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Chandler author wins International Latino Book award

INSPIRED BY HIS PAST:

Chandler author Albert Monreal Quihuis used his own experiences making tamales at Christmastime to help him write his first children’s book. Submitted photo

BY ALISON STANTON Albert Monreal

Quihuis, a Chandler children’s book author, recently learned that his first book, “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day,” won second place in the category of Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book in English at the 2013 International Latino Book Awards. Quihuis was able to accept his award in person at a ceremony that was held at the Instituto Cervantes in New York.

The book, which was published in November 2011, is about a young girl named Sofia who was asked one year by her grandmother to be in charge of making the family tamales for Christmas. With the help of Pepe, Sofia’s funny talking parrot, she learns the importance of bringing her family together while learning to make tamales.

Writing “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was a very personal experience for Quihuis, who recalls being told by his own mother year after year that it was time to gather together with other family members to make tamales at Christmastime.

“Every year my mom would say, ‘OK everyone, it’s time to make the tamales.’ And when mom said this, we

would all do it,” Quihuis says.

“After many years of making Christmas tamales it hit me; I finally realized that this was our family tradition and I wanted to write about this family experience.”

While his mother, Sophie, and his father, Albert, knew Quihuis was in the process of working on his first book, they both passed away before “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was published.

“After they passed away, completing the book became extremely important to me,” Quihuis says, adding that he dedicated the book to both of his parents for the love and support they gave him his entire life.

Another reason Quihuis was inspired to write “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day,” was based on his own experience as a father. He recalls spending hours reading story books to his kids, and says he realized how important it is to teach and educate children at a young age.

When the book, which was illustrated by Susan Klecka, was published, Quihuis says he traveled throughout Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe reading it to elementary school classes.

“I always started by saying that when I was their age I did not like reading, writing, spelling and phonics, but as I got older I realized how important it was, so I encourage everyone to learn everything they can and always do their best.”

Through his book, Quihuis says he also hopes that young children will understand the importance of family traditions and knowing where they came from, so they can be proud of who they are.

Quihuis enjoyed writing about Sofia

and Pepe so much, that he wrote a second book about the duo, titled “In Search of the Lost Art of Making Tortillas,” which was published in October 2012. A third book, also starring Sofia and Pepe, is scheduled to be completed this October.

Quihuis says he was thrilled to learn that “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was nominated for the award.

“I truly felt that being a finalist made me a winner, but learning that my first book was awarded second place was a true honor,” he says.

“This adventure started out as a tribute to my mother and father and our family tradition has become a series for children. The event was a wonderful experience, and I’m fortunate to have met such great people and passionate authors from all over the world.”

“Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” is available through Amazon.com, through winmarkcom.com/sofiastamales. htm and locally at Sibley’s West, 72 S. San Marcos Pl., in downtown Chandler. The store is hosting a “Meet the Author” signing for him from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 16. For more information, call 480-899-4480.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.

AWARD WINNER: “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” recently won second place in the category of Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book in English at an awards ceremony held in New York. Submitted photo

Fashion photographer creates dream-like images

Chandler resident David Miller takes the art of fashion photography to a whole new level in an exhibit opening Fri., Aug. 2 at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. A “Meet the Artist” reception takes place 4 to 6 p.m. Sat., Aug. 3.

Innovative and with an eye for the unique, Miller shoots images of which dreams are made. This exhibit will bring a “whole new perspective to the viewer of what fashion photography should look like.” He gleans ideas not only from movies and songs but from mythology, news stories, history, dreams, cultural interests and sometimes the city itself to relay his vision.

Taking his first photo class in 1997 led Miller to earn an associate’s degree in commercial photography and a bachelor’s in fine art photo from Arizona State University in 2006.

Miller lives in Chandler with his wife and children and has exhibited photos in galleries nationwide, while teaching photography and art for Gilbert Public Schools, City of Chandler Recreation and the Mesa Arts Center. In 2009, he became a freelance fashion and family photographer while continuing to shoot personal work of the “rugged, cartoony, beautiful” southwest.

For more information about the exhibit, call the gallery at 480-782-2695.

DOUBLE IMAGE: Chandler fashion photographer David Miller creates “Mosh-Fashion” photography in his exhibit at Vision Gallery, opening Fri., Aug. 2. Photo courtesy of David Miller

Theater founder remembered with ‘Clouds’

Desert Stages Theatre (DST) presents a special performance of “In the Kingdom of Clouds,” Aug. 10 through 18 in Cullity Hall at the theater, 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., on the north side of Scottsdale Fashion Square.

In a story of love and hope, Cirrus, son of the Queen of Clouds, is sent to a war- ravaged Earth to restore the lost spirit of children who are no longer able to visualize familiar shapes in the clouds. In a battle against the power-thirsty Thunderhead, the jealous Aurora and the evil Nomad Runners, Cirrus and Claire, caretaker of the children, use music to inspire, restore hope and fight evil.

The original work was written by Gerry Cullity, who co-founded the nonprofit theater in 1995. He passed away eight years ago, but his legacy is still rich and alive at DST.

Tickets are $18 general admission. Purchase tickets at DesertStages.org, or by phone at 480-483-1664. Tickets also can be purchased in person at the theater box office.

Chandler Art Walk on hiatus

The Chandler Art Walk is taking a break in August, but will return on Fri., Sept. 20.

Traditionally held on the sidewalks of Boston Street and San Marcos Place, the event had relocated inside the air-conditioned comfort of Gangplank, 260 S. Arizona Ave., for the hot summer months. However, the August Art Walk, scheduled for Fri., Aug. 16, has been canceled.

For the Sept. 20 event, visitors to the Chandler Art Walk can expect to enjoy live music, kids’ crafts, special guest artists and more. Hours remain the same: from 6 to 10 p.m. the third Friday of the month.

For more information, visit chandlerartwalk.com.

GERRY CULLITY: The founder of Desert Stages Theatre is remembered with a special performance of his work "In the Kingdom of Clouds" in Scottsdale's Cullity Hall beginning Aug. 10. Submitted photo

Artists open studios to public

Artists with studios in Gold Canyon and Apache Junction are invited to open their studios to the community as well as host other artists during the seventh annual Artists Studio Tour, to be held Nov. 2 through Nov. 3 and presented by Artists of the Superstitions. The application deadline is Tue., Aug. 20.

Interested artists are invited to apply for the tour by submitting photos of recent work. Artists must be approved for participation by the Artists of the Superstitions jury of artists and other professionals. Selected artists will be notified by Sept. 15 of their status.

The application and agreement for participation as well as additional information about the Studio Tour are available at the Artists of the Superstitions website, ArtistsoftheSuperstitions.com.

For more information, email artists. superstitions@gmail.com or contact Susie Smith at 480-221-4377. To request an application by mail, send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to: Artists of the Superstitions, P.O. Box 6116, Apache Junction, AZ 85178.

Music ‘on the house’ at CCA

Enjoy cool nights with some hot bands as the Chandler Center for the Arts once again presents its Free Summer Concert Series, where music is “on the house.”

The lineup continues at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 16 as the Dmitri Matheny Group, featuring Clairdee, brings its popular “jazz noir” project to the stage. The group performs a fresh spin on familiar TV and movie themes, plus a selection of new works, jazz classics and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook.

¡FlaMÉXico! is where mariachi meets flamenco, and this unique combination

entertains the crowd on Fri., Aug. 23. Arizona-born composer Chris Burton Jácome dedicates his project ¡FlaMÉXico! to finding, creating and celebrating the musical influences of Spain’s Flamenco and México’s Mariachi. Hear amazing mariachi songs, watch fast footwork of flamenco dancers and be carried away by world-class artistry. No tickets are required. Foyer doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children or $15 per family. For details, visit chandlercenter.org.

MIXED MUSIC: Arizona-born composer Chris Burton Jácome dedicates his project ¡FlaMÉXico! to finding, creating and celebrating the musical influences of Spain’s Flamenco and México’s Mariachi. Photo courtesy of the Chandler Center for the Arts

Fall art classes open for kids at Vision Gallery

The Vision Gallery offers its Vision Kidz Programs for fall and winter in a variety of mediums, taught at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., inside the Chandler City Hall Complex. Registration opens 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Aug. 3, for the fall and winter roster of free workshops.

The Vision Kidz Program provides children ages 6 to 16 the opportunity to work with a professional artist and create a piece of art that is representative of their creativity. It gives them the opportunity to go home with an artwork

in hand and a better understanding of the creative process.

The program curriculum is designed to promote diversity in arts application, featuring workshops in drawing, watercolor, batik, ceramics and every medium imaginable. All classes are taught by professional artists interested in promoting the arts in education.

All workshops are taught on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A parent or guardian is required to attend the workshop with their children. Call the gallery at 480-782-

2695 to register your child for up to three workshops, which are offered free to the community. Walk-in registration also is available on Aug. 3.

Only students registered for the workshop will be admitted to the classroom. If your child is unable to attend a scheduled workshop, call at least 48 hours in advance so a child on the waiting list can be admitted to the class.

To download the full fall/winter 2013 schedule, visit visiongallery.org/visionkidz.html.

too old to

‘Grease’ is the word in Mesa

A family friendly version of the stage musical “Grease” makes the scene on Aug. 16 and runs through Sept. 1 at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC), One E. Main St. in Mesa.

The rowdies of Rydell High are back in town, so brush off your leather jackets and pull on your bobby sox—and get ready to “Hand Jive.”

This “electrifyin” musical extravaganza takes a trip to a simpler time, with all your faves strutting their stuff in song while hot-rodding, gum-smacking and hip-shaking. This high-spirited production features lead Greaser, Danny Zuko, and the sweet Sandy Dumbrowski, reliving their “Summer Nights.” Teen angst ensues as their different worlds collide—all while the bodacious Burger Palace Boys and sassy Pink Ladies hilariously be-bop their way into your hearts in one of the world’s all-time favorite musicals.

Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of “Grease” is directed by Edgar Torrens and is under the musical direction of Dr. Debra Jo Davey. Advance tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students, teachers, military and seniors and $12 for children younger than age 12. Ticket prices increase on show day; prices do not include box office service fees. Call the MAC Box Office at 480-644-6500 or visit mesaartscenter.com. Additional information also can be obtained by visiting mesaencoretheatre.com.

SUMMER LOVIN’: Is it true love or just a summer fling for “Sandy,” played by Kelly Fulcher, and “Danny,” played by Austin Morris, in Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of “Grease.” Photo courtesy of Mesa Encore Theatre

Brothers in blood, comedy

While on the surface, it may seem like twin brothers performing stand-up comedy together is little more than a gimmick. But Jason and Randy Sklar have turned it into something special. The brothers unleash an arsenal of deadpan jokes, all expertly timed so that they play off one another—finishing each other’s sentences, talking over one another and delivering punch lines in unison.

You can witness their “tag-team comedy” Aug. 15 through 18 at the Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Dr., Tempe.

The duo is not unknown in the television world as well. The Sklar brothers host and produce History Channel’s “United Stats of America” and created and starred in the ESPN cult hit series, “Cheap Seats.” Their television credits also include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” “Entourage,” “Law & Order” and “Comedy Central Presents.”

They also recur as panelists on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and E!’s “Chelsea Lately Show.” Their podcast, Sklarbro Country, has more than 110 episodes and 5.8 million downloads on iTunes.

For tickets or more information, call 480-921-9877 or log onto tempeimprov.com.

Shutterbug displays works in story form

Gilbert artist and photographer Elaine Kessler is exhibiting her works at the Songbird Coffee & Tea House, 214 E. Roosevelt St. in downtown Phoenix.

In August, Kessler displays “A Story About Arizona,” with images that capture the spirit of the landscape and the people of Arizona. The show opens

10 a.m. to noon on Sat., Aug. 10.

“A Story About Life” will be the focus of her September show, with images of life from beginning to end. The show opens from 10 a.m. to noon on Sat., Sept. 14.

Admission is free. There will be light refreshments served at both collection openings.

See coming attractions at TCA Fall Kickoff

Performance organizations calling Tempe Center for the Arts “home” will provide a sneak peek into the 2013-14 season during the Fall Arts Kickoff, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Fri., Aug. 23 in the lobby of the center, located at 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe.

The free event features dance, art, music, ticket giveaways and innovative experiences. Guests can enjoy “Animal Crackers,” a free exhibition in the gallery and snack on free appetizers with the purchase of a beverage at Finally Friday. Songwriters’ Showcase performer Gary Marsh will entertain.

Participating groups are CONDER/dance, Desert Dance Theatre, A Ludwig Dance Theatre, Childsplay, Tempe symphonic Wind Ensemble, Arizona Wind Symphony, Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts, Tempe Community Chorus and Friends of TCA. For more information, visit Tempe.gov/tca.

SNEAK PEEK: Want to know what shows, performers and more are coming to the Tempe Center for the Arts next season? Come to a free preview event on Fri., Aug. 23. Submitted photo

Beautiful music created from trash

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is bringing Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra to Phoenix for its U.S. debut on Fri., Aug. 9 and Sat., Aug. 10. The group will lead school partnership workshops with local students, perform three public concerts at the MIM Music Theater and participate in a public Family Day celebration.

The Recycled Orchestra was founded in Cateura, Paraguay, by visionary music teacher Favio Chávez. In this shantytown built on a landfill, families survive by collecting and reselling garbage. Chavez gathered a team to search the landfill for usable materials and create instruments, such as violins, flutes, drums and cellos, from recycled trash.

buttons, these instruments prove that poverty doesn’t preclude a life rich in music.

A variety of activities will offer the public a chance to celebrate the Recycled Orchestra’s story. While evening concerts for both Friday and Saturday nights have sold out, an additional concert has been added 7:30 p.m. Wed., Aug. 7, at the MIM Music Theater. Tickets range from $22.50 to $42.50 and are on sale now at MIM.org.

In just a few years, their program has led to a thriving music school and a youth orchestra that performs internationally. The orchestra also is the subject of a documentary, “Landfi ll Harmonic,” which is slated to be released in 2014.

In March, MIM installed an exhibit featuring eight of the group’s innovative instruments, all donated by the executive producers of “Landfill Harmonic.” Made with items such as metal oil barrels, tin paint cans, old X-ray films, coins, bottle caps, spoons and plastic

The Recycled Orchestra’s visit will culminate in a Family Day celebration. On Sat., Aug. 10, MIM will host a full day of activities honoring the Recycled Orchestra, all free with museum admission. The day’s events will include performances by the Recycled Orchestra and multimedia artist Joe Willie Smith, the formal dedication of the Recycled Orchestra exhibit, recycled instrument crafts for children, an instrument drive held in conjunction with Ear Candy Charity and more fun and inspirational activities.

The Musical Instrument Museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. For general museum information and a full schedule of events, visit MIM. org or call 480-478-6000.

Writing conference open for all genres

Hear from the national president of Sisters in Crime (SinC) as well as a New York Times bestselling author and more at “Polish, Publish, Promote,” the annual WriteNow 2013 Writers Conference Aug. 16 and 17 at Millennium Resort, 7401 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale.

It’s a day-long writing workshop for those writing in any genre, preceded by an evening reception, and sponsored by the Desert Sleuths Chapter of SinC, an international organization supporting the professional development and advancement of women writing crime fiction. Laurie Fagen, former publisher of the SanTan Sun News, is on the Desert Sleuths’ board.

SinC president and award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan is among the conference speakers. Her latest mystery, “The Other Woman,” is the Agatha Award nominee, winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award and was selected as a Best Book of 2012 by Suspense Magazine. An investigative and consumer reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, Phillippi Ryan has also won 28 Emmy Awards and 12 Edward R. Murrow Awards for her television work. See more at hankphillippiryan.com.

In addition, Los Angeles resident Gregg Hurwitz will lead a writing session. The New York Times bestselling author of 12 thrillers, including his most recent “The Survivor,” Hurwitz’s novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists and have been translated into 22 languages. He has also written comics for Marvel, (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin) and produced and written screenplays for film and television. For more information, visit gregghurwitz.net.

Another conference presenter is Liz Fichera, who writes stories inspired by teenagers “who do extraordinary things.” Most of her stories are set in the American Southwest, and as one who relocated to Phoenix from Chicago, she finds the desert to be “an intriguing and mythic place.” Fichera has published two previous novels, and “Hooked” is her debut Young Adult novel from HarlequinTEEN. Learn more at lizfichera.com.

Rounding out the panel of speakers are Kris Tualla,

an award-winning and internationally published author of historical romance and suspense, with “The Hansen Series” and its spin-off, “The Discreet Gentleman Series,” at kristualla.com; and Connie Flynn, bestselling award-winning author of 10 published novels who teaches fiction writing at Mesa Community College. Writing paranormal romance, romantic comedy, actionadventure and contemporary fantasy with mystery and suspense under the pen name K.C. Flynn, she has been reissuing her legacy books in the Amazon Kindle store. Visit connieflynn.com for more details.

MYSTERY LADY: Award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s latest mystery, “The Other Woman,” is the Agatha Award nominee, winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award and was selected as a Best Book of 2012 by Suspense Magazine. An investigative and consumer reporter for Boston’s WHDHTV, Phillippi Ryan has also won 28 Emmy Awards and 12 Edward R. Murrow Awards for her television work. Photo courtesy of Nashoba Publishing

In addition, the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter anthology, “SoWest: Crime Time,” will be unveiled and on sale at the conference. This latest anthology contains 20 original short stories by author members of the Desert Sleuths, including “Death by Deception” by Fagen. Conference fees, which include continental breakfast, box lunch and afternoon snack, are $95 for members; and for nonmembers, $115.

To reserve an appointment to pitch to Trimble, contact Desert Sleuths by email at desertsleuths@gmail.com. Conference checks, payable to SinC Desert Sleuths Chapter, may be sent to P.O. Box 9352, Phoenix, AZ 85068. To register online, visit DesertSleuths.com and click on WriteNow conference.

Art reveals animalhuman connection

Artists are being sought to participate in the Shemer Arts Center’s fall exhibit, “Animal Other,” opening Sept. 12 and continuing through Oct. 17. Artist application deadline is Fri., Aug. 16.

Guest curator and juror, Ally Glowacki, poses the following questions: Is there a point where animal ends and human begins? Western philosophy suggests that the being known as “Animal” is forever positioned on the complete opposite side of the divide; a divide that reassures “Man” as superior. But, is that divide permeable?

“Nonhuman animals, especially those species that interact with us, such as domesticated dogs, transcend that divide on a daily basis,” Glowacki says. “Not human and no longer just animal, these species occupy a new type of existence referred to as ‘Animal Other.’”

Finding the human, nonhuman animal relationship to be fascinating, Glowacki hopes that other artists do, too. Artists are invited to share their relationship with “animal others” through art and participate in this juried competition.

The entry fee is $25 for one entry, $30 for two entries and $35 for three entries. Open to any and all traditional and nontraditional genres and media. All submitted entries must be available for purchase. Shemer reserves the right to photograph artists’ work for publicity purposes. Artists who are selected for the show will be notified by Aug. 25; works must be dropped off at the center, located at 5005 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix, between Sept. 6 and Sept. 7.

For more information, call 602-262-4727 or email info@shemerartcenter.org.

ON STAGE

Arizona Dance Classic, through Aug. 4, MMH. The Arizona Dance Classic is an annual three-day dance festival with something for everyone—country, ballroom and swing dance competitions, workshops, exhibitions and social dancing. Spectators will experience performances by the top dancers from around the country.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” through Aug.10, DST. When newly engaged Brad and Janet experience a car breakdown and find themselves one stormy night in the home of the transvestite mad scientist Dr. Frank-NFurter, their traditional worlds are turned upside down in his strange house of Transylvanians.

“Hairspray,” through Aug. 24, HCT. It’s 1962 and Tracy Turnblad wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.” Overnight Tracy is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can an unconventional trendsetter in dance, music and fashion vanquish the program’s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do?

Arizona Reading Orchestra, 3 p.m. Sun., Aug. 4, THS. From late May through early August, a hardy, dedicated group of musicians meets weekly to play through some sometimes difficult, sometimes

new, but always challenging repertoire, under the batons of a variety of local conductors. There will be a discussion about the music at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Culture Wars (But Were Afraid to Ask),” 12:10 p.m. Aug. 6-15, HTC. Playwright-actorjournalist-professor and hyperbolically hyphenated-American James E. Garcia ponders the question, “Can’t we all just get along?” and more in this fast-paced, farcically surrealistic satire about the rapidly changing makeup of U.S. society. Shows are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Film, “Ready, Set, Bag!” 7:30 p.m. Thu., Aug. 8, SMoCA-LG. An entertaining, award-winning film starring people across the United States training to win the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Competition. Tickets are $7.

Comedian Mike Epps, Aug. 8-11, SUL. Known for his quick wit and ability to blend hip-hop audiences with comedy. Epps starred in a standup special “Mike Epps: Under-rated and Never Faded” on Comedy Central and Showtime, and released his first comedy rap album called “Funny Bidness: Da Album.” The album features Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock and Slim Thug, to name a few.

The Monkees, 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 9, MAC. Following their sold-out 2012 fall tour, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and

Peter Tork return to the concert stage this summer for a reprise.

Comedian Bruce Baum, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 9, TCA-Lakeside. Baum has appeared on “The Simpsons” as himself and is the creator of the comedy webdestination, TheOuterNet.com. He has appeared on “Hollywood Squares,” “Full House,” “Growing Pains,” Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime. Baum served as a creative consultant on ABC-TV’s popular “Whose Line is it Anyway?” He regularly headlines in Las Vegas and top venues around the globe.

Tim McGraw, 8:30 p.m. Sat., Aug. 10, SRF. Country superstar Tim McGraw will entertain his country and mainstream music fans, performing familiar favorites as well as new tunes from his latest album, “Two Lanes of Freedom.”

Native American Song and Dance, 7 p.m. Sat., Aug. 10, PGM. Canyon Records presents a concert featuring awardwinning artists Tony Duncan, EstunBah and Grammy nominee, Radmilla Cody. Seating is limited. For those who can’t make it, the concert also will be streaming live on the Internet at Ustream. tv/user/canyonrecords. Viewers can interact via chat and will be able to send song requests and questions to the performers.

Comedian Doug Benson, Aug. 13-14, IMPROV. He may have only made it to the top six in NBC’s 2007 season of “Last Comic Standing,” but Benson left a lasting

impression. On Tuesday, Benson performs his unique style of stand-up beginning at 8 p.m. Then on Wednesday, Benson brings his popular podcast, “Doug Loves Movies,” to the Improv stage beginning at 8 p.m.

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, 7:30 p.m. Thu., Aug. 15, MAC. A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. The 14 players who will back him are all virtuosos in their own right.