Program Book 8 | 2024–25 Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Jake Shimabukuro The Miracles Marc Cohn Tituss Burgess
We are on the unceded, sacred land of the O’odham and Piipaash Peoples and their Huhugam and Piipaash Nykor ancestors. We acknowledge and celebrate the On’k Akimel O’odham (Salt River Pima) and Xalychidom Piipaash (Maricopa) communities, their elders, both past and present, and generations to come. They are the original stewards of this land, and we are humbled to reside here. There are 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona, and we honor the many diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land that has sustained their people for centuries. They are an important part of our history, our present, and our future.
We also invest in the future of contemporary tribal members. As an arts and culture organization, it is our duty to uplift the artists and activists doing this work. We have been honored to collaborate with many visual artists and performers, representing numerous tribes, on Scottsdale Arts events and exhibitions through the years.
scottsdale center for the performing arts
scottsdale museum of contemporary art,
scottsdale public art
scottsdale arts learning & innovation
canal convergence
civic center live
Scottsdale Arts Presents
MARC COHN
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
After winning a Grammy® for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Marc Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer-songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Rooted in the rich ground of American rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel and possessed of a deft storyteller’s pen, he weaves vivid, detailed, often drawn-from-life tales that evoke some of our most universal human feelings: love, hope, faith, joy, and heartbreak.
WEBSITE
MarcCohnMusic.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
MarcCohn
Marc_Cohn
Marc Cohn
MUSIC
Spotify | Apple/iTunes | Amazon Music | Amazon | Pandora
Google Play | Tidal | Deezer | Bandcamp
Scottsdale Arts Presents
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE
Featuring… EVIL WOMAN – The American ELO
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Evil Woman – The American ELO is a multimedia concert celebrating the music of Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra. Evil Woman’s flawless musicianship and vocals are spellbinding—a fusion of Beatlesque pop and classical arrangements where cellos coexist with guitars and classically tinged rock intersects with pop. “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Evil Woman” are among the instantly recognizable, chart-topping songs that pay tribute to ELO and fill the show with one hit after another, performed by twelveperson band that includes a string section.
Bennett Walker Wales (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
Born and raised on the Virginia Beach coastline, Bennett Walker Wales has been playing up and down the East Coast since he was 15. Having previously fronted his rock ’n’ roll outfit Bennett Wales & The Relief, he opened the next chapter of his music journey by blending elements of soul, rock ’n’ roll, and pop on his debut solo album Introducing: Bennett Walker Wales. With his guitar in hand and soulful vocals to accompany, Wales leaves a lasting impression on his audience, bearing his soul on stage. The Relief released two albums to great acclaim and opened for acts such as Goo Goo Dolls, The Wallflowers, Marcus King, Sturgill Simpson, Vulfpeck, and many others. Wales has also opened for Tyler Childers, Tim Barry, The Gaslight Anthem, and Against Me! With the release of his newest album and recently joining Evil Woman –The American ELO, Wales puts his foot on the gas with no reservations.
Nigel Holland (Musical Director Keyboards, Vocals)
Nigel Holland studied at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. He has been writing, producing, and recording music for more than forty years. He has performed as an entertainer and produced “live” shows all over the world. A founding member of Evil Woman – The American ELO, his passion for music, attention to detail, and enigmatic personality have led the band to great heights, and he continues to open up new opportunities for the future of the band. When he’s not touring with Evil Woman – The American ELO, or the Right On! Band, you’ll find him enjoying time with his family and planning the next great adventure.
Aniela Salinas (Vocals)
Aniela Salinas hails from Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she regularly performs as a solo musician on any given weekend. She is also a successful songwriter and recording artist, having opened for many national acts in Hampton Roads. Outside of producing her own music and performing 24/7, you can find Salinas at home with her cats (Indi and Opie), making coffee and listening to her vinyl collection.
Robert Smith (Keyboards, Vocals)
Robert Smith is a music instructor and owner of Music Makers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he teaches an array of instruments, including piano, voice, guitar, and drums, along with coaching bands of all ages. He has toured the country and around the world playing concerts in Indonesia, Australia, Russia, and Japan as a touring member for the Norfolk-based rock group MAE (Capitol Records). Along with singing and tickling the ivories for Evil Woman – The American ELO, he performs regular gigs around Hampton Roads and out of town as an acoustic duo (Musicplayer), original band (Ladada), Fleetwood Mac tribute band (Secondhand Dreams), and The B-52s tribute band (The B-53s). When he’s not teaching, listening to, creating, or performing music, you might find Smith biking along the beach, filming his “A Day in the Life of” videos for Instagram and YouTube, writing his blog, or chilling with his super suave cat, Elvis.
Antwan Gardner (Bass Guitar)
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE
Antwan Gardner is one of the newer band members to the Evil Woman family. For the past 10+ years, he has served the Memphis community as the piano and guitar teacher at Belle Forest Community School. Gardner started his musical journey at a very young age, taking piano lessons with his older brother Andwele. In elementary, he began learning the trombone, which ignited a future love for the school band. While in high school, Gardner had the rare opportunity to play the harp and bassoon, as well as participate in a plethora of musical experiences. Gardner is a graduate of Norfolk State University, where he received a bachelor of music education (with a bassoon emphasis) degree. Gardner’s discography has a few album credits, like J Dilla’s Welcome to Detroit and several songs with singer/songwriter Dwele. Prior to his move to Memphis, Gardner taught high school band, choir, guitar, and music technology between Montross, Virginia, and the South Suburbs of Chicago. In 2015, Gardner signed on as assistant band director/jazz director at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. In 2019, he began touring as the trumpet player in singer/songwriter Charlie Wilson’s band. Although interrupted by the pandemic, Gardner has maintained his love for music and education in his fifteenth year as an educator.
Leon E. Alexander Jr. (Drums)
A native of Washington, D.C., Leon E. Alexander Jr. attended The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, majoring in percussion and jazz studies, and did graduate studies at the University of California San Diego. From there he has performed with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra, Freddie Hubbard, the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Mary Wilson, the O’Jays, house orchestras at Caesars Palace and the Aladdin Casinos in Las Vegas, and the U.S. Navy Steel Drum Band in New Orleans. In 2008, he composed, arranged, and produced a soundtrack for the documentary, film Allah Made Me Funny He was head of percussion instruction at the United States Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, and has served as percussionist and unit leader for the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, the Navy’s Premier Contemporary Ensemble at the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., for more than 28 years of military service. With his company Drummi Man Productions, he continues to compose music for commercials and television with clients throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Dubai. As a dedicated educator, he is presently head of percussion at the Academy of the Performing Arts High School in Suitland, Maryland, and also instructor in percussion education at The New View Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Ron Halsey (Guitars, Vocals)
Ron Halsey has been playing electric and acoustic guitar since he was 15 years old. Halsey was born in West Virginia, and playing bluegrass wasn’t just encouraged, it was the law. Being a rebel, Halsey fled and gravitated over to The Beatles and classic rock (Rush, Zep, Aerosmith, and, of course, ELO). Halsey played in several club bands around Virginia before moving to California, where he landed with indie recording group The Mineral Kings. Not getting rich or famous (he would’ve taken either one), he got a regular job as a music pastor. Pay was average, but the benefits were “out of this world,” or so he was told. Next, Halsey moved back to Virginia, where he continued to be involved with music as a guitarist with several local bands, as well as Evil Woman – The American ELO. Additionally, he had done a couple of soundtracks for some indie films and recorded with many local artists. Future plans include becoming rich or famous (he’ll take either one).
Michael Mosgrove (Guitar, Vocals)
As a 2020 member to the Evil Woman – The American ELO project, Michael Mosgrove seized the invitation to play alongside “the finest musicians and join the most magical show ever.” Mosgrove has played all over the United States throughout his musical tenure as part of cover bands and performing original music, including playing several shows for Chuck Berry over a period of two years when he was 19. British Invasion and American R&B remain his first love, but he also records and plays country. Mosgrove is also a founding member of Wilder Horses, a Rolling Stones tribute band based in Virginia. Mosgrove enjoys repairing, restoring, and building guitars in his workshop when not playing. He can “MacGyver” just about
anything in a pinch!
Stephen O’Leary (String Arrangements)
Stephen O’Leary has received music composition degrees from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Performances of his works have been sponsored by the Long Island Arts Council and Hofstra University, and he has taught at Adelphi and Hofstra Universities. He was also musical director for several Off-Broadway shows by the New Punctuation Army, including A Gilbert and Sullivan Christmas Carol (“The large ensemble is in good voice under the musical direction of Stephen O’Leary.”—The New Yorker). He currently is a performer, accompanist, or director with several groups in the New York Metro area, including the New York Life Singers.
Nancy Crockford (Orchestra Leader, Violin)
Based out of Orlando, Florida, Nancy Crockford is an accomplished classical violinist, multi-instrumentalist, studio musician, and recording artist. During her 18-year symphonic career Crockford performed with many orchestras and symphonies, including The Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay Chamber Ensemble, and Savannah Symphony. She has performed numerous operas, including Die Fledermaus and Tosca. In addition to performing Sleeping Beauty with The National Ballet of Canada, Crockford has performed Off-Broadway musicals at ArtPark State Theater in Lewiston, New York. Crossing over to the contemporary field, she also works as a member of the Walt Disney World Orchestra and the Candlelight Processional. In addition to performing and touring with such luminaries as Natalie Cole (Unforgettable Tour) and Ray Charles (Uh-Huh Tour), Crockford has performed alongside many incredible and well-known musicians, including Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Dionne Warwick, Amy Grant, Bernadette Peters, Wayne Newton, Donna Summer, NSYNC, Moody Blues, Kansas, Rod Stewart, and Peter Cetera/Chicago, to name just a few. Crockford now works in various positions in the music industry including conducting, ensemble and audition coaching, contracting, and performing with her group Synergy Strings. When she’s not wrapped up in music, she likes to spend her free time hanging out in the woods with a hot cup of coffee and watching the fireflies.
Edwin Camacho (Cello, Keyboards Alternate)
Born in Manhattan, New York, Edwin Camacho began his musical journey playing first violin as first chair for his school orchestra. After moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia, he began exploring other instruments, such as piano, guitar, bass, and cello, becoming well-versed in each. He joined the national touring band Audiostrobelight, playing piano and guitar, where he shared the stage with acts such as Manchester Orchestra, Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, and Cartel to name a few. Along with touring with Audiostrobelight, Camacho has volunteered in various charitable organizations, like the Hope-N-Music organization, teaching children with autism how to play musical instruments. He also began a career as a studio producer and live sound engineer, where he worked on many national shows for Disney and Live Nation at various amphitheaters and industry events. In 2022, he joined Evil Woman - The American ELO where he is furthering his career playing cello and filling in on keyboards when needed.
Casey Copeland (Violin)
A Virginia Beach native, born in Norfolk, Virginia, Copeland sings and plays both the violin and keys. A natural performer and artist, Copeland loves to create music and has produced several tracks, which are available on YouTube and Spotify ( under the name Copelana)! In addition to performing, she teaches music lessons in Virginia Beach, plays as a professional wedding ceremonial violinist, and spends her free time producing and writing music. When she’s not touring with Evil Woman – The American ELO, you can find her onstage in the bands Request Station and All That 90’s Band or on a Virginia Beach stage performing her original music as Copelana. Her favorite thing other than music is sunny weather and soaking up the rays at the beach.
Scottsdale Arts Presents
MARIA BAMFORD
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
8 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She’s the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult and is the star of fourhour-long standup specials (Local Act, Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby, and Maria Bamford: the special, special, special!) and the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown. Bamford was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, and Brian Posehn in The Comedians of Comedy. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters.
Bamford is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth and its spinoff Human Resources; HouseBroken, Teenage Euthanasia, Santa Inc., Bob’s Burgers, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, The Legend of Korra, Puss in Book, CatDog, and PBS’s Emmy®-winning series WordGirl. She played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh Off the Boat. Other television guest roles include Night Court, Life & Beth, Portlandia, Kenan, Mr. Mayor, and large recurring roles on Hulu’s Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors. Bamford was also Emmy-nominated for her guest appearance on the Netflix children’s series Ask the StoryBots.
Bamford’s late-night appearances include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Tonight Show. Her interview series What’s Your Ailment? deals with the various mental struggles of celebrities and is available on the Topic streaming service. Her Audible Original You Are (A Comedy) Special is a semi-mock instructional book for both standup and life.
Scottsdale Arts Presents
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND OF THE GOLDEN WEST
March 1, 2025
3 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
Experience the soaring melodies and electrifying energy of the USAF Band of the Golden West! Join us this spring for an unforgettable evening of music, featuring a dynamic program that blends patriotic favorites, timeless classics, and contemporary works. Don’t miss this family-friendly performance by one of the nation’s premier military ensembles, honoring service and celebrating community.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is dedicated to telling the Air Force story, honoring military heritage, and enhancing the morale of service members and civilians. The Band of the Golden West is proud to represent Air Mobility Command and the 680,000 airmen in more than 130 career fields serving around the world. These concerts are a way of saying "thank you" to those who support the men and women of the Armed Forces, at home and abroad. For more information, go to AFBandConcerts.com.
Scottsdale Arts Presents
AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS
Branford Marsalis – Saxophones | Joey Calderazzo – Piano
Eric Revis – Bass | Justin Faulkner – Drums
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Jazz Series Partner:
Supporting Partner: LISHERNESS FOUNDATION
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has become a multi-award-winning artist with three Grammys®, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.
The Branford Marsalis Quartet, formed in 1986, is known for its unrivaled spirit in both live and recorded performances and has long been recognized as a standard-bearer for ensembles of its kind. But Marsalis has not confined his music to the jazz quartet context. A frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Marsalis has become increasingly sought after as a featured soloist with acclaimed orchestras around the world, performing works by composers such as Copeland, Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem, Vaughan Williams, and Villa-Lobos. And his legendary guest performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena.
Marsalis’s screen credits as a composer further include original music for Rustin, starring Colman Domingo; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, starring Oprah Winfrey; and Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues. He received an Emmy® nomination for the original music he composed and produced for the History Channel’s documentary Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre. His work on Broadway has garnered a Drama Desk Award and a Tony® nomination for the acclaimed revival of Fences. He recently arranged and orchestrated the music for a new Broadway production, A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, and his previous Broadway efforts include music for the revivals of Children of a Lesser God and A Raisin in the Sun, as well as The Mountaintop, which starred Angela Basset and Samuel L. Jackson.
ABOUT BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET
After more than three decades, the Branford Marsalis Quartet is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics. After the Grammy-nominated Upward Spiral, on which guest vocalist Kurt Elling was seamlessly integrated into the group, the quartet followed up with the Grammy-nominated The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, its most emotionally wide-ranging and melody-driven collection to date. John Zeugner captured the impact of the quartet in live performance in a recent concert review, calling it “casually confident, professional, cerebral, and supercharged with energy. The Branford Marsalis Quartet … was all of those adjectives and more.”
Coming this spring, the quartet will release its newly recorded album, Belonging Opus 3 Artists are the exclusive representative of Branford Marsalis.
Scottsdale Arts Presents
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND
Richard Cousins – Bass Guitar | Dover Weinberg – Keyboards
Les Falconer – Drums
Friday, March 7, 2025
8 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Photo: Melanie Lemahieu
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things—and more. The Georgia born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on television, then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would also follow a similar path. And so, it has: across the past half century Robert Cray’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists.
“I guess you’d have to say that we were lucky,” reflects Cray on his life in music, “because, growing up in the 1960s, the different music played on the radio really opened us up. I mean, we even had Albert Collins play our high school graduation party.”
From forming a teenage garage band through to striding the stage alongside several of the world’s greatest guitarists, Robert Cray’s story is one of struggle and commitment that led to Cray enjoying phenomenal success—selling millions of albums and countless concert tickets, winning five Grammy® Awards, being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, receiving the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, designing two signature model Fender guitars.Yet for Cray, what’s always mattered most is the music. Every note he plays counts; every song he sings is delivered as if it is his last. Integrity and intensity are what has guided Cray’s musical career. He has never cheapened his output or delivered a substandard performance. Indeed, his commitment to making music of the highest standard has won Cray both a loyal audience and the respect of many of popular music’s most legendary figures.
Think about it: Robert Cray has shared stage and/or studio with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Memphis Horns, and Hi Rhythm Section. Cray’s stinging guitar playing and soulful voice, his skills as a band leader and performer, mark him as keeper of the flame for American roots music, an artist who never fails to deliver.
“We were so lucky just be able to see them,” says Cray of trading guitar licks on stage with legends of blues, rock and soul, “let alone share the stage with them—what an experience!”
Cray’s rise to the top was, like his music, a slow burn. He first built a following in small towns across the Pacific Northwest. Even before Cray had a record deal, he enjoyed local hero status—so much so that in 1978 he was cast (as a musician) in Animal House, the blockbuster comedy that made John Belushi famous. Cray alsorecorded his debut album, Who’s Been Talkin’, in 1978, although Tomato Records’ internal problems held up Talkin’s release until 1980. And then, just as Talkin’ was winning great reviews, Tomato collapsed into bankruptcy. Got the blues? Young Robert certainly could have claimed he had them. But Cray isn’t given to complaining, instead he persevered, committed then, as he is now, to taking his music to the people.
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND
After Tomato became music biz ketchup, Cray and his band—today consisting of Richard Cousins (bass guitar, there since high school days), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), and Les Falconer (drums)— used the momentum the album gave them to play further afield. By now Cray was buddies with a young guitarist from Texas: Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“We played in 1979 at the San Francisco Blues Festival,” recalls Cray, “and I watched Stevie’s show and he’s just smoking. Afterwards Richard and I went up and chatted with him and we just hit it off. Stevie was great. If we were in Austin, he’d always come and join us on stage.”
Signing to Hightone, Cray’s 1983 album Bad Influence established him internationally. He was invited to play Carnegie Hall and toured Europe, later finding Eric Clapton recording Bad Influence’s title track. Cray’s False Accusations album increased his standing as the foremost singer of blues noir songs, while that year’s Showdown!—a sizzling collaboration with guitarists Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland—won Cray huge acclaim from blues musicians and fans. Signing to Mercury Records, Cray’s 1986 album Strong Persuader ensured he became the first blues/soul musician to breakthrough in the MTV era.
Strong Persuader won Cray rave reviews from pop and rock critics, topped charts worldwide, saw Cray grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and won the Grammy® for Best Contemporary Blues Recording in 1988. Strong Persuader, with its songs of infidelity, guilt, and unease, was not in any sense conventional Top 40 music, yet it proved so strong an album that it broke through barriers, sold millions of copies, and would prove extremely influential. Cray’s breakthrough allowed both young and older blues and soul musicians to gain wide attention and radio play. John Lee Hooker’s career resurrection came soon after with The Healer, and Cray plays on that seminal album.
“It was great to be able to travel around the world,” says Cray of Strong Persuader’s success. “It afforded us a lot of great opportunities that we were lucky to experience.”
Cray’s being modest here: suddenly he found himself the hottest guitarist working. Tina Turner invited him to support her huge European tour (every night, after playing with his band, Cray would join Turner on stage to play “A Change Is Gonna Come”). Then Keith Richards called, requesting Cray join the band backing Chuck Berry for Taylor Hackford’s celebratory feature-length documentary Hail Hail Rock ’N’ Roll. Here, Cray not only got to play with the mercurial Berry (plus Linda Ronstadt and Etta James, amongst many notable artists), he also formed a friendship with Steve Jordan, then drummer for the project and Richards’s solo band.
Now internationally famous, Cray found himself in intense demand: he toured with the Stones and Eric Clapton, played with B.B King and Buddy Guy (both of whom were inspirations), headlined noted music festivals—including Glastonbury in the United Kingdom and Crossroads Guitar Festival in the United States—and kept developing his sound over a selection of strong albums across the 1990s. Cray’s songwriting has addressed ageing, love, loneliness, domestic turmoil, and United States politics, while his music’s expansive vision found the likes of Cajun accordion legend Jo-El Sonnier and Memphis Horns’ trumpet and saxophone masters Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love guesting on his albums.
As an artist, Cray has aged like fine wine. His voice has developed a greater range and expressiveness. This he’s put to use on masterful interpretations of such Southern soul standards as “I Forgot To Be Your Lover” (William Bell), “Your Good Thing Is About To End” (Mable John), and “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” (Otis Redding). At the same time, Cray’s guitar playing now possesses an additional depth, a growl that can hint at a caress then signal emotional upheaval.
His recent run of albums—2014’s In My Soul, 2017’s Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, and 2020’s masterful That’s What I Heard (all produced by Steve Jordan, now the Stones’ drummer)—are among the very finest he’s made. Every song here is deeply felt, whether an agonized song of loss, an angry protest number, or a dance tune that gets audiences pumping (“My Baby Likes To Boogaloo” is great funky fun).
Across five decades Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalizing both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best. To achieve 50 years in the music industry and still be as fresh and committed as when starting out is an achievement few can boast of, but Cray can: he has released nineteen studio albums, every one replete with his extremely distinctive songs; won five Grammy Awards; and continues to make music that sounds like no one but Robert Cray. “All these years we have been fortunate to do what we love doing, playing the music we love playing,” says Cray with a smile. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Scottsdale Arts Presents
AN EVENING WITH ISAAC MIZRAHI
Ben Waltzer – Music Director/Piano | James Sarno – Trumpet
Kellin Hanas – Trumpet | Neal Miner, Bass
Joe Strasser – Drums | Daniel Freedman, Percussion
Thursday, March 13, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Broadway Series Partner:
PROGRAM
To be announced onstage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Isaac Mizrahi has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as a performer, host, writer, designer, and producer for more than thirty years. He was most recently seen as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago and has an annual residency at Café Carlyle in New York City. Mizrahi has also performed at various venues across the country, such as Joe’s Pub, The Regency Ballroom, and several City Winery locations nationwide. The New York Times noted: “He qualifies as a founding father of a genre that fuses performance art, music and stand-up comedy.”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year at the Sundance Film Festival, Mizrahi is the subject and cocreator of Unzipped, the cult classic documentary following the making of his fall 1994 collection. He hosted his own television talk show, The Isaac Mizrahi Show, for seven years; has written three books; and has made countless appearances in movies and on television. He served as a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars for the series’ entire seven-season run and has a new podcast, HELLO ISAAC, which features celebrity friends and other guests discussing their success and how failure affects it. Mizrahi has directed productions of A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Annually, he directs and narrates his production of the children’s classic Peter and The Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Mizrahi has his own production company, IM Entertainment, under which he has several projects in development in television, theatre, and literature. He is currently a consulting producer on the new Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern, premiering in 2025. His New York Times Bestselling memoir, I.M., was published in February 2019.
For more information, visit HelloIsaac.com and follow on social @ImIsaacMizrahi
"Opus 3 Artists" are the exclusive representative of Isaac Mizrahi.
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Dr. Mischa Cohen Peck
Dr. Peggy Sharp Chamberlain*
Gail Neuburg*
Iris and Adam Singer*
Jeannie and Ben Gillikin*
Jim Carmichael and Marianne Mallia*
Jomar Jenkins
Judy Mayfield
Laura and Edward Madden*
Leslie Grinker and John Broan*
Linda Kilgore Bernard and Nicholas Bernard*
Lois and John Rogers
Lucas Haldeman*
Makenna and Mike Albrecht*
Marcia and James Lowman*
Monique and JP Millon*
Nancy and Robert Kravetz Philanthropic Fund*
Oscar De las salas and Gary Jackson*
Paul Salinas
Peter Boyle*^
Rebecca and Sam Eden*
Sophie and Douglas Freedman
Susie and Don Cogman*
Vivian Fung*
$1,000 - $2,499
Adam Rosenberg*
Alan Rudy
Angela and Jeffrey Glosser*
Ann Mammel Balusek and Brain Balusek*
Carol and Randy Schilling*
Chris and Bob Irish*
Cynthia and Alan Kempner*
Dan and Elise Parish
Daniel Heuerman
Daniel Ling and Lee Obrzut*
Daniel Martineau and Laura Medved*
David Cooper
David Goldberg
Debbie and Jack Waitkus*
Delores Rodman and Dale Suran*
Diana M. and David N. Smith
Donald W. Collier Charitable Trust II*
Dorothy Lincoln-Smith*
Elizabeth and James Lincoln*
Elizabeth and John Shaw*
Elizabeth Burm
Ellen Andres-Schneider and Ralph Andres*
Elton Gilbert*
Eric Pittman*
Gary Owen
Gina Warren*
Gretchen and Dick Wilson*
Ida Rhea*
Jackie Gutsch*
James L. Ratcliff and Barbara Montgomery-Ratcliff
Janet and John Melamed*
Janet Zimmer*
Jill Christenholz*
Joan and Walter Magen
Judith and Richard Cooper*
Judy Ackerman and Richard Epstein*
Judy and William Goldberg*
Karen and Larry Harris*
Kathleen and Robert Duyck
Kathleen Duley and Carroll Huntress*
Kathy and Michael Wills*^
Kathy Kolbe and William Rapp*
Kay Butler*
Leah Manbeck and Jeff Martin*
Lesley and Paul Monfardini*
Linda and James Saunders*
Linda Cohen*
Lisa Huey*
Lori Hirsch*
Lynn and Larry Kahn*
Marjorie Hebert*
Mark Slick and Max Pizarro*
Marlene and Eugene Shapiro*
Mary and Kitt Ormsby*
Maureen and Thomas Eye*
Megan and John Anderson*
Mimi Horwitz*
Missy Romanoff
Mistie and Oliver Weishaar*^
Nancy and Kevin Rhein*
Nancy and Tom Thomson*
Nancy and Towner Kitchell
Paige and Ryan Jones^
Pat and Phil Turberg*
Patricia Schmidt*
Patty Napier
Phylis and Arnold Morof
Robert and Barbara Schmid*
Robyn Hansen*
Rosellen and Harry Papp*
Rosemary Gannon-Ortega and David Ortega*
Sally and Richard Lehmann*
Samuel Butman*
Stella and Mark Saperstein*
Stephanie and Douglas Leventhal*
Susan and Jerry Gilbert
Susan and John Horseman*
Susan and Manny Kramer*
Susan and Richard Goldsmith*
Susan and Richard Silverman*
Suzanne D. and Dimitri Haniotis
Thomas and Genevieve Houlihan*
Thomas Morgan*
Tina Gomez
Tracy Denmark and Marc Schwimmer*
$500 - $999
Annie Williams and Steve Sampson*
Cathleen and Jim Tonkin
Cathy and Barry Downs*
Catrina Kahler
Celeste Luke*
Charles and Mary Sholtis*
Claudia Carman*
Dale Leitman*
Daniel Gerard*
Danielle Spahle
David Bornemann and Vita Rowe*
Dawn Dickinson*
Dr. Arnold and Mrs. Anita F. Newman*
Dr. Otto Stanislaw*
Dr. Susan Sacks and Mr. Jim Andrews*
Dr. Tamara Rozhon
Elan Mizrahi*
Eliot Minker*
Enid and Michael Seiden*
Fred Horne
Frederick Lutgens*
Gail Rae and Charles Ehrler*
Gardar Gislason and Theodora Gunnarsdottir
Gerri and Mark Smith*
Gwen Walters*
Herbert Zoloto*
Iris Feldman*
James Smith*
Janice Lavitt*
Jay Rollins*
Jean and Barry Bingham*
Jean Quinsey*
Jo Flittie*
John and Alissa Krupar
Judith and Richard Spiegel*
Julie and John Douglas*
Karen Nackard*
Kathryn Derezinski*
Kathy Vander Pluym
Kenady and Jordan Jobe*
Kerry and Cynthia Dunne
Kirk Kaufman*
Kyle Caoettee and Savannah Eastburn*
Lance Goldberg and Beth Ladin*
Laura Nichols
Linda Callabresi
Linda Fontana-Smith and Craig Smith*
Linda Milhaven
Liz Hyatt
Lois Tatelman*
Lyrna Schoon*
Mark Stapp*
Marty and Laura Hollenbeck
Mary Renne
Melody Salamo*
Nathalie Potvin*
Pat and John Seybolt*
Pat Conley and David Dyer*
Patricia Mordigan Hawkins*
Patrick O'Leary*
Paul Basha*
Paul Zatulove
Pollyanne Morris and Randy Nussbaum*
Robert and Jocelyne Gervais*
Robert and Micheline Faver
Shari and Judy Capra*
Suzanne and David Black*
Suzanne Coleman and Perry Frantzman*
Ted Jarvi and Leslie Hall*
Troy Anderson
Wendy and Peter Gordon
William Fishkind
SMoCA Alliance
SMoCA Alliance is a community of belonging—based on an affinity for contemporary art, design, and architecture—that cultivates support and exposure for Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art exhibitions and programs.
For more information on SMoCA Alliance and other ways to support the art you love in Scottsdale, please contact Erin Krivanek, director of development at ErinK@ScottsdaleArts.org or Marcus Pittaluga, individual giving manager at MarcusP@ScottsdaleArts.org.
Corporate Insiders
180 Degrees Design + Build Art Solutions & Installations, LLC
Kendle Design Collaborative
Multistudio
Maria Z Interiors
Nikolaev Designs Jewelry Arts
Nick Tsontakis Architecture
Schnitzer Properties
Individual Insiders
Adam and Iris Singer
Alexis Cosca
Amy Gause
Arlee Reach and Phyllis Steckler
Clark Olson and Christi Manuelito
Dorothy Lincoln Smith
Elizabeth and John Shaw
Gail Neuberg
Jean-Pierre and Monique Millon
Jeannie and Ben Gillikin
Jim Carmichael and Marianne Mallia
Laura and Ed Madden
Linda Kilgore Bernard and Nicholas Bernard
Kent and Heidi Welborn
Oscar De Las Salas and Gary Jackson
Peggy Sharp Chamberlain
Dr. Robert and Nancy Kravetz
The Legacy Society
The Legacy Society honors those who have included Scottsdale Arts in their will, trust, insurance policy, or estate plans.
Joining The Legacy Society is a meaningful and generous way to continue sharing your values with future generations while enjoying recognition with a network of like-minded friends today. We proudly recognize the following Scottsdale Arts Legacy Society members:
Anonymous
Arleen Lorrance and Diane Kennedy Pike
Chet and Ann Goldberg Estate
Chris and Bob Irish
Cynthia Muss Lawrence
Diane Rejman
Eric Jungermann and Family
Evelyn Y. Davis
Fred J. English and Sara M. English Charitable Trust
J. Patrick McCarthy Estate
Joan Mills Miller Estate
Linda and Sherman Saperstein
Lou Jekel
Patricia Aloe-Stauber
Richard Herman Estate
Sara and David Lieberman
Sue and Robert Karatz
Theodore R Stephan Trust for Student Matinees
Wendy Sternberg Estate
Ellie and Michael Ziegler
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Scottsdale Arts is pleased to recognize the following corporations, foundations, government agencies, and in-kind donors for their support of the arts in our community this season. For more information on participating as a partner, please contact Denise Wisdom, corporate and foundation relations manager, at 480-874-4669 or DeniseW@ScottsdaleArts.org.
World Class Partners
Title Partners
Presenting Partners
THOMAS FOUNDATION
THE BUDDY TAUB FOUNDATION
DARREN JEFFREY
Signature Partners
Supporting Partners
180 DEGREES DESIGN + BUILD
AVIATION GIN
KENDLE DESIGN COLLECTIVE DOMINIC RUSSO ART SOLUTIONS AND INSTALLATIONS, LLC
LISHERNESS FOUNDATION
MULTISTUDIO
NICK TSONTAKIS ARCHITECTURE
NIKOLAEV DESIGNS JEWELRY ARTS
Collaborating Partners
Experience Scottsdale
Milagro Tequila
Merchant Partner
Overture Arcadia
WELBORN FINANCIAL
PHX Architecture
The WiIliam L. and Ruth T. Pendleton Memorial Fund
Overture North Scottsdale
Spirit of the Community Partners (promotional products support)
Blick Art Materials
Chompie’s Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery
Fairytale Brownies
Pink Sky Photobooth
Macy’s
Navajo Mike’s
Vibe Spot
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum
MARIA Z INTERIORS
THE BURTON FAMILY FOUNDATION
THE CENTER STAFF
Dr. Gerd Wuestemann, President and CEO, Scottsdale Arts
PROGRAMMING
Abbey Messmer, Programming Director
Diandra Adamczyk, Programming Manager
Maria Cruz, Programming Administrative Specialist
PATRON SERVICES
Luis Payan, Ticketing, Admissions, and Sales Manager
Steffi Faircloth, Ticketing, Admissions, and Sales Assistant Manager
Becca Courtney, Ticketing, Admissions, and Sales Coordinator
Alyssa Linares, Ticketing, Admissions and Sales Rep
Curtis Sellers, Ticketing, Admissions and Sales Rep
Olivia Greteman, Ticketing, Admissions and Sales Rep
GUEST EXPERIENCES TEAM
Britt Mayberry, Guest Experiences Representative
Steph Elizondo, Guest Experiences Representative
RETAIL
Deb Prokopek, Retail Manager
Patti Wolter, Retail Sales Representative
Jessica Winters, Retail Representative
EVENTS COORDINATION AND OPERATIONS
Jamie Prins, Director of Events
Mike Stevenson, Director of Facilities and Operations
Scott MacKeigan, Facilities and Event Operations Manager
Collin Jensen, Facility and Events Operations Coordinator
Courtney Nielson, Events Coordinator
PROTECTION SERVICES
Keng Cheong, Protection Services Manager
Michael Hammerand, Protection Services Coordinator
Brenda Kelley, Protection Services Lead
Carolyn Zarr, Protection Services Officer
Cat Rone, Protection Services Officer
Cheh Eifler, Protection Services Officer
Christopher Kelley, Protection Services Officer
Dale Duhame, Protection Services Officer
David Marshall, Protection Services Officer
George Eifler, Protection Services Officer
Isabel Prado, Protection Services Officer
John Hollicker, Protection Services Officer
Lane Honda, Protection Services Officer
Luis Sandoval, Protection Services Officer
Mary Celaya, Protection Services Officer
Milo Sheridan, Protection Services Officer
Pia Holt, Protection Services Officer
Steven Honda, Protection Services Officer
TECHNICAL
Zach Ciaburri, Director of Production
Grace Darling-Bond, Stage Manager
Jonathan Hansen, Technical Theater Coordinator
Lauran Conran, Production Assistant
Luke Jackson, Head Audio Engineer
Tyler Goddard, Head Lighting Engineer
Paige Guerrero, Artist Services Manager
FRONT OF HOUSE
Max Plata, Front of House Manager
Carolyn Sedlak, Lead House Manager
Ben Block, Assistant House Manager
Alexandra Bushman, Assistant House Manager
Chase Deleon, Assistant House Manager
Monica Erion, Assistant House Manager
Tina Gazia, Assistant House Manager
Wendy Crawford, Assistant House Manager
Scottsdale Arts Free Events
Exploding Native Inevitable Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Co-curators Brad Kahlhamer and Dan Mills introduce a night of programming in celebration of the exhibition Exploding Native Inevitable that includes performances, videos, and poetry.
Maps—Contours of a Story Opening Reception
Thursday, Jan. 9, 4 p.m
Scottsdale Civic Center Library
Join us for a free reception at the Civic Center Public Gallery to meet the artists and celebrate the exhibition opening.
Detour Company Theatre Bye Bye Birdie
Friday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11 and 12, 3 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the army, so he chooses one of his fans for a very public farewell kiss. Detour Company Theatre showcases the theatrical talent, courage, and artistry of adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Photo: David Blakeman
There is No Planet B, ecofeminism and climate
Opening Reception
Friday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Join us in Center Space gallery for a free reception to meet the artists and celebrate the exhibition opening.
Sun & Sounds Outdoor Concert Series
Sundays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23, Noon–4 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center
Free Sunday concerts return to the West Bowl at Scottsdale Civic Center! Experience the best local music in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by unique artist vendors, cold drinks at the bar, and plenty of good company. Bring your pup and lawn chair for some fun in the sun!
SUPPORTING PARTNER:
SIGNATURE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS:
Discover more events and performances at ScottsdaleArts.org or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
MERCHANT PARTNER: OVERTURE NORTH SCOTTSDALE AND OVERTURE ARCADIA
Exhibitions @ SMoCA
poetics of dissonance
Through Feb. 23
Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Keshia Turley, assistant curator.
This Just In… Recent Acquisitions @SMoCA
March 8–Sept. 7
Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Julie Ganas, curator of engagement and digital initiatives, and Carrie Tovar, registrar and collections manager.
Alida Sun: Biophony
March 8–Sept. 7
Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Julie Ganas, curator of engagement and digital initiatives.
SPONSOR: WALTER AND KARLA GOLDSCHMIDT FOUNDATION
2024–25 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS:
Cybele Lyle: Floating Seeds Make Deep Forms Through Aug. 10
Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Lauren R. O’Connell, curator of contemporary art.
There are other skies
Feb. 22–June 1
Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art with Mimosa House and originally curated by Christine Eyene, Daria Khan, Jennifer McCabe, and Maura Reilly. Assistant curators Sandra Lam and Keshia Turley, with additional support from Danielle Ochoa, curatorial intern. Global curatorial advisors Camille Auer, Giulia Casalini, Natasha Ginwala, Snejana Krasteva, Natalia Sielewicz, Gabriela Rangel, Lucía Sanromán, Olia Sosnovskaya, Stefanie Hessler, and Indira Ziyabek.
Plan a visit and learn more about our exhibitions and events at SMoCA.org or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Cybele Lyle: Floating Seeds Make Deep Forms (installation view) at SMoCA from Aug. 24, 2024–Aug. 10, 2025. Photo: Aaron Rothman
Become ONE with the Arts!
Scottsdale Arts ONE Members gain exceptional access to innumerable transformative artful experiences each year. ONE Members are the first to learn about the newest performances and exhibitions, receive invitations to exclusive events throughout the year, and enjoy discounts on premier events, series subscriptions, and The Stores at Scottsdale Arts. Our ONE Members are an essential part of Scottsdale Arts, as each membership helps provide impactful arts experiences for thousands of lives every year. Deepen your connection and commitment to your artful community with a ONE Membership today! For more information, email Sam Correa, membership and campaigns manager, at SamC@ScottsdaleArts.org.
To learn more and purchase your ONE Membership today, scan the QR code or visit OneMembership.ScottsdaleArts.org
Sunburst, 2020 by RE:site, Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee. Photo: Andrew Pielage Photography
Leave a Lasting Impact!
Scottsdale Arts has been the home of Scottsdale’s public, visual, and performing arts for nearly 50 years—all thanks to a group of forward-thinking residents who recognized the need to ensure arts programming was a priority for future generations of citizens. We are their legacy.
Leave a legacy—for the arts, for your community, for generations to come. Join the Scottsdale Arts Legacy Society by naming Scottsdale Arts in your will, trust, insurance policy, or estate plan.
Your financial and charitable goals are reflections of your commitment to support the future of your loved ones; charitable organizations you value, such as ours; and the greater community. Joining the Scottsdale Arts Legacy Society is a meaningful way to continue supporting Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts, Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation, Canal Convergence and Scottsdale Public Art.
Ways to Create Your Artful Legacy:
BEQUEST: Designate a specific amount, asset, or percentage of your estate in a will or trust.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Name Scottsdale Arts as a beneficiary—tax-efficient and impactful.
LIFE INSURANCE: Make Scottsdale Arts the beneficiary or owner of a policy.
With incredible foresight and generosity, Legacy Society members are critically important to sustaining our organization well into the future.
Contact Erin Krivanek, director of development, at ErinK@ScottsdaleArts.org or 480-874-4620 to learn more or if you have already included us so that we may honor your support.
