Written by Stewart Downey

Brasil Fest is one of the most entertaining and exciting events of the year and it’s all happening this Friday September 9th 2011 at the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum). There will be beautiful live dancers performing on two stages, live art and visual displays and, of course, authentic Brazilian food and beverages. It is a great way to check out the world renowned Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix while also eating, drinking and dancing the night away.

The event is for those who are 21 and older, so call your babysitter and plan on having a fun-filled evening. General admission is $25 the day of the event and VIP tickets are also available at a price of $45 per ticket. Those tickets allow for exclusive access to certain designated bars and include 2 complimentary beverages.

This is the 2nd annual celebration, so come and learn about the history and culture that makes Brazil such a unique place.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.brasilaz.com.

A esperança vê-lo aí. (Hope to see you there)

Written by Alisha Collinson
Photos Courtesy of Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts

Fresh, unpredictable, and edgy.  This season’s line-up of “eye-opening” performances at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts is nothing short of just that.   The 2011-2012 season features a potpourri of performances ranging from dance, music, film, comedy, and world performance acts from Haiti, Colombia, Ireland and Japan.  SCPA, known for showcasing provocative and unorthodox performing arts continues to keep us intrigued and wanting more.  This season is certainly no exception.  Having been open to the public and a local destination for tourists and locals since 1975, the SCPA has always been the forerunner of edgy attraction for its showcase of events, performances, art shows and more.

Originally designed and constructed by the late local architect Bennie Gonzales, FAIA, the center featured simple and pure forms that resembled the classic Southwestern and Native-American themes.  Taking on a recent major renovation in 2009 by architect John Douglas, the space is now a modern, sleek, and collective space with many state of the art design and functionality aspects.  The space now features an intimate 853-seat Virginia G. Piper Theater enhanced by wood interiors and amazing acoustics.  Additionally, there is a 137-seat Stage 2 theater as well as an 1,800 capacity Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater.

This is not your typical art center featuring toured performances that have been around for decades, or even half a decade.  Some of the performances this season allows Scottsdale to be the first set of viewers.   So, if you could use some cultural stimulus, soul-shaking inspiration and thought-provoking entertainment, go get your tickets now!  Personally, I can’t wait for the Stephen Petronio’s Underland -featuring the music of Australian alternative rocker, Nick Cave.

While you’re there, don’t forget to walk the grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center Park, a lush 21 acre park of gardens, sculptures, fountains and outdoor stages is sure to soothe the soul.

Entrance to the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts

Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater – photo by Wen Hang Lin

By Stewart Downey
Photography Courtesy of MIM

The MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) had its grand opening in Phoenix, Arizona off Tatum and Mayo Boulevards just over a year ago.  They spared no expense in creating this amazing one-of-a-kind facility, from the beautifully finished music theater to the displays of instruments, costumes and artwork from around the world.  Even the “Café at MIM” has received recognition by local Arizona food critics for using high quality food that’s often locally grown.

When you first walk up to the building you cannot help but notice the beautiful architecture.  Upon entering you will be greeted by a friendly staff that is happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction.  The tour begins on the lower level and makes its way up stairs to explore 5 major regions of the world. These regions include Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the United States of America.

Whether you are a diehard music lover or just wanted to see what the buzz is all about you will be pleased you made it to the MIM.  Plus, who in their right mind wants to be outside when its 100 degrees.  For more information on the MIM please visit www.themim.org or call (480)478-6000.

Stars of the Season 2011 is going to be the hottest event of the year!

On November 12, 2011 supporters of Cardon Children’s Medical Center will attend an event at Montelucia Resort & Spa to raise money for the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. Guests will enjoy a night under the stars with the Brazilian-themed event “A Night to Remember” and will experience an edgy, fun evening filled with great food, signature drinks and desserts, and world-renowned rock star entertainment (to be announced soon!).

Monica Monson of Monson Luxury Group is the co-chair of this year’s event and is proud to give back to the community. “It is my absolute pleasure to work with the Banner Health Foundation and the Advisory Council on this year’s event. Our inaugural event last year was sold out almost instantly and the event was a big success. The Montelucia Resort & Spa is a magical place and will be the perfect backdrop to honor our Stars this year. My co-chair Tina Curran and I  couldn’t be more excited to raise funds for this first-of-its-kind facility for children in the Southwest.”

For more information about attending the event, sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please visit http://www.starsoftheseason.org.

Scottsdale’s Mayor and City Council will host the Scottsdale Breakfast Birthday Bash at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on June 25. Party goers will enjoy a free breakfast buffet and hear stories from Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s official historian.

Visitors can also visit with Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane and members of the City Council and see Scottsdale’s showpiece birthday cake, created by Chef Tracy DeWitt, Food Network competitor and Le Cordon Bleu Scottsdale instructor.

Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 8 a.m. The Ms. Senior Arizona Performing Group and Gary Sprague, the city’s Singing Cowboy, will be on hand to provide musical entertainment. Activities for kids will include vintage games like an obstacle course, rope a “horse,” bean bag toss and an egg relay. All will take place from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on the Civic Center Mall next to the arts center.

The Scottsdale Gem Wall will also be on display. This interactive public art piece was created for the city’s 60th anniversary celebration and features 60 bandanas, each folded with a message inside that celebrates Scottsdale’s history. Over the 60 day celebration, each bandana was removed and the messages were displayed on the wall.

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. Second Street. Parking is available in the Civic Center garage or in the Civic Center Library garage.

For more information on all of the Scottsdale 60 events visit www.Scottsdale60.com

Contact: Kim Hanna, Economic Vitality; Office: (480) 312-7612, khanna@ScottsdaleAz.gov

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NEWS RELEASE
June 14, 2011

Contact: Kate O’Malley, Aviation Planning & Outreach Coordinator, City of Scottsdale 480-312-8482

Scottsdale AirCenter now a gateway to Washington National Airport

Corporate aircraft and charter flights can now depart from Scottsdale and fly directly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code DCA), thanks to a new federal access standard earned by Scottsdale AirCenter, a fixed base operator at Scottsdale Airport.

The DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) allows certain pre-cleared general aviation operations to fly into Reagan National, which is considered a much more convenient option than other airports that serve the area.
Scottsdale Airport is now the only approved DASSP general aviation access point in Arizona, and for western states, Scottsdale Airport will be a convenient stopping point for those heading on to Washington, D.C.

“Scottsdale Airport, along with the airpark, has a tremendous economic impact on our city,” said Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane. “This enhancement will only make that stronger, making the facility even more attractive to Scottsdale businesses and those considering relocation here.”

“This is something that a lot of people wanted, and we are happy to be able to offer this service to our customers,” said Scottsdale AirCenter General Manager Tommy Walker.

Due to the unique aviation security needs in the nation’s capital, a maximum of 48 general aviation flights are allowed in and out of Reagan National each day. Operators who fly into the airport must arrive from an approved airport such as Scottsdale and meet the security requirements of the DASSP and the Transportation Security Administration.

Scottsdale AirCenter is one of two fixed base operators at Scottsdale Airport. Fi xed base operators are private companies that support general aviation activities such as charter flights, fueling and aircraft maintenance and storage.

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 9, 2011) – Banner Health Foundation, a philanthropic resource for the nonprofit Banner Health, will host the 2^nd annual Stars of the Season soirée benefiting Cardon Children’s Medical Center on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. The signature fundraising event for Banner Health’s only pediatric medical facility, the 2011 Stars of the Season has a goal of raising $250,000 in support of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center at Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

The Advisory Council of Cardon Children’s Medical Center, a dedicated group of community volunteers, is the driving force behind Stars of the Season. Tina Curran and Monica Monson are co-chairing this year’s event. Both women worked tirelessly to make the inaugural Stars of the Season a successful event that raised $170,000 for the medical center’s Integrative Pediatric Pain Management Program.

Much like the pain management program, rehabilitation is an integral part of the healing process. The Pediatric Rehabilitation Center is a comprehensive hospital-based program providing an array of critically important rehabilitation services for children from newborn to 18 years.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy and specialized programs including hand, voice, and feeding and swallowing therapy enable Cardon Children’s to manage the symptoms that affect a child’s ability to eat, breathe or speak and restore the functional activities associated with daily living. By forging unique partnerships between parents, caregivers and patients, Cardon Children’s is helping kids find their inner strength, reach goals and gain independence.

To purchase tickets or to inquire about Stars of the Season sponsorship opportunities, please contact Natalie Hood, director of Special Events at Banner Health Foundation, at (602) 747-GIVE (4483) or via email at Natlie.Hood@BannerHealth.com.

About Cardon Children’s Medical Center

Cardon Children’s Medical Center provides comprehensive pediatric care for children from newborn to 18 years. Our 248-inpatient bed medical center offers such services as emergency care, intensive care, neonatal care, general pediatrics, surgical and rehabilitation services, oncology, outpatient services and community education on topics related to prevention and children’s wellness. Cardon Children’s Medical Center is owned and operated by Phoenix-based Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country with 23 hospitals in seven states. In 2010, Thomson Reuters named Banner Health one of the Top Ten Hospital Systems in the U.S. To learn more about Banner Health go to www.BannerHealth.com

About Banner Health Foundation

Banner Health Foundation, a philanthropic resource for Banner Health, secures and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. Charitable contributions are invested locally to support programs and services in Banner’s nonprofit hospitals and health care facilities throughout Arizona. Established in 1978, Banner Health Foundation is supported by the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and thousands of active volunteers. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.org/BannerFoundation

*Editors: Please contact Banner Health Foundation for photos of the 2010 Stars of the Season event.

For more information about Cardon Children’s Medical Center, http://www.bannerhealth.com/cardonchildrens