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This summer, Chandler Art Walk moves indoors by Lynette Carrington
The Chandler Art Walk has become an exciting monthly event that spotlights a plethora of talented local artists. The family friendly event takes place every third Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and, for the summer months, the event will move indoors to make the experience more engaging for the artists and fans. Typically, the Chandler Art Walk is held on the sidewalks of Boston Street, San Marcos Place and in the armadas in the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park on the west
side of Arizona Avenue. For the months of June, July and August, however, the event will be held in the air-conditioned comfort of Gangplank, a collaborative workspace located at 260 S. Arizona Ave., north of Frye Road. The indoor business is expecting to host about 35 artists. The casual and laid-back atmosphere allows visitors to move through the displays at their own pace. With so many visually appealing and thought-provoking artists on display, the Chandler Art Walk is in its fourth year
INTERACTION: Marnie Brookins, who designed these glass business card holders as part of her company GlassMelts, is the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership special events manager. She says, “Our goal is to give artists a venue to showcase their artwork and the public an opportunity to interact directly with artists.” Submitted photo
under the direction of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. “Our goal is to give artists a venue to showcase their artwork and the public an opportunity to interact directly with artists,” explains DCCP Special Events Manager Marnie Brookins. “Anyone can buy art off of a shelf, but here they can meet the artist, hear the story, thoughts and feelings behind the works. We also want to show off the charm of Downtown Chandler and the cool restaurants and businesses.” The next art walk is June 21 and the entire community is invited to get out of the heat and take in some cool art. “We do have a wide range of artists participating this month. They will find glass, painting, woodworking, jewelry and metal work just to name a few,” notes Brookins. Other artists showcase their works completed in sculpture, mixed media and photography. In addition to the art, visitors to the Chandler Art Walk will enjoy live music. Past art walks have also included kids’ crafts, special guest artists and scavenger hunts. “Several of our artists have won major awards and been published in everything from Arizona Highways, National Geographic, Phoenix Magazine and had jewelry worn on TV shows like ‘The Voice.’ We have a wide range of art available in just about every price range and size,” Brookins says. Artists who are considering taking
ON DISPLAY: Gourd art by Barbara Watkins of Good Gourd has been shown at the Chandler Art Walk, which moves indoors for the summer. Submitted photo
part in future Chandler Art Walks are encouraged to visit chandlerartwalk.com. “The applications are reviewed by a volunteer artist jury panel overseen by the DCCP. There is a $25 application fee and, if accepted, there is no charge for the first month’s booth. New artists must apply at least two weeks prior to their first art walk,” Brookins says. Lynette Carrington is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Arts
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CCA season dances out the door
When the circus comes to town
The Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., ends its 2012-13 season this month with nothing but dance. First up, Tempe Dance West hosts its annual recital at the CCA 7 p.m. Thu., June 20, celebrating the success of Tempe Dance West’s students with a presentation for family and friends, featuring special guest Tempe Dance Company. Tickets are $14 and $16. The final group on the CCA stage before the summer break is Wagner Dance and Music, which offers “A Dancer’s Dream,” featuring the story of a dad and his daughter hoping to make it big in New York City. The show is set for 7 p.m. Sat., June 22, and features an eclectic repertoire of works by the world’s up-andcoming choreographers. Tickets are $14 and $16. For more information, call the CCA box office at 480-782-2680 or visit chandlercenter.org.
High-wire acrobats, daredevil stunts and a cadre of clowns are just some of the entertainment you can expect from “Built to Amaze!” a brand-new circus from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, coming to town June 26 through July 1 at the US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix. The circus boasts more than 110 of the world’s best TIGHT WIRE: Dazzling displays of balance artists and athletes and coordination are just part of the representing 17 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, “Built to Amaze!” at the US Airways Center countries along in downtown Phoenix. Photo courtesy of with 95 exotic and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey domestic animals assembled together under one big top. Come out one hour early to each performance to meet the performers and animals on the show floor, try on costumes, learn dance moves and more at the interactive All Access Pre-Show, with free admission to all ticket holders. Ticket prices are $20, $25, $45 and $60 for the front row. Admission for children ages 2 through 12 is $10 each on all weekday performances. All seats are reserved; tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the US Airways Center Box Office.
Jazz music with Dixie twist
The soul of the south comes to the southwest as the Dan Reed Dixie Band, featuring trumpet player Dan Reed, performs from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., June 23 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. The concert is presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society. Cost is $10 for ACJS members or $15 for nonmembers; guests who become members on June 23 get in free. A yearly ACJS membership is $35 per couple or $25 per single. For more information, visit azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.
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Little pigs outwit wolf in musical
The East Valley Children’s Theatre presents “Huff ’N Puff,” an original musical based on the classic children’s story “The Three Little Pigs,” June 20 through 30 at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC), One E. Main St., Mesa. When Ma and Pa Pig are too busy to go to the Barnyard Market, they send three of their oldest piglets. There the three meet the beautiful Miss Prissy and immediately begin building what they think should be her dream house. Enter B.B. Wolf, who is doing everything in his power to make sure they don’t succeed, and more importantly–turning them an easy lunch. Will the pigs be able to outwit the big bad wolf, or will they end up as bacon? Shows are June 20 through 22, and June 28 through 30; some matinees are available. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $11 for youth ages 17 and younger. For more information, call the MAC box office at 480-644-6500 or go online to: evct.org.
WILEY WOLF: Taking on the classic children’s tale–with a new twist–of a wolf and three clever little pigs are, clockwise from left: Nick Williams as Pee Wee, Collin Anderson as BB Wolf, Jake Olson as Petey and Raini Hawkins as Porker. Photo courtesy of EVCT
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Quilts made for art, not beds
‘Alpocalypse’ comes to Mesa
Textile artists who can integrate a sense of “artrageousness” into a fabric design are being sought to participate in the exhibit, “Art Quilts XVIII: ARTrageous Art Quilts,” which will open Nov. 1 at the Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA), 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. The CCA Art Quilts juried exhibition has grown from a local and regional quilt show to a respected vehicle for contemporary works. The exhibition draws entries from around the United States and Canada and allows thousands of visitors each year to experience quilting as an art form. The original works of textile art quilts should step outside of the box in some context, reflecting a twist on the traditional, or an interesting technique that is unique to the artist’s work. The challenge is to exceed the limits of what is usual. The theme may be conceptual, visual or personal. Artists are asked to submit their most significant work to this annual exhibition of contemporary artworks, showcasing one of the finest collections of art quilts on display in the regional Southwest, by 5 p.m. Fri., Aug. 23. For each $15 fee, artists may submit up to three works on a CD or via email. There is no entry form, but entries must be accompanied by certain information; for more details on how to submit an entry, email vision.gallery@chandleraz.gov. A list of accepted artists will be posted on visiongallery.org by Mon.,
“Weird Al” Yankovic keeps the crowd roaring with comedic musical parodies, hilarious satire and his iconic sense of weird, 7:30 p.m. Sun., July 7, at Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. It will be his only Arizona performance this year. Not that Yankovic has anything against Arizona, per se, though he puts the blame for coming to the state in one of the hottest months of the year squarely on his MUSIC MANIA: “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his mastery of musical parody to booking agent. the Mesa Arts Center on July 7. Yankovic is best known for his creative and wacky twists on popular songs such as “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon” and “Smells Like When asked what Nirvana.” Photo courtesy of R Entertainment Company his favorite thing about coming to the accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, Valley was, he replied, “The excellent satirist and parodist. nachos, what else?” As for what he has Yankovic most recently released his observed about the audiences here, album “Alpocalypse,” which hit the Yankovic comments, in typical “Weird Billboard charts at No. 9—the highest Al” fashion, “I’ve found that Arizona debut of his career. The album’s single, audiences are 37% less likely to be “Perform This Way,” a Lady Gaga parody, lactose-intolerant.” received a Grammy Award nomination Yankovic has become the biggestfor Best Short Form Video and selling comedy recording artist in “Alpocalypse” was nominated for Best history, with more than 12 million album Comedy Album. sales. Entering his fourth decade of Tickets are $32 to $40, and are comedy, Yankovic has earned popularity available by calling 480-644-6500, or as a singer-songwriter, music producer, online at MesaArtsCenter.com.
TEXTILE DUALITY: This complex art quilt was created by Arizona textile artist Adriene Buffington for last year’s exhibit, “Art Quilts XVII,” held at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of the CCA
Sept. 2. Completed quilts accepted into the exhibition must be delivered by Sat., Oct. 19. Four $250 jury awards will be given to the Best of Show Juror’s award and the Viewer’s Choice award. Multiple purchase awards will be offered by the Chandler Arts Commission for up to $10,000. The exhibition is produced by the Chandler Center for the Arts and is presented by the Chandler Cultural Foundation and the Chandler Arts Commission. For more information, call 480-782-2695.
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June 15 – July 5, 2013
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Follies behind the scenes
Conquering fears, adolescence
Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of the comedy “Noises Off” continues through June 16 at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC), One E. Main St. in Mesa. The play unfolds during the slapstick bumbling stumbles of dress rehearsal to the disastrous opening night of the bedroom sex farce, “Nothing On.” The on- and off-stage antics of the frenetic characters spotlight that sometimes the back view is even more ludicrous than the epic fails that unfold from the front. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for students,
The Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre Company (SCT) presents “The Sparrow,” Wed., June 26 and Thu., June 27, at Scottsdale Community College’s Performing Arts Center, 9000 E. Chaparral Rd., Scottsdale. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The play is free–with reserved tickets–and open to the public. The story centers on Emily Book, played by SCT student Sarah Zorman, the lone survivor of a horrible school bus accident who was sent away from the tiny town of Spring Farm. Now in her senior year, Emily must return in order to graduate from high school. When she arrives, she is unwillingly thrust into the whirlwind of Spring Farm High and must use her telekinetic powers to save a friend. “The Sparrow” taps into the fundamental aching of adolescence: fearing that we’re somehow different while hoping that we’re special. It is appropriate for all ages. To reserve a free seat, visit Eventbright at sct-thesparrow. eventbrite.com. For more information, call 480-423-6356.
teachers and seniors. Tickets on show day are $2 more. All seating is general admission.
Piano recital aids church fund
“Mostly Piano,” a benefit recital presented by the Anglican Church of the Epiphany, will be held on Sat., June 22, at the Steinway Piano Showroom, 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Enjoy an afternoon of classical and other music styles to benefit the building fund of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Admission is free; donations are accepted. Several items, including a $250 Spa Basket, will be raffled and tickets are available at the door. For more information, contact Irene Hickman at 602-870-5290 or luv2travel41@gmail.com.
Call 480-644-6500 or visit MesaArtsCenter.com to purchase advance tickets.
Unlikely victory led by youth “Chittagong” is a film presented by the Discovery Film Series, June 16 through 17 and June 23 through 24, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. In a little-known saga of 1930s British-occupied South Asia, a handful of untrained teenage boys and girls, led by a school teacher, handed the British their first military defeat and liberated a town from the colonial yoke for the first time in the 20th century. “Chittagong” is the story of the youngest and the most unlikely
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participant—Jhunku Roy. A studious, diffident and frail teenager, Jhunku would not even come out to play football, let alone pick up a gun. He becomes a revolutionary, and having joined the rebels, battles nagging selfdoubts and reluctance on one hand, and a formidable enemy on the other, to achieve an impossible triumph. Tickets are $5 general admission and free for students with ID. Show times are 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, and 7 p.m. Mondays. For tickets, call 480499-8587. For more information, visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
BRAVE BOY: “Chittagong” tells the story of a young, shy and frail teenage boy named Jhunku who joins with others from his community to fight off a British incursion in the 1930s. Photo courtesy of the SCPA
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Christie murder mystery comes to Scottsdale Boston Pops to Perform “The Mousetrap” by famed mystery author Agatha Christie originally opened in the West End of London in 1952 and has been performed around the globe ever since. Desert Stages Theatre (DST) presents its stage version of “The Mousetrap” through Sun., July 28 at the theater, 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. This murderous classic unravels the mysterious death of a woman at a large guesthouse in London, where a trap is set to ensnare the perpetrator while the suspects are snowed in together during their stay. The stage is set and, in true Christie fashion, squirrely twists ensue, promising a characteristic all-consuming yarn of suspense. DST’s 65-seat Actor’s Café delivers the tale in an up-close-and-personal space heightening the suspense, mystery and anticipation. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. Tickets are
Nov. 16 at Hohokam Stadium
WHODUNIT: It’s a murder mystery like only Agatha Christie can write as Desert Stages Theatre presents “The Mousetrap,” through July 28. Photo by Wade Moran
available at DesertStages.org or by phone, 480-483-1664.
Symphony makes ‘Czech Connection’ The next performance in Arizona Pro Arte’s “Cool Classics Series” is “The Czech Connection,” with Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, “Prague” and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7. The concert takes place 7:30 p.m. Sat., July 20 at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe. “Two Greats” are highlighted at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 24, with Haydn’s Concerto for
Cello in C, featuring Catalin Rotaru, double bass; and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great.” All performances take place in the Studio of the TCA. These summer series performances will be recorded for delayed broadcast by classical radio station KBAQ-FM 89.5. Information about Arizona Pro Arte’s Cool Classics Series is available at arizonaproarte.com.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, led by Conductor Keith Lockhart, will perform in the Valley on Sat., Nov. 16. “The Best of the Boston Pops” presented by the Arizona Ford Dealers is being held at Hohokam Stadium, 1235 N. Center St. in Mesa. The world-famous orchestra will play its way through a variety of American music, from blockbuster Broadway show tunes to Hollywood silver screen classics. For fans of all ages, there’ll also be a patriotic sing-along and a medley of holiday favorites sure to put everyone in the spirit of the forthcoming season. The evening will conclude with a show- stopping fireworks spectacular choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s Overture of 1812 and Stars and Stripes Forever. This epic musical event pays tribute to the landmark Hohokam Stadium, opened in 1977 and rebuilt in 1996. It is the grand finale happening before the venue closes for a $20 million renovation. Plans call for the stadium to re-open when the Oakland Athletics begin Spring Training in 2015. The Boston Pops, in its 128th year, features gifted musicians conducted by such geniuses as Arthur Fiedler, John Williams and now Lockhart. One of Fielder’s great dreams was to establish a series of outdoor orchestral concerts for the people of Boston. In 1929, one year before he became
VISITING MESA: Conductor Keith Lockhart will lead the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra when it comes to Hohokam Stadium.
conductor of the Boston Pops, his dream became reality and the Esplanade concerts were inaugurated. Among many illustrious performances over the years, the annual Fourth of July concert was first held in 1976, when 400,000 people attended as part of the Bicentennial celebration. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the largest audience in history for an orchestra concert. That record has since been broken twice, first in 1998 and again in 2003, when more than a half-million people attended that year’s concert. Doors open at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. The performance begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25, $39 or $49. Field level floor seats are $75 and $95. Tickets may be purchased at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Arts Center box offices or online at www.bostonpopsmesa.com. For additional information, visit www. bostonpopsmesa.com.
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Uncommon look at common event We typically don’t think much about the routine ritual of grocery shopping as we push our carts down the aisles or fill the basket with the next item on the list. But in and among the stocked shelves, one can find beauty, humor, politics and stories ripe for creative curiosity. The insights of 16 artists are on display at The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) in a new exhibition called “Stocked: Contemporary Art from the Grocery Aisles.” The show offers a close look at one of the most universal experiences, a task that often is taken for granted. Almost everyone shops for groceries. But we rarely, if at all, stop to examine the vast range of social issues that surround us when we shop. Included among the Stocked artists are famed international artists Damien Hirst, Christian Jankowski and Lucy + Jorge Orta, as well as familiar faces from the Valley – Phoenix’s Jody Gnant and recent Scottsdale arrival Matt Magee. Followers of SMoCA’s Lit Lounge also will recognize the Los Angeles-based performer Hillary Carlip. “Stocked” curator, SMoCA’s Emily Stamey, notes that, “Each of the artists prompts us to consider the common task of grocery shopping in a new light – to consider the
beauty in ordinary packaging, the surreal qualities of some of the spaces in which we buy our food, and how extraordinary it is that we can buy summer fruits in December and winter vegetables in July.” “Stocked” continues until Sept. 1; those who bring in a can of food for donation will receive $1 off admission. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 7373 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-8744666 or visit smoca.org/calendar/ Stocked.
‘Banner 4th of July’ Airs June 29 Growing up in Mesa and now living in California, “American Idol” alumnus Brooke White wasn’t prepared for the cold when she traveled to North Bay, Ontario, Canada, to film the Hallmark Channel’s “Banner 4th of July,” which debuts at 9 p.m. Sat., June 29. “The weather was pretty intense,” White said with a laugh during a recent phone interview. “The first week I got there, it was in the 30s and 40s. It’s supposed to look like the Fourth of July. But it was snowing and I was wearing these silk summer dresses outside. It was freezing.” “Banner 4th of July” tells the story of the Banner siblings. Desiree Banner (White) and her brothers started a successful band 10 years ago. “Me and one of the brothers then had a falling out,” she said. “We went our separate ways. I moved to L.A.; he moved to Austin. The movie takes place 10 years later.” Their mother’s heart attack brings the siblings under the same roof for the first time in 10 years. The Banners’ mother, Rosalind (Mercedes Ruehl), is mayor of the town, which had to declare bankruptcy. While the children are home, Rosalind persuades the group to reform and perform a show to “save the town.” “It’s about a family mending their relationships,” said White, who penned two songs for the movie. White, the fifth-place finalist in “American Idol” season seven, had little acting experience before her stint on the Fox Television show. She joked that she appeared in a production of “Meet Me in St. Louis”
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Mesa’s Brooke White Returns to Small Screen By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
LOOPY ART: Sonny Assu’s “Salmon Loops,” from the Breakfast Series, 2006, is on display at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts as part of its “Stocked: Contemporary Art from the Grocery Aisles” exhibit. Photo by Chris Meier
June 15 – July 5, 2013
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while attending Heritage Academy in downtown Mesa. Since then, she did a Fox Television movie “Change of Plans” and now she’s on to PLAYING A MUSICIAN: Former American Idol contestant “Banner 4th of July.” Brooke White’s real life melds When she is not with her character in the acting or writing Hallmark Channel’s “Banner 4th music, White is the of July.” mother to a toddler, the wife to husband, David, and the co-creator of the Web series “The Girls with Glasses,” www.thegirlswithglasses.com. The Web series was recently picked up by the Scripps Network. “Sometimes I need to acknowledge that I’ve been more successful than I think,” White said. “A lot of times you feel like you’re chasing after everything and it gets discouraging. I have an incredible team around me.” On that team is former “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson who helped her start a record label. “When you get off the show, it’s very, very, very difficult to sustain the success that you get,” White said. Thanks to Jackson, she’s been able to find success—as a mother, wife, musician and actress. “I’m not hung up on being rich or famous,” she said. “My attention has shifted to just finding opportunities that support my lifestyle and who I want to be as a person. That’s what makes me successful and makes me happy.”
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Local opera singer living her dream
‘Precious Water’ roundtable discussion June 22
Brower performs with Bavarian State Opera By Meghan McCoy
Although Angela Brower grew up in a Mesa household with classical music and talented parents who played piano and guitar, she did not learn about opera until she attended Arizona State University. Love at first listen, Brower decided to pursue a career as an opera singer. To help her achieve that goal, Brower, whose parents now live in Gilbert, took part in a three-month internship with Glimmerglass Young American Artist Program, in Cooperstown, N.Y., after graduating from Indiana University with a master’s degree. “While I was there, my second week two people from Munich, Germany, came to audition people,” she explains. “That is where they found me. I left school and I went to Munich and have been there ever since.” Brower’s professional career as an opera singer began five years ago at Bavarian State Opera once she arrived in Munich in September 2008. “It’s been amazing,” she says. “I never thought I would be able to work in this field. That’s what I am doing. I’m making money singing opera.” The 29-year-old singer has 30 to 35 performances a year through her contract with Bavarian State Opera, which also includes a monthly salary, benefits and a place to reside. Brower is
based in Munich, where she sings most of the year. “The opera house in Munich has 20 to 30 contracted singers to stay in Munich and sing solely for the opera house there,” Brower says. When the singers have a month off, the opera house releases them so they can perform elsewhere. During that time off she traveled home to perform at her alma mater in Tempe on April 28 with former professor pianist Eckart Sellheim. The recital was held to give back to the community, as well as the opportunity to see her parents, family and friends. The profession has taken her to such places as Paris, Hong Kong and San Francisco. She says she will soon travel to Austria and Tokyo. “It’s exhilarating on stage to be singing unmic with your natural voice with the technique to allow you to project and fill an entire audience with a full-on orchestra,” she explains. “It’s exciting. The power of the sound and the atmosphere and the magic that comes together.” Brower says one of her goals as an opera singer is to bridge the gap in music—to bring classical music to the general public. “In the American culture, you really don’t have the same history as Europe does,” she says about opera.
LIVING THE DREAM: Mesa-bred opera singer Angela Brower is based in Munich, Germany. Submitted photo by Ann Stucki.
Brower’s hope as a “totally normal girl that grew up in Arizona who did not care about classical music” is to speak to people through her voice. “It has inspired me and has made me a better person,” she says. “There is a certain power that comes to one that sings classical music.” The movement from a symphony, Brower explains to be a different art form. “It’s almost a higher art form,” due to increased patience and brain energy, she says. “We can all be inspired by all types of music. I love pop and rock. There is a certain higher art form from classical music that everyone can benefit from.”
The Chandler Historical Society, in partnership with the Chandler Museum and Chandler Public Library, is presenting the roundtable discussion “Precious Water” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sat., June 22, at the Chandler Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd. Dr. Jerry Howard, Arizona Museum of Natural History’s curator of anthropology; Jamie Sossaman, longtime Queen Creek farmer and former state legislator, and Dr. Dan Killoren, Salt River Project historical analyst, will discuss water—where it comes from, how have Arizonans harnessed water over the centuries, what do we see in the future of water resources and more. For more information, contact Jean Reynolds at 480-782-2751 or Jean. Reynolds@chandleraz.gov.
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Say ‘bonjour’ to French Culture at the MIM Second annual event honors the country’s music, food, traditions The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix invites the community to learn about and enjoy French music and culture without leaving the Valley at “Experience France” Sat., July 13 and Sun., July 14. MIM will feature music, activities and a menu that will capture the spirit of France and entertain audiences of all ages. MIM spotlights the music of France with live performances on both days. Phoenix-based French singer-songwriter Cécile Hortensia couples bilingual poetry with intriguing melodies to deliver a performance that seamlessly integrates her French and American heritages. While visiting MIM, she will perform songs made famous by Edith Piaf, to honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic French singer’s passing. ZAZU, an Arizona band carrying on the tradition of guitarist Django Reinhart, will perform infectious gypsy-jazz tunes that challenge the limitations of traditional improvisation. Additionally, Dr. James Gerber, music associate for All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix, will re-create French masterpieces that span the 16th to 20th centuries on MIM’s Rathke “visible” organ. All performances are free with museum admission. Hands-on activities are a large part of the “Experience France” event. First, guests will be able to make a red,
white and blue paper rosette to show their French spirit. This tricolor badge became a popular symbol of the French Revolution after the storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris in 1789. Guests are also invited to stop by MIM’s “Try It!” station and have their face painted with a custom design. These activities are free with museum admission. Each day, MIM’s Europe curator, Dr. Kathleen Wiens, will lead guests through the France exhibit and showcase selected French highlights of the
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Mechanical Music Gallery. Guests will learn about the music, history and instruments of France, including some fascinating automatons. The guided tour is free with museum admission and will take place at 2:15 p.m. both days. “MIM is thrilled to offer this unique exploration of French history and culture. Bastille Day is France’s national holiday, celebrated much like our own Independence Day,” said Celina Chiarello, public programs manager at MIM. “This program provides a great
opportunity for guests to learn more about France through engaging activities and musical performances.” Guests will have the opportunity to learn some French marching drum rhythms in a special installment of MIM’s monthly “Get the Beat! World Drumming Series.” This fun, family friendly session takes place on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and will highlight French drumming traditions and provide plenty of time for making music. The class is not included in general museum admission and the fee is $12 per person. Advanced registration is recommended. To register, contact grouptours@MIM.org. Café Allegro will serve a variety of French entrées and beverages, all available for purchase. The menu will include coq au vin (chicken cooked in wine), goat-cheese quiche, a mascarpone-and-date-filled crepe, ham and cheese on a French baguette and macaroons. Café Allegro will also feature wine specials that include a Pillsbury Wine viognier and a 2012 chenin blanc. The Musical Instrument Museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard in Phoenix (corner of Tatum and Mayo boulevards, just south of Loop 101). For general museum information and a full schedule of events, visit MIM.org or call 480-478-6000.
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Arts
June 15 – July 5, 2013
On stage “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” through June 23, PT. The story of America’s first political maverick. A.J. kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States—who cares if he didn’t have permission? For mature audiences only. “Damn Yankees,” through June 29, HCT. The musical retelling of the Faust tale, set in the 1950s when the New York Yankees dominated baseball. A middle-aged, longsuffering fan of the pathetic Washington Senators trades his soul to the devil, becoming young Joe Hardy, the powerful hitter who can lead the Senators to victory. “Shrek the Musical,” through June 30, HTC. Valley Youth Theatre brings this hilarious story about everyone’s favorite ogre to new life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom, Shrek is joined by a talkative donkey, a dragon and dozens of fairytale misfits who help rescue the feisty Princess Fiona from the vertically challenged and “short” tempered Lord Farquaad. “Someday,” 12:10 p.m. June 18-20 & 25-27, HTC. Produced by Annie Moscow, the show is a musical tribute to dreams, procrastinations and those of us who indulge. Part of the Lunch Time Theater series. Comedienne Kristin Key, June 20-23, CSCC. Key has appeared on the TV reality show, “Last Comic Standing,” and began her career at age 19. The daughter of a Christian minister, she favors a self-deprecating, physical and improvisational style of
comedy and incorporates the guitar to create original musical comedy. “Dream On ...” Exhibit Opening, 5-7 p.m. Thu., June 20, AMY. A special free preview featuring multimedia artist, Laura VanDuren. The exhibit opens to the public on June 21 and continues through Sept. 15. “Over Arizona,” 7:30 p.m. Thu., June 20, SMoCA. A film that takes you on an aerial journey that captures the dramatic diversity of Arizona as one of the most incredible landscapes in America. A production of Eight, Arizona PBS and KCTS-TV; presented by No Festival Required.
SWINGIN’ GOOD TIME: Pat Roberts and the Heymakers bring their rockabilly style to the Desert Botanical Garden’s Ullman Terrace on June 21, performing as part of the Music in the Garden Spring Concert Series. The show is for ages 21 and older. Photo courtesy of Electric Lotus Label
Pat Roberts and the Heymakers, 7:30 p.m. Fri., June 21, DBG. Channel your inner cool and have a swinging good time with Arizona’s rockabilly veterans as they perform on the Ullman Terrace. Doors open at 6 p.m.; for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. Cyndi Lauper, 8 p.m. Sat., June 22, TSRB. Lauper burst onto the world stage as the quintessential girl who wants to have fun. After more than 25 years and global record
sales in excess of 30 million, she has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her creative talent going. Comedians Paul Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, 7 p.m. Sun., June 23, IMPROV. Rodriguez’s multi-faceted career includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 45 films and countless television series and comedy specials. Iglesias, well known for his line, “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy,” offers stand-up comedy that is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring all his personal experiences to life. Disney’s “High School Musical,” June 2730, ACT. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Big Pete Pearson, 7:30 p.m. Fri., June 28, DBG. Pearson, Arizona’s King of Blues and an international recording star, closes out the summer music series on the Ullman Terrace. Doors open at 6 p.m.; for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. Kevin Kearn Piano Concert, 7 p.m. Fri., June 28, SPS. Legally blind from birth, Steinway artist and composer Kearn’s melodies exude lyricism, simplicity, the influence of jazz great George Shearing and a strong classical education. The concert is free, however, reservations are required. “The Wiz,” June 28-29 & July 1, QCPAC. Winner of seven Tony awards, this Broadway musical sets Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul. Matinee available on June 29.
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On stage Venue index ACT – Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre 5051 E. Elliot Rd., Phoenix Tickets: 480-705-9319, azact.org AMY – Arizona Museum for Youth 35 N. Robson St., Mesa 480-644-4469, arizonamuseumforyouth.com CSCC – The Comedy Spot Comedy Club 7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale Info: 480-945-4422, thecomedyspot.net DBG – Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix Info: 480-481-8188, dbg.org HCT – Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Info: 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona.com HTC – Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: 602-254-7399, herbergertheater.org IMPROV – Tempe Improv 930 E. University Dr., Tempe Info: 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.com
PT – Phoenix Theatre LT – Little Theatre 100 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix Info: 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com QCPAC – Queen Creek Performing Arts Center 22149 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek Box office: 480-987-7469, qcpac.com SMoCA – Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art LG – Lounge 7373 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Info: 480-874-4666, smoca.org SPS – Steinway Piano Showroom 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale Info: 480-368-8888 TSRB – Talking Stick Resort Ballroom 9800 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale Info: 480-850-7734, talkingstickresort.com
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Arts
June 15 – July 5, 2013
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