Friday Update from NAU: Due to unforeseen travel circumstances, tonight’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain concert will begin at least 30 minutes late. Enjoy the show!
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has given thousands of sold-out concerts around the globe. See the Ukulele Orchestra Friday evening at Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Ardrey Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. The Orchestra was formed in 1985 as a bit of fun, but the first gig was an instant sell-out, and they’ve been performing ever since. By 1988 they had released an LP, appeared on BBC TV, and recorded a BBC Radio 1 session. The current ensemble has been playing together for over 20 years, and has become something of a national institution. For tickets, go to NAU’s Central Ticket Office website.
Also on Friday evening, the Flagstaff Theatrikos Theatre Company’s production of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure opens for a three-weekend run. The world’s greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his remarkable career when a case presents itself that is too tempting to ignore. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through February 14th. See the Theatrikos website for complete details of performance dates through and tickets.
It’s the final weekend for the Flagstaff Light Opera Company’s production of the Broadway hit Rent. See “the musical that changed Broadway forever.” Books, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson. Musical arrangements by Steve Skinner. Dates through February 1st. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees at 4:00 p.m. at Coconino High School (2801 N. Izabel St.). Tickets are available online.
Even more to choose from on Friday evening: An Evening with John Gorka at the Coconino Center for the Arts. 7:30 p.m. John Gorka is a world-renowned contemporary American folk musician with twelve albums, who has had many well-known artists perform his songs, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, and Mary Black. Tickets are $25 in advance at the Flagstaff Arts Council website.
On Saturday, experience the 4th Annual Bald Eagle Celebration for the whole family at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center (703 E. Sawmill Road). In partnership with Arizona Game and Fish Department and Liberty Wildlife participants can view live eagles up-close as part of the celebration. As of this writing, there are two programs to choose from:
- An “Early Birds” Program, 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. This event will be weather permitting, meeting at the Arizona Fish & Game Office at 3500 Lake Mary Road – field trip and presentation. (Your own transportation for field trip required.)
- “Fully Fledged,” 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Willow Bend. Learn about the incredible Bald Eagle from an Arizona Fish & Game biologist.
- The “Eaglets” Family Program is already filled to capacity. Programs are free; suggested $5 per person donation. RSVP is required for all events – sign up at the Willow Bend website.
On Saturday, check out the Weaving Workshop and Opening Reception at the Hozhoni Art Gallery (2133 N. Walgreen Blvd.), 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Learn Navajo and Saori weaving techniques from instructors Lauren Hunt and Rachel Grieg. All materials provided. The 2015 Ceramic & Textile Show, open through February 28th, features works ranging from traditional Navajo and Japanese Saori weaving, and unique ceramic cups, bowls, and masks, to very distinctive and non-traditional pieces in both ceramics and textiles. Regular gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
On Saturday evening, follow In the Footsteps of Martha Summerhayes, a refined New England woman who traveled to the untamed Arizona Territory with her lieutenant husband in the 1870s. Traveling in terrible conditions and initially horrified by the desert landscape, she eventually gave birth to the first Anglo child born at Fort Apache. Ultimately, Ms. Summerhayes came to love the starry nights, the clear air and the relative simplicity of life in Arizona. In fact, she wrote what is now a classic in Southwest literature, Vanished Arizona. In cooperation with the Grand Canyon Historical Society, Wayne Ranney recounts a tale of hard-won love and his personal connection to Martha Summerhayes. At Riordan Mansion State Historic Park (409 W. Riordan Road), 7:00 p.m. Free.
On Saturday evening, the Grand Canyon Guitar Society season continues with a performance by Russian guitarist Anton Baranov. Baranov has participated in a number of International Guitar Festivals in Russia and Europe, and is the first place winner of several prestigious international competitions. At Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1601 N. San Francisco St.), 7:00 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 day of show.
The 10 X 10 Exhibition and Sale continues at the Coconino Center for the Arts, featuring the work of 100 artists, all working in various media within the framework of a 10 inch x ten inch space, all on sale starting at $100 each in a silent auction format. It’s a fundraiser for the Coconino Center. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Through February 14th.
Part of what makes Flagstaff a special place to visit are the many and varied night life choices. Check out the weekly entertainment magazine Flag Live!
To buy or sell a Flagstaff home, contact us: BestFlagstaffHomes.com
