SanTan Sun News: Arts - Jan. 23, 2016

Europe sees renewed interest thanks to Geico commercial

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

It’s 10 p.m. in Paris and Geico commercial stars Europe just stepped off the stage where they performed with the Scorpions.

Joey Tempest is exhausted but eager to say that Europe is much more than a Geico commercial and the hit single “The Final Countdown.” But he does acknowledge that the TV spot has helped renew interest in Europe.

“We saw another commercial in England with Iggy Pop,” Tempest said about the decision to join forces with Geico. “He did a similar thing with another insurance company. We figured if he could do it, if he could get away with it, then we could.” Tempest and the rest of Europe bargained with Geico: If they could perform an updated version of “The Final Countdown” and feature their contemporary style, they were into it

“I mean, we did five albums [since the

reunion],” he said. “We had telephone meetings and decided, ‘Cool. Yeah, let’s do it. Let’s work together.’ It was a great experience. They had good directors. They knew what they were doing We had a blast doing that one. It seems like it’s awakening people to this band again.”

The commercial affected fans so much that “The Final Countdown” hit No. 1 for the first time.

“To hit No. 1 after all these years on Billboard, that was pretty cool,” he said.

Tempest is hoping for an equally as successful relaunch of its 2015 album “War of Kings.” Released Dec. 4, the War of Kings special edition includes its “Live at Wacken 2015” DVD and BluRay. The set is available in three formats (two-disc Ecolbook CD and DVD, two-disc Ecolbook CD and BluRay, limited edition deluxe package with War of Kings CD, DVE and BluRay and Photobook), and an audio-only edition of the Wacken

2015 performance is available via digital format.

“It’s neat,” Tempest said. “We worked hard to put a DVD together. We filmed it at this German festival called Wacken Open Air. We used lots of cameras. Kevin Shirley mixed it. We used our video guy.

“It’s our album, but it has a bonus DVD and a whole gig—17 songs—which we had carefully package to make it as good as we can.”

Europe formed in Sweden under the name Force in 1979 by Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno. Since its formation, Europe has released 10 studio albums, three live albums, three compilations and 19 videos. They broke up in 1992 and reunited in 1998.

“We’re so lucky,” Tempest said. “We met when we were teenagers. John, the guitar player, was 14. I was 15. Here we are doing what we love still after all these years.

“We’re getting respect. We’ve released

five albums [since the band reformed]. We’ve been together longer the second period than the first period. We’re going on 11 years now.”

Tempest explains he and the rest of the band—which now includes keyboardist Mic Michaeli, bassist John Leven and drummer Ian Haugland—are anticipating Europe’s first West Coast run in 10 years.

“We have a lot of great touring memories from America,” he said. “You have to be honest, it’s the birthplace of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, moving pictures. It’s holy ground for us.

“We love coming there and now we’re getting another opportunity to reacquaint ourselves. We’re going to do it our way.”

Europe performs at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Wild Horse Pass’ Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Tickets are $30 to $60. For more information, call (800) 946-4452 or visit www.wingilariver.com.

Jewish Film Festival returns for 20th year

BY CHRISTINA FUOCOKARASINSKI

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival is a labor of love for Bob Segelbaum, the event’s executive director.

Planning for the festival, which this year runs Feb. 14 through Feb. 28, begins 12 months prior and continues through to the day before the event.

“We start our screening process as soon as the festival is over,” Segelbaum said. “We have three screening committees—West Valley, Chandler and Scottsdale. They all review the same film the same week and they rate them.

“Based on the rating, we decide which films will play at the festival. They screen all through the spring and summer and into the fall. We hopefully have our selections by October.”

The films—like “The Secrets of War,” “The Blind Hero: The Love of Otto Weidt” and “One in a Lifetime”—are shown at three different theaters, Scottsdale Shea 14, Chandler Fashion 20 and Arrowhead Fountains 18. For a complete list of films or ticket information, visit www.gpjff.org or call (602) 753-9366.

This year is the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival’s 20th year and the organization is celebrating it with a party

at the Phoenix Art Museum at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $36.

“We’re having a special party at the Phoenix Art Museum,” Segelbaum said. “We’ll have hors d’oeuvres and drinks and a short presentation. If there’s time, people can wander through the galleries. Then at 7, we go into the theater and there’s a film presentation called ‘The Wandering Muse.’”

Whether it’s screening the films, presenting the anniversary party or just seeing satisfied film goers, he’s thrilled to be a part of the event.

“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “It’s a lot of work. I’m like an engineer on the train to make sure the train stays on its tracks.

“It’s a great thing and we’re very fortunate that we’ve been able to carry on the tradition for 20 years. We have a great group of people working and we all look forward to the successful festival.”

Local actor to play lead role in ‘Union Bound’

Arizona-based actor Tank Jones will portray Jim Young in the historical Civil War-era film “Union Bound.”

The movie is based on the true story of Joseph Hoover, a Union soldier who recorded his experiences in two diaries that survive today. The film is set to be released nationally on Feb. 12 to coincide with Black History Month.

Jones’ character is an escaped slave who befriends Hoover, an escaped prisoner of war, along his journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

“Union Bound” was the official selection of the Marina del Rey Film Festival and won the Award of Merit at the IndieFEST Film Awards. It was directed by Harvey Lowry, written by John Errington and produced by Michael Davis and Kara Williamson.

Union Bound will be shown at AMC theaters across the nation. For more information, visit www. UnionBoundTheMovie.com.

For daily updates on Jones, follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/ LarryTankJones and on Twitter at @ LarryTankJones.

Jones is an accomplished actor who has made appearances on “Breaking Bad,” “Three Kings,” “CSI: Miami,” “Rules of Engagement” and more.

Jones is starring in and producing a new series, “Fire and Ice,” which will be filmed in Phoenix in conjunction with

addition to his film

founded the Choices Educational Empowerment program, a nonprofit organization that aims to help people find creative ways to work through life issues, work hard and believe in themselves.

Free afternoon concerts are being offered on Thursdays, Feb. 4 through Feb. 25, in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk at the Mesa Arts Center. Submitted photo

Free ‘Out to Lunch’ concerts offered in Mesa

Free afternoon concerts are being offered from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4 through Feb. 25, in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk at the Mesa Arts Center. Life of the Party Catering will be onsite for each concert offering hot and cold lunch selections, as well as beverages and desserts.

The Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is home to four theaters, five art galleries in the MCA Museum and 14 art studios. Info: mesaartscenter.com.

Gold Canyon Arts Council presents quartet with a spicy mix

Fandango, a quartet of classical guitar, flute, violin and cello, is performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon. From the musical scene of Chicago, Fandago is a combination of two internationally acclaimed duos that make up a spicy mix of Spanish, Balkan, Sephardic and classical sounds.

Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic and his wife, flutist Eugenia Moliner from Spain, are also the Cavitino Duo, and have performed at the Aix-en-Provence Summer Festival in France and Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts. American violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and her British husband, cellist David Cunliffe, are also members of the Lincoln Trio, winner of the 2008 Masterplayers International Competition in Venice, Italy. Ruhstrat has won top prize at the

Mozart Festival Violin Competition and Cunliffe has been principal cello with the BBC Philharmonic and Royal Scottish Symphony Orchestras.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students when purchased in advance at Canyon Rose Storage, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon or at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce office on the Apache Trail. Adult tickets at the door are $30. Tickets can be ordered online at gcac1.com/cynsnds. html.

The Gold Canyon Arts Council, a nonprofit organization, promotes the performing and visual arts through its Canyon Sounds Artist Series. The council is supported in part by grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, WESTAF, the National Endowment for the Arts, local corporations and businesses.

Jan 23rd •Jan 30th

Smith set to headline the Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival

The seventh Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival is returning to downtown Chandler on Saturday, March 19, and headlining this year’s entertainment will be Granger Smith, best known for his hit single, “Backroad Song.” More than 60 pit masters from across the country and more than 200 kegs of craft beer from the SanTan Brewing Co. will be featured.

Supporting acts include the Ben Miller Band, Zack Deputy and Georgia Chrome. Doors open at 12 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. The festival will span the entire Dr. A.J. Chandler Park East and West as well as connecting Arizona Avenue, which will be closed from Buffalo Street to Boston Street in downtown Chandler.

Presale general admission tickets are $12 online at www.chandlerbbq.com and are $15 at the gate. Food and beverages

are sold separately. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted for free. All Valley Bashas’ locations will have discounted $10 admission tickets available beginning in mid-January. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Boot Campaign, which provides assistance to wounded military and their families, including job placement, help securing mortgage-free homes, post-traumatic stress disorder counseling and adaptive clothing.

Official sponsors include; Bashas’, Alliance Beverage, Crescent Crown Distributing, Ak-Chin Indian Communities, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, SanTan Brewing Co., 102.5 KNIX, Discount Cab, BBQ Island, Phoenix New Times , Local First AZ, Yelp, Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits and Local Lily.

Exhibit featuring couture from Arizona’s past is scheduled

“Arizona Chic: Couture from Arizona’s Past Curated by Robert Black,” will be exhibited March 18 to April 30 at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. An opening reception will be held 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 18.

Curated by Robert Black, of Fashion by Robert Black of Scottsdale, the exhibit depicts Arizona’s Fashionable past. Included are some of the most glamorous, the most understated and the most over-the-top examples of Arizona couture, from the eclectic to the perfect resort wear.

“Arizona Chic: Couture from Arizona’s Past Curated by Robert Black” will be exhibited March 18 to April 30 at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. Submitted photo

“There was a time when Arizona’s chic fashion was written about and taken to destinations all around the world,” Black said. “Visitors were enamored by the western- and southwest-themed styles as well as

the comfortable cotton fabrics and bright colors that were made for our desert sun.”

The exhibit explores the local look of Arizona chic, as well as the international designer dresses that were sold in many high-fashion boutiques.

Included in the exhibition are fashion and accessories by local and wellknown Arizona designers, including Lloyd Kiva, Leona Caldwell, Novis Denne, Kay Bennett, Harwood Steiger, Sun Ray of Arizona, Alfredos Wife, and dress shops such as Cele Peterson, Michelles, Phyllis de trano, Hanny’s, Fantasia, Goldwaters, Thimble Weeds and Tumbleweeds. Info: (480) 782-2695 or www. visiongallery.org.

Theatre Artists Studio presents ‘Grand Concourse’ in Scottsdale

Theatre Artists Studio presents “Grand Concourse,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 31, at The Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale.

Written by Heidi Schreck, a writer and actress known for “Nurse Jackie,” “Hedda Gabler” and “Perfidy,” the play navigates the mystery of faith, the limits of forgiveness, and the pursuit of something resembling joy.

The play is about Shelley, who has dedicated her life to religious service. She runs a Bronx soup kitchen with unsentimental efficiency, but lately her heart’s not quite in it. Her brisk nature masks an unsettling fear that her efforts are meaningless. When Emma, an idealistic but confused college dropout, arrives to volunteer, her reckless mix of generosity and

self-involvement pushes Shelley to the breaking point. Emma unexpectedly ignites and alters the kitchen and its regulars, including charming co-worker Oscar and homeless eccentric Frog.

Directed by Studio member Richard Powers-Hardt, “Grand Concourse” features members Debra Rich and Tom Noga with guest artists Shelby Daeffler and Luke Gomez. The production is being presented under the auspices of the Actor’s Equity Association Members Project Code. Tickets are $20; $10 for students 25 and younger and $15 for groups of 10 or more, seniors 65 and older and members of the military.

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

Chandler Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Winter Romance’

The Chandler Symphony Orchestra presents “Winter Romance,” a selection of romantic classical music suited to long, romantic wintertime walks and holding hands by the fireside, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Under the direction of music director Jack Herriman and guest conductor Harry Fisher, the orchestra will perform the “Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky plus the beautiful “Poet and Peasant Overture” by Austrian

composer Franz von Suppé. In addition, two other selections will feature soloists from the orchestra. French horn player Donald Harvey will play Richard Strauss’s “Horn Concerto No. 1” and Lisa Tharp will perform the “Concerto for Piccolo” by American composer Lowell Lieberman. Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $5 per adult is encouraged. Doors will open 30 minutes beforehand for open, first-come seating. Info: www.chandlersymphony.com or (480) 899-3447.

More than 25 artists represented at free show

Art in the Olive Grove is being held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek. More than 25 members of the Artists of the Superstitions will have their paintings, photography, jewelry, woodworking and gourd creations on display to purchase.

In addition to entertainment and wine tasting in the parklike setting, tours of the Olive Mill will be offered for a fee. The

Olive Mill has local finely crafted olive oil for sale in their gift shop plus, coffee, pizza and sandwiches.

The Artists of the Superstitions is a juried art group of award-winning artists from Apache Junction and Gold Canyon and was formed in 2007. AOTS sponsors five fine art shows every year, including the popular Studio Art Tour in November. Admission to the show is free. Info: www.artistsofthesuperstitions.com.

The editors of the SanTan Sun News are seeking residents of the Southeast Chandler community to contribute to our publication. We have been delivering the news of the area to 30,000 driveways for more than 17 years. As a writer for the SanTan Sun News you would be compensated for reporting on local stories in your community. Professional writing experience is required. If you might have an interest in joining our stable of talented community journalists, please send your resume and writing samples to Christina@SanTanSun.com.

ON STAGE

Deana Martin: Honoring Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, Saturday, Jan. 23, CCA. The show is a combination of musical treasures intertwined with personal reflections and private recollections from a lady who grew up having a family-like relationship with the people to whom she is paying tribute.

Blinddog Smokin’, Thursday, Jan. 28, HCPA. The funk and blues show band shows off a deep and original American repertoire of fatback funk, blistering blues, uptown horns and low-down grooves.

Moscow Festival Ballet’s “Don Quixote,” Friday, Jan. 29, CCA. Leading dancers from across Russia will be staging a new production of the timeless classic Don Quixote.

Fiesta Mexico-Americana with Los Lobos, Saturday, Jan. 30, CCA. The Mexican-American Experience is celebrated through song, dance, music and film highlighting the many notable achievements and contributions of Mexican-Americans throughout U.S. history in this new multimedia production.

Nelson Illusionists, Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, HCPA. Nelson Illusions is a one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle combining rare and original illusions with award-winning, jaw-dropping magic.

The Company Men, Saturday, Feb. 13, HACC. A unique interweaving of today’s Top 40 hits with reimagined classics of the last six decades, including Sam Smith, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Billy Joel, The Temptations and more.

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Scott joins the Phoenix Symphony to celebrate the amazing music and extraordinary talent of Whitney Houston.

2CELLOS, Saturday, April 9, MAC. Its version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” went viral in 2011, and the Croatian cellists continue to with dynamic music videos and covers.

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

Salt N Pepa, Saturday, Feb. 20, HACC. The first female rap group is best known for its hit songs “Push It,” “Tramp,” “Shake Your Thang,” “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.”

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

Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters, Wednesday, Feb. 24, HCPA. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter and brings it to the stage with her six-piece backing band.

The Music of Whitney Houston with the Phoenix Symphony and guest vocalist Rashidra Scott, Saturday, Feb. 27, MAC. Broadway sensation Rashidra

CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts

250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org

HACC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 North Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www.harrahsakchin.com

HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.org

MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com

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