By Kristin McLeod
Mesa Arts Center, the city of Mesa-owned arts destination in downtown Mesa, has announced its 2019-2020 season, and among the lineup are shows and events for all ages, tastes and interests.
Savor a night of culinary savvy with chef and New York Times bestselling author Samin Nosrat in October. Don’t miss a showstopping performance by actor/singer Mandy Patinkin in January. Spend an evening with Itzhak Perlman in February as he celebrates his 75th birthday with a concert performance peppered with stories about his life, family and career.
National Geographic Live is back with a season of awe-inspiring shows. In October, conservationist Damien Mander and Ranger Vimbai Kumire share their story behind the first all-female ranger unit in Zimbabwe-Askashinga, “the brave ones” who protect wilderness areas from trophy hunters. Climb aboard Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark in November as he talks about his mission to capture images of all the world’s species. Photographer Shannon Wild discusses her adventure pursuing the elusive black panther in Southern India in January. Learn how little-known sea creatures have the potential to make a big impact on our world with bioengineer Kakani Katija. The Nat Geo Live season closes with breathtaking underwater photography by Andy Mann in From Summit to Sea.
Mesa Arts Center also has family-friendly shows and events. The season kickoff festival, “Flourish: The Art of Life on Earth” is free from 6 to 10 p.m. September 13. Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare Live,” hosted by Marc Summers, brings the messiest game show on the road to the MAC stage October 19. In November, witness jaw-dropping illusions at The Magic of Bill Blagg. Finally, hear the tale of The Pigeon in a fun new musical Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (The Musical) in March.
Witness a groundbreaking holographic performance by Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly accompanied by a live band and backup singers at “The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour” October 4. Also, don’t miss Jazz pianist Chick Corea in October and the legendary jazz fusion bassist Stanley Clarke January 17. Experience the magic of the season at Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis in December. Treat your valentine to a romantic concert with the iconic soloist Renée Fleming.
Discover the music, dance and colorful costumes of Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano on January 19. Also, in January, hear about Lisa Lampanelli’s journey in “Losin’ It,” where she shares how she lost and gained more than 372 pounds in her lifetime. Finally, experience the high-energy performance, intoxicating rhythms, and captivating choreography of Drum Tao 2020 in April.
Those are not the only offerings at Mesa Arts Center. Find classes, festivals and more at mesaartscenter.com or call 480-644-6500.
