
2025-10-06 19:30 - 21:00
Unstandard: Songs in the Key of She

Featuring Felicia Penza with Cory Dugar

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

A genre-bending cabaret built from deep cuts, unsung verses, and the kind of songs you stumble on when your heart needs saving. Unstandard isn’t a tribute—it’s a mixtape of memory, longing, and reinvention, told through the soulful edges of artists like Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Marley, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

Singer Felicia Penza with Pianist Cory Dugar takes the audience through 10 musical movements—charting a course from infatuation to unraveling to epiphany—with storytelling, humor, and R&B/jazz-infused reinterpretation. From the B-sides of breakups to the grooves that kept her grounded, she reclaims each track as a personal act of reflection, healing, and self-love.

Whether you know the songs or not, you’ll feel the through-line:

a woman unspooling her story—on her own terms, in her own key.

And… you have a chance to perform! Before each musical cabaret, bring your sheet music to sing during the 7 pm preshow. Please come early and sign up – first come, first served! Doors open at 6:45pm.

**This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant fromScottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale. TheBridge Initiative projects this season are supported in part by a CCGgrant for general operations from the Arizona Commission on the Arts,which receives support from the State of Arizona and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

Colored Lights
2025-10-12 19:00 - 20:30
Step right up to an unforgettable evening of song, dance, and wonderment at this carnival inspired concert! Nicole Larsen, international performer and Arizona Opera Ambassador, presents her most intimate show yet. Through selected songs from the operatic and musical theater repertoire, she weaves a tale which tells the personal journey of chasing dreams, getting caught up in this world and what is has to offer, getting pulled down by lies and enticements only to realize her soul longed for something more. Vulnerable and engaging, Nicole will challenge and encourage you on your own life journey.

Joining forces is Dr. Klara Kukumi – one of Arizona’s premier collaborative pianists. Born and raised in Albania, Klara graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Fine Arts in Tirana, and furthered her musical education by earning a master’s degree from Brigham Young University, a diploma of pianist studies from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate from Arizona State University. Nicole is so happy for the continued friendship and collaboration with Dr Kukumi. Her passion and artistry are sure to leave you inspired!

Sharing the stage is world class tenor, Javier Gonzalez. He is recognized for the “precision and soaring beauty of his tone,” and has been described by music critic and composer Daniel S. Crafts as a “…bold arresting tenor… with a shining lyricism.” Having studied under such singers as Medea Namoradze-Ruhadze, noted Georgian soprano, and under Professor Leslie Umphrey at the University of New Mexico, he has performed in concert and opera productions playing the roles of Javier in Luisa Fernanda, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Canio in I’Pagliacci, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Don Jose in Bizet’s Carmen, Edgar in Puccini’s Edgar, Roberto in Puccini’s Le Villi, and Opera Southwest’s revival debut of Franco Faccio’s Amleto playing the role of Laerte. Notably, Mr. Gonzalez has performed with world-renowned tenor Placido Domingo on the Kennedy Center opera stage and has also performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City under the baton of world-renowned composer John Rutter.

Join us for an experience you’ll never forget! With special guests Christal Roundtree, Molly Sunderhaus, and Vivian Aldrete, this stupendous cast is sure to delight the senses and awaken the soul. There is something for everyone to enjoy! With one night only, you won’t want to miss this once in a lifetime event!

Trío Guadalevín
2025-10-14 19:30 - 21:00
Trío Guadalevín took shape in 2014 when three distinct musicians gathered to explore a common interest: musical connections between Mexico and the Mediterranean. Employing a wealth of instruments and techniques the trio researches and often reimagines the musical dialogue between Indigenous, European and African cultures, which define Latin American identity. The ensemble takes a fresh, innovative approach to music with deep roots: from the son huasteco and son jarocho of Mexico, to Afro-Oaxacan music, Sephardic Jewish melodies, Spanish fandangos and xácaras, Arab-Andalusian song and Italian ciaccona and tarantella. Instruments including the guitar, oud, theorbo, baroque guitar, vihuela, jarana, quinta huapanguera, harp, bendir, riqq, bombo, pandero cuadrado, pandereta, teponatzli, cajón and more.

The trio’s commitment to education and community outreach parallels its concert performances. It works extensively with multiple school districts with high numbers of students of color and low-income youth, as well as libraries, grassroots cultural organizations. It has adapted its interactive content for K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade level strands, connecting to concepts from 21st century skills, cultural equity and social studies. The trio presents in English, Spanish or bilingually. Highlights of educational work include shaping children’s poetry into songs and engaging high schools students of World History, Human Geography, Spanish and Music.

Percussionist Antonio Gómez has studied across Latin America and in Morocco, Spain and Italy. He designs arts education programs and curricula as the Associate Director of Education at Tacoma Arts Live and has produced performing arts and curricular content for universities and PBS. Abel Rocha is a Mexico City-born folklorist, singer and multi-instrumentalist who performs music of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Chile and Argentina. He is a foundational member of groups including Correo Aereo and Los Flacos and was recently the subject of the KCTS 9 Seattle Emmy-nominated documentary, Los Artistas. August Denhard performs on lute, theorbo, baroque guitar, oud and vihuela. He is a founder of the Eurasia Consort, and has appeared with Baroque Northwest, the Concord Ensemble and Chicago Music of the Baroque. He is the Executive Director of Early Music Seattle, where he has produced events with Jordi Savall, among others.

The trio has collaborated with Ensamble Continuo Tembembe (Mexico City), Orquesta Sonora Barroca (Guadalajara), Orquesta Northwest’s Latino Chamber Music Festival, Washington State poet laureate Claudia Castro-Luna, La Sala Seattle, international authority on Sephardic Jewish and Iberian music, Paco Díez, Israeli percussionist Dror Sinai, world flute artist Gary Stroutsos, Alma Cimarrona Danza Experimental (Mexico City), Bailadores de Bronce (Seattle), Afro-Venezuelan dancer Milvia Pacheco, Northwest Folklife, the Washington Center for Cultural Traditions and others.

The ensemble’s project, Raíz y Rama, to lead encounters in Mexico and share musical dialogue with Latino majority communities of Eastern Washington received a major award from Artist Trust. Other granting agencies recognizing the ensemble and its members include the National Endowment for the Arts, Jubilation Foundation, 4Culture, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, Jack Straw and Tacoma Office of Arts and Cultural Vitality. It has participated in multi-artist projects including Migrations: Forced & Chosen at the National Race & Pedagogy Conference and Diásporas en Diálogo for Festival Latinx. Early Music festivals to their credit include Berkeley Early Music Festival, Early Music Seattle, and the Early Music America Summit.

Website

MOHSEN NAMJOO LIVE IN SCOTSDALE / SOLO PERFORMANCE & MINOOOR
2025-10-17 20:00 - 21:30
Mohsen Namjoo, singer songwriter, music scholar and Setar player who seamlessly blends classical Persian music with electric guitar, Rock and the Blues will perform on October 17th at ASU Kerr, Scottsdale AZ.

This evening will showcase Mohsen Namjoo’s musical prowess, beginning with a solo performance from his new ‘Minooor’ project, followed by another solo set after a short intermission.

The new “Minooor” Project starts the first part of the program which features a solo performance by Mohsen Namjoo, with videos playing in the background accompanying the performance as an audio/visual journey through a small segment of contemporary Iranian history. Essentially, Namjoo invites us to revisit our auditory and visual memories and recall the sounds that permeated lives in the 1980s.

General Admission seating is first come, first served.

NOTE: Organizer has the right to refuse service or suspend or revoke access privileges to any guest who is not following rules, unreasonably rowdy or disturbing the use and enjoyment of others, including Artists staff and volunteers.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL, NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED!

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - Piano studio of Baruch Meir
2025-10-21 10:30 - 12:00
Piano studio of Dr. 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: October 7 at 10:30 a.m.

See Jane Run: An Indo Story
2025-10-27 19:30 - 21:30
See Jane Run: An Indo Story

Monday, October 27

7:30pm – Show begins

Runtime: 75 minutes

A solo memoir play written and performed by Guest Artist Dr. Jane Vogel Mantiri

co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

This play is a universal story that confronts grief, inspires hope, and is steeped in love. It is an exhale after decades of silence.

Indo refugee immigrants fleeing Indonesia after World War II suppressed their Indo identity because it was a source of danger and shame. Indos wanted their children to be spared the pain, and encouraged, cajoled, and pressured them to assimilate to a new culture. Now Indos around the world are calling out to each other to tell their stories, and reclaim their identity before the culture vanishes. For their ancestors and for future generations, the rich legacy of Indo culture lives on in storytelling.

This play is one Indo’s story about love, loss, generational trauma, racism, forced displacement, resilience, and being happy. Jane’s dream is to tour her play in Indonesia, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States, retracing her family’s Indo refugee odyssey in honor of her family and the global Indo community.

“Dedicated to Mama whose magnificence was overshadowed

by a world riddled with storms.“

“If See Jane Run comes to a theatre near you, do not hesitate– go see it. Jane doesn’t just perform; she kills it. This is theatre at its most personal and potent, and it’s not to be missed.” -Sankar Raman, Founder of The Immigrant Story

“There were moments I couldn’t breathe, and other moments I couldn’t move. And by the end, I couldn’t speak. I was so overcome by all that I had seen and heard! Thank you for sharing yourself with us in this very personal and profound way!” -Leroy Bynum Jr., Dean of Portland State University School of the Arts

Co-directed by Andres Alcala and Jane Vogel Mantiri Sound and projection design by Andres AlcalaGraphic design by Kaelan StrousePhotography by Brooke Hoyer

CONTENT NOTE: This play references violence, abuse, and loss. Please prioritize your wellbeing as you attend See Jane Run.

**This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant fromScottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale. TheBridge Initiative projects this season are supported in part by a CCGgrant for general operations from the Arizona Commission on the Arts,which receives support from the State of Arizona and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

ASU Kerr Fall Fundraiser
2025-10-28 18:00 - 18:30
Jazz, Generosity and Joy: An Evening with Nicole Pesce and Renee Patrick LIVE

Get ready for a night that hits all the right notes!

Join friends and neighbors for an evening of live vocal jazz, R&B, fave tunes and more from the incredible pianist Nicole Pesce and vocalist Renee Patrick, whose joyous energy and fresh spin on classics will keep the mood fun and lively. Enjoy tasty bites, great drinks, and plenty of good conversation as we come together to support a great cause. It’s the kind of evening where the music swings and the people shine.

Reserve your spot for this fundraiser now and share your joy for our one-of-a-kind venue!

All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation, an independent private 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support ASU. Tax identification 86-6051042. Gifts in support of ASU are subject to foundation policies and fees. Due to the fair market value of benefits received, only payments in excess of fair market value may be considered a charitable contribution. This serves as the official tax receipt for the gift portion. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions. The ASU Foundation is not a recognized charity in Canada. Please contact www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving for more information.

Danae Döerken
2025-11-09 16:00 - 17:30
The Greek-German pianist Danae Döerken belongs to the elite of internationally sought-after artists of a new generation, who captivates audiences and fellow musicians alike with her breathtaking technique, extraordinary stage presence and musical depth. Songs and Images explores works inspired by the sounds and sights that shaped their composers. Schumann’s Forest Scenes are short musical depictions of nine settings he experienced when walking through the forest, while Schubert’s Fantasy Op. 15 is based on his own famous song “Der Wanderer” that speaks about trying to find happiness. Debussy captures three vivid impressions in sound, while Bartòk’s Romanian Folk Dances were influenced by folk tunes that he heard on the street. The program ends with two famous works by Liszt, his Love Dream No. 3 and his Rigoletto-Paraphrase, weaving together four operatic themes from his opera “Rigoletto”, singing together in harmonious unity.

Monday Night Musicals
2025-11-10 19:30 - 21:00
Monday Night Musicals

Catherine Ricafort McCreary & Seth Tucker with Tyler Bartlett and special guests

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

Eight-time Broadway performer Catherine Ricafort McCreary (Mamma Mia!, Cinderella, SpongeBob SquarePants) and award-winning local actor/director Seth Tucker present a fast-paced evening of musical theatre showstoppers. Monday, November 10 — bench the kick-off and join us for a melt-your-face-off, one-night-only Broadway cabaret. Joined by powerhouse guest artists Šime Košta, Natacha Bachour, Scott McCreary, Michelle Chin, Max Nussbaum, Dallyn Brunck, and Super Smack, plus music direction by Tyler Bartlett, they cut to the heart of musicals like Wicked, Falsettos, Book Of Mormon, Chicago, and more! It’s giving scene work, it’s giving belting, it’s giving full-out dance, comedy, and drama with surprises at every turn.

And… you have a chance to perform! Before each musical cabaret, bring your sheet music to sing during the 7 pm preshow. Please come early and sign up – first come, first served! Doors open at 6:45pm.

**This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant fromScottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale. TheBridge Initiative projects this season are supported in part by a CCGgrant for general operations from the Arizona Commission on the Arts,which receives support from the State of Arizona and the NationalEndowment for the Arts.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - Piano Students of Cathal Breslin
2025-11-18 10:30 - 12:00
Piano Students of Cathal Breslin

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: November 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Jarabe Mexicano
2025-11-21 19:30 - 21:00
A BORDEÑO SOUL CHRISTMASMake it a “Feliz Navidad” as Jarabe Mexicano brings their fun-loving exuberance to the stage! Standout vocalists Tavo Alcoser, Kevin Lomes, and Eddy Valencia combine with the dynamic stylings of guitarist Esteban Smith and Danny Brito on drums. Bilingual songs and stories from both sides of the border will entertain you! Sing along to classics made famous by Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee, Elvis, José Alfredo Jiménez, and Tony Camargo. Enjoy Jarabe’s breathtaking Spanish rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” in honor of Mexico’s Lady of Guadalupe. You won’t want to miss “A Bordeño Soul Christmas!”

Website (https://www.marianliebowitz.com/jarabe-mexicano)

Comedy @ Kerr
2025-11-26 19:30 - 21:00
Spend the night before Thanksgiving laughing at stand up comedy at Comedy at Kerr!

Patrick Bean brings his sharp East Coast wit and offbeat life stories to the stage. You may have seen him on Zen Comedy, Amazon Prime, Laugh After Dark TV.

We’ll welcome Olivia Witt, a Brooklyn-based comic whose cool, self-aware humor has earned her spots opening for Demetri Martin and Michael Longfellow.

Crickette Gill joins us, Phoenix’s own rising star known for her meta humor and award-winning sets, Funniest Comic in the Valley 2024, Best of Fest, Black Women in Comedy Laugh Fest.

Kick off the holiday weekend! Get some time out of the house and big laughs and great company at Kerr.

CONTENT WARNING: This event is 18+ due to adult language and situations. Bar for 21+ with ID.

This event is building community. Bring sealed, non-perishable food items or hygiene products to donate to Vista del Camino Food Bank. Hotel toiletries and packaged food products are perfect for donation.

Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue
2025-12-01 19:30 - 21:00
Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue

Created by Rebecca and Josh Weinstein

Co-presented by The Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr

Run time: 90 mins

A joyful Hanukkah musical revue celebrating Jewish culture through song, stories, and humor! A festive, cabaret-style concert packed with powerhouse vocals, singalongs, and winter favorites by Jewish composers. Created by local talents Rebecca and Josh Weinstein, this spirited show offers a vibrant alternative to the season’s usual holiday fare.

Oy to the World blends heartfelt Hanukkah songs (like Barenaked Ladies’ Hanukkah Blessings and Daveed Diggs’ Puppy for Hanukkah) with Broadway hits (“You Won’t Succeed on Broadway…” from Spamalot), joyful winter tunes by Jewish composers (“Let It Snow,” “My Favorite Things”), and community engagement moments like audience trivia.

And… you have a chance to perform! Before each musical cabaret, bring your sheet music to sing during the 7 pm preshow. Please come early and sign up – first come, first served! Doors open at 6:45pm.

**This project is funded in part by a grant from the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Great Phoenix.**

Learn more about The Bridge Initiative at bridgeinit.org

Sticks and Tones
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:00
Winter Journeys: Sparkling Sounds from Many Lands

Immerse yourself in winter’s sparkle with Sticks and Tones!

This holiday season, treat yourself to a concert that is at once innovative, immersive, and full of wonder. Pianist-composer Henry Flurry and percussionist Maria Flurry present an instrumental menagerie where musical celebration from six continents meets classic carols and original works. The result is a lively journey around the world’s holiday traditions, delivered with their signature humor, warmth, and creative spark.

This is no ordinary holiday concert. It unfolds like a world tour in sound. Playing piano, guitar, water, and world percussion, Henry and Maria will move you from the stillness of Gounod’s “Ave Maria” to the joyous festivity of Hanukkah, the sweet anticipation of Japanese Oshogatsu and more.

Experience songs in their original languages, Latin grooves, and familiar tunes, while steeping yourself in poetry and storytelling woven seamlessly into the program. This is a performance designed to kindle connection, curiosity, and joy in all ages!d appreciation for the sparkle of winter traditions worldwide.

An Instrumental Menagerie

On stage, Sticks and Tones create what has been described as an innovative instrumental menagerie. The performance brims with sound:

Piano and guitar lay a foundation of harmony, counterpoint, and song.

Vibraphone shimmers with crystalline warmth, its vibrato lifting audiences into moments of breathless stillness.

Water percussion adds a magical element, transforming bowls and droplets into voices that soothe and surprise.

Cajón, bells, castanets, tambourine, gongs, and cymbals bring global rhythms and festive sparkle.

Jingle bells and hand percussion connect playfully with traditions close to home.

Every instrument plays a role in an immersive soundscape that invites audiences to hear the season anew.

About Maria Flurry

Maria Flurry has soloed nationally, showcasing the marimba, vibraphone, and the expressive range of percussion. Her performances with the Detroit, Baltimore, Spokane, Phoenix, Toledo, and Annapolis Symphonies, as well as her principal timpani roles in the Flint, Flagstaff, and Arizona Philharmonics, attest to her versatility and artistry.

Audiences describe Maria’s vibraphone playing as spellbinding. She draws crystalline warmth from its bars, enveloping listeners in serenity. People tell her, “You made the water sing.” Her innovative techniques highlight the element’s versatility and strength, blending it with the piano’s rich resonance to create a sonic embrace. Whether exploring delicate textures or driving rhythms, Maria reveals the lyrical soul of percussion

About Henry Flurry

Henry Flurry is a composer, pianist, and artistic director whose musical journey began in New Orleans. Steeped in jazz, blues, classical, and sacred traditions, he brings this breadth of influence to everything he plays and writes.

At the piano, Henry creates a harmonic dance of humor, joyfulness, and lilt. His artistry tells a story—one shaped by a lifetime of experiences and a composer’s keen ear. As a composer, he has written works for orchestras, choirs, and chamber ensembles, often blending traditions in surprising ways: weaving flamenco dance rhythms into concertos or crafting lyrical lines for guitar and piano.

As Artistic Director of the Arizona Philharmonic, Henry curates seasons that bring top-tier musicians and innovative programs to Northern Arizona. On stage with Sticks and Tones, he shares his gifts as both storyteller and musician, engaging audiences with warmth and imagination.

About Sticks and Tones

Together, Maria and Henry formed Sticks and Tones to bring the joy of music directly to communities. Their performances have been described as playful, inventive, and transformative, with audiences praising the duo’s ability to blend storytelling, humor, and instrumental virtuosity.

Their artistic reach is grounded in genuine cultural curiosity. Both Maria and Henry have studied with musicians from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—learning languages, instruments, and traditions firsthand. These experiences enrich their concerts, giving audiences a deep sense of global connection.

The Best of Broadway: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber & More
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:00
The Best of Broadway: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber & More!

Spend a memorable evening with one of the world’s most beloved musical-theater composers, Andrew Lloyd Webber, interpreted by internationally acclaimed countertenor Terry Barber.

Barber breathes new life into hits from ten of Lloyd Webber’s most beloved shows, reacquainting you with characters from “CATS”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Evita”, “Aspects of Love”, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Sunset Boulevard”, Les Miserables, Hamilton, “The Phantom of the Opera”, and more!

“Barber has Star Quality” – Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Embracing audiences with his character and powerful yet ethereal voice, Barber is known for his extreme vocal range as a rare countertenor. As a past member of the multiple Grammy award-winning group Chanticleer, he has been a soloist at many of the world’s best venues from the Metropolitan Opera to Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall.

He can be heard on recordings alongside artists from Madonna, Jewel, Chaka Khan and Cyndi Lauper to the London Philharmonic. Terry’s recent album and tour, the music of Freddie Mercury was considered for 8 Grammy nominations.

Feelz like Christmaz Again with The Good Feelz
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00
Feelz Like Christmaz Again with The Good Feelz

Vocal trio of Lisa Fogel, Brian Sweis, and Adam Vargas

with Andria Fennig on piano and Derek Everett on drums

Back by popular demand! Feelz Like Christmaz Again is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends and The Good Feelz! Heartwarming melodies, humorous ditties, and sugarplum surprises will evoke the holiday spirit as this vocal trio presents seasonal classics, familiar favorites, and tunes that may just become new favorites. So, leave your resting Grinch face at the door, and experience for yourself why folks say this group connects so well with the audience…filling you with spirit and some warm and fuzzy good feelz. You’ll surely leave saying “FINALLY, it feelz like Christmaz again!”.

The Good Feelz- featuring Lisa Fogel, Brian Sweis, and Adam Vargas- are artists and friends who have crossed paths on and off stage for many years. With extensive vocal and theatre credits locally and across the country, the trio decided to bring their talents together in 2017 to create something we could all use a little more of- The Good Feelz…featuring tight harmonies, strong vocals, original arrangements of hit songs, original songs, and a whole lot of fun!

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - ASU Community Flute Ensemble
2025-12-16 10:30 - 12:00
ASU Community Flute Ensemble

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: December 2 at 10:30 a.m.

This is a hybrid event, watch the livestream or archived video on our YouTube channel!

A Winter's Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends
2025-12-18 19:00 - 21:00
Five-time GRAMMY nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist David Arkenstone returns this holiday season with A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends, his ever-popular concerts that fill audiences with joy and the holiday spirit. On stage, David and his talented ensemble ignite the season with beloved holiday classics reimagined, lively seasonal originals, and surprises that get audiencesclapping and celebrating together.

The 16-date run brings a vibrant musical blend of neo-classical crossover, new age, Celtic, orchestral, and world music to performing arts centers and intimate venues across the US. David Arkenstone’s performances feature a wide array of instruments: guitars, keyboards, flutes, violin, cello, mandolin, bass, viola, drums, and percussion, brought to life by his band of virtuoso musicians, who infuse every candlelit stage with spirited, festive energy.

'Tis the Season with Shana Bousard and Brian Runbeck
2025-12-21 14:00 - 17:00
Back by popular demand!

Known for their signature blend of humor and heart, Shana Bousard and Brian Runbeck return for their 6th holiday cabaret in the past 8 years! Joined by the ever-talented Joe Bousard on piano and vocals, and Scott Hay on percussion, this festive foursome serves up 90 minutes of holiday favorites, unexpected twists, and musical merriment.

Whether it’s classic carols or quirky surprises, this show promises fun, silliness, heartfelt moments, and a touch of spontaneous joy — all wrapped up in a music-filled package perfect for the season!

The Yale Whiffenpoofs
2026-01-09 19:30 - 21:30
The Whiffenpoofs of 2026 are incredibly excited to perform at ASU Kerr, singing a mix of classic and contemporary favorites! This concert kicks off their tour of Phoenix, Arizona, the hometown of current member Lucas Oland. Every year, 14 senior Yale students are selected to be in the Whiffenpoofs, the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. Founded in 1909, the Whiffs began as a senior quartet that met weekly at Mory’s Temple Bar. Today, the group has become one of Yale’s most celebrated traditions. Singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year. In past years, the Whiffs have sung for Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Reagan, and at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. They’ve even been featured on television shows such as The Sing Off, The West Wing, and Glee.

Valencia Baryton Project
2026-01-10 19:30 - 21:00
What Jurassic Park did for the dinosaurs, the Valencia Baryton Project has done for an extinct instrument that once roamed the earth (or at least the concert halls of Europe in Haydn’s day)!

Haydn wrote nearly 170 works for the baryton, including 126 for this combination. In addition VBP has commissioned and performs crowd-pleasing new works that breathe new life into the old instrument.

Founded by Matthew Baker, one of only a handful baryton performers in the world, the Valencia Baryton Project has delighted and fascinated audiences in over 100 concerts throughout North, Central and South America as well as Europe and Asia.

“Delightfully inventive” —The Strad

Learn more at their website (https://www.valenciabaryton.com/)

Songs from Film: A Musical Revue
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00
SONGS FROM FILM – A MUSICAL REVUE

Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company presents an intimate revue of songs and musings from classic musicals that became films, and a selection of unforgettable songs from cinema that continue to move and inspire us.

In this production we are taking familiar and iconic songs from musicals and loved films and presenting them is a FRESH way. Our goal is to entertain, provoke, educate, inspire and move our audiences with our creative interpretations.

Songs From Film features a variety of known local talent including 2025 ariZoni Theatre Award winners Taylor Underwood, Chris Gamble, as well as Shelby Hanks, Mars Ungor, Liana Harper Cruz, Mara Chiles, Grant West and Mike Arseneault.

Songs from Film is conceived and directed by Mike Arseneault, with Musical Direction from Thomas Hartwell.

The singers will be supported on-stage with a multi-image slide show and top local musicians on grand piano, violin, drums and guitar.

FOUR PERFORMANCES JAN 15-18, 2026

There are four performances at the Historic ASU Kerr. Doors open at 6:30, 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is general admission, arrive early for best selection.

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES

Thursday, January 15, 7:00 pm – click for tickets

Saturday, January 17, 2:00 pm – click for tickets

Saturday, January 17, 7:00 pm – click for tickets

Sunday, January 18, 2:00 pm – click for tickets

Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company is a new volunteer community theatre group produced by RecreateNow LLC that creates FRESH THEATRE. We are honored to perform at the historic ASU Kerr and share Louise Lincoln Kerr’s passion for trailblazing while building a home and community for all arts.

If you want to get involved or become a future show sponsor, contact us by email at scottsdaleottc@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scottsdaleoldtowntheatrecompany

Fresh Theatre: Historic Plays, Film Classics, Iconic Songs.

This production runs approximately two hours, including one 15 minute intermission. There is a bar with refreshments available. This musical revue is suitable for all ages, but may be more appropriate for audience members age 12 and up.

Americana
2026-01-16 19:30
Come celebrate the greatest songs of the ’60s and ’70s from legendary American singer-songwriters and bands.

Americana is a show that features four fantastic vocalists performing timeless songs from American singers and songwriters like Simon & Garfunkel, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beach Boys, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Jim Croce, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Seals & Crofts, Carole King, Judy Collins and many more.

This show celebrates an era of lasting classics with beautiful four and five-part vocal harmonies. Hear your favorite tunes in the wonderful acoustics of ASU Kerr!
