Good morning, Mesa.

Desert Ridge High School packed 22,505 food bags with 180,040 meals last weekend for local nonprofits in the East Valley (a community effort backed by 1,179 volunteers and over $50,000 in donations), helping support hunger-relief programs.

Bassist Christian McBride will perform with Edgar Meyer at the Mesa Arts Center tomorrow, blending jazz, classical and bluegrass.

The event offers local fans a chance to experience McBride’s decades of musical expertise + a rare live collaboration.

AAA Arizona said the national gas average topped $4 a gallon for the first time in four years, reaching $4.09, while Arizona’s average hit $4.70 and metro Phoenix rose to $4.94 — $1.28 higher than last year.

Mesa drivers can check gasbuddy.com for the cheapest prices.

Steve Ramirez, a professor from Boston University, is speaking today at the Mesa Arts Center as part of the National Geographic Live series 'Untangling the Mind' (he will discuss his research on how memory cells can be turned on or off to adjust memories).

A record low snowfall in the Rockies has led to inflows to Lake Powell falling to 22% of normal and proposals for mandatory cuts that could impact Colorado River water to the CAP canal—state officials say Valley taps remain secure as cities rely on alternative sources.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals blocked HUD’s plan to cut grants for permanent supportive housing, ensuring full funding for Valley homelessness programs this year.

Next year’s grants should allow at least 60% for these services, supporting 1,400 former homeless residents and easing transitions for roughly 1,000 households.

Seven-year-old cancer survivor Nicco Helms, who finished treatment in February 2025, will serve as the race starter for Children’s Cancer Network’s 16th Annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer on Sunday, April 12 at Mesa’s Riverview Park (10K starts at 7:25 a.m.).

The Mesa Board of Adjustment approved a consent agenda on April 1 that lets a five-story AC Hotel with 164 rooms be built on the northeast corner of Centennial Way and Main Street at 104 E.

Main St on 0.9 acres. The development is part of a downtown placetype strategy.

Mesa celebrated a successful 2026 spring training season as the Chicago Cubs led attendance for the 13th straight season, drawing 338,641 fans to games that included two World Baseball Classic and two Spring Breakout events.

The Athletics also saw crowds increase compared to 2025.

Chris Conley Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Coffee Shop — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening with the New Jersey sextet who have charted over three million sales worldwide since their reformation.

Hadestown

Times Vary — Ikeda Theater — Tickets start at $62 — Experience the award-winning musical that intertwines love stories from myth with captivating songs.

He Is Legend

6-9 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets from $40 — Enjoy an unforgettable live performance by He Is Legend in Mesa, AZ.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — Join a structured networking group focused on building reliable referral relationships.

Black Violin's Full Circle Tour

12:30-10 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Tickets start at $52 — Experience a transformative performance blending classical and hip-hop music reflecting on personal journeys.

D.R.I. Concert

6-9 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an electrifying night with D.R.I. at Nile Theater.

Live Music with Pretty Slick

5-7 p.m. — Encore at Eastmark HOA & Clubhouse — $5 entry — Enjoy the sounds of Pretty Slick on the event lawn.

Salt River Brass: Inspiration Concert

3-6 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — $14.75 - $34.50 — Celebrate youth and music with performances from the Salt River Brass and special guests including the U.S. Army Brass Quintet.

The Ramsey Show LIVE

7:00 p.m. — Piper Repertory Theater — $50 General Admission, $160.50 VIP — Experience a dynamic night with live interaction and an energizing Debt-Free Scream finale.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Build reliable referral relationships in a structured networking chapter focused on trust and follow-through.