The Musical Instrument Museum, in north Phoenix, is probably one of the coolest places around the Valley. If you’re tired of your traditional art museum, then the MIM is exactly what you’re looking for. It features galleries and exhibits of music from all over the world, past, present, and future.
Not only that, they put on a number of concerts and events throughout the year. Let’s take a look at what September has offer you Valley lovers of music.
The Dunwells
Sunday, September 9 | 7 p.m.
An organic blend of acoustic and electric folk rock music laced with luscious five-part vocal harmonies
Tickets: $17.50-$24.50
Arturo Sandoval
Friday, September 14 | 7 p.m.
Friday, September 14 | 9 p.m.
Brilliant and award winning Cuban-born musician, who’s an ace trumpeter and flügelhorn player
Tickets: 7 p.m.: $42.50-$47.50, 9 p.m.: $37.50-$42.50
Balinese Gamelan Workshop
Saturday, September 15 | 10:30 a.m.
Experience the sounds of gamelan at MIM’s workshop! Led by curatorial assistant Colin Pearson, these workshops include an introduction to Balinese culture and music, and experience playing authentic Balinese instruments. Musicians and non-musicians will enjoy this unique musical experience, so come join us! Please note that each workshop is an introductory class but participants are welcome to register for more than one session. Best for guests ages 8 & older (children between eight and eleven must be accompanied by a paying adult). Guests will be asked to sit cross-legged on the floor and remove their shoes during the workshop. If you require extra accommodations or are unable to sit cross-legged, please email [email protected] prior to your arrival.
Tickets: $12 per class ($10 per class when purchased with museum admission)
Matt Haimovitz: Beyond Bach
Saturday, September 15 | 7 p.m.
A renowned musical pioneer who has made the solo cello recital his hallmark
Tickets: $32.50-$42.50
Fiestas Patrias
Saturday, September 15
Sunday, September 16
Enjoy celebratory music, dancing, food and fun as the Musical Instrument Museum partners with the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix to present a two-day Fiestas Patrias event celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain. Learn about the rich traditions of Mexico while experiencing the newly opened Mexico exhibit.
Tickets: Free with museum admission
Museum Encounter: All Things Strings with Richard Chapman
Sunday, September 16 | 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Guitars, banjos, and dulcimers, oh my! Richard Chapman is a classically trained guitar player who feels at home playing music ranging from the baroque era all the way to hard rock and all points in between. Aside from these three types, he also plays other stringed instruments. Join him for a special presentation at MIM, as he combines them all for a truly unique experience. This program is presented in partnership with Desert Ridge Music Academy.
Tickets: Free with museum admission.
La Catrina String Quartet
Monday, September 17 |7 p.m.
Mexican string quartet that blends Mexican and Latin America pieces with the standard classical repertoire
Tickets: $29.50-$37.50
Rodney Crowell
Thursday, September 20 | 7 p.m.
GRAMMY winning songwriter, producer, and artist, brings poetry and earthy tautness to songs steeped in country and Americana
Tickets: $37.50-$42.50
Rachel Barton Pine
Friday, September 21 | 7 p.m.
A classical violinist hailed as one of the most charismatic and compelling American violinist of her generation
Tickets: $32.50-$42.50
Eat Local Challenge
Tuesday, September 25 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As part of the Eat Local Challenge, every item served in the Café at MIM will be created using locally sources ingredients, all from within 150 miles of Phoenix. Everything from meats and vegetables to sodas and beers will be from local suppliers. The Café will even make its own condiments!
Tickets: No museum admission required; prices vary
Sondre Lerche
Tuesday, September 25 | 7 p.m.
Indie-pop singer-songwriter with contrasting musical styles that have gained critical praise from Rolling Stone and the New York Times
Tickets: $23.50-$28.50
ASU Interludes- Oboes
Wednesday, September 26 | 10:30 a.m.
Tickets: Free with museum admission; $7 performance only; free for Circle of Friends members
Plena Libre
Wednesday, September 26 |7 p.m.
Twelve-piece Puerto Rican‒based ensemble of virtuoso musicians
Tickets: $37.50-$42.50
Experience SANZA: Drop-in Thumb Piano Lessons
Saturday, September 29 | 1:30 p.m.‒2 p.m., 2:30 p.m.‒ 3 p.m.
Ever wonder how to play a thumb piano? Drop in for a quick lesson from musician and teacher Mark Holdaway of Kalimba Magic (http://www.kalimbamagic.com/)
Tickets: Free with museum admission
Instrument Spotlight on: African Thumb Pianos
Saturday, September 29 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 30 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy the opportunity to play a thumb piano in MIM’s Africa Gallery. Try your hand at this instrument, which is found all over the African continent. Learn about the cultural significance of these fascinating instruments from a MIM docent. This instrument spotlight is in conjunction with the SANZA: African Thumb Pianos special exhibition.
Tickets: Free with museum admission
Mini Tour of SANZA: African Thumb Pianos
Saturday, September 29 | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 30 | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m.
Join a docent-led mini-tour of the SANZA: African Thumb Pianos exhibition featuring more than two hundred lamellaphones. MIM docents will share insights and fun facts about the history, forms, uses and multiple names that define this important instrument; for example, the meaning of the term “lamellaphone.”
Tickets: Free with museum admission
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