Music

New MIM exhibit honors women rockers

If you gathered women from three generations and asked each to recall the music played during her senior prom, you’d get three very different...

MARK DIX: The challenges of childhood music lessons

Phoenix Symphony violist Mark Dix talks about the challenges of childhood music lessons, shifting gears when a child loses interest and what daughter Naomi...

Fall festivals celebrate art, music & more!

The beautiful layer of clouds hanging over the Valley yesterday morning served as a blissful reminder that cooler days are on their way. When...

“Sneak peeks” of the performing arts season

All those hours spent driving kids between school, play dates, lessons and sports practice leave little time for planning relaxing family together time. But...

Mesa dad finds joy in sharing art

Children who assume that every Smurf is blue might be surprised to meet a Mesa father who goes by the name Aztec Smurf. "I was...

Youth choirs make a joyful noise

Children who sing in choirs get more than vocal training, according to Greg Amerind, Town Choir director and artistic assistant for the Phoenix Boys...

Family fun with The Phoenix Symphony

We often attended concerts performed by The Phoenix Symphony when our three kids were younger, and still marvel at the fact that Lizabeth managed to...

Fall festival features superhero theme

Kids who love any excuse to don their superhero garb will be especially pleased with the theme for this year's Herberger Theater Festival of the...

Museum helps families celebrate French culture

From books to screens big and small, American families are exposed to all sorts of French characters -- from Pepé Le Pew and Belle to...

Local libraries offer critters, comedy and crafts

Teens are learning to play guitar. Reluctant readers are sharing stories with therapy dogs. Families are enjoying game and comedy nights. It's all happening at Valley libraries,...

Museum spotlights recycled musical instruments

Blow air through an empty paper towel roll or strum rubber bands wrapped around a discarded tissue box and you've got the beginning of...

Fun ways to explore Native American cultures

Many adults don't realize that there's more than one kind of Native American, according to Jaclyn Roessel, education director for the Heard Museum, which...

Choir performs songs from around the world

Families can enjoy folksongs from around the globe this weekend as the Chandler Children's Choir performs a "Dancing Around the World" concert featuring a special...

Fun ways to explore diverse cultures

From Irish writing to Middle Eastern music, there's plenty of multicultural fare for Valley families to enjoy together in coming days and weeks. Exploring...

Music under the stars

Before too long, we'll all be tempted to hole up with our air conditioners waiting fervently for triple-digit temperatures to pass. Rather than surrendering...

Choreographer welcomes youth perspectives

We assume too often that arts education is a one way street, with all knowledge and expertise flowing from professional artist to student. But...

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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