New Exhibitions

I Am AZ Music: MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music
February 18, 2012–January 6, 2013

Come to MIM for a spectacular look at Arizona’s musical history with the special centennial exhibition “I Am AZ Music: MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music.” Arizona residents and visitors will uncover new stories and enjoy fresh perspectives on the state’s musical heritage in this special exhibition.

Featuring musicians, musical instrument makers, recording studios, performing arts organizations, and musical traditions significant to Arizona’s past, present, and future, the exhibition consists of more than thirty detailed exhibits. Artifacts, photographs, and audiovisual content create a unique opportunity to enjoy the history, cultural diversity, and musical heritage of the state.

See notable objects including a double-neck guitar played by Duane Eddy on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in 1960; a trombone played by Russell “Big Chief” Moore—a member of the Gila River Indian Community who played with Louis Armstrong in the 1940s and 1960s; Alice Cooper’s clothing and objects from various stages in his career; instruments played by the Gin Blossoms, including a guitar used by the group’s original songwriter, Doug Hopkins, on some of the band’s biggest hits; and the gold dress worn by singer Jordin Sparks during Fox’s 2007 American Idol finale.

Explore genres synonymous with the state, such as mariachi, cowboy music, and Tohono O'odham social dance music (waila), and examine finely crafted contemporary musical instruments. Many more fill the list of important music makers featured in the exhibition.

By contributing to this statewide dialogue, MIM upholds its mission to celebrate the world’s diverse musical cultures and to connect with local communities during this important milestone in Arizona history.

*This program is an officially recognized Legacy Project
of the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

MIM’s educational team has created curricula to support the study of history as part of the Arizona centennial celebration. The materials will be available for free download on February 14, 2012.

Entrance to “I Am AZ Music” is included in general museum admission.