This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly "Free Things To Do" column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.
Events are presented here in date order.
What: Matt Fulchiron at Stand-Up Scottsdale
When: Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23, 2012 from p.m. to p.m.
Where: Stand-Up Scottsdale
Matt made his first television appearance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." Matt is a regular at The Comedy Store and the Irvine Improv. Stand-up comedy for adults (21+) in downtown Scottsdale. General admission tickets are $15 each. Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
What: Tortoise Care 101
When: Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Basic information on how to successfully raise a pet tortoise. This fun and interactive program will give you a chance to see a variety of species of tortoises up close. The cost is $8 ($11 for non-residents) for teens over 13 and adults. Children under 13 are permitted free with a paid adult. Pre-registration is required.
What: West Valley Youth Orchestra
When: Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Avondale Council Chambers, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
The West Valley Youth Orchestra (WVYO) performs an exclusive concert "Children At Play," highlighting the talents of young musicians who are members of the WVYO, a non-profit. The evening's repertoire will include: J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor; Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94; a medley from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, and Debussy's Clair de Lune. Tickets are $25 for VIP Seating, and includes a glass of sparkling cider; and $15 for Regular Seating. Student tickets are $10 (must show ID at the event.) Portions of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the West Valley Youth Orchestra and the Avondale Youth Advisory Commission. Tickets can be purchased online at childrenatplay.eventbrite.com or at the Avondale City Hall/Recreation Division at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.
What: Sushi 101 at RA Sushi Bar
When: Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: RA Sushi, 411 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
RA in Tempe is hosting its first-ever Sushi 101 class, where RA's talented chefs will give students a crash course in the art of sushi rolling. Throughout the interactive class, participants will learn about the history of sushi, test their skills in the art of sushi rolling, and enjoy an assortment of tasty appetizers and fresh sushi. The class is $35 per person and includes sushi rolling lessons, a non-alcoholic beverage, miso soup, edamame, two maki (rolls), two pieces of nigiri, a sushi rolling mat to take home, and a voucher good for a complimentary lunch on a return visit. Registration is required, call 480-303-9800.
What: World Refugee Day CultureFest
When: Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix
The Welcome to America Project will celebrate World Refugee Day with a family-friendly cultural dinner, CultureFest, as part of the 2012 Cultural Dinner Series. Guests will experience and learn traditions about the cultures from nine representative countries, including Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia and Sudan. There will be samplings of traditional cuisines, international performances and a fashion show during the three-hour event. CultureFest is a fundraiser for furniture and household items that The Welcome to America Project provides to refugee families from war-torn countries, as they start a new life in Phoenix. $25 per adult, $15 for children ages 6 to 18, students and children ages 5 and younger are free. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online or at the door.
What: Volleyball Festival
When: Tuesday, June 26 - Sunday, July 1, 2012
Where: Phoenix Convention Center, Opening Ceremonies at Chase Field
More than 6,000 female 12- to 18-year-old athletes compete in one of the largest and most family-friendly volleyball tournaments in the country. In addition, U.S. Olympian Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist Misty May will speak to participants and sign autographs at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 28. The week of competition kicks off June 26 with an Olympics-style Opening Ceremonies at Chase Field featuring guest appearances from volleyball luminaries, an Olympic-style march in of teams, awards and a performance by Polynesian dancers, drummers and fire dancers to coincide with this year's Festival theme of "Ho`olaule`a" (Hawaiian word for festival). In addition to the tournament games, the 6-day festival features several family-friendly activities, including a Kids Zone, Special Olympics division, Win With Heart Day, Sportsmanship Awards, Spirit Awards, indoor sand court with pro beach celebrities, massage therapy stations, internet café and Renaissance Girl college scholarship awards. The highlight of the week's competition is the 18-year-old age group championship game, scheduled for Saturday, June 30 at 7 p.m. Tockets: Opening Ceremony: $10 kids (ages 6-12), $15 adult, 5 and under free; Daily: $5 kids (ages 6-12), $8 adults, 5 and under free; Weekly: $20 kids (ages 6-12), $35 adults; All-access: $30 kids (ages 6-12), $50 adults; Kids Zone $15 per day (ages 3-13).
What: Friday "Fun Club"
When: Friday, June 29, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Make Meaning, Scottsdale Quarter, 15257 N Scottsdale Road, Building F, Scottsdale
Twirl and Splatter - Learn an awesome ceramics technique that will turn your ordinary plate into a spintastic extravaganza. Then splatter your very own mug. Open to ages 5+. Register online. Seats are limited. $48 for non-members, $42 for members.
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If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.
If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you'd like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.

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