Director Kathy Hotchner to leave Scottsdale Center for the
Performing Arts


SCOTTSDALE – Kathy Hotchner, director of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and vice president of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, has announced that she will leave her position on September 1, 2008. Hotchner has worked at the nonprofit arts organization since 1988. Bill Banchs, president and chief executive officer of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, will serve as interim director of the Center until a permanent replacement for Hotchner is named.Hotchner
"It's been a privilege to have guided the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for the past two decades, and I'm so proud of what we've accomplished during that time," remarked Hotchner. "The Scottsdale Cultural Council has new leadership and direction, and the time is right for me to start a fresh chapter in my life and to pursue new projects and opportunities that have long interested me."

"We are grateful to Kathy for her years of service to the arts in Scottsdale," remarked Bill Banchs. "Her programming has laid a wonderful foundation and tradition of diversity and innovation for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and we will build upon her legacy of excellence as we move forward."

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Summer Instrumental Music Camp underway


Culminates with concert Friday evening

Desert Foothills Community Education’s Summer Instrumental Music Camp is in full swing this week. Students will put their new skills to work when they perform in a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 1, at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center. Thanks to support by Arizona Musicfest, students had the opportunity to hear guest artists perform every day, providing inspiration and instruction.

For more information, contact Desert Foothills Community Education at 480-575-2440.

Savor desert setting at Cookout at the Ranch

wagonSCOTTSDALE – The horse-drawn wagons and the good times will roll for the 13th consecutive year at the annual Cookout at the Ranch. Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Desert Foothills Cookouts, and MacDonald’s Ranch, the event will be held on Saturday evening, October 25 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at historic MacDonald’s Ranch, in north Scottsdale.

Guests can ride a wagon or van to the festive cookout site nestled among the towering saguaros. Friends, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors can relax and enjoy an Outback Steakhouse buffet and a fun-packed evening. The festivities include live western entertainment and the exhilarating release of a rescued great horned owl.

Guests can bid on many silent auction items, invest in tickets for the exciting $25,000 drawing, mingle with civic leaders, and enjoy 20 wildlife and community exhibits.

The event benefits desert preservation, education, wildlife rehabilitation, the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, Pinnacle Peak Park, and Rotary charities.

Advance ticket prices: $47 for adults, $15 for children, and $365 for a reserved table (includes 8 adult tickets). A limited number of Table Sponsorships are available for $950. Seating is limited.

For information and tickets, visit www.scenicdrive.org, call the Cookout Hotline at 480-580-0593, or visit MacDonald’s Ranch, located at 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale – call 480-585-0239 for hours of operation.