Arizona Presenters Alliance Conference Schedule

2023

CONFERENCESCHEDULE

Our conference is jam-packed with thought-provoking and engaging workshops and presentations. Please see our detailed speakerbiosandheadshotsatthebackofthebooklet.

Tuesday,August15

1:00PM

APABOARDMEETING

Reviewofconferenceplanningandyearlyplanning.

Location:OakCreekHospitalitySuite

6:00PM

DINNERatPocoDiabloResort(non-hosted)

Location:WillowsKitchen&WineBarand/orVistaPatio

2023

8:00PM

WELCOMEDESSERTRECEPTION

SponsoredbyAMAZEntertainment

Location:Cottonwood

PLEASENOTE:Schedulesubjecttochange

8:00AM

REGISTRATION&BADGEPICKUP/COFFEE

Location:BallroomFoyer

9:00AM

WELCOME&GREETINGS

Speaker:MichelleMacLennan, PresidentofArizonaPresentersAlliance

CulturalArtsManager,ChandlerArts

9:15AM

SESSIONONE-Keynote

TheArtsAREEvolving

Speaker:LisaRichardsToney, PresidentandCEOofAssociationofPerformingArtsProfessionals

10:15AM BREAK

10:30AM

SESSION2

ArtsActivism/Activation1.0

Paneldiscussiononthenuancesofhowartsinstitutions canservethecommunityintheareasofactivismand activationforsocietaltransformation.Presentedby MichaelReed.

Theconversationwillfocusonquestions:

Isittheresponsibilityofartsinstitutionstoworkinthe areasofactivism?

Howcanartsinstitutionssupporttheactivationof socialtransformation

Howdoartsinstitutionssupportactivismwhilealso promotingdiversity,equityandinclusion.

Panelists:

MichaelReed,SeniorDirectorofProgramsand

OrganizationalInitiativesforASUGammage

ArtistDahlekBrathwaite

ProjectLitProgramManager,TomásStanton.

12:00PM

BUFFETLUNCH

PeteLampron(AcousticGuitar):

BeginningwiththeprogressiverocktrioCrystalTear atage19andthroughmanyyears(andbands) afterthat,PeteLampronhashonedhisvoice. Movingfromprogressivetoclassicrock,blues,and folk,hehasdevelopedanuncannyabilitytofitinto anystyle HehasbeenanartistonNashville's WildOatsRecordsandworkedwithtopnotch

sessionplayersandartistssuchasWalterEgan(hitsongwriter, "MagnetandSteel"),JoelCage(formerlyofSouthsideJohnnyand theAsburyJukes),andmore.Hehasperformedcountlessgigsin bothacousticandelectric,fullband,duo,trio,andsolo configurations.Petelearned,despitehismanyyearsofwriting dozensofsongs,singingandplayingatcountlessgigs,and recordinginnumerousprofessionalstudios,thathisgreatest strengthwaswhenhelethisguitardothetalking.

1:15PM

SESSION3

ArtsActivism/ActivationLivePodcast2.0

In this panel/live podcast discussion, panelists will expand and localize the intentional relationship building that is foundational whenthegoalistoconnectarts,communityandactivism.

Panelists:

Michael Reed, Senior Director of Programs and Organizational InitiativesforASUGammage

ArtistDahlekBrathwaite

ProjectLitProgramManager,TomásStanton

Location:VistaPatio SessionSupportedbyMesaArtsCenter

Entertainmentsponsoredby

2:45PM

SESSION4

RadicalHospitality:CreatingtheBestExperienceswithArtists OnStageandOff

Beyondtechnicalridersandbackstagecateringtopracticesthat buildethicalrelationshipsbetweenartistsandvenues,howdo youcreateanexperiencethatprovidesartistswithsafety, warmth,opennessandauthenticitythatsignificantlyexceeds expectations?Thispanelexploreshowhospitalitycreatesa feelingofbeingcomfortable,acceptedandvaluedandhowto consistentlyexceedexpectationsbyadoptingnewbehaviors.

Facilitator:

JonoGasparro,TourProducer,andCo-FounderofElectric Root

Panelists:

ZachCiaburri,DirectorofProduction,ScottsdaleArts

RobDevine,Food&BeverageCoordinator,ChandlerCenter fortheArts

JeanniaSmith,President,ArizonaCatering

SessionSupportedbyChandlerCenterfortheArts

3:45PMBREAK

4:00PM SESSION5

AncestralListeningExperiencewithMichaelMwenso

Join curator, activist,Co-Founder of Electric Root, and creative artist Michael Mwenso as he leads his highly acclaimed Ancestral Communal Listening Experience. In this joyful and immersivegathering,Mwensowillcreateasenseofcommunity and connection by guiding attendees through recordings of hope by some of the greatest artists of all time. Through this communal experience, Mwenso invites you to come together and re-center through the collective healing, love and nourishingupliftthatisembeddedinBlackrootsmusic.

SessionSupportedbyChandlerCenterfortheArts

6:00PM DinnerwithColleagues(non-hosted)

8:00PM

DARKSKYSTARGAZINGonWillowTerrace

8:30PM

ArizonaArtistsDessertReceptionShowcase

Sponsoredby:

JarabeMexicanocapturesthenostalgicspiritof theirborderrootswiththeirbrandof"BordeñoSoul,"whichhonorsthemusicaltastesand culturalinfluencesofitsmembers.Jarabe,which translatesto‘concoction,'highlightstheeclectic mixofgenrestheyperformrangingfromMexican Folk,Rock&Roll,andNorteño/Tex-MextoLatin Rock,TrioRomántico,andpopularCumbia.Their traditionalMariachistringinstrumentsandNorteño-inspireddrums complementdramaticvocalsinEnglish,Spanish,andSpanglish,and showshowthismulti-generationalensembleembraceschangewhile stillhonoringthepast.

Jarabeisrepresentedby:

SandraBassett isanengaging,entertaining,andgiftedsingerwith apowerfulvocalrangeandasmoothdelivery. OriginallyfromDetroit,MIandnowbasedin Phoenix,AZ,Sandraembracesthemusicalhistory ofherbirthplaceandenjoysperforminginmany styles,includingJazz,R&B,Motown,andBlues.

SandrareceivedafullscholarshipinMusictoattendKentuckyState Universityassheplayed7instruments,andvocals.Throughouther careerSandrahasalwaysworkedtoprovideuniqueexperiences forthosewhoattendherperformances.Sandraisauniqueand versatilemusicianinanysettingandisanaccomplishedpiano& organplayerinadditiontoalsoplayingthealtosax.Heralbum “JustforYou”,featuringbelovedjazzandR&Bstandards,was releasedindependentlyin2018andpromotedheavilywithlive appearancesintheUnitedStatesandJapan.InJanuary2023, Sandrawasselectedandperformedastheopeningactforthe TemptationsattheScottsdalePerformingArtsCenter Shehashad thepleasureofbeingtheopeningactfor#1BillboardSmoothJazz ArtistWillDonato,andhasrecordedwithTop10SmoothJazzArtist SteveOliver.SandraiscurrentlytheCEOofthePhoenixCenterfor theArts.

SandraBassettisrepresentedby:

ArizonaArtistsDessertReceptionShowcaseArtistsContinued

SteveGripp,AtanearlyageStevewasvery interestedinmusic.Spendinghourslisteningto recordsandtheradioandoccasionallysneaking intohissistersroomtolistentoherrecordswhen shewasn’taround.Attheageof12hestarted playingguitar Afastlearner,Stevestarted performingintheMinneapolisareaattheageof 16,assoonashecoulddrivehimselftothegig. AfterhighschoolheattendedMcNallySmith CollegeofMusic,focusedonjazz,theory,and buildinghisrepertoire Stevestudiedwithtopinstructorswhile earningadegreeinguitarperformance.Afterearninghisdegreehe performedlocallywithmanydifferentbandsandartists.Earninga reputationasgreatplayerwhocanhandlemultiplestyleswithease hewassoonplayingwithtoplevelbandsincludingMinnesotaBlues HallofFamesingerBigJohnDickerson HelaterplayedwithKathleen Johnson(Prince)andalsoherbrotherKirkJohnson(Princeandthe NewPowerGeneration/CandyDulfer),performingeverythingfrom tributeshows,TinaMarie,EttaJames,andMauriceWhiteofEWFto nameafew,toacousticduoswiththebestsingersandmusicians anywhere SomeothernotableartistsSteveperformedwithareDave Toliver(MenAtLarge),KeithBrown(NaturalSelection),Gwen Mathews(StevieWonder),GospelartistsRobertRobinson,Sam ReevesandJavontaPatton,MinneapolisjazzlegendDebbieDuncan andbluesrecordingartistJoyanneParker.Recruitedasamusical director/worshipleaderheheldapositionatPeaceLutheranChurch untilheleftMinneapolisin2021.Teachingguitarsincehewas17Steve alsohasanextensiveteachingresumealso.Sincerelocatingto Arizonain2021thismulti-talentedguitaristandvocalisthasbeen performingalloverthePhoenixandTucsonarea.

ArizonaArtistsDessertReceptionShowcaseArtistsContinued

MarkWood,amulti-talentedartist,performer, producer,inventor,Emmyaward-winning composer,andmusiceducationadvocate,has spentthepastfourdecadeselectrifyingthe orchestraindustry.DubbedtheEddieVanHalen oftheViolinWorldbyPBS,Woodisthepremier electricviolinistofhisgenerationwhopioneered andinnovatedtheentiregenre.Woodhas releasedsevensoloalbumsandtourswithhis band,TheMarkWoodExperience(MWE).Wood hascollaboratedwithandappearedalongsidesomeofthebiggest namesinmusic,includingLennyKravitz,CelineDion,andKanyeWest. Wood'scommissioncreditsincludeTheJuilliardSchoolandextensive TVbroadcastmusic,includingTheWinterOlympicsandTheTourde France.Woodbeganhiscareerwithafullscholarshiptothe prestigiousJuilliardSchoolinNewYorkandstudiedunderMaestro LeonardBernsteinattheTanglewoodMusicProgram.Hefirstturned thestringestablishmentonitsheadintheearly1970swithhis inventionofthefirstsolidbodyelectricviolin.WoodViolins,the premiermanufacturerofelectricviolins,violas,andcellosworldwide, holdsthepatentforthefirst-everself-supportingviolin Hissignature electricviolininvention,theViper,istheinstrumentofchoicefor manyoftheworld'stopstringplayers.Wood'struepassionismusic education.HisgroundbreakingprogramElectrifyYourSymphony (EYS)celebratedits20thanniversaryin2020andpivotedentirelyto supportmusicteachersbyprovidingempoweringonlineexperiences duringthepandemic.Woodrunshisoperationsalongsidehiswife, businesspartnerLauraKaye,andrunstheannualMarkWoodRock OrchestraCampandFestival.TheMarkWoodMusicFoundation,a 501(c)(3)charitableorganizationdedicatedtosupportingmusicand theartsinAmerica'sunderservedcommunities.

MarkWoodisrepresentedby:

ARIZONAPRESENTERSALLIANCE ABOUTAPA

APAMission

TheArizonaPresentersAlliance(APA)is anorganizationofArizonaarts presentersthathavecometogetherto advancetheperformingartsinArizona andintheirlocalcommunities.Through professionalnetworkinganddevelopmentopportunitiespresentersare abletoenhancetheirprofessional success. TheAPAhostsseveralcareer developmentmeetingsforprofessional growthaswellasanannualconferencewhereideasandrelationshipsare built.

UpcomingGatheringatWAA

Join Arizona Presenters Alliance for an informal lunch-time meet-up at the Western Arts Alliance Conference in Seattle on September 6 Lunch is nohost.

Sep06,11:45AM–1:15PMPDT

YardHouse

15014thAve

Seattle,WA98101

PHOTO:BettyHumPhotography CourtesyScottsdaleArts. DanielBaudendistelMasterclass

6:00AM

EARLYMORNINGHIKEtotheWindCaves

Leader:StaceyBailey,ASUKerr

8:00AM

REGISTRATION&BADGEPICKUP/COFFEE

Location:BallroomFoyer

9:00AM

Celebrating25YearsofAPA!

Acknowledgement,AppreciationandWhat'sNext

AsAPAmarksits25thannualconference,jointhemembershipby honoringandappreciatingthededicatedartsprofessionalswho havekepttheorganizationstrong,includingfounders,formerboard members,volunteers,partners,andsponsors.

APArecognizestheseindividuals'dedicationtoencouraging professionalexcellenceandknowledge-sharingthroughoutthe stateofArizona TheAPAboardwillbeseekinginputandsharing opportunitiestogetinvolvedwhilesettingacourseforwhatisnext fortheorganization.

SESSION6

StorytellingintheArts:

FosteringEmpathyandCreatingCommunity

Storytellingisatime-honoredwaytobuildrelationshipsbothwithin yourorganizationandwithyourbroadercommunity.Butwhat storieswillyoutell?InthisworkshopKyleMitchellandLizWarrenwill engageyouinthestorymakingandstorytellingprocess,aswellas provideyouwithsomebestpracticesonhowtoimplementyour storiesinprofessionalcontextsandhowtoelicitstoriesfromothers

Speakers:

9:45AM 11:00AMBREAK/CheckOut

KyleMitchell,Diné(Navajo)storyteller,educatorandveteran

LizWarren,SouthMountainCommuintyCollegeStorytelling Institute

11:15AM

SESSION7

EmpoweringPartnerships:StrengtheningCollaborationbetween SchoolsandArtsOrganizationsforPostCOVID-19StudentNeeds Inthispaneldiscussion,youwillengagewitheducatorsand administratorsfromschooldistrictsandartsorganizationsina livelydiscussionabouthowtheartscanimprovethelearningloss andneedsofstudentspost-Covid-19.Youwillhearwaysthatarts organizationscanactivelyparticipateintheprocessofhealing, thinkdifferentlyabouthowtoapproachworkthrougheffective partnerships,andevenfindwaystofundthesenewinitiatives throughsharedopportunities Evenifyoucurrentlypartnerwith schooldistrictsinyourcommunity,thisdiscussionwillhelpyoufind waystomakethosepartnershipsevenmoreimpactful.

Facilitator:

NatalieMarsh,DirectorofScottsdaleArtsLearningand Innovation,ScottsdaleArts

Panelists:

MichelleIrvin,CoordinatorforFineArtsandPhysicalEducation, ScottsdaleUnifiedSchoolDistrict

DustinLoehr,FederalConsultantandExecutiveAssistanttothe ArizonaDanceEducationAssociation

JordanWiley-Hill,Manager,OutreachandEducation, FoxTucsonTheatre.

SessionSupportedbyScottsdaleArts

12:15PM

TOWNHALLSESSION

JoinaconversationaboutthefutureofArtsinArizona.Signupfor a3-minutepitchaboutyourorganization,collaborationidea, challenge,orsuccessstoryandhearfeedbackfromyourfellow Arizonacolleagues.

12:45PM

BUFFETLUNCH

Location:VistaPatio

2:15PM

SESSION8

FiresideChatwithWESTAF,AZCommissionontheArtsandthe AZCitizensfortheArts

Findoutwhatishappeningregionallyandlocallyfromleadersin thefield.

Facilitator:

TeniquaBroughton,CEOofVerveSimoneConsultingand Chair,BoardofTrustees,WESTAF

Panelists:SessionSupportedbyMesaArtsCenter ontheArts

JackyAlling,InterimExecutiveDirector,ArizonaCommission

ChristianGaines,ExecutiveDirector,WESTAF PatrickMcWhorter,CEO,ArizonaCitizensfortheArts

3:30PM

CLOSINGREMARKS/SILENTAUCTIONWINNERANNOUNCEMENT

4:15PM

CLOSINGRECEPTION

Location:MaryD.FisherTheater,2030WestStateRoute89A

Join us for the closing reception of the 25th Annual Arizona

Presenters Alliance Conference, sponsored by the Sedona International Film Festival! As the conference draws to a close, we invite all attendees to relax and unwind while enjoying light refreshmentsandaselectionofshortfilms.

SponsoredbySedonaInternationalFilmFestivalTheatres

LisaRichardsToney -KEYNOTESPEAKER becamePresidentandCEOofAPAPon July1,2020.Ms.RichardsToneybrings morethan20yearsofexperienceleading arangeofsmallandlargeartsand humanitiesorganizations,managing change,andbuildingstability.Shemost

recentlyservedasExecutiveDirectoroftheAbramson ScholarshipFoundation,wheresheincreasedfundingand steeredthefoundationthroughaperiodofchange managementinprogramming,finance,development,and governance.Shealsoimprovedthescholarexperienceby curatinginnovativeprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesin financialliteracy,professionalvisioning,andmentalhealth awarenesswhileutilizingprofessionalnetworkstobuild exposureforscholarspursuingcareersinthearts AsDeputy

DirectorandlaterInterimExecutiveDirectoroftheDC CommissionontheArtsandHumanities,sheworkedtirelessly onbehalfofthediverseresidentartistsandartsorganizations oftheDistrictofColumbia.Heradditionalleadershipexperience includesDirector,LiteraturetoLifeatTheAmericanPlace TheatrewhereshepresentedperformancesattheJohnF. KennedyCenterforthePerformingArtsandTheLibraryof Congress;andthefirstExecutiveDirectoroftheDebbieAllen DanceAcademy.

Ms.RichardsToneywasrecentlynamedoneof“TheNext50”as partofthe50thanniversarycelebrationoftheJohnF.Kennedy CenterforthePerformingArts.Shecurrentlyservesasthe StrategicPlanningChairoftheMosaicTheatreCompanyofDC andCo-ChairoftheDCChapterofJackandJillofAmerica’s JumokeBlackHistoryFestival.Shewaspreviouslyabooking andproducingconsultantforcellistOkorie“OkCello”Johnson, consultantfortheReeltoReelFilmmaker’sProjectforthePrince George’sCountyArtsCouncil,andprovidedtourmanagement andplanningsupportforMovingForwardDance Company/DanaTaiSoonBurgess.ShereceivedherBachelorof ArtsDegreeinDramaandEnglishasaPresidentialScholarfrom SpelmanCollege,aMasterofArtsDegreeasaJohnBeinecke ScholarinArtsEducationfromNewYorkUniversity,andwas awardedaThomasJ.WatsonFellowshiptostudyBlackDance inLondon,aswellasaVilarArtsManagementFellowshipwith theJohnF.KennedyCenterforthePerformingArts.

SpeakerBiosContinued

JackyAlling(FiresideChat)

JackyAllingcurrentlyservesastheInterim ExecutiveDirectoroftheArizonaCommissionon theArts,a56-year-oldStateagencythat conductsprograms,research,andstrategic grantmakingtostrengthenArizona communitiesthrough thearts Shealsoserves astheSeniorFellowforPhilanthropyfortheASU

LodestarCenterforPhilanthropyandNonprofitInnovation.Jacky previouslyworkedfortheArizonaCommunityFoundation(ACF)fortwo decades,firstasaconsultanttodesignandimplementastatewide “ArtsintheSchools,ArtsintheCommunity”strategicinitiative Following that,sheservedastheVicePresidentofProgramsandthentheChief PhilanthropyOfficercollaboratingwithmanytolead,design,and implementsomeofACF’smostinnovativeprogramsinaffordable housing,impactloans,communitydevelopment,education, endowmentbuilding,andartsandculture.PriortoACF,Jackyservedas theExecutiveDirectoroftheArizonaAllianceforArtsEducation,a statewideadvocacyorganizationaffiliatedwiththeKennedyCenter’s nationalartseducationnetwork.Beforethat,sheworkedatASUCultural AffairsandthenatthePhoenixBoysChoirfocusingonbuildingcultural participation,education,andoutreachprograms.Jackyhasservedon manyboardsincludingtheArizonaGrantmakersForum,Allianceof ArizonaNonprofits,ArizonansforCulturalDevelopment,andnumerous supportingfoundationsatACF.JackycurrentlyservesastheCo-chair oftheBoardofSocialVenturePartners,ontheArtsandCulture CommitteeofthePhoenixCommunityAlliance,ontheCohnFundfor heArizonaTownHallBoard

DahlakBrathwait(Art/Activation1.0&2.0) isanaward-winningdramaticauteur: playwright,composer,performer,director,and filmmaker.HisworkhasbeenpresentedatThe Smithsonian,BrooklynAcademyofMusic,The KennedyCenter,LincolnCenter,REDCAT,MCA Chicago,ArsNova,ThePublicTheater,The Apollo,SXSW,byCreativeTime,andonHBO’sl asttwoseasonsofRussellSimmonsPresentsDefPoetry.Dahlak’strilogy ofworks-Spiritrials(soloplay),Try/Step/Trip(musical),Adapting History(documentaryfilm)-takeapersonallookintothecriminal justicesystemandtherelationshipbetweenBlackAmericanmusicand BlackAmericansubjugation.Developmentoftheworkhasbeen supportedbyCalArts,OregonShakespeareFestival,VictoryGardens, andMontalvoArtsCenter.Dahlakhasreceivedawardsandsupport fromNEFA,theDorisDukeFoundation,TheU.S.StateDepartment,NYU Tisch,andMAPFund HewasaCreativeCapitalfinalistandaUnited StatesArtistnominee.HeisagraduateofNYU’sGraduateMusical TheatreWritingProgram,wherehewasawardedtheDean’sFull-Tuition Fellowship,andservedastheAssistantDirectorforthenationaltourof theTony-winningrevivalofOklahoma!

SpeakerBiosContinued

TeniquaBroughton(FiresideChatFacilitator)

In2014,VerveSimoneConsultingwas establishedtoexpandmycapacityandusemy influenceasacommunityleadertoimpactthe issuesandtopicsmostdeartomyheart Today, VerveSimonecontinuestoleadforchangeas displayedbymynotedleadershipinthe nonprofitsectorwithnonprofitformationandbuildingorganizational capacityfromzerotoscale.Suchworkisevidentinpartnershipwiththe StateofBlackArizona,AllianceforArizonaNonprofits;theArizonaOpera: LOUD!(LivingOpera,UnderstandingDiversity)andinorganizingand facilitatingavarietyofleadershipworkshopsfocusedonequity readiness,coachingandassessmentsthatresultinorganizational strategyrecommendations.Ihavegarnerednumerousawardsformy contributions,themostrecentbeingnameda2023"TitanofIndustry" I haveamaster’sineducationaladministrationandsupervision,and certificatesasacertifiednonprofitaccountingprofessional(CNAP), nonprofitleadershipandmanagement,andequityandinclusion.

ZachCiaburri(RadicalHospitalityPanel)

isaliveperformancedesignerandartsadministratorcurrently workingastheDirectorofProductionforScottsdaleArts.Inhisroleas DirectorofProductionatScottsdaleArtsheoverseestheartist servicesteamthatprovidesartisthospitalityforeventsatthe ScottsdaleCenterforthePerformingArts,ScottsdaleCivicCenterLive, CanalConvergenceandotherevents Priortohisappointmentas DirectorofProductionheservedasproductionmanagerandinterim artistservicesmanageranddirectlyhandledartistservicesfor ScottsdaleArts.Zachisalsoaworkingartistforcollaboratorsoutside ofScottsdaleArts.Mostrecently,Zachdesignedanewshowforthe SowetoGospelChoir HehasalsocollaboratedwithGoogle,Nike,and theartistsoftheTangoFireandDancingwiththeUniverseensembles. Heisaproudresidentofthedesertwholikestodraw,read,andeatin hisfreetime.

RobDevine(RadicalHospitalityPanel)

aMichigannative,hasbeenworkinginthe hospitalityindustryformorethan35years.His exceptionalhospitalityskillswererecognizedat theyoungageof22whenhewastappedbythe CorporateHiltonHotel&Resort,responsiblefor managingandtrainingastaffofover75 employees.Afterfiveyearsinthatrole,he movedtoCaliforniatoworkatJerry’sFamousDeli,whichcateredtoa celebrityclientele.In2014,hejoinedtheChandlerCenterfortheArts, wherehetookasmallvolunteer-ledconcessionsprogramandcreated thethrivingfoodandbeverageprogramitistoday,realizinga177% growthinrevenues.

SpeakerBiosContinued

RobDevinecontinued...

Rob’scareforartistsbackstageconsistentlyreceivesravereviewsfrom themostexperiencedtourmanagersandartiststothosejuststarting out Hetreatsthebusdrivertotheheadlinerwiththesameattention andcare. Hisoutstandingpeopleskillsareevidentbytheloyaltyofhis tea Afterthepandemic,everycontractworkreturned,resultinginzero vacancies.Votedonbyhispeers,RobwasnamedEmployeeoftheYear fortheCityofChandlerin2022.

ChristianGaines(FiresideChat) joinedWESTAFasitsexecutivedirectorin January2019.Afilm,arts,andtechnologyleader withexperienceinthenonprofitandfor-profit sectors,Gaineshasheldleadershippositionsat theSundanceFilmFestival,theHawai’i InternationalFilmFestival,andtheAmerican FilmInstitute.Forfiveyears,heranbusiness

developmentatWithoutabox,afilmexecutivedirectorofArtPrize,a disruptiveinternationalartcompetitionheldinGrandRapids,Michigan. Duringthistime,heservedasacouncilmemberontheMichiganArts andCulturalAssemblyofStateArtsAgencies(NASAA).Gainesis passionateaboutbringingopportunitiestoartists,creatingjoyful spaces,andinspiringteamstodotheirbestwork

JonoGasparro(RadicalHospitalityFacilitator) wasborninCleveland,OH.Hehasfifteenyears ofexperienceinthemusicandperformingarts specializinginproducingandcuratingliveBlack Rootsmusic Hehasanimpassionedbeliefto healandupliftcommunitiesoftheUnitedStates throughthepowerofmusicanditsabilityto transcendage,race,socioeconomic,or educationallevelsandpoliticallines Jonostartedhisprofessional careerasthepersonalassistantandspecialprojectsmanagerto WyntonMarsalis,followedbylaunchingseveralinitiativesatJazzat LincolnCenter,includingthefirstlivewebcastingplatformofitskind, whichreachedhundredsofthousandsofaudiencemembersacross theglobe JonowasthenhiredbyfamedchefMarcusSamuelssonto betheDirectorofMusicforRedRoosterHarlem&Ginny’sSupperClub andfoundedJMGLive,acompanythatproducedandcuratedover 7,000performancesinNYCandtouredshowsthatperformedinover 100performingartscentersacrosstheUnitedStates

SpeakerBiosContinued

DustinLoehr(EducationPanelist)

isanArizonanativededicatedtoadvancing artseducationacrosseverycommunity. HeservedastheDirectorofArtsEducation& TitleIV-AwiththeArizonaDepartmentof Educationforthepastfiveyears,receivingthe 2021ArizonaLeadersoftheYearAwardinArts andCulturefromtheArizonaCapitolTimes

LoehrcurrentlyworksasaFederalConsultant,supportingnationaland federalArtsEducationandArtsResearchprogramsandinitiatives.In February2023,LoehrwasnamedtheExecutiveAssistanttotheArizona DanceEducationOrganization(AzDEO).AzDEOistheofficial stateaffiliateoftheNationalDanceEducationOrganizationandisthe onlyArizona-basednon-profitsolelydedicatedtosupportingArizona DanceEducatorsandtheirstudents Loehrisarecognized FederalProgramsexperthavingimplementedandmanagedArizona's TitleIV-Aprogramming,servingastheStateLiaisontotheU.S. DepartmentofEducationandelectedWell-RoundedEducationChair withtheNationalTitleIV-ACoalition.Apartfromhisadministrativeand policywork,Loehrisapracticingperformingandsoloartist Celebrated forcombiningspokenwordwithtapdancing,Loehrhaspresentedhis originalauto-biographicalperformancesacrossthevalleyandhas beenfeaturedinnumerousstorytellingtextsandonnationalfestival stages.HeisanAriZoninominatedDirector,Choreographer,and Designerandhasdeeprootsinthecommunityartseducationspaces asateachingartist.Dustinliveswithhisartisticcollaboratorandwife CailaRochelleandtheir5children

NatalieMarsh(EducationPanelFacilitator) iscurrentlytheDirectorofLearning&Innovation atScottsdaleArts Asapassionatearts advocateandeducator,workingforthe organizationcombinesherexperienceand enthusiasmforbuildingvibrant,healthy communitiesthroughopportunitiesthat connectdiverseaudiencestoartsandculture.

MarshreceivedherMAinMuseumStudiesfromJohnsHopkins UniversitywithafocusondigitalengagementandherBFAandK-12 educationcertificatefromtheUniversityofMichiganandEastern MichiganUniversity SheisamemberofScottsdaleLeadership,Class33, andchairoftheboardoftrusteesforTheOpportunityTree.

SpeakerBiosContinued

PatrickMcWhorter(FiresideChat)

istheCEOofArizonaCitizensfortheArts,the state’spremiergrassrootsadvocateforthe creativeeconomy Along-timechangeagent, PatrickhaslednonprofitssuchastheAllianceof ArizonaNonprofits,CosantiFoundationand NPowerArizona.Hehasabackgroundin legislativeadvocacyattheArizonaLegislature andonCapitolHillinWashingtonDCforthearts,nonprofits,education, andenvironmentalcauses.Heisalsoanadvocateforelectoralreform, havingbuiltastatewidegrassrootsnetworkthroughOpenPrimaries.He isalsoprovidedadvocacy,strategy,andleadershipconsultingtoa widevarietyofnonprofits Throughhisconsultingfirm,LeadforChange, Patrickfacilitatesandsupportsamonthlyleadershipdevelopment cohortofnonprofitexecutives Hehasservedonalargenumberand diversevarietyofnonprofitboardsofdirectors,includingHerberger Theater,KidsVotingArizona,andpastChairoftheBoardoftheNational CouncilofNonprofits,amongmanyothers.Healsoteachesnonprofit, publicpolicyandpoliticalsciencecoursesatArizonaStateUniversity. HeisaninauguralFlinn-BrownCivicLeadershipAcademyFellowanda 2004graduateofValleyLeadership.Patrickhasthreegrownchildren andliveswithhiswifeinCaveCreek

KyleMitchell(Storytelling)

isDiné(Navajo),Storyteller,Educator,and Veteran.Hegrewuponthereservationwithhis grandparents,wherehelearnedthefamily’s workethicalongwithoraltraditioneveryday. Aftergraduatinghighschool,heenlistedinto theArmywhereheservedtwotours–oneinIraq andoneinAfghanistan Afterhisdischargefrom themilitary,hedecidedtopursuehishighereducationatSouth MountainCommunityCollegeandlaterwentontoArizonaState University.KyleiscurrentlytheProgramManagerforSouthMountain CommunityCollege’sVicePresidentofAcademicAffairs,managing extendedcampusesinGuadalupeandLaveen,andadjunctfaculty memberoftheStorytellingInstituteatSMCC.Mitchellbelievesthat sharingthepoweroforaltraditionscanreinforceasenseofselfidentityforindividualsandbreakdownstereotypestowardsIndigenous communities

SpeakerBiosContinued

MichaelMwenso(AncestralListening)

wasborninSierraLeonebutspenthisteenage yearshangingoutatthelegendaryjazzclub RonnieScott’sinLondon.Inhisyouth,hebegan honinghisskillsasamusicianandperformer JamesBrownallottedspaceforhimtosingand danceathisLondonshows.

In202,friendandjazzmusicianWyntonMarsalis broughtMichaeltoNewYorkCitytoserveasacuratorand programmingassociateatJazzatLincolnCenterwherehealso bookednightlysetsatDizzy’sClubCoca-Cola.Overthenextfew years,hebookedandperformedwiththelikesofCécileMcLorin Salvant,JonBatiste,AaronDiehl,SullivanFortner,andJamisonRoss. Throughtheseperformances,Michaelbegantocollaboratewitha widevarietyofJulliard-trainedmusiciansthatsoonbecameknown asTheShakes.Thisuniquegroupofglobalartistspresentsmusicthat mergesentertainmentandartistrywithaformidabletimelineofjazz andbluesthroughAfricanandAfro-Americanmusic.In2019,Mwenso andTheShakesreleasedtheirdebutalbum,Emergence[TheProcess ofComingintoBeing],towidespreadcriticalpraise.

Michaelhasbeenaculturalambassadorandartistinresidenceat theUniversityatBuffalo’sArtsCollaboratoryandguestprofessorof BlackmusicatPennStateUniversityandMiamiUniversity.

MichaelReed (ArtActivism/Activation1.0&2.0)

hasworkedwithASUGammagesinceretiringin 1995fromaninternationaldancecareerwith LesBalletsdeMonteCarlo,LesGrandsBallets Canadiens,andBostonBallet.Mr.Reedoversees programmingandcultural participation/educationprogramsforASU

GammageanddirectsalloperationsforASUKerr Michaelhasworked withtheBroadwaycompaniesofHamilton(restartedAngelica CompanyNationalTourpost-covid),TheLionKing,Wicked,ToKilla Mockingbird,TheBookofMormon,August:OsageCounty,Fela,and manyothers.AtASUGammage,Michaelhasco-producedtheworld premieresofLarissaFastHorse’sNativeNation(CornerstoneTheater), AnneBogart/SitiCompany’sWhoDoYouThinkYouAre?,andMeredith Monk’sImpermanence MichaelisacurrentboardViceChairof AssociationofPerformingArtsProfessionals(APAP)andhasbeena BritishCouncilShowcaseDelegateatEdinburghFringeFestivalaswell asinvitedspeakertotheChineseAssociationofPerformingArts(CAPA), TheAustralianCouncilfortheArts/Adelaide,TheCanadaCouncilforthe Arts,andGatewaystotheAmericas/MexicoCity Mr Reed’sawards includeWesternArtsAlliance’sLeadershipAward,100BlackMen CommunityServiceAward,andtheASUChicano&LatinoFacultyand StaffAssociationCesarChavezCommunityServiceAward.

SpeakerBiosContinued

JeanniaSmith(RadicalHospitality)

AnASUGraduateinCommunications,Jeannia SmithstartedwithArizonaCateringin2003as theSalesandMarketingManager.Fromthere, shehasgrowntobethePresidentofArizona Catering,wheretheyfocusonartistand backstagecateringatmajoreventsinthe Southwestregion.Nominatedfor“Best BackstageCaterer”byPollstar,theyarecommittedtoworkingwith theartistandtheirentireteamtoprovidealltheirhospitalityneeds Shetrulyisa“peopleperson”andlovesthechallengesthatworkingin liveeventsbrings

TomásStanton(ArtActivism/Activation)

Apoet,writer,teachingartist,andcommunity activist,Tomasisateaching-artistdedicatedto advancingtheartsofspokenwordandHipHop asaplatformforyouthdevelopmentandcivic engagement.Co-FounderofPhoenix’spremiere youthspokenwordensemble,PhoneticSpit, Tomásuseship-hoppedagogytoinspire

youthtoboldlyexpressthemselvesthroughpoetry,dance,andtheater Hisworkandteachingstyleisrootedinhischildhoodexperiencesof povertyandsingleparenthousehold,politicalissues,identity,andlove. HeistheProgramManagerforProjectLitatMesaArtsCenter

LizWarren(Storytelling)

isthefacultydirectorandoneofthefoundersof theSouthMountainCommunityCollege StorytellingInstituteinPhoenix,Arizona. Followingitsinception,theInstitutehasreceived multipleawardsincludingtheMaricopa CommunityColleges2016DiversityAwardand NewTimesBestofPhoenixaward.Hertextbook,

TheOralTraditionToday:AnIntroductiontotheArtofStorytellingis usedatcollegesaroundthenationandsheistheauthoroftwo publicationsfromtheVitalystHealthFoundation:Apolicybrief, StorytellingasaCatalystforSystemsChange,andaworkbook, StorytellingforResidentLeaders.Shehasservedasanadvisorfor Gannett’snationwideStorytellersProjectfrom2011to2022andhas coordinatedtwoseriesofpublicstorytellingworkshopssponsoredby MayorKateGallego’soffice:PhoenixHerstoriesandLGBTQStorytelling andStoryCircles LizisalsotherecipientofTheArizonaHumanities CouncilDanSchillingAwardasthe2018HumanitiesPublicScholarand theAmericanAssociationofCommunityColleges'DaleParnell DistinguishedFacultyAward.

JordanWiley-Hill(EducationPanelist) isaprofessionalstoryteller,educator,and programdeveloper Hemanagestheoutreach andeducationactivitiesofthehistoricFox TucsonTheatre,wherehehasachanceto manifesthisdeeppassionforcommunity partnershipsandimpact.

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