Zelo Cosi, a small, out-of-the-way coffeehouse café is making a big impact to Sedona’s art scene. Cheryl Charlesworth added a new arts venue and gathering place to the city’s roster when she opened Zelo Cosi: the Italian Dessert Place, at Hillside Sedona in early September. The eclectic menu features gelato and sorbetto, coffee and expresso, cappuccino, desserts, panini sandwiches and antipasto Italiano.

The café has incorporated monthly exhibits of local artists and free film screenings. The space is also the new home of the weekly Poetry Salon, led by local poets Jen Valencia and David Vincent Mills on Thursdays. Zelo Cosi is growing in popularity as both a hangout and performance venue among Sedona area artists.

This month, Eric Miller presents International Film Night at Zelo Cosi on Monday evenings from 6-8 pm. For a list of featured films, click here. On July 11, Zelo Cosi will present the art and symbolism of Elizabeth Silk. Her art will be a visual experience illustrating her American Indian heritage. A spirit of emotion and the drama of expression take the senses on an amazing adventure of color, light and pure creative drama.

Zelo Cosi is located at Hillside Sedona, across from Javalina Cantina, at 671 Hwy 179. Open Monday-Thursday from 7am - 5pm, Friday-Sunday from 7am - 6pm. Call 928-204-0051 for more information or visit www.zelocosi.com

Big Pete Pearson and his Big Pete Blues Band will rock the house at Canyon Moon Theatre on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19 at 8 pm. Pearson is Arizona’s King of the Blues. He was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 1995, the year he announced his retirement from the stage.

Pearson’s band is composed of phenomenal musicians. Mike Howard plays lead guitar; J.D. Dunkin, keyboard; Jackie Tutt, bass with Charles Hendrix on drums. Big Pete has worked with blues legends Ray Charles, BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and others.

Make it a special evening and have dinner at Marketplace Café. Reservations can be made by calling 928-284-5478. Tickets are $20 prior to the show and $25 at the door, and can be purchased by calling (800) 838-3006. Tickets are also available at Clothing Reflections, Marketplace Café and Rycus’ Corners, or online at www.canyonmoontheatre.org. Canyon Moon Theatre is located at 6601 State Route 179, in the Oak Creek Factory Outlets, next to Cody’s Pet Emporium.

This month Goldenstein Gallery in Uptown presents “The Big Bang,” an exhibition that celebrates the independent spirit and style of their gallery artists. The amazing array of talent features work that is full of color, motion, and a fresh sensibility that is fun yet sophisticated. Some of the artists highlighted are deeply rooted in tradition, while other artists flourish with new styles capturing the imaginations of today. Representing 35 diverse artists, primarily local and regional, the gallery is a multi-faceted celebration of independent vision. Sign up for their informative, monthly E-zine at www.GoldensteinArt.com or call 928-204-1765 for additional information.