Author: Tommy

Sedona News – The Sedona Symphony (formerly Verde Valley Sinfonietta) presents its opening concert of the 2023-2024 season under the direction of newly appointed Artistic Director, Janna Hymes. The concert features guest artist Sean Chen, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, on Sunday, October 15 at 2:30 PM in the Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. in Sedona. J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048, and Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds in D minor, Op. 44 round out the program. A “thoughtful musician well beyond his years” (The…

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Sedona News – Celebrate the spirit, songs and stories of Peter, Paul and Mary when renowned tribute band MacDougal Street West brings its live show and concert “A Peter, Paul and Mary Experience” to Sedona. There will be two performances on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. You supply the memories … we’ll supply the songs! MacDougal Street West brings back the ballads, humor and emotions of the 60s for today’s audiences. Recall the magic! Experience the acoustic music and…

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By Amaya Gayle Gregory Thoughts tend to compare and contrast, to keep the current status quo, whatever that is, good or bad, in the frame. Watching them, it occurs to me that maybe that is their nature, the attraction of like and dissimilar, allies and opponents, comparison points that prove success or failure. Lately, I’ve been noticing that as soon as the thought slides by that claims success — oh , I don’t do that anymore … or wow, this little body no longer has that problem — the reverse pops in to disavow the thought and the one doing…

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Sedona News – Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road, Side 2” on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This popular 9-show series — featuring composer/producer and The Beatles historian Scott Freiman — is returning to Sedona in September in preparation for Freiman coming in person in early October to present three brand new Deconstructing The Beatles programs LIVE at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The Beatles’ Abbey Road, Side 2 is a masterpiece filled with classic Beatles songs, such as “Come Together,” “Something,” and “Here Comes the…

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Jazz Greats Concert Series Starts at Sound Bites Grill This Weekend On Friday, Sept 22, at its Sedona Winefest Kick Off Party, Sound Bites Grill in Sedona launches its Jazz Greats Concert Series featuring #1 Billboard Jazz Artist Will Donato. The concert series will run through mid-November with Jazz artists JJ Sansaverino, Steve Oliver, Adam Hawley, Dee Lucas, and Blake Aaron. Visit Sound Bites Grill calendar online to view dates. Wine and Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy an evening of food, fun and music at the Kickoff Party. The evening features wine tasting from 3 Arizona wineries, dinner, live music and dancing. Keep…

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… I headed up to Anaheim t his morning to visit the shop and people where my gem cutting began … some new people in the store and very much like it used to be … a wonderful visit to Burton’s Gems and Opals. I started buying jars of rough opal there in 1976. Back then it was called Lapidary International and was owned by two of my clients … Dave Burton acquired the business from Cleve and George about 40 years ago and has done wonderful things with the business and he has some very beautiful loose stones and…

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Sedona News – Celebrate the New Age Soul Music of Ted Turner and Majella when they perform their live concert “Equal Measure” on the stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Ted and Majella’s songs talk about love, in any way they know how. Their union first began as a friendship which — some ten years later — developed into a marriage. Neither could have imagined the synergy to be found through collaboration. Ted is one of the original twin lead guitarists in the British rock…

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Sedona News – Win Holden, former Publisher of Arizona Highways magazine, will be at Sedona Public Library in the Village on Friday, September 29, to talk about the rich and fascinating history of Arizona Highways. As the magazine approaches its 100th birthday in April 2025, Holden will share the compelling back story of this world-renowned magazine and how it has not only survived but thrived. A Valley resident since 1980, Holden was recognized by the Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association as their 2017 and 2018 Lifetime Award recipient and received the 2015 Lifetime Achievement…

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Verde Valley News – Crochet enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to join us at the Camp Verde Community Library in October for a fun-filled series of Beginner’s Crochet Workshops. Whether you’re picking up crochet hooks for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, these workshops are open to all skill levels, with beginners highly encouraged. Led by experienced crochet instructors, participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics, create beautiful 3D amigurumi projects, and connect with fellow crafters. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a creative journey and connect with fellow crafters in Camp Verde.…

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Sedona News – Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road, Side 1” on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This popular 9-show series — featuring composer/producer and The Beatles historian Scott Freiman — is returning to Sedona in September in preparation for Freiman coming in person in early October to present three brand new Deconstructing The Beatles programs LIVE at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The Beatles’ Abbey Road is a masterpiece filled with classic Beatles songs, such as “Come Together,” “Something,” and “Here Comes the Sun.”  Producer…

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By Tommy Acosta — What the hell is going on? Is the fabric of society in the U.S. tearing apart at the seams? Watching those videos of teens gone wild, smashing windows, stealing from shopping centers, laughing while running over bicyclists — an omen of things to come? What can be done? Catch them? Incarcerate them. Put them in jails until they learn enough about crime to come out as skilled criminals? These kids, these young men and women of color, are lost. From fatherless homes, unable to properly read or write, a dismal and destitute future ahead of them.…

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… another great day in the archives … still here and still breathing and enjoying the company of friends and family … how terrific is that! Today started in Temecula , thence to Carlsbad, and viewed some incredible exhibits of gems, jewelry and minerals at the GIA and then up to Laguna Niguel and a visit with family and finally to Huntington Beach and a couple of fun days here. Thursday afternoon, the drive up to Malibu and Friday evening the show at Pepperdine University … a new promo for it. Hope to see you then. More shots of one…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical event: “CARLOS: The Santana Journey Global Premiere” on Sept. 23, 24 and 27 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Celebrate the life of one of music’s greatest icons in this special premiere event. See the new movie “CARLOS” first, including intro content featuring director Rudy Valdez and Carlos Santana, exclusive to this event. At the age of 5, in his native Mexico, he learned to play the violin. At 8, he developed a lifelong love for the guitar. At 14,…

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Verde Valley News – Camp Verde Community Library’s next free Special Concert Series is Thursday, September 19th from 5:00- 6:30 pm, featuring Joe Feldman. Joe Feldman is a singer-songwriter-acoustic guitarist based in Phoenix, who first discovered his love for folk music when he heard the music of Bob Dylan and The Byrds. He developed his musical skills through song leading in the early 80’s.  At this concert you will surely hear some folk-rock songs, as well as country, classic jazz and blues selections. Joe currently plays gigs at farmers markets, folk festivals, and fairs around Arizona. Camp Verde Community Library is located…

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Sedona, AZ –The Jazz Greats Concert Series continues this weekend at Sound Bites Grill with jazz impresario Dave Len Scott playing Friday, Sept 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Groove Jazz master JJ Sansaverino playing Saturday, September 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. Born and raised in New York City, JJ Sansaverino has dedicated his life to the art of jazz music, and his journey is one of passion, dedication, and unmatched musicality. JJ has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, JJ has a “take no prisoners” performance attitude gracing…

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