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.

Academy award-nominee takes on the title role in big screen encore in SedonaSedona AZ (March 9, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen encore of the National Theatre of London’s “Hamlet” — starring Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch — on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m. at Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Academy Award-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game, Frankenstein at the National Theatre) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

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Sedona AZ (March 9, 2018) – The city of Sedona will hold a free electronics recycling drop-off day on Saturday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot of Sedona City Hall, 102 Roadrunner Dr.   Do you have obsolete toys and gadgets or unwanted electronic devices that need disposal? Bring them to the Sedona City Hall parking lot for environmentally-responsible recycling by R3 eWaste. There is no charge for drop-off and no item limit. Early drop-off begins Monday, April 23. For more information call the City Clerk’s office at 928-203-5031.

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Sedona AZ (March 9, 2018) – On Thursday, March 15, from 2 – 4 pm,  at the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Kohava Benatar will lead a workshop on  300 Years after the Golden Age of Judaism in Spain. The session will begin with a screening of a video  entitled “Balance  of Terror.”

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By Andrea Christelle, Programming and Outreach ManagerSedona AZ (March 9, 2018) – The role of libraries in communities is changing. We are thinking about that at Sedona Public Library, just like people at other libraries all around the country. The books and other media aren’t going away any time soon, but as information becomes more decentralized and electronic, what libraries do will evolve.

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By Ted Grussing… gone! About a tenth of a second before I took this shot a coot who was diving for food left the surface and his feet had just disappeared from view leaving this beautiful reminder of his presence. The gentle waves gave alternating reflections of the shore and the sky and the reflections of the splash are near perfect. One of those very temporary images that but for a camera and a fast lens would never be seen, even if you were there watching it happen.

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Mary D. Fisher Theatre is the home for the opera simulcast and encore eventsSedona AZ (March 8, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the next Met Live Opera presentation of Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohéme” onSaturday, March 17. There will be two shows that day at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.Plan to come early as Deborah Raymond will lead a pre-opera talk one hour before each production (10 a.m. for the morning show and 3 p.m.for the encore).

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Sedona AZ (March 8, 2018) – Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity will host a fundraiser on March 30, 2018 at Courtyard by Marriott in Sedona.“Habitat Happy Hour” will take place at 5:30pm on Friday, March 30, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Sedona. This fundraising event will feature wine from Cellar 433, a delicious variety of appetizers, silent auction items and the chance to mix and mingle with supporters of Habitat for Humanity.

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Sedona AZ (March 8, 2018) – Small business owners are invited to take advantage of new opportunities to start, strengthen or expand a Sedona business through training, networking and tapping into local resources.

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By Ted Grussing… over the painted desert, in winter, a lunar visage awaits all who would venture out there. Water holes for cattle and trails to and from them made by cattle and vehicles create patterns that are amazing to fly over … and photograph. I took this shot in 2015 and not sure exactly where I was, but probably north and east of Flagstaff 30 to 40 miles or so. Anyhow, I like it and hope you do too … it is an extraordinary little planet we live on … and so much lies beyond and out there. Someday,…

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Internationally Acclaimed Arvel Bird joins with the musical group Earth Speak to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the Spring EquinoxCottonwood AZ (March 7, 2018) – Internationally acclaimed Arvel Bird & Kimberly Kelley join with eco-music group Earth Speak to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the Spring Equinox for a special concert on Saturday, March 17, 7:00 PM at Old Town Center for the Arts.The concert will feature Celtic and new world music for an entertaining and enchanting evening to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the earliest traditions of winter turning to spring. 

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Academy Award-winner for Best Foreign Language Film debuts at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (March 7, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “A Fantastic Woman” showing March 16-22 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“A Fantastic Woman” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.Marina and Orlando are in love and planning for the future. Marina is a young waitress and aspiring singer. Orlando is 20 years older than her, and owns a printing company.

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Prescott AZ (March 7, 2018) – The monthly meeting of Prescott Indivisible will be held at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset, Prescott, Friday, April 6, 2018 from 6-7:30 pm.Prescott Indivisible is a non-partisan community which seeks to promote a progressive and inclusive agenda in support of human rights and the environment.  We focus on local actions in defense of the rule of law, the Bill of Rights and the  Constitution.  We invite all to participate and have your voice heard.

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Sedona AZ (March 7, 2018) – The leadership and Board of Directors for Yavapai Food council are excited to welcome Maggie Fega as the new Assistant Director. Maggie has been a Sedona resident for 26 years; spending 17 of these as a program manager for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate program, managing the Court Improvement and Family Drug Court programs.

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Sedona AZ (March 7, 2018) – The Sedona Hub has been a community venue providing affordable, flexible space for all things performance for almost 3 years! Classes, workshops, rehearsals, concerts and special events for the public that include the performing arts resound in the space almost daily. Regular inhabitants include Zenprov, Anything Goes, Music Together, Music in the House, Kirtan and Dances of Universal Peace.

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