Herriman and the Chandler Symphony Orchestra: A perfect pairing
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
One day in second grade, Jack Herriman raised his hand. And now when he raises his hand, 80 musicians begin to play.
“I was 7 and we had a string class,” Herriman recalled. “The teacher asked, ‘Does anyone want to lead the group?’ I was the only one to put up my hand.”
Little Jack was hooked that day in Kansas City, Missouri. The sound of music coming back at him as he moved his arm to a beat pattern was the beginning of a love affair that goes on until this day.
“I’m going to keep on doing this,” said Herriman, now 85, after leading a rehearsal of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra.
“They want me and there’s a need for me. Like I told them at the start of the season, ‘I’ll do the best I can to keep you guys off the streets.’”
Herriman has been music director of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra since its inception, which, depending on how you look at it, was either 1989 or 1993—or 2006.
“We started as the orchestra of Mesa Community College in 1989, but a bond issue failed and they dumped the orchestra. So a bunch of us got together and started this group,” Herriman recalled.
The former MCC musicians founded the orchestra as the San Marcos Symphony (named after the resort) in 1993. The name was changed to the
Chandler Symphony Orchestra in 2006 thanks, in part, to the support of the Chandler City Council and then-Mayor Boyd Dunn. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra serves some 10,000 patrons annually, giving six free concerts every season at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
From the orchestra’s beginnings up to the present day, Herriman has been its defining personality.
“Jack is the face and baton of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra,” said Pam Hahn, the orchestra’s president and harpist.
“He treats the orchestra members like professional and always expects the best playing and musicianship from them. We all feel honored to play for Jack.”
His musical resume is solid gold.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Herriman studied conducting at Northwestern University with Thor Johnson, an icon of 20th century American music education. He co-conducted the Chicago Civic Orchestra and studied with Leonard Bernstein at the prestigious Tanglewood Institute in Massachusetts. He played viola in the Kansas City Philharmonic for 12 years and then became its assistant conductor. When that orchestra amassed a debt of $1.6 million, its music director resigned and Herriman was offered the job. He declined.
“I didn’t want to deal with the finances, so I went to Topeka and was music director there,” Herriman said.
It was a smart move: the Kansas City Philharmonic folded within a year. From Topeka, Herriman made his jump to the East Valley in 1989.
Herriman has guest conducted all over the world, including orchestras in London, Hamburg, Honolulu, Mexico City, Seville and Vietnam.
“He has a wealth of experience and has played and studied with some of the greats. He’s got a story for everything we play,” said Mike Wallick, CSO percussionist and orchestra manager.
The next CSO concert, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, will feature one of the biggest “stories” in all of classical music: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, with its famous opening motive of “fate knocking at the door.” Admission is free to the
event at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For information on it and other CSO concerts, go to www. chandlersymphony.net.
Off the podium, Herriman is a smiling senior citizen. But on the podium, conducting with a clear beat and a definite presence, he is transformed. Like all conductors, Herriman seems to have benefitted from the aerobic exercise of waving his arms and moving his body to music over the decades. He and the Chandler Symphony Orchestra show no signs of stopping.
Kenneth LaFave is an associate editor with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at klafave@timespublications. com.
WEEK 1
Monday, September 28 - Thursday, October 1
FREE Showcase October 1st at 3pm
WEEK 2
Monday, October 5 - Thursday, October 8
FREE Showcase on October 8th at 3pm
WEEK 3
Monday, October 12 - Thursday, October 15 FREE Showcase on October 15th at 3pm
WEEK 4
Monday, October 19 - Thursday, October 22 FREE Showcase on October 22nd at 3pm
*Extended Day Available (3:00pm - 6:00pm) $5 per Day. Pay at drop off for campers only
Music director Jack Herriman lifts his baton to begin a rehearsal of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. STSN photo by Tim Sealy
Zombies, local art and live music at Chandler Art Walk
Downtown Chandler will look like something out of a Stephen King novel at the upcoming Third Friday Chandler Art Walk Oct. 16.
Guests are encouraged to dress like zombies for the event, which will feature complimentary face painting by artists dressed as Elsa and Capt. America. Among the clamor of the live music and shuffling of zombie feet, guests will find Valley artists selling their handcrafted wares. Guests can expect to find wooden pieces, paintings, jewelry and pottery.
The family-friendly event is free to the public and hosted by Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. The Chandler Art Walk runs from 6 p.m. to
10 p.m. with face painting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chandler Art Walk will be held at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
For more information, visit www. downtownchandler.org, or email Karli@ downtownchandler.org.
Classic summer blockbusters continue through end of year
Retro is hip, and the Harkins Theatres are celebrating all things “old” by presenting the Tuesday Night Classics. 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:
• “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.
Theatre Artists Studio presents ‘Crimes of the Heart’
Beth Henley’s exploration of the foibles and challenges of the three Magrath sisters comes to the Theatre Artists Studio in the first production of its season.
Set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his final hours in the local hospital. The story centers around Lenny, Meg and Babe, who are all dealing with the ghosts of their family’s notorious past. Throw in their nosy cousin, Chick, and two men—Meg’s former lover, Doc, and the young lawyer, Barnette Lloyd, who has been tasked with helping Babe beat an attempted murder wrap. Their troubles are both grave and laughable as together they try to escape the past and seize their future.
completely in love with each of the six characters—in all their quirkiness—and this cast is as close to perfect in their roles as you can get. I am very excited to share this wonderful story with The Studio’s audience.”
Directed by studio member Brad Allen, “Crimes of the Heart” features members Dee Rich, Debra Rich, Ashley Faulkner, Aaron Seever and Julie Lee, along with guest artist, Joshua Vern.
“‘Crimes of the Heart’ is one of my favorite plays,” said Allen. “It is one of the funniest plays I know, and although some of the humor is dark, the overall message of the piece is the power of family, hope, and humor to overcome even the worst possible situations. I am
Theatre Artists Studio presents “Crimes of the Heart” through Sunday, Sept. 20, at The Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Suite 406, Scottsdale. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for students 25 and younger and $15 for groups of 10 or more, seniors 65 and older and members of the military. For tickets, call the box office at (602) 765-0120, or visit www.thestudiophx.org.
This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actor’s Equity Association Members Project Code.
CAFE Flutes to play at King of Glory Lutheran Church
The church is located at 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe.
Sonoran Desert Chorale celebrates nature in 22nd season
Begin the 22nd season with the Sonoran Desert Chorale as it celebrates the natural world and the human connection to it. This season’s musical exploration of the primal elements opens a songbook for the year filled with rich harmonies, exciting rhythms, and lyrics which illuminate mankind’s relationship with the earth and the heavens.
(480) 305-4538.
The KOG Fall Concert Series is opening its season with the CAFE Flutes, Central Arizona Flute Ensemble, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. They are a seven member flute choir with instruments ranging from piccolo to the 10-foot contrabass flute. Creative arrangements of familiar melodies, along with a few new pieces create a spectrum of textures and styles that surprise and enthrall audiences.
Performances of “Where the Earth Meets the Sky” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale.
The first half of “Where the Earth Meets the Sky” features one of Rene Clausen’s landmark compositions, “Crying for a Dream.” This work is based on Native American writings, particularly those of the Teton Sioux. The entire piece is a powerful and emotionally moving statement of spirituality and love, reverence and protection of the earth. This set closes with Z. Randall Stroope’s “Song of the Earth” including these descriptive lyrics “I am the whisper of wind that summons the rain” and “I am the stillness of night breaking at dawn.”
For more information, call (480) 8380477, www.kogaz.org, or cyndee@kogaz. org.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at www. SonoranDesertChorale.org, or by calling
The concert continues with two evocative pieces by Daniel Elder—“The Heart’s Reflection” and “Ballade to the Moon.”
CAFE Flutes will perform at King of Glory Lutheran Church this month. Submitted photo
Ak-Chin offers ample opportunities to listen to live music
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino brings great live entertainment to The Lounge. The Lounge offers a state-of-the-art sound system, LED lighting effects, a dance floor and a large beverage menu.
Highlights include Austin Webb performing at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and Skid Row, Great White and Autograph hitting the stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Lounge events:
• Dina Preston: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
• The Swingtips: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Mancini the Band: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
The Lounge Happy Hour will be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 pm. to 8 p.m.
• John Eric Duo: Wednesday, Sept. 30, Wednesday, Oct. 14
• Flavour: Tuesday, Sept. 22
• Paul Wells: Wednesday, Sept. 23, Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Notes from Neptune: Tuesday, Sept. 29, Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Flavour: Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Shades of Blue: Wednesday, Oct. 7
• Walkens Trio: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Van & Melanie: Tuesday, Oct. 27
• XO Duo: Wednesday, Oct. 28
For a full listing of entertainment and for more information, contact Harrah’s Ak-Chin at (480) 802-5000, or visit www. harrahsakchin.com.
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Sheared beard and beers
Hasidic rap sensation Matisyahu headlines
SanTan Oktoberfest
BY ALAN SCULLEY
Aside from ZZ Top, probably no other music artist could cause more of a commotion by shaving a beard than Matisyahu.
While ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill have not taken a razor to their signature facial hair, Matisyahu went clean shaven and trimmed his hair in December 2011. It radically altered his appearance, but registered on a much deeper level because of what the whisker whacking represented to an entire population.
As music’s leading Hasidic Jewish artist, Matisyahu had inspired a legion of people who also followed his religion in ways that went beyond his music. Matisyahu set an example for how to follow the Orthodox Jewish religion, yet also assimilate into society as a whole and enjoy such secular pursuits as going to concerts and clubs or partying.
Although he tried to explain that he had not rejected his Jewish faith and had only decided he could not live by certain specific rules that are part of the religion, the change in Matisyahu’s appearance, as well as the absence of a Yarmulke as part of Matisyahu’s clothing caused plenty of consternation and questions.
Three-plus years and two albums (2012’s “Spark Seeker” and the new release “Akeda,”) later, Matisyahu (Matt Miller is his secular name) said he has yet to get a good read on how going clean
shaven has impacted his image.
“There are some people who get it and there are some people that don’t, and that’s what it is,” he said in a phone interview. “I have no control over who understands my life and who doesn’t understand it and who understands my music and who doesn’t. And I try not to spend too much time really thinking, or worrying or even reading comments about it. I’m busy kind of living my life. And so yeah, that’s the gist of it. There was a time when I was really effected by all of the stuff I was reading online and I just stopped reading that stuff.”
Up until he revealed his new look, Matisyahu hadn’t had to deal with much in the way of criticism. Now 36, he started to get on the music scene radar with his independently released 2004 debut album, “Shake Off the Dust...Arise.” That was followed in 2006 by the concert CD, “Live at Stubb’s,” which was picked up for release by Epic Records and gained the attention of the mainstream media.
He was praised for his sound, a blend of reggae, hip-hop and rock, and for the spiritual, uplifting messages in his lyrics. He ended 2006 riding a wave of popularity, as his second studio album, “Youth,” had debuted on the Billboard album chart at No. 4 and a single from the album, “King Without a Crown,” had gone top 10 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart.
That song remains Matisyahu’s biggest hit, but his subsequent studio albums—2009’s “Light” and “Spark Seeker”—have also received favorable reviews, while doing well enough commercially to solidify his place as one of reggae’s top artists and keep him on the mainstream rock/pop radar.
Those two albums, as well as “Akeda,” have also helped show that Matisyahu’s music extends well beyond the reggae sound that first gained attention.
The latest album is especially diverse. Hip-hop remains a core element, blending with electronic pop on “Star on the Rise” and “Vow of Silence.” There is also tuneful rock on the horn-filled “Watch the Walls Melt Down,” “Reservoir” and pop on “Built to Survive” and “Ayeka (Teach Me To Love).”
Meanwhile, reggae, which had been less pronounced on “Light” and particularly “Spark Seeker,” returns in a prominent way on the songs “Black Heart” and “Confidence.”
“I think my music has always been really diverse. It’s always had this, you know, really I think, unique mixture of genres,” Matisyahu said. “Because I was so heavily influenced by this dancehall conscious reggae music in the early 2000s, when I was really developing my voice, that was the main voicing that I used. But throughout time, I’ve always dipped into different things and combined different things.”
Always a dynamic live performer, fans can expect to hear some of “Akeda” at his SanTan Brewing Company Chandler Oktobertfest show on Saturday, Oct. 3, as well as a couple of tracks each from his previous albums. He’s also making room in the shows for spontaneity and improvisation.
“The high point to the show, to us, and
the reason why I do what I do is not really to go out there and play ‘One Day’ (a top 25 modern rock single from the ‘Light’ album) or even to play the new songs,” Matisyahu said. “It’s that moment during the improvisation, when we do something unique, when we do something that hasn’t happened before, and I feel a sort of unlocking happen, something open up and (it’s) in those moments when I speak to God and I feel that I’m speaking authentically. That’s why I continue to do this and that’s what I’m trying to search for from night to night, for those moments.”
Matisyahu performs at 9:30 p.m. during the SanTan Brewing Company Chandler Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers open the show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $15 for the event that runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www. santanoktoberfest.com.
Alan Sculley is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Matisyahu headlines the SanTan Brewing Company Chandler Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 3. Photo by Jared Polin
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Bowling for Soup singer puts family first
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
As a child, Bowling for Soup frontman Jaret Reddick was snarky and had a good sense of humor, something he still conveys through his band in songs like “1985.” But now he’s getting the ultimate payback in his 9-year-old son, Jack.
“My son is literally like God’s revenge on me,” he said with a laugh. “I wasn’t a bad kid, but I probably wasn’t the easiest kid in the world to deal with. What comes around goes around.”
It helps, too, that Jack is a big Bowling for Soup fan, and often blares the radio when one of his dad’s songs is played on Sirius/XM’s Pop2K.
“I’ll be pulling up to my son’s school, and he’ll turn it up and blare it,” Reddick said. “It sounds like I’m trying to make my kids listen to me. I like that he digs it.”
Although Bowling for Soup still tours— the band plays Livewire in Scottsdale on Monday, Sept. 21—Reddick has cut down on traveling to spend time with Jack and 12-year-old daughter, Emma.
“I’m, as rock stars go, pretty normal as a dad,” he said. “But he (Jack) gets me from time to time. He’s into pranks right now. It’s all the stuff that I’ve fallen for in the past. But he’s cute doing it, so I have to let him have it.”
When the divorced father isn’t hanging
SALON OROZCO
out with his kids, he’s working on projects for Bowling for Soup or his side band, People on Vacation. Right now, he’s putting the finishing touches on a live acoustic DVD filmed in London.
“It was a really, really cool theater and we did it during our acoustic performance,” Reddick said. “It’s a long show. I think it’s like 30-something songs. It’s 2 1/2 hours long.
“We’re going to release that as an album and DVD. There’s another, more involved full-band live performance that we did on the same tour. That DVD will come out next summer.”
While Jack and Emma are Bowling for Soup fans, they’re also pretty impressed that their dad does voiceover work. Reddick is the man behind the voice of Love Handel’s lead singer on “Phineas and Ferb.”
‘James
“I fell right into it, to be honest,” he said. “I had done some stuff on ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ I acted in high school and college. There are a lot of things that go with the whole voiceover thing, like hitting the beats. I like it—especially when I can do it from home. I work for a couple hours and then go do basketball with the kids. It’s a lot easier.”
Bowling for Soup performs with Ivory Tribes and We Beloved at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. Tickets are $20. For more information, call (480) 361-9783 or visit www.livewireaz.com.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.
and the Giant Peach’ lands at VYT
“James and the Giant Peach,” a musical based on the much-loved children’s book written by Roald Dahl, lands on stage at Phoenix’s Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) Oct. 9, showcasing a magical cast of creepycrawly characters.
James, a young orphan boy, is forced to live with his evil aunts when his parents suddenly pass away. One day his meanspirited aunts send him out to chop down their old fruit tree.
While out in the yard, his miserable existence takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a magic potion that creates a gigantic peach. Suddenly, James finds himself inside the massive peach on a
dangerous journey as it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean.
The cast is headlined by 11-year-old Owen Watson. Owen, who attends Arizona School for the Arts, is returning to the VYT stage for his sixth production. Alex Watson, Owen’s older brother, also joins James for his fourth show as a part of the production team operating all the fun gadgets behind the scenes.
“James and the Giant Peach” runs through Oct. 25, with showtimes varying according to day. Tickets are $18. For more information, call (602) 252-8188 or visit www.vyt.com.
Bowling for Soup comes to town on Monday, Sept. 21, before heading home to Texas. Submitted photo
ON STAGE
“Something’s Afoot,” through Saturday, Oct. 10, HCT. Watch the mystery unfold when a group of unlucky guests meet their timely demise.
“Heaven Can Wait,” through Nov. 17, HCT. Joe Pendleton is not dead. He is sure of it, despite the fact that his spirit is in limbo.
“Crimes of the Heart,” through Sunday, Sept. 20, TAS. In Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his final hours in the local hospital.
Dana Carvey, Saturday, Sept. 19, WHP. Dana Carvey is a master of impersonations, costar of the “Wayne’s World” movies, and one of the most versatile players from “Saturday Night Live.”
“Ode to Peace,” Sunday, Sept. 20, CCA. A music, dance and martial arts extravaganza from cultures around the world celebrating 70 years of peace commemorating the end of WWII.
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.
“Peking Dreams,” Thursday, Oct. 1, MAC. The National Circus and Acrobats of The
launcher her widely popular YouTube Channel “ViolinTay” in 2010.
DVBBS, Saturday, Oct. 24, MDNC. Canadian dance music duo DVBBS, pronounced dubs, is comprised of brothers Christopher and Alex van den Hoef.
Dia de los Muertos Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, MAC. The Day of the Dead festival will feature delicious foods, a colorful Mercado featuring an assortment of Dia de los Muertos merchandise, jewelry, arts and crafts.
Youssou N’Dour, Thursday, Nov. 5, MAC. This world music superstar was first heard in the United States as the
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
People’s Republic of China were founded in 1958, and since that time the company has been dedicated to the innovation of and excellence in the circus and acrobatic art.
“Swan Lake,” Friday, Oct. 2, CCA. The Russian Grand Ballet will present the fulllength classic production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”
Brooke Evers, Saturday, Oct. 3, MDNC. Australian-born Brooke Evers has quickly become one of the most exciting DJs on the circuit.
“Zoltan Maga, From Budapest with Love,” Wednesday, Oct. 14, MAC. Experience fiery music and Hungarian folk dance brought to life by a case of hand-picked singers, costumed ballroom dancers and chamber orchestra.
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Adios Tour, Thursday, Oct. 15, MAC. This is the last time fans will be able to experience the live spirited celebration of Cuban sound and culture.
Cazzette, Friday, Oct. 16, MDNC. Alexander Björklund and Sebastian Furrer, better known by their stage name Cazzette, are a dance music duo from Sweden.
Flip Orley , Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, IMP. He has singlehandedly reshaped hypnosis from its vaudeville image to an act that is hip and edgy.
Taylor Davis, Sunday, Oct. 18, MAC. She is a classically trained American violinist, arranger and composer, whose passion for video game and film music led her to
distinctive voice featured in Peter Gabriel’s hit song “In Your Eyes.”
Portland Cello Project, Friday, Nov. 6, MAC. Indie group Portland Cello Project wows audiences with extravagant performances everywhere from “Prairie Home Companion” to punk clubs.
“Evil Dead: The Musical,” Tuesday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 15, MAC. The hilarious, record-breaking Canadian musical tells the outrageous story of five college friends spending the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods after accidentally unleashing an evil force that turns them all into demons.
Tickets: (480) 970-1112 or www. Livewireaz.com
MAC — Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com
