As the founder and organizer of the Chandler Jazz Festival, Bart Salzman has seen his share of incredible talent.
But when he invited a local teenage blues guitarist named Brian Kabala to a jam session, he was astounded.
“He did these incredible solos on his electric guitar,” said Salzman. “He’s got these licks down. He’s got the quick fingers and a good sense of tempo.”
Now he’s become an established performer in the Valley, playing several shows a month around Chandler.
Burgeoning star
Before that jam session, Brian hadn’t been playing guitar for long. Now a Hamilton High School junior, Brian only received his guitar six years prior, at around age 8. Even that was short lived. He played it for a month and put it aside for other activities.
“My mother hung (the guitar) on the wall and it was left on the wall,” Brian said.
The guitar sat there until March 2013, when Brian began practicing.
“I picked it up as a spur-of-the-moment thing, tried it for a few days and I started to really like it,” Brian said.
It was a rather inauspicious beginning for Brian in pursuing an unusual musical genre for someone his age: the blues.
Brian, who quit the swim team to play guitar, learned how to play the instrument by studying videos of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.
The blues may be an unusual choice for
someone his age, but Brian said he just loves that music. “I was playing my favorite songs, instead of the generic ones,” Brian said.
Salzman realized after that initial afternoon performance that Brian had a special talent. Salzman sold Brian’s parents a microphone and a PA system so he could hone his singing skills. Salzman provided about an hour of coaching and showed Brian how to set up the system so he could play without distortion. Salzman also introduced him to others in Chandler.
He parlayed those relationships into gigs at the Chandler Farmers Market and with the Phoenix Blues Society. Salzman called his friend, Obed de la Cruz, the owner of El Zocalo Mexican Grille, and a fan of the blues. That turned into more gigs on the restaurant’s patio. “He just loves him,” Salzman said of de la Cruz.
Salzman slotted Brian to play a 15-minute set opening blues night at a jazz festival. The Phoenix Blues Society members in the audience loved him as well. A quartet, including a member of the society, was set to perform at 10 p.m. They played for a half hour, then Brian joined them. “Brian went to town and they wouldn’t let him sit down,” Salzman said. “He played for a whole hour.”
Besides Hendrix and Vaughan, Brian said his influences include BB King, Freddie King, Leadbelly and Robert Johnson. Brian’s YouTube repertoire showcases his versions of Vaughan’s “The Sky is Crying” and “Pride and Joy.”
“He holds the guitar over his head and plays it backward, so he plays with all these
tricks,” Salzman said.
Brian isn’t all about blues, though, as he explores pop as well. When his father purchased an acoustic guitar for him, Brian learned within a few hours the Christina Perri song “A Thousand Years” for a wedding, his mother, Ivonka, said. Brian also knows how to play the ukelele.
Crowd gives ovation
Today Brian practices one hour a day during the week, and three hours daily on weekends. Not surprisingly, Brian is the president of the Guitar Club at his high school, a member of the Tri-M Musical Society and a National Honors Society member.
Brian appreciates the opportunities he has to perform before live audiences. Performing at the jazz festival was “probably the biggest performance we ever had,” Brian said.
Brian also performed first in a lineup for a fundraiser for the Phoenix Blues Society at the Rhythm Room. “He received a standing ovation,” his father, Chris, said. “They asked Brian for an encore presentation,” which he, of course, delivered.
“It was really a great environment. Everyone was singing and dancing along to it,” Brian said.
As Brian has progressed, he has grown into learning about responsibility and working to achieve goals, Ivonka said.
Ivonka said Brian wanted to buy a guitar, and wanted to earn money to purchase it himself. He soon realized that saving $1,200 would be not be easy with just a few gigs. Ivonka saw it as an opportunity to showcase that “you can reach your goals if you put your mind to it,” she said.
“We started looking around the house
to sell toys, games and other items through Craigslist and eBay,” Ivonka said. They bought small furniture, then fixed it up together and resold it to make money to purchase the guitar.
Last Christmas he purchased his dream guitar with an Olympic white finish and a maple fingerboard. “I could see an extraordinary amount of pride in his eyes,” Ivonka said.
Brian will keep busy this fall with his schedule at local gigs. He performs at the Chandler Farmers Market from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. starting on Thursday, Oct. 22, and will play every third Thursday through May. He is scheduled to play at Chandler’s Rock the Block! on Saturday, Nov. 14 and will be volunteering time and performing at the ICAN DreamBIG gala fundraising event at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa Friday, Dec. 4.
Brian’s previous gig at the Phoenix Blues Society’s fundraiser landed him an endorsement from the group to perform at the Youth Showcasing event at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, Jan. 29.
Brian said he wants to attend ASU. He isn’t certain of his major yet, but thinks he will study music for his minor. For now, he’s enjoying playing in his hometown.
“I really like playing, making people happy and making them feel good,” Brian said. “I like to hear them clap and put smiles on their faces.”
For Brian’s upcoming schedule, check his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ briankabalamusic
Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.
Library presents music of WWII
In honor of Veterans Day, the Ed Robson Branch Library presents songs of the war years. Erik Larson, music historian, will revisit some of the more prominent recordings, in remarkable sound quality, and offer interesting and little-known facts about the music and musicians. For those who love music, especially with a historic patriotic theme, come by the library front desk to pick up a free ticket for the 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, program. Seating is limited.
Ed Robson Branch Library is located at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Hamilton High School junior Brian Kabala plays blues guitar—an unusual genre for someone his age. Submitted photo
Erik Larson will present the Music of WWII program in November. Submitted photo
Tower of Power brings the horns to Chandler Center for the Arts
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
When Tower of Power saxophonist/ vocalist Emilio Castillo moved to Arizona, he initially didn’t warm up to the state, having fallen in love with California. But now that he’s lived in Scottsdale since 1994, he calls the Valley home.
“We moved right after the Northridge earthquake,” Castillo said during an early morning phone interview. “It was really my wife who wanted to do it. She was six months pregnant and she was traumatized.”
But a recent return to California confirmed he has acclimated to Arizona.
“It wasn’t my choice to come there,” he said. “I’ve been in L.A. for the last week and a half. I lived there for 15 years. I also lived in the Bay Area for 20 years.
“Driving around L.A., by, I could never live there again. I could live anywhere. I’m a believer. God gives me peace wherever I am. (Scottsdale) has everything. It’s not overcrowded. I love it. I love the heat and I love the sun.”
Castillo and the rest of his band will return to the Valley to perform at the Chandler Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
“The show will be typical of Tower of Power shows,” said Castillo, who founded the rhythm section in 1968. “There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of audience participation, and high-energy tunes. We have these really wring-your-heart-outlike-a-rag emotional ballads as well.”
Tower of Power has been successful, Castillo said, because the band follows its musical heart.
“We make the music precisely the way we want it to be,” he said. “We’re not a trendy band. We’re our own thing. It’s fresh for us every night. We keep it that way.”
The songwriting process is just as fresh for Casillo, who pens songs with baritone sax player Stephen “Doc” Kupka.
“We’ve been writing together since 1969,” he said. “It’s kind of like fishing. We make an appointment, he comes over, we pray, we start to talk and if something jumps out at us, if we get a snag on the fishing line, we gently reel it in.
“If we have potential hooks, grooves or ideas, we’ll talk about those for a bit. We’ll say, ‘Let’s work on that.’”
While songwriting “appointments” don’t sound inspiring, Castillo said he doesn’t have a choice but to do it this way.
“It’s hard for us to do it any other way,” he said. “We live in separate cities.”
Through 2016, Tower of Power is recording a new album. Inching closer to the 50-year mark, Tower of Power will not record any album, but the best collection of its career.
“We need to record way more than we need and pick the best 12,” he said. “We’re here in L.A. for 11 days, (laying down) the rest of the horns. Joe Vannelli—the brother of Gino Vannelli, who was a big
Tower of Power performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $38 to $56. For more information, call (480) 782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
star in the ‘70s—is helping the process go quicker. Our goal is to get it out in the next year, to one and a half years.”
Tower of Power is recording a new album with Joe Vannelli, the brother of 1970s star Gino Vannelli. Submitted photo
Downtown concert series kicks off Oct. 30 with Sugar Ray
The inaugural Downtown Chandler Concert Series will begin on Halloween with a performance by the ‘90s band Sugar Ray.
The series, sponsored by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnerships and HDE Agency, is a threepart event—a fall and spring series and a New Year’s Eve party. The entertainment lineup will feature national artists from around the country with rotating themes and genres to attract a wide range of music lovers.
Other confirmed concerts are Robert Randolph and the Family Band on Nov. 21, and Trombone Shorty on Nov. 28. The acts on New Year’s Eve, April 9, April 16 and April 23 will be scheduled soon.
The concert series will be held in on the new Downtown Chandler entertainment stage from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.
General admission pricing ranges from $10-$20 during presale and $20-$30 for day of ticket purchase. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted for free with a paid adult. All concerts will feature a VIP ticket for $65 which includes catered food, beverages, six alcohol drinks, front stage access, private seating and private restrooms. Presale tickets are available online at www.downtownchandler.org/ downtown-chandler-concert-series.
Each concert will feature a tented fan experience lounge with activities, TVs, a full bar and lounge seating. Also, concert
Sugar Ray performed earlier this year at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom. The band, best known for its hits “Every Morning” and “Someday,” will return to Chandler for a Halloween show downtown. STSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo
series patrons will enjoy a variety of food, beverage and boutique vendors. Food vendors include Elmer’s Tacos, Fabio on Fire, Fry Bread Inc., Tee’s Concession and Firehouse Kettle & Shaved Ice.
SanTan Sun News is a sponsor of the concert series.
Chandler art venues announce new exhibits
Vision Gallery and the Chandler Center for the Arts will offer two related exhibits this November.
“From the Collection: An Exhibit of Textiles Featuring the Artworks of Loraine Sample” is set to open on Friday, Nov. 6, with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vision Gallery.
The exhibit will showcase textile artworks that have been purchased for the City public art collection over the past 20 years. This is the first time these artworks will be displayed collectively.
The artists include Mary Beth Bellah, Betty Busby, Loraine Sample, Janet Taylor, Linda McCurry and Laura Gaskin. Sample serves as the juror for Art Quilts Year XX.
In addition to the exhibit, a map of textile artworks housed in City departments will be available for personal tours. This exhibit is sponsored by the Chandler Arts Commission.
Vision Gallery is located at 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. The exhibit runs through Jan. 9.
In related news, Art Quilts Year XX: Journeys & Life Cycles opens Friday, Nov. 13, with a meet the artist reception from 7
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chandler Center for the Arts. This exhibit runs through Jan. 9.
For the 20-year anniversary of presenting the Art Quilts exhibition series, Sample, has selected Journeys & Life Cycles as this year’s theme. The exhibit will feature textile artworks that relate to self-growth, regeneration or the taking of a new pathway. The juror will select artworks that have grown out of transition, lifestyle changes or crisis. The exhibit will represent a new outlook or a new course for artists and their stories. This annual exhibition of contemporary art quilts, showcasing one of the finest collections of textile art on display in the regional Southwest. The exhibition is produced by the Chandler Center for the Arts and is presented by the Chandler Cultural Foundation and the Chandler Arts Commission.
The Lounge offers musical acts to fit a variety of tastes
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino brings great live entertainment to The Lounge. The Lounge offers a state-of-the-art sound system, LED lighting effects, a dance floor and a large beverage menu.
Highlights include Skid Row, Great White and Autograph hitting the stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; Stars of Beatlemania at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, and Phillip Bauer at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
The Lounge events:
• Mrs. Robinson: 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
• Thaddeus Rose: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23
• Neon: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
• The Hamptons: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
• The Yardbirds: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6
• Eric Burdon & The Animals: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
• Thaddeus Rose: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13
• Soundwave: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
• Smooth Groove: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20
• Walkens: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
• Young Country: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Each Wednesday in October and November, guests are invited to listen to great live music at The Lounge.
• The Swingtips: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Mancini the Band: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
The Lounge Happy Hour will be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 pm. to 8 p.m.
• Paul Wells: Wednesday, Sept. 23, Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Notes from Neptune: Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Walkens Trio: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Van & Melanie: Tuesday, Oct. 27
• XO Duo: Wednesday, Oct. 28; Wednesday, Nov. 25
• Stanley Serano Trio: Wednesday, Nov. 4, Wednesday, Nov. 18
• The Swingtips: Wednesday, Nov. 11
The Lounge will be offering happy hour Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• John Eric Duo: Tuesday, Nov. 17, Tuesday, Nov. 24
• Silhouette: Wednesday, Nov. 25
For a full listing of entertainment and for more information, contact Harrah’s Ak-Chin at (480) 802-5000, or visit www.harrahsakchin.com.
Classic blockbusters continue through end of year
Retro is hip, and the Harkins Theatres are celebrating all things “old” by presenting the Tuesday Night Classics. For $5, guests can relive their favorite films on the big screen at theaters throughout the Valley, including Chandler Crossroads and Chandler Fashion Center. Movies start at 7 p.m.
The remainder of the year the following movies will be shown: • “The Exorcist,” Oct. 20
• “Halloween,” Oct. 27
• “Three Amigos,” Nov. 3
• “The Jerk,” Nov. 10
• “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Nov. 17
• “Planes Trains and Automobiles,” Nov. 24
• “Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 1
• “Elf,” Dec. 8
• “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 15
• “The Polar Express,” Dec. 22. For more information, visit www. HarkinsTheatres.com/TNC.
Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s fall mystery dinner show set
This mystery dinner show spoofs old-fashioned whodunits, the medical profession, theater folks and those with hot flashes. It’s a play within a play when half of the cast of “Murder on the Oriental Rug” bails out, the remaining performers are stuck playing all the roles. Clues will be given throughout the show and there will be a prize for someone who correctly guesses the murderer and the motives.
The shows will be held at Cottonwood Ballroom from Tuesday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 20 for $36; Sun Lakes Country Club Saturday, Nov. 21, for $27 and Oakwood Country Club Friday, Nov. 27, through Nov. 30 for $36.
Tickets will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Saguaro Room and Saturday, Oct. 17, at the open house at Cottonwood Country Club. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 20, every Tuesday and Wednesday the tickets will be on sale at Cottonwood and every Thursday and Friday at Oakwood and at Sun Lakes Country Club Resource Center during the week. Tickets can also be purchased at www.slctinfo.com, starting at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
The theater doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served throughout the show. Happy hour kicks off at 5 p.m. in the Stage Door Lounge.
Olive Mill art show features a variety of pieces
Mark the calendar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, for a day of fine art, entertainment and wine tasting in the park-like setting of the Queen Creek Olive Mill & Restaurant. The Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase fine art from more than 25 members of the Artists of the Superstitions displaying their painting, glass fusion, photography, jewelry, woodworking and gourd creations.
The Artists of the Superstitions is a juried art group of award-winning artists from Gold Canyon and was formed in 2007. AOTS sponsors five fine art shows every year, including the popular Studio
Free concert presented
A concert featuring some of the Valley’s songwriters and performers will be presented Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Talebu Coffee & Wine Café, 2095 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Admission is free.
The featured artists include guitar wizard B. Frank, who will play his unique blend of country and bluegrass music; Harmony Rain, an all-female a cappella
quartet; the StoneHaven Vocal Band, a group formed by local acoustic performer Cottonwood Stone, and Philip Zerbe, who offers a unique blend of American and San Francisco folk.
For more information, contact Zerbe at philip.zerbe@gmail.com or call (602) 301-8155.
Wilkes University to offer creative writing conference
Wilkes University will host a writers’ conference on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 featuring publishing panels, writing workshops, readings and talks with editors and agents.
The conference kicks off with an open mic night at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Mesa Arts Center. At 8 p.m. Wilkes University will host a Valleywide poetry slam at the Mesa Arts Center for Higher Education, 245 W. Second St., Mesa. The slam is open to the public for participation and attendance. Those wishing to compete are encouraged to preregister. Cash prizes will be awarded at $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.
The conference continues from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and includes sessions on fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting and playwriting. Regional partners will conduct presentations and readings. They include Lawn Gnome Publishing, Black Poet Ventures, AZ Poetry Society, Phonetic Spit, Four Chambers Press, First Friday Night Live, Dan Hull of Storyline and others.
Attendees can enter a cash prize competition by submitting writing samples in poetry, fiction or nonfiction. The conference will conclude with a reading from Wilkes professor and New York Times bestselling author of “Riding in Cars with Boys,” Beverly Donofrio, at 7 p.m. Donofrio will also sign books, including her latest release “Astonished.”
“The greatest pleasure I get from teaching at Wilkes is witnessing writers develop from tentative beginnings to
fully realized, well-written and wellstructured, first drafts of their books,” Donofrio said. “I’m privileged to witness the transformations that happens when they go deep to find their truth and their voice.”
The cost to attend the conference is $25 for students, with ID, and $55 for general admission.
“We love the creative energy found in the Valley,” said the program’s cofounder and director Bonnie Culver. “We have students from the area currently enrolled in the Wilkes creative writing program in poetry, fiction, nonfiction and screenwriting. We hope the conference will grow into a regional dialogue about art and writing.”
Attendees interested in the master of arts or master of fine arts in creative writing can bring writing samples to the conference to receive an instant admissions decision. The weekender format allows students to take classes in screenwriting, playwriting, poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Classes are held online with face-to-face meetings once a month at Wilkes University in Mesa.
National/international slam poet, and Wilkes graduate creative writing student, Jeremiah Blue will coordinate the event. Blue is also a long-time slam host and area events coordinator, and director of the annual Copper State Poetry Slam.
To register for the conference or poetry slam, email austin.bennett@wilkes.edu.
Holiday Madrigal Feaste set for Christ’s Greenfield church
The first time Mesa resident Mark Rowden portrayed royalty in public he was on vacation in Ireland. Dining at a castle, he was invited by the hosts to be “king of the feast.” A public speaker and younger brother to three sisters, he’s an extrovert who immediately agreed to preside over his fellow diners.
Now, as King Mark in San Tan Community Performing Arts’ upcoming “Holiday Madrigal Feaste,” Rowden not only will get to reign, but also sing and ac—two pastimes he’s enjoyed for more than 50 years in various roles in college and church. The silver-haired tenor, who said his voice would “cut through fog,” is growing a beard for his STCPA performance and trying to get used to his regal costume.
“It has no pants,” said the dryhumored Rowden. “I’m wearing tights or something.”
Rowden and a cast of 15 other actors representing STCPA’s San Tan Players will join musicians from the San Tan
Chorale and the San Tan Orchestra in two evening performances right before Thanksgiving at Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church in Gilbert. “Holy Madrigal Feaste” will offer old world merriment and charm beginning with a Crafters Faire and Ye Old Photo Boothe, followed by a sumptuous four-course meal, and choral and instrumental entertainment, and the drama, “A Holiday Fruitcake & Other Matters of Substance.”
Tickets are $45, or $345 for a table of eight. The shows are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Christ’s Greenfield, 425 N. Greenfield Rd. Tickets can be purchased at www.stcpa. org.
Guests will experience nonstop regalement including tumblers, warblers, door prizes, crafts and music. The performances are sure to tickle the ribs of both children and adults and usher in the holiday season with a shout of “Huzzah,” said Matthew Frable, STCPA’s
founder and artistic director.
“Our combined forces of singers singing fala-las, string, brass and woodwind instrumentalists playing period music and actors portraying characters in a royal court will transport you back in time,” said Frable. “All the performers are preparing their individual parts so that when all the pieces come together, a very enjoyable experience will be had by all as we kick off the holiday season.”
Before each performance, the East Valley-based STCPA will host a craft fair
Bands perform to help charity and disabled
Ahwatukee’s student rock bands from Music Maker Workshops will perform live music to assist a charity and promote the importance of social events and activities to help people with disabilities due to brain injury.
The event, Rock Your Mind!, will raise funds for “We’re Moving Forward, a 501c charity that assists people who are
affected by brain injury, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Tukee’s Sports Grill, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix.
The event, open to the public, will provide an evening of live music, food at Tukee’s and information on We’re Moving Forward.
We’re Moving Forward began several years ago with a small group of people
whose lives were affected by brain injury. This charity facilitates events and activities designed to re-establish a sense of connection with the community.
Shelley Yakubow and Bev Bigam, owners of Music Maker Workshops and Chandler residents, said they are thrilled that they can provide a night of “amazing music that will encourage everyone to
in the church’s courtyard with a variety of local crafters that will enable patrons to get a jump on their holiday shopping. Additionally, madrigal hats for men and women will be available for $10 each, as will savory or sweetened cones of nuts for $5. At the Ye Olde Photo Boothe, patrons will be able to live, at least in their photo memories, as a Knight of King and Queen of the Realm, if they so choose, as a ne’er do in the stockade for $5. Craft vendors are encouraged to apply. Table fees are $10. Questions, email tickets@stcpa.org, or call (480) 297-7552.
join and have some fun.”
Jeff Hall, one of Music Maker Workshop’s band members of S.O.L., is the husband of survivor Tricia Hall. He will be performing with his band early in the evening and hopes individuals, families and friends in the local area will attend and support the charity.
Valley Youth Theatre calendar set for upcoming season
Valley Youth Theatre, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts, has announced their upcoming season with a slew of well-known musicals.
‘James and the Giant Peach’
“James and the Giant Peach” performances will be held through Sunday, Oct. 25. The lively musical shares the story of a young orphan boy who is forced to live with his evil aunts when his parents suddenly pass away. One day his mean-spirited aunts send him out to chop down their old fruit tree.
While out in the yard, his miserable existence takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a magic potion that creates a gigantic peach. Suddenly, James finds himself inside the massive peach on a
dangerous journey as it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean. Aboard the great traveling peach, he encounters a human-sized insect whose personalities are equally oversized. To survive, they all must learn to live and work together as a family.
‘Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
“Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” performances will be held Friday, Dec. 4, through Wednesday, Dec. 23. VYT’s 20th anniversary of this Christmas classic, with newly updated musical scores, returns to the snow-covered Hundred Acre Woods to share the holiday with Tigger, Eyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Piglet and Pooh. This show is sure to bring smiles all around and spread cheer throughout the year.
‘Pinocchio’
From Friday, Feb. 5, through Sunday,
Feb. 21, “Pinocchio” will be shown. The little puppet turned real boy with the long wooden nose is getting into mischief again. From the moment Gepetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of becoming a real boy. But the rascally puppet with the long wooden nose must prove that he’s learned to be brave and unselfish.
‘Pinkalicious’
“Pinkalicious” will be performed from Friday, April 8, through Sunday, April 24. Pinkalicious just cannot stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. Based on the much loved book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, this musical communicates great life lessons about self-control and consequences for not obeying limits and rules.
Experience Matters
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
A hauntingly beautiful love story about a beautiful mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find her true love, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will capture audience member’s hearts with its irresistible songs “Kiss the Girl,” “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” The production, which will take place Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 26, is based on the animated 1989 Disney film and the classic story of “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Anderson. All of the performances will take place at VYT Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix, except “The Little Mermaid,” which will be shown at Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. For more information, visit www.vyt. com, www.herbergertheater.org, or call (602) 253-8188.
ON STAGE
“Heaven Can Wait,” through Nov. 17, HCT. Joe Pendleton is not dead. He is sure of it, despite the fact that his spirit is in limbo.
Skid Row, Great White and Autograph, Saturday, Oct. 17, HAC. These heavy metal and rock bands got their starts in the 1980s with Skid Row’s single “Youth Gone Wild,” Great White’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” and Autograph’s “Turn Up the Radio.”
Loverboy, Saturday, Oct. 17, WHP. For more than 30 years, Loverboy has been “Working for the Weekend” and on weekends, delighting audiences around the world.
“The Producers,” Saturday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 25, ST. Based on the cult classic 1968 film of the same name, “The Producers” tells the story of a conniving producer and reserved accountant who cook up a scheme to make the greatest flop on Broadway.
Mick Adams & the Stones, Sunday, Oct. 18, WHP. The band is a Rolling Stones tribute.
Taylor Davis, Sunday, Oct. 18, MAC. She is a classically trained American violinist, arranger and composer, whose passion for video game and film music led her to launch her widely popular YouTube Channel “ViolinTay” in 2010.
Lake/Crissman Guitar Duo, Sunday, Oct. 18, KGLC. Guitarist Brendan Lake and Jonathan Crissman are both protégés of the internally renowned guitar pedagogue, Frank Koonce.
DVBBS, Saturday, Oct. 24, MDNC. Canadian dance music duo DVBBS, pronounced “dubs,” is comprised of brothers Christopher and Alex van den Hoef.
Dia de los Muertos Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, MAC. The Day of the Dead festival will feature delicious foods, a colorful Mercado featuring an assortment of Dia de los Muertos merchandise, jewelry, arts and crafts.
KYGO, Friday, Oct. 30, MDNC. KYGO broke into the dance music scene with a bright and relaxed sound, termed tropical house that set him apart from his commercial dance music contemporaries.
“American Myth,” through Sunday, Nov. 1, TAS. “American Myth” follows a young journalist who accuses his former history professor of fabricating accounts of his Vietnam War record.
Youssou N’Dour, Thursday, Nov. 5, MAC. This world music superstar was first heard in the United States as the distinctive voice featured in Peter Gabriel’s hit song “In Your Eyes.”
Red Grammer: “Hooray for the World,” Saturday, Nov. 7, CCA. Critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated recording artist Red Grammer has set the gold standard for writing and performing contemporary children’s music.
Tower of Power, Saturday, Nov. 7, CCA. Tower of Power’s rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band.
Chandler Symphony Classical SI have a eries, Sunday, Nov. 8, CCA. The CSO provides quality symphonic and orchestral music.
“Evil Dead: The Musical,” Tuesday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 15, MAC. The hilarious, record-breaking Canadian musical tells the outrageous story of five college friends spending the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods after accidentally unleashing an evil force that turns them all into demons.
Mannheim Steamroller, Sunday, Dec. 6, MAC. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller, along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
The Milk Carton Kids with Julian Lage, Monday, Dec. 7, MAC. Grammy nominated harmony duo The Milk Carton Kids are a refreshing alternative to the foot stomping grandeur of the folk revival.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Tuesday, Dec. 8, MAC. Their work has been viewed on the YouTube channel well over 100 million times.
Mesa Arts Festival, Saturday, Dec. 12, Sunday, Dec. 13, MAC. The Mesa Arts
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www. chandlercenter.org
HAC – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 16000 N. Maricopa Rd, Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000 or www. harrahsaskchin.com
HCT—Hale Center Theatre
50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www. haletheatrearizona.com
KGLC – King of Glory Lutheran Church 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe Tickets: (480) 838-0477 or www.kogaz. org/concert-series/
MAC—Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa
Festival is the premier place to find unique gifts for the holidays.
Dave Koz & Friends, Wednesday, Dec. 16, MAC. Saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz returns with his friends Candy Dulfer, Jonathan Butler and Bill Medley.
Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music.
Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com
MDNC—Maya Day + Nightclub 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 284-6033, www. mayaclubaz.com
ST – Stagebrush Theatre 7020 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 949-7529
TAS – Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus, Suite 406, Scottsdale Tickets: (602) 765-0120, www. thestudiophx.org
WHP—Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www. wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass
