6 must-see concerts at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Jazz, rock, folk and Americana are among the musical styles the venue will feature during its 50th anniversary season.

August 8, 2025

Image: Arts destination, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Arts destination, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Courtesy of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has a reason to celebrate. 2025 marks 50 years of providing audiences with dynamic, multidisciplinary performances, events, festivals and exhibitions ranging from fun to artsy to educational.

The events take place in theaters — primarily the premier Virginia G. Piper Theater — and other stages both inside and outdoors. Each area offers a combination of style and high-tech capabilities, guaranteeing quality experiences. The scenic Old Town setting adds another dimension to the outdoor events.

2025-2026's milestone season was already brimming with a roster of heavy hitters, like Disney legend Lea Salonga, NYC cultural icon Fran Lebowitz, writer David Sedaris and comedian Rita Rudner, when the programming team decided to beef it up with even more big-name performances to choose from.

Mariachi bands, ballet dancers, orchestras and choral groups are all in the season's offerings. The Sippin' Series allows you to try cocktails made with small-batch, local spirits. Another fun event is the Arizona Concours d'Elegance, which is a chance to see 100 pristine collector cars from around the world.

Here, we are especially jazzed about concerts, so we perused the calendar and picked out six must-see shows:

click to enlarge

Screengrab released on March 14, Rufus Wainwright performs for the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony broadcast on March 14, 2021.

Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academ

Rufus Wainwright

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
The singer-songwriter mixes pop, rock and opera to create dreamy, emotional songs.

Dreamy Draw Music Festival

Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8A weekend filled with live music and art under night skies. This year's lineup includes Father John Misty, Vampire Weekend and The Lumineers.

Squirrel Nut Zippers present Jazz from the Back O’ Town

Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. This band gets theatrical. Known for delivering a good time via zesty and energetic shows, it has been getting crowds pumped up since 1993 with its jazz instrumentation.

Chris Thile

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.The Grammy Award-winning mandolinist and singer-songwriter formerly performed with the acoustic group Nickel Creek and the blues act Punch Brothers.

Trampled by Turtles

Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Chart-topping blues and folk rock from this Minnesota band with 10 albums under their musical belt.

Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s The Memory Bank Tour

Sunday, April 19, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Folk-singing wife-and-husband duo from Nashville play tunes loaded with pathos and beauty.

Amy Young is the Music Editor at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in May 2025 after more than a decade of covering arts and music for the publication. In her role, Amy writes about music, searches for compelling news and works with writers who are also dedicated to bringing quality music and music-related stories to readers across the Valley and beyond. Previously, Amy worked for the Arizona Republic, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and Newsbreak.

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