Santan Sun News; 06-20-15: Arts by Times Media Group

Arts

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June 20 - July 3, 2015

Blackbird Music Center opens studio BY TRACY HOUSE

Blackbird Music Center is expanding its business, opening a studio in Chandler at Alma School and Germann roads. “We’re really excited to get into Chandler,” said Melody Smith who, along with her husband, Robb, have had a studio in Queen Creek for eight years. “We live in Chandler and we’re really excited.” While her name is musical, Smith said it’s deceiving: Robb is the musician; she is an artist. Smith said it was time to open the studio in Chandler, considering its work with schools in Chandler. “We do a lot of rentals to a lot of the Chandler schools, so it was a great opportunity to get into a bigger city,” she said. Smith has been busy getting the studio ready for the grand opening as well as its open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27. “It’s more of an open house, tour the new studio and meet the teachers,” she said. “They’ll be rotating through. We might have some acoustic music going on.” Smith invites the community to stop by, meet the teachers, see the studio, ask questions and get information about the center. Blackbird Music Center is at 1800 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 3. Look for more information on its website at www. blackbirdcenter.com or visit the Facebook page Blackbird Music & Art Center.

multiple instruments. “All of them are extreme professionals in the industry,” Smith said. “They either have degrees or they have an extensive amount of performance experience. You can see that by their bio page on our website. We’re not hiring kids out of high school to teach. We’re really looking for top-of-the-line teachers for the students who can really customize the lessons for the student. We don’t build one plan for everybody. We go with what keeps the kids interested. The type of music they want to play. A lot goes into it.” The center teaches everyone from child to adult. “Pretty much any instrument, including voice,” Smith said. “We do piano, guitar, bass, brass instruments. Kids can get extra lessons for school band. We start them out at an earlier age.” Depending on the instrument children can begin as young as 5 years old. Lessons are private, and Smith indicated that in the future they may be offering group lessons, such as guitar. “It’s always good to check on the website or our Facebook page to see what’s going on.” For parents looking for extra help for their children’s music education, or kids who want to learn an instrument outside of school, Blackbird Music Center is available for that opportunity. The children’s background or level of experience isn’t a factor.

Experienced teachers Blackbird Music Center has 12 professional instructors, some teaching

Instruments available Instrument rental is available at Blackbird Music Center.

“We have our complete line of instruments,” she said. “The great thing about us, is two years ago is when we started instruments, so all of our instruments are practically brand new, whereas some of the other companies, the instruments are pretty old right now that the Blackbird Music Center opens its doors kids are renting, so they’re getting a quality Saturday, June 27, with an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet the community. instrument from us.” Submitted photo Smith mentioned that Blackbird Music The teachers Center has a reasonably priced student attend, and sometimes they’ll guitar that is worth the purchase. In accompany them out on stage. It’s really addition, she said, the company works nice. The parents love seeing it of course.” with the school band directors to ensure The Smiths have lived in Chandler for they have the right music books and three years and are a family of musicians. instruments available. They have three children who attend “We try to work with them to make Basha High School, twins Carson and sure we’re renting out the types of quality Cole, 17, and Tara, 15. “My daughter sings, instruments for their students.” and my boys are really accomplished Tuition for lessons is monthly, and musicians. They play all over town. Smith mentioned sometimes they have They’re called the West Hills Brothers.” long-term students, while other times The West Hills Brothers play students will work for a short time alternative, classic rock and originals, preparing for an audition or talent show and have performed around the Valley they want to get some pointers on before at festivals and at the Chandler Center the performance. for the Arts. They have a website, www. Recitals for students are held westhillsbrothers.com. throughout the year, and Smith points out they are optional. “We don’t force Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan anybody to do that, but it’s a great way Sun News. She can be reached at news@ to get performance experience and the santansun.com. teachers really help them out for that.

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Classic summer blockbusters return to Harkins Theatres Harkins Theatres will present Tuesday Night Classics with special presentations of retro films at 7 p.m. For $5, guests can relive their favorite films on the big screen at theaters throughout the Valley, including Chandler Crossroads and Chandler Fashion Center. June’s lineup includes: • “Big” Tuesday, June 23 • “Apocalypse Now” Tuesday, June 30 • “Top Gun” Tuesday, July 7 • “Saving Private Ryan” Tuesday, July 14 • “The Karate Kid” Tuesday, July 21 • “The Usual Suspects” Tuesday, July 28 • “The Departed” Tuesday, Aug. 4 • “Bad Boys” Tuesday, Aug. 11 • “The Shawshank Redemption” Tuesday, Aug. 18 • “Beverly Hills Cop” Tuesday, Aug. 25 • “The Sound of Music” Tuesday, Sept. 1

• “Fletch” Tuesday, Sept. 8 • “North by Northwest” Tuesday, Sept. 15 • “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Tuesday, Sept. 22 • “Raising Arizona” Tuesday, Sept. 29 • “Gremlins” Tuesday, Oct. 6 • “Alien” Tuesday, Oct. 13 • “The Exorcist” Tuesday, Oct. 20 • “Halloween” Tuesday, Oct. 27 • “Three Amigos” Tuesday, Nov. 3 • “The Jerk” Tuesday, Nov. 10 • “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Tuesday, Nov. 17 • “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” Tuesday, Nov. 24 • “Christmas Vacation” Tuesday, Dec. 1 • “Elf” Tuesday, Dec. 8 • “A Christmas Story” Tuesday, Dec. 15 • “The Polar Express” Tuesday, Dec. 22. For more information, visit www. HarkinsTheatres.com/TNC.

Arts

June 20 - July 3, 2015

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Sweet Adelines International hosts Fastball comes full circle by Rising Star Quartet Competition performing with Gin Blossoms The 2015 Rising Star Quartet Competition will be held by Sweet Adelines International Saturday, Aug. 8, at Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix. Twenty of the world’s best young female barbershop a cappella quartets will vie for the coveted title. “Throughout the years, the Rising Star experience for these young singers has been very positive and engaging,” said Katie Grassmyer, assistant director of music services for Sweet Adelines International. “We have learned that it is vital for these young women to sing in front of an appreciative audience and spend time with other women who love to sing.” Rising Star is an educational tool and performance opportunity for advancing the musical art form of barbershop, a cappella harmony, among young women age 25 and younger. Its purpose is to recognize superior participation by young women in the

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

barbershop a cappella art form. Twenty quartets will be accepted to compete. Quartets interested in participating can contact Grassmyer at (918) 622-1444 or (800) 992-7464 or via email katie@sweetadelineinti.org. Sweet Adelines International is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, with membership of almost 25,000 and choruses and quartets across the globe. Its members have been singing four-part harmony a cappella since 1945.

Annual fundraiser set for Valley Youth Theatre on Aug. 22 Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, as well as performances by Valley Youth Theatre stars will be included in the Valley Youth Theatre’s annual at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. The fundraiser will be held at Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix. Tickets are $125 to $250. For more information, call (602) 253-8188 or visit www.vyt.com.

The lead singers of Gin Blossoms and Fastball have traveled the world together, visiting Africa and Mount Everest. So it only makes sense that Robin Wilson and Miles Zuniga would head out on a mini-tour. “We’re good buddies with those guys,” said Zuniga, Fastball’s frontman/guitarist. “I’ve been to Mount Everest. I also went to Africa with Robin. I’ve been to some very exotic, strange places with that guy.” That includes playing music with the leader of the Maasai tribe in Africa. “We even had a jam session with the Maasai tribe,” he said. “It was cool—very cool. It was inspirational. It’s always an eye opener to go to the other side of the world and see how people live. People get by with so much less than we have in the United States—and yet they seem a lot happier.” This, Zuniga added, leads him to believe that there’s something “not quite right with our value system over here, maybe.” Now the two bands, along with The Rembrandts, will visit Fort McDowell Casino on July 3. “It’ll be fun because of the Gin Blossoms, who are from around those parts,” Zuniga said. Fastball—best known for its songs “The Way” and “Out of My Head,”—will perform about four songs from its forthcoming album. The collection is finished and set for mixing in August. Hopefully, he said, it’ll be out before the end of the year. “We did it in two weeks,” Zuniga said of the recording process. “That was the fastest

Actual Spectrum Residents

Life with...

Fastball. Submitted photo

record we’ve ever made. We decided to go in and make it as efficient as we possibly could. We were very, very efficient. I mean, one guy would be working on the bass part downstairs and someone else would be singing a lead vocal upstairs. We had the lab running at full tilt.” The quick process was also out of necessity. “They used to make records fast,” he said. “That was the way it was done in the ‘50s and ‘60s. It wasn’t until the ‘70s that it took months and months and years to do a record. Now, no one buys records, so you have to jump fast. “We sold more than 1 million records in ’98 and, if I’m not mistaken, there wasn’t one record that sold a million records in 2014. Listeners stream everything.” Vinyl, he agreed, is making a comeback. “The difference is pretty amazing,” he said. “The way they sound and all the artwork is a powerful medium. I would SEE FASTBALL PAGE 61

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Arts

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Gold Canyon Arts Council seeks original poster designs Original pieces of art are being sought for the 16th annual Canyon Arts Festival and the Canyon Sounds concert series to be transformed into an arts poster. The choice of media is left to the artists to reflect the Canyon Sounds and the Canyon Arts Festival. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, Sept. 1, and the final selection will be made Friday, Sept. 18. The selected artist is expected to contribute the rights to use the representation for advertising and be available at the Canyon Sounds concert for poster signing. The poster may be titled at the discretion of the artist. There also will be prominent visibility for other works the artist desires to display at the 2016 Canyon Arts Festival on Saturday, Jan. 23. A colorful display of booths and people,

or the beauty of the Sonoran desert depicts the Canyon Arts Festival, while the Canyon Sounds concert depicts vibrant music, dance and drama. Artwork should be submitted in an 8-inch by 10-inch photograph. Although artists may reference a website as indicative of their work, the committee asks to not direct them there to see a particular piece. Submissions can be sent to Canyon Rose Storage, Attn: Festival Poster Committee, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. The submission must include name, address, phone and email. Individual artists may send up to three proposals for consideration. For more information, call Jean Buckborough at Jean@newvisionhealing. com.

June 20 - July 3, 2015

Urban Royalty Entertainment is looking for bands to perform at the AZ College Battle of the Bands, Saturday, Nov. 7. Submitted photo

AZ College Battle of the Bands registration open The AZ College Battle of the Bands, which is being hosted by Urban Royalty Entertainment, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, Sept. 30, and can be done at www.azcollegebattleofbands. com. URE and its partners have expanded an opportunity for all Arizona bands to receive exposure, win prizes and have fun. URE Bands can register for an opportunity to be considered as a contestant. Fifteen bands will be chosen by the event staff. Those that do not make it, will still have their band

link and picture posted to the event site. URE held the first Maricopa Music Festival in October with 70 vendors, 15 bands and more than 2,000 people in attendance. Sponsors are also being sought. Approximately 5,000 college students, their families, friends and social media followers are expected. For more information, visit www. azcollegebattleofbands.com. The battle will be held at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler.

Jekyll and Hyde come to Chandler “Darkness to Light,” a live stage production inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” will come to the Chandler Door Christian Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20. The play, for which admission is free, will be performed at 585 E. Frye Rd., in Chandler. “We are expecting a full house,” said Mark Tozer, one of the event organizers. “So I would arrive early to ensure a good seat for the production.” This original new script by Louie Paulino, of Prescott has been performed throughout Arizona and the southwest to capacity crowds in a number of venues and has been widely received. Paulino, originally from Rochester, New York, came to Prescott in the early

1970s looking for a change. “I saw a darker side of myself back then with all that I was doing,” he said. “I thought coming out west would change things, but the problem was much deeper than that.” According to Paulino, he saw the two sides of human nature that is in everyone and in himself, which prompted him to write the powerful play. “Inside every human being are two natures, one good...and one evil,” he said. “We don’t always know how deep they go. If the truth be told, there is a little Jekyll and Hyde in all of us.” For additional information, call Torey Williams at (480) 636-0978 or call Mark Tozer at (480) 579-4998.

June 20 - July 3, 2015

Mickey Dolenz. Submitted photo

Arts

Guests can enjoy live music from a variety of bands throughout the month of June at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa. Submitted photo

www.SanTanSun.com

Taylor Hicks. Submitted photo

June, July entertainment at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Each Wednesday in June, guests are invited to listen to live music at The Lounge, which offers state-of-the-art sound system, LED lighting effects, a dance floor and a large beverage menu, at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Wednesdays in the Lounge will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The featured act includes Yesterday Once More on Wednesday, June 24. The Lounge also offers a Happy Hour Monday through Thursday live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Upcoming performances include:

• Stan and Miguel Duo: Monday, June 22 • John Eric Duo: Tuesday, June 23 • The Walkens Duo: Wednesday, June 24 • Van and Melanie: Thursday, June 25. • Soloman King and The Chosen: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 29. Sundays in The Lounge feature music from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Those performers are: • Stan and Miguel Trio: June 21 • Soloman King and The Chosen: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 28. Margarita Sundays are poolside parties that offers live music, food and drinks

from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The linup is: • Panacca—Steel Drums: June 21 • Kush Country: Sunday, June 28. Two national artists are coming to Harrah’s Ak-Chin as well. Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will bring his solo act to the casino at 8 p.m. Friday, July 3. Season five “America Idol” winner Taylor Hicks is bringing his take on Southern soul, R&B, country and blues to the Lounge. Hicks spent time performing on Broadway and in a Las Vegas residency after his “American Idol” win. He performs at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Celebrating more than 20 years in Maricopa, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is

Arizona’s only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Offering the largest selection of the latest reel and video slots in a range of denominations, Harrah’s Ak-Chin features slot machines, video poker, video Keno, as well as popular statewide progressives and live-action poker and blackjack. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts the only bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first bingo hall in Reno in 1937. For a full listing of entertainment, call (480) 802-5000 or visit www. harrahsakchin.com.

Arts

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Academy Drum and Bugle Corps of Arizona will host international competition

FASTBALL FROM PAGE 58

The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps of Arizona will host a Drum Corps International competition beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, June 29, at John D. Riggs Stadium on the campus of Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. “Drums Across the Desert” is set to be the summer’s most exciting night of performance. Attendees will experience Broadway-style, choreographed programs of music, dynamic movement and vivid color - presented by groups of 150 musicians and dancers ages 16 to 21. The academy will compete against some of the country’s most elite marching music ensembles performing shows ranging from Bach to Gershwin to Disney. Included will be Santa Clara Vanguard, six-time world champion from Santa Clara, California; and the Phantom Regiment, two-time world champion from Rockford, Illinois. Eight groups will perform during the evening. Drums Across the Desert is part of the 2015 DCI Tour, a series of 56 competitive events taking place this summer across

38 states in the United States From Mesa, these groups will head north to Colorado, before going across the Midwest. “This is the only chance local residents will have to see a DCI competition,” said Mike Ripley, event chairman. “This is a show for the entire family. Everyone will be thrilled and inspired by the high level of performance they see from these young people.” Tickets to the event range from $18 to $35 and can be purchased online at www. arizonaacademy.org or by calling the DCI box office at (317) 275-1212. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from Tempe is a nonprofit youth arts

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organization comprised of musicians and dancers from throughout Arizona and around the world, age 16 to 21, who audition each year for a coveted spot in Arizona’s only drum and bugle corps. This summer, the academy will travel more than 11,000 miles to perform and compete more than 24 times in a tour that will take them across the United States with key stops in Denver, San Antonio, Atlanta and Allentown, Pennsylvania. The academy’s tour will conclude Aug. 8 at the 2015 Drum Corps International World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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argue that that’s why there aren’t as many rock stars around as there used to be. “Back then, you could really fall in love with artists like David Bowie or KISS because of the artwork. It was really dramatic. There was no Internet, or no way to look stuff up about the band. You just had to imagine it. All you had to go on was the artwork, the album and the music. It was a way more mysterious time.” Without sounding like an “old fogy,” he added, there was a certain magic when hearing a new song for the first time. “The first time I heard ‘Pride’ by U2, my brother was dropping me off at college and it was 10 p.m.,” he said. “We just rolled in and that song came on. I had never heard it before. I was really impressed with the guitar, the drumbeat and his vocal and everything. I thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ I couldn’t wait to hear it again. Now you can just Shazam it.” Despite listeners’ short attention span, Zuniga is looking forward to playing Fort McDowell Casino. “It’s a great bill,” he said. “We really suit each other musically. It’s going to be a blast. It’s a luau.”

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Arts

June 20 - July 3, 2015

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ON STAGE

Air Supply. Submitted photo

The English Beat. Submitted photo

“Arya’s Rock: A Video Game Adventure,” through Sunday, June 28, MAC. Follow the journey of a boy who is transported into the realm of Arya’s Rock, a world where unrest is seeping through every beach, forest and island.

The Walkens, Saturday, June 20, HAC. Over the years, The Walkens have performed with Gin Blossoms, Men at Work, The Posies, Little Feat, Collective Soul and The Smithereens. Air Supply, Saturday, June 20, WHP. In 1980, Air Supply’s fastest selling single was “Lost in Love.” Sixth annual Tempe Dance West Recital, Sunday, June 21, CCA. Celebrate the hard work and dedication of dancers. Quantum, Friday, June 26, HAC. Quantum plays a variety of hits from the ‘60s. Three Dog Night, Friday, June 26, WHP. Three Dog Night celebrates its fourth decade of bringing such music as “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come.)” JT Hodges, Saturday, June 27, HAC. Texas newcomer, JT Hodges soulful lyrics have made him an undeniable country rock artist, producing alongside award-winning songwriters and touring with such artists as Eric Church, Eli

Rodney Carrington. Submitted photo

Young Band, Toby Keith and Miranda Lambert. “The Wizard of Oz,” through Friday, July 3, HCT. Travel from Kansas to Oz with Dorothy and her friends. Micky Dolenz, Friday, July 3, HAC. Micky Dolenz is the founding member of the Monkees.

Come Back Buddy, Friday, July 31, CCA. Come Back Buddy is a threepiece rock-n-roll band inspired by the legendary Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

Catch a Wave, Friday, July 3, WHP. Catch a Wave is a tribute to the music of the Beach Boys.

Rodney Carrington, Saturday, Aug. 8, WHP. Rodney Carrington is a comedian, actor, singer and songwriter.

“Tarzan,” Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, Aug. 22, HCT. When a father and daughter team of scientists arrives to study the flora and fauna of the area, Tarzan learns for the first time that there are others like him in the world.

Sugar Thieves, Friday, Aug. 14, CCA. The Sugar Thieves have a sultry blues roots foundation and powerhouse delta sound.

The English Beat, Saturday, July 11, LW. The English Beat is well known for its unique mix of ska, pop, reggae, soul and punk rock. “An Evening of Old Time Radio,” Tuesday, July 14, through Saturday, July 18, SLCT. The theater’s summer show features “An Evening of Old Time Radio.”

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“American Idol Live!” Sunday, Aug. 16, MAC. The concert will give fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the top five Idols from season 14. Bowling for Soup, Monday, Sept. 21, LW. The Texas-based band Bowling for Soup is known for such hits as “Girl All the Bad Guys Want,” “Almost,” “High School Never Ends” and “1985.” It is touring with special guests Dolly Rots and Ivory Tribe.

ON STAGE VENUE INDEX CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org

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Under the Sun Tour, Friday, July 17, WHP. Eve 6, Sugar Ray, Uncle Kracker and Better Than Ezra will perform.

HCT—Hale Center Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www.haletheatrearizona.com HAC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www.harrahsakchin.com LW—Livewire 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 970-1112 or www.Livewireaz.com MAC — Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa

Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com SLCT—Sun Lakes Community Theatre 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes Tickets: (480) 382-6290 or www.slctinfo.com WHP—Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

Arts

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June 20 - July 3, 2015

‘Idol’ winner talks coronation single, live show BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

This year’s “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani “randomly” auditioned for the Fox TV show after a little convincing by his friends, family and talent scouts. He had some hesitation, but he said he feels he made a “pretty good choice.” “I didn’t think it was something for me,” said Fradiani, who previously appeared on “America’s Got Talent” with his band. “I just felt at the end, before I did it, that this was an opportunity where if I didn’t do it, I might really regret it. I thought, ‘Why not just do it.’ “I lucked out. I definitely lucked out.” Impressive from the auditions, Fradiani is pushing his coronation song “Beautiful Life,” a track co-penned by Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba. The song—which he expects to be on his debut album set for release next year—will be included in his set when he and the other four finalists come to the Mesa Arts Center on Sunday, Aug 16. The song is classic Carrabba, with a powerful chorus and strong melodies. Fradiani said he couldn’t believe Carrabba helped write his song. “When you get Chris Carrabba to write a song for you, it’s incredible,” said Fradiani, calling from Nashville where he was meeting with Scott Borchetta, the CEO of the “Idol’s” label, Big Machine Records. “They play everybody the song as soon as you make it to the top three.

All of us recorded our coronation song. You kind of listen to a demo of it. I said, ‘That’s Chris Carrabba singing.’ They told me, ‘Oh yeah, he wrote it.’ I couldn’t believe they didn’t tell me immediately.” “Beautiful Life” sold more than 50,000 copies in its first week. It was also the official theme song for Fox Sports’ coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It is receiving airplay on terrestrial and satellite radio. “It was pretty awesome,” he said. “It’s slow and steady but it’s doing well. I’m hoping it catches some steam.” ‘Idol’ challenges For Fradiani, his run on “American Idol” was at time challenging. He said the toughest song to sing was Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath” because the arrangement was changed at the last minute. “I kind of never felt comfortable with it,” he said. “For some reason, I had a tough time remembering the words. When that happens, you worry about getting the words right. You really don’t get comfortable in the performance. I love the song. It’s a great song. I just didn’t like how I did it.” “American Idol,” he said, schooled him in music. The top stage hands, choreographers and vocal coaches helped improve his stage presence, Fradiani said. “That was my best improvement,”

The “American Idol” finalists, including winner Nick Fradiani, left, are coming to the Mesa Arts Center on Sunday, Aug. 16. Photo by Lee Cherry

Fradiani explained. “I worked on the overall self-confidence of it all.” That self-confidence will shine at the “Idol” show at the Mesa Arts Center. “The tour’s going to be great,” he explained. “I’m so excited for it. It’s a little different than years past and an improvement than years past.” This year, only the top five will perform, allowing the finalists to show off their craft. Fradiani will play “Beautiful Life,” an original song and selections from his time on “Idol.” “You’re going to see a lot more of each contestant,” he said. “You might get to know each contestant a little more. It’s more intimate. I’ll be able to talk a

little about each song—why I picked this song on the show or that song. I think it’s going to be a ton of fun.” “American Idol Live!” comes to the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, One E. Main St., Mesa, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Tickets are $39 to $309. 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.

Karma Killers catch a break on Vans Warped Tour BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The Karma Killers have yet to extensively promote their music, but this summer they’re getting the opportunity to thanks to Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. Singer/guitarist Micky James chalks up summer-long trek to luck and, well, a little bit of karma. “(Lyman) liked a song we put out and contacted my manager. He said it would be awesome to have (us) on the tour.” James said. “We had nothing going on this summer—and we were looking for something.” The gigs, which comprise The Karma Killers’ first tour, will allow the New Jersey-based act to play tracks off its debut EP “Strange Therapy.” Now the season is booked for The Karma Killers, which also include bassist/vocalist “Mango,” guitarist/vocalist Billy Stevens and drummer Josh Grigsby. Warped Tour is the perfect platform for The Karma Killers, who ably blend the swagger of the Ramones and the Strokes, the harmonies of the Beach Boys and the Bangles and the vibes of David Bowie and Duran Duran. Those bands were instilled in James at a young age by his father. Although attracted to the melodies and the songwriting, James didn’t feel impacted by them until much later in life. Now the 22-year-old is set on making The Karma Killers a success. “I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12,” James explained. “I didn’t

The Karma Killers’ Micky James sees the Warped Tour as the big break for his band. Photo by Meredith Traux

realistically think it was going to happen. But it just becomes a part of you. It’s just who you are. That’s what you do. You don’t plan on it. I’ve been in different kinds of bands, but with The Karma Killers, I feel like this has the best chance.” The Karma Killers perform as part of the Vans Warped Tour at Quail Run Park, 4155 E. Virginia St., Mesa, on Tuesday, June 23. Tickets are $39. Doors open at 11 a.m. For more information, call www. vanswarpedtour.com. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

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