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

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

Contributed by: Intern Allison Lunsford, ScottsdaleLuxuryHome.com
Photos courtesy of: Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo

The 56th annual Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo returns to Scottsdale this year from February 17th – 27th. Spectators come from all over to marvel at these beautiful creatures and enjoy competitions while taking in the Arizona weather this time of year.

The Arabian Horse Show is one of the largest of it’s kind in the world so it attracts top talent in multiple competitions and categories.

Children 12 and under are admitted free and general admission ranges from $7-$10/day. February 18th is Family Night Friday where families will be able to shop, have dinner, and enjoy the show for free after 3pm. For more information visit the official Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo web site at www.scottsdaleshow.com.

[View with PicLens]

Contributor: Allison Lunsford, Intern, ScottsdaleLuxuryHome.com

The “Greatest Show on Grass” is back in town until February 6th. Golfers like Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan (2010 Champion) and ASU Alumnus Phil Mickelson are back in full swing at the TPC giving all of us a chance to watch some golf, enjoy food and drinks, and soak in all that the Phoenix Open has to offer in Scottsdale.

The weather is always unpredictable with the Open events and this year is no different. Temperatures range from the 50′s to the 70′s throughout the week. If you want to get involved, you can participate in the Birdies for charity competition Thursday through Sunday for participating charities by pledging one cent or more for each birdie made by the PGA Tour players. At night, the Coors Light Birds Nest will be host to a variety of musical entertainment like the Doobie Brothers, O.A.R. and MetalHead with admission ranging from $25 to $175 per person.

For more information about the Waste Management Phoenix Open please visit http://www.wastemanagementphoenixopen.com

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is holding its 2011 live auction at Westworld in Scottdale on January 17 – 23rd. Throughout the weeklong auction, auto enthusiasts can preview all types of cars, from old classics to concept cars, enjoy food, entertainment and plenty of shopping.

Check out more at http://www.barrett-jackson.com.