A self-professed big sports fan, Robert Randolph has done his bit to contribute to recreational activities.
A customized version of Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s song “Take the Party” is used as the theme song to “SEC Nation,” a traveling college football pregame show.
“I’m always following sports,” said Randolph, known to be a master at the pedal steel guitar. Rolling Stone named him one of the 100 greatest guitarists. If that isn’t enough, his New York Mets made the World Series. In an interview before the World Series ended, he was very excited about the prospect of the Mets winning it all. ((The Kansas City Royals destroyed that dream.)
But he’s just as thrilled about his forthcoming album.
“I got a new record that should be done in the next month or so,” he said. “It should be cool. I have a lot of great songs. I’ve recorded so much material that we’ll just lay everything down and see which songs actually make the final cut.
the song “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” will let others choose which tunes make the collection.
“I usually tell them to send me a list of their favorites,” he said.
“Sometimes you could write a song and get too attached. It could be really good or not that great. All of us music artists go through it.”
He went with a different approach for the album that has yet to be named. Instead of writing songs in the studio, Randolph penned the tracks when he was inspired.
“This time I wrote songs on the fly, at least twice a week,” he said.
“This time I don’t have too many guests. I recorded with Buddy Guy and Carlos Santana and some of those guys. Hopefully some of those songs make the record. If not, I have enough great material that the fans are going to love it.”
He has appeared on songs by both of those artists as well. Randolph said he and his funk-blues band best known for
“You feel them and then you just go. I just keep it going. I went into the studio. I did a demo and then I would come back, record them and let people listen to them. Sometimes in the past, we’ll wait to record this song in the studio. Once it’s on the record, it’s on the record. Six months later, by the time we play it live, it’s a completely different song.”
To hold off recording them and listening to them two to four months later worked out better for Randolph and his band.
“I’ve learned from other people like Clapton and Dave Matthews that that’s the way to do it,” he said. “You cut a thing, step away from it, come back and add this, take this out. It’s a normal musician thing.”
Randolph expects to play some of the new songs when he performs as part of the Downtown Chandler Concert Series on Saturday, Nov. 21.
“I’ll play at least about four of them,” he said. “I’m not sure which ones. But we have some shows before then.”
For 2016, Randolph is expecting it to be a breakthrough year for the band.
“We’re looking at 2016 to really sort of be a next-level year,” he said. “There are talks about big tours, big shows with some other big bands. It’s really supposed to take it to another level.”
Robert Randolph and the Family Band perform Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of the Downtown Chandler Concert Series in Dr.
A.J. Chandler Park, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. The music runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Randolph hitting the stage around 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $65. For more information, visit http:// www.downtownchandler.org/downtownchandler-concert-series/.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band perform on Saturday, Nov 21, as part of the Downtown Chandler Concert Series at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Submitted photo
Etheridge shows off newfound freedom
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Melissa Etheridge has never felt so free.
After being signed to a major label deal for most of her career, Etheridge is now doing things her way, and to celebrate, named her latest album, “This is M.E ”
“The whole experience is different,” Etheridge said. “It’s my first independent record and I’m doing that in a whole different way—starting with the budget.
“It used to be I’d get a budget from the record company. I’d write songs and find a producer. Now you don’t have that money up front.”
Now, she’s rethought the financial end of it, and has partnered with producers to collaborate on songs and releases. In return, she gives them “back end.”
“I wasn’t used to collaborating that much,” she said. “With some people, it didn’t work. The ones I worked with were amazing.”
Her newfound freedom allowed her to explore uncharted territory, namely her R&B and soul roots.
“I just loved that,” she said. “That’s where some of these sounds came from—the lush production. The songs are still me. That’s why I called it ‘This is M.E.’ This is no more me than anything, even though it might sound different.”
When she performs Friday, Nov. 13, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, Etheridge will show an even different side of her— that of acoustic musician.
“When I make a song, I have to be able to stand on stage by myself and make this song and love it and enjoy it and share it with the audience,” she said.
“It can’t be a gimmicky song. It has to be a real song. I create each one of them with that in mind. The solo tour is a unique way of presenting the songs.
“I’ve gotten much better at it now. I know what I’m doing. I have a looper, so I accompany myself a little bit more. It highlights my ability as a musician.
I think a lot of people might not be aware of the type of guitar player I am.”
Etheridge said she enjoys showcasing these skills at casinos, which have become premier venues over the last decade.
“The casinos have really stepped up,” explained Etheridge, who has already begun work on a new album. “It used to be that, ‘Oh you’re playing a casino. It’s the bottom of the line.
“But casinos have made theaters that people can go to that are really great.”
It’s rooms like those and the rabid fans they hold that makes her career worthwhile.
“I love it,” she said about her career. “I will always love it and continue to love it. I’m so grateful for being able to make music for a living. When you have gratitude and enjoyment, it stays fresh. Every few years, I change musicians and approach songs different. But that’s how I keep it fresh.”
Melissa Etheridge performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel
Melissa Etheridge will play Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino on Friday, Nov. 13, in support of “This is M.E.” Submitted photo
and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Tickets are $64 to $144. For more information, call (800) 946-4452 or visit www.wingilariver.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
Ak-Chin’s UltraStar to celebrate third anniversary
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle promises to have a “really special day” in honor of its third anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 14.
According to Adam Saks, the complex’s general manager and chief operating officer, UltraStar will have a slew of discounts available.
“We’re going to do what we do best— have a fun-filled party with great deals for the people who support us all year round,” Saks said.
“That includes $3 movies. For the third anniversary you can see any of the firstrun pictures out right now—with certain restrictions. But the rest of our films are
$3 and, as anyone would know, is a heck of a deal.”
Saks said, however, that the party, much like the complex, is about more than movies. There will be $1 bowling, laser tag and beer, the latter of which will end at 5 p.m. There’s a dollar-for-dollar match on the arcade game cards.
“If somebody spends $20, they’re going to get $40 on the card,” he said.
The celebration wraps up, what Saks called, “a crazy three years, but amazing.”
This year saw the addition of Elements Event Center.
“I think Elements is a really big development,” he said. “We had a lot of business that came our way in the first
two years that we actually had to turn away business.”
Saks chalked that up to the fact that these groups wanted banquet space, something that, at the time, UltraStar could not provide.
“Elements is so diverse with different rooms and different capabilities that it gave Ak-Chin a solution that really nobody else in the town can offer. There’s no other location. Now there’s gaming, world-class entertainment, golf five minutes away—all under the umbrella of the community.”
During the three-year anniversary party, Elements will play host to Wildman Phil and his three wildlife presentations.
The event will continue in UltraStar with a petting zoo, pony rides, the Yellowhouse Dancers, members of the Arizona Rattlers and representatives of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. Raffle prizes include four Disneyland Hopper tickets, an Arizona Coyotes suite courtesy of Pepsi, a bike and tickets to the NCAA football National Championship Game.
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center is located at 16000 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. For more information, call (520) 394-4947 or visit www.ultrastarakchin. com.
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle will run discounts to honor its third anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 14. Submitted photo
Elements Event Center adds banquet space to the facility. Submitted photo
Classic summer 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 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.
The Lounge offers ample opportunities to listen to live music
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 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:
• 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 November, guests are invited to listen to great live music at The Lounge.
• Stanley Serano Trio: Wednesday, Nov. 18
• The Swingtips: Wednesday, Nov. 11
• XO Duo: Wednesday, Nov. 25
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.
New Science for Age Old Problem – PAIN
East Valley clinic provides solution for Sciatica pain sufferers
WIth the arrival of S grows longer and many people start spending more time working on their backswings, backstrokes, backhands, backyard gardens. They also might be spending more time with backaches.
Novocur Pain Management Clinics now offers regenerative procedures, such as Amniotic Allograft Injections to help patients heal acute or chronically painful joints and tissue. Amniotic Allograft injection is non-steroidal and works to rebuild tissue and joints instead of break it down.
Regenerative proteins, growth factors and stem cells are found in amniotic fluid and tissue. The donor tissue is processed into liquid form, then Novocur injects the fluid into the joints or tissue where it helps reconstruction of damaged soft tissues (muscle,
Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s fall mystery dinner show set
Sun Lakes Community Theatre will present “Murder on the Oriental Rug,” which 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 from Friday, Nov. 27, through Monday, Nov. 30, for $36.
Tickets can also be purchased at www. slctinfo.com. 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.
Theatre Artists Studio presents ‘Cinderella’
A fresh take on the fairytale favorite, “Cinderella” is a delightful new musical offering a rollicking good time for the whole family. Both Cinderella and Prince Bobby only want to dance—specifically tap dance—in a show. While his parents want him to find a wife, Bobby uses the ball as an audition to find a dancing partner.
The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13 at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Suite 406, in Scottsdale.
Tickets are $10 for students 25 and younger, $15 for groups of 10 or more,
seniors 65 and younger and members of the military. General admission is $20. For information, call (602) 765-0120 or www.thestudiophx.org.
tendon, ligaments, cartilage and joints). The inflammation process that coincides with pain syndromes is also reduced.
Epidural injections are one of the most effective treatments Novocur uses to quickly relieve sciatic pain. A skilled physician who specializes in pain management performs this advanced procedure safely with the help of x-ray guidance. The medication is carefully injected directly around the nerves that cause the pain to reduce inflammation and provide fast relief.
To learn how Novocur can help end the pain from sciatica or many other types of pain, call 480-855-6686 or go to novocur.com
It’s important to note the amniotic fluid/tissue is donated from only live birth planned C-sections. Painful and arthritic back, neck, knee, shoulder and hip joints, as well as tendonitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, irritated nerves, muscle tears and repetitive injuries are commonly treated with Amniotic Allograft injection. For more information call Novocur at 480.855.NOVO (6686) or visit www.Novocur.com.
The Four Freshmen schedule
local show in January
Relive an era of romance and elegance with The Four Freshmen, the acclaimed masters of vocal harmony. Headlining concerts from Moscow to Manhattan, their repertoire includes a variety of standards from the Great American Songbook, such as “Day by Day,” “There Will Never Be Another You” and “My One And Only Love.”
The Four Freshmen will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon.
In addition to his unique brand of vocal harmony, each of the members are outstanding instrumentalists. In the group’s early years, their virtuosity was noticed by jazz figures including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, and band leader Stan Kenton, who brought them to
the attention of Capitol Records and later recorded with them.
The Four Freshmen have released more than 60 albums, won numerous DownBeat and JazzTimes readers’ polls, and have been honored with the Satchmo Award for their enduring contribution to the living history of pop and jazz. As The Wall Street Journal proclaims “Long live The Four Freshmen, may they never graduate.”
Purchase advance adult tickets for $25 and students for $5 at Canyon Rose Storage, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, and the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce office on the Apache Trail. Adult tickets at the door are $30. Order tickets from www.gcac1.com/ cynsnds.html.
Wilkes University to offer creative writing conference
Wilkes University will host a writers’ conference on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, 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 oks/ 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.
The Four Freshmen will perform Friday, Jan. 15. Submitted photo
As You Wish Pottery schedules holiday events
As You Wish Pottery offers a slew of activities for youth to adults throughout the month of December.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, children 12 and older can learn how to create a Christmas Tree Platter. The cost is $10, plus pottery of choice. Learn the best way to use the sparkly glitter paint, as well as a plethora of basic techniques that will make attendees an accomplished artist in no time. The platter is perfect for holiday displays, or serving holiday treats.
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, As You Wish Pottery is offering a Girls’ Night Out. There are free studio fees for attendees painting together.
From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Mommy and Me Class is offered for toddlers, preschoolers and a parent. It is a $20 all-inclusive class. The class includes two ornaments with additional ornaments being available to purchase separately. Fingerprints are used to create the designs. As You Wish instructors will walk attendees through one step at a time.
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, Homeschool Social will be held for homeschooled children. It is $12 allinclusive program. Create a bold, beautiful 3-D ornament almost entirely with pencil dots. Easy-to-follow lesson plans are included.
A Daddy, Daughter Date Night is Friday, Dec. 11. Reservations are strongly suggested for the free studio time spent painting together.
From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, a Spolvero/beginning technique class will be held for ages 12 to adults. It is $10 plus pottery of choice. This class is chock full of techniques. Not only does it feature glitter paint and Spolvero stencils, attendees will use contact paper, masking tape and sponge on a stick to create the holiday platter.
To register for the class, visit www. asyouwishpottery.com/classes. The Chandler studio is located at 2970 Germann Rd., Suite 4.
‘The Nutcracker’ presented by Ahwatukee Foothills Ballet
Dancers from around the Valley, ages 3 to 18, have been rehearsing since August for the upcoming performances of “The Nutcracker” in December. Dancers in the Ahwatukee Foothills Ballet Cast live in Casa Grande, Phoenix, Maricopa, Scottsdale, Peoria, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Paradise Valley and Glendale.
Tickets are on sale at Dance Studio 111, located at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111, Phoenix, or by phone at (602) 706-6040, or by email at afnutcracker@gmail.com.
The performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19. The performance will be held at Desert Vista Fine Arts Theater, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix.
Attendees are invited to visit the stage to meet Santa Claus and the cast members. The actors will sign autographs following the performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Audience members can also sit and take photographs on Clara’s Throne in the Land of Sweets, and take photographs with the Nutcracker, Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara and many other cast members.
To purchase tickets, call (480) 7066040, or visit http://afnutcracker.com.
Chandler Symphony Orchestra presents Gypsy Life: A Concert
On Sunday, Nov. 8, the Chandler Symphony Orchestra, under Conductor Jack Herriman and Associate Conductor Alex Zheng, will perform an outstanding program of classical music. Included in the program will be “Capriccio Bohemien, op. 12,” by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. The symphonic poem is popularly known as a fantasy of the Gypsy themes and celebrates the imagined pleasures, as well as the moods of gypsy life.
Additionally, the orchestra will perform the “Martha Overture” by German composer Friedrich von Flotow, Richard Wagner’s “Siegfried’s
Rhine Journey,” “Toccata for Percussion Instruments” by Carlos Chavez, featuring the CSO percussion section and Wolfgang Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C Major,” during which soloists Pamela Hahn and Katrina King will take center stage.
The performance will take place at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Admission is by donation, suggested $5 for adults. Musician and concert sponsorships are available. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for open, first-come seating.
Visit www.chandlersymphony.com, or call (480) 899-3447 for information.
Cays at Downtown
located in Chandler in the
Construction progressing with OPENING June 2016!
The
Ocotillo
upscale Ocotillo Community.
The Christmas Tree Platter class is offered Dec. 2. Submitted photo
The Spolvero beginning technique class will be held on Dec. 12. Submitted photo
The Homeschool Social will be held Dec. 10. Submitted photo
Arts
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.
Eric Burdon & The Animals, Saturday, Nov. 7, HAC. The Animals are famous for songs like “The House of the Rising Sun,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
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 Concert, Sunday, Nov. 8, CCA. The CSO provides quality symphonic and orchestral music.
Patty Griffin, Sunday, Nov. 8, MAC. Patty Griffin grounds her themes of love and mystery in the experience and rhythms of the everyday, the stuff of life.
“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.
Melissa Etheridge, Friday, Nov. 13, WHP. Academy Award- and Grammy-winning
artist Melissa Etheridge will take the stage to perform songs from her new album “This is M.E.,” as well as some of her greatest hits like “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One” and “I Want to Come Over.”
Red, White and Brass, Sunday, Nov. 15, MAC. Military troops will be honored with a patriotic concert featuring Dan Bukvich’s naval homage “Variations on Eternal Father.”
Diamond in the Rough, Sunday, Nov. 15, WHP. Diamond in the Rough pays tribute to Neil Diamond.
Gaelic Storm, Friday, Nov. 20, CCA. Fans of traditional Irish music have championed the group for years, as have fans of harder edged Celtic rock.
49 Laughs, Saturday, Nov. 21, WHP. 49 Laughs features Native American comedy standouts James Junes, Ernest Tsosie III, Tatanka Means, Pax Harvey and Adrianne Chalepah.
Last Comic Standing 2015, Tuesday, Nov. 24, MAC. The event will feature Ian Bragg, Dominique, Clayton English, Andy Erickson and Michael Palascak.
Ballet Etudes’ “The Nutcracker,” Friday, Nov. 27, CCA. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful and imaginative costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ “The Nutcracker” is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Sunday, Nov. 29, MAC. The world’s famous
reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster will help Santa save Christmas during three North American tours.
“A Christmas Carol,” Thursday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 4, HCT. The heartwarming version of Dickens’ classic take of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale stage.
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.
Dwight Yoakam, Thursday, Dec. 10, HAC. The country legend will perform at the Ak-Chin Circle Field.
Mesa Arts Festival, Saturday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 13, MAC. The Mesa Arts 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. Gin Blossoms, Saturday, Dec. 19, HAC. The Gin Blossoms will play such songs as “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” “Found Out About You” and many more.
Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music.
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
MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com
