This week you can discuss open primaries, climb aboard trains, rock a block, meet firemen, hear a concert, tour a ranch, see musical presidents, stay away from venom, celebrate art and become a better photographer.

This column includes activities and programs in the Greater Phoenix area that have free admission. If you are looking for fundraisers, seminars, workshops, and other community programs that have an admission charge, or where donations are expected, I have a separate column for those. I call them "Phoenix Area Programs, Fundraisers & Events" and you can find those listings in my blog. They tend to cover a wider range of dates than a week, because advance registration is often required. For a long list of programs and festivals that are annual events in Greater Phoenix check the calendar.

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Cirque du Soleil isn't your typical three rings of clowns, trained elephants and high wire kind of circus, although it incorporates those elements. Well, not the elephants. Cirque du Soleil performances are usually about music and motion, dance and acrobatics.

KOOZA © Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil doesn't come to Phoenix as often as I would like, but this summer they are bringing KOOZA back to North America after touring over a year in Japan. Phoenix is the first of only four U.S. cities to host this production, and it is the only West Coast city on the tour. KOOZA has been performed since 2005, and is a show that reflects the origins of Cirque du Soleil combining two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word "koza," which means "box" or "treasure," and was chosen because one of the underlying concepts of the production is the idea of a "circus in a box." There are 53 performing artists, many of which have received awards from important circus arts competitions, notably in trapeze. We are sure to be amused, mesmerized and amazed by KOOZA.

While this performance is located at the site of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, it is not inside the stadium. The Grand Chapiteau (big top) is the best way, in my opinion, to enjoy any Cirque du Soleil show. It is a grand tent -- yes, it is air-conditioned -- with seats for about 2,500 people in a rounded configuration (about 270° around the stage). I attended local Cirque du Soleil performances in 2002 (Dralion), 2004 (Varekai) and 2006 (Corteo). KOOZA should be amazing!

I have already purchased two tickets to KOOZA as a special birthday gift. If you are still trying to come up with gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day or a graduation gift, and the ballet or a rock concert don't seem to quite get you excited, check below for a special offer.

KOOZA Comes to Phoenix

When: Friday, June 8 and through July 15, 2012

Show schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m.

Location: In the Grand Chapiteau, located in the parking lot of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

Cost: Tickets start at $35. Discounted tickets are offered for children, seniors, military and students.

Special offer: Purchase level 2, 3 or 4 tickets of select performances and receive a 25% discount. Offer expires May 14, 2012 and is available only for Glendale, Arizona shows. Special discount info.

More Information and Purchase Tickets: www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza

Hotels Nearby: Glendale hotels, West Phoenix hotels, Peoria hotels. Your best bet would be the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa (make a reservation), which is located at Westgate City Center, within walking distance from the stadium.

Restaurants Nearby: Several choices at Westgate City Center, within walking distance from the stadium. Get there early to park and eat.

See you at the show!

This year, on Mother's Day, you might want to surprise you mother or grandmother with a special gift.

© Sprinkles Cupcakes

How about a pair of designer Southwest style boots, a Southwestern-style bag, a Southwest cook book or an Arizona garden book?

If none of those or the other typical Mother's Day gift ideas grab your attention, then maybe one of these ten ideas might. Read More...

In this issue: bows and arrows, local idols, yoga in the park, mixed martial arts, La Cage tea party, book signings and creating pretty bites.

This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.

If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly "Free Things To Do" column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.

Events are presented here in date order.

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