"Indispensable dispensable - lessons to still be learned"
It's funny what big ideas little objects can inspire. Take, for instance, the paintings of Lee Berger in "Indispensable dispensable - lessons to still be learned." Works put into perspective how small the daily life of a person is -- from the home they inhabit to the can dinner came from -- compared to the vastness of nature. "These works posit a deep bond with our surroundings," Berger writes, "and question whether we can release our attempt to control nature enough to let it nourish us."
See also: State of the Arts: Phoenix's Arts Community Is at a Make-or-Break Moment. It's Time to Grow Up
See things from Berger's perspective daily through March 31 at Practical Art, 1625 North Central Avenue. Hours on Monday, March 23, are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.practical-art.com or call 602-264-1414. Becky Bartkowski
The Raising of America
For being such a wealthy nation, the well being of our country's children is truly troubling. The Raising of America, a documentary series soon to debut on PBS, brings the quality education and the importance of healthcare back into focus. Hosted by The Alliance for Family, Friend and Neighbor Child Care, the hourlong premiere episode screens at FilmBar as part of a three-pronged event: featuring a cocktail hour, film screening, and a presentation by local speaker Calvin Terrell.
Small plates served at 6 p.m.; show time at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at 815 North Second Street. Tickets are $10 for the 21-and-over screening. A portion of the proceeds supports the AFFNCC. Visit www.raisingofamerica.org and www.thefilmbarphx.com or call 602-595-9187 for tickets. Janessa Hilliard
Arizona Bike Week
For five burly days at the end of this month, Arizonans will celebrate all things motorcycle. And let's face it, the Grand Canyon State is as iconic a place as any for bikers. Route 66, Easy Rider, the Law Tigers, we're like the Sturgis of the West. Arizona Bike Week starts its obnoxiously loud engine on Wednesday, March 25, with several sponsored events happening around town and at WestWorld. Speaking of obnoxious, Ted Nugent is scheduled to perform for Bike Week attendees on Friday, the 27th. Meanwhile, Doll Skin, a local rock outfit consisting of four precocious high school girls, are performing on the 25th. Ticket prices vary for different events, but passes range in price from $15 to $60. For a complete schedule, visit www.azbikeweek.com for details. Rob Kroehler
Phoenix Film Festival
Butter the popcorn and pass the Milk Duds. The Phoenix Film Festival is back for its 15th year. In addition to the industry parties, geeky gatherings, and cinema seminars, this one-week event will be bringing all forms of film to the big screen: from animated shorts and documentaries to foreign features and sci-fi thrillers.
This year's showcased movies include Noah Baumbach's While We're Young starring Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts, Leslye Headland's Sleeping With Other People starring Allison Bree and Adam Scott, and Kriv Stenders's Kill Me Three Times starring Teresa Palmer and Simon Pegg.
The Phoenix Film Festival runs from Thursday, March 26, through Friday, April 2, at Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 East Mayo Boulevard, Scottsdale. Single tickets are $13. Passes range from $35 to $300 with price discounts available for students and seniors. For details, visit www.phoenixfilmfestival.com or call 602-955-6444. Katie Johnson
Chicago
Some theater never gets old -- especially when bawdy singing, sultry dancing and a bygone era are in the mix. Such is Chicago, marking its 40th anniversary. The play's setting takes it back 50 years further to prohibition-era Chicago, a time when jazz was swinging and, according to the press, women were mostly getting away with murder. It is two women, one acquitted, one convicted, whom Chicago follows as it sings and dances a path through high society, swanky clubs and the Cook County Jail, in search of the truth and some sense of validation.
Jazz it up in Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Gammage Auditorium, 1200 South Forest Avenue in Tempe. Tickets are $45 to $170. Visit asugammage.com or call 480-965-3434.
