Arts

World peace and local politics

As Arizonans prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, Lynn Trimble looks at a global movement to bring peace through music and an upcoming performance that'll make politics fun in the Valley of the Sun.

Theatre of the absurd

Absudity and parenting go hand in hand. Consider the stylings of preschoolers who insist on choosing their own outfits. Cell phones with special ring tones that signal teens to ignore the calls of parents. For a taste of absurdity in theater, and politics, there's SCC's current production of Eugene Ionesco's "Rhinoceros."

Free music under the stars

Feeling frazzled by fright night preparations? Take a break from sewing costumes and carving pumpkins to attend a free night of family-friendly music at Arizona State University in Tempe. Even refreshments, raffle tickets and kids crafts are free!

Stage Moms: Dana Wolfe Naimark

Lynn Trimble launches a new series profiling Valley stage moms who make a difference in the community -- while juggling all those glamorous stage mom gigs like set painting, teen taxiing and pot luck prep. Today, a Valley stage mom and child advocate...

Once upon a piano recital

A piano teacher named Judy has given Valley families many a gift through the years -- from good humor and perspective to musical training and moral support. Lynn Trimble shares another treasure she discovered thanks to teacher Judy's annual piano recital.

Women playwrights & Arizona theater

How does Stage Mom Lynn Trimble go from seeing a Hopi ceremonial calendar to pondering women playwrights? And how does she get from "This" at the Herberger Theater Center to the "Pandora Festival" at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts? It all makes perfect sense -- once you read today's post.

Stop the "Glee" bashing!

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores current events, the latest controversy to swirl around the television series "Glee" and the issue of minorities in Arizona.

"The Wiz" launches Greasepaint season

There's no place like home. Click your heels three times, then head to Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale for a show Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says she no longer loves to hate.

Art adventures: Queen Creek

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble begins a new series of art adventures -- exploring the Valley's many arts venues by city. Today she explores Queen Creek, starting with family-friendly offerings at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. See what else she discovered along the way.

Stories & songs with Bill Harley

Maybe you didn't make it to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix for the recent celebration of John Lennon's 70th birthday. No worries. Sunday will...

Storytellers grace Arizona stages

Stories don't just happen at bedtime. We hear, tell, experience and share them with every breath we take. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble hopes time with Twain, Lithgow and Harley will hone her storytelling instincts -- and yours as well. Learn when and where you can enjoy the finest in contemporary American storytelling right here in the Valley.

"Beauty and the Beast"

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble and her daughter Lizabeth enjoyed opening night of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at ASU Gammage in Tempe -- then spent time chatting with cast and audience members.

Piglet, Pooh & a bubble bath too!

Kanga wants Piglet to take a bath, but Piglet is ever so afraid. Will Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood come to Piglet's rescue? Find out as Fountain Hills Youth Theater presents "Winnie-the-Pooh" through Oct 24.

The world of film

The diversity of the Musical Instrument Museum's collection is matched by the diversity of their film offerings. Join Lynn Trimble as she travels the globe via the MIM's first annual film series, and learn more about Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' "Talk Cinema" series starting Tuesday night.

Bob Dylan meets suburbia?

Teen depression is nothing to laugh at. But it's tackled with good taste and a good measure of truth in the film "It's Kind of a Funny Story." Lynn Trimble offers a review while sharing a Dylan insight we might all do well to embrace.

Pumpkins & performing arts

From Halloween bunnies to haunted houses. Even dancing vampires take the stage this month as pumpkin day partners with the performing arts. Lynn Trimble explores fun ways to couple costumes with creative theater and dance.

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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