Music

Pardon my Pandora

When Lynn Trimble learned of the 5th Annual Pandora Festival, featuring staged readings of works by women playwrights at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this weekend, she began musing about all things "Pandora" -- with some unexpected results.

Gilbert & Sullivan on Valley stages

Lynn Trimble shares news of two Gilbert & Sullivan works coming to Valley stages -- one a youth theater production in the West Valley, the other a community college production in the East Valley -- then previews the 2011/12 season for Theater Works in Peoria.

Moms in musical theater

Lynn Trimble has mothers (and a few fathers) on the brain as she considers straight plays and musicals headed to Valley stages in coming days and months -- starting with "Mamma Mia!" opening May 17 at ASU Gammage in Tempe.

Last chance: Latino roots

Arizona is home to all sorts of Latino arts and culture. There's nothing last chance about that. But one offering, the "American Sabor" exhibit at...

Art adventures: Arizona Capitol Museum

Lynn Trimble revisits the Arizona Capitol Museum, a family favorite when her three now-grown children were younger because of its diverse exhibits and hands-on activities -- then shares news of a musical theater production that teaches civics through catchy song and dance.

Home sweet theater

Lynn Trimble spent part of last Saturday with young performers and their parents working to prepare Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale for their May 20-June 19 run of "Willy Wonka, Jr." in Cullity Hall.

Free museum days!

Lynn Trimble shares a sampling of Valley museums offering free or discounted admission in celebration of this year's "International Museum Day" -- plus tips for making museum time with children more enjoyable.

Charmed (literally) by Childsplay

Lynn Trimble recounts an evening spent with Childsplay friends and supporters, and shares a bit about an auction find she hopes daughter Lizabeth will carry along with her as she journeys to NYC to study theater this fall.

GRAMMY Foundation honors Arizona school

Lynn Trimble shares news of an Arizona school being honored by the GRAMMY Foundation, and previews the school's upcoming "Showcase" at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix.

Gifts for mom

Soon I'll be heading to the local nursery, searching for colorful blooms to freshen up flower pots my mother-in-law keeps on her front patio. I...

Jennifer's marching orders

When Lynn Trimble's daughter Jennifer, who likes musical theater about as much as Lynn likes plane geometry, told her about an upcoming production coming to Mesa Arts Center, Lynn decided to check out all things musical theater in Mesa.

Schoolhouse Rock

Lynn Trimble suggests activities for parents of elementary-age children that'll help make learning about things like math, science and social studies fun.

Remember and act: Japan

I learned just this morning of a classical concert to benefit earthquake victims in Japan. It's taking place at 7pm on Sat, May 7,...

The many faces of Childsplay

Lynn Trimble previews Friday's gala to benefit arts in education programs at Childsplay in Tempe, then reveals details about what Childsplay artists do in their "spare time."

Children's Book Week

Lynn Trimble explores local celebrations of "Children's Book Week" while wondering what children are supposed to do with the other 51 weeks in the year.

Art meets Arizona Town Hall

If hearing the term "town hall" conjures images of angry protests and partisan politics, Lynn Trimble has some refreshing news. Turns out there's an "Arizona Town Hall" event taking place this week in Tucson that's perfectly civilized -- and focused entirely on Arizona arts and culture.

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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