Take an adventure with NatGeo Live series in Mesa

In a culture with constant amusement at our fingertips, we’re certainly not lacking for music, movies, games, info feeds, tweets, pin boards or status posts to keep us entertained.

But how often do we turn to subject matter that, well, matters? Something that doesn’t just wash over us as a relaxant but awakens our brains and spurs us to ask questions about the world around us?

Enter National Geographic Live, a series of on-stage presentations curated by the worldwide scientific and educational powerhouse that puts leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers within reach of everyday Americans.

Now in its sixth season at Mesa Arts Center, NatGeo Live brings experts in a range of fields to share their explorations, adventures and research with East Valley audiences of all ages. The lineup:

Oct. 24: Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, photographers/filmmakers

Beckwith and Fisher have devoted their careers to documenting traditional African societies, working to record ceremonies and cultures that are rapidly changing — even disappearing — as the modern world encroaches. The duo takes audiences on an eye-opening journey into places where outsiders are rarely admitted.

Nov. 28: Kenny Broad, cave diver

Named National Geographic’s Explorer of the Year for 2011, Broad takes audiences into the beautiful but dangerous “blue holes” of the Bahamas — underwater caves that are potential treasure troves of scientific knowledge.

Feb. 6, 2013: Tim Laman, photographer, and Ed Scholes, ornithologist

This pair takes audiences deep into the rainforest of New Guinea to observe 39 species of colorful birds, giving a rare look into their courtship antics and daily routines.

March 6, 2013: Børge Ousland, arctic explorer

Trained as a deep-sea diver by the military in his native Norway, Ousland was the first person to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported with resupply, and he recently completed the first-ever sea crossing of the Northwest and Northeast Passages in a single season. He takes audiences to the Poles with large-scale images, video and stories of his travels.

For show times and tickets, call (480) 644-6500 or visit MesaArtsCenter.com.