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: Experience Hip-Hop at MIM Featuring DJ QBert
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Experience hip-hop culture through rhythmic sounds, beats, graffiti-filled subways, and B-boy movements for the masses. Activities will include a presentation by Such and Champ Styles (featured artists in the MIM Hip-Hop exhibit), Hip-Hop Exhibit Talk by MIM Curator Cullen Strawn, live performance by DJ Radar, live break dancing by Furious Styles Dance Crew, and a live performance by DJ QBert (featured artist in the MIM Hip-Hop exhibit, DMC World Champion, 1992-93, and America's Best DJ, 2010). Free with museum admission.
What: Pet CPR and First Aid Training
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
Discuss the immediate care and temporary assistance that can be given to an injured or suddenly ill pet until competent veterinary care is available. Properly applied first aid can save your pet's life, reduce recovery time and be the difference between temporary and lifelong disability. In addition to basic emergency care, learn CPR and what to do if animal is choking, along with common illnesses and other problems that your pet may be exposed to. Each participant will receive a student handbook and certificate of completion. This program is endorsed by the ASPCA. Preregistration required. Fee is $42 (non-Glendale resident $50).
What: The Great Grape Stomp
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fountain Park in Fountain Hills
The event kicks off with a 5K race (race-day registration/check-in at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m.). The Stomp Festival includes wine tastings ($15 tasting fee, guests receive 8 tastings plus a commemorative glass) featuring wines from Arizona's four main wine regions. Farmer's Market, Fine Artists displaying their original art, cooking and wine-pairing demonstrations, entertainment featuring vocalist Donna McGee, and a grape stomping competition. For a $10 fee "Stomping Teams" will compete in the Grape Stomping Competition. After expenses, proceeds from the "Stomp" will benefit the Arizona Wine Growers Association. Family-friendly. The grape stomp will occur between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Teams (three or more) can pre-register by email to info@lawrencedunhamvineyards.com or at the Festival entry gate.
What: Pioneer Harvest Ball
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Where: Turf Paradise, Phoenix
The event features a silent auction, music and dancing. The fundraiser benefits the Pioneer Arizona Foundation to restore and preserve Arizona's history. Event tickets are $100 for individuals. At least 65% of the ticket price may be tax deductible.
What: World Community Drum Circle: Rhythms of Jazz
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Each month, Frank Thompson, founder of AZ Rhythms, offers a chance to experience community drumming for all levels, from absolute beginners to enthusiastic professionals. Each fun, relaxing, and family-friendly session will focus on a new culture or genre, plus provide plenty of time for making music. Guest artists and MIM curators will stop in to demonstrate or share information about instruments, cultures, or rhythms. Bring your own drum or use one provided. Tickets: $12 or $40 for four classes; museum admission may be purchased separately.
What: Sonoran Chamber Music Series
When: Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Guest artists Jerome Lowenthal, piano; violinist Charles Castleman; cellist Thomas Landschoot. Individual tickets are $25, which includes a drinks reception (one drink per person) in the TCA Lounge with the artists following the concert. Student tickets are $10 through the box office, in person, with appropriate ID.
What: Autumn Specialty Class at Make Meaning
When: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Make Meaning at Scottsdale Quarter
Guests ages 5+ are welcome to create unique items for your Thanksgiving table. During this class guests will design and create a beautiful autumn mosaic cornucopia plate for the Thanksgiving table. $49 members and $59 non members.
What: Tumbleweed Recreation Center Family Night
When: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Chandler
Every Wednesday Tumbleweed Recreation Center host Family Night for kids of all ages. Each Wednesday's activities vary from theme nights to arts and crafts to performances and more. Ages 1 to 12: $2 for residents/$3 for non-residents; ages 13 to 17: $3 for residents/$5 for non-residents.
What: Desert Bird Tours
When: Wednesday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Phoenix
Join docent Jo Brookshier for a walk along the Center's trail and learn about the Sonoran desert birds that make this nature preserve their home. Reservations are required, call (623) 582-8007. Free with museum admission.
What: RAREaffair
When: Saturday, November 10, 2012 from p.m. to p.m.
Where: Arizona Science Center, Phoenix
The Beer For Brains Foundation hosts this special event to savor and enjoy rare and unique beer, wine, spirits and culinary creations while benefiting brain cancer awareness. The entertainment lineup includes Ken Levine & Jump, Jive & Wail performing upbeat swing style party music. Also, enjoy a semi-acoustic classic and current rock band, Remy De La More and the Michael Droz Project will perform classic, blues and R&B. General admission ($90) includes tastings from over a dozen restaurants and the ability to sample craft beer, wine and spirits. Designated driver tickets are available for $40 and that includes admission, a ride on the SkyCycle-a high-wire physics lesson and ride suspended nearly 15 feet in the air, food and non-alcoholic beverages. VIP tickets are also available. 21+ only. Arizona Science Center exhibits will be open to RAREaffair guests.
What: Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee 5K Run and Family Walk for World Peace
When: Saturday, November 10, 2012, registration at 7 a.m.
Where: Arizona Falls (SRP Canal), 5802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
A benefit for the nine Phoenix Sister Cities committees and two programs, the Youth Ambassador and Disabilities Awareness. This year, it also will benefit St. Mary's High School Band that will travel to Ennis, Ireland in 2013 to play in their St. Patrick's Day parade. The Disabilities Awareness Program creates intercommunity programs to bring awareness of people with disabilities and coordinates an annual international artist competition for people with disabilities. The Youth Ambassador Program funds annual cultural exchanges for high school students between Phoenix and its sister cities. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers of the 5K Run in five-year age increments. The run registration is $20 on or before Oct. 27, $25 from Oct. 28 to Nov. 8, and $30 day of the run. Kids ages 6 to 16 are $10; T-shirt not included. Register online.
What: Walk to Save Animals
When: Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Tempe Beach Park at Tempe Town Lake
A family- and dog-friendly event with 2K and 5K pet walks, dog agility demonstrations, dog training advice, pet photos with Santa, adoptable dogs, low-cost vaccine clinic, up-close interactions with exotic pets. Pet vendors, a kids' zone with bounce houses, face painting, games and prizes, a food court, and entertainment by the Radio Disney Rockin' Road Show. Bring milk bones and/or pet collars to the Walk and receive one raffle ticket for each item donated (up to a maximum of 20). Raise or donate a minimum of $30 to participate (per person). Individuals and organizations can form walk teams and raise money through pledges. With hundreds of healthy or treatable pets put to death in Maricopa County each week, the Arizona Animal Welfare League, the state's oldest and largest no-kill shelter, is trying to save more lives through this annual event. Register online.
What: 3 International Tenors
When: Friday, November 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria
A tribute to some of the finest music and performances that pay homage to the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Enrico Caruso and others. Starring Johnny Huerta (USA), Geno Toc (Romania), Guillermo Ontiveros (Mexico) and Michele Oh (Korea). Tickets start at $25.
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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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