Tempe Center for the Arts 48 Live series returns in October

Tempe Center for the Arts will feature statewide acts at a Thursday night series starting in October. Here's the lineup.

By Amy Young

June 27, 2025

Image: Las Calakas brings emphatic energy to the stage.

Las Calakas brings emphatic energy to the stage. Tempe Center for the Arts

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Tempe Center for the Arts, situated on the southwest end of Tempe Town Lake, hosts various art exhibitions and a roster of creative programs throughout the year.

The 48 Live series was created to give Arizona-based artists the stage. Audiences can see a mix of music, theater, dance, art and more from both emerging and more established performers. The upcoming slate includes a magic show and a relaxing sound meditation.

The shows occur on select Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale on July 1. General admission tickets for every show are sold separately at $23, including all service fees.

The roster of shows starts in October and includes eight events that happen through the spring of 2026, which begins in October and rolls into spring 2026.

Many of the artists have toured beyond the state, entertaining crowds with their respective talents. It’s an eclectic mix.

Giovanni Kiyingi is a Ugandan folk singer who has performed on stages worldwide and plays a lengthy list of instruments and styles. Geno Ploeger started doing magic at age five and is now an award-winning practitioner and performer. Sandra Bassett is originally from Detroit and puts her spin on a fusion of soul, jazz and R&B.

Here’s the complete lineup for Tempe Center for the Arts’ free 48 Live series:

Sandra Bassett, Oct. 23, 2025 (jazz/soul/R&B)
Walt & Friends, Nov. 20, 2025 (original/popular)
Holidays with Hahnna, Aug. 22, 2025 (festive jazz and cheerful holiday sounds)
The Sugar Thieves, Jan. 22, 2026 (roots/rock/jazz/blues/soul)
Giovanni Kiyingi, Feb. 19, 2026 (world music)
Geno Poleger, March 19, 2026 (magic show)
RISO, April 23, 2026 (folk/pop)
Jennifer Buljan, May 14, 2026 (sound meditation)

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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