Mesa Arts Center Debut

The long-awaited Mesa Arts Center in Arizona is scheduled to open September 17th with a performance by Michael Crawford.

The $94.5 million, 212,755-square-foot performing and visual arts center is said to be the largest in the state. The complex houses four theatres: the 1,600-seat Tom and Janet Ikeda Theater, 550-seat Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater, 200-seat Nesbitt / Elliot Playhouse and the 99-seat Anita Cox Farnsworth Studio Theater.

The desert-themed facility is projected to draw 350,000 to 500,000 people annually for its year-round performing and visual arts programming and art education classes. It is owned and operated by the city of Mesa.

Concerts on the books through spring 2006 include Seal, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Trisha Yearwood, Bela Fleck, Bill Engvall, Dave Koz & Friends, Buddy Guy, Chick Corea, Cesaria Evora, and Lila Downs.