*Zen Garden Music and Art Festival - Friendship Garden of Phoenix NEW

Zen tradition emphasizes that enlightenment comes not through intellectual reasoning but through experiential discovery, and there will be much to experience on April 16th when the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix hosts the Zen Garden Music and Art Festival, a day-long event featuring a variety of local recording artist/performers and artists.

Date
April 16th

Time
Kicking off at 11:00 am and running until dusk,

The day will feature some of the Valley's most popular performing groups including the flamenco jazz sounds of the Sahnas Brothers, the Celtic-country organic fusion of Dream Chemistry, new age jazz styling of Dulce Vas, the storytelling style of folk singer Jim Pitkin and the joyous folk rock style of Jeordie, daughter of Woodstock legend and icon, Melanie. Our host Emcee will be Dr. Nancy Yeamans, a delightful and hilarious stand-up comedienne who has performed at the Comedy Spot and Tempe Improv. She will bring an added spirit of fun and amusement.

In all, nine musical acts will fill the beautiful setting of the Japanese Garden with a harmonious mix of songs and styles. Each band is donating their time and talent in support of this benefit concert. "The day promises to be incredibly up-lifting, joyous, and yes, fun!" says Scott Schaefer, one of the featured performers. "The Japanese Garden is such a beautiful place and brings enjoyment to so many. We're all really delighted to contribute to such a great cause."

Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity to view and purchase unique pieces of art including hand-crafted ceramics, calligraphy, jewelry, photography and more. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Festival-goers are invited to bring along a blanket, mat or lawn chair to enjoy the festival and the tranquility of the garden surroundings.

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, also known as Ro Ho En, is located at 1125 North Third Avenue in central Phoenix. The 3.5 acre Japanese stroll garden features an authentic tea house, koi pond, flowing stream with waterfall, and over fifty varieties of plants growing among its stone and lantern settings.

Tickets for the Zen Garden Music and Art Festival are available by calling 602-256-3204.
Ticket prices are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and children 5 and under are free.