12 7 2013stsn p65 74 arts

p.m. Sat., Dec. 14,

Moreno

Chandler musician plays Underground

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Living in Guatemala City, Sam Braxten learned he had a good ear for music. To hone his performance skills, he played every Sunday at his church.

“I was a Christian kid,” says the 23-year-old Braxten, whose real name is Sam Gomez. “Music was a big part of my life.”

It still is. Moving to Chandler in 2004, the pop music artist has embarked on a solo career, after a 12-year stint in bands, inspired by a variety of artists ranging from Train to Jamiroquai, from Sam Cooke to Gavin DeGraw.

“I have been a part of a band since I was really young,” he explains. “You have to rely on others and mix ideas. Although it was a blast, I realized that the style of music we were playing wasn’t really what I wanted to do.”

Early musical career

Armed with some English, Braxten

26th annual ‘Spirit of Christmas’ features more than 150 dancers

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

More than 150 entertainers will converge on Chandler Center for the Arts for the 26th annual Spirit of Christmas variety show.

Michael Cook, instructor at Tempe Dance and co-director of the Christian Dance Co., describes the “Spirit of Christmas” as a variety show featuring singers, musicians and guest dancers to showcase different styles and forms of dance. Ballroom, ballet, jazz, tap, Irish

dancing and award-winning hoop dancer Tony Duncan will be featured. Duncan dances with 30 hoops, which he turns into beautiful shapes on stage, Cook says. The combination of the different forms of talent, he explains, will provide the audience with a chance to enjoy something a little different than an average dance show.

The first half of the show, Cook

found it easy to make friends as a student at Hamilton High School. He soon started playing in the quintet Patience Wears Thin, which stayed together throughout high school. It played shows around the area at venues such as the Marquee Theatre and the now-closed Clubhouse in Tempe.

In 2011, he began playing with Beretta Sun, the members of which found him on Craigslist. Through word of mouth, the band learned there was an opening at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT, and it was invited to perform. Braxten explains that the band prepared some music and hit the road to perform at the festival.

“It was really fun,” he says. “It’s really fun being on the road with your best friends doing what we want to do. Even though we were looking forward to playing at the festival, the fun part was being on the road.”

Included in its Sundance set was Maroon 5’s song “Harder to Breathe,” which was a hit with the crowd. Braxten explains that the place filled up because people thought it was actually Maroon 5 playing the song.

“They still stayed and loved it,” he says.

When the band returned from the festival in January, Braxten parted ways, so he could start his solo career. He changed his stage name, started building his website and began recording songs at his Chandler home.

“It was a really hard decision,” he says,

“It was tough news for them because we were together for so many years.”

Going it alone

In kicking off his solo career, Braxten discovered that he wanted to learn how to play the piano.

“I first thought the piano was hard to play,” he says. “Within four months I really mastered it to the point where I could really make songs on my own.”

Now, as a solo artist, Braxten writes all of his melodies and lyrics, which is a rewarding experience.

“The messages are 100% me,” he explains.

Music fans can take a listen for themselves when he releases his CD, “The Young & The Lost,” when it is released to iTunes soon.

“It’s only four songs,” he explains. “It’s an introduction of who I am.”

The songs describe the life of the young artist and how he is disenchanted by the world. He considers his lyrics fun, original and eccentric. He is recording a full-length, 11-song CD.

“I come up with melodies all the time,” he says. “Wherever I go I have my cell phone and it has a recorder. You will find me humming into my phone with a melody.”

Braxten’s next show is 3:45 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14, during the Hells Bells Festival at the Underground, an extension of the Nile Theater, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa.

He says he is really looking forward to opening the show. Braxten plays about once a month live at different venues, functions and charity shows.

“I mainly try to do cheap and free shows,” he says. “I don’t want your money, I want your ears.”

For more information about Braxten, visit sambraxten.com, reverbnation. com/sambraxten or facebook.com/ sambraxten.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

Singles Nine & Dine Tuesdays at Bear Creek Golf Complex

Bear Creek Golf Complex is offering Singles Nine & Dine Tuesdays starting at 2:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 10, for a nine-hole scramble followed by a buffet dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Couples Nine & Dine begins Wed., Dec. 11 at the same time.

Nine holes of golf will be played on the Bear Creek Golf Complex par 59 executive length Cub Course for singles and couples. There is no handicap required, winners will be flighted by scores and everyone will have a chance to win. There will be prizes for longest drive and closest to pin for men and women each, as well as flight winners.

Cost is $35 during the winter season, which includes golf, golf cart, dinner buffet, gratuity, tax and prizes and $25 during the summer season.

Cost is $69 per couple, which also includes golf, golf cart, dinner buffet, gratuity, tax and prizes during the winter season and $49 per couple during the summer season.

Daylight permitting, singles and couples can play up to 18 holes, with the front nine score used for event scoring.

Bear Creek Golf Complex is located at 500 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler. For information and to reserve your spot call the golf shop

explains will resemble a Rockettes show.

Act I celebrates the joy of Christmas with dancing to the holiday standards such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Santa Baby” and “Let it Snow,” Cook says. He continued that the show includes the popular “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which was created in homage to the Rockettes’ famous dance.

“Kick lines, ballroom, ballet, pointe and musical theater dazzle the audience, along with the guest singers and performers,” Cook says. “The first act ends with a beautiful falling snow and ensemble singing and dancing.”

The second half of the two-hour show has a religious tone with a nativity scene set up on the stage and dancers performing to such classics as “Oh Holy Night.”

“Act II pays tribute to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus,”

Cook explains. “The second act also acknowledges the many cultures who participate in Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Russian folk dancing, Irish step and Indian hoop dancers round out the festive and joyous occasion that is the ‘Spirit of Christmas.’”

The performances will be held at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14; 2:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21; and 2:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22. Tickets range from $24 to $28 and can be purchased by calling 480-782-2680 or visiting chandlercenter.org.

The Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

“Last year over half of the shows sold out,” Cook says. “It really captures the audience.”

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

‘A Jazzy Holiday’ comes to Chandler

The Queen City Jazz Band from Denver, CO, is coming to the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler, in a show hosted by Arizona Classic Jazz Society from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun, Dec. 8.

Tickets are $10 for ACJS members, $15 for nonmembers and is free for anyone younger than 18. Patrons who join ACJS the day of the performance will attend the performance for free. Yearly membership is $25; $35 for couples. To learn more about ACJS, visit azclassicjazz.org.

Queen City has enchanted audiences with music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s; gospel music; early jazz; ragtime; swing; blues and spirituals for more than 50 years. Although musicians have come and gone throughout the years, some performers have stayed with the band for at least two decades.

Vocalist Wende Harston adds life, inspiration and comedy to her vocals. Performing since childhood, Harston is professionally trained. Her teaching career has ranged from elementary school through college. Harston also conducts workshops and master classes for choirs, bands and individuals in voice, film acting and theater arts.

The performance, “A Jazzy Holiday,” will showcase selections like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “There’s No Place Like

My Favorite Thingz

Home for the Holidays” and “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). Harston’s favorites include “Five Pound Box of Money” by Pearl Bailey, “Merry Christmas Baby” (Charles Brown), “Christmas Blues,” “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt, and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Hank Ballard.

ACJS will also be collecting gifts for the Salvation Army at the performance. They ask that donors bring new, unwrapped items. Wrapping paper as part of the donation is also welcome, as are monetary donations. Receipts for tax purposes will be available.

To learn more, call 480-895-9241 or visit azclassicjazz.org.

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Copperstar offers performances, discount

Copperstar Repertory is gearing up to perform a few shows in coming months, and is offering discounted tickets on an upcoming show.

“Plaid Tidings: Forever Plaid’s Special Holiday Edition” will run Dec. 12 through 20 at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge return to weave the magic of the ‘50s and ‘60s into the holiday performance. Rosemary Clooney has encouraged the boys to return to Earth this year to make things right. Featured music includes 1950s tunes and holiday gems like “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Presale tickets for “Plaid Tidings” are available for 20% off.

Copperstar is also scheduling audition appointments for “Children of Eden,” planned for February at Tempe Center for the Arts; and “Oliver!” set for April at the Mesa Arts Center. Visit tca.ticketforce.com for tickets. For more information about auditions or other programs at Copperstar Repertory, call 480-207-1177 or visit CopperstarRep. org.

Chinese New Year in Chandler

Chandler Center for the Arts will celebrate the Chinese New Year with special entertainment at the 2014 Chinese New Year Show, presented by the Eastern Art Academy (EAA) and ASU Confucius Institute at 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 19.

The 2014 Chinese New Year Show focuses on traditional Chinese dance but will also incorporate powerful martial arts, instrumental and vocal performances.

EAA, a co-presenter of the 2014 Chinese New Year Show, continues to bring authentic Chinese dance programs to local audiences. The performances showcase diverse customs and arts styles from many Chinese ethnic groups. These traditional Chinese dances will be performed by approximately 100

dancers at EAA, ranging from 5-yearold dancers to professional-level performers in solos, duets, trios and groups. Traditional Chinese props will be used on stage, such as floating ribbons, lanterns and silk fans.

The EAA holds classes in traditional Chinese arts as well as cultural programs for children and adults, including Chinese dance, fine arts, martial arts, Tai Chi, traditional Chinese painting and a bilingual language program.

The festivities take place at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Tickets are $15. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Chandler Center for the Arts at 480-782-2680 or Eastern Art Academy at 602-490-8613.

The CounterPoint Studio of Music and Performing Arts brings “Christmas Dreams,” a Christmas musical, to the stage at Baker School of Music 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13, and Sat., Dec. 14. The performers in the musical, many from Chandler and Gilbert, train in voice throughout the year under the direction of Tracie Jones from CounterPoint Studios.

General admission to the performance is $10; children younger than 10 are $7. To find out more, call 480-321-8810 or visit counterpointmusicarts.com.

Local youth shine in ‘Nutcracker’

Several Chandler residents will perform in the upcoming Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet, to be held at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21, at Desert Vista Fine Arts Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix.

Chandler youth playing parts in the performance include Hamilton High student Ashlyn Weninger; Jacobson Elementary student Courtney Sandnas; Summit Academy student Emma Murray; Aprende Middle School student Morgan Eaton; Chandler Christian Academy student Kaiya McDonald and Success Center Preschool student Braelynn McDonald.

A special appearance by Santa Claus follows the matinee performance on Dec. 21.

Limited seats are available. To purchase tickets, call 480-706-6040 or drop by Dance Studio 111 at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111, Phoenix. For more information, visit afnutcracker. com.

Holiday tradition returns to VYT

“A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” returns to the stage through Mon., Dec. 23, at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. 1st St., Phoenix.

Based on the stories of A.A. Milne, “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” has entertained Valley audiences since 1995 and has become a holiday tradition for many families. VYT alumna and Golden Globe Award nominee Emma Stone played Eeyore twice and Rabbit once in the production.

As per tradition, audiences are

asked to bring new, unwrapped stuffed animals to the performance to donate for Chandler-based nonprofit organization Operation Noah. Donations will be collected in a dropbox in the VYT lobby during every performance of “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.”

Tickets are $18, plus service fees, and are available for purchase online at vyt. com or by calling the box office at 602253-8188, ext. 2.

Light show returns to Pollack plaza

The annual larger-than-life holiday light display has returned to the Pollack Royal Palm Shopping Center, home of Valley real estate entrepreneur’s Michael Pollack’s Tempe Cinema at McClintock and Elliot roads in Tempe.

The display began almost 12 years ago outside Pollack Headquarters in Mesa with 250,000 lights, and has grown to more than 500,000 lights at its Tempe location.

“This is truly the most exciting time of the year for Pollack Investments,”

says Pollack. “Our workers and volunteers spend weeks arranging our new animations, huge displays and stringing up more lights every year to make what we do both inside and outside of Pollack Tempe Cinemas, one of the Valley’s most beautiful and festive displays.”

Pollack says this year will be extra special as the shopping center mogul is also celebrating 40 years in real estate.

Pollack’s festive light display will be up until New Year’s Day.

‘Christmas Carol’ at ACT

The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre brings Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a slew of holiday specters to life as they present “A Christmas Carol.” The musical runs about two hours, and aims to get audience members into the Christmas spirit as they learn a little about life, love, redemption and the true meaning of the holidays.

Shows are 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7; 1 and 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8; 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13 ; 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14; 1 and 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15; 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20; and 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21.

Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at ACT, located at 5051 E. Elliot Rd. or by logging onto seatyourself.biz. Call 480-705-9319 first to check availability.

HOLIDAY HUMBUG: Michael Rubino as Scrooge in ACT’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” Submitted photo

‘Lion King’ has lion-sized economic impact

Disney’s “The Lion King” celebrated its third smash engagement at Tempe’s ASU Gammage, entertaining more than 80,000 patrons during 32 performances in the four-week run which concluded on Sun., Nov. 17. The majority of theater-goers were Valley residents, but the number also included ticket buyers from all over the Southwest and even Mexico.

It is estimated that the Tempe engagement of “The Lion King”

generated a $22 million economic benefit to the city from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report which found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an economic impact 4.1 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy.

“This recent run of ‘The Lion King’

FLORA:

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Wild Artichoke, 2012

was phenomenal. New patrons as well as longtime attendees were blown away with the major talent of this production. I am thrilled that ASU Gammage’s run of ‘The Lion King’ meant big business for our local businesses. This amount of economic impact is remarkable,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director of ASU Gammage.

“We were thrilled to return to the Valley, where ‘The Lion King’ has always been so warmly welcomed and embraced,” says Jack Eldon, vice president, domestic, for Disney Theatrical Productions. “We thank the community for another sensational engagement and look forward to returning in the near future.”

The North American touring productions of “The Lion King” have been seen by more than 15 million theatergoers and grossed over $1 billion to date. After 11 years on the road, “The Lion King” continues to play to standing room only houses throughout North America.

Children’s Choir holiday concert

Clear voices and bright eyes take the stage 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13, and Sat., Dec. 14, as The Chandler Children’s Choir presents “Sparkling Stars” at the First United Methodist Church of Mesa.

The performance, featuring the young singers, seeks to evoke the feeling of a night sky long ago, when a star of wonder sparkled in the night.

For more information, visit chandlerchildrenschoir.org or call 480699-9846.

Big events at Scottsdale Center this season

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has several unique opportunities and shows planned this season.

Be a movie critic for an evening

Talk Cinema showcases sneak previews of award-winning independent and foreign films at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 2. Audiences are among the first to see a new movie and discuss it with special guests, almost like critics and industry insiders have at film festivals. Talk Cinema films are selected from leading festivals by critic Harlan Jacobson. The selection may be an indie comedy, a provocative documentary or the next breakout hit. Screenings are introduced and followed by moderated conversations hosted by distinguished guest speakers. Talk Cinema is held once a month; the next one is 7 p.m. Tue., Dec. 10. Admission is $19.

Take 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

With 10 Grammys and a host of other awards and critical praise, Take 6, a quintessential a cappella ensemble, will perform 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13, in the Virginia G. Piper Theater. The group features voices united in harmony against a riptide of syncopated rhythms, ornate arrangements and funky grooves that combine gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. Celebrating the spirit of the season, they

perform classic Christmas songs and contemporary numbers. Tickets start at $39.

Oh So Acoustic Christmas

Now musical stars, participants from NBC’s “The Voice” (Javier Colon), “America’s Got Talent” (Michael Grimm) and “The Sing-Off” (the six-person a cappella ensemble Committed) celebrate the holiday 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20, in the Virginia G. Piper Theater. Tickets start at $29.

Canadian Brass Holiday Concert

Five talented brass musicians form the legendary Canadian Brass perform a vast repertoire ranging from Baroque

masters to marches, big band, Broadway and popular song. This holiday concert, 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 in the Piper Theater, is a musical journey through time featuring classics of the season by Bach, Brahms and more. Tickets start at $39.

Sing-a-Long-a Grease

Sing-a-long-a Grease is a fully interactive screening of the classic film with on-screen subtitles. Audience members are encouraged to dress up like a Rydell High T-Bird or Pink Lady and sing along with John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and the gang. Each screening features a host who will lead a vocal warm-up, demonstrate how to hand-jive and deploy the contents of the

free goody bags, and judge a costume competition. Running Dec. 27-30 in Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 2. General admission is $15.

New season guide

A complete listing of the center’s 2013–14 events are showcased in its newly published 45-page season guide, which may be viewed or downloaded through ScottsdalePerformingArts.org. Patrons also may request to receive a free printed copy of the guide by mail.

New ticket offers

As part of its ongoing commitment to making the arts accessible, the nonprofit Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is introducing initiatives this season: Patrons 29 years and younger will receive 50% off tickets to selected events, while students and veterans will receive free tickets to selected events. A complete list of available events and eligibility requirements are available at ScottsdalePerformingArts.org. The center will continue to offer a range of ticket prices for every budget, as well as discounts for members and package and group sales.

For more information on any of the shows, call 480-499-8587, email info@sccarts.org or visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org. Connect on Facebook at Facebook.com/ ScottsdalePerformingArts or on Twitter @ScottsdaleArts.

ON STAGE

“Peter Pan,” through Sun., Dec. 22, DST. Peter Pan whisks the audience away with Wendy, Michael and John as they fly over the rooftops of London to Neverland.

“Sleeping Beauty KIDS,” through Sun., Dec. 29, PT. Classic fairytale told Disney style with songs from the beloved film, including “Once Upon a Dream,” along with new songs like “Maleficent!” and “A Little Magic Now.”

Tom Papa, through Sun., Dec. 8, TI. Veteran stand-up comedian performs his clean but cutting comedy.

“A Swingin’ Christmas,” through Sat., Dec. 21, PT. Six-piece band and topnotch singers bringing classic Christmas tunes to life, in select matinee and evening performances.

“voiceLab: Holiday Soundtrack,” Sun., Dec. 8, MIM. Arizona Opera’s Studio Artists celebrate the season with classics at “Holiday Soundtrack.” A spread of cookies and milk follows the concert.

“Cabaret,” Sun., Dec. 8, and Sun., Dec. 15, TAS. Set in Berlin in 1931, this musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the relationship of an English Cabaret singer, Sally Bowles, and an American writer, Cliff Bradshaw.

Anjelah Johnson, Thu., Dec. 12, through Sun., Dec. 15, SUL. Rising comic star, former professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders, and television and Internet personality performs stand up.

Riders in the Sky: Christmas the Cowboy Way, Fri., Dec. 13, MAC. Sit in a moonlit canyon by a camp fire and listen to songs of the holiday season. For 30 years, Riders in the Sky has been keeper of a flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

“Ballroom With A Twist,” Fri., Dec. 13 through Sun., Dec. 15, OT. The critically acclaimed international dance production plays the Orpheum Theatre for five performances, wowing with costumes, music and routines.

“Legally Blonde,” Fri., Dec. 13, through Sun., Dec. 22, ST. Greasepaint Youtheatre presents the musical “Legally Blonde” about overcoming stereotypes and believing in yourself.

Maria Bamford, Sun., Dec. 15, TI. Known for her insightful, self-deprecating comedy and cult favorite status, Bamford will perform for one night only.

Bryan Callen, Thu., Dec. 19, through Sun., Dec. 22, TI. The comedian seen on HBO, Comedy Central, “MAD TV,” Showtime and more performs stand up.

Aries Spears, Fri., Dec. 20, through Sun., Dec., 22, SUL. Known for his work in “Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam” and on “Def Comedy Jam,” Spears brings his unique flavor of words and comedy to Phoenix.

Paula Poundstone, Sat., Dec. 21, MAC. Comedian Paula Poundstone brings her special brand of wry, intelligent comedy to the mic. She has been performing standup for 25 years, and is known for her personalized routines, a regular stint “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me,” and more.

Al Madrigal, Fri., Dec. 27, and Sat., Dec. 28, SUL. Stand-up comedian and correspondent in “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” performs.

David Spade, Sun., Dec. 29, and Mon., Dec. 30, TI. Star of “Rules of Engagement,” “Tommy Boy,” “Joe Dirt” and more performs in this special event.

Straight No Chaser, Tue., Dec. 31, MAC. The acclaimed a cappella group puts on a New Year’s Eve show.

Gabriel Iglesias “Fluffy,” Tue., Dec. 31, SUL. Known for his numerous television and movie roles as well as live performances and DVDs like “I’m Not Fat...I’m Fluffy,” Iglesias’ stand-up comedy is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects

that bring his personal experiences to life.

Bobby Lee, Tue., Dec. 31, TI. The funny man known for his roles in “MAD TV,” “Chelsea Lately” and more stops by Tempe on New Year’s Eve.

“Driving Miss Daisy,” through Sun., Jan. 12, DST. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play premiered off-Broadway in 1987. Set in Atlanta, the poignant and sometimes gritty story spans a quarter of a century and centers on two characters, Jewish widow Miss Daisy and her African-American chauffer-turnedfriend, Hoke.

“Bravo Broadway,” Fri., Jan. 3, through Sun., Dec. 5, SH. Accompanied by three world-class soloists, the Phoenix Symphony will play selections from “Cabaret,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” “Hairspray,” “Chicago,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Show Boat,” “My Fair Lady” and more.

ERTH’S Dinosaur Zoo Live, Fri., Jan 10, through Sun., Jan. 12, MAC. A visual experience of giant puppetry, inflatable environments, flying and crawling creatures and more. Get up close and personal with creatures that inhabited Earth millions of years ago.

Itzhak Perlman, Thu., Jan. 16, MAC. World-renowned violinist returns to Mesa to perform.

ON STAGE VENUE INDEX

DST – Desert Stages Theatre

4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-483-1664, DesertStages.org

MAC – Mesa Arts Center

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

MIM – Musical Instrument Museum

4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix Tickets: mim.org

The Fab Four, Fri., Jan. 17, MAC. Meticulous tribute band The Fab Four recreates Abbey Road in Mesa as they celebrate each era of The Beatles’ incredible musical journey.

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

“Out to Lunch” concert series, Thu., Jan 23 and Thu., Jan. 30, MAC. Free

PT – The Palms Theatre

5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa Tickets: 480-924-6260, thepalmstheater.com

ST – Stagebrush Theatre

7020 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-949-7529, greasepaint.org

SH - Symphony Hall

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

SUL – Stand Up Live

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

afternoon concerts in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk. Jan. 23 features Bad Cactus Brass Band; Jan. 30 features The Burchfield Brothers.

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

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

TAS – Theatre Artists Studio

4848 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale Tickets: 602-765-0120, thestudiophx.org

TI – Tempe Improv 930 E. University Dr., Tempe Tickets: 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.com

VYT – Valley Youth Theatre 525 N. 1st St., Phoenix Tickets: 602-253-8188, vyt.com

Arizona Income Tax Credit

Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Lay, A.R.S. 43-1088, donate to Chandler Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [This Working Poor 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, providing community living, vocational, day treatment and training opportunities daily.

Contributions 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 filing jointly have a $400 maximum credit. New for 2013: There is no longer a requirement to itemize deductions!

Please make your check payable to:

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

We also accept Mastercard,

and

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings into Chandler

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy doesn’t hesitate to answer when he’s asked about his fondest Christmas memory.

“Until I was about 12, I always had handme-down bicycles,” Morris tells the SanTan Sun News. “Seriously, I had five different bicycles my entire 12 years.

“On my 12th Christmas, my dad and my mom like totally busted out and got me and my brother really cool matching bicycles, which were seriously the coolest bicycles ever. I just never forget coming in the garage and seeing the bicycles. That was the ultimate Christmas moment for me. We had those bikes until those bikes couldn’t run anymore.”

Morris and his band of swing revivalists hope to create Christmas memories for fans at Wild Horse Pass on Fri., Dec. 27, when the act performs in support of its holiday release “It Feels Like Christmas Time.”

“It’s the one time of year we bite the bullet and play a bunch of holiday music,” Morris explains. “The last 10, 11 years, we’ve been doing Christmas shows all of December. It’s turned out to be one of the more fun tours we do all year long.”

Although Big Bad Voodoo Daddy released a holiday collection demo, “Watchu’ Want for Christmas?,” and the Christmas album “Everything You Want for Christmas,” this album is truly top rate, he says.

“It was more fun because we actually sat back and made lists of songs that we actually wanted to do and the kind of

approach we wanted to take on it,” Morris says.

Coming on the heels of “How Big Can You Get? The Music of Cab Calloway” and “Rattle Them Bones,” “It Feels Like Christmas Time” carried the band’s momentum further.

“We felt like we were on a roll,” Morris explains.

The challenge of “It Feels Like Christmas Time” was to create songs that were “different and interesting and creative.”

“The curse of Christmas songs is that they’re all really, really simple—simple melodies, really simple tunes,” Morris says.

“They’re very repetitive, but they’re engrained in us. Everybody knows those Christmas songs and everybody and their brother has a Christmas record. To do something different and unique yet stay true to the band’s sound, that was the biggest thing we were going for in this record. The fact that it’s Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, we just tried to put new spins on tunes and bring something different to the listeners.”

Morris and the rest of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will spend the new year recording their next album. He actually began penning the tunes before the band hit the studio to record “It Feels Like Christmas Time.”

“I was actually already writing a bunch of music when we were just finishing up our Christmas tour of last year,” he says.

“My plan was to start rehearsing the band right after the Christmas tour and then go and start making a new record. The first week of January, our label asked if I would

Women’s League hosts fashion show

The Ocotillo Women’s League will host a fashion show with Chico’s on Jan. 20. Local members will model the clothing at their monthly luncheon. Tickets for the fashion show and luncheon, which is catered by Bernard’s, is $17. For more information visit owlsgroup. org or contact JoDee Fritz at 602-228-0230. The community service meets the first Monday of the month at the board room at Ocotillo Golf Resort, Bernard’s at 10 a.m. The Ocotillo Women’s League meets the third Monday of the month for their luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the ballroom at Ocotillo Golf Resort.

be interested in putting together a new Christmas album. I talked with the guys in the band and everyone thought that would be a good and fun idea.”

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy spent most of last year on the record.

“It was funny because I was full-bore Christmas music all through the summer,” he says. “It was interesting.”

Morris even tried to get in the spirit of things.

“There’s a big tree right as I’m walking by to go up into the studio,” he says. “So I put one Christmas ornament on that tree and every time I walked by, I just smiled.”

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

League has busy fall with community service

The league began the fall by giving gently used clothing for men, women and children to the Clothes Cabin. In October, they started making stocking milk bone treats for their furry friends and metal whisks filled with candy and a bow for holiday cheer for human friends during their holiday project. They were sold for $5. They collected almost $500 for the Mathew’s Food Crossing and One Dog Arizona.

A project the league will hold in 2014 is a Fun Bus trip to hear music and lunch at a local casino with donations going towards a local charity. They also plan on beading necklaces for cancer patients to help “Beads for Beauty.”