5 Questions with RON BURNS

For the first time in nearly a decade, the renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, led by Conductor Keith Lockhart, will perform in the Valley.

Don your beach gear and head to Mesa, where you can browse the local art scene, participate in family activities, listen to live music and enjoy after-hours shopping while noshing on ice cream and cool drinks from downtown vendors at this monthly art walk. Beach wear is encouraged.

Regardless of your interest in the culinary arts, it’s hard not to find Alton Brown, the Iron Chef commentator and host of “Good Eats,” entertaining. With a wacky blend of science, gastronomy and humor that’s entirely unique, it comes as no surprise that his national tour, “Alton Brown Live,” is selling out quickly.

Get ready to move to the music with this sampling of summer concerts

Academy, Tony and Screen Actors Guild Award-winner Kevin Kline performs his new one-man Shakespeare show -- ‘He That Plays: An Evening of Shakespeare’ -- followed by an audience Q&A. A reception with food and music for priority ticket buyers and a chance to meet Kline in person will begin at 6 p.m. next door at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. The performance benefits Southwest Shakespeare Company’s education and guest artist programs.

Wayne Brown spent decades working to improve Mesa, from its arts programs to its financial standing. Under his leadership on the city council and as mayor, the city saw a new spring training facilities built, a new convention center created and the establishment of the Mesa Arts Center.

Here is a collection of thoughts and stories from those who've crossed paths (personally or professionally) with former Higley district athletic director Art Wagner, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 15.

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Mesa announces the passing of Mayor Wayne Brown on Tuesday, May 14. Brown served as Mayor from 1996 to 2000. He also served as a Councilmember from 1968 to 1976.

A theatrical look at the life of an amazing young woman whose courage paved the way for all future Americans. Christian Youth Theatre of Phoenix stages this elaborate production with a 60 member cast.

E-Books and Amazon.com may spell the demise of the publishing industry, but Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, named “Best Bookstore” yet again by “2013 Best of East Valley Voters, continues to thrive.

The great thing about the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum isn’t that it houses expansive galleries chock full of pieces of famous modern art. The great thing is that it doesn’t.

There once was a time when having a tattoo would make a person an outsider. Now in this day and age, it seems like everyone and their mother has a tattoo somewhere on their body.

Gilbert Classical Academy will graduate 37 students in its Class of 2013.

Months of collaboration and research into the history and community of Mesa will culminate Wednesday and Thursday when Mesa on Stage presents “If Not Me, Who?”

With rakes and shovels in hand, 40 volunteers with DMB Associates turned a once vacant lot in Mesa into a community garden last week.

What do you get when you cross a networking opportunity with some of the most prominent businessmen, officials and celebrities in the country with a quest to crack open cases of missing children? What if you put it all into a life-size board game that includes some of the finer qualities of Trivial Pursuit, the legendary “Cannonball Run” rally, and movies of the same name?

What do you get when you cross a networking opportunity with some of the most prominent businessmen, officials and celebrities in the country with a quest to crack open cases of missing children? What if you put it all into a life-size board game that includes some of the finer qualities of Trivial Pursuit, the legendary “Cannonball Run” rally, and movies of the same name?

Zaharis Elementary's Lemonade Club presented $414 to Academy Award winner, author and musician Jeff Bridges, international spokesperson for Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry, last week. Principal Mike Oliver shared this story:

Zaharis Elementary's Lemonade Club presented $414 to Academy Award winner, author and musician Jeff Bridges, international spokesperson for Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry, last week. Principal Mike Oliver shared this story:

Longtime guests on “A Prairie Home Companion,” this roots band revives an old-fashioned genre in a new era. They are touring in support of their latest album, “Carry Me Back,” along with special guests, Dale Watson and the Texas Two.