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Los Lonely Boys return to stage after heartbreaking injury

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Bassist Jojo Garza can’t help but smile when he thinks about returning to the stage with Los Lonely Boys, the band he shares with his brothers, singer Henry and drummer Ringo.

It’s been a rough year for the Texas-based Chicano power rock trio. Henry fell off a Los Angeles stage in February 2013 after walking toward the front to greet fans. Henry, Jojo says, hyperextended his spine.

“When you’re dealing with a back injury, there’s nothing like it,” says Jojo, via telephone from his Texas home. “The way it happened was very horrific. We’re very lucky and very blessed as a family— we’re musical brothers besides being a family—to have him back on the track to getting all his health back.”

Jojo says that Henry is “doing a heck of a lot better.”

“He’s getting really strong again. I think he’s ready to tackle this tour coming up and many more to come. We’re very blessed and very, very lucky to have Henry where he’s at right now.”

The aforementioned tour hits the Chandler Center for the Arts on Sat., Feb. 8. The jaunt is in support of Los Lonely Boys’ album “Revelation,” which is due in stores Tue., Jan. 21.

The songs for “Revelation” were written a bit different than efforts in

the past. Los Lonely Boys collaborated with an eclectic cast of co-writers, including alt-country icon Radney Foster, in-demand pop tunesmiths Matthew Gerrard and David Quiñones, Black Eyed Peas collaborators George Pajon Jr. and Keith Harris, and Raul Pacheco of Ozomatli.

“Radney Foster, first off, he’s a really good guy,” Jojo says. “He’s a really cool person. He’s a regular cat with a great musical mind and great musical abilities.

“Henry did a lot of the writing with Radney, as well as Ringo. I, personally, did a lot of the writing out in L.A. with a lot of the L.A. cats. I came here to work on a couple of tunes. He’s a great guy and constantly just spitting out music and lyrics. It’s cool to be around people like that and Radney’s no exception.”

Writing “Revelation” was a learning experience for the trio.

“One of the things that I can say I learned is something we were always hesitant about—involving other people in the music that we create,” Jojo says. “It’s kind of hard to believe that a lot of people can look at it from our perspective, or hear it from our perspective. When you get in there and you’re rolling with the punches, it shows how dynamic we are as musicians and creators of music. It was a great experience all together.”

Consequently, “Revelation” explores new sonic elements such as the conjunto touches of “Blame It on Love,” the reggae groove of “Give A Little More,” the rustic acoustic textures of “It’s Just My Heart Talkin’” and the baroque pop elements of “There’s Always Tomorrow.”

The songwriting process may have been different, but Los Lonely Boys stuck to the recording routine.

“It’s just us three in the studio,” he says. “We’re working with rough spots— high spots, low spots—and trying to get it as level as possible.”

Jojo explains that he’s now looking forward to playing the tunes for fans.

“Whenever and wherever we can jam, it’s always fun for us,” he says. “When people take the time to come out and buy tickets and sit there and listen to

Los Lonely Boys, we try to make it as fun as we can.

“Sometimes the music, for a period of time, will stay the same throughout a tour or a record release. When we can do something a little bit different or do something the same, the people who view the concerts always make us feel real good about what we’re doing.”

Los Lonely Boys perform at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 8, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $34 to $44. For more information, call 480-782-2680 or visit chandlercenter.org.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Performances at Chandler Center for the Arts

Big names will take the stage this month at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call 480-782-2680 or visit chandlercenter.org for details.

Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix

Dick Van Dyke and his a capella quartet, The Vantastix, are set to perform 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 25.

Van Dyke is the winner of the 2013 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as star of movies like “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Fitzwilly,” and television shows “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Diagnosis: Murder.” The performance walks the audience through the 60 years of his rich career in show business, as the group sings songs from Van Dyke’s stage and screen work. Tickets are $48-$68.

Mr. & Mrs. Wyatt Earp ‘The Sunset Years’

This play looks into the love, between the Earps, as well as their adventures and secrets. The play shifts perspective between Josie’s memory, nine years after Wyatt’s death and an elderly Wyatt reluctantly telling of his time in Tombstone and the the life that followed. The show is 3 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26.

Jazz society presents the Sun City Stomperz

The Arizona Classic Jazz Society will start its new year off with the Sun City Stomperz presenting the music of Joe “King” Oliver and the West Coast Revivalist Jazz of Lu Watters and “Turk” Murphy 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26, at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Cost is $10 for ACJS members and $15 for nonmembers. Prospective members can become a member Jan. 26 and get in free; yearly membership is $35 for a couple; singles are $25.

AZ Classic Jazz celebrates early Mardi Gras

The Arizona Classic Jazz Society will celebrate a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras with the Dixieland music made popular there and played during many of the parades. Come march, dance or simply sit back and enjoy the music in the San Marcos Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 San Marcos Pl., Chandler, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23. Nonstop entertainment will be presented by the 52nd Street Jazz Band, the Crackerjack Jazz Band, the DixieCats from Tucson and a jam from 4 to 5 p.m. Cost is $20. Food and drink will be available for purchase in the Ballroom. Costumes and masks are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. Throw beads will be available. For more information about either event, call 480-620-3941 or go to azclassicjazz.org.

Irish dancing competition and festival set for Jan. 18-19

Chandler is joining its Sister City Tullamore, Ireland, in spirit Jan. 18 and 19 to celebrate Irish dance.

The Feis in the Desert, an annual Irish dancing competition sponsored by Chandler’s Bracken School of Irish Dance, beginning at 8 a.m. Sat., Jan. 18, and Sun., Jan. 19,

The competition is hosted by the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1800 S. San Tan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, across the street from the San Tan Village.

Dancers from around the country will attend and compete against one another in this highly technical and athletic style of challenging dance. Dancers will be judged on style, choreography and technique.

The event is also an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate Irish music, culture and customs.

The competition starts at 8 a.m. Sat., Jan. 18, and the Irish festivities continue on Sunday. All levels of dancing will be showcased, from beginners to world championship qualifiers. The schedule includes solo dances and ceile (team) dances. Attendees will also have a chance to honor Irish traditions through art competitions.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, including a schedule, visit brackenirishdance.com/fitd.

Jewish festival shows student, family friendly films in Chandler, Valley

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival returns for its 18th year of giving movie lovers throughout the Valley opportunities to experience firsthand the richness of Jewish culture and tradition. This year, the festival presents three films to interest and engage youth with relevant topics such as divorce, summer camp, loneliness, bar mitzvah preparations, coming of age, rock ‘n’ roll and more.

“Road to Eden: Rock ‘n’ Roll Sukkot,” 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, at Harkins

Camelview 5 (Documentary, 75 min, English): Part road movie, part concert film and part social commentary. Follow famous Jewish musician Dan Nichols and his band E18hteen on a tour through the deep South during the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Director Doug Passon will speak after this screening.

“Igor & the Cranes’ Journey,” 7 p.m. Mon., Feb. 10, at Harkins Chandler Crossroads 12; 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 16, at Harkins Camelview 5; Mon., 7 p.m. Feb. 17, at Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18.

(Adventure/Family, 90 min, Hebrew w/ English subtitles): When Igor’s mother decides to leave Russia for Israel, he must learn to face many challenges, just as the baby crane he observed hatching must soon set out on his first migration.

“The Zigzag Kid,” 3 p.m. Mon., Feb. 9, at Harkins Camelview 5; 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 16, at Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18; 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, at Harkins Crossroads 12. (Adventure/Drama, 95 mins, Dutch, French & English w/ subtitles): The 13-year-old son of a famous police

inspector has his own mystery to solve prior to his bar mitzvah: learning the identity of his deceased mother while setting out on a madcap adventure.

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will run Feb. 9-23. Students (with ID) may purchase tickets for $6. To order tickets in advance or for more information on all the films playing at the festival, as well as trailers, movie times and guest speakers, go to gpjff. org.

ASU Gammage honors veterans at ‘Oz’ opening

ASU Gammage will honor veterans, active-duty military and their families

6:30 p.m., Tue., Feb. 4, during a Heroes Night celebration on the opening night performance of “The Wizard of Oz.” That evening, veterans and military will enjoy a hero’s celebration before the show with special presentations, giveaways and more. The celebration will feature a pre-show performance by 108th Army Band in the box office plaza; interactive booths from our military partners; and a pre-show salute from the Gammage stage.

“Nobody more than military families understand the importance of home, so we thought what a better performance to celebrate Heroes Night. ASU Gammage is proud of our local military families and thankful for all their hard work and sacrifice. We hope they enjoy this evening as we honor them with the best of Broadway,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive

director at ASU Gammage.

Starring Danielle Wade as Dorothy, who was chosen by the Canadian public through CBC TV’s reality show “Over The Rainbow,” the tour of “The Wizard of Oz” is an enchanting adaptation of the classic movie. The production contains all the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.

Sun Lakes church hits high note

Sun Lakes United Church of Christ celebrates its annual Jazz Sunday at 11:15 a.m. Sun., Feb. 16, at the Sun Lakes Chapel (phase one), 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N, Sun Lakes. Director of Music Bob Confare conducts a five-piece jazz band and a joint choir performing rousing New Orleans-style Dixieland music. To learn more, call the church office at 480-895-6317.

Higley Center welcomes musical legends

A trio of master musicians will take the stage as the Higley Center for the Performing Arts wraps up its “World of Music” Series.

The Carlos Nakai Trio’s soothing tunes will grace the stage 8 p.m. Fri., Jan. 24.

Combining traditional Native American sounds with modern and historical instruments, R. Carlos Nakai, Will Clipman and William Eaton are known for their improvisation abilities. The Chicago Tribune once called Nakai the, “Native

American flute wizard.” Clipman is threetime Native American Music Award winner. Combined, they have 14 Grammy nominations.

The Higley Center for the Performing Arts is located at 4132 E. Pecos Rd., in

Gilbert Visual Art League calls for art

The Gilbert Visual Art League plans to hold its 11th annual Juried Fine Art Show and Sale March 1 through March 29. The show, hosted by the Gallery at the Gilbert Historical Museum, 10 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, is open to all artists.

Original art may be in two or three dimensions in any media and created within the past two years. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories as well as best of show and people’s choice.

For more information email Jean Turner-Smith at jeanaes@aol.com or online at GVAL.org.

Gilbert, just east of the San Tan Loop 202. For more information about performances or to buy tickets online, visit higleyarts.org, or call 480-279-7194. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Mary’s Wedding,” through Sun., Feb. 2, TAS. On the eve of their wedding in 1914, and Mary and Charlie must surrender their love and fate to the uncertainties of their tumultuous times. The award-winning poignant story of innocent first love and the vicissitudes of fate is the most widely performed Canadian play of the last decade.

Cirque Éloize (El-Waz): “Cirkopolis,” Sat., Jan. 18, and Sun., Jan. 19, MAC. Journey through an industrial yet fanciful world inspired by the rich visual legacy of classic films “Metropolis” and “Brazil.” Twelve performers tell the story in an uninterrupted stream of dazzling acrobatics, music and video projections.

“Out to Lunch” concert series, Thu., Jan 23, and Thu., Jan. 30, MAC. Free afternoon concerts in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk. Jan 23 features Bad Cactus Brass Band; Jan. 30 features The Burchfield Brothers.

Breaking Ground Festival, Fri., Jan. 24 through Sat., Jan. 25, TCA. Contemporary dance and film festival showcases acclaimed choreographers, dancers and filmmakers.

Matthew Morrison with the Phoenix Symphony, Sat., Jan. 25, MAC. The star, known for his role as Will Schuester on Fox TV’s “Glee,” but a Broadway star before that, joins the Phoenix Symphony.

Mark Morris Dance, Tue., Jan. 28, MAC. The dance group’s performance combines wit, grace of movement and performance with live music.

Betty Buckley in Concert, Sat., Feb. 1, SCPA. Betty Buckley performs. Known as the “Voice of Broadway,” Buckley won the Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella the Glamour Cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats,” and has earned acclaim for her work on stage and screen.

“La Bohème,” Sat., Feb. 1, and Sun., Feb. 2, SH. The love story of a poet

and a seamstress who find true love on the streets of Paris only to discover it was not meant to last. Featuring an all-star cast including Danielle Pastin, Corinne Winters, Jason Slayden and Zach Borichevsky.

“An Evening of Flutes,” Mon., Feb. 3, SCPA. ASU Concerts at the Center features performances by faculty and students of the ASU’s Herberger Institute School of Music. Elizabeth Buck and Swiss flutist Magda Schwerzmann present works from Marais and Bach to jazz-inspired pieces of today, showcasing the history of the flute from early Baroque to modern times.

Tommy Emmanuel featuring Martin Taylor, Tue., Feb. 4, MAC. Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel comes to Mesa with his unique style of guitar playing.

“New Light on Ancient Maya,” Wed., Feb. 5, MAC. Archeologist William Saturno searches for clues to the mysteries of the Classic Maya.

“Lonestar: The Acoustic Tour,” Thu., Feb. 6, SCPA. Lonestar, known for merging its country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, presents a rare, intimate acoustic concert.

“Celtic Nights: The Emigrants Bridge,” Fri., Feb. 7, SCPA. The creators of Gaelforce Dance present prominent Irish vocal talents and accomplished step dancers in a hypnotic performance.

Bahia Orchestra Project, Sat., Feb. 8, SCPA. The Virginia G. Piper Concert Series presents. Founded in 2007 by pianist and conductor Ricardo Castro, the acclaimed orchestra plays traditional and contemporary music.

“La Bayadère,” Thu., Feb. 13 through Sun., Feb. 16, SH. Gorgeous costumes, lavish sets, a passionate love triangle and breathtaking dancing transport the audience to India in this 19th century classic presented by Ballet Arizona.

“Chris Mann: A Man for All Seasons,” Fri., Feb. 14, MAC. The acclaimed vocalist and finalist from “The Voice” sings a collection of classicalcrossover favorites.

Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat,” Sun., Feb. 14 through Sun., March 16, TCA. Childsplay presents the live stage adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s famous book. Written by Katie Mitchell, adapted from the book by Dr. Seuss, directed by David Barker. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party, Sat., Feb. 15, TCA. Activities, a show and a grand time, celebrating Seuss, the master of rhyme. Party includes crafts, games, snacks, photo opportunities and a birthday cake. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

“TRIO,” Sat., Feb. 22, SH. Ballet Arizona, Arizona Opera and The Phoenix Symphony feature excerpts from beloved

ON STAGE VENUE INDEX

ASUG – ASU Gammage

1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: asugammage.com/shows

MAC – Mesa Arts Center

One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: 480-644-6500, MesaArtsCenter. com

OT– Orpheum Theatre

203 W. Adams St., Phoenix Tickets: Orpheum-theater.com

SH – Symphony Hall

75 N. Second St., Phoenix Tickets: phoenixsymphony.org

classics as well as new work at this joint gala and performance, including highlights from “West Side Story,” “Carmen” and “La Bayadère.”

“The Emerald Tour,” Tue., April 8, ASUG. An elaborate new stage presentation will celebrate the Emerald Isles’ spellbinding musical and cultural heritage and combines longtime fan favorites with new musical gems written specifically for Celtic Woman, under the direction of Emmy-nominated music producer David Downes.

AZ Opera’s “Don Pasquale,” Fri., April 25, through Sun., April 27, OT. Arizona Opera’s final production of the season, Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale.”

SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

SUL – Stand Up Live

50 W. Jefferson St., Suite 200, Phoenix Tickets: 480-719-6100, standuplive.com

TAS – Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 406, Scottsdale Tickets: 602-765-0120, thestudiophx.org/ tickets.html

TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: 480-350-2822, tca.ticketforce. com

Final shows of Childsplay’s 2013-2014 season on sale

Childsplay wraps up its 2013-2014 season with a couple of crowd pleasers. Tickets for a Dr. Seuss classic and a rockstar update on an educational favorite are on sale before the shows hit the stage at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Everyone knows the tall red-andwhite hat and mischievous antics of the Cat in the Hat—especially Sally and her brother. Suddenly a rainy afternoon is transformed by the Cat and his antics. Will their house ever be the same? Can the kids clean up before mom comes home? With some tricks (and a fish) and Thing Two and Thing One, with the Cat in The Hat, the fun’s never done. Catch “The Cat in the Hat” Jan. 26 through March 16; recommended for ages 3 and older.

The pop-culture phenomenon “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” follows a new teacher through learning classic lessons–and the love of learning–anew. Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through megahits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the Childsplay stage with favorite songs updated for a whole new generation. See “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” April 20 through May 25; recommended for ages 5 and older.

Performances are held weekends at

Comedy festival highlights improv expert

Outliars Comedy Clubs are hosting the First Arizona Stand-Up Comedy Festival, featuring workshops and shows.

National headliner Mike Lukas is Arizona’s top local talent from The Outliars. Lukas is the only comic the Outliars book because his act is centered on improvisation. He never tells a joke the same way twice. His act is worth seeing twice back-to-back just to see how he will make changes based on how the audience responds.

Show schedule (shows are $10):

7:30 p.m. Thu., Feb. 20, at The Outliars Comedy Club in the Speakeasy Comedy Lounge, 5101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, featuring Lukas; 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 21, Outliars Stand-Up Scottsdale, 6820 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, featuring Lukas; 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22, at the Outliars Comedy Club Glendale, featuring Lukas; 7:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, at the Outliars Comedy Club Chandler, 1371 N. Alma School Rd. in Iguana Mack’s, local showcase.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale at childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts box office at 480-350-2822.

Each show features a $12 Storybook Preview performance, sponsored by The Steele Foundation. Each family that attends this general admission preview performance will receive a free book. For more information, visit childsplayaz.org.