ArtsFest Maricopa to debut with ‘Music & Movement’

[quote_box_right]IF YOU GO
What: ArtsFest Maricopa “Music & Movement”
When: Oct. 19, 7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.)
Where: MHS Performing Arts Center, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.
How much: One night $18 at the door; two nights $24 thru Oct. 7 and $30 afterward
Tickets: ArtsFestMaricopa.BrownPaperTickets.com[/quote_box_right]A new, two-part cultural event for Maricopa will take a bow this fall showcasing the works of local professionals and student artists and performers.

ArtsFest Maricopa, organized by the city’s arts organizations, is scheduled to debut at the Maricopa High School Performing Arts Center Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. with the showcase “Music and Movement.”

The main-stage performances feature orchestral music by Maricopa Music Circle and dance by Desert Sun Performing Arts, plus introductions and commentary by actors from Maricopa Community Theatre. The intermission “Intermezzo” lobby performance will be by a small ensemble from a Maricopa school, to be enjoyed as audience members walk about viewing wall-art and sculptures by MHS students and established artists and crafters.

“ArtsFest Maricopa aims to present a core sample of all Maricopa’s artistic riches in fresh, glorious ‘re-introduction’ to our city,” said Judith Zaimont, co-founder of MMC and one of the organizers of the event, “especially so we all can savor together the demonstrated richness of talent in our hometown. New residents will gain first-hand experience of how the city’s cultural prong has grown and flourished over Maricopa’s first 16 incorporated years.”

The evenings have their presentations grouped around two themes: arts without words, and arts with words.

The second part of ArtsFest will be Feb. 1 with the “Song and Story” showcase. Main-stage performances will be by Maricopa Chorus and Copa Shorts Film Fest, with introductions and commentary by MCT actors. The intermission lobby performance will be by Poetry Slam performances, and there will be another art walk of local professional and student creations.

Both parts of ArtFest will have food trucks stationed nearby for refreshments throughout the evening. Doors will open at 6 p.m. so audience members can view the visual art displays in the lobby at length.

ArtsFest Maricopa is sponsored by the City of Maricopa Arts Committee and the independent nonprofit Maricopa Arts Council.

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This story appears in the September issue of InMarciopa.