Music in the Garden Spring 2020

DATE: Fridays, Feb. 7 - May 29, 2020
TIME: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
PRICE: Members: $24.95 | General Public: $29.95 February 14: Members $29.95, General Public $34.95

Feb – April: doors open: 5:30 p.m. | concert: 7 – 9 p.m.
May: doors open: 6:30 p.m. | concert: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Desert Botanical Garden presents a spectacular lineup of talent at the Music in the Garden Spring Concert Series. These popular events feature some of the best local and regional musicians. Ullman Terrace provides an unmatchable backdrop of mature saguaros and other desert plants, as audiences ages 21 and older enjoy the sounds of favorite bands and discover new talent. Food and drink, including a selection of boutique wines, are available for purchase.

Big Pete Pearson Blues Band
Friday, Feb. 7
Genre: Blues
Big Pete Pearson Blues Band is coming back to the Garden. Don’t miss another noteworthy performance by the King of Blues and Valley legend Big Pete Pearson.

Michael Reed & Company
Friday, Feb. 14
Genre: Jazz, blues, R&B and cameo country
*February 14: Members $29.95, General Public $34.95
Spend your Valentine’s Day evening with a special performance by Michael Reed and Company. Bass player Michael Reed has been in the Valley since 1974, when he began performing at the Century Skyroom. In 2015, Michael’s daughter, Tabitha, joined him and added a country flair to Michael Reed’s jazz, blues, and R & B sound. They performed regularly in a Scottsdale café for over 3 years. For this performance, The Reed Family is collaborating with Rick and Anita Benavidez (guitar, vocals, keys) who have been entertaining in the Valley for 35 years. This will be an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience.

Marmalade Skies 
Friday, Feb. 28
The music of The Beatles
With the motto, “No boots, no suits; the magic’s in the music”, Marmalade Skies has delighted Garden audiences time and again with their spot-on recreation of the phenomenal sound of The Beatles.

Ioannis Goudelis Trio featuring Eric Miller
Friday, March 6
Genre: European, Brazilian and original music
Pianist and composer Ioannis Goudelis and singer/guitarist/ composer Eric Miller take us on music journey through the vibrant sounds of Brazil, Europe and their own original music. Miller and Goudelis are joined by two world-class musicians who have graced the Ullman Stage many times before: Joe Garcia on percussion and Ted Sistrunk on bass.

Kilted Spirit
Friday, March 13
Genre: Celtic, Irish and rock
From lively toe-tapping Irish and Scottish jigs and reels, to drinking songs and popular classic & modern rock covers, Kilted Spirit is a Phoenix Irish band guaranteed to bring on the craic. Their eclectic mix of instruments and boundless enthusiasm bring fun and excitement to every show.  Led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Colleen Collins, the band consists of guitar, bass, fiddle, drums, Irish flute, tin whistle, Irish bouzouki, and vocals.

Sassy & The Sneak Attack
Friday, March 20
Genre: Contemporary
Sassy & The Sneak Attack is an eclectic creation combining jazzy styles with hip-hop grooves and funky beats. Their party-ready sets feature music that every audience will love, drawing from a repertoire of hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, disco, funk, rock, classic soul, motown, jazz standards and even current dance hits.

Sahnas Brothers Band
Friday, April 3
Genre: Contemporary
Beautifully blending the sounds and rhythms of their native Greek culture, the Desert Southwest, and the warm inviting romance of the Spanish guitar, The Sahnas Brothers (Thano and Demitri) have created a magical and intimate Mediterranean style. Their live performance blends dynamic musicianship with stories and a little comedy.

Blaise Lantana & Friends
Friday, April 10
Genre: Jazz
Valley jazz lovers know Blaise as the music director and soothing nighttime voice of radio station KJZZ but some also know that she is a musician, singer, and songwriter in her own right. Join Blaise and her band for an impeccably selected and thoroughly entertaining evening of top rate jazz and more.

Cadillac Assembly Line
Friday, April 17
Genre: Blues, Swing
Cadillac Assembly Line plays everything from low-down Chicago blues to high-energy West Coast and Texas swing. This talented band features Sebastian Brugliera (vocals, guitar), Paul Klapper (vocals, harmonica), Jim Elam (lead guitar), Doug Sawyer (bass, vocals) and Vince Curtis (drums, vocals). Individually, they have been performing around the Valley for 25 years but it is only since 2017 that Cadillac Assembly Line has been together. They’re known to pop-up at venues regularly in Phoenix, Chandler and Cave Creek but this is their first performance at the Garden.

Bohemian Insurgence 
Friday, May 1
Genre: World Fusion
Featuring a blend of diverse musical backgrounds, Bohemian Insurgence is where Soulful, Americana melodies meet Afro-Cuban and Latin/World rhythms. This fresh and dynamic group features beautiful vocals, intriguing soundscapes, Latin/folk/world originals, and fresh new Latin-influenced interpretations of several standards, including music from The Buena Vista Social Club, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more.

Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns
Friday, May 8
Genre: Rhythm & Blues
Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns is a powerful mainstay in the Arizona R&B, Blues, Funk and Soul music circuits. The band features many veteran Arizona musicians most of whom have performed professionally since the 1960’s, not only in Arizona but all across the United States. This 8-piece group boasts a rocking rhythm section, powerful vocals and a 3-piece horn section that will get people jumping out of their seats.

Walt Richardson & Friends
Friday, May 15
Genre: Acoustic, Fold, World Rhythm
Singer, songwriter, storyteller, guitarist, and local music legend Walt Richardson gathers together just a few of his talented friends to create an entertaining and joy-filled evening of original tunes and songs you will know and love.

Khani Cole
Friday, May 22
Genre: Jazz, American Pop
Experience the singer that George Benson called “the voice of Phoenix!” The unmatchable Khani Cole, will share with the Garden audience an intimate evening of music with just two musicians to help her bring songs to life.

Louis Landon Quartet
Friday, May 29
Sinatra and More
The Louis Landon Quartet returns to Music in the Garden with and evening of “Sinatra & More”. Featuring Steinway artist Louis Landon on the keyboard and vocals, the Quartet also includes Troy Perkins on the bass, Eddy Barattini on the drums, and trumpet player, Dave Len Scott.

Louis Landon has made a name for himself as an instrumental solo piano artist, releasing over 30 albums of his solo work, but singing and playing the songs that Frank Sinatra made famous gives him great joy. Each of the seasoned musicians in this group has toured extensively with small groups and big acts and they are looking forward to coming together to deliver a fun evening of world-class entertainment.

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