As he was schooled on music, Mike Randall was told he resembled 1950s star Buddy Holly. The bespectacled musician took that as a sign 16 years ago and formed the 1950s tribute act Come Back Buddy with his wife, Janine.
“Mostly our music is danceable music,” he said, adding Come Back Buddy’s motto is “Where’s the fun?”
band busy through the years,” he said. “There are a lot of people that like this music a lot.”
Music fans of all ages enjoy Come Back Buddy’s music, he said, especially Baby Boomers. It doesn’t mean that youngsters and teenagers won’t appreciate the band’s music.
“They like it because it is upbeat and fun,” he said. “It seems to appeal to all different ages.”
Intel is the presenting sponsor of the “2015 On The House Free Summer Concert Series,” which is now in its 19th year.
“Intel is pleased to support the Chandler Center for the Arts’ mission to make visual and live performance arts accessible to the entire population by sponsoring the free summer concert series,” said Carlos Contreras, director of Intel’s Arizona Public Affairs Group in a prepared statement. “One of Intel’s strategic values is to be an asset to our communities worldwide and what better way than to provide free access to a breadth of cultural experiences.”
The concert series will also include Sugar Thieves at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, Tres Guitarres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Ritmo-Latino will perform at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 28, and Plugged In at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
Randall plays the guitar and sings for the three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band, while Janine slings a bass and sings. The band has gone through several different drummers.
The act plays a variety of upbeat music from the ‘50s, including covers of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Johnny Cash, as well as Ricky Nelson and Hank Williams.
“We like to play music that people like to get up and move to and dance to,” Randall said. Fans can see for themselves when Come Back Buddy performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Admission is free. Randall said he enjoys hitting the stage because he loves seeing the audience’s reaction.
“I think that is what has kept our
For more information, visit www.chandlercenter.org, or www.comebackbuddy.com.
Meghan McCoy is a section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
FRIDAY July 17, 6-10
Classic summer blockbusters return to Harkins Theatres
Harkins Theatres will present Tuesday Night Classics with special presentations of retro films. For $5, guests can relive their favorite films on the big screen at theaters throughout the Valley, including Chandler Crossroads and Chandler Fashion Center. Movies start at 7 p.m.
The remainder of the year the following movies will be shown:
• “The Karate Kid,” July 21
• “The Usual Suspects,” July 28
• “The Departed,” Aug. 4
• “Bad Boys,” Aug. 11
• “The Shawshank Redemption,” Aug. 18
• “Beverly Hills Cop,” Aug. 25
• “The Sound of Music,” Sept. 1
• “Fletch,” Sept. 8
• “North by Northwest,” Sept. 15
• “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Sept. 22
• “Raising Arizona,” Sept. 29
• “Gremlins,” Oct. 6
• “Alien,” Oct. 13
• “The Exorcist,” Oct. 20
• “Halloween,” Oct. 27
• “Three Amigos,” Nov. 3
• “The Jerk,” Nov. 10
• “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Nov. 17
• “Planes Trains and Automobiles,” Nov. 24
• “Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 1
• “Elf,” Dec. 8
• “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 15
• “The Polar Express,” Dec. 22.
For more information, visit www.HarkinsTheatres.com/TNC.
Come Back Buddy will perform a free show at the Chandler Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. Submitted photo
Crafters can gather and learn at CraftHack CraftCamp
BY ALISON STANTON
Devout crafters can take their hobbies to the next level at the CraftHack CraftCamp on Saturday, Aug. 8, in Chandler.
Eileen Kane, co-chairwoman for CraftHack East Valley, described the camp as “a conference for crafters by crafters.”
Kane said the event will allow attendees to network with other craft artists and designers, learn from others how they have turned crafting into a small business, enjoy demonstrations and get plenty of ideas and inspiration.
CraftHack began three years ago as a
way for people to meet fellow crafters at Gangplank, a co-working space in Chandler, Kane said.
“Originally we just met to share space while we worked on our own projects,” she said.
Over the years, Kane said, it has grown to include artisans, teachers and entrepreneurs who sell their creations on Etsy.
Anne Watson Barber, co-chairwoman for CraftHack East Valley, said the morning session of the CraftCamp is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at TechShop, 249 E. Chicago St.
Barber said it will include panels and presentations on topics like how to create an e-commerce website, blogging tips for crafters, how to photograph crafts, crafting for non-profit organizations and brick and mortar versus online sales.
“Derek Neighbors, co-founder of Gangplank, will give the keynote address,” Barber said.
She, along with vendors from the e-commerce website BelleChic will speak about setting up a website.
“John Wolfe, owner of Sibley’s West, a local store that features local crafts in downtown Chandler, will be a featured panelist for the session on retail and crafts, and Jewel Clark, the digital technologies and website manager at the Heard Museum, is the featured panelist for how to photograph your crafts.”
After a lunch break, Barber said the afternoon demonstrations will begin at 1 p.m. at Gangplank, 260 S. Arizona Ave.
During the afternoon session, crafters can reserve a spot to display and demonstrate their techniques, learn skills from local artists and learn more about nonprofit groups who need help from crafters.
Kane said a craft bloggers reception will start at 4 p.m. at Gangplank; it will allow crafters to meet other people from the local craft blogging community, and get ideas on how to start or continue a craft blog.
“People who are not ticket holders are welcome to come and network and see crafting demonstrations at Gangplank in the afternoon, or take a tour at TechShop,” Barber said,.
All of the proceeds of the event, after costs, will go to Refugee Focus’ Women’s Empowerment Program, a Phoenix nonprofit that helps refugee women become self-sufficient through microenterprises.
Tickets for the CraftHack CraftCamp cost $20. To purchase tickets, visit www. facebook.com/CraftHackEV. For more information, email crafthackev@gmail. com.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.
Local crafters learn a technique at a recent CraftHack event. On Saturday, Aug. 8, CraftHack is hosting a CraftCamp. Submitted photo
CraftHack began three years ago as a way for local crafters to meet each other and work on projects. Submitted photo
Vision Gallery to feature new exhibits
BLOW UP, which is organized by the Lesher Center for the Arts by the Bedford Gallery Curator Carrie Lederer, explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating large-scale sculptures and includes imagery that is figurative and abstract.
BLOW UP will open at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, with a reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. These pieces are accessible and rich with meaning that uses perception of space to open a dialogue about pop culture and social norms.
“Inflatable structures connote fun and whimsy, and challenge our everyday, feeton-the-ground perspective,” Lederer said. “The show creates a spectacular, immersive environment and taps into our fascination with inflatables with artworks that are surreal, humorous and poetic.”
BLOW UP features several large-scale artworks by a diverse roster of internationally renowned artists, which will include Claire Ashley from Chicago; Lee Boroson from Brooklyn; Lewis deSoto from Napa and New York; Patrick Flibotte from Brooklyn; Billie G. Lynn from Miami; Guy Overfelt from San Francisco and Momoyo Torimitsu from New York. BLOW UP will also include a video component featuring documentation of inflatable works by Christo from New York; Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009) and Joshua Allen Harris from New York.
For more information, call Yvonne Villareal-Torres at (480) 782-2695.
Making faces
Vision Gallery will host a new exhibition, “Women Making Faces—Portraits by Arizona
Women” at the Chandler Center for the Arts from Friday, Aug. 14, to Saturday, Oct. 24.
This exhibit will feature portraits of some of Arizona’s most renowned women painted by Arizona’s most dynamic portrait artists.
The subjects of the portraits are celebrated and energetic Arizona women who have made a difference in Arizona and in communities by working to make Arizona a thriving and vibrant place, honoring them in traditional portraiture, made by some of the best of Arizona’s female portrait artists.
Participating portrait artists include: Carole Andreen-Harris, Mary Rochelle Burnham, Linda Fox, Moira Marti Geoffrion, Gini Heywood, Debra Jones, Carla Keaton, Chris Saper, Gay Myers Scheibl and Annette Smith.
The Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. An artists’ reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. A meet and greet reception is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Artists will be in attendance for both receptions; there will be live painting demonstrations during the reception on Sept. 18.
For information, call (480) 782-2695.
Entertainment at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
The Lounge, which offers state-of-the-art sound system, LED lighting effects, a dance floor and a large beverage menu features great live entertainment at Harrah’s AK-Chin Casino.
Wednesdays in the Lounge:
• Swingtips from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22. This nostalgic pop act will have everyone in the audience dancing, singing and maybe even performing on stage during their entertainment variety show.
• Bandstand Shows from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. This performance will take patrons on a musical journey through some of the best decades of American pop music.
• The Lounge Happy Hour: The Lounge offers happy hour Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Flavor, Monday, July 20
• Karen & Pat, Tuesdays, July 21 and July 28
• The Walkens Duo, Wednesdays, July 22 and July 29
• Stanley Serano Duo, Thursday, July 23
• John Eric Duo, Monday, July 27
Sundays in The Lounge include Karen & Pat July 19 and Unique July 26.
Margarita Sundays—Poolside provides patrons with the opportunity to enjoy live music, great food and drink, all while relaxing poolside. Margarita Sundays are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and include Al Ortiz Trio July 19 and OneGunn Tribute to Bob Marley July 26.
National acts slated to play in the casino are Jo Dee Messina at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7; and The Wailers at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Country artist Messina, famous for her debut single, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” is touring to support her new album, “Me. Messina.”
The Wailers carry a strong reggae history as the remaining members of Bob Marley & The Wailers. This reggae band has recently recorded with top artist Kenny Chesney and carries a strong Jamaican reggae influence. For a full listing of entertainment this month and for more information, contact Harrah’s Ak-Chin at (480) 802-5000 or visit www.harrahsakchin.com.
BLOW UP features large-scale artworks created with air. Submitted photo
Guests can enjoy live music from a variety of bands throughout the month of July at Harrah’s AkChin Casino in Maricopa. Submitted photo
Paretsky to headline conference for authors and aspiring writers
New York Times bestselling author Sara Paretsky will kick off the 12th annual Write Now! Conference, sponsored by the Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime, Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15.
A reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and the conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main, Scottsdale.
Sisters in Crime members tickets are $115, nonmembers are $125 and special student prices for ages 14 to 20 is $75. To register, visit www.desertsleuths.com, or contact Dana King-Esquer at desertsleuths@gmail.com.
“Our Write Now! Conference is open to established authors, aspiring writers and readers of all genres,” explained Desert Sleuths President Isabella Maldonado. “We have designed a conference that assists writers in every aspect of their career. Our goal as a chapter of Sisters in Crime is to help as many writers as possible achieve their dreams of a successful career. This year, we have extended that goal to include aspiring teen and college-age writers in our conference; their response has been incredible. We are thrilled to have Ms. Paretsky, who is such an advocate for young people, as the keynote speaker for our conference.”
Paretsky, best known for her intentionally acclaimed V.I. Warshawski series, has received the most prestigious awards in fiction, including the Golden Dagger Award, the Anthony Award, the Grand Master Award and the British Cartier Diamond Dagger
Award. Her books appear in 30 languages.
“This is an amazing lineup of professionals who will all be here to help conference attendees attain success,” said King-Esquer, Write Now! publicity chairwoman.
“We have many award-winning authors in our program, such as Simon Wood, Hilary Davidson and Deborah J. Ledford. They will discuss how to write an exceptional story, how to stand apart and attract an agent or publisher, and effectively promote your books for maximum sales. Ms. Ledford, who is also a screenwriter and producer, and Christina Cox, the well-known actress, screenwriter and motion picture producer, will address writing and adapting screenplays.”
Terri Bischoff, an acquiring editor for Midnight Ink, will complete the Saturday program, said Maldonado, adding that her guidance will help interest a reputable publisher.
“All of our speakers will join the conference attendees on Friday night for the reception that opens the Write Now! Conference,” Maldonado said.
The Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime is a writers’ organization and serves members throughout Arizona. Desert Sleuths was founded in 1994 and currently has more than 100 men and women as members.
Sisters in Crime is an international writers’ organization with more than 3,600 men and women as members. There are more than 50 chapters’ world-wide, offering network, advice and support to mystery authors. Sisters in Crime was founded by Sara Paretsky and a group of women at the 1986 Bouchercon in Baltimore.
Intel Sponsors Free Concerts
Local authors set for the first Payson Book Festival
At least two area writers will take part in the first Payson Book Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, on the Payson campus of Gila Community College, 201 N. Mud Springs Rd.
Chandler residents Becky Liguori and Sandy Wright will be among 60 Arizona authors who will exhibit and sell fiction and nonfiction books that represent many genres.
Sponsored by Gila Community College and the Rim Country District of Arizona Professional Writers, a nonprofit organization of men and women in the communication field, the family-friendly event will include writers speaking about their books and the craft of writing along with several workshops throughout the
day. In addition, children will have an opportunity to meet “Story Monster” and enjoy storytime with Conrad J. Storad, author of 50 children’s books based on nature and science. He also will offer a Young Writers Workshop for 9- to 12-year-old students.
Arizona’s Official State Historian Marshall Trimble will also be part of the book festival.
Local food vendors will sell a variety of foods and snacks, and there will be free entertainment and door prizes.
For more information, visit www.paysonbookfestival.org or its Facebook page. For questions, call (928) 468-9269 or email info@ paysonbookfestival.org.
Tickets will go on sale for ‘The Book of Mormon’
Come Back Buddy
Friday, July 31, 2015 · 7:30pm
A 3-piece rock-n-roll band whose repertoire includes the music of many artists from the 50’s era including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Buddy Holly.
Sugar Thieves
Friday, August 14, 2015 · 7:30pm
The Sugar Thieves have a sultry blues roots foundation, and powerhouse delta sound that will take you back in time. The singular vision that drives this band is their plight to reintroduce blues music, to younger generations and those that have simply forgotten.
Tres Guitarras
Friday, August 21, 2015 · 7:30pm Flamenco, Blues and Jazz entwine through the hands and musical voices of three incredible artists. Embark on a 6-string journey with their distinct musical voices.
Ritmo Latino
Friday, August 28, 2015 · 7:30pm
Led by singer Andres Martinez, Ritmo Latino masterfully mixes up a Salsa,Cumbia, Cha Cha Cha, and Latin Jazz musical blend. Plugged In
Saturday, September 12, 2015 · 6:30pm Music industry professionals will select nine youth bands to perform at the Center’s signature youth concert, Plugged In
No tickets required, all shows are FREE Foyer doors open one hour prior to performance • All seating is first come, first served Suggested Donations: $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family
Single tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, for nine-time Tony Award winner “The Book of Mormon” at ASU Gammage. Performances begin Oct. 20.
“The Book of Mormon” features music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and
Matt Stone. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800 982-2787 or by visiting www.asugammage. com.
Robson Library
The popular trio Jazz “Times” Three will return to the Ed Robson Library for a free entertaining hour of music featuring traditional jazz and well-known standards from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. The Ed Robson Library is located at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information, contact Patty Dennehy at (602) 652-3281 or email pattydennehy@mcldaz.org.
Kabala will perform at the Chandler Downtown Library on Wednesday, July 29. Submitted photo
Kabala to perform at library
Acoustic Blend presents Brian Kabala at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. Kabala will perform an all-acoustic set of his blues-based music. He has played venues ranging from
Chandler’s Farmers Market and Art Walk to Phoenix’s Rhythm Room and 12 News. For more information, call (480) 7822800, email infodesk@chandlerlibrary.org or go to www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Sonoran Desert Chorale releases season schedule
The Sonoran Desert Chorale has released its 2015-2016 season, which is a musical exploration of the primal elements earth, fire, wind and water.
Season tickets packages for the full season are on sale for $60 for adults and $50 for seniors and students. Single tickets, which are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors, students and groups, go on sale Aug. 1. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.sonorandesertchorale.org or by calling (480) 305-4538.
The performances are held at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa, and at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale. The season performances include:
• “Where the Earth Meets the Sky” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at First United Methodist Church, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at La Caasa de Cristo Lutheran Church. From the frosty winds of the Norwegian tundra to the flame of an Arizona sunset, the chorale celebrates the natural world and mankind’s relationship with the earth and the heavens.
• “Glad Tidings! Music for a Winter’s Night” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12,
at First United Methodist Church, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church. Join the chorale as they gladden hearts with traditional carols, brass and organ selections, plus, the delight of singing together in the annual audience sing-along.
• “Of Heaven and Earth,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at First United Methodist Church and from 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church. The “wonders of heaven and earth” are reflected in a “Mass for the Ages,” a unique compilation of the liturgy of the mass as written by classical and contemporary composers.
• “Between Oceans: Songs of the Americans at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at First United Methodist Church, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church. The performance will include haunting melodies, exciting rhythms and rich musical traditions reflecting the diversity of cultures and the harmony of spirits, infuse the Americas from the frigid fjords of Nunavut, Canada to the tip of Tierra del Fuego in South America.
Art Intersection offers seven-session seminar
Art Intersection’s seven-session seminar will give attendees the opportunity to engage in focused critiques that facilitate emerging photographers and artists in the creation of a cohesive body of work.
Whether attendees want help bringing a project to completion, direction in establishing their unique artistic voice, or preparing a portfolio for admission into school or a gallery, this opportunity provides individuals with informed direction.
The seminar is facilitated by Chris Colville, an educator that understands the creative process. He will provide a
professional and supportive atmosphere in which to grow. Seminar meetings are structured throughout an almost threemonth period to allow time in between to create new work.
In addition to group critiques, each participant will have a private consultation with Colville.
The seminar will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings Sept. 17 and Sept 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 29, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3.
Art Intersection is located at 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 201, Gilbert. For more information call (480) 361-1118, or email info@artintersection.com.
Slash coming to Wild Horse Pass
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators: World on Fire Tour takes the stage at the intimate Ovations LIVE! Showroom, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Slash delivers his Valley performance just before he closes the 24-city tour Saturday, Oct. 24, in Temecula, California. The tour begins Friday, Sept. 18, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Slash, the iconic American rock guitarist, songwriter and film producer, has amassed album sales of over 100 million copies and garnered a Grammy Award and seven Grammy nominations. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame as part of Guns N’ Roses. Slash helped create signature sounds like the guitar riff on No. 1 hits for Guns N’ Roses like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome To The Jungle.” “World on Fire” is Slash’s third solo offering and second album with his band The Conspirators, which features Myles Kennedy, Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns. The album represents that chemistry as the group blazes through 17 songs.
Tickets are $49 to $89 and are available by calling (800) 946-4452 or by visiting www.wingilariver.com.
Brian
Charitable work vital to People Who Could Fly
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
With the release of its new album “Compass,” the Chandler-based pop-rock band People Who Could Fly is finding its way.
The quintet is using its local fanbase to build a buzz regionally and nationally— and it’s all for a good cause. One dollar from each sale of “Compass” goes to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation. The original shock rocker has been good to People Who Could Fly.
“We were finalists last year in the ‘Proof is in the Pudding’ competition,” said singer James Mills of Cooper’s annual contest that results in a spot in his Christmas Pudding concert.
“We weren’t chosen for the show, but we are one of six bands who is going to be on an album.”
That collection is a Christmas album set to be released this winter. Not only did the competition help promote the band, it improved it as well.
“We feel like we gained so much from the competition that we wanted to give back to the foundation,” Mills said. “A lot of it was stage presence. We had been doing music for a long time and it got pretty solid. But the most important thing we can do is be great on stage. We worked really hard. In the spirit of Alice Cooper’s live show, we use theatrics to
make it not only an auditory experience but a visual experience.”
People Who Could Fly has had plenty of support. Mills—who is joined in the band by ASU student Josh Paige, Jacob Paige of Ahwatukee, and Levi Siwek and Fletcher Milloy of Chandler—opened for 1980s favorites Howard Jones and Rick Springfield at the Good Life Festival at Encanterra in San Tan Valley last spring. Proving its versatility, it
performed before rapper Wiz Khalifa at the Arizona State Fair. Most important to them, however, is charitable work. Besides donating to the Solid Rock Foundation, People Who Could Fly does private shows for kids admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“It was cool. They had a camera on us and they streamed the performance throughout the hospital,” Mills said. “A lot of kids started showing up because they liked what they
showed on TV. I think this goes hand in hand with giving back to the community.”
People Who Could Fly perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and Friday, Sept. 4, at SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Admission is free. For more information, call (480) 728-7696 or visit www.peoplewhocould fly.com or www. sozocoffee.org.
Xico offers development workshop series for artists
Working in the Phoenix art community for more than a decade, Justin Germain saw first-hand the many obstacles local artists faced trying to develop their careers and build their businesses. He set out to change that.
Armed with master’s degrees in art history and public administration from ASU and University of Phoenix, respectively, the longtime Valley resident had held a series of art gallery positions before finding a new calling.
“It’s not uncommon at smaller galleries for staff to work as curator, marketing director and operations manager, all rolled into one job position,” Germain said with a laugh.
Wearing many hats, however challenging, proved to be invaluable training. While he was adept at addressing many of the issues that came up in his day-to-day gallery work, Germain saw something he didn’t have time to address.
“So many artists would simply send me a link to their work, or sometimes to a poorly designed website or Facebook page, and somehow expect me or someone else to ‘discover’ them; meaning that an artist would somehow soar to success overnight,” he said.
“This can happen, but more often, it takes years to be ‘discovered,’ if it happens at all.”
Finally doing something about a gnawing feeling that he could do more to help artists, Germain became founder and chief consultant of his own freelance company, Art(ist)serv, dedicated to helping artists think of themselves and their art as a business.
Now, in partnership with Xico, Arte y Cultura, a nonprofit arts organization and gallery in Phoenix, Germain will lead a series of three professional artist development (PAD) workshops on marketing strategies and must-haves, just for artists.
The workshops will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7 at the Xico Galería, 1008 E. Buckeye Rd., Suite 220, Phoenix. Xico was formerly located in Chandler.
Cost is $50 for all three workshops, or $20 each. Artists should attend all three as each builds on the other.
For more information, or to pay for workshops, contact Xico by emailing info@xicoinc.org or by calling Xico at (480) 833-5875.
The Chandler pop-rock band People Who Could Fly will perform Saturday, Aug. 1, and Friday, Sept. 4, at SoZo Coffeehouse in Chandler.
Photo by Mia Scibona
Welcome to the new age Imagine Dragons to push new album in
Phoenix
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Imagine Dragons bassist Ben McKee is sitting his hotel room in Oregon where it is rainy and gray, a little jealous about the warm Arizona weather. But on par with his positive attitude, he finds a bright spot.
“Somewhere in between, life’s paradise,” McKee said.
He admitted he is pleased that Imagine Dragons are bringing its “Smoke + Mirrors Tour” inside to a moderately warm arena— US Airways Center—on Saturday, July 25. Arizona is a place that means a lot to Nevada-based Imagine Dragons. Being near Vegas, the Valley was a frequent destination for the band. It also filmed the video for “I Bet My Life” in the Grand Canyon State at the Salt River and Roosevelt Dam.
“It just had that sort of desert landscape that we were looking for, with a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful river,” McKee said. “We were also trying to find a big dam that we could use for filming.
“They’re not exactly so keen about filming whatever you want on the Hoover Dam. Arizona is basically next door when you live in Vegas. It had everything we needed.”
“I Bet My Life” was the first single off of the album “Smoke + Mirrors,” a collection that was inspired by being on the road for its 2012 debut “Night Visions” for so long.
“There’s a lot of that experience of being on the road woven throughout the record,” McKee said. “I think you can hear what the
weather was like where we were when we were writing the songs. The harsh winter of northern Europe in songs like ‘Friction.’
“A lot of it was written with the idea of performance in mind, too. I think we really were focusing on creating a record that would really translate to the stage really well. We spend so much of our lives on the road playing all the music from ‘Night Visions’ that we knew we needed to create music we were proud of and we liked to play so we could be happy with the next couple of years of touring.”
That’s not to say that Imagine Dragons, which includes singer Dan Reynolds, were unhappy with “Night Visions.”
“With ‘Night Visions’ we found ourselves, as we were on the road, expanding sections of songs and tweaking arrangements just to keep it fresh for us,” McKee said. “We built that into this record. We maybe wrote a little bit heavier of a record this time around because we favor playing the harder songs live.”
Arizona fans and those in town for the Super Bowl received a sneak peek of “Smoke + Mirrors” when Imagine Dragons played the opening track, “Shots,” at the DIRECTV Super Fan Festival in Glendale.
“It was crazy to be associated with something as big as the Super Bowl,” McKee explained. “It was really awesome to go out there and perform for all the fans who came there. It’s cool whenever you get to play for a group of people like that who
have come from all over. It’s not like playing for fans from one place. It’s playing for fans from all over the country. It was a fun vibe.”
One benefit of playing the DIRECTV show was McKee was able to connect with childhood football hero Steve Young. The band and the Football Hall of Famer partnered for the Tyler Robinson Foundation, McKee said. Imagine Dragons set up the charity in 2013 to help families financially while their children battle cancer.
“It’s cool whenever we get to see Steve,” he says.
Imagine Dragons will be on the road at least for the next year to push “Smoke + Mirrors.” After the band plays North America, it will do a “proper” Asian tour for the first time. It will then hit up parts of Eastern Europe that Imagine Dragons haven’t seen before.
“We get to see as much of the world that we got to see in the last year—and even more,” McKee said “I’ll go to a lot of place I’ve never been to this year.
First Responders Commemorative Mural
“You really become aware of how small the world is. Everybody is linked together in this way. We feel like we’re running into old friends wherever we are. You go to Russia and you find an old friend.
“It’s unbelievable. Last year we went to Latvia to play a festival,” he says. “I couldn’t even point out Latvia on a map. We played a festival and 35,000 people were there singing along to our music in Latvia. Performing is definitely the best part of my life.”
Imagine Dragons perform with Metric and Halsey at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Tickets are $29.50 to $49.50. For more information, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun. com.
Dignity Health has a long and valued partnership with the first responders in our communities. To honor those who serve us, both Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center’s will be placing a mural in each Emergency Room entrances.
This mural will depict our appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way each day so we may be safe as well as protected. This mural will also remember those in our community who have fallen in that line of duty.
Contribution Opportunities:
Mural Sponsor: $2,000.00
Gift renewable each year (only 10 spots available per hospital)
Name engraved on tile placed on Mural Glass replica for your office or home
Mentioned in Foundation Newsletter
• Mentioned in Foundation Annual Report with logo
• Invitation to unveiling
Mural Supporter: $1,000.00
• Glass replica for your office or home
• Mentioned in Foundation Newsletter
• Mentioned in Foundation Annual Report Invitation to unveiling
Mural Contributor: $500.00
Recognition plaque for your office or home
Mentioned in Foundation Newsletter
Mentioned in Foundation Annual Report
Invitation to unveiling
Imagine Dragons. Submitted photo
ON STAGE
Aztex, Saturday, July 18, HAC. This fusion of R&B, Latin and rock is sure to impress as Aztex takes the stage.
One of These Nights, Sunday, July 19, WHP. One of These Nights is a tribute to the music of the Eagles.
The Walkens, Friday, July 24, HAC. Known for energy, professionalism and diversity, The Walkens are a go-to band for entertaining a crowd.
Quantrum, Saturday, July 25, HAC. Quantrum is an entertaining blend of R&B, funk, old school jazz and Top 40 music.
Shining Star, Friday, July 31, HAC. Shining Star brings experience paired with an extensive song list to make sure everyone has a good time.
Come Back Buddy, Friday, July 31, CCA. Come Back Buddy is a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band inspired by the legendary Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
Rodney Carrington, Saturday, Aug. 8, WHP. Rodney Carrington is a comedian, actor, singer and songwriter.
America, Friday, Aug. 14, WHP. Grammy-winning rock group America was formed in 1970 by multiinstrumentalists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley.
Sugar Thieves, Friday, Aug. 14, CCA. The Sugar Thieves have a sultry blues roots foundation and powerhouse delta sound.
Justin Shandor “World’s Ultimate Elvis Concert,” Saturday, Aug. 15, WHP. Shandor’s voice is so strong that he was asked to sing a song written by Elvis more than 40 years ago by one of Elvis’s writers.
Nashville Gold: The Story of Country Music, Sunday, Aug. 16, WHP. Attendees hear all the hits and feel like they have a front row seat at the Opry House or in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“American Idol Live!” Sunday, Aug. 16, MAC. The concert will give fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the top five Idols from season 14.
Jackson Browne, Thursday, Aug. 20, MAC. Jackson’s career began in the mid‘60s in Los Angeles and Orange County folk clubs.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo 35th Anniversary Tour, Friday, Aug. 21, WHP. Along the way, the union of Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo has become one of the most successful in music history and their legacy continues to be celebrated across the globe.
Tres Guitarras, Friday, Aug. 21, CCA. Tres Guitarras features Chris Jacome –flamenco; Bob Fahey – blues and Stan Sorenson – jazz.
“Something’s Afoot,” Friday, Aug. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 10, HCT. Watch the mystery unfold when a group of unlucky guests meet their timely demise.
Sinbad, Saturday, Aug. 29, WHP. Actor and comedian Sinbad arrived on the comedy scene with a “hit’em in the face” style of comedy that has kept audiences laughing in the aisles for the past two decades.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Wednesday, Sept. 2, MAC. The Australian Pink Floyd Show is rightfully hailed as one of the leading concert performances currently operating.
Plugged In, Saturday, Sept. 12, CCA. The Chandler Center for the Arts,
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org
HCT—Hale Center Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www.haletheatrearizona.com
along with Rock ‘n’ Roll High School select the top nine bands to perform at the center’s signature youth concert, Plugged In.
Bowling for Soup, Monday, Sept. 21, LW. The Texas-based band Bowling for Soup is known for such hits as “Girl All the Bad Guys Want,” “Almost,” “High School Never Ends” and “1985.” It is touring with special guests Dolly Rots and Ivory Tribe.
“Carnival of Illusion,” Saturday, Sept. 26, MAC. This top-rated attraction is “revitalizing magic” by blending its international theme with all the charms of a Vaudeville-inspired road show.
LW—Livewire
7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 970-1112 or www.Livewireaz.com
MAC — Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
When comedian George Lopez was in his early teens, he and his friends would frequently head down to Hollywood Boulevard to gaze at some of the 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars. There was one that he would regularly visit.
“I would see George Burns’ star and I would imagine my name where it said ‘Burns,’” Lopez said. “I wondered what it would be like to be on Hollywood Boulevard.”
Lopez’s dream was realized. He was honored along the famous strip in 2006 in conjunction with the 100th episode of his TV show, “George Lopez.”
“That was pretty amazing,” he said. The honors have been many since Lopez started his career 36 years ago in high school. It became a serious endeavor when actress Sandra Bullock discovered him in a comedy club. His accolades include Time magazine naming him one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America, and the Harris Poll dubbing him one of the Top 10 Favorite Television Personalities.
Lopez is modest about his recognition, but added that his success has touched him.
“They do mean a lot because I saw a lot of guys get shows before I came along,” Lopez said. “I saw Tim Allen when ‘Home Improvement’ first started. I saw Drew Carey get his show when that first started, Seinfeld—guys who I have known who got shows and stayed on the air or didn’t stay on the air.
“I would say, ‘I don’t care how long the show stays on the air. I just want an opportunity to succeed or fail. It was really changing my life and being that person who said, ‘I’m not going to take no for an answer.’”
The multitalented entertainer has done television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. He hosted “Lopez Tonight” on TBS for two seasons. According to his bio, it marked his return to series television after co-creating, writing producing and starring in “George Lopez.” The show, co-produced by Bullock, ran for six seasons on ABC and, Lopez said, it remains a hit. “George Lopez” hasn’t been off the air since 2002 and, in 2015.
Multihyphenate star
Lopez’s career has been rich. In 2004, 2006 and 2009, he was nominated for Grammys for his CDs “Team Leader,” “El Mas Chingon” and “Tall, Dark and Chicano,” respectively. The same year, his book, “Why You Crying?,” made The New York Times Bestsellers List. He was also the subject of the award-winning documentary “Brown is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream.” The list of accomplishments is endless. Recently, he starred in “Spare Parts,” the story of four Hispanic high school students from Phoenix who form a robotics club.
“It’s emotional,” he said about the flick. “You know we can run, but now you can see us use our brains. ‘Spare Parts,’ the people who I see write on social media, they really, really like the movie.”
Lopez explained that he used to be a person who would say no to many projects when they were run by him.
“I would say, ‘Nothing is going to happen,’” Lopez said. “One time, (management) said, ‘You have an audition tomorrow.’ It was on a Sunday. I just got back from San Francisco. I told them, ‘Why would I go? Nothing’s going to happen.’”
His manager persuaded him to go and he ended up landing the role of “Perez” in “Bread and Roses,” a film about undocumented workers and their struggle to unionize.
“It’s like ‘Norma Ray,’ but it’s the Latino version,” he said. “It actually went to the Cannes Film Festival.”
Kidney transplant
Lopez has a genetic condition that causes his kidneys to deteriorate. In April 2004, he was told he needed a kidney transplant. The next year, his nowestranged wife, Ann, donated a kidney. He jokingly said it’s not safe for transplant patients to know their donors.
“With the organ donation thing, they prefer—I prefer—that those donors do not meet,” he said with a laugh. “That way, if you say, ‘Man, I feel good today, the donor would say, ‘Who do you have to thank for that?’ Or, if you go, ‘I want you to run to the store and grab some milk.’ I would say, ‘Right now?’ And they’d say, ‘But when you needed a kidney, right now was alright, right?’”
In all seriousness, if Lopez could give anyone advice, it wouldn’t really have much to do with acting or standup comedy. He would tell fans and the public to go to the doctor if they feel something isn’t right.
“It’s interesting because truly, in all honesty, when I felt sick I really was sick,” he said. “My blood was highly toxic. I don’t even really remember a lot of that particular time. I was still in production for the show (‘George Lopez’).
“When I found out in the late 90s, I didn’t know what I had, but I knew my back hurt and I was really fatigued. I was still on the road. I didn’t cancel any dates, but I would take like six baths a day during the day and sleep during the day.”
Baths, he said, would make him feel better because it was soothing.
Love for Phoenix
Lopez has been a frequent visitor to Phoenix, having played the Celebrity Theatre several times, and filming his first HBO comedy special, “America’s Mexican,” at the Dodge Theater. He will return to the Celebrity for two shows on Saturday, July 18, during his “Listen to My Face” tour.
“I’m coming back at the hottest time, so you know I’m liking it,” said Lopez, who counts among his friends Tony LaRussa, chief baseball officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. “You know I’m a huge fan. But I need to come back in January when it’s really, really peaceful weather.”
He recalls a time when he really learned about the effects of Arizona’s summer and the lesson about “But it’s a dry heat.”
“One time, I was playing golf there,” he recalls. “The guy I was with said, ‘Oh stop. I want to go inside and grab a golf shirt or something.’ I said I’d wait in the car. I waited in the car for about 30 seconds. I got the hell out of there. I thought I was
in a soup can.”
When Lopez comes back to town, he will try out jokes for a new special, he said.
“I’m always around creating another special,” he said. “This (new) one is about entitlement; so is the other one. This is a different version of entitlement and getting older and feeling, ‘I’m closer to the end.’
“I always imagine myself young. But when you realize that you’re closer to the end than you are to the beginning, you truly, truly must enjoy everything you
do. It’s about taking every opportunity to enjoy your life.”
George Lopez performs at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. Tickets are $48 and $95. For more information, call (602) 267-1600 or visit www.celebritytheatre.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
George Lopez makes a return visit to Phoenix with two shows on Saturday, July 18, at the Celebrity Theatre. Submitted photo
