It’s only hot if you keep thinking about it. That’s how I get through the summers. It seems to work for me.
To start off, I had the privilege of attending the Chinese Dance Academy’s performance at the Orpheum Theater last Saturday. This was one of those gems that you can only find if you are willing to look. Almost a full house showed up to enjoy the costumes, choreography, cultural exposure, as well as the darling little ones, who stole all the laughter and hearts of the audience. The beauty of the many nations of China was expressed in many different ways, and the use of lighting in combination with the costuming told a complete story, to my delight. I am thankful for my adventurous nature, otherwise I might have missed what was a stunning performance. I encourage you to try something that just sounds cool or interesting, and see where it leads you. I’m glad I did.
The Diamondbacks continue their homestand with games Monday-Thursday against the Atlanta Braves and a weekend series against National League MVP Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals. Don’t miss the fireworks Friday night, Dan Haren Bobblehead Night on Saturday (first 15K) and D. Baxter Replica Jersey Night on Sunday (first 5K kids 12-under).
Going along with the sports theme, US Airways Center is the place for big sports action at a small price all weekend long. First, on Friday, the Arizona Rattlers take on the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs at 7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m., you can watch people get hit by balls at The Great American Dodgeball Bash. Your $10 Dodgeball ticket also gets you into Saturday night’s Mercury/Tulsa Shock game for FREE! What a deal! See azdodgeball.com for details.
Speaking of deals, Ballet Arizona performs its last show of a very successful season, and I have a special offer for you. Receive 50% off adult tickets to the performance of Balanchine Classics June 11-13. Use promo code “FRIENDS” at http://www.balletaz.org to get the discount. See this nationally recognized ballet company, which took part in an invitation-only performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. over the weekend in recognition of their artistic excellence.
This weekend is also the last chance to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Valley Youth Theater, so don’t miss out.
How about a free movie? Beyond Motor City, a new documentary to air on PBS next month that looks at the fall of Detroit and the future of mass transportation in the U.S., will be shown at the A.E. England Building at Civic Space Park Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments from Fair Trade Café will be served. Yum!

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