The energy is palpable when Chandler singer Levi Waskom walks into TallCat Studios in Phoenix.
With a wide smile, he slaps hands with Grammy-nominated producer Ben Franklin, and welcomes any chance to talk about his forthcoming EP, which he is wrapping up at the facility.
Long gone are the days when Waskom, a two-time “Arizona Idol” finalist, would play acoustic songs behind his guitar. Now he’s a certified frontman of a band that is headed toward pop and R&B.
“We found that that’s where I’m most comfortable, where I can really do my best—singing and performing together,” Waskom says.
Fans can get the chance to hear Waskom’s new sound, along with selected covers by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Maroon 5 and OneRepublic, at the July 4 Tempe Town Lake Festival. His 45-minute set begins at 6:05 p.m. Last year, he sang “Stand By Me” as part of the “Arizona Idol” competition.
“I’ve been known as an acoustic artist, just playing guitar and singing on stage,” Waskom says. “I’m really more of a performer than anything. I’m kind of tired of being strapped to a guitar, actually. I’m ready for it to be just me and a microphone. I like to be able to
move around, do something on stage besides just standing there.”
The first single from his EP is “Roll With Her,” which he is hoping will hit radio soon.
Humble beginnings
A fan of John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Bob Marley and Maroon 5, among others, Waskom traded a promising sports career for music while in high school.
“I picked up my first guitar around freshman year of high school,” says Waskom, who works at Starbucks. “I was definitely not a good singer at that point. I could not sing a tune for my life. I really practiced at it because I really enjoyed playing my guitar. I wasn’t good at that, either. It became something I really loved doing. I ended up quitting everything and devoting my time toward becoming a musician and perfecting what I love to do.”
The Basha High School graduate, who also attended Williams Field High School in Gilbert, worked hard to perfect his craft, playing gigs at SoZo Coffeehouse and other smaller venues around town.
But now he’s going for the national stage with the EP he hopes to have out in July.
“We want to take our time with this
project and make sure every little detail is perfect,” he says. “We’re taking our time with it to make sure it fits us and fits me and where I want to take the music.”
Waskom, with the help of Franklin and co-producer Kay Boogie, has been working on the EP since December. Collaborating with the duo has been inspirational, as Franklin’s credits include Usher, Booker T. Jones and Snoop Dogg.
“He’s so creative and he has an ear for where to put things musically within a song,” Waskom says about Franklin.
“We’ll just bounce ideas off each other
back and forth until we find a common medium that works. He’s a musical prodigy. He’ll sit down and play any instrument he can get into his hands.”
Franklin has aided Waskom with vocal production, such as deciding if he should extend words or throw vibrato in the mix. The two are also collaborating on songs.
Franklin, a performer in his own right, releasing a self-titled album next week. He is also tentatively slated to open for Keith Sweat at the AVA Amphitheatre in Tucson on July 26.
WRAPPING UP: Chandler singer Levi Waskom is putting the finishing touches on his debut EP at TallCat Studios in Phoenix. He has recruited some high-profile help for the collection, which is due out in July. STSN photo by Kelli Tresgallo.
“He reminds me of me when I first started making music,” Franklin explains. “I had dreams and aspirations of being a great artist, great producer, great writer. I needed someone to open the door and show me the way.
“I was fortunate to have a lot of influential people do that for me. It feels good to see it coming back. He’s so much younger than I am—I don’t want to say I’m an old man. But to see him go after his passion, it’s so inspirational.”
A self-proclaimed “Army brat” who grew up in Texas but spent time in Alaska and England, Franklin says Waskom’s voice blew him away when he first heard it.
“I was like, ‘No way. Are you serious?’” Franklin says with a hearty laugh. “On top of that, he’s a musician? If you’re doing music, you have to learn how to play an instrument. I learned that way.”
With Franklin, Waskom and Boogie working on the EP, Waskom promises a quality product.
“You can expect it to be an upbeat, fun EP,” Waskom says. “We’re looking to have fun, be creative and make music that people can really connect to and enjoy. We’re definitely making sure it’s an enjoyable experience for the listener.”
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
Copperstar alumni headed to New York
BY ALISON STANTON
As artistic producing director for Chandler’s Copperstar Repertory Co., Mary-Jo Okawa has seen scores of talented kids.
When she was asked by iTheatrics in New York to nominate several students to audition for its prestigious Broadway Academy, she says she had no trouble coming up with suggestions.
Three local teens—Lois Zozobrado, 14, of Chandler, Leah Henthorne, 13, of Ahwatukee and Jake Bonar, 13, from Tempe—were chosen to participate.
Lois, Leah and Jake share more than a love of acting and natural talent. The trio has also taken part in Copperstar’s Summer Theatre Academy. Okawa says that hundreds of kids have participated in the summer camps over the years, and many are now “going on to great things.”
“We’ve been offering the Summer Theatre Academy camps for about six years now, and many of the participants have gone on to do stage shows around the Valley,” Okawa says.
Some of the older alumni are attending college on acting and theater scholarships.
The Summer Theatre Academy features certified personnel and professional actors who teach kids of a wide range of ages and ability levels a “really organized and curriculum-based experience” that focuses on technique.
Lois, an incoming freshman at Perry High School, says she’s been acting
Short Story Fiction Writing Workshop
Saturday, June 28 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Brush up your short story writing skills or learn to write a short story in a half-day session at the Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler. Leading the writing workshop will be Dana King-Esquer, a master teacher and author of Becklaw’s Murder Mystery Tour, Murder at The Miramar and her latest, Legend under her pen name “Dane McCaslin.” Come ready to practice with hands-on exercises, and leave with a finished short-short story. $20 per person
a check for $20 to Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter, P.O. Box 9352, Phoenix, AZ 85068 by Monday, June 23.
since she was about 10 years old. She remembers seeing a flier for Copperstar’s summer camp, and telling her mom that she wanted to try it.
“I thought it would be fun. After that I was just hooked,” adds Lois, who has taken part in multiple summer camps.
“I really liked being in the shows, and the staff and Mary-Jo were just awesome. Everyone was so supportive and nice.”
Lois, who wants to be a singer and a Broadway actress, credits Copperstar’s summer camps for helping her get selected for the Broadway Academy.
“They definitely trained me, and taught me how to audition.”
In addition to the three former campers being selected to go to New York City, Copperstar has received additional good news. For the second consecutive year, it was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.
Okawa says the money is helping Copperstar kick off its newest program, a teen intensive camp called Broadway Bound for students who want to develop their dancing, singing and acting abilities.
“The grant money will also allow us to add a third session of summer camp, and also award three times as many scholarships,” Okawa says.
“I’m delighted that we always have kids from the first summer camp sign up for the second and even the third session.”
For more information on Copperstar’s
Saturday, June 28 | 2 to 4 p.m.
Hear from Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter members and published authors about their short stories in the 2013 SoWest: Crime Time anthology. Copies will be available for purchase and authors signing! Free, open to the public
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com
PROUD OF HER ACTING STUDENTS:
MaryJo Okawa says hundreds of kids have participated in Copperstar Repertory Co.’s Summer Theatre Academy. Submitted photo
HOOKED ON ACTING: Lois Zozobrado says she has loved acting since she participated in her first Summer Theatre Academy several years ago. Submitted photo
Adult fiction writing workshop, reception offered
Learn to write a short story or brush up on fiction writing at a half-day adult short story writing workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., downtown Chandler.
The workshop’s instructor will be Dana King-Esquer, a master teacher certified in language arts and author of “Becklaw’s Murder Mystery Tour,” “Murder at The Miramar” and her latest, “Legend,” under her pen name “Dane McCaslin.” She says students will practice with several hands-on exercises, and her goal is for them to leave with a short-short story that is ready to share.
The class is $20, and seating is limited. Adults can register online for the workshop with PayPal at www.DesertSleuths.com by clicking on the “Events” page or by sending a check for $20 to Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter, P.O. Box 9352, Phoenix, AZ, 85068 by Monday, June 23.
Following the workshop a free, open-to-the-public reception to meet some of the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter 2013 Anthology authors will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Writers Cathy Rogers, Louise M. Signorelli, Machelle Langseth, Kate Herbert, Isabella Maldonado, Toni Niesen and Desert Sleuths Chapter President Laurie
Fagen of Chandler will attend, and some authors will speak about their stories. The anthologies will be available for purchase with the authors signing them.
Participants in a youth mystery writing contest are also invited to the reception, when certificates will be given as part of the “FIZZ, BOOM, READ” Maricopa County Reads and Chandler Public Library program.
Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter is part of an international organization that exists to promote the professional development and advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry, and raise professionalism and achieving equity among crime writers. For details, visit www.DesertSleuths.com and www.SistersinCrime.org or email DesertSleuths@gmail.com.
Scottsdale celebrates art and music at ArtWalk
The Scottsdale Arts District welcomes art fans of every level from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday at Scottsdale ArtWalk, when dozens of art galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way in downtown Scottsdale open their doors to visitors to come check out their art in a casual setting. The walks are put on in cooperation with the Scottsdale Gallery Association and the City of Scottsdale.
The Scottsdale Street Performer program brings music to the scene with Thursday Tunes at ArtWalk; and will feature some of the Valley’s up-and-coming pop, rock, jazz and classical talent Thursday, July 10, during the Summer Spectacular ArtWalk.
Cool jazz, soul and world music will be spotlighted on the east block of Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Marshall Way, as soul crooner Simon Crown performs in front of Overland Gallery, 7155 E. Main St.
John Calvert will play eclectic music on his acoustic guitar on the west side of Main Street, from Marshall Way to Goldwater Boulevard.
On the north block of Marshall Way from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue, Summer Spectacular ArtWalk will feature “Island Magic” the plaza near Method Art Gallery, with the infectious Caribbean steel drums of Keith Johnson. South Marshall Way from Indian School Road to Third Avenue will spotlight cool jazz improvisations by a talented young pianist.
The Scottsdale Street Performer Program is coordinated by Scottsdale Communication Arts Network’s Southwest Arts and Music. For more information, visit www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com.
WRITING WORKSHOP: Dana King-Esquer, an accomplished writer and author of several mystery genre books, will lead a June 28 writing workshop at the Vision Gallery. Submitted photo
Palms announces 14th season
The show schedule has been announced for the 2014-2015 season at The Palms Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa.
The first performance—“Two By Two,” a retelling of the Bible story of Noah that shows other challenges faced by the ark builder—begins Thursday, Oct. 16. The show includes music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Martin Charnin.
The theater is also gearing up to present “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Menopause The Musical” on the main stage. The Marquee Theatre will host comedies such as “Run for Your Wife,” “Caught in the Net,” “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” and “Love, Sex and the IRS.”
Tribute concerts are planned for the main stage and Marquee Theatre, including favorites like AbbaFab, Piano Man One of These Nights, Strait Country, Flipside-45, Man in Black and December ’63. The full concert schedule includes new shows as well, featuring everything from show tunes to rock.
The Palms also presents its first children’s theater production, “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” this season, with two more productions to be announced in the fall
The Palms Theatre 2014-2015 schedule includes more than 30 tribute shows and concerts, as well as the
following performances:
• “Run For Your Wife,” Thursday, Oct. 9, through Saturday, Nov. 15
• “Caught in the Net,” Thursday, Oct. 16, through Wednesday Nov. 19
• “Two By Two,” Thursday, Oct. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 22
• “Miracle on 34th Street,” Thursday, Nov. 27, through Tuesday, Dec. 23
• “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 28
• “Annie Get Your Gun,” Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 22
• “Menopause The Musical,” Thursday, Feb. 26, through Saturday, March 28
• “Love, Sex and the IRS,” Thursday, Feb. 26, through Saturday, April 4
All tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 2. For more information, visit the www.thepalmstheatre.com, check out its Facebook page “The Palms Theatre” or call (480) 924-6260. The box office will be open on a limited schedule during the summer to answer questions and give out information only.
Artists invited to upcoming fair
The Springfield Adult Community at 6495 S. St. Andrews Blvd., Chandler will host the Springfield Arts and Crafts Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the SanTan Ballroom, as well as the card room, lobby and patio.
The fair will feature homemade arts and crafts of many types, and is currently welcoming arts and crafts vendors to reserve a table for $15. Vendors are asked to call Marilynn at (480) 883-3312 to reserve a space or with any questions.
Orchestra welcomes volunteers, community input
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its 2013-2014 performance season at its final concert May 4 and already has the 2014-2015 season planned out, which will begin 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. In the meantime, the organization is working to plan details for the performing season to ensure smooth performances. The board of directors is welcoming feedback in an online survey, available at www. chandlersymphony.net/Survey.html.
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra is also seeking volunteers for a range of duties. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply. Anyone actively involved with members of the community may also inquire about openings on the board of directors. For more information, visit www.
chandlersymphony.net/Volunteer.html.
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra brings free classical concerts to the general public in Chandler. The music is performed by professionally trained musician volunteers. For more information, call (480) 899-3447, email info@chandlersymphony.net or visit www.chandlersymphony.net.
Botanical beauty, dress highlighted at gallery
Work by local artists focusing on nature and plant life will be “flourishing” Friday, July 25, through Saturday, Aug. 30, at the newest exhibit at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler.
The display “Flourish: Artworks Inspired by Our Gardens,” is inspired by everything from our native cacti and trees to green grass and family gardens
The art will include mixed media, ceramics, photography and textile work. Exhibiting artists are: Betsy Aguirre, Sherri Spidle Aldawood, Leslie Austin, Marsha Blumm, Jeanne Bosarge, Barbara Brandel, Sarah Brodie, Mary Bruns, Craig Cheply, Heather Coen, Quetzally Hernández Coronado, Tal Dvir, Kathleen Escobedo, Cheryl Fecht, Jill Friedberg, Lisa Harnish, Gini Heywood, Sam Hodges, Natalia Highson, Karen Hymer, Melinda Jennings, Margit Kaegerer, Dale Kesel, Heather J. Kirk, Brenda Kleppe, Derrick Lafferty, Genevieve Leach, George Lenz, Sandra Luehrsen, Constance McBride, Andrea Merican, Nancy Christy-Moore, Chris Morningforest, Emily Palomino Ortiz, Jana Peterson, Brenda Priddy, Andrea Rogers, Judith Rothenstein-Putzer, Helen Norsigian Rowles, Nicole Royse, Pat Scheurich, Betty Schlueter, Diane C. Taylor, Cari Updike, Nancy Nowak Utech, Steven Velazquez, Kim Walker, Sandra Neumann Wilderman, Timothy Wong and Randy Zucker.
ARTISTIC FLOURISH: Botanicals by Betty Schlueter and “Summer Garden” by Gini Heywood. Works of all kinds celebrating nature and gardens will be on display at the exhibit “Flourish.” Submitted photo
Iconic dress, many styles
A quintessential fashion staple will be on display at the Vision Gallery from Friday, Sept. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 25, at “The Little Black Dress: Through the Decades,” with an artist’s reception 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.
The exhibit, which showcases the beginning of the “LBD’s” rule in 1926 with an exhibit of the Coco Chanel dress spotlighted in American Vogue, will chronicle the dress’s evolution in style throughout the years, from lavish to simple styles. Various tastes and approaches to the dress will be showcased through the exhibit’s examples, examining how it has been reinterpreted throughout the years.
The exhibit will also include dresses from Gilbert Adrian, Geoffrey Beene, Mr. Blackwell, Bill Blass, Donald Brooks, Pierre Cardin, Victor Costa,
Hubert de Givenchy, Christian Dior, Tom Ford for Gucci, James Galanos, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rudi Gernreich, Howard Greer, Roy Halston, North Beach Leather Michael Hoban, Peggy Hunt, Marc Jacobs, Norma Kamali, Patrick Kelly, Bud Kilpatrick, Don Loper, Franco Moschino, Todd Oldham, Emilio Pucci, Helen Rose, Maggie Rouf, Alfred Shaheen, Gloria Swanson, William Travilla, Emanuel Ungaro, Gianni Versace, Dan Werle, Yohji Yamamoto and local designers Galina Couture, Angela Johnson and Joy Li.
All examples of the little black dress in this exhibition are on loan from Fashion by Robert Black of Scottsdale.
The exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information about the Vision Gallery, call (480) 782-2695 or visit www.visiongallery.org.
FASHION FLAIR: Displays of the iconic “Little Black Dress,” from the original Chanel to a work by designer Roy Halston and much more, will be on display. Submitted photo
Free Gourmet Dinner
Immediately following our free seminar, entitled “Why Do I
Have Thyroid Symptoms?” (When my lab tests are normal)
8624 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Tuesday, July 1st, 6:30 PM
Learn what mechanism causes 90% of Hypothyroidism in the U.S., How this mechanism is not only destroying your thyroid gland, but other glands and tissues as well, What missing lab tests are needed to identify your problem, Why simply taking thyroid medication may not impact your condition and Learn the biggest mistake that doctors make in treating thyroid symptoms.. WHAT REALLY WORKS to improve your condition... Safely. Healthfully! (Yes, this is for you men, too!)
Presented by international speaker, author, and leading wellness expert, Dr. Thomas Tinlin, DC, FIAMA Please RSVP to (480)860.0300
Feel free to bring a guest! Call now! Seating is
The Crafty Chica visits Chandler
Chandler’s Downtown Public Library will present an appearance by Kathy Cano-Murillo, also known as The Crafty Chica, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, in the library’s Copper Room. Cano-Murillo is an awardwinning artist, author, blogger, speaker and instructor. Her books, artwork and product lines have been sold all over the world including Bloomingdale’s, Target, Hallmark and most recently at Michaels Stores. Many of her “Chicano Pop Art” designs show a love for her Mexican-American culture.
“My mission is to spread positivity through creativity,” says Cano-Murillo. “I like to call them empowerment crafts. I don’t care where you come from or what kind of skill level you have, there is an artful experience waiting for you. You just have to make the effort to find it. I’ve made it my life’s mission to inspire others to bring out their inner sparkle—and to see the sparkle in others. I believe in paying it forward and setting a positive example of how it can be done.”
In 2001, Cano-Murillo launched CraftyChica.com, to inspire women to brighten their lives with clever craft ideas. With CraftyChica.com flourishing for 13 years, CanoMurillo is planning to talk in Chandler about how to thrive by diversifying while staying local.
“This free event will be a sort of homecoming for Kathy as we welcome her back to the Chandler community,” says Librarian Ted Liebler. “Kathy and the Downtown Library collaborated in the past, before she emerged to make waves at the international level with her vibrant artwork, product lines and overall inspirational message.”
The Chandler Downtown Public Library is located at 22 S. Delaware St. For more information, check the calendar of events at www.chandlerlibrary.org or call (480) 7822800.
ON STAGE
“beta: an evening of new and exciting dance choreography,” Sat., June 21, PCA. Innovative and captivating dance works submitted by artists and companies in the Phoenix community, including two unique performances.
“7 Minutes in Heaven,” Sat., June 21 and 28, S55. “7 Minutes in Heaven” is a random, raucous assortment of music, mayhem and merriment with diverse 7-minute acts; including music, comedy, poetry, dance, magic, yodeling and more.
“The Most of Lit Lounge,” Thurs., June 26, SMOCA. The popular showcase of the museum’s monthly “Lit Lounge,” which consistently
presents to a sold-out c rowd, returns to the stage in the Virginia G. Piper Theater for its second year. Lit Lounge is the museum’s acclaimed monthly event created by playwright and author Tania Katan featuring a fusion of performers telling true stories meshed with live music.
“Peter Pan,” through Sun., June 29, HTC. To close out its 25th anniversary season, Valley Youth Theatre presents a musical adaptation of the classic story about a mischievous boy who flies with a fairy named Tinkerbell and leads a gang of Lost Boys on Neverland—and his arch-nemesis, Captain Hook.
“Hollywood Costume,” through Sun., July 6, PAM. See your favorite film characters in a blockbuster exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum, showcasing costumes from films like “The Big Lebowski,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Gangs of New York” as well as interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from costume designers.
Desmond Ng , Fri., July 11, TN. Evening performance by accomplished trombonist Desmond Ng, who was a member of the Young Sounds of Arizona, a youth all-star jazz program in Phoenix.
“Pictures of Cake,” Fri., July 18, TN. This eclectic jazz quintet features five ASU jazz studies students and is known for its interesting original compositions.
Ryan Stigmon, Fri., July 25, TN. Ryan Stigmon is a tenor saxophonist whose style brings a powerful sound with high-energy solos.
Arizona Sketch Comedy Festival, Wed., June 25, through Sun., June 29, OCC. Study and celebrate comedy in this festival with six shows, three workshops and four venues over five days. Check the website for locations and details.
Aubrey Martin and Dalton Danks, Fri., Aug. 8, TN. Take in a performance by Martin on tenor saxophone and Danks on drums, both members of the Tucson Jazz Institute.
“West Side Story,” Fri., Aug. 8 through Sun., Aug. 24, HTC. In this classic Broadway musical, “Romeo and Juliet” is retold on the streets of 1950s New York City.
Ross Lewicki, Fri., Aug 15, TN. Lewicki, an up-and-coming pianist enrolled in the Jazz Studies program at Arizona State University, leads a piano trio of fellow Valley musicians.
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
HTC—Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 252-8497, www. herbergertheater.ticketforce.com
MAC—Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com
OCC—Outliars Comedy Club Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale Tickets: (480) 784-7258, www.outliarscc. com
PAM—Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 257-1222, www.phxart.org
PCA—Phoenix Center for the Arts 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 254-3100, www. phoenixcenterforthearts.org
“Charlotte’s Web,” Sun., Sept. 7 through Sun., Oct 12, TCA. Back by popular demand, one of Childsplay’s most beloved productions brings the endearing piglet Wilbur, the winsome spider Charlotte and their friends to the stage with a brilliant version of E.B. White’s American classic.
S55—Space 55
636 E. Pierce St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 663-4032, www.space55.org
SMoCA—Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 499-TKTS (8587), www. smoca.org
TCA—Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: (480) 350-2822, www.tca. ticketforce.com
Australian Pink Floyd, Thurs., Sept. 25, MAC. Taking its tour title from “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” from the album “A Saucerful of Secrets,” this show presents Pink Floyd classics including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Comfortably Numb” and “Wish You Were Here;” as well as a few surprise tracks.
