SanTan Sun News,11-21-15: arts

People Who Could Fly prepare to let new record soar

BY GABRIEL CUSHING

Valley-based band People Who Could Fly is set to release a three-song EP, “Neon Electric,” with a Saturday, Nov. 21, party in Chandler.

People Who Could Fly—which features Tempe’s James Mills on lead vocals; Fletcher Milloy of Chandler on guitar and vocals; Gilbert’s Levi Siwek on guitar and bass; Tempe resident Josh Paige on drums and vocals, and Ahwatukee’s Jacob Paige on bass and keys—will celebrate “Neon Electric” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd.

Admission to the event is free.

The party marks the end of a fourmonth effort to record the three songs, “Pressure,” “Empty Days” and the title track.

Mills, who also serves as assistant manager, said the pop-rock act was “pretty darn excited” about the EP, for which People Who Could Fly worked with Grammy-winner Robb Vallier.

“It was actually really cool,” Mills said. “It felt like the right way to make a record. He helped us get our ideas streamlined, and motivated us to get the best possible work done.”

At the gig, People Who Could Fly will play “a lot of new music.” The bands JAM and Seventy Sixth Street, friends People Who Could Fly, will open.

In light of their recent successes, People Who Could Fly has been giving some thought to the idea of starting a

pop-rock band People Who Could Fly will celebrate the release of its new EP “Neon Electric,” at SoZo Coffeehouse in Chandler. Photo by Mia

West Coast tour. Its live credits so far include opening for Howard Jones and Rick Springfield, and performing for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“We are hoping to book a tour in the next year,” Mills said. “We’re hiring a new manager which will allow us to expand. We’d benefit from a West Coast tour. Probably around Phoenix and Las Vegas; places close, where we could drive.”

“Neon Electric” will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and on CD after the Nov. 21 party.

For more information about the album “Neon Electric” or the Nov. 21 release party, call (480) 728-7696 or visit www.peoplewhocouldfly.com, or www. sozocoffee.org.

Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet

Dancers from around the Valley, ages 3 to 18, have been rehearsing since August for the upcoming performances of “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.

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.

Tickets are on sale at Dance Studio 111, located at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite

111, Phoenix, or by phone at (602) 7066040, or by email at afnutcracker@gmail. com.

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.

A premier adult choral performing group, Arizona Masterworks Chorale, was started in 1979. Submitted photo

Fall concert series ends with ‘Sounds of the Christmas Season’

The KOG 2015 fall concert series is ending the year with “Sounds of the Christmas Season” by the Arizona Masterworks Chorale, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Tickets are $15 at the door.

A premier adult choral performing

group, Arizona Masterworks Chorale was founded in 1979. Its mission is to enrich the cultural quality of life in Arizona by performing a wide range of choral music, from classical to contemporary. Info: (480) 838-0477, cyndeec@kogaz. org or www.arizonamasterworks.com.

Singers rouse the soul—barbershop style

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

Barbershop harmonies left the barbershop sometime in the early part of last century, and when they did, they eventually found their way into women’s voices as well as men’s.

Case in point: The Chordaires Show Chorus of Sun Lakes.

“The Chordaires are 50 women singing barbershop-based, four-part a cappella music, with a love, not only of the music and of making harmonies together, but of each other,” said Adam Thomé, who directs the group.

The Chordaires formed 36 years ago, when the Sweet Adelines, a national women’s barbershop organization, closed its East Valley branch.

“A group of women began it just to keep the barbershop tradition alive and to share it with the community. Where the Sweet Adelines are competitive and perform showcases, the Chordaires exist to serve

others. It’s a community chorus in every sense of the word,” Thomé said.

“There are no divas in this group. In barbershop, you have to be less in order to give more,” he added.

The Chordaires perform for the public, but most of its appearances are at rest homes and care centers. Whether they’re singing Broadway show tunes or holiday favorites or standards, the women of the Chordaires make a sound that can rouse the soul—and they have evidence. Chordaires president Jana Greene tells the story:

“Last year, we were singing our holiday program at one of the care centers. There weren’t many people in the audience. I remember being disappointed by that. One of the patients was very feeble, hunched over in her wheelchair, not moving. She apparently was not cognizant of what was going on.

“We began to sing, and pretty soon, we noticed that this lady was tapping

her foot. We sang a few more songs, and she started to sing along with us. After the performance, we went out into the audience as usual, to shake hands and meet people. Quite a few of us went up to this woman to wish her a Merry Christmas, and she talked with us about how much she had enjoyed the music.

“We were on our way back to the parking lot when a nurse ran out to tell us, ‘We were all just blown away. That woman in the wheelchair hasn’t spoken for two years.’

“That is why we do what we do.”

If their music can do that, think of what it might do for you if you attend one of the Chordaires’ public concerts in December. The Chordaires will sing Friday, Dec. 4, at the Cottonwood Christmas Show; Saturday, Dec. 5, for the tree lighting at Sun Lakes Country Club; Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Sun Lakes Community Theatre, and Saturday, Dec. 12, for the luminarias event at

Diamond Lake Oakwood. The Ambassadors, a 15-member ensemble within the larger group, also performs at public and private events. For more information, go to www. chordaires.org.

At the website, you’ll not only learn about the Chordaires’ concerts, but about how to donate to its holiday fund-drive in a fun and unusual way.

“We’re doing singing Christmas cards,” Thomé explained. “In exchange for a donation, we call a loved one and sing two or three songs for them over the phone. It’s another way we try to help people connect.”

Thomé added that the Chordaires are always looking for new members. Interested singers may contact the group’s membership chairwoman, Diana Perez, at contactdianaperez@yahoo.com. Membership is open to women of all ages.

TSO brings new album to Gila River Arena

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Paul O’Neill understands the power of music. As the man behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he has seen families come together and even potential enemies.

Case in point: In July, TSO played the Wacken rock festival in Germany, and what he saw changed the direction of the rock orchestra’s latest album “Letters from the Labyrinth.”

“While I was there, the night before, I was wandering around the campsite— true story—and bumped into two young men, about 20,” said O’Neill, whose collective plays two shows on Sunday, Dec. 6, at Gila River Arena.

“I asked them where they were from, and they were from Iraq. They were Sunni Muslims. We talked for a little while. About 50 feet away, about 30 minutes later, [I] bumped into two other young men, also 20s, a little bit older, and they were Shiite Muslims from Iran. I can’t imagine that, during the next three days, these guys didn’t bump into each other.

“I would like to believe that, God forbid, in two years if these four young men, who are in two separate militias, met in combat in Syria in that horrible civil war, that if they recognize each other that not only would they not pull the trigger, I think they would actually unchamber their weapons.”

O’Neill said the two groups may recall the TSO concert they attended.

“It’s hard to hate someone—let alone shoot them—who you’ve gone to a concert with. That is the magic of music. It’s really amazing.”

“Letters from the Labyrinth” is a major change from the way TSO regularly creates new work. It’s the first TSO album that’s not built around a completed story.

“Instead, it’s a collection of completed songs that have, basically, left the safety of the studio where they were born,” O’Neill said.

“The stories will emerge from their combined journeys. Just as TSO was designed to be a constantly evolving, morphing band over the decades, “Letters from the Labyrinth” is our first album where we’re experimenting. We’re calling it an open-ended album. Like our own lives, the story will develop and evolve. We’re not really sure what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone next year.”

The show has evolved as well. O’Neill is hoping to perform at least six new songs at Gila River Arena. Those include “Madness of Men,” “Forget About the Blame” and “Not the Same.”

“Not the Same” references the Amanda Todd cyberbullying incident in Canada, but it all hearkens back to Wacken.

“There were quite a few people I bumped into there from the Middle East,” O’Neill said.

“Also, while I was over there, we were watching the news. I had a bunch of Iranians say this is all the Iraqis’ fault. The Iraqis are saying blame Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabians are, like, blame the Shiite militias.

“The people living in Syria, they don’t care about blame. They just want it to

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs some tracks from its recent album “Letters from the Labyrinth” during shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., in Glendale. Submitted photo

stop. What’s happened in the past, is the past. You can study it to correct the future, but it’s not going to change the past.”

The album’s direction changed on a dime and, perhaps, TSO’s career will too.

“[The album] literally changed from the one concert we did—right in the middle of doing it.

“It just made me realize a single day can change the perspective of everything. Again, you’re looking at

Pompeii one day, and 70 A.D. a volcano goes off and everything changes.

“You’re looking at a country that’s at peace in 1914, and 1915 everything changes. It’s all about perspective.”

Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. Tickets are $33.50 to $68.50. For more information, call (623) 772-3200 or visit www.gilariverarena.com.

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, A.R.S. 43-1088, you may be able to designate a donation to Chandler/Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [The charitable tax credit is in addition to the education tax credits… you can take advantage of both tax credits in the same year.]

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, and provides community living, employ-ment and day treatment and training opportunities daily.

For tax year 2015, contributions up to $400 may earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona Income Tax return. Taxpayers filing as single or unmarried head of household have a maximum credit amount of $200; married taxpayers filling jointly have a $400 maximum credit.

Check to see if your employer will match your donation! http://doublethedonation.com/cgarc

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity; please make your check payable to:

Chandler/Gilbert Arc

Charitable Tax Fund

3250 N. San Marcos Place Chandler, AZ 85225-7789

Yoakam hearkens back to debut on ‘Second Hand Hearts’

BY ALAN SCULLEY

Dwight Yoakam sees several parallels between his new album, “Second Hand Heart,” and his 1986 debut album, the altcountry classic “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.”

“It feels in a strange way connected to the very first record, ‘Guitars, Cadillacs’ in the way that it came about,” Yoakam said in a recent phone interview

“That album [‘Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.’] was an EP originally, and then Warner signed me in ’85 and I re-released it in January of ’86 as a full-length...And this one has its own, it’s almost as if that album had its own journey and a couple of lives.”

As Yoakam suggested, both “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” and “Second Hand Heart” include songs that had a previous life before being redone in somewhat different ways for the two albums.

Several songs from “Guitars, Cadillacs” first surfaced on an independent EP that was later supplemented with other songs and re-released as the “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.”

“Second Hand Heart,” includes a few songs that had been gestating with Yoakam for some time. “V’s of Birds,” was a song Yoakam had thought of covering as far back as the mid-1990s.

The title track was written and under consideration for Yoakam’s previous release, the acclaimed 2012 album “3 Pears,” while another original, “Dreams of Clay,” originally surfaced in a far different form on the 2000 album “Tomorrow’s Sounds Today.”

“The [new] album kind of created itself. And you know, funny enough ‘Guitars, Cadillacs’...the first album did that,” he said. “It was an example of the album leads you to where it’s going to go.”

Another parallel is both “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Second Hand Heart” are on Warner Bros./Reprise Records, the label Yoakam called home for his first eight albums before parting ways and releasing his 2003 album, “Population Me,” and his 2005 album, “Blame the Vain,” on independent labels.

What’s more, both “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Second Hand Heart” were recorded in the same studio – the legendary Capitol Records Studio B.

“That room’s just flat out got magic in it,” Yoakam said. “Let’s see, the first six studio albums of my career were done at Capitol Studios, ‘Guitars, Cadillacs’ through ‘Gone.’ So that feels like home always.

That room doesn’t lie. You better be on your game when you go into B because it just spits back to you in your face exactly what you just did.”

But what might be the biggest link between the two albums is an attitude Yoakam brought to the projects—a spirit, as he put it, of “reckless abandon, mischief making and fun” that reminded him of why he wanted to make albums in the first place.

It’s a feeling he says has been present at times on all of his albums, but was never articulated as well as it has been with certain songs from “3 Pears” and now “Second Hand Hearts.”

“You hear it on all of the albums,” Yoakam said of that reckless abandon. “You hear it on things like ‘Long Way Home.’ Another song that would have that expression in it would be ‘Only Want You More’ a raved up rockabilly coming-off-

the-rails [kind of song]. And in [the 1995 album] ‘Gone,’ I think the song ‘Never Hold You’ has a bit of that thing. But left to my own devices, I’m pushing more kind of the envelope maybe on ‘3 Pears’ and now this [album], in terms of the sonics of it.”

That sort of full-throttle, hard-rocking sound pops up on the new album in Yoakam’s cover of “Man of Constant Sorrow,” which was made famous on the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack, and his original, “Liar.” On those tracks, Yoakam amps up the beats, lets the guitars rip and rocks out with the kind of abandon he’s only occasionally displayed on earlier albums.

“Yeah, that’s a collision of the Ramones ambushing Bill Monroe,” Yoakam said of his take on “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

If Yoakam rarely rocked as hard on his earlier albums as he does on “Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Liar,” his sound nevertheless proved very successful, especially during the first decade of his career.

A native of Pikeville, Kentucky, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, Yoakam came to Los Angeles in 1977, inspired by the rocking country sounds of Bakersfieldbased Buck Owens and the “Sweethearts of the Rodeo”-era Byrds.

He scuffled for several years before getting signed by Warner Bros., and releasing the chart-topping “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc.” album. It started Yoakam on a commercial roll that has produced 22 top 20 country singles and nine platinum albums. His total album sales stand at 25 million.

Yoakam figures to play a careerspanning set in his live shows, and a couple of members of his touring group also played extensively on “Second Hand Heart,” lending a continuity to the album and live show.

“It’s just gratifying to have the musicians I’m working with on stage work on the record with me,” Yoakam said. “There is a purity of energy and intent that you capture.”

Dwight Yoakam performs at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Tickets are free. For more information, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-akchin/shows.

‘Cool Kids’ have insecurities as well

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Echosmith’s song “Cool Kids” carries the message of self-worth and self-acceptance. But sometimes, lead singer Sydney Sierota said, it’s hard to subscribe to that belief. Her band—which includes her brothers Jamie, Noah and Graham—have toured for three years, mostly on their 2013 debut album “Talking Dreams,” and recently announced that it’s going on a break to record a new collection. The three years have been educational.

“I think learning that having your own identity is a big deal,” Sierota said. “There are so many other artists and bands out there. It’s easy to feel like, ‘Man, maybe I should try avoiding that kind of music because that’s working. Or maybe I should look like this.’

“Naturally, in this world, you’re going to compare yourself to others. That does relate to the message of ‘Cool Kids.’ It’s funny because we’re finding that we relate to the song more so now than when we wrote it.”

Sierota said she and her brothers are continued to learn self-acceptance over the last three years.

“It’s important to be yourself,” she said. “That what people really fall in love with. That’s what they connect to.”

But Sierota said her profession isn’t any different than others.

“Every profession has its own differences and challenges,” she said. “In the end, I’m not complaining, but everybody has their thing and their stuff they have to deal with and work through and address in their personal life and professional life. I think everyone goes through it. There are plenty

things that people have to deal with in this industry and a lot more maybe sometimes.”

Echosmith’s profession brings it to the Celebrity Theatre for a Thursday, Dec. 3, charity show with Adam Lambert. Arizona shows are meaningful for the Californiabased band.

“I love Arizona plus we have family there, and that makes it even better—my grandparents, a few of our cousins and aunts and stuff. There are quite a few people, actually.”

The Celebrity date is one of a few Echosmith will play before heading off the road to record the aforementioned new album. The act’s plans were laid out in a heartfelt letter on its homepage.

“I’m so happy you think it’s moving,” Sierota said. “It took us awhile to figure out what to say.”

In the letter, which, mentions that the siblings were in their teens when they wrote Talking Dreams, they said: “We do not take lightly that most people do not get to experience these kinds of opportunities and we are beyond grateful for every single one of them.”

The success includes three hits, including “Cool Kids;” “Let’s Love” and “Bright” are the other two. Echosmith hopes to replicate that success with the new album, which is in the very formative stages.

“We’ve started slowly [writing],” she said. “We literally just got off the road less than a week ago. We’re slowly starting to write again and we have some ideas. We don’t have anything close to finished yet. We’re trying to write songs and go from there.

“Lots have happened to us in life, and musically I hope we’ve improved,” Sierota

added with a laugh. “It’ll be interesting to see what comes out.”

Those experiences include being a surprise guest during two of Taylor Swift’s shows.

“Taylor’s super sweet and obviously talented,” she said. “It was a great experience both times that we did it. It was really cool. Her crowds are so excited and they scream louder than you’ve ever heard. She’s a great person and to have that opportunity is great. I’m really thankful that she wanted us to sing with her on her tour. She could have asked anybody. It’s something we’ll never forget.”

Perhaps her biggest thrill was playing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

“That was a big step for us,” she said with a smile that transcended the phone line. “That was always on our bucket list. We would watch it every night. It was such a dream come true.

“It’s hard to determine which are the biggest deals out of the three years of doing things. I would say playing ‘The Tonight

Show’ was probably the biggest one.”

But she admits to being uneasy on TV stages.

“I don’t normally get nervous,” she said. “But I’m nervous for TV performances. It’s live and, well, a normal show is live, too. But you’re only playing one song. It’s not a normal concert setting.

“The crowd isn’t right in your face. It’s completely different. They’re having to act cordial because they’re on TV. It’s a really interesting environment.”

That hearkens back to her comments about insecurity.

“Over the three years, I did need to have my own identity and try not to find it in anybody else’s opinion of you.”

Echosmith and Adam Lambert perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. Tickets are $40 to $70. For more information, call (602) 267-1600 or visit www.celebritytheatre.com.

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 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. Info: (602) 765-0120 or www. thestudiophx.org.

As

You Wish Pottery schedules holiday events

As You Wish Pottery offers a slew of activities for youth to adults throughout 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 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, 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.

ON STAGE

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’ “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’ “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. Grammynominated 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. Its work has been viewed on the YouTube channel more than 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.

“Winter Wonderland,” Friday, Dec. 18, MAC. The Phoenix Boys Choir presents a joyful medley of music that includes traditional carols such as “Winter Wonderland” and “Silent Night.”

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.

Riverdance, Tuesday, Jan. 12 through

Sunday, Jan. 17, MAC. The international Irish dance phenomenon is on its 20th anniversary world tour with an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.

Lee An Womack, Sunday, Feb. 21, CCA. Country Album of the Year nominee Lee Ann Womack sings hits from her most acclaimed albums.

Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music.

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

WHP—Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www. wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

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 Centre 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

WHP—Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www. wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

Sun Lakes Chorale presenting ‘We Need a Little Christmas’

The Sun Lakes Chorale is presenting “We Need a Little Christmas,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advance from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, Tuesday, Dec. 1 and Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware, 9666 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Tickets will also be sold at the door, if available. Info: (480) 883-6997.