Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Celebrate the guitar in all its forms! Enjoy performances and presentations showcasing the astonishing variety of guitars from around the world and across many genres.
Supported by Girls Rock! Phoenix
Programming supported in part by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Each day’s schedule is different—check to see exciting activities on Saturday and Sunday!
Craft: Guitar 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. South El Río Design and decorate a guitar craft with colorful embellishments and personal touches to make it truly unique.
Photo Booth 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. El Río Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Drop-In Guitar Neck–Carving Demonstration: Robert Mazzullo from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery 9:30–11:30 a.m. Event Room 3 Drop in to watch Robert Mazzullo, a chief instructor at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, demonstrate the art of neck carving. Mazzullo will explain the processes and tools used to design and complete the shaping of a guitar neck and answer questions about the art and profession of luthiery.
Pop-Up Performance: Dorsey Guitar Ensemble 9:45–10:00 a.m. El Río Enjoy a youth guitar performance facilitated by the Arizona Suzuki Association’s Dorsey Guitar Ensemble. Part of the Sweetwater Student Showcase Series, supported by Sweetwater
Workshop: Beatles Sing-Along 10:00–10:30 a.m. Event Room 2 Sing along to your favorite Beatles songs with MIM’s curator for education, Mike Silvers. Bring your voice—we’ll supply the instruments!
Performance: Eric Ramsey 10:45–11:15 a.m. North El Río Enjoy the signature sounds of the resonator and lap steel slide guitars and the distinctly melancholic vocals of the blues with International Blues Challenge winner Eric Ramsey.
Curator Talk: Crafting Sound—Making a Baroque Guitar 11:30 a.m.–noon Event Room 2 Join MIM’s curator for Europe, Matthew Zeller, to learn how baroque guitars were designed and made. Explore diverse topics such as geometry, proportion, and carving and bending wood.
Performance: One Way Sky 12:15–12:45 p.m. North El Río Listen to the crisp sounds of the electric guitar with local Indigenous alternative rock band One Way Sky.
Youth-Led Mini-Tours 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Orientation Galleries Follow MIM’s Junior Museum Guides on a short, informative tour of the galleries with a special focus on noteworthy guitars from around the museum and the world.
Youth-Led Air Guitar Competition 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Event Room 2 Join MIM’s Junior Museum Guides for a fun air guitar competition!
Performance: Mariachi Rubor 2:00–2:30 p.m. North El Río Experience the striking resonance of the guitarrón in this upbeat mariachi performance by local all-female ensemble Mariachi Rubor.
Electric Guitar Demonstration: Conrad Varela 3:00–3:30 p.m. Event Room 2 Learn about the electric guitar and experience the thrilling technique of virtuoso and Grammy nominee Conrad Varela in this hands-on demonstration.
Performance: Robert Creelman and CrossRoad 3:30–4:00 p.m. North El Río Experience the signature twang of the steel guitar through traditional and original country songs by local honky-tonk band Robert Creelman and CrossRoad.
Performance: Jaliya 10:45–11:15 a.m. North El Río Listen to Tucson-based duo Jaliya combine the kora, ngoni, and guitar to produce intriguing traditional and contemporary West African-inspired rhythms.
Performance: Jack Saba 12:15–12:45 p.m. North El Río Experience the music of the oud, a lute with roots in the Middle East that is also an early precursor of the guitar.
Pop-Up Performance: MeghanDiego 1:15–1:30 p.m. El Río Hear a refined sampling of classical repertoire presented by distinguished local violinist Meghan Ruel and guitarist Diego Miranda.
Performance: Arizona State University Guitar Ensemble 2:00–2:30 p.m. North El Río Enjoy notable classical compositions performed by Arizona State University’s guitar ensemble.
Lecture and Instrument Demonstration: William Eaton, Director of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery 3:00–3:30 p.m. Event Room 2 Learn about the art and innovation of making one-of-a-kind guitars and multistring instruments with William Eaton, director and cofounder of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, the longest-running guitar-making school in North America.
Performance: The Sugar Thieves 3:30–4:00 p.m. North El Río Enjoy the striking guitar style of Mikel Lander and soulful vocals of Meridith Moore with renowned blues and roots powerhouse the Sugar Thieves.
Lunch at Café Allegro Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.
Shop the Museum Store Find great guitar-themed gifts, books, and music, as well as a selection of guitars for all ages.
Members save 10% on most items in the Museum Store and online. Every purchase benefits MIM and its programs.
Saturday, September 13, 20259:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 14, 20259:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
