Suzanne Cowger Arizona Living - Berkshire Hathaway

There's nothing quite like enjoying an electrifying live music performance. It is a seemingly surreal experience, when the band that is on stage seems to connect with everyone in the audience. Moments like that are more the norm than the exception when you check out the impressive schedule of concerts at Mesa's Nile Theater. Specializing in alternative music, the entertainment venue also presents folk and mainstream rock acts who prove to not only be electrified by the enthusiasm of Mesa audiences, they go on to turn in nothing less than unforgettably stellar performances.

In a world where art continues to be created with the help of a computer, it is refreshing to see artisans who use basic materials to construct something truly memorable. While many of these individuals use various materials to create their art, the ones who are well versed in the practice of woodcarving are the stars whose work is celebrated every year in Mesa at the Annual Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale. This art festival of sorts features wood sculptures by some of the most talented local, regional and national woodcarvers who all convene for this very popular annual event held every February.

Get into the groove when you browse through the bins of classic vinyl LPs at Mesa's Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. Out-of-print treasures, imports and hard-to-find records abound, but that's not all you'll find here. There is also an equally inviting selection of video games, books, magazines, comics, musical instruments, sound systems and more. Bookmans' goal is to minimize the number of things that people throw away and recycle them by reselling them to new owners while offering an always-changing inventory to its shoppers. Everybody wins, with a little help from Bookmans!

Take a cue from the best when you rack'em up for a fun game of pool at Mesa's Main Street Billiards. This is a classy yet comfortable place to enjoy a few games, grab some munchies and meet friends to have a few beers and enjoy both the games on the tables and the sports action on the venue's many big flat screen televisions.