Making Memories at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

Inside the Musical Instrument Museum

It has been almost a week that I returned from a wonderful nine-day trip with my mother to the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Carefree, Arizona area. We visited many fine establishments, so expect to see posts on this glorious, sun-drenched part of the United States in the upcoming months.

We shared such a special mother/daughter time that I’ve, of course, been missing her. Thankfully I have many photos, mementos and music to remind me of the times we had together. Yes, some fabulous music that I discovered has taken me right back there with mom.

Are you familiar with French gypsy music? I’m talking about swinging gypsy jazz, moody boleros and tangos à la Django Reinhart. It’s the music of Paris from 1910 through the mid 1920s. You hear it and you imagine a smoky nightclub scene in the City of Light as you tap your foot and swing to the zippy beat. We heard this music performed by Zazu, a local French orchestra of Phoenix, during the Bastille Day celebration concert at the Musical Instrument Museum. Quelle découverte! Experiencing this music and this stunning museum was one of the highlights of our trip.

The France Exhibit at the MIM

Celebrating Bastille Day at the MIM

Zazu at the MIM

Children at the MIM

The Carlos Santana Display at the Artist Gallery

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) of Phoenix is a must for anyone that likes music. Now doesn’t that include all of us? Many of their exhibits are interactive, so you can try your hand at a variety of instruments even if you do miss a beat. Be sure to check out their Artist Gallery where big-name artists are featured through video, audio and memorabilia. This big, beautiful museum provides hours of entertainment for kids and adults and I’m already looking forward to my next visit there.

I love how MIM offers a Signature Cultural Program Series that encourages people to celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe through music, folklife traditions, educational experiences, hands-on activities and concerts like the one I attended with my mom. The French slot occurs around Bastille Day in mid-July, however, Italy, India, Norway, China, Ireland and Carnival are also fêted on weekends throughout the year. Quelle bonne idée!

And now when I want to trigger some emotional postcard moments with mom shared at the Musical Instrument Museum, I just pop in the Zazu CD. It’s great music, somewhat reminiscent of bluegrass which is a beloved genre here in Telluride, Colorado, and best of all, I know my mom can listen to it, too.

Be sure to hit the museum shop at MIM where we bought the Zazu CDs and lots of other great stuff. I’m a fan of museum shop shopping and here it does not disappoint.

To enjoy more French experiences in Phoenix, Arizona, contact the Alliance Française of Greater Phoenix, an organization that’s also involved with the Bastille Day/weekend celebrations at MIM.

Mom and Me Celebrating Bastille Day at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix