Nat Geo Live Welcomes Cave Diver and Environmental Anthropologist Kenny Broad to Mesa Arts Center, 11/28

The 2012-2013 National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and The Arizona Geographic Alliance, brings cave diver and environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad to Mesa Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ikeda Theater. Named National Geographic’s 2011 Explorer of the Year, Kenny Broad pursues the hobby of cave diving not for sport, but to gain valuable insights. Join him for a fantastic voyage into the beautiful but dangerous “blue holes” of the Bahamas—a potential treasure trove of scientific knowledge, captured in incredible images and video. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

Kenny Broad also doubles as a recognized, and witty, environmental anthropologist. He uses his research to solve problems of climate change, groundwater pollution, and freshwater resource management. His commitment to research and the betterment of the freshwater situation, dubbed him a “freshwater hero” by National Geographic’s Freshwater Initiative.

Broad has said that he likes cave diving because it allows him to combine his intellectual interests with his need for adventure. Broad tends to lead expeditions into these dangerous diving areas because only there can he make discoveries with implications for fields as diverse as microbiology, archaeology, and even astrophysics. His fieldwork in the Bahamas and around the world has highlighted the crucial role that underwater caves and fresh water supplies have on coastal marine cultures.

National Geographic Live is the live events division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films, and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers, and photographers covering a wide range of topics including: exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration, and education. For more information visit www.nglive.org.

The Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is a unique, architecturally stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona's largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons, and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world- class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes. The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant. Mesa Arts Center has received numerous awards and accolades including the “2010 Arts Organization of the Year,” by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix; the “2011 Best Venue to See National Acts” Best of Phoenix New Times; and most recently “2012 Best Arts Center” Critic’s Choice azcentral.com. The 2012-2013 Performing Live Series is sponsored by Arizona Commission on the Arts. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.