Changes in CCA personnel coincide with 25th anniversary
There’s plenty to celebrate at the Chandler Center for the Arts, including the 25th anniversary of the city’s cultural Mecca, and joining in on the festivities are Michelle Mac Lennan, the new CCA general manager, and Rich Frazier, recently elected Chandler Cultural Foundation’s board chairman.
Mac Lennan is replacing Katrina Pappas, who retired in June after 25 years with the center.
New GM
Mac Lennan recently celebrated her 15th anniversary with CCA, working in many capacities there including nine years as assistant manager.
“Primarily, I have overseen the programming of the center, which is selecting the artists,” Mac Lennan says.
“Then I oversee the operations of the center, so I’ve had a chance to really dig into all the details of the center over the last 15 years.”
Now that she is general manager, Mac Lennan says she and the board of directors will be setting the organization’s mission and vision.
“I’m the liaison for the Chandler Cultural Foundation, which is the nonprofit arm for the Center for the Arts,” she says.
“We just spent the last year with a consultant developing a strategic plan for the next three years, so my role is to execute that plan and to connect the
partners of the center—the cultural foundation, the staff and the community—with our goals for the future. We’ve identified those, and that’s the road map I’ll be using.”
Mac Lennan says although her position is administrative, she understands the center’s inner workings. She’ll still be involved in the center’s programming, depending on who is hired for the assistant manager position.
“It really does depend on the person because it is such a creative place, but then we also have identified as part of our goals in the plan, is broadening our impact in the community, so presenting will have a major part in that.”
She sees her primary goal as connecting the community served by the CCA.
PASSION FOR THEATER: Michelle Mac Lennan is the new general manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts. Mac Lennan brings 25 years of theater experience to the position. Submitted photo
Arts
Theater lover
A self-proclaimed “theater geek” since before high school, Mac Lennan’s background includes interning and working at the International Music Camp, studying at Phoenix College and ASU, working for ASU Public Events in the cultural center and Gammage, positions in theater management and a professional theater actress for a few years and a technical director.
“I like to say I’ve dabbled in all the different pieces of theater. I landed in administration because I love to direct,
and it’s a good fit for my passion.”
Her journey in the theater, she says, started when she was a young adult. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had a job that isn’t in the theater.”
She says she enjoys all aspects of the theater and loves to be behind the scenes. “I love making things happen and then watching the audience, just providing the experiences.”
As the general manager, Mac Lennan will be taking the goals of the board and presenting them to the community to include education and niche audiences.
“We are going to spend more time focusing on our education and
CCA kicks off new season
The Chandler Center for the Arts’ new season kicks off Oct. 18 with “Blue Collar” comedian Larry the Cable Guy and continues through the end of March. For information on purchasing tickets, call (480) 782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org.
• Larry the Cable Guy, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Oct. 18.
• The Midtown Men: Four Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 7.
• Of Legends and Lovers: Doc and Kate, 3 p.m., Feb. 8.
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: The Soul of Flamenco, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14.
• An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21.
• The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, 3 p.m., Feb. 22.
• Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, 2:30 p.m., March 1.
• Cesar Milan LIVE! 7:30 p.m., March 7.
• Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire, 2:30 p.m., March 8.
• Garibaldi, 7:30 p.m., March 20.
• Paul Williams, 7:30 p.m., March 28.
broadening that gap for arts education that’s been left by the funding that’s been decreased for the public schools.”
The center will focus on three areas— development, marketing and human resources.
“We are a lean and mean operation, and we want to broaden our human resources so we can expand our capacity as well.”
These changes coincide with the center’s 25th anniversary. “We’re going through a big life-cycle change at the center,” explains Mac Lennan, who adds there are a handful of retirements.
“With that life-cycle change, it’s
the perfect time to create what the next 25 years are going to be. So we’re really taking advantage of this 25th anniversary.”
Mac Lennan is excited about the future and the upcoming changes. “The canvas is pretty open right now on what we can do, and I really love being out in the community and meeting people and finding out how we can connect them with what we do. I’m looking forward to it.”
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
Cultural foundation announces new board chairman
BY TRACY HOUSE
The changes at the Chandler Center for the Arts continue with Rich Frazier becoming the board chairman of the Chandler Cultural Foundation, the caretaker of the facility which is owned by the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District.
Married with three children, the Chandler resident is a nonprofit fundraising consultant. Frazier joined the board in 2010. “It had been something I was interested in for a long time.” He’s been the vice chairman for the last three years.
Frazier explains the role of the cultural foundation. “Our job is to oversee the promotion, operations of the center. We are a nonprofit organization, so obviously fundraising is part of what we do as well to support the programs. We oversee the operating budget, the policies, approve the programs the staff goes out and finds.”
Through hired consultants, the foundation developed a strategic and business plan. As a result, one of the first things Frazier and the board will do is figure out the next steps for the center.
“Our job is, take it and dissect it and figure out the best route for the organization. Having been in existence for 25 years, you can’t grow stagnant. You have to continue moving forward to grow and provide service for the community, and this is giving us a road map for that.”
The cultural foundation works closely with the school district and City. “We’re actually going to be forming a new committee from this strategic
plan that will work hand-in-hand with representatives from the City, representatives from the school district and the cultural foundation.”
The 15-member board has openings, Frazier says. Board members are appointed by the mayor’s office, and officers are voted on by members.
Frazier says, “It’s always been an interest and a passion of mine being involved with the performing arts, particularly a center like this which is the cultural foundation for our community. So that’s why I’m involved with the organization...I really believe that the arts are an integral part of every community and need to be an integral part.”
His vision for the organization is to continue to grow its role in the community and to continually get more community members involved in the center as audience members, volunteers, donors and participants.
As part of the planning process, Frazier says, “What I hope to see us do is instead of only bringing the community to the arts center, what I’d like to see us do is take the art to the community. We have a number of facilities that can facilitate performances of any type.”
He suggests taking some of the smaller performances and moving them to one of the Chandler high schools and other nontraditional sites to provide the community other venues to appreciate the offerings of the center.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
Exhibit flourishes with artwork inspired by gardens
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
Summers in Arizona are dry; fields are peppered with brown and yellow vegetation.
To combat that, the Vision Gallery’s visual arts assistant, Yvonne Torres, challenged her artists to create something bright and beautiful.
The result is “Flourish: Artworks Inspired by Our Gardens” which appears at the downtown Chandler nonprofit gallery from July 25 to Aug. 29. It will include paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics and mixedmedia works of art completed by Arizona artists.
“To see something refreshing was a challenge to our artists to come up with something that was inspired by desert landscape, grandma’s beautiful garden or a patch of grass,” Torres says.
“Gardens bring a certain calmness and serenity along with them. So we just wanted to do something different. There are a variety of mediums that have come together and the pieces are just beautiful. There are over 120 pieces and 50 artists, so it’s a pretty big show.”
A Chandler resident who serves on the City’s arts commission, Kathleen Escobedo has three watercolors in the show.
“Two of the pieces are from photos I had taken of a cactus I have in my front yard,” Escobedo says. “It blooms during the summer and there are these beautiful, huge, cool blooms that only last one day, so one of the paintings is titled, ‘One Day
Wonders.’”
Her other pieces in the exhibit are “Drama Queen” and “Ruffles.”
The gallery is managed by the Chandler Cultural Foundation and exhibits rotate on a regular basis. Fifteen percent of the selling price of art sold at Vision Gallery goes to support its Vision Kidz Program.
“Our Vision Kidz classes are a way of bringing art to the kids in the community,” Torres says.
The two-hour art classes take place on Saturdays at the gallery and are taught by professional artists. From watercolors, clay sculptures and drawing, to Native American drum-making and origami, kids learn how to create various art forms. Escobedo teaches the watercolor class as part of the
ACJS celebrates jazz
The Jazz Jamboree, presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society in celebration of Dixieland music, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27, in San Marcos Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Dixieland music, originating near the end of the 19th century, blends the styles of blues, piano rags, gospel music and marches. The style, which prominently features clarinets, trumpets, trombones, banjos and drums, rose to prominence in New Orleans. Through monthly performances, a concert in November and more, the ACJS promotes awareness and enjoyment of Dixieland music. Even listeners unfamiliar with the traditional jazz style have a great opportunity to embrace the music, as the Jazz Jamboree presents different musicians
who rotate in and out of a performing group in a “jam” style performance. Dance floors will also be open to move to the music all afternoon.
While there is no attendance fee, donations are encouraged and will be divided among the musicians. Jazz musicians who would like to play in the jamboree are invited. Ray Templin from Tucson’s Original Wildcat Jass Band will be among the performers. Templin owned and played at Ray Templin’s Bar in the “Matlock” television series and moved to Arizona after performing many years at Disneyland.
Musicians may begin signing up at 12 p.m. Sunday, July 27. Food and drink will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.azclassicjazz.org or call (480) 620-3941.
Vision Kidz Program.
“The classes are free,” Escobedo says. “We provide all the supplies for the kids. This way, it doesn’t matter what their economic situation is, they can still come in and participate for two hours and learn a new technique and learn something new about art. They take home whatever it is they create.”
The next set of classes starts in August and is designed for kids ages 6-16. To preregister, visit the Vision Gallery at 10 E. Chicago St. For more information, call (480) 782-2695 or visit www.visiongallery.org.
Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at lynette@santansun.com
IN BLOOM: “Ruffles,” a painting by Chandler resident Kathleen Escobedo, is part of the “Flourish: Artworks Inspired by Our Gardens” exhibit. Submitted photo
ART FROM THE GARDEN: “Summer Garden,” a painting by Gini Heywood, is just one of 120 pieces of art that will be on display at Vision Gallery July 25, through Aug. 29. Submitted photo
Tonic’s Hart finds ‘Beauty in Disrepair’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Singer-songwriter Emerson Hart says he couldn’t have chosen a better title for his sophomore solo effort. The album, dubbed “Beauty in Disrepair,” came in the aftermath of his ugly divorce.
“I went through a really bad divorce,” says Hart, via telephone from his Tennessee home.
“I started dating this great girl. We fell in love—and then I panicked. I realized that maybe I was dragging old stuff into a new relationship. A lot of this record is about that journey, that healing process. I’m glad that I went through it and I’m glad I did it the way I did it.”
Hart, who scored a hit with the song “If You Could Only See” with Tonic, has been married to Heather McMurray since September 2012.
“Marriage can be a bear—but it’s the best bear,” Hart says with a laugh.
Hart is leaving Tennessee temporarily to tour behind “Beauty in Disrepair” and its formidable ballad “The Best That I Can Give.” He will play an acoustic set on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Phoenix’s Last Exit Live.
“I have really great memories (of playing Phoenix)—good ones and odd ones,” he says. “I had my bachelor party there because we had just finished a tour with the Goo Goo Dolls. Somehow or another we ended up destroying quite a few hotel rooms back in the day and I remember receiving a very large bill on my wedding day.
“I also remember quiet moments of walking at night when I would get off the bus and just the smell of sage during the rainy season, the monsoon season. I love the smell of the desert.”
For this monsoon season, he’s gigging with “The Voice” veteran Tony Lucca, a Michigan-bred singer-songwriter who now lives in Nashville.
“I’ve always loved his voice,” Hart explains. “So I figured it would be fun for us to go out and do some dates together, get out and get to know each other and play some tunes. It’s really that simple.”
Hart’s album comes at an ideal time when fellow ‘90s favorites Better than Ezra and The Verve Pipe have released critically acclaimed
new collections.
“The Pulse (on Sirius XM) has been killing Kevin’s single,” Hart says of Better than Ezra singer Kevin Griffin and the band’s song “Crazy Lucky.”
Hart is hoping to have the same luck, but so far so good. Fans are liking “Beauty in Disrepair.”
“When I made my first album ‘Cigarettes and Gasoline,’ I didn’t know what to expect and that record was really embraced,” says Hart, 44.
“I felt very blessed and lucky to be able to have the success I had on that record. It’s a different-sounding record. The lyrical content is there. It’s just different. I thought, ‘Man, I don’t know if people who love that record are going to like this record.’ They did and I’m happy.”
Hart notes that the lyrics on “Beauty in Disrepair” are important to him.
“It’s a dying art,” he says. “People don’t really love lyrics anymore. As long as there’s a stomp beat on the four, on the four, on the four, on the four, they’re happy. They don’t really listen to lyrics anymore. I’m sure some people do—like you and
I—love the craft of songwriting. It’s something I’m going to refuse to let go of. I love words. I love how they fit together and time and phrases and things of that nature. I love it.”
But he’s not totally cynical about today’s music scene.
“There’s music and that brings joy, therefore it works,” he says. “I support anything that brings any kind of emotion to people. We have enough problems now speaking English. Just the way people communicate with each other. I always fear at some point it’s just going to vanish. Maybe it’s just changing. Maybe it’s going to change into something that’s more unique or beautiful. I don’t know, but it’s a bold statement to make.”
Emerson Hart performs along with Tony Lucca and Sara Robinson, 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, Last Exit Live, 717 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (602) 2717000 or visit www.lastexitlive.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.
New Hale season blends classics, debuts
The Hale Centre Theatre of Gilbert has announced the lineup for its 2014-2015 season, which combines classic favorites with unique shows making their Arizona debuts.
“Our audience knows what they like and they don’t hesitate to tell us,” says theater owner Dave Dietlein.
“We are constantly seeking their opinions and we listen to what they have to say.”
What have Hale patrons asked for? They requested “The Sound of Music,” “My Fair Lady,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Forever Plaid” and the Hale’s longstanding favorite “A Christmas Carol.”
There are several shows making their Arizona debuts. A captivating musical from Tony award-winning authors Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston entitled “Phantom” that boasts hauntingly beautiful songs and an expertly crafted book. Everyone will “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” when the magical musical, based on the classic motion picture, “The Wizard of Oz,” lights up the Hale stage. A debut musical is the jungle adventure by Edgar Rice Burroughs, “Tarzan,” featuring music and lyrics by rock legend Phil Collins. The season includes two traditional comedies, “Lend Me a Tenor” and “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”
The complete lineup includes:
• “Phantom,” Aug. 28 to Oct. 11 (musical)
• “The Sound of Music,” Oct. 16 to Nov. 29 (musical)
• “Lend Me a Tenor,” Dec. 31 to Feb. 14 (comedy)
• “My Fair Lady,” Feb. 19 to April 4 (musical)
• “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” April 9 to May 16 (comedy)
• “The Wizard of Oz,” May 21 to July 3 (musical)
• “Tarzan,” July 9 to Aug. 22 (musical)
• “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Sept. 15 to Nov. 18 (comedy/special engagement)
• “Forever Plaid,” Jan. 19 to April 21 (musical/special engagement)
Ticketing is easy as one, two, three:
1. Come to the Hale Centre Theatre Box Office at 50 W. Page Ave., downtown Gilbert
2. Call (480) 497-1181 to speak with the box office
3. Visit the theater online at https:// www.haletheatrearizona.com for more information.
COMING TO TOWN: Emerson Hart, who also fronts Tonic, will perform a solo acoustic show on Saturday, Aug. 2. Photo by Andrea Behrends
Gold Canyon Arts Council calling artists
The Gold Canyon Arts Council is looking for artists to submit original works to be considered for transformation into an arts poster for the 15th annual Canyon Arts Festival set for Saturday, Jan. 24. The deadline for art submissions is Monday, Sept. 1; final selection takes place Friday, Sept. 19.
The selected artist receives visibility and name recognition as the poster goes on permanent display in the community.
Using media of their choice— including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and pottery— artists are asked to create a work that reflects the Canyon Sounds concert programs, the Canyon Arts Festival’s colorful display of booths and people or the natural beauty of our local Sonoran Desert environment.
Artists are asked to prepare their own submission copy for presentation to the committee, and should submit their work in a photograph. An artist’s website may be used as a reference to represent work, but artists should not direct the committee to the website to see a particular piece. The committee
may wish to view the actual artwork as part of the judging process.
Artists should send a representation of the artwork to: Canyon Rose Storage, Attn: Festival Poster Committee, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, AZ 85118.
The artist’s name, address, phone number and email should be included. Individual artists may send three proposals for consideration. Upon request, submitted art and photographs will be placed at Canyon Rose Storage for return.
The selected artist is expected to contribute the rights to use the representation for advertising and be available at the Canyon Sounds concerts for poster signing. The poster may be titled at the discretion of the artist. There also will be prominent visibility for works the artist desired to display at the 2015 Canyon Arts Festival on Saturday, Jan 23. Contact C. Lindemann at carbill5@ mchsi.com with any questions. Visit www.gcartsfest.com for more information on the festival and to see previous years’ winners.
WriteNow! Conference welcomes mystery writers
A local group of mystery authors, the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter, will host the WriteNow! 2014 Conference Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16, where budding writers can discuss the craft, listen to presentations by guest speakers and even meet with the authors for a private critique of their work. The conference will be held at Embassy Suites Phoenix—North, 2577 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix. Registration is $100 for Desert Sleuths members and $125 for nonmembers.
Authors Catriona McPherson, Timothy Hallinan, Mark Sullivan and Graham Brown will be among the guest speakers. For an additional fee, writers may bring a synopsis and the first 15 pages of a story to a Desert Sleuths member on Aug. 15. The author will evaluate the work and
send a personalized critique to the writer within two weeks.
A plated lunch will be served and attendees may select from several dishes upon registration.
Sisters in Crime is an international organization that offers networking, advice and professional support to mystery authors and especially supports women mystery writers. The Desert Sleuths Chapter, the organization’s local group, puts out a “Savvy Sleuth” newsletter at www.DesertSleuths.com; click on “Newsletters.” The group’s latest anthology, “SoWest: Crime Time,” is available online at www.goo.gl/kRulyx. To learn more, visit www. DesertSleuths.com and www. SistersinCrime.org or email DesertSleuths@gmail.com.
Wanted: Full-time fiddler
A local bluegrass band made up of musical enthusiasts from the East Valley is seeking a full-time fiddle player to join them, and is looking for interested intermediate fiddle players who love to learn and grow as they share the music with others.
The Dry Heat Pickers, a bluegrass ensemble made up of four Sun Lakes retirees and four other retirees from the East Valley, has two guitar players, two banjo players, one bass player, a mandolin player, a dobro player and a part-time fiddle player who participate in the winter. They need a member to play the fiddle full time.
With practices twice weekly at Sun Lakes locations, the group frequently entertains at senior centers, corporate picnics and arts and crafts fairs. The group stays busy learning more about the art of bluegrass music, polishing its skills and sharing the music with others. All of
the members are of an intermediate skill level.
Anyone who is an intermediate bluegrass fiddler and is interested in the details can call Charley at (480) 895-2888 or Rich at (480) 802-1194.
2013 WINNER: “Mountain Song” by Sue Ann Dickey was selected as the poster to represent the 2013 Canyon Arts Festival. Submitted photo
2014 WINNER: “A Quiet Moment” by Jacci Rudy was selected as the poster to represent the 2014 Canyon Arts Festival. Submitted photo
MAKING MUSIC: The Dry Heat Pickers, a group of intermediate bluegrass musicians, seeks a fiddler to join its band. Submitted photo
Nickel Creek celebrates reunion, 25 years
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Nickel Creek’s Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins and Chris Thile knew they had something special.
After a long hiatus, the Watkins siblings and Thile came together at the latter’s apartment to write a few songs, for maybe an EP.
“It was really comfortable,” says Sean Watkins, via telephone from his tour bus that was traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The EP turned into the full-length collection “A Dotted Line,” songs from which the band will perform on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Mesa Arts Center
“The reason it turned into a record and tour is because it was so comfortable and easy. We stayed really close over the years and hung out with each other a lot—not officially, but here and there,” Watkins says.
Not only is “A Dotted Line” Nickel Creek’s first album since 2005, it celebrates the California-bred acoustic trio’s 25th anniversary.
“I don’t know how it came up, but this year is our 25th year as a band,” Watkins says. “We started when we were really young. We thought, ‘We should do something to commemorate that.’
“We were going to do 25 shows and record an EP to sell at the shows. But the writing happened really, really quickly and easily. It was a lot of fun. It was a lot more normal and natural and easier than it had
been in the past. We had enough songs to hit the road with it and do proper tours.”
Nickel Creek toured for five weeks in the spring, and is in the midst of a sevenweek jaunt. On July 1, during the brief break in traveling, Watkins released a solo album, “All I Do is Lie.”
“I made it over the course of a year— June 2012 to July of last year, 2013,” he says. “I meant to put it out last summer, but it just kept getting delayed. I put it out in between these two Nickel Creek tours.
I’m really happy with it. It’s my first solo record in nine years.”
The delay came because he wanted a group of songs he could stand behind, tracks that represented him as a solo artist.
“I didn’t really have anything that I felt really proud of for a solo record until a couple years ago,” Watkins says. “Now it feels good to have this group of songs that I can stand behind as a solo artist.”
Nickel Creek performs 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, One E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets are $30 to $65. For more information, call (480) 644-6500 or visit www.mesaartscenter.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun. com.
RECENTLY REUNITED: Nickel Creek will visit the Mesa Arts Center for a performance on Thursday, Aug. 28. Submitted photo
Childsplay announces lineup for 38th season
Childsplay’s 38th year will feature staged performances at the Tempe Center for the Arts of many books that families know and love, accompanied by two new plays.
Flex tickets for the new season are on sale for $17, with a minimum of six tickets that can be used for any performance during the 2014-15 Season. Flex tickets are available at www.childsplayaz.org or by calling (480) 921-5700.
The upcoming season features:
“Charlotte’s Web”
Weekends, Sept. 7 through Oct. 12, in the theater
Recommended for ages 5 and older
By Joseph Robinette; based on the book by E.B. White
Back by popular demand, one of Childsplay’s most beloved productions returns to the stage with a version of White’s American classic. Meet Wilbur, an endearing piglet in grave danger of ending up as pork chops, and Charlotte, the wise and winsome spider who becomes his true friend. Get caught up in “Charlotte’s Web” as the theater group spins this timeless story onto the stage.
“The
Weekends, Oct. 19 through Nov. 16, in the studio
Recommended for ages 7 and older By Dwayne Hartford; adapted from the book by Kate DiCamillo
With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane was the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room. He was adored and he was happy. But then, one day, he was lost. Childsplay presents the world premiere production of this story of finding friendship, finding yourself and eventually finding your way home.
“Junie
Weekends, Nov. 23 to Dec. 28, in the theater
Recommended for ages 5 and older By Allison Gregory; adapted from the book series by Barbara Park
The kids in Room One are gearing up for a celebration. But when Junie B. draws tattletale May’s name for the Secret Santa giveaway, she hatches a plan to leave her nemesis with a stinky old lump of coal. Based on Park’s bestselling books, the hilarious Junie B. and her holiday hijinks will leave kids laughing.
“A Thousand Cranes”
Weekends, Jan. 17 through Jan. 25, in the studio
Recommended for ages 7 and older
By Kathryn Schultz Miller, based on the book “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr
Seventy years after Hiroshima, Childsplay brings back the powerful drama about a young Japanese girl and
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”
B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”
ON STAGE
Michael McDonald, through Sun., July 20, TI. A recurring star on the hit Showtime series “House Of Lies” and “Web Therapy,” actor in the comedy blockbuster “The Heat” and much more, McDonald is also a stellar stand-up comic, and brings his brand of fun to the stage.
Superstition Jazz Orchestra, through Wed., July 30, TN. Every Wednesday night in July the Superstition Jazz Orchestra will perform charts from the greatest writers of the big band world, and locals are also welcome to bring in large ensemble arrangements as well as originals. Band directors are invited to bring charts and hear them played before the 2014-2015 school year begins.
Steve Byrne and the Cast of “Sullivan and Son” Comedy Tour, Thurs., July 24, through Sun., July 27, SUL. Byrne and three of the four stars of the hit TBS comedy “Sullivan & Son.”
Bill Bellamy, Thurs., July 24, through Sun., July 27, TI. Featured in “Last Comic Standing,” Showtime’s “Crazy, Sexy, Dirty” and much more, Bellamy is a staple in the world of comedy, performing hundreds of shows to sold-out audiences across the country.
Ryan Stigmon, Fri., July 25, TN. Ryan Stigmon is a tenor saxophonist whose style brings a powerful sound with high-energy solos.
Hal Sparks, Thurs., July 31, through Sat., Aug. 2, TI. As a commentator on pop-culture shows like “I Love the ‘80s,” Sparks has entertained with his silly but relatable sense of humor. Also remembered as the host of “Talk Soup” on E! and his role on the Showtime series “Queer as Folk,” Sparks brings his routine to the stage.
Brad Williams, Thurs., Aug. 7, through Sun., Aug. 10, TI. Williams, known for “Comedy Underground” With Dave Attell, Comedy Central’s “Mind Of Mencia” and more, performs.
Robert Kelly, Thurs., Aug. 7, through Sun., Aug. 10, SUL. Robert Kelly—from FX’s “Louie,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” Dennis Leary’s “Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll” and more— offers a humorous take that can be clever, abrasive, funny and refreshingly vulnerable.
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.
Sommore, Fri., Aug. 15, through Sun., Aug. 17, SUL. Sommore, the new host of BET’s “Comic View,” brings class and sass to the stage in her routine tackling a wide range of topics in a funny and insightful way.
Vyytal Affair, Sat., Aug. 16, HTC. Valley Youth Theatre’s 15th annual fundraiser features food, drink, auctions, awards and musical numbers from “West Side Story.”
“Doug Benson: The Doug Dynasty Tour,” Wed., Aug. 20, TI. The comic known for “Best Week Ever” and more “Last Comic Standing,” his popular weekly podcast “Doug Loves Movies” and more stops by for one night only.
Lahna Turner, Thurs., Aug. 21, SUL. Lahna Turner, featured on NBC, Comedy Central VH1 and more, combines her stand-up routine with original comedy songs in this special one-night-only performance.
Colin Kane, Thurs., Aug. 21, through Sun., Aug. 24, TI. The winner of Howard Stern’s “Kill or Be Killed” and a serial guest on “Opie and Anthony,” Kane entertains with his acerbic and brilliant wit.
Bobby Slayton, Fri., Aug. 22, through Sat., Aug. 23, TI. A true “comic’s comic,” Bobby Slayton, often referred to as “The Pit Bull of Comedy,” brings his own intense style of stand-up honed over 20 years on stage.
Tom Cotter, Fri., Aug. 22, through Sun., Aug. 24, SUL. Tom Cotter was a runnerup on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” the highest-finishing comedian on the show. He has also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Comedy Central Presents.” He presents his versatile comedy act.
Mary Lynn Rajskub, Sat., Aug. 30, SUL. The actor, writer and performer best known for her role in “24” brings her strange and quirky humor to the stage in a one-night-only performance.
Paul Mecurio, Thurs., Sept. 4, through Sun., Sept. 7, SUL. Mecurio, an Emmy Award-winning writer from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” brings his cutting observational humor to the stage.
April Macie, Thurs., Sept. 4, through Sun., Sept. 7, TI. The hilarious red-haired beauty from “Snoop Dogg Presents: The Bad Girls of Comedy” and “Comedy Underground with Dave Attell” regales with her unique blend of funny, crazy and sexy humor.
“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.
Anthony Jeselnik, Thurs., Sept. 11, through Sat., Sept. 13, SUL. The cutting comic from Comedy Central and more brings his unique and sometimes dark comedy style and use of the unexpected.
Arts 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
MN—MusicaNova
Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Tickets: (480) 585-4485, www.musicanovaaz.com
SD—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
TCA—Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: (480) 350-2822, www.tca.ticketforce.com
Steve-O, Thurs., Sept. 11, through Sun., Sept. 14, TI. Steve-O brings his wild antics to the stage.
Eddie Ifft, Thurs., Sept. 18, SUL. The internationally known comedian from FX’s “Legit,” Comedy Central and much more stops by for one night only.
Lavell Crawford, Fri., Sept. 19, through Sun., Sept. 21, SUL. The award-winning actor known for playing Huell in “Breaking Bad” brings a whole new humor and energy to his stand-up routine.
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.
Damon Wayans, Fri., Sept. 26, through Sun., Sept. 28, TI. Known for his no-holds-barred comedic genius, as well as the five-season run of his hit ABC series “My Wife and Kids” and probably best remembered for his work on “In Living Color,” Wayans returns to Tempe to entertain.
“Chelsea Lately’s” Sarah Colonna and Chris Franjola, Fri., Sept. 26, through Sun., Sept. 28, SUL. Two headliners from the popular latenight show hit the stage.
John Caparulo, Thurs., Oct. 2, through Sun., Oct. 5, TI. Perhaps best known as the under-dressed everyman on the E! hit show, “Chelsea Lately,” Caparulo hits the stage with fresh stand-up comedy.
Music for Sacred Spaces, Sat., Oct. 4, through Sun., Oct. 5, SDC. The Sonoran Desert Chorale sings choral music of the masters of the past including selections by
Sweelinck, Monteverdi, Gabrieli, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Haydn.
Experience Hendrix Tour, Thurs., Oct. 7, MAC. The wildly successful tour stops in Mesa to pay homage to the musical genius of Jimi Hendrix. It brings together extraordinary guitarists including Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde.
Ralphie May, Thurs., Oct. 9, through Sun., Oct. 12, TI. Voted one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” May hits the stage with a routine that doesn’t shy away from touchy topics.
“Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Fri., Oct. 10, through Sun., Oct. 26, VYT. A musical production based on the first story in C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Bruce Bruce, Fri., Oct. 17, through Sun., Oct. 19, SUL. Featured in the Showtime Special “Losin’ It” as well as hosting BET’s “Comic View” and much more, Bruce’s spontaneous, witty style of comedy has been showcased across the country, and he has been entertaining audiences from all backgrounds for years.
“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” Mon., Oct. 19, through Mon., 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.
“Viola Concerto,” Sun., Oct. 26, MN. Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt performs for the MusicaNova program. She is a multiple international award-winning soloist and a member of the Dover Quartet.
PURPLE HAZE: Experience Hendrix invades MAC on Oct. 7. Submitted photo.
her dream. This poignant, yet hopeful, play tells the true story of Sadako Saski, who was just 2 years old when the bomb fell on Hiroshima. Sadako’s courage and determination in the face of personal adversity remains relevant half a century later as children around the world still dream of peace.
“The Boy Who Loved Monsters and The Girl Who Loved Peas”
Weekends, Feb. 8 through March 8, in the studio
Recommended for ages 3 and older
By Jonathan Graham
Evan hates peas! And to make matters worse, his baby sister, Sue, loves them. When forced to remain at the table until his plate is clean, Evan makes a wish for a monster to come eat his family. Soon Evan and Sue find themselves trying to hide a 6-foot-tall green monster named Pea from their parents. In this adventure, Evan and his family learn the importance of putting technology down to play together.
“Girls Who Wear Glasses”
Weekends, March 14 through Marcy 29, in the studio
Recommended for ages 7 and older By Ann Negri
Growing up is hard enough, navigating friendship, school and parents. But when Mira has to get glasses, it is the last straw. As she deals with old friends who are suddenly only interested in popularity and new friends who want her to be more like them, Mira has to
decide who she really wants to be. With the help of her glasses, she starts to see clearly in more ways than one, as she learns to stand up for herself in this humorous story about fitting in, friendship and frames.
“The Three Javelinas”
Weekends, April 19 through May 24, in the theater
Recommended for ages 3 and older Book and lyrics by Jenny Millinger; music by Todd Hulet. Based on the book by Susan Lowell
A favorite tale gets a Southwestern spin in this world-premiere stage adaptation of Lowell’s picture book. But don’t call them pigs! The Three Little Javelinas are more than just straw, sticks and bricks. Josefina Javelina dreams of a career on stage. Juan wants a quiet place to think. And as for José, he just wants someone to listen to his jokes! When a series of misadventures leave them to build houses in the desert, they catch the attention of a hungry coyote. This musical tribute to the Arizona landscape will delight audiences of all ages.
Childsplay Inc. is a nonprofit theater company of professional, adult artists who perform for and teach young audiences and their families. The mission of Childsplay is “to create theater so strikingly original in form, content or both, that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, the hallmarks of childhood which are keys to the future.”
Robinson has sights set on successful solo career
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Rich Robinson sold more than 30 million albums during his 25 years in the Black Crowes with his brother, Chris. But now he’s making a statement with his third solo album, “The Ceaseless Sight.”
The collection, released May 30, reached No. 82 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making it his highest-charting solo album.
“It was unexpected, but we were happy about it,” Robinson says. “I think there’s a positivity to it. I think it’s music that is authentic and sincere.
“It’s written with a really authentic and positive intention. Music that comes from that place resonates. People come to it and really like it, or at least get something out of it. That’s what I hope to do every time I make a record.”
“The Ceaseless Sight” was created simply. Robinson headed to Applehead Recording in Woodstock, New York, with only the skeletons of songs.
“I wanted to use the energy of the studio,” he says. “I wanted to use the creative energy that happens when you get in there.
“Most of the time, I write on an acoustic (guitar) by myself or whatever. To be able to go in and flush everything out and get these sounds, it was really cool. Joe (Magistro, drummer) would do that a lot.”
One thing led to another, one sound sparked another, and the album was born.
“It’s really creative,” Robinson says. “It’s something I really love. Everything’s pliable. You can change this or do that, or this approach might work or that approach is cooler. You get to work it out. It’s a cool place to be.”
Robinson decided that now was the perfect time for the album because he knew “that the Crowes weren’t touring again.” He figured that if he wrote the album in 2013, he could spend an ample amount of time promoting it.
“I could tour and give it what we need,” he says.
Comparing to his first solo effort, 2004’s “Paper,” Robinson describes it as “musical change.”
“‘Paper’ was a collection of songs that I had written for the Crowes or another band, and I wanted to have that outlet, but it wasn’t happening in the context they were written,” he says.
“I went in and did it anyway. I said, ‘This is the way I’m going to do it,’ then I did it. It was cool. It was a great learning process. I had been scoring a movie. I was away from the Crowes doing this thing. It was great getting in there and doing that—seeing what I could do, couldn’t do, what works, what wouldn’t work. All of these things are great.”
He took all of those lessons, recorded another solo album, and recently produced “The Ceaseless Sight.” He’s now taking it on the road, performing at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix on Sunday, July 27.
“We play all three records,” Robinson explains about his live show. “We also play a bunch of stuff off the EPs, covers and those types of things. There’s a lot to good music to come check out.”
Rich Robinson performs with special guest Prophet Omega at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Tickets are $25 for the 21 and older show. For more information, call (602) 265-4842 or visit www. rhythmroom.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun. com.
Arizona Dance Classic celebrates the medium
Interest in dance has skyrocketed in recent years due to the worldwide popularity of related shows on television. Witness the opening of dance studios all over the Phoenix area.
“We see all ages of people coming into dance studios and clubs inquiring about learning to dance,” says Mona Brandt, organizer of the Arizona Dance Classic, and owner of Shall We Dance Phoenix dance studio.
Here’s a chance for dancers to learn from some of the best instructors in the business.
The Arizona Dance Classic is set for Aug. 1 through Aug. 3 at the Hilton Phoenix Mesa. Admission ranges from $15 for an evening dance pass, to $190 for a threeday, all-activities pass. The Hilton Phoenix Mesa has a special Arizona Dance Classic rate of $84 per night. Call (800) 544-5866 for reservations, and mention the Arizona Dance Classic to get the special rate.
To inquire about the event, call (480) 491-2393 or (281) 830-9929, email info@
arizonadanceclassic.com, or visit the website at www.arizonadanceclassic.com/.
“We have assembled a talented staff of dance professionals from all over,” says Brandt who produces this event each year on the first weekend of August.
There will be workshops all weekend, in dances such as waltz, cha cha, two step, swing, salsa and even Argentine tango. Many of the workshops throughout the weekend will be beginner level workshops.
“The Arizona Dance Classic is for dancers of all levels, and even nondancers,” Brandt says. “We hope everyone can come out and take advantage of these great instructors all under one roof.”
For those who want to come and social dance, there will be open dancing each night.
“You will meet and dance with people from all around the city, state and country,” says Brandt. “That is one of the most fun aspects of a dance convention.”
FLYING THE COOP: Rich Robinson—founding member, songwriter and guitarist for the Black Crowes—comes to Phoenix with his band on Sunday, July 27. Photo by Alysse Gafjken
