Author: Tommy Acosta

Tommy Acosta is the publisher, editor, and lead opinion writer of Sedona.biz, the hyperlocal cyber magazine known as "The Voice of Sedona and the Verde Valley." He writes on local issues, politics, national affairs, culture, and personal reflection, often with a provocative or satirical tone.In addition to his work as a writer, Acosta is a working musician and reflexologist. He has written extensively about the challenges Sedona's musicians face, noting their low pay despite the town's vibrant music scene.Acosta describes himself as a "political actualist," rejecting strict party affiliations and instead focusing on how people are manipulated by political processes. His coverage spans local Sedona issues, tourism, short-term rentals, cultural events, community building, as well as national commentary and critiques of political figures, sometimes through imaginative pieces like "What Would Tommy Do?"Acosta is deeply engaged in Sedona's cultural and spiritual community, advocating for local musicians, artisans, and businesses, and writing about Sedona's unique identity as a spiritual and artistic hub.

Sedona News – The Sedona Heritage Museum and the Sedona Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will jointly celebrate Armed Forces Day with a Walk of Flags at the Museum on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The Walk of Flags will be in place that day during the Museum’s open hours, from 11 am to 3 pm.  The Walk honors our nation’s uniformed military service members.  Current members of the military as well as veterans are encouraged to visit and take photographs with the Museum and red rock vistas as a background to the flag display. In addition…

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Verde Valley News – Camp Verde Community Library’s next free Special Concert Series is Thursday, May 25th from 5:00- 6:30 pm, featuring the band Velvet Buffalo. Singer/Songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Don Whitcher and Gregg Gould will be performing original and cover songs for your enjoyment. Solo and together, they have been a big part of the Verde Valley Music Scene for years.  They have been featured artists at The Old Town Center for the Performing Arts. Also, they have been involved as a duo and solo guests at the annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash and Joe Neri’s Blues Festival. They have a varied set…

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By Tommy Acosta Sedona, AZ — One of my favorite pastimes, as many of you know, is putting myself in someone else’s shoes and imagining what I would do if I was. Kinda like asking myself “What would Jesus do” but focusing on politics instead. So then, what would I do if I was in Trump’s shoes or Biden’s shoes as we begin the journey to the White House? I am ignoring DeSantis because basically, he is toast. He voted against Social Security and Medicare and people would have to be exceedingly stupid to support someone who would do that.…

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Sedona News – The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is honored to continue to be the home for the Met Live Opera programs for the 2022-2023 season, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The season continues with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” live via simulcast on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. and the encore presentation on Wednesday, May 24 at 3 p.m. Plan to come early as John Steinbrunner will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before the LIVE production on Saturday. Tony Award–winning director Ivo van Hove makes a major Met debut with a new take on Mozart’s…

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Sedona, AZ — Have you heard? Tequila Taco Tuesday is back at Steakhouse89 in West Sedona with music, some of the best tacos you ever had, and legendary Tequila that brings it all together. Steakhouse89 is known for its fabulous steak cuisine and ambiance and is a local favorite. This Tuesday not only will there be fabulous tacos on the menu but free shots of tequila, as samples of the top-of-the-line Tequila choices Steakhouse89 is known for. Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Providing the music for Tequila Taco Tuesday will be none other than Sedona’s Alex Ogburn. Alex…

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Sedona News – The National Theatre of London continues its season with its acclaimed new production of “Best of Enemies” showing in Sedona on Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. David Harewood and Zachary Quinto play feuding political rivals in James Graham’s multiple award-winning new drama “Best of Enemies”. In 1968 America, as two men fight to become the next president, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F. Buckley Jr., and the unruly liberal Gore Vidal. During a…

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By Carson Ralston Library Specialist-Adult Programs Verde Valley News – Join us on Thursday, May 18th from 5:00-6:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room for a special performance by Tim Young. It’s been some years since Tim first picked up the guitar at Mansfield State, in Mansfield, PA until now, having moved from the east coast to the west and the red rocks of Arizona. Mansfield is where Tim earned his B.A. and began writing songs.  Graduation with a B.A, in Communications was in June of 1971. Born and raised in Easton, PA, Mansfield was the first in…

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Sedona News – Sedona Philosophy, a Sedona-based business that provides walking, hiking, driving and yoga tours with a philosophical twist, is excited to announce its newest offering: a private driving tour of the Grand Canyon. Available for groups of up to five people, this unique tour will allow attendees to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon under the guidance of a trained philosopher. In addition to providing insight into the Canyon’s geological and cultural history, guides will delve into the philosophical perspectives that this iconic wonder of the world has inspired throughout time. “Our Grand Canyon private…

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Sedona, AZ — As animal lovers, we always want the best for our furry companions. We take them to the vet, give them nutritious food, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. But have you ever considered reflexology as a way to keep your pets healthy and happy? That’s right, the ancient art of reflexology can be applied to pets, and it’s gaining popularity among pet owners who want to take a holistic approach to their pets’ health. Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to different organs and systems…

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By Andrea Kadar — Sedona, AZ — Why are we engaged in politics? One BIG reason is that we must not leave our children and grandchildren a “mess”!  Caring for our kids does include supporting good legislation and Godly candidates: it also includes caring deeply for them everyday where they LIVE: social media, peer interactions, cultural “norms” and, their community involvement.    Join us next Monday night, May 15, 7 PM, for our monthly ZOOM call wherein we interview a mom who is SUING Snapchat for her child’s overdose from a fentanyl-laced “pain pill”.  We will hear her didactic story, discuss…

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… there are times when just looking at a photo puts you into a mood or state that evokes strong memories of good times past and likely future and such was the case with the image of the three Cinnamon Teal in flight above … the times in duck blinds before dawn, the decoys set, mist blanketing the water and surrounding trees and a cup of strong black coffee in a tin mug keeping hands warm … or the early morning days on the lake looking for birds as the world slowly wakes from the night … pick your own…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Master Gardener” showing May 19-25 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Paul Schrader based on his original screenplay, “Master Gardener” stars three-time Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver and award-winner Joel Edgerton. The seeds of love grow like the seeds of hate. “Master Gardener” follows Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton), the meticulous horticulturist of Gracewood Gardens. He is as much devoted to tending the grounds of this beautiful and historic estate, to pandering to his employer — the wealthy…

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By Shanandoah Sterling The Sedona Women Public Relations Co-chair The Sedona Verde Valley community gathered Sunday, April 16, at Vino di Sedona to support The Sedona Women’s Tastings and Tapas fundraising event. The warmth from the sun filtered through bright green budding leaves while branches played in the wind. The slight breeze was welcomed, keeping the heat at bay while participants hunched over many tables lined end-to-end with items donated by local businesses and individuals. People wagered their bids back and forth over a blue Danube Tureen, Crow Man Kachina doll, necklace woven of multi-color beads and copper strands, dinner…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “R.M.N.” showing May 19-25 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. A festival hit at the Cannes, Toronto and New York Film Festivals, “R.M.N.” — by acclaimed director Cristian Mungiu — is getting rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. A few days before Christmas, having quit his job in Germany, Matthias returns to his multi-ethnic Transylvanian village. He wishes to involve himself more in the education of his son, Rudi, left for too long in the care of his mother, Ana, and to rid…

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SEDONA, Arizona —If you love arts and crafts while also supporting a great cause, the Oak Creek Arts and Crafts show, will be teaming up with Raven’s Call Healing Center to bring locals and visitors an Art Show and Animal Benefit on Saturday, May 13th and 14th. Visitors can expect a wide variety of spiritual gifts, local art, outdoor decor, pottery, Native American art, jewelry and advanced healing products. There will be food booths and live entertainment as well. Spiritual practitioners including readers, healers and massage therapists will be onsite offering their services. Additionally, guests will be able to learn…

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