Scottsdale concert series to feature acclaimed pianist

Acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang will perform at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 21, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts as part of the 2006‑07 Virginia G. Piper Concert Series.

Yang won the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2005 at the age of 19. She was the competition's youngest entrant and was also awarded "Best Chamber Music Performance" and "Best Performance of a New Work."

The recital also features Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' "Keyboard in the Sky," a large‑screen projection over the stage that enables the audience to watch the pianist's hands on the keyboard.

Single tickets are available for $22 through the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts box office at (480) 994‑2787 or online at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.

New feature to highlight Celebration of Fine Art

"Art of the Wild," a new feature at Scottsdale's 17th annual Celebration of Fine Art, will demonstrate to guests how wildlife artists successfully capture the spirit of nature in their craft. 

Ten renowned wildlife artists will be showcased at this year's event, which has grown to become one of the Valley's largest art exhibits. 

Live birds of prey, reptiles and other animals will be supplied by Liberty Wildlife to inspire the artists as they create new works of art and provide guests with opportunities to learn more about the creatures who live in and sustain the ecosystem of the Arizona desert.

"Art of the Wild" will take place from 10 a.m.‑2 p.m. Jan 20, Feb. 3 and March 3 in the big white tents along Scottsdale Road. To preview the artists or view a sampling of the art on display, visit www.celebrateart.com.  For more information, call (480) 443‑7695.

Kent State ensemble to perform

The Kent Camerata, a professional vocal/instrumental ensemble affiliated with Kent State University's Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, will perform at 3 p.m. Jan. 14 at Black Mountain Community Church.

Founded in 1995 as part of the "Kent‑in‑Florence" music program, the group took its name and inspiration from the Florentine Camerata of the Renaissance. Since its debut tour in Italy, the group has performed in many parts of the world.

The objective of The Kent Camerata's international creative outreach is to enhance the reputation of the university, to further international cultural understanding, friendships, professional collaborations and to share in the joy of making beautiful music.

The performance is a collaboration between Desert Foothills Library and Black Mountain Community Church with proceeds going to the library. Black Mountain Community Church is located at 38600 N. Scottsdale Rd. Tickets are $20. For more information, call (480) 488‑2286.

Legendary groups to perform in Scottsdale

A performance by The Four Freshmen and The Gene Krupa Orchestra featuring Michael Berkowitz will take place 8 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The Four Freshmen have been entertaining audiences worldwide for almost 60 years with their unique vocal harmonies, performing new arrangements as well as classics such as "Day by Day," "Blue World," and "Graduation Day."

Founded in 1938 by legendary drummer Gene Krupa, and now under the direction of drummer‑conductor Michael Berkowitz, The Gene Krupa Orchestra helped define the big band era with hits like "Wire Brush Stomp" and "Drum Boogie."

The two groups will share the stage in this special program called "Back to School," an evening of jazz standards and big band favorites.

The performance is presented with support from Cheryl and Robert Carr.

The event is sold out, and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts box office is keeping a waiting list for any tickets that become available.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.

For information or to be put on the waiting list call (480) 994‑2787.