OdySea in the Desert Cultural Connections Concert SeriesFirst Saturday, March-May1:00pm-5:00pmOdySea in the Desert and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance have partnered to bring live cultural music and dance to the desert. The Cultural Connections Concert Series supports local performers with the opportunity to educate the community with their unique cultural styles of music and dance. The series will feature a range of performance types, from folklorico and mariachi to taiko drumming and tap dance.
Why?As a core Business and Arts Integration method, the Cultural Connections Concert Series blends the mutually beneficial relationship that the arts can have alongside the business model. In partnership with OdySea in the Desert, this program impacts economic development, while providing community exposure to the arts, and supporting local musicians.
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Free Admission
Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. Limited seating is provided. There is no cost to attend the concerts. Concerts will feature up to six 30-minute performances.
Event Partner
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LocationOdySea in the Desert
9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 OdySea in the Desert is a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination that features world-class attractions including OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, BODIES REVEALED, and Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs in addition to 20 dining, shopping, and amusement venues. The outdoor courtyard regularly hosts a variety of events and family entertainment throughout the year. Parking is free and there is no admission required to enter OdySea in the Desert. |
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Volunteer |
Featured Concerts
March 2, 2019
Mariachi and Folklorico at Odysea
Celebrate the colors and vibrant sounds of the Mariachi and Folklorico traditions with Arizona's finest student groups and community performers. The rich, cultural history of Mexico reverberates with each note of Mariachi music as Folklorico ensembles tell stories of heartbreak and celebration of life through traditional dance.
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM Mariachi Corazen del Valle
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Mariachi Juvenil de Mi Tierra
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM Mariachi Saguaritos
2:40 PM – 3:20 PM Ollin Yolitzi Dance Academy
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Mariachi Pasion
4:30 – 5 PM Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ
Mask Making activities by Zarco Guerrero and Cultural Coalitions
Celebrate the colors and vibrant sounds of the Mariachi and Folklorico traditions with Arizona's finest student groups and community performers. The rich, cultural history of Mexico reverberates with each note of Mariachi music as Folklorico ensembles tell stories of heartbreak and celebration of life through traditional dance.
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM Mariachi Corazen del Valle
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Mariachi Juvenil de Mi Tierra
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM Mariachi Saguaritos
2:40 PM – 3:20 PM Ollin Yolitzi Dance Academy
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Mariachi Pasion
4:30 – 5 PM Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ
Mask Making activities by Zarco Guerrero and Cultural Coalitions
April 6, 2019
Rhythms of the World
Jam out to the rhythmic pulse of drums from across the world. Combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography and innovative visuals, Rhythms of the World will offer an energetic and unforgettable production as the crowd’s energy helps fuel the groups’ performances.
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM Cesar Chavez High School Drumline
The award winning Cesar Chavez Drumline from Laveen Arizona! We have performed at numerous events including (but not limited to) Superbowl events, the Rock & Roll Marathon, Electric Light Parade, Fiesta Bowl Parade, Cityscape Tree lighting ceremony, Howl-O-Ween Parade, as well as various events in at our school and in our community.
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM 9 Dragons Kung Fu
(Chinese Lion Dance and Martial Arts Demonstrations)
Led by Master Sifu and Simu Kaneen and Andres Guzman, 9 Dragons Kung Fu prides itself on instructing Chinese martial arts not only for self defense but physical, mental, and spiritual health. Widely considered to be Arizona’s premier martial arts school, 9 Dragon’s Kung Fu strives to create a school where everyone can reach their fullest potential and personal growth by offering the highest quality of instructional classes and growth, in a safe and respectful environment.
2:10 PM – 2:50 PM Ken Koshio and Koshio Gumi
(Taiko Drumming)
Ken was born in Japan and has been traveling around the world as a street singer. Currently based in Phoenix, he creates fusion music with Native Americans and has produced a Japanese folk tale musical story: Sakura no Ne (collaborated with the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix). He is not only a musician but he also acts as a cultural ambassador of Japan and a cultural bridge of the world. He works with a group of Native American artists collaborating with their dance, music, drumming and singing. He tours Japan with several Native American artists to create new exchanges in this global age. We know that music and art are one of the great tools to communicate between cultures and languages.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kawambe-Omowale
(African Drum and Dance Theatre)
Kawambe-Omowale African Drum & Dance Theatre offers a glimpse of West African culture through performances of drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling. Kawambe-Omowale is a Phoenix-based arts company celebrating almost 30 years in the Valley of the Sun! Through public and private performances, workshops, and our weekly community class, Kawambe Omowale enables audiences to experience West Africa.
Kawambe-Omowale members have traveled to Senegal and The Gambia in West Africa, to study the music and dance of the Mande cultures, as well as with master artists from other African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, and with master artists from Cuba. We have performed for events such as the Festival of Nations, the Yoruba Arts Festival, the International Youth Arts Festival, the International Percussive Arts Society's National Convention, and City of Phoenix Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast. We are artists listed in the Arizona Commission on the Arts Roster in the Performing Folk Arts category.
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Yellow Bird Indian Dancers
(Native American Song, Dance and Stories)
For over 25 years, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers have presented an impressive tribal dance presentation, professionally and energetically paced, enhanced with appropriate interpretation. Their performance will be unique, energetic, colorful and educational. They have been recognized as official “Culture Keepers of Arizona” by the Arizona’s Governor’s office, appeared at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in New York and in Washington DC, and on NBC's "Tonight Show".
KidZone Activities provided by Pinspiration
Inspired by cultural music and dance, children will have the opportunity to decorate and embellish their own unique rhythm board instruments.
Jam out to the rhythmic pulse of drums from across the world. Combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography and innovative visuals, Rhythms of the World will offer an energetic and unforgettable production as the crowd’s energy helps fuel the groups’ performances.
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM Cesar Chavez High School Drumline
The award winning Cesar Chavez Drumline from Laveen Arizona! We have performed at numerous events including (but not limited to) Superbowl events, the Rock & Roll Marathon, Electric Light Parade, Fiesta Bowl Parade, Cityscape Tree lighting ceremony, Howl-O-Ween Parade, as well as various events in at our school and in our community.
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM 9 Dragons Kung Fu
(Chinese Lion Dance and Martial Arts Demonstrations)
Led by Master Sifu and Simu Kaneen and Andres Guzman, 9 Dragons Kung Fu prides itself on instructing Chinese martial arts not only for self defense but physical, mental, and spiritual health. Widely considered to be Arizona’s premier martial arts school, 9 Dragon’s Kung Fu strives to create a school where everyone can reach their fullest potential and personal growth by offering the highest quality of instructional classes and growth, in a safe and respectful environment.
2:10 PM – 2:50 PM Ken Koshio and Koshio Gumi
(Taiko Drumming)
Ken was born in Japan and has been traveling around the world as a street singer. Currently based in Phoenix, he creates fusion music with Native Americans and has produced a Japanese folk tale musical story: Sakura no Ne (collaborated with the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix). He is not only a musician but he also acts as a cultural ambassador of Japan and a cultural bridge of the world. He works with a group of Native American artists collaborating with their dance, music, drumming and singing. He tours Japan with several Native American artists to create new exchanges in this global age. We know that music and art are one of the great tools to communicate between cultures and languages.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kawambe-Omowale
(African Drum and Dance Theatre)
Kawambe-Omowale African Drum & Dance Theatre offers a glimpse of West African culture through performances of drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling. Kawambe-Omowale is a Phoenix-based arts company celebrating almost 30 years in the Valley of the Sun! Through public and private performances, workshops, and our weekly community class, Kawambe Omowale enables audiences to experience West Africa.
Kawambe-Omowale members have traveled to Senegal and The Gambia in West Africa, to study the music and dance of the Mande cultures, as well as with master artists from other African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, and with master artists from Cuba. We have performed for events such as the Festival of Nations, the Yoruba Arts Festival, the International Youth Arts Festival, the International Percussive Arts Society's National Convention, and City of Phoenix Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast. We are artists listed in the Arizona Commission on the Arts Roster in the Performing Folk Arts category.
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Yellow Bird Indian Dancers
(Native American Song, Dance and Stories)
For over 25 years, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers have presented an impressive tribal dance presentation, professionally and energetically paced, enhanced with appropriate interpretation. Their performance will be unique, energetic, colorful and educational. They have been recognized as official “Culture Keepers of Arizona” by the Arizona’s Governor’s office, appeared at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in New York and in Washington DC, and on NBC's "Tonight Show".
KidZone Activities provided by Pinspiration
Inspired by cultural music and dance, children will have the opportunity to decorate and embellish their own unique rhythm board instruments.
May 4, 2019
Beat the Feet
Connect with the Valley's hottest hip-hop dance and capoeira crews in one furious afternoon of footwork. An unforgettable artistic journey around the world through dance, Beat the Feet will highlight the legacy of dance and the storytelling power it embodies.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM Jukebox Family
(Hip Hop and Street Style)
Jukebox Family is based out of The Jukebox Grounds Dance Studio in Mesa, Arizona. They specialize in a variety of street styles such as popping, Locking, Krump, and Breaking. Jukebox Family performs with their heART!
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM Maricopa 4-H Cloggers
(Clogging)
Maricopa 4-H Cloggers is one of the longest running clogging groups in the state of Arizona and the oldest 4-H club in all of Maricopa county. Their group is run by all volunteers, which helps keep the cost down. They take pride in offering a wholesome, economical dance group with advanced level of instruction available. By being part of 4-H, the dancers not only learn how to clog, but they also have the opportunity to go to camps, gain leadership skills, earn scholarships, and learn how to be leaders in the community.
2:05 PM – 2:45 PM Rascapetatiando Dance Company
(Latin American Dance)
Rascapetatiando Dance Company was founded in 2016 by general and artistic director, Frank Ornelas. Since their inception, RDCAZ has been the only Stylized Latin American Dance Company in Arizona. Their mission is to produce vivid performances that transform latino traditions into moving works of art.
2:50 PM – 3:30 PM Axe Capoeira AZ
(Afro-Brazilian Capoeira)
Grupo Axé Capoeira is led worldwide by Mestre Barrão and under the leadership of Mestrando Camará in Phoenix, Arizona. Grupo Axé Capoeira of Arizona is well known throughout the state for laboring tirelessly to share the cultural richness of capoeira, sharing a positive message of respect, diversity and community. Capoeira is a dynamic sport that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and self-defense. Grupo Axé Capoeira Arizona has conducted countless workshops, performances, and residency programs for Arizona elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, corporations, sport teams, churches and charity organizations. Favored performers with avid followers at multicultural festivals, streets fairs and other events, Grupo Axé Capoeira Arizona is one of the most unique, vibrant and diverse performance groups in Arizona.
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM Dance Fusion Studio
(Jazz, Hip Hop, Audience Participation and Belly Dance)
Dance Fusion, based in Scottsdale, Arizona is a multi-genre dance studio that is a safe, fun, supportive environment to explore all levels of dance and fitness, fusing the benefits of both traditions. “Fusion” describes their complementary, eclectic mix of disciplines. Dance Fusion is the creation of Dr. Linda Simon, a Scottsdale chiropractor, and Bob Mace, a valley realtor - two entrepreneurs who share a love of dance and fitness. Located in the Scottsdale Airpark, the studio features two dance and fitness spaces with real maple sprung floors, professional sound equipment, a one-of-a-kind dance library stocked with books and DVDs, shower facilities, and a showcase area for parties, trunk shows, and special events.
KidZone Activities provided by Arizona Business Committee for the Arts
Inspired by cultural music and dance, children will have the opportunity to decorate and embellish their own unique watercolor paintings. Let your paintbrush dance across the page!
Connect with the Valley's hottest hip-hop dance and capoeira crews in one furious afternoon of footwork. An unforgettable artistic journey around the world through dance, Beat the Feet will highlight the legacy of dance and the storytelling power it embodies.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM Jukebox Family
(Hip Hop and Street Style)
Jukebox Family is based out of The Jukebox Grounds Dance Studio in Mesa, Arizona. They specialize in a variety of street styles such as popping, Locking, Krump, and Breaking. Jukebox Family performs with their heART!
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM Maricopa 4-H Cloggers
(Clogging)
Maricopa 4-H Cloggers is one of the longest running clogging groups in the state of Arizona and the oldest 4-H club in all of Maricopa county. Their group is run by all volunteers, which helps keep the cost down. They take pride in offering a wholesome, economical dance group with advanced level of instruction available. By being part of 4-H, the dancers not only learn how to clog, but they also have the opportunity to go to camps, gain leadership skills, earn scholarships, and learn how to be leaders in the community.
2:05 PM – 2:45 PM Rascapetatiando Dance Company
(Latin American Dance)
Rascapetatiando Dance Company was founded in 2016 by general and artistic director, Frank Ornelas. Since their inception, RDCAZ has been the only Stylized Latin American Dance Company in Arizona. Their mission is to produce vivid performances that transform latino traditions into moving works of art.
2:50 PM – 3:30 PM Axe Capoeira AZ
(Afro-Brazilian Capoeira)
Grupo Axé Capoeira is led worldwide by Mestre Barrão and under the leadership of Mestrando Camará in Phoenix, Arizona. Grupo Axé Capoeira of Arizona is well known throughout the state for laboring tirelessly to share the cultural richness of capoeira, sharing a positive message of respect, diversity and community. Capoeira is a dynamic sport that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and self-defense. Grupo Axé Capoeira Arizona has conducted countless workshops, performances, and residency programs for Arizona elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, corporations, sport teams, churches and charity organizations. Favored performers with avid followers at multicultural festivals, streets fairs and other events, Grupo Axé Capoeira Arizona is one of the most unique, vibrant and diverse performance groups in Arizona.
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM Dance Fusion Studio
(Jazz, Hip Hop, Audience Participation and Belly Dance)
Dance Fusion, based in Scottsdale, Arizona is a multi-genre dance studio that is a safe, fun, supportive environment to explore all levels of dance and fitness, fusing the benefits of both traditions. “Fusion” describes their complementary, eclectic mix of disciplines. Dance Fusion is the creation of Dr. Linda Simon, a Scottsdale chiropractor, and Bob Mace, a valley realtor - two entrepreneurs who share a love of dance and fitness. Located in the Scottsdale Airpark, the studio features two dance and fitness spaces with real maple sprung floors, professional sound equipment, a one-of-a-kind dance library stocked with books and DVDs, shower facilities, and a showcase area for parties, trunk shows, and special events.
KidZone Activities provided by Arizona Business Committee for the Arts
Inspired by cultural music and dance, children will have the opportunity to decorate and embellish their own unique watercolor paintings. Let your paintbrush dance across the page!