Images Arizona September 2019

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September 2019

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STEPHEN KELLOGG AND WILL HOGE

Monday, September 30 | 7 p.m. $38.50–$48.50

“The best live act you’ve never seen.”

—CBS Radio Upcoming Concerts Across the Sea Featuring Jeff Peterson, Greg Sardinha, and Tsun-Hui Hung September 12 Lúnasa September 14 Southern Avenue September 16 Candy Dulfer October 2 & 3 Bettye LaVette October 8 Acoustic Alchemy October 15 And many more!

Alvino Rey’s 1932 Electr0 A-25

INVENTING AN AMERICAN ICON

Closing September 15!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

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MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

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WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC Writer Amanda Christmann Product Photography by Carl Schultz

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Amanda Christmann

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AUTUMNAL ALLURE Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Paul Gill

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UPPING THE ANTE Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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CANYON ON CANVAS Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Grand Canyon Conservancy

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CAPRESE SUMMER FLATBREAD Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2019 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Local First A R I Z O NA

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Though it isn’t the holiday season, it’s that fantastic time when curtains open and stage lights shine! The performing arts season is here, and there are few better places to enjoy it than the Valley of the Sun. We’re happy to feature some of the most prolific performing arts organizations in our area in this month’s Images Arizona magazine.

We’ve highlighted the seasons of ProMusica Arizona, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Musicfest, and Phoenix Chorale, but they provide just a few of the great opportunities to enjoy the talents of local, national and international musicians, actors and performers across the Valley in the coming months.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t make special mention of the many smaller independent theater companies and musicians that fill our communities with creativity. I am consistently astounded by the level of talent shown by our friends and neighbors who perform on small local stages.

Whether they’re acting in local theater or making music in restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of gifted people here in our little corner of the world.

The arts are more than just entertainment. They define who we are as individuals, as a community and as a country. They challenge us, inspire us and unite us, and I couldn’t be more excited to experience them once again with you!

Cheers!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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imagesarizona.com

Ivy Necklace Dancing in the Rain karat Se pte m b18 er 2 019 gold with diamonds

O N E

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A N N I V E R S A R Y

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Meet renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego,

whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable. Be the first to see Laura’s

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newest creations at our annual event.

Private Design Collection Her exquisite 18-karat gold creations are one-of-a-kind. Just like you.

October 11 & 12

Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with wine & appetizers 4–8 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

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Located in Historic Spanish Village 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Open Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

480.575.8080

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Writer Amanda Christmann Product Photography by Carl Schultz

I

In the days before all that is, DinĂŠ people emerged from the third world and into the fourth. It was a time when monsters roamed the land, devouring people and creating chaos.

Spider Woman, who lived at the top of Spider Rock, loved the humans, so she sent other deities to guide and teach them. Her husband, Spider Man, constructed the first weaving loom, and it was Spider Woman who taught the DinĂŠ to weave, giving them a way to clothe and protect themselves.

It is stories of Spider Woman and other spirits, passed along for generation through songs, dances and ceremonies, that have shaped Navajo history. Traditions deeply rooted in these legends have become part of the DinĂŠ way of life. Navajo weaving is among the most vivid examples.

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The DinĂŠ have always been weavers, but over time, straw baskets turned into simple shoulder wraps and dresses. With each generation, new ideas evolved into new materials, designs and uses. All the while, weaving was, and still is, a process that connects the human spirit to the earth and sky.

Jeremy Mueller Ins Agcy Inc Jeremy R Mueller, Agent 23341 N Pima Rd Suite D139 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Bus: 480-515-5223

It was a pivotal era in history when Spanish colonizers brought sheep to the Desert Southwest. While weaving had always been sacred, the use of wool deepened the tradition. Master weavers could now raise sheep, treat their fleece and spin it into wool thread. They could then dye the thread and weave it into rugs and other textiles.

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Throughout the process, weavers respect their sheep, blessing them for their contributions and acknowledging Spider Woman and the earth, sky, and generations who came before who passed along knowledge and skills.

Weaving only grew more important as European colonizers marched on—and over—Navajo lands and culture. After their homes and way of life had been taken away, it was weaving that gave Diné people something to trade for food, supplies and the basics they needed to survive.

Johnson explains: “I am not an expert, but I am a student of Navajo history, to a degree.

From what I understand, in about 1868, the U.S. government rounded up all of the Navajo. They went on the Long March, a forced evacuation, and were removed from their own reservation onto a smaller one.

They didn’t have any native wool, so they made what were Mexican rugs with machinemade yarn.

“In 1890, they were allowed to return to their old Red Rocks Country. The weavers were familiar with weaving, and where else were they going to get clothes?

“At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, the new design period that we talk about today began. The rugs that were made began to have such a mixture of designs and colorful elements that they were called ‘eye dazzlers.’ They were so beautiful.”

When Ken Johnson bought his first Navajo rug in 1958, he didn’t know much about it, or the hundreds of years of history behind it.

“At the time, I was a beginning reporter for the Grand Junction, Colorado newspaper,” he says. “I was making about $8 an hour, and the rug cost about a week’s pay.”

Johnson had no idea if his rug was worth anything special (it wasn’t). Still, he liked it and decided to invest in a few more.

“My first rugs were quite cheap,” he says with a laugh. “I started being more selective

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after a little while. I learned more about the colors—the vivid colors of Nativewoven rugs captivated me.”

A man named Ed Austin would change things for Johnson. Austin was a salesman for a provisions company that was slowly dying. He’d found a market for his canned goods and wares on the reservation, where he’d drive along winding dirt roads from one unmarked trading post to the next, swapping goods for rugs.

“He went all over selling Indian rugs out of his trunk, from Durango to Monument Valley,” Johnson says.

“The trading posts had excess rugs they wanted to sell. They didn’t have Amazon in those days, so people had to go to those old posts to find them.

Of course, in the early days, unless you lived on the reservation, you wouldn’t know how to get to the trading posts if you wanted to.”

There was also not a lot of demand for Navajo rugs in the mid-20th century.

“

It is rare to have more than 30 pieces from a personal collection

“

all in one place,

particularly because

each rug and tapestry represents a piece of history.

“Unless you were a gallery, there really wasn’t a market for them,” Johnson says. “Ed was able to buy rugs quite cheaply and pass them on to his other customers quite cheaply. He helped the traders and the Navajo by doing it.”

Over the next decade, Johnson bought two to three rugs to as many as 30 from Austin each year. He learned to how to feel of the weaving and learned how the various colors work together with the designs. He came to recognize an exceptional rug when he saw it.

WHEN CULTURES COLLIDE From the Navajo perspective, traders like Austin were a mixed blessing. On one hand, they created a market. Traders saw profits; weavers often saw their work as a way to maintain their spiritual craft while putting food on the table.

On the other, traders recognized that there was a limited market for traditional Navajo rugs. They began to heavily influence the look, feel and design of the rugs by requiring tighter weaves, more vivid colors and natural dyes.

Styles were developed around traders like John Moore at Two Gray Hills in New Mexico and Juan Hubbell, who operated a trading post in Ganado.

These traders became critical to Navajo survival, and also became part of the community. Though there was money to be made, they still often grew to care about people in the communities where they lived.

Traders also pushed weavers to create designs that were, by Navajo tradition, not meant to be used. That’s because some symbols were too sacred for the loom.

Johnson made a rather unusual find when he stumbled upon an undated rug with kachinas and symbols representing the four directions, along with other spiritual connotations.

In Navajo culture, the details in that rug are woven, and therefore a permanent depiction, of a sandpainting—something that simply wasn’t done in years gone by.

Of course, any interpretation of sandpaintings made by someone outside of the Navajo tribe is colored through a cultural lens, so a simplified explanation about what happens during a spiritual ceremony using them would be inaccurate at a minimum.

Sandpaintings are just as the name infers— colored sand used to paint a picture.

They are used in spiritual ceremonies, particularly when someone is sick. A passable explanation would be that spirits are summoned to help heal the person, and then the sandpainting is destroyed, releasing the spirits into the wind.

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To make a sandpainting permanent is to break natural law. The spirits cannot be released. Diné people believe that, if you break natural law, you will walk into the chaos you have released in the future.

The sandpainting rug that Johnson found was likely influenced by the will of the trader. Woven sometime in the middle of the last century, the trader probably requested the design because he knew it would sell. It was probably not something that the weaver’s family would have condoned.

Yet there it was. Johnson bought it.

Through the years, he collected several sandpainting rugs. Some he sold, but the majority have become part of a fantastic personal collection of fine and often rare Navajo textiles.

He, too, has learned to respect the traditions, processes and talent that go into making each rug. Now in his eighth decade, the rugs and their history have become part of his own life story.

“I still have rugs in my office and in my master walk-in closet,” he explains. “Every morning when I go in there, it just brightens my whole day to see those wonderful, vivid colors. To be able to put my bare feet on it does something for me.”

Sandpaintings are just as the name infers— colored sand used to paint a picture.

THE COLLECTION “After 1968 or 1969, I had about 450 rugs,” he says. “Through the years, we just kept them.

“Twenty years later, we were living in Redstone, Colorado. It was a time warp. There were about 90 people living in it. It had been an old coal and steel baron’s idea to have his English countryside estate. The mansion, now called Redstone Castle, was built as a retreat in this remote 7,000-foot-elevation valley with the Crystal River running through it.

EXPERIENCE Ken Johnson Collection of Navajo Rugs Oct. 4, 5 | Grace Renee Gallery | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree. i m a g e s a r i z|ogracereneegallery.com n a . c o m Se pte m b e r 2 019 16480-575-8080

“There was a general store there, so they started selling some of our rugs.

We sold about 80 rugs within a couple of years.”

Johnson whittled down his collection by giving some away to loved ones and selling others along the way.

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“My collection is winnowed down to about 55 rugs,” he says. “We ended up with some incredibly valuable rugs and it’s a very unique collection.”

Remarkably, Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree now has more than 30 of these high-quality rugs and tapestries, with others available by catalog. They represent regional master weavers from Two Gray Hills, Teec Nos Pos, Crystal, Red Rock Trading and others.

“When they arrived last month, people began hearing by word of mouth that they were here,” says Shelly Spence, the gallery’s owner. “Their quality is exceptional, and collectors began coming in with magnifying glasses to see them. What they’re telling me is that these are some of the best quality Navajo rugs they’ve found. I’m really honored that Ken has chosen our gallery to sell them.”

S C H E D U L E YO U R F I T T I N G N O W.

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It is rare to have more than 30 pieces from a personal collection all in one place, particularly because each rug and tapestry represents a piece of history.

“Generations of knowledge are built into each rug,” says Johnson. “They represent a way of life that we can all appreciate.

“They really are special.” gracereneegallery.com

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— HAND-CRAFTED NAVAJO RUGS —

OCTOBER 4 & 5

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Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Hand-Crafted Collection Navajo Rugs Circa 1930-1950’s

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For centuries, Navajo weavers have preserved their culture and history in the carefully oven strands of rugs and other textiles. A collection of authentic Navajo rugs amassed over 70 years is now featured at Grace Renee Gallery.

— LAURA BICEGO’S PRIVATE COLLECTION —

OCTOBER 11 & 12

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Friday: 10 a.m .– 8 p.m. with Wine and Appetizers: 4 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Meet renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego, whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable. Be the first to see Laura’s newest creations at our annual event.

— ITALIAN DESIGNER JEWELRY WEEKEND —

NOVEMBER 8–10

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Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine and Appetizers: 4 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

From highly polished silver by Pesavento to chic South Sea pearls by Alessandra Dona, to the exquisite hand-textured gold by Nanis, experience three different designers—ultimately feminine and uniquely Italian.

7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7, Carefree, AZ 85377

|

480.575.8080

— PAUL PLETKA “ SARSI ” PAINTING —

NOVEMBER 14

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Thursday: 4 - 7 p.m.

Wine and appetizers served

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“Sarsi,” a Paul Pletka original painting, from a private collection and is now on display and available for purchase for the first time ever, exclusively at Grace Renee Gallery.

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Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

UPCOMING EVENTS — GOSHWARA JEWELRY — .. .

NOVEMBER 15 - 16

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Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wine and appetizers: 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Sweta Jain’s collection infuses couture with a sumptuous variety of color. Soft shapes and playful sophistication make this jewelry showcase one you won’t want to miss.

— ARTIST RECEPTION WITH PETER KUTTNER —

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Artist Peter Kuttner’s work embodies a simple yet thoughtful contemporary retrospective. Meet Peter and see for yourself why his work has been featured in national publications, popular films and television shows, museums and private, royal, and corporate collections worldwide.

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Thursday: 4–7 p.m.

Wine and Appetizers.

GraceReneeGallery.com

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COMMUNITY

2019 SEPTEMBER

Writer Amanda Christmann

Sept. 6

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT PHOTO EXHIBIT Arizona Opera and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation have partnered to present a photo exhibit at the opera. The exhibit kicks off with a free First Fridays event featuring FLWF president Stuart Graff. Light refreshments and cash bar. Free. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Arizona Opera, 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-266-7464; azopera.org

Aug. 28–Oct. 13 KINKY BOOTS

Sept. 6–30

Phoenix Theatre Company is known

LANCE YAZZIE: MODERN EDGE

for great productions, and Kinky

Navajo artist Lance Yazzie has

and experience Everyday Peace,

Boots is no exception. Based on a

been sculpting since he was 13,

an exhibit at Goldenstein Gallery.

true story, this Tony Award-winner

and his work has been represented

Opening reception is 5–8 p.m. Sept. 6.

boasts music by Cyndi Lauper. See

at Bryant Nagel Galleries since he

A meditation will be facilitated Sept.

website for schedule and pricing.

was 16. Yazzie has since won first

14 as part of the exhibit, and “Follow

Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central

place in sculpture at the Santa Fe

the Peace Trail” will take place Sept.

Ave., Phoenix. phoenixtheatre.com

Indian Market, Best of Division at

21 at L’Auberge de Sedona. Contact

the Heard Museum in Phoenix and

the gallery for info and registration.

many other awards. His work will be

150 AZ-179, Sedona. 928-204-1765;

featured in a solo exhibition, with an

goldensteinart.com

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26

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Sept. 6–29

TAKING THE STAGE

artist talk at 5:45 Sept. 6, 5–8 p.m.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Bryant Nagel Galleries, 431 SR 179,

is getting lively with the unveiling of

A1-2, at Hozho in Sedona. 928-282-

a live music lineup every Thursday

6865; bryantnagelgalleries.com

EVERYDAY PEACE Take a trip up I-17 to beautiful Sedona

Sept. 10

MOLL IT OVER

evening through October. 6–9 p.m.

Karlheinz Moll, author of “Ego

7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., Carefree. 602-

Shooter – The Depth of the Pain”

374-4784; keelerssteakhouse.com

and several novels featuring

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Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) operative Alexander Granger, will read and share lively discussion at Desert Foothills Library. RSVP. Free. 3–4:30 p.m. 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 11

LIFE’S AN (INDOOR) PICNIC Guest chefs, brewers, winemakers, distillers and merchants will be on hand for this fun indoor fall gathering at Cartwright’s. 6 p.m. $35. Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine, 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-8031;

September 27-29 2019

Re-Ignite Your Passion

Join us in a 3 day in-depth workshop where we will work along side you in developing new tools to master the emotional roller coaster of life.

- Dive into why self-sabotaging behaviors can keep you from having the life you desire.

- Understand the reasons you are experiencing frustration and disconnection.

cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

- Build confidence to navigate conflict in a new way.

Sept. 11

To learn about private sessions, retreats and more, go to

THE PATAYAN PROBLEM

www.TamraBlankenship.com 480.213.6033

Desert Foothills Chapter of the Arizona Archaeology Society presents Dr. Aaron Wright, a preservation archaeologist, who will discuss ancient Patayan culture.

Remains have been found in far western Arizona that may solve some mysteries

FIFTH ANNUAL

about who these people were and when they lived in our Arizona lands. Free.

Maitland Hall, The Good Shepard of the Hills Episcopal Church, 6502 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 7 p.m. azarchsoc. wildapricot.org

Sept. 13–15

PICKIN’ IN THE PINES Flagstaff’s Fort Tuthill County Park will once again be home to foot-stompin’ fun at the 14th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival. This three-day jam session with educational

™

O ctober 18 - 2 7 Admission Monday - Thursday: $10 Friday - Sunday: $15

Fall-themed happenings and live music on weekends.

Live Pumpkin Carving DAILY!

workshops, camping, a barn dance, band contest and more is worth the drive up the mountain! See website for lineup and ticket options. pickininthepines.org

Enchanted Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m.

EnchantedPumpkinGarden.com Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Carefree, AZ 85377 September 2019

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Sept. 15

CIVIL WAR TO SPUTNIK Frank Lloyd Wright’s life spanned an amazingly diverse time both historically and musically. Arizona Opera and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation present a recital of music from throughout this period in Wright’s Arizona home, Taliesin West. See website for schedule and ticket prices. Optional tour 2–3:30 p.m. Recital 4–5:30 p.m. VIP reception 5:30–6:30 p.m. 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. azopera.org

Sept. 14, 15

DOWNTON ABBEY WEEKEND

Shadows for their monthly Sunday

Sept. 16–20

In celebration of the return of the

E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. 866-

PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOP

Downton Abbey Dowager and

582-0607; mountainshadows.com

Instructor Mitch Baird will lead a

Supper series. Four courses paired with beverages. 6 p.m. $74. 5445

her family that we have loved for

five-day South Rim Grand Canyon

years, the English Rose Tea Room is

workshop to practice the concepts of

hosting Downton Abbey Weekend Sept. 14 and 15. Dress in your favorite Downton costume an enjoy

Sept. 15

DAN MILLER IN CONCERT

oil painting in the outdoors. Tuition is $675 + fees. 9 a.m.¬–4 p.m. mitchbaird.com

trivia, best-dressed awards, photos

Desert Hills Presbyterian will be

and a few surprises. RSVP early. 11

holding a dedication for their

a.m.¬–4 p.m. $60 includes afternoon

new organ in musical style with

tea and goody bag. 201 Easy St., Ste.

internationally renowned organist

103, Carefree. 480-488-4812

COFFEE @ KERR

Dan Miller. Dan will hold a workshop

Kerr Cultural Center presents a

Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for

free music and lecture series by

those who’d like to experience his

Kyle Homewood. Enhance your

expertise. 2 p.m. Free. 34605 N. Tom

understanding of music, themes and

Darlington Rd., Scottsdale. 480-488-

history behind an upcoming Arizona

3384; deserthills.org

Opera performance. Free. 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 15

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR SUPPER

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kitchen at Hearth ’61 at Mountain

Sept. 18

Guest chef Beau MacMillan of

6110 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale.

Sanctuary Resort takes over the

asukerr.com

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Se pte m b e r 2 019

Sept. 19

the art of organization

WINEMAKER DINNER The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s monthly winemaker dinner series begins with a reception, followed by a four-course dinner paired with selections from California’s Duckhorn Vineyards. 6:30 p.m. $95. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale. RSVP 480-444-1234 ext. 8650; hyatt.com/scottsdale

Sept. 19

ROCKIN’ DINNER “A Tribute to Rock and Roll” is the theme for this month’s Omni Montelucia’s Desert to Dish dinner.

6 p.m. $125. 4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale. 480-627-3039; omnihotels. com/scottsdale

Sept. 19

NIGHTS IN SAN SEBASTIAN DINNER Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale’s monthly interactive dinner experience takes diners on a culinary journey to the romantic San Sebastian.

It includes a variety of small bites paired

Home Offices

Garages

Entertainment Centers

Wall Units

with Spanish ciders and sparkling wine.

5:30 p.m. $125. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale. 480-513-5039; fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Sept. 19

RAISING THE BAR WITH JAMES BEARD The James Beard Foundation will host their Raising the Bar reception featuring bites and beverages from top Valley chefs and mixologists. VIP reception with early entry at 5:30 p.m. $100; general 6 p.m. admission tickets. $65. Young’s Market Company, 402 S. 54th Place, Phoenix. jamesbeard.org/taste-america-phoenix

480-998-2070 www.closetfactory.com

www.facebook.com/closetfactory

follow us: www.twitter.com/closetfactory

closets | garages | home offices | entertainment centers | pantries | wall units wall beds | craft rooms | laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms ©2016 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. ROC#175443 September 2019

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Oct. 4, 5

HAND-CRAFTED NAVAJO RUGS Grace Renee Gallery features selections from one of the largest personal collections of authentic Navajo rugs from the 1930s to the 1950s. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Sept. 19

REFUGEE 101

chef Danielle Leoni of the Breadfruit and Rum Bar, and other notable local

Sept. 21

With so much in the news today,

access $500; cocktail reception and

SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY …

now’s the time to understand

7 p.m. dinner $275. Royal Palms

It’s been 43 years since The Horny

who refugees are, the U.S. refugee

Resort and Spa, 5200 E. Camelback

Toad opened its doors in Cave

resettlement program, and what

Rd., Phoenix. jamesbeard.org/taste-

Creek. It’s now the oldest full-service

services are offered to refugees in

america-phoenix

sit-down restaurant in the Creek.

chefs. VIP reception with 5:30 p.m.

the Phoenix area. International

Celebrate with live music, giveaways

Rescue Committee (IRC) community

and special pricing on some of its

engagement coordinator Stanford Prescott presents this talk at Desert Foothills Library. Free. 2–3:30 p.m.

RSVP. 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 20–29

ARIZONA RESTAURANT WEEK

world-famous menu items from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live music from Rock the District favorites noon to 4 p.m.

Fall Arizona Restaurant Week means

6738 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek.

prix fixe meals at restaurants across

480-488-9542; thehornytoad.com

the Valley and state for $33 and $44.

Sept. 20

JAMES BEARD TASTE AMERICA GALA DINNER

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It’s the most delicious week of the season! For a list of participating

Sept. 21

restaurants and menus visit https://

COOKS & CHORDS

arizonarestaurantweek.com/

This 13th annual fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

This much-anticipated dinner features

features bites, beverages, silent

guest chef Tiffany Derry, local all-star

auction and live music. See website

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Se pte m b e r 2 019

for schedule. $75. Ability360 Center, 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix.

480-455-3958; nationalmssociety.org/ chapters/aza

Sept. 21

SMITHSONIAN DAY Cave Creek Museum is among museums and cultural centers across the country taking part in Museum Day, hosted by Smithsonian magazine. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people. Check it out, and check out the latest exhibits! Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek. 480488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

Sept. 25

A DELICIOUS COLLABORATION Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine’s chefowner Brett Vibber welcomes Hush Public House chef Dom Ruggiero into his kitchen in a collaborative dinner to highlight Arizona meats. Five courses paired with beverages. 6:30 p.m. $95; $125 with beverage pairing. 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-4888031; cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

Sept. 27

PAJAMA PARTY AT THE ZOO Things will be a little wild at Up All Night Pajama Party at the Phoenix Zoo! The whole family is invited for this interactive experience as the nocturnal animals begin their day when the sun goes down.

Register by phone or online. 480-488-2286; phoenixzoo.org

Sept. 27–29

SHINING BROW The Phoenix Opera presents this riveting contemporary opera about the intriguing life of Frank Lloyd Wright. An affair with a client’s wife, complicated September 2019

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Oct. 11, 12

MEET LAURA BICEGO Renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego, whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable, will be visiting Grace Renee Gallery from her home in Italy for this annual event. Free.

Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with wine and appetizers 4–8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

relationships, murders and a devastating fire at Taliesin drove

Sept. 30

to rebuild his life in this compelling

MONDAY NIGHT CHEF'S TABLE

and surprising tale. See website for

Four courses by Chef Russell LaCasce

schedule and ticket pricing. Arizona

are paired with wine from Napa’s Red

Opera, 1636 N. Central Ave.,

Stitch Wine Group. Red Stitch owner

Phoenix. 602-266-7464; azopera.org

and former professional baseball player

Wright’s passion and determination

Rich Aurilia will be the special guest.

Sept. 27–29

STUCK IN A RUT?

6:30 p.m. $75. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480376-2600; hotelvalleyho.com

Tamra Blankenship will host an in-depth workshop to help you develop the tools to help you

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8:45 p.m. Performance will be Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. $175, includes t-shirt.

Limited to 20 participants. 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Oct. 24

NEWCOMERS FASHION SHOW Mark your calendar for the Newcomers and Neighbors of the Scottsdale Area season kickoff

Oct. 8–Nov. 19

luncheon and fashion show. Nonmembers welcome. 11:30 a.m. $38.

identify and halt self-sabotaging

THE IMPROV SQUAD

behaviors and create the life you

Teens 12–17 years old are invited to

Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale.

desire. Build confidence and reignite

join Musical Theatre of Anthem’s new

newcomersclubofscottsdale.com

your passion. See website or call for

comedy troupe, The Improv Squad,

cost and location. 480-213-6033;

to learn the art of improvisation,

tamrablankenship.com

comedic timing, character creation

WHAT’S COOKIN’ AT THE LIBRARY

and physical comedy. Rehearsals will

Desert Foothills Library is happy

be held Oct. 8–Nov. 12 from 6:45–

to announce that it will be the first

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Se pte m b e r 2 019

Grayhawk Country Club, 8620 E.

RESIDENTIAL library in Maricopa County to offer a new demonstration kitchen, which will be available for programming, room rentals and special events. DLF will host an array of chefs, nutritionists and other presenters for all ages of library patrons to enrich the

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community. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

EMPTY BOWLS ONLINE AUCTION It’s time again for one of the North Valley’s most anticipated fundraisers, Empty Bowls. Sonoran Arts League artists design beautiful bowls that will be sold to help hungry neighbors in need through Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. The event will be held Oct. 18, but bowls are available beginning Sept. 3 on the online auction. Bid on your favorite today! foothillsfoodbank.com

NVSO ANNOUNCES LINEUP North Valley Symphony Orchestra (NVSO) is pleased to present its eighth orchestral season, bringing an affordable concert experience to communities of the Phoenix North Valley. Concerts

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School Auditorium 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., Phoenix. $5 each concert, or $15 for a season pass. 623-980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org

SHE’S GOT IT COVERED Hidden in the Hills has announced the cover piece and artist for its 23rd Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour directory: Scottsdale painter Sue Hunter’s mixed media collage painting, “All Tied Up,” featuring a rare scarlet ibis. Each year, the popular glossy artist directory features a juried artist chosen among dozens of entries. This year, there were more than 75 submissions.

Hidden in the Hills will take place Nov. 22–24; Nov. 29 and 30; and Dec. 1. hiddeninthehills.org

602.296.5944

ROC # 195475 ROC # 196424

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September 2019

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

T

The last time that actor Peter Scolari sang “The Impossible Dream”—the principal song from the musical “Man of La Mancha”—he was in elementary school.

“It would have been when I was about 10 or 11 years old in 1965 or 1966 that the song made the rounds in public school assemblies and musical concerts across the nation,” says Scolari, noting that he recalls being very moved by it. “It is an extraordinary song.”

Now, more than 50 years later, Scolari will sing the song in a professional capacity during Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s production of “Man of La Mancha.”

“When you just hear the song as an anthem, it is stirring,” Scolari says. “But in the play, it lives in a much more complex way. When you experience it during the show, there are two or more things going on. Don Quixote does not know what he is talking about. He is in an altered state. The magic of the play is that, by the time he sings it for the last time, the world around him has changed.”

Scolari, who is probably most prominently recognized for his role as Henry Desmond opposite Tom Hanks’s Buffy Wilson on television’s “Bosom Buddies,” is the latest celebrity guest star to grace the Scottsdale Musical Theater Company stage. The organization has carved out a niche for itself in the Valley by presenting shows that feature widely known actors, some of whom come from other performing arts genres.

Last year, “Days of Our Lives” and “The Nanny” star Charles Shaughnessy appeared in both “42nd Street” and “A Christmas Carol.” Earlier this year, “A Different World” star Dawnn Lewis appeared in

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“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” while meteorologist and television personality Cory McCloskey appeared in “The Pajama Game.”

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company has 10 performances of “Man of La Mancha” scheduled for Sept. 26–Oct. 6 at Tempe Center for the Arts, a venue that accommodates national tour sets and technical capabilities that allow the company to fully reflect the vibes of the show’s Broadway roots.

MAKING MEMORIES H WESTERN STYLE

OLD WEST SPIRIT NEW WEST TALENT

“Man of La Mancha” tells the story of a failed author and tax collector who, charged with foreclosing on a monastery, is thrown into a dungeon by the Spanish Inquisition.

Unpopular with some of the other prisoners, he puts on a play based on the novel “Don Quixote,” in which a crazy old man sets out as a knight-errant—righting all wrongs while battling giants, ogres and windmills.

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company Executive Producer David Hock says that the story of Don Quixote is one with which most people are familiar in either literary or theatrical form. He believes that the show will resonate with audiences because of the moral high ground that its lead character represents.

“It has stood the test of time because of its various messages,” explains Hock, noting that “Man of La Mancha” is his favorite musical of all time.

“There are so many ethical standards that Don Quixote brings out—courage, morality, treating a woman right, treating people with honor and treating people with respect.”

TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM Hock selected Scolari to play the lead in his production of “Man of La Mancha” because he believed it would be fun for Arizona audiences who are familiar with his television work to see a different side of the actor. In addition to his role on “Bosom Buddies,” Scolari has starred in several other television series, including “Newhart,” “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” “Girls” and “Gotham.”

The actor also has quite the impressive theater resume, having appeared in Broadway musicals “Wicked,” “Hairspray” and “Lucky Guy.” Scolari believes that his training and experience as a stage actor is at the core of his work.

6130 East Cave Creek Road • Cave Creek, AZ

www.lastiendascavecreek.com September 2019

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“There is the granddad for me as an actor, which is being a stage actor,” Scolari says. “And it has been my experience that from that everything else springs.”

Scolari notes that he does not consider himself to be a great singer, but instead, an actor who can sing.

He believes that the acting component must always come first when approaching a role in a musical. He recalls seeing some great singers switch the order in musicals with disastrous results.

“When a song begins, they completely exit the acting and it comes apart,” Scolari says. “The play has come to a stop, and we are having some other experience. We are suddenly in a concert. I come from the school of snobby stage actors who admire actors who are great singers, but insist that they maintain the integrity and flow of their acting as they enter into a song.”

It is that technical insight that made Hock believe that Scolari could meaningfully tackle “The Impossible Dream,” one of Broadway’s most famous musical numbers and one that requires more vocal power than most other Broadway shows.

“Whether somebody wants to be a doctor or a writer or whatever, anybody who has ever done anything in life can relate to dreaming the impossible dream,” Hock says. “There is a higher purpose in life and you simply strive to do your best. It does not make a difference whether you win or lose; only that you follow your quest. I think that everybody can relate to that.”

TO REACH THE UNREACHABLE STAR Hock also selected Scolari for his production of “Man of La Mancha” because he believed that the role of Don Quixote would challenge the actor—an aspect that the executive producer says is key to drawing celebrities to theater productions in the Valley.

Scolari acknowledges that playing Don Quixote is indeed a challenge—perhaps the biggest challenge that he has faced in at least a decade. However, that is what excites him about the opportunity.

“This is a real stretch for me,” says Scolari, noting that the role differs from those he has played in other musicals. “This requires a real tragic performance that has to be figured out, so I have my hands full. I think that

EXPERIENCE Scottsdale Musical Theater Company “Man of La Mancha” | Sept. 26–Oct. 6 | Tempe Center for the Arts | 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe | $48+ i m a g e s a r i z| oscottsdalemusicaltheater.com n a . c o m Se pte m b e r 2 019 30602-909-4215

Actor Peter Scolari stars in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company's production of "Man of La Mancha."

“

my preparation has to be at about 150% on the material and the songs so that the showmanship can sort of lead us into the more intricate aspects of the story.”

There are so many ethical standards that Don Quixote brings out— courage, morality, treating a woman right, treating people with honor and treating people with respect.

“

David Hock

Scolari calls the role—which, due to the play within a play component, is actually divided amongst three distinct characters—a “legit acting role.” That is to say, his responsibility as an actor is to be the dramatic foil to Don Quixote’s sidekick Sancho Panza, who is the true comic lead in the show.

“The energy that goes into Don Quixote’s state of delusion supports Sancho Panza the way a straight man supports a comic,” Scolari explains. “It requires the actor playing Don Quixote to be extremely generous with everyone else in the cast because they pick up his delusion and make it meaningful.”

Hock adds that Scolari is quite an unconventional choice to play Don Quixote—a character that has traditionally been portrayed by taller actors. Scolari is 5 feet 6 inches tall.

However, the executive producer believes that he has found a way to turn the actor’s height to the show’s advantage in terms of the story and the character.

“‘Man of La Mancha’ is about an old guy who goes crazy and thinks he is a young knight,” Hock explains. “He just does not see reality. So now here is this smaller man and everybody else around him is bigger. Yet he defeats them anyway because it is not about size or stature. It is about what he believes in. It never crosses his mind that he cannot do it.”

Scolari agrees, calling attention to the dynamic between Jackie Gleason and Art Carney in the classic television show “The Honeymooners.” Although one thinks of Carney’s Ed Norton as the little sidekick of Gleason’s Ralph Kramden, Carney is in fact at least a full 3 inches taller than Gleason.

“It is the acting that creates that feeling and that is what we will do here,” Scolari says. “The piece itself is so powerful that it sort of commands the actor to find an emotional core, and even a psychological core that carry the language and the story along.”

The challenge of the role, the significance of the story and the many nuances contained within the material all helped convince Scolari to join the production.

Ultimately though, the biggest draw was the opportunity to experience something intimately ephemeral.

“I like getting out into the real world and having experiences, particularly locally, where theater is being supported by a subscription or resident audience,” the actor says. “There is something that gets very personal there.

“I may have some great shows but there will be no recordings of them and no proof that I ever did them. It will only continue, if at all, in the memory of the people who saw it.”

September 2019

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Paul Gill

The best place in Arizona to see a lot of color in autumn is the White Mountains because it has got the most aspens. Even after the fires, they are coming back and starting to look really nice again.

Paul Gill

A

At first glance, spring is the season that possesses the greatest symbolic significance. The blooming flowers and greener grass indicate the concepts of rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal. But upon closer examination, autumn may hold a more substantial message.

Any Arizonan who has ever traversed our spectacular state in search of its autumnal beauty knows the serene imagery that can be found out in nature this time of the year. The jaw-dropping red, orange and yellow pigments in our fall foliage encourage us to leave our air-conditioned houses for the first time in months and embark on hikes, not only in our own neighborhoods, but also in the farthest reaches of our state.

Paul Gill has spent the last 30 years of his career as a nature photographer. His images have been featured in countless publications and collections, inspiring people who come to witness the childlike wonderment with which he approaches his work.

Although Gill photographs our planet’s natural elegance year-round and has shot in several states, he has a special place in his heart—and in his eye—for autumn in Arizona. His commitment to capture the uncommon occurrences of fall in the Valley requires him to essentially live out in nature for days on end.

Images Arizona is honored to share some of Gill’s fall photography—which vividly illustrates this season’s symbolic significance. It is our hope that this month’s photo essay inspires you to fully appreciate the beauty that briefly adorns our state this time of the year while acknowledging that it is actually ever-present.

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THE MAGIC OF NATURE Contrary to popular belief, those incredible colors have not just magically appeared out of thin air. They have been there all along. Thinking back to high school science classes, we know that sunlight fuels plant cells that contain chlorophyll—the chemical that not only converts light into energy but also gives leaves their gorgeous green color.

When sunlight abates in autumn, that chlorophyll breaks down and allows the hidden red, yellow and orange hues to illuminate.

Chasing fall color in Arizona starts on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in late September and explodes in aspen yellow from the San Francisco peaks along the Mogollon Rim to the White Mountains in October. The red maples flow out from below the Mogollon Rim through the desert and down to the Mexico border through November.

Then, rivers of cottonwood and sycamore follow the streams and rivers through the Sonoran desert through December.

Fall’s miracle teaches us a valuable lesson. Astonishing beauty is all around us at all times. Sometimes, though, it is just hiding beneath the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal itself.

Paul Gill September 2019

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Gill fondly recalls experimenting with his father’s Instamatic camera in the 1960s.

“My father used to take our whole family on summer trips across the U.S.,” says Gill, noting that it was during these trips that he was allowed to use the Instamatic camera to capture the many locations his family visited. “My father was very big on travel and exploring.”

Gill credits those experiences during his youth, as well as his father’s love of nature and his mother’s work as a painter and illustrator with what he has discovered to be his own life’s calling—nature photography.

“I have always had a camera from a very early age,” says Gill.

“Growing up in Scottsdale, the Sonoran Desert was where I was first inspired by the light and the local nature, which is the prime subject of most of my work now.”

Gill attended Scottsdale High School and quickly found himself developing and printing black and white film in Scottsdale Vocational Tech’s graphic design dark room. He then attended Scottsdale Community College and later transferred to Arizona State University, where he received a degree in fine art.

Although Gill has always been drawn to photography, that is not where his journey as an artist began. In the 1980s, Gill took a job as an art director for the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

He spent 17 years working in the graphic design world until he realized that he is happiest in motion and at play.

“Something that I had lost sitting behind a desk for decades was the disconnect with nature and the childhood wonderment of the world,” Gill explains. “It is this playful scene of discovery through visualization of the natural world that keeps me motivated.”

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Gill tried his hand at painting, but quickly discovered that his photography captured much more interest from others and better fulfilled his own passion.

“I gave up on the graphic design business and went right into nature photography,” says Gill. “I just burned out on graphic design and decided that I wanted to live out in the middle of nowhere and come straight out into nature. It really was kind of a hobby gone wild and has gotten out of control. Nature photography is now my whole life.”

Gill believes that his graphic design skills can be seen through his images. They tend to be sharper and more graphic than the euphoric and almost dreamy look of others’ photography.

It is that unique aesthetic that has attracted the attention of Arizona Highways magazine, National Geographic and many other publications that have featured his work.

In addition to having more of his images featured in next year’s National Geographic calendars than any other photographer, Gill is honored to have his work included in “100 Views”— the official publication of Grand Canyon National Park’s centennial. His photography is also displayed in a number of private and corporate collections, including the Smithsonian, Arizona State Capital, APS and State Farm Stadium.

“There is enough in the fascinating, ever-changing world of nature to keep and hold my interest,” says Gill.

“It is what I have not seen yet that is my biggest motivation.

The more remote an area, the more I want to take a closer look for its hidden treasures.” paulgillphoto.com

Fall in Arizona is something you really have to experience.

I hook up my pop-up camper to the back of my four-wheeldrive truck, and that is pretty much where I live for about three months. I start off in late September to capture the end of monsoon bloom and keep shooting through December.

Paul Gill

September 2019

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

O

One year ago this month, I was invited to join Images Arizona magazine’s family of writers. I was beyond thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to write about a topic that had enthralled me throughout my entire life—the performing arts.

From a very young age, I have been fascinated with music, theater and movies. If it can be seen on a stage or screen, then I have a very strong desire to be in the audience.

My love affair with the performing arts started out slightly different, though. Initially, I had dreams of being a showman myself, as I danced, sang and performed skits for just about anyone that I could convince to stand still for three minutes.

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MICHAEL BOLTON ARIZONA MUSICFEST

Looking back at home movies, I can now only describe my efforts as cringe-inducing. But my passion for the performing arts was abundantly clear. I pursued that passion through writing about them—especially movies.

I have lived in Arizona my entire life, therefore I have always been aware of the many wonderful performing arts organizations that we have in the Valley. However, it was not until I began writing for Images Arizona magazine that I truly understood how fortunate I am to live here. Our performing arts options are unique, diverse and paramount.

All of the Valley’s performing arts organizations are worthy of our attention and attendance. I encourage you to explore all of the performance opportunities that our incredible community has to offer. In looking through this season’s programs, I have identified some of the music and theater organizations whose performances I personally would not miss for the world.

ARIZONA MUSICFEST Arizona Musicfest has been providing Arizona audiences with affordable and convenient access to a diverse lineup of culturally rich musical acts for the past 28 years, and this season is no exception.

Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director Allan Naplan says that the organization has increased the number of Fall Fest and Holiday Fest performances this season, and it strives to present even more celebrity guests than ever before.

Multi-platinum recording artist and actress Vanessa Williams opens Arizona Musicfest’s Fall Festival Nov. 8, followed by Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist Sara Evans on Nov. 16. Its holiday festival is headlined by jazz ensemble New York Voices Dec. 5 and Juilliard-trained sibling piano quintet The 5 Browns Dec. 14.

Photo provided by Arizona Musicfest

VANESSA WILLIAMS ARIZONA MUSICFEST

Photo provided by Arizona Musicfest

Musicfest’s winter festival is even more spectacular, with performances by the John Pizzarelli Trio Jan. 27, Chris Botti Jan. 31 and Michael Bolton Feb. 27. The celebrity artist that I am most excited to see—Tony Danza—will grace the stage Jan. 24, performing his favorite songs while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.

Meanwhile, Michael Feinstein will make Feb. 14 a most memorable Valentine’s Day for audiences when he performs a concert filled with classic love songs. Arizona Musicfest’s season will culminate March 13 with a performance from the Official Blues Brothers Revue.

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“Musicfest continues to develop a strong and enthusiastic patron base that has embraced our programming and our charitable mission,” says Naplan, noting that the money Arizona Musicfest makes from concerts it produces benefits a variety of music education programs in the Valley.

“We are tremendously fortunate to produce concerts and community programming for such a receptive and growing audience, and we look forward to another successful season.”

PHOENIX CHORALE

Arizona Musicfest Box Office 7950 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale azmusicfest.org

Photographer Tim Trumble

PHOENIX CHORALE On the vocal side, the Phoenix Chorale has a stellar season ahead under its newly appointed artistic director, Christopher Gabbitas. The double Grammy Award-winning artist has spent the last 15 years as a member of British a cappella vocal ensemble The King’s Singers.

In planning the Phoenix Chorale’s season, Gabbitas worked to shine a light on Renaissance choral music— which he believes fits incredibly well alongside the right contemporary music.

“A personal aim is to weave a tapestry between ancient and modern, and to convince our audiences that there is still a place for music that was written over 400 years ago but still lives and breathes today,” Gabbitas says.

“I know of other wonderful ensembles in the Valley who concentrate on early music, or contemporary music, but not many encourage versatile programming that spans the ages in the way we would like to.”

Gabbitas is also looking at incorporating various other song styles into the Phoenix Chorale’s repertoire this season.

“The chorale has performed jazz and folk before, of course, but there are areas of contemporary pop music that lend themselves well to a cappella realization,” he notes. “So we will work on that, too. It is all about encouraging

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depth of audience and persuading people that choral music is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

The Phoenix Chorale’s four-concert series includes Lux Aeterna in October, A Chorale Christmas in December, and Birth and Rebirth in April. But its Cosmos concert series Feb. 29–March 1 sounds most intriguing. The chorale intends to take audiences on an interstellar journey through cultures—both ancient and modern— with music inspired by the night sky, including songs composed by Thomas Weelkes, Frank Ticheli, Morten Lauridsen and Ola Gjeilo.

Phoenix Chorale Box Office 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix phoenixchorale.org

Photo provided by The Phoenix Symphony

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

Schools of Excellence

Black Mountain Elementary School PERFORMING ARTS PRESCHOOL SPANISH PRE-K-6

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

Desert Sun Academy

We need not always look to celebrity guests who visit from other parts of the country to entertain us and expand upon our culture. The Valley’s various performing arts organizations demonstrate that we have plenty of tremendous talent in our own backyard, too.

Case in point is The Phoenix Symphony, whose season begins Sept. 20 with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.” The concert kicks off the orchestra’s two-season celebration of the composer in honor of his 250th birthday.

The Phoenix Symphony’s chief marketing officer Todd Vigil says that the Beethoven celebration is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the orchestra’s program. This season will see an expanded lineup of multimedia concerts in which a full feature-length film is screened while the orchestra performs the movie’s score live on stage.

FRENCH IMMERSION STEAM SPANISH K-6

Desert Willow Elementary School SPANISH IMMERSION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SPANISH PRE-K-6

With five A+ elementary schools – each with its own Signature Curriculum and Point of Pride – Cave Creek Unified School District is inspiring excellence in young minds.

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School CHINESE IMMERSION HORSEMANSHIP CHINESE PRE-K-6

Lone Mountain Elementary School 480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org September 2019

STEM PROGRAM CHINESE PRE-K-6

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“Based on popular demand of shows like the 2018 sold-out run of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ we have added more multimedia concerts with fan favorites such as ‘Home Alone,’ ‘Stars Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Disney in Concert,’” Vigil says. “In addition, we pay tribute to some of the earliest roots of the big screen and film scoring with Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 humorous and entertaining classic ‘City Lights.’”

The Phoenix Symphony performance that I am anticipating most is its Music of ABBA concert, which takes place Feb. 7–9 and features Finnish pop sensation Rajaton. “Mamma Mia” and its sequel, both of which utilize the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, are my favorite movie musicals of all time, thanks in large part to their upbeat soundtracks.

Seeing that remarkable music—including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Super Trouper”— come to life on stage in an explosion of sound, light, dance and sheer grooviness through The Phoenix Symphony is certain to be a personal highlight of the season.

PROMUSICA ARIZONA

Photographer Azy Scotten

PROMUSICA ARIZONA

Symphony Hall 75 N. Second St., Phoenix phoenixsymphony.org

Photographer Azy Scotten

PROMUSICA ARIZONA ProMusica Arizona, which has both orchestral and choral components, is also starting its first season under a new artistic director. Patti Graetz, who had previously served as an assistant conductor and conductor of the Women in Song vocal ensemble, took the position in April, and is also the group’s principal conductor.

ProMusica Arizona Executive Director Yvonne Dolby says that Graetz is bringing innovation and understanding of musician and audience preferences as she plans this season’s performances, which include Celebrate America in November, and Joy to All the World in December.

Things spice up in the spring as ProMusica Arizona collaborates with the Arizona State University Mariachi ensemble and Carolyn Eynon Singers for a Latin-inspired concert in April. It should be a very lively and entertaining performance, as should be its Baroque to Bluegrass concert in May, when the ensemble aims to demonstrate the connection between what, at first glance, appears to be two very different types of music.

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“This season is unique in that every concert includes work by a living composer,” says Graetz. The music of John Williams, Craig Bohmler, Joseph Julian Gonzales and Tim Sharp will be featured.

“I have always been an advocate for performing works by living composers. I have been in contact with Tim, Joseph and Craig and they are excited that we are performing their work and may even come to the performances.” pmaz.org

Photographer Reg Madison

THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY The theater scene in the Valley has never been stronger, with so many companies from which to choose— including Scottsdale Musical Theater Company, which has carved out a niche for itself by presenting shows that feature widely known celebrities like Cory McCloskey, Peter Scolari, Charles Shaughnessy and Dawnn Lewis.

However, this season belongs to The Phoenix Theatre Company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The company has 10 shows on its schedule, including a pair of classics that pay tribute to some of its milestones over the years.

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s producing artistic director, Michael Barnard, explains that “The Sound of Music,” which will grace its stage Nov. 13–Dec. 29, was the production that rescued the company from the brink of bankruptcy in the 1980s.

The company is also bringing “HAIR” back to its stage May 20–June 28, notable because the group previously produced the musical in 1988, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

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DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER

“Messages of acceptance and hope are present throughout our centennial season,” says Barnard. Two of its shows—the Broadway blockbuster “Kinky Boots” and the world premiere “Americano!”—are very different from one another, yet they share a significant sentiment.

Photographer Mike Benedetto

“We can let our differences divide us or we can let what we have in common bring us together and make something beautiful,” says Bernard.

While the historic and thematic significance are true highlights of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s momentous season, its playful spring spectacles of “Something Rotten!” March 18– April 19 and “The Rocky Horror Show” April 15–June 7 are the productions that I am most eager to experience.

Phoenix Theatre 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix phoenixtheatre.org

DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER Professional theater is not the only thing flourishing in the Valley, as community theater is also better than ever before.

One such group that is especially notable is Desert Foothills Theater. Tia Wooley, who took the position of managing director last year after the season had already been set, is looking forward to focusing on outreach.

Photographer Larry Wooley

“I am excited because it is my first season where the shows are ones that I have selected, with the assistance of a play selection committee,” Wooley says. “Living in the very far north end of Scottsdale, there is a lot of land between us and the rest of the world. To that extent, I have slated shows that appeal to a wide variety of age groups and provide acting opportunities for various abilities and ages.”

Desert Foothills Theater’s lineup includes “Pirates of Penzance, Jr.” and “Honk, Jr.” for younger performers, as well as “Annie Get Your Gun” for families, “Godspell” for older teens and young adults, “Steel Magnolias” for adults” and “And Then There Were None” for all ages. Most of its productions are performed at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center.

DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER

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Two of its productions that will be performed at Holland Community Center are among those that intrigue me the most. “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” which Desert Foothills Theater has adopted as a new holiday tradition for itself, will run Dec. 20-22. Meanwhile, April 17–19, the

group will produce “Fair Game”—a new musical written by its resident playwright Andrea Markowitz.

DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER Photographer Larry Wooley

“Producing a new musical is not easy,” Wooley notes. “There are writes, rewrites and readings in preparation. We have had invited-audience readings, obtained feedback from the audience, more rewrites, more readings and more invited-audience feedback. This is an opportunity for any actor to be involved in a piece of performance art that has never been done before.”

And there are plenty of opportunities this season for any Valley resident to become an audience member of these and the many other wonderful performing arts organizations that we are exceptionally fortunate to have in Arizona.

Desert Foothills Theater Box Office 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale dftheater.org

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View to the East by Robert Goldman Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Grand Canyon Conservancy

L

Landscape painter Robert Goldman believes that the awe of the majesty of the Grand Canyon is the ultimate creative fuel for an artist.

“The Grand Canyon presents a uniquely dramatic geological and pictorial wonderland which contains all the elements necessary for a work of art,” says Goldman, who lives in Prescott. “Certain times of day, such as dawn or dusk, are the icing on the cake, and can provide a truly sublime and compelling image which cannot be conveyed by a photograph.”

Goldman is one of 23 artists who will be painting en plein air—outside, on-location—Sept. 7–15 at various locations around Grand Canyon National Park. The week-long event is part of the 11th Annual Grand

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Canyon Celebration of Art, which aims to provide a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon and a fundraiser to benefit arts programming.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to see artists at work,” says Kathy Duley, coordinator of the event. “They are free to paint anywhere they feel the inspiration along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.”

Duley adds that, although part of the fun is when visitors happen upon artists accidentally, there will be scheduled demonstrations at pre-determined locations throughout the week. Artists are also asked to check in with Duley, who then reports artist hotspots to stores and hotels so that visitors can embark on their own scavenger hunt.

“

Good art of the Grand Canyon uses whatever emotion the artist experienced in the canyon to energize their art and communicate emotionally with their viewer.

“

Elizabeth Black

“The Grand Canyon is a very challenging place to paint because of its vastness,” says Duley, noting that participating artists will gather for a meet-and-greet reception 5:30–7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at El Tovar North Porch. “There is so much going on and so many different formations. The light and the shadows are constantly changing.”

Dawn Sutherland, another one of this year’s participating artists, likens painting the Grand Canyon to having coffee with an old familiar friend.

“Although the relationship is comfortable, the conversation is stimulating and thought-provoking,” Sutherland explains.

“Each visit brings new conversation. The vast variety of forms, reflections in the shadows, the color of rock and water and changing light result in endless material with which to work.

“This old friend challenges my thought and observation. I owe our relationship the best of myself and my painting skill.”

Artist Elizabeth Black calls the Grand Canyon her spirit guide.

“There is a whole lot of emotion attached to any deep encounter with the Grand Canyon—ranging from awe, wonder, humility and excitement to fear, despair and exhaustion,” Black says. “Good art of the Grand Canyon uses whatever emotion the artist experienced in the canyon to energize their art and communicate emotionally with their viewer.”

At 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, artists will participate in a quick draw event in which they will have two hours to complete a painting of the Grand Canyon. Those paintings will be auctioned off to the public at 11 a.m. at Bright Angel Trailhead. Proceeds from the auction will go toward establishing a dedicated art venue at the South Rim. “Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Conservancy both have wonderful art collections, but there is no place to see them,” Duley says. “This will likely involve repurposing an already existing building. We are currently in the process of doing feasibility studies about where that might be.”

All of the plein air art produced during the event will be shown alongside studio-produced pieces at the historic Kolb Studio in an exhibition and sale that will benefit the dedicated art venue.

The exhibition and sale will remain open through mid-January. A grand opening reception is scheduled for 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.

“During the grand opening, we allow people to go down into the residency below the Kolb Studio,” Duley says.

“Most of the time you cannot get down there unless you are on a special tour, and we have paintings down there that did not get hung in the gallery.”

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Duley adds that art has always played a critical role in the appreciation of our national parks, and that the Celebration of Art event helps to keep the artistic tradition part of the Grand Canyon experience. Prior to its establishment as a national park, the Grand Canyon was the subject of paintings produced by artist Thomas Moran, who was instrumental in the creation of the National Park Service.

“Photography is definitely a spectacular way to capture [the Grand Canyon], but through painting, artists can focus on certain things and highlight certain aspects that they see,” says Duley, noting interesting patterns, designs and light are all things with which artists can play.

Colors of the Morning Rain by John D. Cogan

Light Rain Over the Unkar Delta by Marcia Molnar

“I have watched artists grow, learn about the Grand Canyon and bring on different visions of it. They find new places to paint that present different perspectives.”

EXPERIENCE

Artist Amery Bohling agrees that a good artist can preserve the color and beauty of the canyon in a different way than a photograph.

“Only so much of the color and perspective that we see with our eyes is caught on film in the way we see it in person,” Bohling explains. “The distant blues at sunset can be dulled to a blackish hue, and those fiery reds of Isis at sunset are easily turned to a flesh tone. You may also notice the loss of drama and vertigo you felt standing on the edge.

“Artists strive to bring the viewer all the sensations that come with visiting the canyon and put it to canvas.”

Artist John D. Cogan adds that it is impossible to view the Grand Canyon as merely an artifact of erosion, adding that artists see things that often go unnoticed by the casual observer, and use their skills to bring these gems to the viewer's attention, allowing them to engage the canyon with a renewed vision.

“Clouds and rain, fog and snow become part of the total canyon experience,” Cogan says. “They soften the rocks, change their shadowing and colors, and conspire to emphasize temples and other formations. Even on a clear day, the atmosphere sinks into the canyon to paint the distant rim and farthest corners many different shades of blue and purple.

“It is all an artist’s delight.” grandcanyon.org/coa

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art i m a g e|s aGrand r i z o n aCanyon . c o m SeNational pte m b e rPark 2 019| Free with $30 Park Entrance Fee | grandcanyon.org/coa 48Sept. 7–15

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Caprese Summer Flatbread This delicious Caprese recipe is the freshest and most simple summer appetizer, and a unique twist on the plain old Caprese salad! All puff pastry is different, so make sure to peek at the recommended temperature and cooking time before throwing away the packaging.

Time: 30 minutes Makes: 1 large puff pastry

Ingredients: 3–4 peaches 1 package puff pastry Parmesan cheese 4–6 heirloom tomatoes cherry tomatoes (if desired) 1/4 cup jarred pesto mozzarella balls basil balsamic drizzle (if desired)

Directions: Preheat oven according to directions on puff pastry.

Roll out puff pastry and place on sheet pan with parchment.

Spread pesto out evenly onto puff pastry, leaving just about 1/2 inch of space to the edge. This will be the crust. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake according to the directions on puff pastry packaging. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Begin slicing tomatoes. It doesn’t matter if they are different sizes or shapes—that’s what makes this recipe fun! Place evenly onto puff pastry. Layer with mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with balsamic drizzle and a sprinkle of salt. Ta-da! Enjoy!

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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