Fellow Greater Phoenicians: Do you know you live in a cultural desert? No, not a place bereft of culture, but a literal desert teeming with the stuff. It's the difference between “this place is, culturally speaking, a desert,” and “This desert city is filled with museums, music, theater, dance and more.”

The Cultural Desert™ blog on ShowUp.com is where to go for news, features and commentary on the arts in the Valley of the Sun. For ten years at The Arizona Republic (1995-2005) I wrote about Phoenix music and dance. I've also composed for orchestras, singers, chamber ensembles and the stage. Thanks to various professional connections, I’ve met thousands of artists of every kind, all with stories to tell. The Cultural Desert™ is a place where they can be told.

- Ken LaFave