Mesa Arts Center Announces the 2023-2024 Performing Live Series

April 27, 2023 at 10:18 am

Mesa Arts Center is excited to announce the 2023-2024 Performing Live season. Highlights include Yo-Yo Ma, Matteo Bocelli, Audra McDonald, Tori Amos, Dave Koz, Mandy Patinkin and more.

"This season is about creating new memories and reigniting previous experiences -- and we've only brought the most entertaining and talented productions to Mesa Arts Center," said Randy Vogel, deputy director of theaters. "Many of the artists appearing this season are fan favorites. Others are appearing for the first time, and we're excited to hear them in the Valley's finest theaters."

Mesa Arts Center is delighted to bring back the Mirage Summer Music Series featuring a collection of national, international and local musicians from July 22-Aug. 26. Tickets are $12 per show or $60 for a subscription to the six-show series.

"The Mirage series brings together a diverse program of musicians from multiple backgrounds and disciplines to highlight the immense talent and amazing music happening right here, in our own city," said Dario Miranda, curator of the Mirage Summer Music Series. "Given all the resources that Mesa Arts Center has to offer, these 'local' artists are able to give world-class performances that also offer a sense of pride that our hometown truly has a thriving music and arts scene."

Classical Music Inside Out returns for its 11th year under the artistic direction of GRAMMY(R) award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. This season brings extraordinary worldwide talent to the stage featuring Attacca Quartet, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Zukerman Trio, Marc-Andr? Hamelin and Simply Three. Discounted series subscription packages are on sale now and include a preshow reception on April 11 with Simply Three and Zuill Bailey.

Performing Live events are listed below in chronological order. Additional shows will be announced throughout the season. Tickets are on sale to Mesa Arts Center members now and go on sale to the public Friday, May 12, at noon. Mesa Arts Center memberships start at $60. Become a member today and purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public.

To purchase tickets, please visit mesaartscenter.com or call the box office during business hours at 480-644-6500. Purchasing tickets through Mesa Arts Center is the best and most reliable way to secure your spot for an unforgettable live performance. Ticket buyers receive the latest information on show schedules, seating options and all performance updates or changes while enjoying a seamless experience.

Performing Live 2023-2024:

Tori Amos | Ocean to Ocean Tour
Wed, July 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Trailblazing musician, author and activist Tori Amos will once again be performing with long-time collaborator bassist Jon Evans and renowned UK drummer Ash Soan, with special guest support to be announced in celebration of her highly acclaimed 2021 album, "Ocean to Ocean." An expression of kinship and love, this collection explores environmental concerns, the restraints of the pandemic, empowerment, loss and healing. Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Pijama Piyama
Sat, July 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Pijama Piyama began in 2019 as an imaginary collective of desert degenerates known as "El Grupo Afrutado." Pijama Piyama now exists as a six member band led by Jonathan Saillant who writes, arranges, and produces the music. Their music embraces the multi-cultural nuances of growing up in Phoenix, influenced by Latin Music, Jazz, video games, Frank Zappa and the world of psychedelia.

Diana Krall
Sun, July 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her 2020 release, "This Dream Of You," has garnered critical acclaim from fans and press alike. Krall's unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. As The New York Times recently noted, she possesses "a voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication." Presented in partnership with Danny Zelisko Presents.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Jon Rauhouse Combos
Sat, July 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse has gathered together some of the best musicians around, including Blaine Long, Betsy Ganz, Norm Pratt, Megan Neff, Robin Vining, Lindsay Cates, Frank Rowland and others to perform in this one of a kind performance.

Late Nite Catechism
Aug. 4-27 | Times vary | Farnsworth Studio
Call it Loretta Young meets Carol Burnett, this interactive show is part catechism class and part stand up routine. You, the audience members, are part of this sister's class. She'll take you back to the days of Latin Mass, meatless Fridays and remind you about that good old ruler across the knuckles. Group sales are available.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Kabarett
Sat, Aug. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Kabarett presents a musical journey through some of the greatest film scores of the 20th century, including their own arrangements of music from Citizen Kane, Vertigo, Twilight Zone, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Ed Wood and more. Featuring original music from band leader Chris Norby, all performed live by a 15-piece orchestra.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Union32
Sat, Aug. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Union32 is comprised of Brett Reed, Ben Hedquist, Ryan Anthony, Keith Kelly and Adam Roberts. The band specializes in performing high energy covers of classic rock, funk and pop hits. The band is known for their dynamic stage presence and tight musicianship, which has earned them a dedicated following in the local music scene.

Ben Folds | What Matters Most Tour
Tue, Aug. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Folds first rose to fame in the mid-'90s with Ben Folds Five, whose acerbic, genre-bending take on piano pop helped define an entire era of alternative rock. After scoring multiple hit singles and a gold record with the band, Folds launched his solo career in 2001, releasing a series of similarly acclaimed albums that would firmly establish him as one of the most ambitious and versatile songwriters of his generation.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Shreyas Iyer Ensemble
Sat, Aug. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
The Shreyas Iyer Ensemble is a talented group of musicians led by Indian classical pianist and composer Shreyas Iyer. The ensemble blends classical and contemporary styles, incorporating elements of Indian classical music and jazz into their compositions. The group has performed at various venues and festivals in India, captivating audiences with their innovative sound and masterful musicianship.

Mirage Summer Music Series: Downtown Chamber Series
Sat, Aug. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Featuring works for two pianos, piano four hands, and the Bartok Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion with pianists Cameron Grant and Olga Gorelik and percussionists Michael Compitello and Matt Prendergast. Downtown Chamber Series brings chamber music to urban art spaces, with programs featuring a wide range of music and instruments from Baroque to Contemporary. Founded in 2000, DCS has presented over 200 different musicians and visited over a dozen art spaces in the Valley.

An Evening with Audra McDonald
Fri, Sept. 22 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2015, Emmy, GRAMMY(R) and six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway icon Audra McDonald -- star of CBS's "The Good Fight" and HBO's "The Gilded Age" will perform her Broadway favorites by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, George Gershwin and many others, with songs from her latest album, "Sing Happy."

Get the Led Out | A Celebration of "The Mighty Zep"
Sun, Sept. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brings it to the concert stage. Get The Led Out is a group of professional musicians who are passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin. It's been their mission to bring the studio recordings of "The Mighty Zep" to life on the big concert stage.

Snarky Puppy | Empire Central Tour
Wed, Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Snarky Puppy is a collective with as many as 20 members in regular rotation. At its core, the band represents the convergence of both black and white American music culture with various accents from around the world. But more than the cultural diversity of the individual players, the defining characteristic of Snarky Puppy's music is the joy of performing together in the perpetual push to grow creatively. Their latest GRAMMY(R) winning album "Empire Central" was released in 2022. Its sound is big and bold, chill and laid back, rooted in its native culture while reaching outward, forward bound.

Pat McGann
Sat, Oct. 7 | 7 p.m. | Piper Theater
Pat McGann is a stand-up comedian known for his relatable and hilarious observations on family life, marriage and parenthood. McGann has been entertaining audiences for over a decade with his unique perspective on everyday experiences. He has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden," as well as being a regular guest on "The Bob & Tom Show." Presented in partnership with Patchwork Presents.

The Bad Plus and Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
Fri, Oct. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
The Bad Plus, a jazz trio known for their eclectic style and dynamic performances, and Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog, a trio that blends punk rock with avant-garde jazz, teams up for a co-billed concert that showcases their individual styles as well as their collaborative efforts. The show features genre-bending music that ranges from avant-garde jazz to punk rock, with each group bringing their unique energy and virtuosity to the stage.

Nickel Creek | Support: Monica Martin
Sat, Oct. 14 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Nickel Creek is the platinum-selling, internationally renowned roots trio of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins. The GRAMMY(R)-winning band has revolutionized folk and roots music since first performing together as children at a pizza parlor in San Diego in 1989, signing to acclaimed roots label Sugar Hill Records after wowing the bluegrass circuit for a decade. Presented in partnership with Live Nation.

Classical Music Inside Out: Attacca Quartet
Thu, Oct. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Attacca Quartet is a string quartet known for their dynamic and passionate performances. They have won numerous awards and performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Attacca Quartet is also committed to contemporary music and has premiered works by several notable composers. They have released several albums, including "Real Life," which features music by Caroline
Shaw.

Pat Metheny | Dream Box Tour
Wed, Oct. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
GRAMMY(R) Award Winning Guitarist and Composer Pat Metheny is launching a solo tour with his new album, "Dream Box." The tour will feature personal and fan favorites from his nearly 50-year career. Blending loose and flexible articulation with a rhythmic and harmonic sensibility, Metheny has a way of playing and improvising that is modern yet rooted deeply in traditional jazz. Metheny has continued to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument.

Paula Poundstone
Fri, Oct. 27 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a regular panelist on NPR's comedy news quiz, Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Also an author, Poundstone's second book, "The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness" (Algonquin 2017) was one of eight semi-finalists for The Thurber Prize for American Humor.

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Eagles' Hotel California
Sun, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
The Black Jacket Symphony recreates the Eagles' iconic album "Hotel California," live in its entirety -- note for note, sound for sound -- plus a full set of the Eagles' greatest hits. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed -- and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It's a full night of rock and roll magic -- plus a visual experience unlike any other. Presented in partnership with Emporium Presents.

Coco in Concert on Tour
Fri, Nov. 10 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Experience Disney Pixar's Coco in Concert on Tour featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar(R) and GRAMMY(R)-winning composer Michael Giacchino's musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folcl?rico Nacional de M?xico. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, "Coco" also features the Oscar(R)-winning song "Remember Me" by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina.

B?la Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain, Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia
Sun, Nov. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
There's a bit of the sorcerer in B?la Fleck (banjo), Zakir Hussain (tabla), Edgar Meyer (double bass) and their special guest Rakesh Chaurasia (bansuri, Indian flute). These gentlemen move from bluegrass to Western classical to Indian classical to jazz, transmuting genres into something uniquely their own. In any case, it's music that transcends description; ineffable, indefinable and very beautiful.

Johnny Cash - The Official Concert Experience
Wed, Nov. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Experience the Man in Black like never before. This multimedia tribute takes you on a journey through Cash's career, from his early hits to his later years as a country music legend. Produced in close collaboration with the Estate of Johnny Cash, this show includes never-before-seen footage and on-screen narration by Cash's son, John Carter Cash. This concert experience features all of Cash's signature songs, including "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues" and more.

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox | Life In The Past Lane
Thu, Nov. 16 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Times change and trends come and go, but -- the classic sounds of the past only appreciate with age. Postmodern Jukebox's Life In The Past Lane Concert Tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era. As always, we'll be bringing the PMJ Universe to life with a cast full of today's most exciting vocalists, instrumentalists and tap dancers, to bring you the top-shelf entertainment experience for which PMJ is known.

Classical Music Inside Out: Daniel Bernard Roumain | Redemption Songs and Sonatas
Yayoi Ikawa | Piano
Thu, Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
In celebration of singer/songwriter and composer, Bob Marley, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) has created Redemption Songs and Sonatas, rooted in a worldview of civil rights for all. Conceived and composed by DBR for violin and piano, this duet program features some of his most moving works infused with the spirit of liberation and freedom. From Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" to the Haitian national anthem,
Redemption Songs and Sonatas is a composer's view of our desire to define ourselves, our world and sometimes, one another.

Daniel Emmet and Pia Toscana | Simply the Best PBS Special and Tour
Sat, Nov. 18 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Daniel Emmet, a finalist on America's Got Talent, and Pia Toscano, a finalist on American Idol have teamed up for the Simply the Best Tour. As seen on PBS, the dynamic duo will take you on a musical journey featuring solo performances and dazzling duets spanning across the genres, from The Beatles, Elvis, Celine Dion, Puccini and more. With stunning vocals and captivating stage presence, Emmet and Toscana will leave you breathless and wanting more.

The Man Who Killed Santa Claus
Fri, Nov. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Now in its third year, The Man Who Killed Santa Claus has become an annual Mesa tradition. Join Mayor John Giles for a holiday variety show featuring local actors and musicians, along with the radio-style performance of The Man Who Killed Santa Claus, a true story of triumph over failure set in Downtown Mesa dating back to 1932. Held immediately following the lighting of the Christmas tree as part of the Merry Main Street festivities, the event will include original live music by special guests and will be recorded for a future episode of the It's Always Cool in Mesa podcast, also hosted by Mayor Giles. Presented by It's Always Cool in Mesa, the podcast.

Matteo Bocelli
Tue, Nov. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Matteo Bocelli is an Italian singer and songwriter who has made a name for himself in the music industry. Born in 1997, Matteo is the son of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Following in his father's footsteps, Matteo began his own music career in 2018, collaborating with his father on the hit song "Fall On Me," Matteo's unique voice and emotive performances have won him fans around the world, and he continues to make waves with his solo work and collaborations.

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP with Jerry Douglas
Thu, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbound talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with a pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything. Presented in partnership with Emporium Presents.

Jimmy Carr | Terribly Funny
Sun, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Jimmy Carr is a household name in UK television, known for hosting Channel 4's "8 Out Of 10 Cats" and "Big Fat Quiz Of The Year." Jimmy is the first UK comedian to sign a stand-up deal with Netflix in 2015. He has also been a guest on The Tonight Show, The Late, Late Show and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. Finally, Jimmy co-wrote "The Naked Jape: Uncovering the Hidden World of Jokes" in 2007 and his memoir "Before & Laughter" was released in 2021. Presented in partnership with Live Nation.

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas 2023 Tour
Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Dave Koz and Friends continue their annual holiday tradition at Mesa Arts Center! With nine GRAMMY(R) nominations, nine No. 1 albums on Billboard's Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, saxophonist Dave Koz has maintained a commitment to celebrating the magic of the holiday season like few other artists of his genre or generation.

Gentri Christmas
Sat, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Kick off the Christmas season with GENTRI: The Gentlemen Trio with their holiday spectacular show, CHRISTMAS. With a completely re-imagined show for 2023, The Gents are sure to help you get into the Christmas spirit with epic orchestrations, lush harmonies and moving storytelling -- including some new treats and your favorite renditions of the most beloved and timeless Christmas songs of all time. Presented in partnership with Magic Space.

Derek Hough | Symphony of Dance
Tue, Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
The incomparable Derek Hough brings you an all-new spectacular Symphony of Dance. With electrifying music, awe inspiring dance and nonstop entertainment. Derek Hough is the perfect way to experience the beauty and power of music and dance. You'll be mesmerized by the precision and skill of Hough and his dancers as they bring his Emmy award winning choreography to life. Presented in partnership with Patchwork Presents.

History that Doesn't Suck with Professor Greg Jackson
Sat, Jan. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Experience a night of American history-telling, live music and multimedia! Adapted from the top-ranked history podcast, Professor Greg Jackson tells the epic tale of "The Unlikely Union," weaving defining moments in American history (1754-1865) into a thrilling narrative of the struggle and triumph of a young nation to form, define and reform itself. Travel back in time through storytelling of familiar and unsung real characters from history and return with real context for today.

Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Tour Starring the Blue Note Quintet Featuring Gerald Clayton (piano), Joel Ross (vibraphone), Immanuel Wilkins (alto sax), Kendrick Scott (drums) and Matt Brewer (bass)
Sun, Jan. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Blue Note Records is celebrating their 85th Anniversary with a U.S. Tour starring The Blue Note Quintet -- a group brought together to honor the label's rich history and showcase the label's current roster of eclectic musicians. Six-time GRAMMY(R) Award nominee Gerald Clayton leads the band as musical director and pianist. Rounding out the group are vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Matt Brewer.

The Fab Four Performs The Beatles' Rubber Soul
Fri, Jan. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won't want to miss The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute. The 2023 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, with a performance of The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" in its entirety, as well as The Beatles' greatest hits. The Emmy Award Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles' classics, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. Presented in partnership with Emporium Presents.

Classical Music Inside Out: Zukerman Trio
Pinchas Zukerman (violin), Amanda Forsyth (cello) and Shai Wosner (piano)
Sun, Jan. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
With a celebrated career encompassing five decades, Pinchas Zukerman reigns as one of today's most sought after and versatile musicians -- violin and viola soloist, conductor and chamber musician. Performing with Canadian Juno Award-winning Amanda Forsyth, considered one of North America's most dynamic cellists, and pianist Shai Wosner, internationally recognized for his exceptional artistry, musical integrity,
and creative insight, the Pincas Zukerman Trio will present an unforgettable evening of musical mastery.

Eliades Ochoa
Fri, Feb. 9 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Eliades Ochoa, one of the most renowned Cuban "soneros'' of all time, a vigorous champion of traditional Cuban music and the best guitarist of his generation. Eliades rose to international acclaim as one of the stars and founders of Buena Vista Social Club - from which GRAMMY(R) wins, Oscar nominations, PBS specials and an entire global cottage industry has sprung!

Mandy Patinkin in Concert | Being Alive
With Adam Ben-David on piano
Fri, Feb. 16 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. "Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping," raves The New Yorker, and that's exactly what he does in this powerful evening of song. BEING ALIVE is a collection of Patinkin's favorite Broadway and classic American tunes. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin, Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey you'll never forget.

S?rgio Mendes
Thu, Feb. 29 | 7 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
One common thread weaves throughout the tapestry of music that Sergio Mendes has created over his six-decade career: the spirit of joy. From his contributions to the foundations of bossa nova with Antonio Carlos Jobim, through the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil '66; his chart-topping smash "Never Gonna Let You Go;" to his 21st-century reinvention with the Black-Eyed Peas and John Legend of his Oscar-nominated theme song from the animated hit "Rio" -- an infectious spirit of joy pervades everything Mendes has ushered into the ears of listeners.

New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players: Pirates of Penzance
Tue, March 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Set sail with this classic comic opera that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theater history. On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy -- until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life! Performed by New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players.

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
Sat, March 9 | 8 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Yo-Yo Ma makes an appearance at Mesa Arts Center in a special unaccompanied Cello performance. Ma's multi-faceted career is a testament to his belief in culture's power to generate trust and understanding. Whether performing new or familiar works for cello, bringing communities together to explore culture's role in society, or engaging unexpected musical forms, Yo-Yo strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity.

Classical Music Inside Out: Marc-Andr? Hamelin
Thu, March 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Pianist Marc-Andr? Hamelin is known worldwide for his unrivaled blend of consummate musicianship and brilliant technique in the great works of the established repertoire, as well as for his intrepid exploration of the rarities of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Chad Lawson
Sun, March 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Pianist and composer Chad Lawson makes his Mesa Arts Center debut as he brings his new album "Breathe" on tour to Arizona. This luminous double album is a collection of soothing melodies that inspire mindful moments of blossoming hope to re-center the mind and wash away stress. It finds the North Carolina-based musician exploring the healing powers of music as he wraps listeners in a warm, calming sonic embrace.

Chad Lawson Breathe Workshop
Mon, March 18 | 2 p.m. | Piper Theater
Join us for Chad Lawson's Breathe workshop at Mesa Arts Center. Lawson will use original live music, guided meditation and focused breathing to demonstrate how to ease the mind and relax the nerves.

Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change'
March 26-30 | Times vary | Piper Theater
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical(R) is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change'(R) is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship! For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.

Drum Tao
Thu, April 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Ikeda Theater
Hailed for its high-octane, visionary productions, Drum Tao electrifies Japanese artforms with eye-popping costumes, lavish set designs and bold, complex choreography. Acclaimed as one of the leading taiko drumming groups today, Drum Tao has performed for over 8 million worldwide, including on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. "What we want to do is more than just classical drumming," Drum Tao's lead performer Taro Harasaki says. "It's a very modern style and uses a lot of modern aspects in the show."

Simply Three | Unplugged
April 10-12 | 7:30 p.m. | Piper Theater
Simply Three returns to Mesa Arts Center with exhilarating new music in its purest form.
This classically trained string trio destroys boundaries and pushes limits by adding their flair and innovation to popular arrangements and new compositions. Watch Simply Three shred strings before your eyes featuring rock, pop and original music in a way you've never heard before. Also available as a part of the Classical Music Inside Out series.

About Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is a unique, architecturally stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona's largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and outstanding arts education classes. Mesa Arts Center's mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible and relevant. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.