Lifelong Learning

This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen!  This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen.  Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! They played behind the stars, but shaped the sound of a generation. This acclaimed documentary shines a long-overdue spotlight on the Funk Brothers—the extraordinary studio musicians who powered countless Motown hits. With rare footage, interviews, and electrifying performances, we’ll celebrate the unsung heroes whose groove gave Motown its soul.

This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen!  This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen.  Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! They were everywhere—and nobody knew their names. The Wrecking Crew tells the story of the elite group of Los Angeles studio musicians who quietly performed on hundreds of hit records in the ‘60s and ‘70s, from The Beach Boys to Frank Sinatra. This film is a joyful, poignant tribute to the invisible engine behind America’s pop music explosion.

Join us for a gathering of music lovers every other Wednesday morning from June through September, hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed. A gentle piano ballad with a powerful message, “Imagine” invites us to envision a world united by peace, compassion, and hope. Released during a time of global unrest, John Lennon’s anthem became a defining song of a generation—and remains a touchstone for dreamers everywhere. In this session, we’ll unpack the song’s lyrical simplicity, cultural impact, and lasting resonance as both protest and prayer

This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen!  This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen.  Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! A genius. A rebel. A relentless innovator. Through rare archival footage and candid interviews, this portrait of Miles Davis explores the man behind the trumpet—from his musical breakthroughs to his personal battles. More than a biography, it’s a journey into the heart of modern jazz and the fearless spirit of one of its greatest pioneers.

Join us for a gathering of music lovers every other Wednesday morning from June through September, hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed. With its tender melody and bittersweet lyrics, “My Funny Valentine” has become one of the most enduring ballads of the Great American Songbook. Originally written for the Broadway musical Babes in Arms, the song took on a life of its own—recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald to Chet Baker. In this session, we’ll explore the song’s unusual charm, rich harmonies, and why its imperfect love story continues to move listeners nearly a century later.

This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen!  This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen.  Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! Few figures in music are as influential—or as multifaceted—as Quincy Jones. This intimate documentary, co-directed by his daughter Rashida Jones, offers a behind-the-scenes look at his decades-spanning career as a composer, producer, arranger, and trailblazer. From Ray Charles to Michael Jackson, Quincy’s story is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the power of connection.

Join us for a gathering of music lovers every other Wednesday morning from June through September, hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed. Part love song, part nostalgic reverie, “Georgia on My Mind” blends blues, jazz, and soul into one unforgettable tune. Though originally written in the 1930s, it was Ray Charles’ heartfelt rendition that turned it into a national treasure—and eventually, the official state song of Georgia. In this session, we’ll trace the song’s evolution, explore its deep emotional pull, and listen closely to what makes it a masterclass in musical storytelling.

This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen!  This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen.  Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! One night. Dozens of music legends. One unforgettable song. This spirited documentary takes us inside the whirlwind recording of “We Are the World” in 1985, revealing how egos, emotions, and extraordinary talent collided to create a global anthem. Packed with humor, heart, and history, it’s a joyful reminder of what can happen when artists come together for something bigger than themselves.

Get ready to smile, chuckle, and maybe even belly-laugh in this joyful session celebrating music’s lighter side! From clever parodies to comedic classics, we’ll explore the songs that tickle your funny bone and keep you humming long after the punchline. Participants are encouraged to submit their favorite humorous tunes—whether they’re laugh-out-loud novelty songs, witty lyrical gems, or beloved comedy staples. Together, we’ll listen, analyze what makes them work, and enjoy a morning full of laughter, learning, and musical mischief.

Programming to be announced!

Step behind the curtain and explore the fascinating mechanics of opera—from the creators to the backstage artists who bring each production to life. This presentation also traces the rich origins of the art form, from Monteverdi’s groundbreaking early operas to culminating in the brilliance of Mozart, whose works helped define the Classical era. Discover how opera evolved into a powerful fusion of music, theater, and emotion.

Journey through opera’s evolution from the elegant vocal acrobatics of Bel Canto to the raw passion of Verismo, the epic soundscapes of Wagner, and the bold innovations of the 20th century. This presentation explores how opera transformed from virtuosic showcase to dramatic powerhouse—where every note tells a deeper story.

Experience opera’s greatest voices in this captivating presentation on legendary singers throughout history. From Pavarotti’s effortless high Cs to Price’s regal power, we’ll explore the artists who defined the decades and set new standards for vocal excellence. Featuring iconic video recordings of unforgettable arias, this presentation showcases the virtuosic technique and charismatic appeal that made these performers immortal.

Explore the fascinating origins of musical theater in this engaging presentation that traces its evolution from the grandeur of opera to the lively mix of entertainment genres that shaped its identity. Learn how musical theater emerged as a uniquely American art form, blending high art and popular entertainment into a dynamic genre that speaks to both heart and humor.

The Golden Age of Musical Theater revolutionized the stage with the rise of the book musical, where songs, dialogue, and dance worked together to tell a unified story. Shows like Oklahoma! and West Side Story set new standards for storytelling and character depth. This era also introduced belting, a powerful vocal style that brought emotional intensity to performances, especially in leading female roles, shaping the sound of modern musicals.

This presentation explores the evolution of musical theater from the 1960s to today, beginning with the rise of concept musicals and the influence of visionary auteur directors. It traces the emergence of mega-musicals in the 1980s, known for their spectacle and international reach, and highlights how contemporary productions like Hamilton continue to push boundaries with fresh storytelling, diverse voices, and innovative staging.