Created by buskers on the streets of Brighton, England, the phenomenon known as STOMP is thundering its way through Phoenix once again. The show is a roller coaster ride through sound, using instruments such as brooms, Zippo lighters, plungers and hubcaps to create a symphony of a different sort. What it's really about is discovering rhythm in our surroundings.
John Sawicki, STOMP's rehearsal director and one of the performers, says, "We make music out of everyday objects and the kinds of things people take for granted. Really everything around us is always making music." Going strong for 12 years, the show still has infectious appeal, Sawicki explains. "It will open up a different part of your brain that you never thought you had," he says.
Performances begin Sunday, July 8, and run through July 13 at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 West Adams. Tickets, $42.50 to $45.50, can be purchased through www.tickets.com or by calling 1-800-905-3315. - Maidi Terry
Hoosier Daddy
CGCC makes music, man
7/8-7/12
The plot is goofy, the characters are ridiculous, and the music will stay in your head even if you don't want it to, but you can't help but fall for The Music Man. The plot is wonderfully convoluted: An Indiana-born con man/ traveling salesman puts one over on a sleepy village with an over-the-top grift involving band instruments. Meanwhile, an Iowa town finds its soul. And, of course, people fall in love -- to music. The Music Man also has gossiping neighbors, librarian seduction and a song about Gary, Indiana.
The production runs Tuesday, July 8, through July 12, at Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts Center, 2626 East Pecos in Chandler. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for matinees; call 480-732-7343. - Quetta Carpenter
Whole Lotta Peacemakin' Goin' On
Celebrate independece with music
Fri 7/4
"Freedom begins, baby, between your ears." So sings Roger Clyne in "Mile High and Risin'." The Peacemakers front man heads up a rockin' celebration of freedom -- whatever its origins -- when his band performs a hometown Fourth of July concert under the stars at Monti's La Casa Vieja, 1 West Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, for the all-ages show. Tickets are $19 in advance, $20 day of show, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Hemophilia Association. Call Nita's Hideaway, 480-966-7715, or see www.ticket master.com to order. - Jill Koch
