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.

Royal Ballet production from London debuts on the big screen at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (May 5, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival presents Ballet in Cinema on Sunday, May 13 when it hosts the big screen premiere of “Bernstein Centenary” from the Royal Ballet in London. There will be one show at 4:00 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Three Royal Ballet choreographers honor the creative genius of Leonard Bernstein as part of the special worldwide centennial celebration of works created in response to his music.

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Sedona AZ (May 5, 2018) – Legendary Flamenco and Classical guitarist Esteban will be playing at Sound Bites Grill on Saturday May 12th at 7pm. This venue is a must-see-fan favorite. Sit not five feet from Esteban and watch his fingers fly as he performs at his residency in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona.This is an intimate dinner setting where you may enjoy a rare and unique experience of music mastery at its finest that cannot be duplicated.  The concert will take you on a musical journey with stories that inspire and ignite the passion of the soul.

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Cottonwood AZ (May 5, 2018) – The Verde Valley Sanctuary is pleased to announce expanded support groups throughout the Verde Valley.   Beginning May 1st, Verde Valley Sanctuary Victim Advocates will conduct “A Time to Talk”, Violence Based Support Groups in Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Sedona every week.“A Time To Talk” is open to all individuals who have experienced any form of violence and or trauma in their lifetime.  The goal is to provide a safe, open space for survivors of violence and their families to talk about their common experience and enhance coping skills for dealing with trauma.  The meeting…

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Cottonwood AZ (May 4, 2018) – Old Town Center for the Arts is pleased to present Chirgilchin, the ‘Master Throat Singers from Tuva” on Saturday, May 12th, at 7:00 pm. Chirgilchin is a group of musicians from Tuva, the geographical center of Asia, near Siberia and Western Mongolia, who sing the ancient folk songs in the Tuvan language, the group also plays traditional hand made instruments.”Throat singing” is an extraordinary vocal form in which one singer produces two or more voices at the same time, one voice harmonizing with the others. It is truly astonishing, magical, and beautiful to hear.…

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Touching and powerful true story featured in film at Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (May 4, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the new drama “A Bag of Marbles” — showing May 11-16 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.In occupied France, two young brothers, Maurice and Joseph, discover within themselves the courage, the bravery, and the mischief needed to escape the enemy’s invasion and reunite with their lost family.“A Bag of Marbles” is the true story of two young Jewish brothers in German occupied France who, with a mind-boggling mix of mischievousness,…

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Prescott AZ (May 4, 2018) – Dr. Penny Wills announced that she would retire as president of Yavapai College effective Dec. 31, 2018.“This was one of the most difficult decisions of my career. I love this college, our students, staff, faculty and community, but would like to spend more time with my husband, family and friends,” says Dr. Wills. “It has been an honor to serve, mentor and inspire so many in my career,” adds Dr. Wills.  Dr. Thomas Coyne, long-time friend and mentor of Dr. Wills, says, “The best leaders know when to step away. I am proud of Dr.…

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By Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the VillageSedona AZ (May 4, 2018) – Sedona Public Library’s second community read program is bringing people together to talk about a book they’ve read and to learn more about the Hopi culture and the history of this area. “Read Around Sedona” kicked off in April and has inspired hundreds of community members to read the same book as their neighbors, friends, colleagues, and families, and join Library discussions and events. The Library has more activities lined up for May, based on our selected title “Cha’risa’s Gift,” written by local author…

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Geoffrey Rush and Armie Hammer star in Stanley Tucci film at Mary D. Fisher Theatre Sedona AZ (May 3, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the new drama “Final Portrait” — showing May 11-16 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Written and directed by Stanley Tucci, “Final Portrait” stars Geoffrey Rush and Armie Hammer.

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Sedona AZ (May 3, 2018) – After consulting with local County Emergency Managers and District Rangers, it has been determined that effective Friday, May 4th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Sedona Fire District (SFD) is moving into Stage II Fire Restrictions.These restrictions prohibit all open fires, fire pits and campfires. During the period of fire restrictions, no burn permits will be issued and existing burn permits are hereby suspended. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are prohibited, unless permitted by the Fire Marshal.

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Camp Verde AZ (May 3, 2018) – Join us at 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 17th  in the Camp Verde Community Library Fireside Room for a special musical performance by entertainer Al Raitano and keyboardist Bob Grogan.    Al Raitano is a singer, comedian and consummate entertainer. His repertoire includes a wide range of music from the stylings of the great male singers Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, with a healthy dollop of Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, and the music of the great Stan Getz thrown into the mix.  He has appeared in concert at some of the nation’s finest hotels as well as…

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Prescott AZ (May 3, 2018) – Yavapai County Recorder, Leslie Hoffman would like to announce the following information:The last day to request and be mailed a ballot for the May 15, 2018 Special Election is Friday, May 4, 2018.All registered voters that reside within Yavapai County are eligible to vote in this Election.

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Sedona AZ (May 3, 2018) – The Rotary Club of Sedona is holding its 8th annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, May 5 at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona, 86336. This is a part of the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta weekend. The Chili Cook-Off runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 and children under 12 free. Top chefs from area restaurants along with a number of community leaders are busy perfecting their special chili recipes, which can be sampled at festive booths in Tlaquepaque’s Calle de Independencia.

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Sedona AZ (May 3, 2018) – Controversy has been swirling around the 2020 Census ranging from concerns about the budget allocated to conduct a fair and accurate count to the controversial questions under discussion to be included. In Arizona, Coconino County Supervisor Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta has been an outspoken advocate of the need for a fair and accurate count and the consequences to Arizonans and the state of Arizona if that does not happen.

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Executives from Hollywood, International Documentary Association, GATE and Spiritual Cinema Circle Among SpeakersSedona AZ (May 3, 2018) – The acclaimed ILLUMINATE Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona is back May 30-June 4, and this year’s Conscious Film Convergence (CFC) headliners  include some of the most influential leaders working to advance conscious film content today. The industry component of the Festival, the CFC is geared to filmmakers and other film industry professionals, and offers attendees an invaluable opportunity to learn from and interact with speakers at sessions, screenings and social events. True to the mission of the festival, the goal of the…

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