Let me say this, I have lived in the Valley all my life. Yes, I am a full fledged native. The City…read moreof Chandler has rapidly grown over the years and this was my first visit to Chandler Center For The Arts. On this Saturday night the artist performing was Pat Metheney. At the onset before the performance we were told that this would be the last concert of the season. The Chandler Center is going to get a renovation and probably will not be open until late October or early November. This Center houses a large venue and on this Saturday night it was pretty much a sold out crowd. When Pat Metheney came out he didn't waste any time and just started playing. The crowd was really into the music and so was I. The place has provisions for the handicapped and does allow for drinks during the performance. I really don't know what else to add other than the place is impressive. When it opens up again in the Autumn maybe take a look at what they have in the concert venue. I guess we got lucky to attend their last concert of the season.

As the self-appointed king of events, I'm back at it with another venue review. I have been to the…read moreChandler Center For The Arts twice: once for a UB40 concert and once for a screening of a Louie Armstrong documentary (live jazz ensemble included). Located in a nice part of Chandler, with lots of cool bars and restaurants within the vicinity, they do have a complimentary parking lot. For one of the events, I was able to find a spot without much trouble. For the other, I had to park on the street a few minutes away by foot. I guess it depends on how popular the event is. The venue itself is beautiful. Clean and modern with nice amenities. You get a program once you enter the theater, which I always appreciate. It's a good size-venue, but still small enough that it's intimate. My only real complaint? The seats are packed pretty close to each other, so you don't much shoulder room or leg room. A little too snug. Outside of that, and parking being a bit of a wild card, it's a phenomenal venue.

I had the opportunity to visit the concert side of the Hale Center Theater and was thrilled with…read morehow cozy and pleasant the experience was. The entire space holds maybe 250 or so people and each seat has a good view of the stage. The performers are fantastic (I was there for the Yacht Rock show) and I loved how enthusiastic and expressive they all were. You can purchase snacks from their portable concession cart either before the show or at intermission. If you have the chance, be sure to check it out!

My parents, especially my dad, are huge Bee Gees fans. So, when I saw that Hale Center Theater was…read moreputting on a tribute show while they were visiting, I knew I had to get tickets. We purchased tickets for the Thursday, January 8th show. We arrived a bit early on the day of the show. It was our first time at Hale and we wanted to be prepared. We were directed to a side entrance where they usually have their music shows. I knew the theatre was small, but was still surprised to see how intimate it was. I didn't mind it. The theatre sells concessions before the show and during intermission. We didn't purchase any. The show was phenomenal! The band and the singers were very talented and put on a fantastic performance. They nailed the original voices, which is not easy, and even hit some of the high notes. It took us back to the disco days of the 70s. We can't wait to catch another show at Hale Center Theatre!

The Stray Cat always provides an entertaining evening. But the latest production, FETAL, is…read moreextraordinary. Not only is it a look at women's lives under stress, but the humor and anguish is expertly portrayed. Each character has a story to tell, and did so as only the women experiencing the anticipation of a Supreme Court decision could. Kudos to the actors and entire staff of Stray Cat -- as in everything, it takes a village. And Stray Cat has a village and more!

Inexpensive great theater. Easy parking with a great variety of shows. Always good. Central…read morelocation.

I've been coming to the Mesa Arts Center for years! For graduation ceremonies of the university i…read morework at. The staff are friendly and helpful. The sound engineers are very knowledgeable. There are two green rooms we use - both have the space to accommodate approximately 40 faculty members who make up the stage party. I sing the national anthem for the graduation ceremony and let me simply say how amazing their sound system is. There used to be no sound delay. The sound is crisp. And I think the sound system makes me sound even better than I really am!! lol The lobby area is spacious and great for after-ceremony gatherings. It truly is a great place! I also have contemplated taking some of the arts classes they offer. I haven't found time in my busy schedule but I do know they offer a variety if classes. I look forward to when I can take a class!!

My mom and I came here for the first for the Shen Yu. Great event we go every year but this year we…read moredecided to try the mesa location. We chose the sitting on the higher levels which we liked but don't chose the edge of the row cause then you can't see the side of the stage. Choose more in the middle. I was not happy with the bathroom stall I used. It seems when so many other people slam their doors my door became unlocked and opened on me while using the restroom. The bathroom was very clean!! The other annoying part was there was only one person working the concession stand. So we couldn't get anything. Cause our intermission ended by the time we got to the front of the line.

Very nice venue, parking is easy, top notch performances. Staff members were friendly and helpful…read more Snacks and beverages were reasonably priced.

This is an amazing facility. The design and lay out is quite stunning. The small cafe and outdoor…read moreseating area is grand to enjoy a snack and adult beverage before the show. The theater was comfy. We did not care for balcony 2 - if you have height issues might stick to main level. Parking easy and validated. Restrooms spacious and on 2 levels.

Went for the Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky concert, my first symphony. I didn't do much research into…read morethe actual music itinerary, so I was sad to not hear the classics (Swan Lake, Cinderella, or Romeo and Juliet), but they were absolutely perfect and it was so beautiful. They don't enforce dress codes but everyone came nicely dressed anyway, so it's a nice, comfortable setting for those who stress about dress code. There are plenty of places to get decent priced alcohol and espresso. Some snacks are available, but they aren't allowed in the main hall. There is a bag size policy that applies to non-seethrough bags, so be aware of that. Our bag was less than half an inch bigger than the limit and they were pretty set on denying entry. I didn't see it in the FAQs for dress code, but maybe I was looking in the wrong place so that's on me. Highly recommend, they were beautiful.

I have been to the Phoenix Symphony on three occasions: once for a Dia de Los Muertos performance,…read moreonce for a Rick Steves performance, and once for a How to Drain Your Dragon in concert performance. Overall it's a great experience---here are the pros and cons. (1) The venue: Symphony Hall is a beautiful venue. The lobby area has an assortment of food (with the offerings being on the lighter side) and beverage options. There are some beautiful chandeliers. And some art. There are complimentary water stations. The bathroom are well maintained. The venue hall itself is also nice, though the seats are a little tight in terms of space. It's a pretty large venue so there's both seating on the ground level (orchestra) and the balcony. (2) The price: All three times I've been (both matinee and evening sessions on the weekend), the prices have been affordable. Which is always appreciated, because sometimes, some venues will charge you an arm and a leg to enjoy the arts (which I'm wholeheartedly against, both for my pocket book and at a societal level). (3) The parking: this is the biggest con in my mind. The Phoenix Symphony is located downtown. You can overpay for a garage. Or you can pay for metered parking (where you have to pay until 10 p.m.). Regardless of the option you choose, parking is a hassle. Stand Up Live, which is also located downtown, validates your parking (which is a big plus). Phoenix Symphony does not. Despite the difficulty with parking, the Phoenix Symphony is Phoenix's premier destination to enjoy symphony performances. They have a whole host of different performances, from classic to modern (where movies are the inspiration).

Chandler Opera Company Veteran's Day Concert 2024…read more Emily Morgan Gibson and Richard Gibson have brought us another spectacular concert for the Chandler Opera as co-directors. Richard Gibson who was a serving marine absolutely feels his patriotism deeply and is the perfect person to direct for Veterans Day. The concert was free but money was raised for US Vets Phoenix Chapter to help house local homeless vets. Grammy winning Dr. Isola Jones, guest performer at The Metropolitan Opera, was a featured guest star. Carole Fitzpatrick and Stephanie Weiss were also Guest Soloists. The Marine color guard presented the flag for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. A 46 voice choir was backed by Jeremy Peterman on the organ/piano/ and guitar and Jerry Peterman on the snare drum, Timothy Moke on the trumpet, and Neil Erickson on bagpipes. Definitely a stadout performance and a big help to the veteran community.

This concert was so enjoyable. A real triumph. The string quartet and piano accompaniment were…read moreoutstanding. Dr. Jeremy Peterman has played piano at every Chandler Opera Company performance since its founding. Dr. Peterman opened the second act with an inspired duet with Double Bassist Catalin Rotaru. All in all 16 musicians, all excellent. The two arias by Emily Gibson were highlights as well as 2 arias by John Pierce Kraft. The next production is A Buncha Broadway August 29 and 31.

I signed up for lessons hoping to correct a speech impediment I have had since middle school. They…read moreswore this was absolutely possible. After about a month or two, I was getting the wildest compliments during lessons "you're going to be a star" and "embrace the fame thats coming your way" "you are about to be on TV" I didn't understand what was going on or even what this TV show was. I was humble and didn't want to ask questions. Before one of the showcases, I was even supposed to have a private meeting with one of her "producers" to record. After long, I realized the same eager crowd that showed up at these "producer showcases" to perform & impress were mostly the same ones coming to lessons. I was told things like "you'll have album in three years" and because of her connections with music stars.....maybe even a collab with Carrie Underwood. There was also *tremendous* pressure to come online and leave a 5-star review. I felt uneasy that things which seemed private and confidential about other students were shared during lessons. I also realized that she seemed to share things about me that I wish she wouldn't have. I wish that I would have walked away when I got to the point I was at...and never got involved with her "showcases" and her producers. I wish I would have trusted the bad feeling in my gut about all of it. It felt like mind games, with the wild promises, and the producers, and how they never talked to me directly about what was going on. I would be ashamed to talk like this to my voice students, and Mr. Riggs probably wouldn't approve of this business modality either. Now, I am trying to find myself again after the grief this has caused in my life. Which is far more than can be fit in this review.

It would be hard not giving her 5 stars because Stephanie is the best in Maricopa County. She does…read morea fantastic job building your confidence, improving your unique style, and she's so much fun to be around. Not only that but she is available online as well, so you don't have to live in the area. Couldn't recommend anyone better.

It was my family's first magic show and it was everything we expected but a little more...there was…read morehumor, singing AND belly dancing !!! These 3 entertainers put on one great show ! We were hesitant because the only seating left was in the back row when we purchased the tickets but still bought them hoping for the best and were very happy about it because we could stand if we felt we were missing something on stage due to someones head in the way but honestly it was only to look at the floor stage otherwise you can stiil have a great view from the back row ! Cattle ranch is a little tricky because the street its on is not very lit, in a neighborhood and there is a small sign in the drivway that says circus of illusion that canbe easily missed. Its a very small and intimate venue but it definitely works. They even offered complimentary water and cookies ... Great night for the family !!

Please sit before reading this review. It contains accounts of witchcraft and occult behavior, and…read moreI will not be held accountable for any injury obtained while reading this review. Had I not witnessed the Davis Circus of Illusion with my own eyes, I would not be able to tell you about it. The Davis Circus of Illusion is a group of three people, headed by 'magician' Craig Davis. I put 'magician' in quotes because of course I am a grown, educated man, and do not believe in magic. I do, of course, believe in witchcraft, which is more how I would describe the events of the evening, as Davis and his associates perform unnatural feats. He is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Davis, and a bellydancer who goes by the name Myryka. Davis Circus of Illusion is in a great location - right up in the general Scottsdale vicinity. So go eat dinner someplace close, and then come here. If you are a member of a family, bring your entire family. If you are courting a young lady, you may also bring her here. If you are alone, you will be allowed admittance, but probably looked upon with curiosity. Dress is casual, but classy. Imagine what you should be wearing while witnessing OCCULT BEHAVIOR. The event takes place at a joint called Cattle Track, which has a building that serves as kind of a gallery/stage. I do not know if there are any cattle there so please stop asking. Before the show, Davis was talking with some of the early arrivals, his presence tempting them to inquire about the dark arts. I did not listen in on their conversation but I can only imagine he was describing to them the cursed acts he had to commit to obtain his power. As show time drew near, he demonstrated his abilities by reading a man's mind. Upon seeing this I quickly focused my thoughts, locking away the secrets within my mind that Davis might have otherwise been able to gain access to. I suggest you take this precaution ahead of time. The show began with Mrs. Davis singing a few songs. She's got a pretty good set of pipes on her, but I was there for the occult! Davis retook the stage, and almost immediately summoned his bellydancer from some astral plane, and then a bird, which proceeded to stare me down for half the show with his beady black eyes. The obvious conclusion is that the bird was a mind reader as well. After having summoned his minions, Davis now conjured up dark magics for a freakin' hour and a half. Breaking things, making them whole again, reading more people's minds, putting a lady in a box and then trying to crush her with drawers - all kinds of madness. He had his assistant get in a box, and then he collapsed the box and the woman was STILL ALIVE INSIDE even though there was only room for like, her arms and head. Everything else was just smashed. Then, what does he do? Freakin' heals her somehow and makes a new body for her and she's still alive. My wife was all, "It's just larger than it looks - she probably has extra room in there" but I know what I saw. Hah! "Mirrors." People always use mirrors to explain witchcraft, when the truth is far more deadly. Not only is Davis a practitioner of witchcraft, but he also juggles, which I find to be an odd combination. He is apparently one of only a few people in the world who can juggle 7 things at once. Like, actually have all 7 of the things in the air at the same time. I saw him do it, and if you told me that no other human being on earth could juggle 7 things at once, I'd believe you. It was pretty nuts. Anyway, the show was like, 2 hours, and thank god he didn't try to use any of his witchcraft on me, and that bird stayed away from me or I would have gone nuts. Should you go see the Davis Circus of Illusion? Only if you are stout of mind and heart, and are not fearful of mind-bending illusions and inexplicable acts of otherworldly magic. If you're ok with that, then yeah you should probably go.

Well this place was a treat. I saw Hamnet here yesterday, and had a really good first experience…read more The seats are assigned, so that's nice. They also have a nice rock to them and the arm rests can be moved up and out of the way. As this is a dine in theatre, there are little tables set up for plates and drinks. Speaking of food - they have a pretty versatile menu! I splurged and went with the sampler - you get to choose three things, and I went with mozzarella sticks, fries, and chicken tenders. Solid food! The service was awesome. My server was attentive and kind, and made sure I was set throughout my visit. 10/10, no notes. This was a really rad lil time and I'm sure I'll be back :)

Majestic Chandler is my family's go-to spot to watch movies outside the house. We enjoy their…read moreunique movie parties- where you can watch classic movies and shout out lines or sing along to the music with everyone in the theater. They also have limited engagements and monthly signatures, along with new releases of course. They always seem to have a good discount going on something, so if you're looking to spend under $10/ticket be sure to check their website or app for the best deals. This location has a full bar in the lobby with many regional beers on tap. You can also order food while in the theater and the friendly servers will bring it to the table between each pair of seats! Wednesdays they have a $5 menu for popcorn, pretzels and more. This is one of few places I can eat popcorn without any digestion issues...not something I can say at the larger rival theaters! The theaters are clean and spacious. While the chairs don't have automated controls to recline, they are large, comfortable and spaced apart so you're not rubbing elbows with the stranger next you. They have a lot of quirky and nostalgic advertisements and videos to watch before the movie starts. You may enjoy these more than your feature film! A few drawbacks are 1) the theaters are smaller than most...so if you're looking to watch a hot new release it may be hard to find seats during prime time. 2) Given the smaller theater, the screen is also on the smaller size. 3) As they deliver food during the movies, you may have workers walking by you often depending your seat choice. Their system isn't foolproof as I had them deliver me food for other people and watch my food go to other people. Overall, if you're looking to avoid the larger theaters and have some older-fashioned fun, this is a great place to visit!