January Activities and Festivities – It’s More Fun in the Valley of the Sun

As we begin the New Year, The Valley of the Sun is full of activities and festivities for the month of January both indoor and outdoor. From live performances, art festivals, wedding walks and car auctions to food and wine festivals, there is always something that will delight.

Check out the following activities and festivities worth experiencing:

• The Phoenix Symphony – January 9, 2014

Principal Guest Conductor JoAnn Falletta leads The Phoenix Symphony in Beethoven’s world-renowned and fateful Fifth Symphony. Experience Falletta’s tight and controlled conducting style during a rare interpretation of Ginastera’s rhythmic and mesmerizing Harp Concerto performed by Guest Artist Yolanda Kondonassis, whose style has been described as “sheer luminescence.” The evening begins with Enesco’s intimate and gypsy-folk inspired Rumanian Rhapsody No. 1.

• Compagnie Käfig Correria Agwa – January 10, 2014

A major figure in the global hip-hop scene, French choreographer Mourad Merzouki works at the intersection of many different disciplines, from circus and martial arts to visual art and music. His unique dance ensemble, Compagnie Käfig, has become an international sensation with its passionate young dancers from the shanty towns of Rio de Janeiro performing an intoxicating fusion of hip-hop, capoeira and samba. Bursting with energy, this breathtaking performance is two shows in one: Correria (running), a thrilling, hectic race, and Agwa (water), an exploration of this vital resource and symbol of renewal.

• Barrett- Jackson Collector Car Auction– January 12 – 19, 2014

For over four decades, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has been recognized throughout the world for offering only the finest selection of quality collector vehicles, outstanding professional service, and an unrivaled sales success. From classic and one-of-a-kind vehicles to exotics and muscle cars, Barrett-Jackson attracts only the best.

The auction features more than 1,000 of the world’s finest collector and special-interest automobiles and is attended by 250,000 collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe.

The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events’ have captured the true essence of a passionate obsession with cars that extends to collectors and enthusiasts throughout the world. In addition to the amazing vehicles, attendees enjoy a lifestyle experience featuring fine art, fashion, and gourmet cuisine.

Download Auto Auction Guide here.

• Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel – January 14, 2014

Hailed by The New York Times as “an artist who means every note he plays,” internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel celebrates the 35th anniversary of Keyboard Conversations in Scottsdale. His brilliantly polished concert-with-commentary format combines captivating remarks with world-class performances of legendary masterpieces of the piano repertoire – and concludes with a fast-paced Q-and-A session.

Glorious Beethoven features uplifting, dramatic, soul-searching music of this incomparable composer, including the “Teresa Sonata” (Who was she and why did Beethoven write this for her?) and the Sonata, Op. 111, written after deafness had engulfed the composer.

• Automobilia Scottsdale – January 16 – 17, 2014

The largest automobilia show in Scottsdale, and the only time during Auction Week to find these top dealers in a single venue. Enjoy the relaxed indoor setting while buying only original vintage posters, photographs, rally plates, badges & pins, hood ornaments, signs, original art, scale models, literature and books, signed items, postcards, etc.

Located at the Radisson Fort McDowell, just 10 minutes from Barrett-Jackson and shuttle service. RM, Gooding, Bonhams and Russo & Steele are just 15-20 minutes away. On premises pack and ship facilities are available!

• Brian Stokes Mitchell Performs with The Phoenix Symphony – January 17 – 18, 2014

Called “The Last Leading Man” by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film, along with appearances in the great American concert halls. Known for his powerful baritone, he earned the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” for his role in the Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate. His recent projects range from guest starring on the hit show Glee to his latest album, Simply Broadway, featuring new interpretations of classic recordings of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Mitchell’s performance will feature hits from Les Misérables, South Pacific, Ragtimeand other classics from the American Songbook.

• Annual Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival – January 17 – 19, 2014

The streets of downtown Carefree are closed, making room for more than 165 artists and in excess of 5,000 original masterpieces of fine art. Artists’ works include small, medium and monumental life-sized bronze sculptures, metal, clay,wood, stone, glass and mixed media sculptures. There is an array of pottery, photography, hand crafted jewelry, batiks and select fine crafts. There is also spectacular oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, pastel, charcoal,etchings and mixed media paintings. Subject matter ranges from Southwest and traditional to contemporary and abstract, including floral, wildlife, European, African and Native American art. The festival offers a wide variety of mediums, styles, sizes, subject matters and price range, to ensure there is something that will appeal to everyone who attends. For $10, patrons will receive an engraved souvenir wine glass with six tasting tickets; allowing them to enjoy their magnificent wine.

• Grand Opera Cinema Series: Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly – January 22, 2014

One of the world’s most beloved and dramatic operas, Madama Butterfly is a classic tale of colliding hearts and cultures set in 19th-century Japan. Internationally acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette is Cio–Cio-San, a geisha tragically torn between two worlds and forced to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to retain her honor. Maestro Donald Runnicles conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this stirring production that features some of Puccini’s most popular music.

• Street Eats Food Truck Festival – January 25 – 26, 2014

The 3rd Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival showcases at Salt River Fields again this year! Come and experience rows of delicious food trucks, celebrity chefs, live music and more! Experience the largest collection of food trucks in the southwest and nosh on every type of cuisine imaginable. Meanwhile, ,enjoy a five-acre festival with live banks, cooking classes, fun eating contests, a huge kid’s zone and bars operated by some of your favorite local establishments.

• SMOCA’S “Art in Motion” Bike Sculptures – January 30, 2014

Are they bicycles…or are they sculptures? The answer is yes! “Art in Motion” showcases the results of a unique workshop series where students were given bicycles, spare parts, materials, and limitless reign to create artful, ride-able sculptures. Exhibiting student artists are from the arts magnet program at South Mountain High School.

Quite a lot of other events and activities are lined up for Valley of the Sun in the entire year, but surely the activities and festivities in the month of January is one thing that we should not miss.

For any real estate needs, relocation counseling and market expertise, let the Luxury Valley Homes assist you. You can visit us at https://www.scottsdalerealestatearizona.com or call us at 480-595-6412.