Entertaining crowds ranging from ages 8 to 80, as well as dignitaries at Barack Obama’s inauguration ball, Black Violin has certainly created a buzz.
But thanks to a new record deal with Universal Music Classics, virtuoso violinists Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, along with DJ TK on turntables, will bring its classical-meets-hip hop sound to the masses. The new album is tentatively due to hit stores next summer.
Black Violin fans can expect more of the same, while those unfamiliar with the act will hopefully, Baptiste says, hear the Floridians for the first time.
“We want to give people who we truly are—the classical, the hip hop— and make sure our music is appealing to any age, any color,” Baptiste says.
“We just want to be who we are and stock to what we’ve been doing for the last 11, 12 years.”
Baptiste and Marcus meld highbrow and pop culture through a fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues and R&B. Baptiste says Black Violin enthralls lovers of Bach and Beyoncé.
“Our show is fun filled,” he says. “Just imagine coming to a concert and letting loose. There’s a lot of dancing, a lot of moving around. Our show is very big and very music driven. It’s all about having a good time.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are. From 5 years old all the way
to an 80-year-old, they’re all putting their hands up and having a good time.
I’ve seen that plenty of times.”
Baptiste explains that it’s moving to see “older generations and younger generations dancing and having a great time and experiencing music like they’ve never experienced it before.”
The trio also enjoys shattering audiences’ perspective or perception of violin and/or hip hop.
“They can expect to see something they’ve never seen before,” he says. “Expect to sweat a little from the dancing.”
One person they impressed was Obama and the audience at the president’s 2013 inauguration ball.
“It was such an amazing experience— where do I start?” Baptiste says with a laugh.
“It was one of the highlights of our career for sure. We met the president. We were backstage with a lot of legends in terms of artistry—Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys. All of these individuals are backstage with us and we’re like, ‘What are we doing here?’ We’re independent and we performed between Usher and Smokey Robinson and we’re the talk of the night?”
He calls that “extremely unique.”
“We were on cloud nine for about a week.”
Baptiste says that it’s the band’s
diversity that makes it appealing.
“I say it all the time: We’re like baseball in the ‘70s, the Disney Channel, the Beatles or Michael Jackson. We’re all of those things put together because everybody seems to enjoy what we do. We captivate everybody.”
Black Violin has two area appearances. The duo performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $18 to $28. For more information, call (480) 782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org. Black Violin also hits the Musical Instrument Museum stage a day earlier at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. The museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Tickets are $27.50 to $32.50. Call (480) 478-6000 or visit www.mim.org to purchase tickets.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
VISITING THE VALLEY: Black Violin, which melds hip-hop and classical music, will perform at the Chandler Center for the Arts and the Musical Instrument Museum. Submitted photo
Smithereens singer recalls career in ‘Confessions’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
In times of illness or health, The Smithereens’ frontman Pat DiNizio is all about sharing anecdotes from his career.
Speaking about his Nov. 15 show at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at AkChin Circle in Maricopa, DiNizio happens to be ill, a consequence of crisscrossing the country either playing with The Smithereens or offering his “Confessions of a Rock Star” show.
But he’s a trooper and answers questions about his appearance in conjunction with UltraStar’s two-year anniversary.
“‘Confessions of a Rock Star,’ it was a show that’s evolved over the past 14 or 15 years,” DiNizio says, frequently clearing his throat.
The project began when a Las Vegas hotel/casino CEO saw DiNizio perform at a house concert. He then offered DiNizio a yearlong residency at his venue.
“How could you say ‘no’ to an offer like that?” he says with a laugh. “That’s where I saw the Carpenters play in 1973 and Karen looked at me the whole concert.
“I was on the same stage as Dean Martin and Engelbert Humperdinck of all people for a year.”
That allowed him to hone his “Confessions of a Rock Star” show.
“The show in Las Vegas was a multimedia show,” he says. “It had films that accompanied each song. There was a lot of storytelling. I had a band in Las Vegas—a bass player and a drummer.
It’s really the story of my life in rock ‘n’ roll for the past 35 years with the Smithereens. It’s the stories behind the songs. It could have been anyone’s story.”
DiNizio’s story starts in the summer of 1959, a couple months before his 4th birthday.
“We walked into the movies to see an Elvis Presley film, ‘King Creole,’” he recalls.
“I sat through it four times, ate about 200 lollipops. As we walked out of the theater, I wanted to play guitar and be Elvis. I demanded that my dad buy me a guitar. He bought me a little plastic
child’s guitar the next day.”
DiNizio, who joined his first band at age 6, was drafted into the family business, however. Until he was 31, he worked as a garbage man.
“As is my morning ritual, I put the coffee in the percolator and put my work clothes for my duties as a garbage man,” he says.
“I sat down in front of the TV while I was waiting for my coffee to finish brewing. Like everyone else in my generation, I put on MTV and, if you remember the early days of MTV, it was absolutely hypnotic. You could watch all these remarkable new bands.”
He was expecting to see a woman on whom he had a large crush—Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go’s. Instead, he saw The Smithereens’ video for “Blood and Roses.”
“I nearly dropped to my knees with tears in my eyes,” he says. “I thought maybe we had a shot.”
The Smithereens have made a solid living in music since, with hits like “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” He would also eventually record with his “crush,” Carlisle, on “Blue Period.”
The shows make the struggle worthwhile.
“Before every one of the shows I did in Vegas, I would walk through the line,” he recalls. “There was an elderly couple in their 80s, at least. I said, ‘Dear Lord. I hope they’re not sitting too close up front because we’re loud. They can’t possibly get what I do tonight. They’re from the big-band era.’”
Sure enough, they were in the front row.
COMING TO ULTRASTAR: Pat DiNizio, third from left, will tell stories about his career with The Smithereens and sing songs from the band’s catalog on Nov. 15. Submitted photo
“I told the stories about growing up in New Jersey, about my parents, my mom and me, interwoven with stories about life and rock ‘n’ roll on the road.
“After the show, I’d say hi to everybody. The gentleman who had fought during World War II put his hands on my shoulder and he hugged me. He said, ‘Thank you for making me remember things the way they were. I had forgotten so much of it. It means everything to me.’”
He had tears in his eyes, which touched DiNizio.
“If you can affect one life like that... What an amazing thing for me to be able to earn my living doing what I want to do, and making people feel good,” he says.
“I want anyone to leave the show feeling better than when I came in. It’s like a magical mystery tour with the history of rock ‘n’ roll with this ItalianAmerican guy who was supposed to be a garbage man and ended up being a rock ‘n’ roll star.”
“Confessions of a Rock Star” with Pat DiNizio comes to UltraStar Cinemas at Ak-Chin Circle 12, 16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit http://ultrastarakchin.com/events. asp?id=18.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at christina@santansun.com.
Art quilt exhibition highlights artists’ inner child
BY MANALI CHAVAN
Artists from across the United States and Canada unleashed their inner child to create art quilt pieces for the Chandler Center of the Arts’ Art Quilt XIX “Permission to Play.”
The exhibition will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 7 to Jan. 17. It kicks off with a free “Meet the Artists” reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7.
Produced by the Chandler Center for the Arts and presented by the Chandler Cultural Foundation and the Chandler Arts Commission, “Permission to Play” was curated by artist Denise Currier.
“I tend to, as an artist, give myself that permission to play when I’m in the studio and I wanted to offer that as a theme,” Currier says. “I thought it enticed a really artistic, creative approach to art quilts.”
Currier began working with art when she was 16 years old. She wanted to give other artists the opportunity to work with their inner child as well as create an exhibition that everyone could relate to.
“That’s the job of the curator or anyone who comes up with themes, to really entice or p rovoke that thoughtthinking and the creative element in the studio,” Currier said.
The exhibition will feature 69 art quilts that centralize around the theme and also aim to tell a story.
New Mexico-based artist Holly Altman is one of the many artists whose work is included in the exhibition. After hearing of the exhibition, she decided to dive into her past and create two arts quilts titled “Holly at Four—The Age of Discovery” and “Shapes of Time—Fossil and Fire.”
Similar to Currier, she began working with art at a young age. The exhibition’s theme gave Altman the opportunity to revisit her favorite memories and translate them on to her artwork.
“I’ve always given myself permission to play so it’s very dear to my heart,” Altman says. “I’ve never had to schedule time to play; it’s always been there.”
Currier’s hope is that the nostalgic artwork will resonate with viewers, artists or nonartists.
“I think there’s always going to be a piece or an artwork that speaks to a viewer and they can relate to with some kind of compassion,” Currier says.
The Chandler Center for the Arts first hosted a quilt exhibition in 1996 and continued holding the exhibitions due to the area’s high interest in textile artwork. The Chandler Center for the Arts officials say they also hope the quilt artwork exhibition will expose the art form to others outside of that community.
“A lot of people feel that textile artwork and textile mediums might
not have as high a standing in the art world or community as traditional paintings or traditional sculptures,” says Eric Faulhaber, visual arts coordinator. “So it is an out-of-the-box medium.”
In addition to curating the exhibition, Currier will juror the pieces. There will be four awards given out before the beginning of the exhibition, including best of show, second place and third place. The fourth award, titled viewers’ choice award will allow viewers to choose their favorite art piece and artist. Along with the award, each winner will receive $250. The Chandler Arts Commission is also offering up to $10,000 in purchase awards. Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. For more information visit www. chandlercenter.org
Manali Chavan is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at manali@timespublications.com.
CCA celebrates Chinese performing arts
The Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, will host “Ode to Peace” by the American Chinese Arts and Culture Exchange Association, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. The celebration of Chinese culture and performing arts will center on the theme “Embrace Thanksgiving: A Music and Dance Extravaganza from East to West.”
The night will feature presenters from around the world performing in a variety of styles.
Performances will include artistic director and coloratura soprano Yayu Khoe singing the French opera coloratura classic “Indian Bell Song” from “Lakme,” Zhou Jiang on piano, the violin duo Joy Pan and Lan Qiu, Zhigang Chen on cello, the Arizona Chinese Chorus, the Arizona Chinese Instrumental Ensemble, the Mesa City Band Trombone Quartet, the alternative band RadioDriveBy, the Arizona Asian American Association and more.
Tickets are $15, and can be purchased at the Chandler Center for the Arts Box Office at (480) 782-2680 or www.chandlercenter.com.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Eastern Art Academy, 1100 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 18, Chandler, and at Super Ranch 99 Market at COFCO Chinese Cultural Center, 668 N. 44th St., Phoenix. For more information visit www. acacx.com and www.facebook.com/acacxorg.
‘One Drop of Love’ at MAC
“One Drop of Love,” a dynamic multimedia solo performance exploring how race has been constructed in the United States, will be performed at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse at Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa.
The show, produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, as well as writer and performer Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni, explores the concept of race as it relates to issues like family, love pain and more; ultimately exploring a path toward reconciliation on the subject. Cox DiGiovanni’s goal of the show is to encourage everyone to discuss race openly and critically.
“It often frustrated me that ‘race’ was such a strong influence in my life. I wanted to explore what was behind this influence—was I making more of it than it was; or was the real issue that others needed to see how much it influences them?” Cox DiGiovanni says.
The performance incorporates filmed images, photographs and animation to tell the story of how the notion of “race” came to be in the United States and how it influences Cox DiGiovanni’s relationship with her father—a journey that takes audiences from the 1700s to the present, to cities all over the United States and to West and East Africa,
EXPLORING RACE: The one-woman show “One Drop of Love,” produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, as well as performer Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni, considers and discusses the concept of race and how it effects people’s lives. Submitted photo
where both father and daughter spent time in search of their “racial” roots. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts
ACJS festival celebrates jazz
The Arizona Classic Jazz Society will showcase traditional jazz and swing music at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler, from 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, through 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, in its Arizona Classic Jazz Festival.
Vocalists, instrumentalists, tribute bands and more will play through the weekend in a salute to the musical style that reached its heights in the first half of the 20th century.
The society emphasizes festivals as a venue to present an original, American art form, as well as a way to help foster live musical performances.
ACJS’ efforts are supported in part through donations to help foster art, including $10,000 Arts Engagement in American Communities grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arizona Commission on the Arts has also awarded ACJS a Community Investment Grant in the amount of $4,000 and Chandler has awarded $1,000 from its Special Event Sponsorship Funding Program.
All bands will be playing at least seven sets over the weekend, but select performances include:
“A Tribute to Benny Goodman” by the Dave Bennett Quartet of Michigan. Bennett, whose sound and style are close to Goodman’s, was chosen to perform live at Carnegie Hall on Nov. 1, 2013, for the 75th anniversary of Goodman’s legendary live recording there. He will also be performing his Jerry Lee Lewis set.
“Songs of Inspiration” by the 52nd Street Jazz Band of Mesa, includes stories and music that inspired each of them to become musicians. Ben Smith, recently retired from the Dukes of Dixieland, will play trombone with the band.
The Wildcat Jazz Band of Tucson. Crystal Stark, an award-winning jazz, soul and rhythm and blues vocalist, and Season 5 “American Idol” finalist, will join the Wildcats for a performance.
Wally’s Warehouse Waifs of Michigan will perform the grand finale, “Around the World with Wally,” which will feature tunes in different styles and languages other than English sung by vocalist Theresa Scavarda. Pieter Meijers will join the band for the finale. They will also perform one of their
CCA marks fall of Berlin Wall with film by local author
The 25th anniversary of the Chandler Center for the Arts coincides with another quarter-century anniversary— the fall of the Berlin Wall. The center is presenting a free documentary, “Rockin’ the Wall,” by Chandler High School graduate Larry Schweikart at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, to commemorate the occasion.
The documentary, also the brainchild of Marc Leif, chronicles the influence rock ‘n’ roll had in bringing down the Berlin Wall. The G-rated film features musicians from the 1960s and 1970s, including The Doors, Quiet Riot, Toto, Vanilla Fudge and a funk-rock group from Atlanta, Georgia, Mother’s Finest, who played in East Berlin just two weeks before the Wall fell.
Schweikart covered the documentary’s events in a chapter of his 2010 bestselling book “Seven Events that Made America.” The film recently went on tour in conjunction with the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
keep rock ‘n’ roll out,” and Mandoki concluded that “rock music was fundamental...to help bring down the Berlin Wall.”
popular rock ‘n’ roll sets.
An open jam is set for 11:45 a.m. Friday, and players may join 52nd Street Jazz Band at 2:15 p.m. Saturday and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. All musicians are invited to take part in the parade that starts from the patio area at 4:45 p.m. Friday.
An “Afterglow” in the hotel’s A.J.’s Restaurant will be led by 52nd Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Many of the festival musicians will join in throughout the evening.
Many more performances are featured in the festival. The full schedule is posted on the ACJS website, www.azclassicjazz.org. All shows are at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort.
A badge is required for the festival. Attendance is $20 on Thursday, $45 on Friday, $50 on Saturday, $35 on Sunday or $95 to attend all events. After 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday is $25 and guests under 18 are $5 Friday and Saturday and free on Sunday. For more information, call (480) 620-3941 or visit www.azclassicjazz.org.
Filled with original music provided by the groups, as well as classic rock songs, “Rockin’ the Wall” includes interviews with witnesses from behind the Iron Curtain, including Hungarian drummer and activist Leslie Mandoki, who escaped from communism and later befriended Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev told Mandoki, “We couldn’t
Donations to Chandler Center for the Arts are encouraged. Suggested donations for the free documentary film are $5 for a child, $10 for an adult and $15 for a family.
The Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. To learn more about “Rockin’ the Wall,” visit www.rockinthewallstudios.com. To purchase tickets to the film, visit www. chandlercenter.org.
DAVE BENNETT: The Dave Bennett Quartet will perform “A Tribute to Benny Goodman” at the Arizona Classic Jazz Festival. Submitted photo
CSO takes a musical tour with ‘Le Grand Voyage’
For the third classical concert of its 22nd season, entitled “Musical Adventures Abroad,” the Chandler Symphony Orchestra will present “Le Grand Voyage,” a musical tour of France, Norway, Austria and Italy, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
Conductor Jack Herriman and associate conductor Alex Zheng will lead the allvolunteer orchestra in a performance that will include Mozart’s “Symphony No. 31 in D Major,” “Pines of Rome” composed by
Ottorino Respighi, “Norwegian Dances, Op. 35” by Edvard Grieg and Richard Strauss’ “Duet Concertino,” featuring soloists Dan Coombs on clarinet and John Friedeman on bassoon.
Admission is free but donations—$3 per person is suggested—are encouraged. Sponsorships of musicians and concerts are also available. Doors will open 30 minutes before the concert for first-come, first-served seating. For more information, call (480) 899-3447 or visit www. chandlersymphony.com.
Revisit classic hits with Flipside-45 at Palms
Crowd favorites Flipside-45, which played several sold-out performances in 2012 and 2013, will hit the stage at The Palms Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Dinner will precede the show at 6 p.m.
The band will perform its rock ‘n’ roll tribute show “Three Decades of Gold,” a celebration of songs from some of the greatest stars of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. They will cover hits by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Tommy
James and the Shondells, The Everly Brothers, The Young Rascals and many more.
All four members of Flipside-45 perform strong vocals. Warren Cobb also plays lead guitar, George Grund plays keyboards and saxophone, Marvin Forte plays the bass and Glenn Meharg plays percussion. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ThePalmsTheatre.com, by phone at (480) 924-6260 or at the box office, 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. Ticket prices range from $15 (show only) to $48 with dinner.
Holiday Pop-up Gallery displays art
Art lovers looking to find unique items for everyone on their holiday lists—or just looking for some original work from local artists—can check out the Holiday Pop-up Gallery at Waters Studio, 2141 E. Cedar St., Suite 1, Tempe, starting with a special reception 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. The display and sale continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.
Chandler resident Joan Waters is hosting the event, which will also include pieces by Sandy Luehrsen and Sandra Blain, who have displayed their art on special occasions at the Chandler Center for the Arts and the Vision Gallery, as well as locally active artist Esmeralda DeLaney.
Guests will have the opportunity to browse exclusive fine art and hand-made gifts in ceramic, steel and mixed media by the artists. Visitors will also be able to meet the artists at the Friday night preview party or on Saturday and Sunday.
Free parking is available for the gallery, and it is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call (602) 565.1358 or visit www.AZOpenStudio. com.
Art comes ‘Off the Wall’ at auction
Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite. 201, Gilbert, is hosting “Off the Wall,” an exhibition and silent auction, starting Saturday, Nov. 1. The exhibition features works of fine art and photography from established and emerging artists. Guests can view the work during that time and make bids in person in the gallery or by email. Email bids will be accepted until 12 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and those interested may view the pieces in an online gallery starting Nov. 1, and purchase auction items at a “buy it now” price any time before the auction Saturday, Dec. 6. Final bids are at the silent auction from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec 6.
In addition to providing an opportunity to “take” art off the wall and bring home a unique piece or gift, “Off the Wall” sales support exhibitions in Art Intersection’s North and South galleries. Exhibits in the galleries showcase work from student, emerging and internationally known artists. Sales from the auction support the exhibits as well as “Emerge,” the student photography exhibition and the organization’s artist-in-residence program. For more information, call (480) 3611118, email info@artintersection.com or visit www.artintersection.com/event/ off-the-wall-exhibition-and-silentauction-2014.
SPIRAL: Pottery art by Sandra Blain, whose work will be for sale and on display Nov. 14, through 16, with art by Joan Waters, Sandy Leuhrsen and Esmeralda DeLaney. Submitted photo
ON STAGE
“Center Stage, A Culinary Murder Mystery,” Sat., Nov. 1, CCA. Solve the mystery as you play along in this dinner and interactive murder mystery show.
“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” through Sun., Nov. 16, TCA. Childsplay brings back last year’s breakout hit, based on Newbery-winner Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book. Centered on an exceptional toy that becomes lost, the play tells a fantastical story of finding friendship, finding yourself and eventually finding your way home.
An Evening with Bill Cosby, Sat., Nov. 1, MAC. One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and bestselling books such as “Fatherhood.”
“One Drop of Love,” Sat., Nov. 1, MAC. A multimedia one-woman show produced by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and writer/ performer Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni, it incorporates film, photographs and animation to examine how “race” has been constructed in the United States and how it can influence our most intimate relationships.
Merle Haggard, Fri., Nov. 7, WHP. The Okie from Muskogee brings classic Americana to the stage with hits like “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Sing Me Back Home” and “Mamma Tried.”
David Sedaris, Wed., Nov. 5, MAC. Sedaris brings his satire, keen observation, sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to the stage, slicing through euphemisms and political correctness.
Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, Thurs., Nov. 6, through Sun., Nov. 9, SM. The Arizona Classic Jazz Society presents traditional jazz bands from all over the country in this celebration of the musical style.
Black Violin, Fri., Nov. 7, CCA. Virtuoso violinists Wil B and Kev Marcus meld highbrow and pop culture through a fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues and rhythm and blues.
Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers, Tues., Nov. 11, MAC. Perennial MAC favorite Vince Gill returns with a country music experience, opening and then joining
CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org
MAC—Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
S55—Space 55
636 E. Pierce St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 663-4032, www.space55.org
some of Nashville’s finest studio musicians including Ranger Doug, Dawn Sears and fellow Country Music Hall of Famers Larry Franklin and Billy Thomas. The Time Jumpers are an 11-member band that has made major contributions across the country music industry for the last 30 years.
“Nat Geo Live: Coral, Fire and Ice,” Wed., Nov. 12, MAC. Explore a hidden universe through the eyes of the photographic team of David Doubilet and his underwater partner, Jennifer Hayes.
“He Said-She Said,” Fri., Nov. 14, and Sat., Nov. 15, S55. An evening of solo performances by 10 Valley artists, responding to contemporary and timeless prompts to create 10 totally new and different responses.
Jessica Lang Dance, Thurs., Nov. 20, MAC. Hailed as “a master of visual composition” by Dance Magazine, Lang and her dance company transform classical ballet language and rigor into artfully crafted, emotionally engaging, contemporary works.
The Tenors, Fri., Nov. 28, MAC. This group brings memorable melodies to the stage, blending classical music and contemporary pop.
Ballet Etudes—“Nutcracker,” Fri., Nov. 28, through Sun., Nov. 30, and Fri., Dec. 5, through Sun., Dec. 7, CCA. The holiday favorite story of Clara’s magical journey plays out as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
SDC—Sonoran Desert Chorale
First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa and Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley Tickets: (480) 305-4538, www.sonorandesertchorale.org
SM—San Marcos Golf Resort
One San Marcos Pl., Chandler Tickets: (480) 620-3941, www.azclassicjazz.org
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sat., Nov. 29, WHP. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the nine-piece ensemble swings and parties on stage with its irresistible tunes and infectious energy.
“Elf the Musical,” Tues., Dec. 2, and Wed., Dec. 3, MAC. A modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.
“A Bloody Mary Christmas,” Thurs., Dec. 4, through Sun., Dec. 21, S55. Space 55 presents a holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals. Sun City retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance and drink themselves silly as they battle a heartless homeowner’s association that tries to evict them from their condo on Christmas Eve.
“A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail,” Dec. 5, through Dec. 23, VYT. Join everyone’s favorite Pooh Bear, along with his friends Piglet, Eeyore and more as they bring a Christmas story to the stage for the holidays.
“Captain Jack’s Space Attack,” Sat., Dec. 6, S55. Space 55’s late-night show returns with more of the adventures of Captain Jack and his band as they explore the galaxy after the destruction of Earth in the year 3013.
“Rejoice and Sing!,” Sat., Dec. 6, and Sun., Dec. 7, SDC. Be a part of this annual tradition as the audience is invited to join the chorale in singing carols to celebrate the joys of the holiday season.
TCA—Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: (480) 350-2822, www.tca.ticketforce.com
VYT—Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. First St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 253-8188, www.vyt.com
“Melissa Etheridge: This is M.E. Tour,” Tues., Dec. 9, MAC. Melissa Etheridge, who has won Academy and Grammy awards, will perform songs from her new album, “This is M.E.,” as well as hits like “Come to My Window,” “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over.” Etheridge will share personal stories about her remarkable journey and the inspiration behind her songs. With Alexander Cardinale.
“Mythbusters: Behind the Myths,” Tues., Dec. 16, MAC. Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage are back at it again with the return of their popular tour. Their new show promises to be an outrageous evening of entertainment featuring brand new on-stage experiments, behind-the-scenes stories and some all-time favorites.
“Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2014,” Wed., Dec. 17, MAC. Dave Koz makes a visit on his Christmas tour, bringing with him guitar and vocalist, Jonathan Butler, singer songwriter ‘80s hit man Christopher Cross and rhythm and blues great Maysa.
“An Irish Christmas,” Sat., Dec. 20, MAC. This popular show features dancing through the generations over brooms and on half doors, performances of “Silent Night,” Little “Drummer Boy” and “Carol of the Bells,” music of the pipes, flutes, fiddles, button accordion and more.
“An Evening with Paula Poundstone,” Wed., Dec. 31, MAC. Paula Poundstone, known from television, radio, stages across the country—and as a regular panelist on “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me...”—helps audiences celebrate New Year’s Eve with laughter.
The seventh annual Art at the Lakes Show, to be held at 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes, (around Cottonwood Lake on Brentwood Drive in the Cottonwood subdivision) Saturday, March 7, will begin accepting applications Saturday, Nov. 15.
The show—put on by Arizona’s Desert Artists Club, Oakwood Artists League and Sun Lakes Watercolor Club—is open to all fine artists throughout the Valley whose work includes paintings, pastel and mixed media. Pottery and sculpture, handmade jewelry, gourd art and photography will also be included in the show.
Musicians from Sun Lakes will be at the show playing bluegrass, country and more.
The fee is $50, which covers show expenses, including an 8-foot table and two chairs for each artist at the show.
Artists may share a table, but each will pay $50.
The event is a benefit to raise money for an emergency relief fund for firefighters in the Valley, and a raffle will also be held with items, including but not limited to, artistic items, gift baskets and dinners at local restaurants. Raffle money and money left after the show expenses will go to first responders and their families and the 100 Club of Arizona. Firefighters will be grilling burgers and hot dogs for sale at the show.
Organizers are looking for about 60 creative artists for the show. Applications are available in the Cottonwood office, 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes; the Palo Verde office, 25219 S. EJ Robson Blvd., Sun Lakes and in all the art rooms. Artists may
EVJCC opens dance studio
The East Valley Jewish Community Center has recently opened Studio 18, a dance studio offering many community classes, at 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
The studio will offer classes in dance and movement Tuesday through Thursday for ages 12 months to adult. Classes will include
ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling and Mommy and Me.
The classes offer high-quality instruction. Scarlet Johnson, a trained ballerina who has been dancing since a young age, teaches in the pre-kindergarten program and offers a weekly jazz class for 3- and 4-year-olds.
also request an application online at ArtAtTheLakes@aol.com.
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help out at the show.
Tonya Wolfe joins JCC from San Diego, where she managed three recreational departments of dance schools and has worked with children of all ages. Wolfe has developed her own classes, with each one combining ballet, tap and tumbling in each session.
“My job gives me the ability to teach children how to express their feelings through the art of dance,” Wolfe says.
Studio 18 will also offer Zumba, taught
Contact Beverly Walters at bewalter@ msn.com or call (480) 802-4680 to volunteer, give a club donation or with any questions.
by Naomi Horovitz, on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This class is open to all adults, ages 16 and up. Childcare is available by reservation.
Visit www.evjcc.org for specific class days and times. Classes begin the week of Nov. 3. U and Me Movement is $40 for an eight-week session. All other classes are $35 per month.
For more information, contact Pam Morris at pam@evjcc.org or (480) 897-0588.
