Music

Students perform at “Lit Lounge” in Scottsdale

When Valley students take over a gallery/performance space at a Scottsdale museum next month, they will perform something far different than your average talent...

Three ways to find auditions for kids

Maybe watching a television talent competition has inspired your child to get involved with singing or dancing. After seeing a musical, perhaps your teen...

Arts education: opera, theater and dance

“Childhood is a time when you find your voice and ways you can express it,” says Joshua Borths, education manager for Arizona Opera in...

Introducing kids to classical music

"My mom loved listening to Beethoven concertos at home," recalls cellist Laurie Stearns Selby of Phoenix. "I made up stories for them because they...

Helping kids enjoy live theater

Before her death last fall at the age of 56, Audrey Johnson was well-known to many Valley youth---including 13-year-old Sam Primack of Paradise Valley---as...

Symphony tackles bullying

Sometimes kids, like grown-ups, fight about things that don't really matter. So playwright and satirist Efraim Sidon, also know as "the Dr. Seuss of...

VYT performs “West Side Story”

Although it opened more than 50 years ago on Broadway, the musical "West Side Story" is filled with issues facing today's society, including bullying,...

Family fun with festivals

Not long ago, families were glued to screens watching Brazilian soccer fans in the stands who sported face paints in vibrant yellows, blues and...

Fun places to enjoy family-friendly concerts

When "Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival" rolls into town this September for a weekend of performances at U.S. Airways Center, families can enjoy concert...

“Jersey Boys” a fun choice for date night

Maybe you've driven the carpool while softly singing along with "Sherry," cooed the words to "My Eyes Adored You" during a romantic moment or...

Family fun with mariachi music

When the Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix presents "Family Day" this Saturday, July 26, museum-goers can enjoy not only exhibits filled with instruments and...

Arts enrich special-needs students’ lives at Hi-Star

Students at Hi-Star Center for Children in Phoenix performed their own take on a popular musical for more than 500 people in May. Their...

“Funny Papers” at ASU Art Museum

I remember reading the comic strips every Sunday as a child, sometimes rolling Silly Putty into flat pancakes I would press against the newsprint...

My Day at Camp: Quartet Camp

The sound from the string orchestra in the sanctuary at the Camelback Bible Church is slow and solemn as the students learn the difficult...

My Day at Camp: Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage

For well over a decade, I attended touring Broadway productions at ASU Gammage in Tempe with my youngest daughter Lizabeth. We eagerly awaited each...

Valley father writes new musical

"Certain stories just sing," says Peoria father Bobby Sample, who considers Hans Christian Andersen's "The Flying Trunk" one of those tales. Sample has written...

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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