Lovin' Life in Tucson - December 2020

December 2020

New Storytelling Tradition

Tucson drive-in event ensures connections with newsrooms

Gaslight

The Changing Times

Singer Gabrielle Pietrangelo shares music through virtual platforms

Retrospective The theater brings Christmas revue outside for the holidays Great Pastabilities

New Italian restaurant slated to open December 4

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New Storytelling Tradition

The New Normal

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Gaslight Retrospective

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The Changing Times

SAACA’s artisan market provides holiday gift ideas

Profound Performances

Ballet Tucson takes its art outdoors to create holiday joy

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Register in advance at tmcaz.com or call 520-324-1960 to receive the link for the class.

The theater brings Christmas revue outside for the holidays Singer Gabrielle Pietrangelo shares music through virtual platforms

News News Briefs

Arts Finding a Golden Lining

Invisible Theatre launches anniversary with pandemic-safe shows

Great Pastabilities

New Italian restaurant slated to open December 4

Music Home for the Holidays

Arizona-raised Lindsey Stirling celebrates with fans

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Holiday Records Roundup

These artists ‘sleigh’ their Christmas songs

Columns Ask the Expert

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Proud Member of Arizona Newspapers Association

HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR JOY Jill Jones & Anne Morrison

Tucson drive-in event ensures connections with newsrooms

Dining

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Upfront

Rohit Lakshman, Laura Latzko, Bridgette M. Redman, Jacqueline Robledo, Annika Tomlin, Valerie Vinyard Lovin’ Life in Tucson is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader.

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Upfront

The New Normal SAACA’s artisan market provides holiday gift ideas

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN

“We, of course, made quite a few The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural changes to the structure of the event of Alliance (SAACA) has partnered with the the market this December,” Marquez says. town of Sahuarita once again, this time “We will be distanced. The booths will bringing the community a holiday artisan be 10 to 15 feet apart from each other. market Saturday, December 19, and Sun- There will be hand-washing stations. day, December 20.

We’ve had to eliminate some of the high“It is actually a first-year project,” says touch experiences, like active arts experiKate Marquez, executive director of SAA- ence, and replace them with more strollCA. “Our organization really collaborated ing than active places throughout the with Sahuarita about a year and a half to festival. And of course a reduced capacity two years ago and on a series of trying overall.” to figure out new ways to involve artists The market will feature 35 artists and throughout the community of Sahuarita.” exhibitors in all mediums, along with othOne of the previous ventures was er vendors. when SAACA commissioned for artists to “One of the things that we’ve offered paint large-scale murals on electric box- to all of our artists participating and es throughout the town. Another event vendors is the idea that if their personshowcased the culinary arts or people al circumstances change and if they do living in and around Sahuarita. not feel comfortable with the current cli“We had originally planned for an art mate, they can step out,” Marquez says. market in March, but literally the day of “We are really not promoting too heavily the shutdown on March 13 we had to the exact participants, just knowing that cancel the event last minute,” Marquez it could change all the way up to the day says. of. We’re staying flexible.”

The event was postponed to March The hesitation to promote participants 2021. Several artists who were scheduled is all part of the “new normal,” which has to participate in the Sahuarita Creative taken a bit to get used to, Marquez says.

Arts Festival in March will now take part Since March, the team has had the “fear in the holiday artisan market. of the unknown.”

“We’re really good at what we did, but now we’re starting over,” Marquez says. “We’re all learning for the first time as we get through this— and that’s a to little challenging, Please call 520.704.6478 learn how that feeling of starting over.” you can benefit from an accredited Marquez and her team know this senior living community. market supports their goal of building up the Sahuarita community



The Sahuarita Holiday Artisan Market will incorporate a variety of mediums..

The market will feature 35 artists and exhibitors in all mediums, along with other vendors.

(Photos courtesy Sahuarita Holiday Artisan Market)

through arts programming. They also strive to create a space for artisans to exhibit and sell their work in a supportive and professional environment.

“The artists lost almost all opportunity to showcase and sell their work during the pandemic,” Marquez says. “The arts have been devastated by this, so this is a really important opportunity right around the holidays for artists to sell their work and earn revenue.”

MORE INFO

What: Sahuarita Holiday Artisan Market When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 20 Where: Sahuarita Town Hall Municipal Complex, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way, Sahuarita Info: saaca.org

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Profound Performances Ballet Tucson takes its art outdoors to create holiday joy

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN For many dancers, a holiday season without “The Nutcracker” is simply unimaginable. It’s like Thanksgiving without the turkey, Christmas without Santa, or Hanukkah without candles.

But staging “The Nutcracker” requires large numbers of dancers crowding a stage and lots of backstage folks helping set and costume changes. Theater patrons are often sitting shoulder to shoulder.

All this means is the traditional “Nutcracker” just isn’t possible this year with COVID-19 cases surging.

So Ballet Tucson is re-imagining the holiday season and bringing the joy of dance to Tucson through outdoor performances in culturally significant locations in the city.

In December, shows are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, December 5, at the Reid Park Zoo; 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, December 12, at the Tucson Botanical Gardens; and 11 a.m. and noon Sunday, December 20, at St. Philip’s Plaza.

Dubbed “Holiday Pop-Up Performances,” these 15- to 20-minute recitals will differ from the typical ballet.

“It is more of an informal show than what we would normally do,” says Marga-

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DECEMBER 2020

ret Mullin, the company’s artistic associate and media director.

“It is not a two-hour-length ballet with all the bells and whistles. It is pared down, lower tech, more informal and more intimate than normal.”

Mullin credits the company’s founding artistic director, Mary Beth Cabana, with figuring out a way to be part of the holidays in a nontraditional, creative, new way.

“She is really dedicated to staying connected to the Tucson community,” Mullin says. “It is important to not disappear.

Even though we can’t have a regular season with COVID, she did not want us to drop off and not be there to inspire our audience. It’s a very different package than we usually do, but it is the duty of the arts to uplift and inspire, especially in challenging times.”

The show will spotlight the dancing talents of members of the professional corps and students from the youth company, BT2.

Creating these shows has involved different skills. Dancers are wearing masks and distanced. With the exception of people who live in the same household, dancers won’t touch each other.

Dances will not exceed 10 dancers. Most

dances will be groups of one or two or a quartet, especially with the smaller outdoors stages.

Ballet Tucson has, however, managed to sneak in some of the traditional fare that ballet lovers have come to expect. Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson will do the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, complete with pointe shoes and a tutu. Her husband, Ballet Master Daniel Precup, is able to dance with her since they are part of the same household.

“It’s suddenly a year where only couples can partner, which is not as fun for everyone else who isn’t dating a dancer,” Mullins jokes.

Associate Artistic Director Chieko Imada is one of three choreographers for the pop-up performances. She’s known in Arizona for her steampunk version of “Jekyll & Hyde” and the world premiere Dia de Los Muertos ballet “Spirit Garden” in collaboration with Cabana and Lawrence Lee. “I’m very excited to have this opportunity for our dancers and to be able to share their wonderful energy and the beauty of this art form with our audience through these new pop-up performances,” Imada says.

“I hope that this offering to our Tucson community will enable us to explore more engagement opportunities in the future and will allow us to stay connected to our loyal supporters so that we can continue to inspire each other during this unprecedented time.”

Mullins says the choreographers’ work has taken a lot of imagination because the dancers and the rehearsals are limited.

Each venue will also come with its own demands, as the performance space has different sizes and shapes.

“We are trying to commit to each show being pretty consistent with each other in the choreography, being mindful of the fact that some adjustments will need to be made according to the venue,” Mullins says.

“One place might have dancers doing smaller jumps or fewer of them. In the Botanical Garden, where there is more concrete and gravel, Jenna Johnson, the Sugar Plum Fairy, might not be able to go en pointe as often but still can in some moments.”

The three venues are part of what makes the performances unique, and Mullins says it has been a fun experience to collaborate with the other organizations.

Those seeing the pop-up performances can experience zoo lights, park lights and

the holiday market at the plaza.

“When they come out to see the shows, they’ll get a whole holiday experience beyond dance,” Mullins says. “That will be fun also.”

While the dance concerts are free, the zoo and the Botanical Gardens charge admission. Masks are required to enter, and as part of controlling capacity, visitors will be allowed in only at set time blocks, so Mullins advises those wishing to see the show to check the venue’s website and plan entry.

The dances in the pop-up performances include a tango, traditional ballet holiday-inspired pieces, and even a Rockettes-inspired piece for BT2 dancers.

“As a dancer, I am so happy to be performing in these pop-ups, as I feel that art is so vital to our community—and during these times particularly so,” says Casey Myrick, a Ballet Tucson company dancer.

“Ballet has always famously brought magic to life for children and adults alike.

The setting of the Tucson Botanical Gardens lends itself exquisitely to this show and couldn’t be a more fitting venue.”

The BT2 dancers are all students in the Ballet Tucson school. Mullins says they can’t hug or touch their friends and are divided into “little COVID pods.” There are 30 students, and she says they wanted to make sure they all had the opportunity to perform.

“It’s important to their training as young professional dancers to keep developing their performance craft,” Mullins says.

The pop-up performances are about the live experience, something that has been in short supply this year.

“Even though we’ll have a space between us and masks on, we’re coming off months of digital content,” Mullin says.

“People are craving human connections, and the arts are so uplifting and inspiring and allow us to really see the range of what humans are capable of, which I think is particularly profound at a time when we are hindered by so many problems.

It is really remarkable to watch dance, a demonstration of the limits we can stretch ourselves physically and artistically.

“I think it will provide a bit of hope that in spite of everything, we keep creating art and connecting to each other.”

Holiday Pop-Up Performances

Ballet Tucson

Throughout December ballettucson.org www.LovinLife.com

New Storytelling Tradition Tucson drive-in event ensures connections with newsrooms

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN

that you just don’t feel safe doing,” FinAn upcoming drive-in event was creat- nerty says. “We’re trying to get people in ed to “give people a chance to feel less on a new tradition.”

Finnerty guarantees “emotional safealone and also give people a chance to ty” while also promising that attendees connect with our newsrooms.”

So says Storytellers Project founder will “laugh and cry.” She also assures that and Director Megan Finnerty, the event’s this event will not be like “group therapy, a lecture or a TED Talk.” emcee.

“It’s really old-fashioned storytelling, Set for December 16 at the Pima County Fairgrounds, the Tucson Storytellers and we worked really hard to have a diProject Holiday Storytelling Spectacular versity of people, so it really shows like will feature five storytellers: Arizona Dai- a Tucson show with stories that are relly Star editor Jill Jorden Spitz and Tucson evant to the community,” Finnerty says.

Starting her formal story writing career residents Molly McCloy, Cat Belue, Lou in 2013, speaker Nelson “loves the crowd Davis and Adiba Nelson. feedback.”

“I’ve been hosting “I grew up perthe holiday event forming, so I kind show since Decemof love being on ber 2011, and we stage and I love know how to delivhearing and feeling er incredible Christthe energy from mas stories, Hanukthe crowd,” Nelson kah, New Year’s— says. we’re not restricted “When they told to Christmas,” Finme that the theme nerty says. “They’re was holidays, I imgoing to be really mediately thought great, heartwarmof being a kid, and ing, meaningful stoone of the stories of ries that totally connect you to what Jill Jorden Spitz, the editor of the Arizona Daily being a kid during matters most about Star, will speak at this year’s Tucson Storytellers the holidays was a Project Holiday Storytelling Spectacular. really funny thing the holidays.”

(Photo by Rick Wiley/Arizona Daily Star) that happened beFinnerty will prepare the crowd at 7 p.m. for what is in tween me and one of my cousins. It’s store, with each subsequent story lasting one of the things we still talk about to this day, so it was a no-brainer.” for around 10 minutes.

Nelson assures that her story is “not “People tell incredible stories, especially during the holidays, about really made for kids” but is excited to be able to the people they love and the values and present her story to the community that traditions that are most important to has been in “pretty strict quarantine” for them,” Finnerty explains. “My favorite the past 9 months.

She relates her style of storytelling to stories are ones where people lose the meaning of Christmas and then it comes “sitting around with her girlfriends and just gabbing and telling stories.” back to them.”

“I’m a storyteller, and I’ve been a storyDespite being confined to a drive-in show, Finnerty hopes it will still offer the teller since I’ve been a kid,” Nelson says.

“Listening to grown folks telling their same “emotional meaning and joy” as stories and going back and telling my past, in-person events.

“This really is a huge amount of work. cousins what I heard—this is still kind of We’re trying to offer people in Tucson like talking to your girlfriends, getting and in Phoenix something that feels the tea.”

This show is not appropriate for chilmeaningful and familiar and isn’t about shopping, because I know I can’t replace dren who still believe in Christmas magany of the other traditions that people ic.

Face masks are required while winreally care about this time of year and www.LovinLife.com

Co-host Megan Finnerty speaks to the crowd during the Arizona Storytellers Project Holiday Spectacular at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on December 19, 2019. (Photo by Jeremiah Toller/The Arizona Republic)

dows are rolled down or attendees are out of their vehicles. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

General admission tickets allow one vehicle with up to five passengers to attend the event for $30, while the Super Holiday Supporter pass ($50) includes admission, a special “Holiday in Arizona” fine art print by Arizona artist Jake Early, and all-access to the 2021 online season of 45-plus shows and any possible in-person nights.

MORE INFO What: Tucson Storytellers Project Holiday Storytelling Spectacular When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 16 Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road Cost: $30-$50 Info: bit.ly/TUCHoliday2020

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DECEMBER 2020

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Gaslight Retrospective The theater brings Christmas revue outside for the holidays

BY LAURA LATZKO The Gaslight Theatre is bringing its shows outdoors, complete with its trademark holiday numbers, jokes, skits and olios.

The Best of Gaslight Holiday Spectacular will run on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 22 on the theater company’s outdoor stage.

The show will feature a group of regular cast members, including Jake Chapman, Erin and Todd Thompson, David Orley, Brian Hale, Jacob Brown, Charlie Hall, Lydia Zadareky, Heather Stricker, Chris Columbo, Janee Page and Emily Cleveland.

Some of the cast members will share parts, performing in different shows.

The three-piece band will feature pianist Linda Ackermann, her son, drummer Adam Ackermann, and bassist Derek Norman. The Christmas show is a fundraiser for Gaslight, which has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The company has only recently begun to have outdoor concerts and music revues.

Hall says the outdoor holiday revue allows families a chance to get together and enjoy beloved holiday numbers with a comedic twist.

“I know people are starving for some sort of connection. It’s going to be a great addition to somebody’s Christmas, especially during these times,” Hall says.

Hall has a blues and soul foundation as a musician but in the show performs different types of music, including Chuck

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Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” and “Feliz Navidad.”

“That’s an opportunity to sing in Spanish, which I love doing, I was raised bilingual. It’s also an opportunity to sing in different genres. That’s what Gaslight has really helped me with, is to jump in and out of different genres effortlessly,” Hall says.

Although music is the focus, the show will have numbers in which the cast members dance and dress as elves. The numbers will be limited to small groups of around three cast members to keep everyone safe.

Hall says audience members can expect the touching and funny moments for which Gaslight is known.

“I think we will have a nice mixture, as far as going from a beautiful ballad that brings warmth to everything and sets that holiday spirit, and then at the other end, there will surely be some belly laughs,” Hall says.

Hall adds that the outdoor concerts are interactive but are more distanced than the Gaslight’s regular melodramas. He enjoys performing with Gaslight.

“One of the great parts about being a Gaslight player is you get to play with the audience. You are breaking that fourth wall,” Hall says.

“These actors are almost on top of you sometimes. Now and then, you will get a rowdy audience member who is throwing popcorn. We have our regulars who come in, and they aren’t bashful. They like to

speak up sometimes in the middle of the show. That’s what I fell in love with after being cast at the Gaslight and I went to see a show.”

Although performing is a different experience these days, he is glad to be able to get back onstage in front of audiences.

“We are just grateful for an opportunity to be performing,” Hall says. “I have a lot of friends across the country, in big metro cities, who are performers. They are locked down. There are no big performances happening. It is a special thing in Tucson that we’re still able to perform.”

He loves the annual Christmas shows, but due to the decreased number of performances, he’s looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family this holiday season.

Hall, who is also a film and TV actor, has worked with Gaslight for 15 years, starting with a production of “The Three Musketeers.” He also performed briefly with the company as a kid. One of his first acting experiences was a Gaslight Theatre youth production in third grade.

Hall says many cast members, including himself, have continued to perform with Gaslight for years because of the fun, creative atmosphere and close-knit relationships within the company.

“There’s a lot of loyalty and a feeling of family there that drives everyone. And just plain old fun,” Hall says.

Hall says doing outdoor concerts has brought a feeling similar to when he started at the Gaslight.

“It can bring up those beginning days of butterflies,” he says. “Sometimes we can take that for granted, especially performing night after night for a crowd. You

take for granted what magic it is and what a responsibility it is to go out there and provide an audience with entertainment.

You are a storyteller, and they are trusting you to tell them a story that is worthy of sitting through.”

The outdoor shows will let viewers sing and laugh along in a socially distanced way, from the theater’s parking lot.

“I know a lot of people who are higher risk have really enjoyed being able to come out and feel safe and socially distanced. I see a lot of our regulars at these concerts that are 75-plus that are happy to have an opportunity to get out,” Hall says.

Each car will receive its own parking spot, which can accommodate up to six people.

Guests are allowed to bring tables, chairs and blankets to set up in their personal parking spaces and must wear masks when leaving their designed spots.

The theater will have available-for-purchase ticket packages with pizza and popcorn options. Viewers can also purchase additional finger foods, desserts, hot cider, cocoa and adult beverages at the show.

MORE INFO

What: The Best of Gaslight Holiday Spectacular When: 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on most Saturdays and 2 p.m.

Sundays Where: Gaslight Theatre Parking Lot, 7010 E. Broadway Boulevard Cost: $40 per car Info: 886-9428, thegaslighttheatre.com

During Gaslight Theatre’s Christmas revue, cast members will perform songs, skits and olios from the last 43 years dressed as holiday-themed characters. (Photos by Brian Gawne/ Gaslight Theatre) |

DECEMBER 2020

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The Changing Times Singer Gabrielle Pietrangelo shares music through virtual platforms

BY LAURA LATZKO For Tucson-based independent artist Gabrielle Pietrangelo, the inability to perform for live audiences during COVID-19 has been challenging. Like other artists, she has needed to find other ways to reach fans.

Recently, the indie/acoustic/folk artist performed her original music during a livestream for Arizona Arts Live from Centennial Hall.

Along with a music career spanning about 20 years, Pietrangelo is a private music and yoga teacher.

“I’m grateful I get to do what I love for a living, through teaching and performing.

It’s really a wonderful life, and I’m so grateful to my community. Tucson has been so supportive,” Pietrangelo says.

In December, the singer will release the single “Lines of Our Hands,” which, she says, has a positive and uplifting message.

“It’s this really beautiful song about having faith in the beauty of the lines of our hands and how we all have these different paths we are taking,” Pietrangelo says. “It sums up where I’m at currently, how I feel about being free to trust that there’s fundamental goodness in life and in ourselves.”

She hopes within the next year to make a full-length album with music she has been working on during COVID-19.

For her upcoming single, she took pictures of individuals’ hands, and those will be incorporated into a music video.

As a hobby, she enjoys taking photographs, especially of nature, and often uses them during live performances and music

videos.

“I love images, and I hope to continue to add more. I think it adds a cool element when you have a visual with the music,” Pietrangelo says.

Raised in Tucson, the singer-songwriter has traveled to and lived elsewhere but has always been drawn back to the Old Pueblo. She recently wrote a song about her hometown.

“There’s a special kind of feeling in Tucson,” she says. “If it gets you, you end up staying. That captures the feeling of Tucson for me, how I’ve experienced it.”

She says there are pros and cons to being an artist in a city like Tucson.

“You’re not in the rat race, so you have time for your craft. There’re so many other creative people who are doing similar things. In that way, it’s great. In the way of branching out into the larger community beyond Arizona, it can be more challenging if you’re not traveling,” Pietrangelo says.

She has always felt a strong connection to the musical community in Tucson, which she says is welcoming to both emerging and established artists.

“It’s just such a wonderful musical community in our town. Everyone’s so supportive and creative,” Pietrangelo says. “There’s a really wonderful female music scene, where women are empowering each other. When I was younger, it was more of a boys’ club. There were a few women here and there. Now, there’s this whole thriving female musician community.”

She says that during this time especially,

Gabrielle Pietrangelo

gabriellepietrangelo.com facebook.com/bucketinthewell Tucson-based singer Gabrielle Pietrangelo has built a music career over the last 20 years.

(Photo by Jade Beall)

www.LovinLife.com

Gabrielle Pietrangelo recently did a livestream performance for Arizona Arts Live. (Photo by Jonathan McLeod)

it has been important for musicians to support each other.

“I’m really proud of our community and the way that we have tried our best to help each other get through a challenging time.

I really love Tucson a lot. I feel so grateful to be plugged into this community and have so many friends and loved ones here,” Pietrangelo says.

The artist, who has a music degree from UA, began playing piano as a kid. At age 17, she added the guitar, which led to other string instruments such as the ukulele and banjo. She coupled those instruments with theater work and her first band.

As an adolescent, she listened to classical and operatic composers and music with strong vocal harmonies, including choral music.

Over the years, she has been part of many ensembles, including the 12-member American and Appalachian-style group Sister Solace, the folk music ensemble the Chaparral Kirtan Band and the Silver Thread Trio.

When she writes music, she uses the piano and/or the guitar. She says each instrument has something to offer to her as a songwriter.

“The thing that is so great about the piano is it’s right in front of your face,” she says. “You can see the black-and-white keys in front of you. I understand music theory better on the piano, so it’s easier to flesh out ideas harmonically.

“Whereas, with the guitar, it’s facing the opposite way. There’s just something more intimate.”

Along with natural and spiritual themes, the artist will sometimes touch on topics such as relationships and politics in her music.

“I wouldn’t say I take a side as far as Democrat or Republican. I would say I’m a

humanitarian,” Pietrangelo says. “I believe in liberation of people. I would say that element is in it politically, people who have been oppressed or are powerless claiming their power.”

Recently, she has tried to write music that is comforting to her listeners, especially during the times we are living in now.

“Music is such an amazing thing in life, whether you are celebrating or grieving. It helps people to feel their hearts. That element is in there at this challenging time,” Pietrangelo says.

DECEMBER 2020

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News Briefs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Casino Del Sol wins gold in Travel Weekly awards Casino Del Sol has won a coveted Gold Award in the 2020 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, representing the best in the travel industry. Casino Del Sol was honored in the overall–casino resort/hotel category and is the only Arizona property to be recognized.

“This prestigious award really reflects our staff’s hard work to provide guests with memorable experiences each and every time they visit,” says Kimberly Van Amburg, the CEO of Casino Del Sol. “We proudly offer award-winning dining, the latest gaming options, championship golf, a luxurious spa and much more. I am very proud of our entire staff that continues to work so hard to provide top-notch service to our guests.”

With entries from around the world, the Magellan Awards are judged and

overseen by a panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another; instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the extensive experience of Travel Weekly.

To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners or may have no winners at all. Casino Del Sol is the only Magellan Award winner in the overall–casino resort/hotel category.

Info: 1-855-SOL-STAY or casinodelsol. com

Man receives 78-month sentence for shooting at building Jose Maria Moreno, 20, of Tucson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James

Casino Del Sol has won a coveted Gold Award in the 2020 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.

(Photo courtesy Casino Del Sol)

A. Soto to 78 months in prison. Moreno previously pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm at an occupied structure.

On December 12, 2018, Moreno drove by the victim’s residence multiple times on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation.

Moreno then got out of the vehicle and fired three shots at the residence, hitting a

bedroom at the front of the home. At the time of the shooting, Moreno knew that multiple people lived at the residence.

Five people were in the house when he fired the shots, including three adults, two of whom were registered members of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, and two minor children. No one was injured.

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Prediabetes Pre-blindness One in three American adults has prediabetes, a condition that comes with a number of associated health risks.

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To find out if you have prediabetes, take the test at azdhs.gov/mission-possible.

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DECEMBER 2020

www.LovinLife.com

Puzzles

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 16

King Crossword ACROSS 1 “Grand” 5 Letterman’s network 8 Out of control 12 Suspend 13 Weeding tool 14 Wise one 15 Killer whale 16 Lineage 18 Astronauts’ descent to Earth 20 Locations 21 Comic DeLuise 22 Satchel 23 “Forget it!”

26 Nation 30 Lawyers’ org.

31 Sly one 32 Nay opponent 33 Racism, e.g.

36 Aden’s land 38 Bill and -39 Adams or Ameche 40 Clean software

43 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Turducken, e.g.

Immoderate devotion Met melody Taj Mahal city Trouble Ring up Lecherous look Possess Duel tool

DOWN 1 Valhalla VIP 2 Aesopian also-ran 3 Formerly 4 Landlocked African nation 5 Amulet 6 Skeletal 7 Moment 8 Delegate 9 Dillon or Damon 10 Shrek, for one 11 Jailer’s janglers 17 Jacob’s brother

19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48

Plaything Carton Apprehend Japanese sash Witty one Coquettish Scot’s hat Deli bread Longing To and -Eye-related Forum garment Second person Intertwine Senior member Soap brand Advantage Drill Front of a ship Snare Irritate New Haven campus Pair

SUDOKU TIME

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK ★ ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words.

Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

www.LovinLife.com

DECEMBER 2020

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11

Arts

Finding a Golden Lining Invisible Theatre launches anniversary with pandemic-safe shows

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN Invisible Theatre’s golden anniversary has a different shine than what the staff expected. However, they will bring patrons together to celebrate starting with two live multimedia shows—in a safe manner.

“We never envisioned our 50th anniversary would be this way,” says Susan Claassen, managing artistic director of the nonprofit theater that was founded in 1971.

“But we did envision that we would continue as live theater, and we applaud everybody’s efforts in small businesses everywhere who are reimagining.”

The two shows are “My Grandfather’s Prayers” and “Myths and Masks.” Both bring in guest stars and nontraditional theatrical performances.

“This is how, thank goodness, we have been able to reimagine,” says Claassen, who stresses the importance of live performances, even in greatly reduced capacities. “It is not a sustainable business model—our box office has been reduced by 75%—but we have always been about what can be done and done well. We will continue for as long as it is safe and for as long as we keep our artistic integrity intact.”

Puppets and ‘Prayers’ “My Grandfather’s Prayers” is a multimedia puppet production that features puppeteer Lisa Aimee Sturz’ search for her heritage. Using puppets, marionettes, scrolling scenery, poetry, shadow puppets and visual compositing, Sturz tells the story of her grandfather, Izso Glickstein (1889-1947), a fourth-generation cantor, child prodigy and operatic tenor. A mentor to Leonard Bernstein, Glickstein toured Europe with the Hungarian Opera, recorded records with Victor and RCA and was the uber-cantor for Europe’s largest synagogue. He survived Russian pogroms, Hungary’s White Terror and two world wars.

The 70-minute show will run Thursday, December 3, to Sunday, December 6.

Claassen says this show goes to the Invisible Theatre’s very roots, a company that got its name from the invisible ener-

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gy that flows between performer and audience and what, she points out, makes the magic of theater. The performance resonates with today’s generation as it searches for who it is.

“Lisa questioned her own Judaism and then went on this journey of understanding her grandfather,” Claassen says. “Understanding our own cultural identity, that’s very relevant to our times. We tell our stories, and we can be allies to other people’s stories.”

Sturz tells the story with Elysia Hansel as part of the cast and Claassen performing as a guest puppeteer.

Telling her family story this way is natural for acclaimed puppeteer Sturz. The founder and artistic director of Red Herring Puppets, she is a world-class puppeteer who has performed with Jim Henson, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Imagineering and PBS. Her credits include “Elmo in Grouchland,” “Muppets from Space,” “Howard the Duck,” “The Flintstones,” “Ninja Turtles 3,” “RoboCop 2” and “Batman Returns.”

It is this expertise that enables her to bring a highly emotional story to audiences through puppets.

“The same emotion is within the puppets,” Claassen says. “You’ll see a marionette touch his face or you’ll see a shadow puppet laugh and the music is so transformative. I speak as a Jewish person, there is something about the Klezmer sound that is so soulful. There are great laughs in this piece also. People are drawn to its cleverness. You don’t think of it as a puppet show; it is a multimedia show. Their story of the whole family coming to the United States and going back and looking for understanding is something that really resonates deeply in today’s world.”

Sturz recently moved her Red Herring Puppet company to Tucson.

Drumming up an ancient world Will Clipman, the creator of “Myths and Masks,” approached Claassen about bringing his show to Invisible Theatre after seeing a September performance. He and Claassen have known each other for years.

“My Grandfather’s Prayers” is a multimedia puppet production that features puppeteer Lisa Aimee Sturz’ search for her heritage. (Photo courtesy Invisible Theatre)

“He said, ‘I love this stage and would love to do my show here,’” Claassen says.

“Needless to say, the idea of masks seems very relevant today. His music is percussion and storytelling and poetry. It takes us to another place and other worlds and other understandings. At times, we just need a respite from what things are like in the world out there. When we enter Invisible Theatre, we get swept away into other worlds.”

The show will have three performances from Friday, December 11, to Sunday, December 13.

Clipman, who is a seven-time Grammy nominee, started playing his father’s drums and his mother’s piano at age 3.

By age 14, he landed his first professional gig. He’s recorded more than 70 albums and is a three-time Native American Music Award winner.

“Myths and Masks” mixes together mythopoetic storytelling, multicultural mask art and original world music that Clipman plays on a wide variety of exotic Indigenous instruments.

“Audiences will be swept away,” Claassen says. “They’ll hear percussion and storytelling. They’ll hear poetry. They’ll see instruments they don’t normally see.

They’ll see masks. They’ll see Will transform into many mythic storytellers. It is really quite engaging.”

Clipman’s show transports its audience into worlds of myth and magic, of creatures and spirits, of poetry and prose.

Moving from one instrument to the next, donning different masks, he creates

strong visuals with his words, facewear and percussion.

“It rids you of the anxiety of the world and takes you to a world away from that,” says Claassen, who has seen the show many times.

Keeping it live With permission to reopen given after they created stringent policies and drastically reduced audiences, Invisible Theatre has worked to create a place where audiences are comfortable attending.

“We’ve heard continuously from au-

Shows...continues on page 13

MORE INFO

What: “My Grandfather’s Prayers” When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 3, to Saturday, December 5; and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 6 What: “Myths and Masks” When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12; and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 13 Where: Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue Tickets: $40 general admission, $20 students Call 882-9721 or email katy@ invisibletheatre.com with first and second choices for each show and number of tickets desired.

Reservations may be made online 24/7 through OvationTix at invisibletheatre.com. www.LovinLife.com

Shows...continued from page 12 dience members who have come here that they feel safe here,” Claassen says. “They were just filled with gratitude. It was a touch of normalcy to be in a theater. It is communal.

The very beginning of storytelling was a circle and people told a story.

Yes, we’re more distanced now, yes, we have masks, but the enthusiasm and the commitment to communal experiences are as strong as they ever were.”

Shows are limited to no more than 60 or 75 minutes, as that seems to be the length people can comfortably sit without an intermission and a mask on. The entries Will Clipman, creator of “Myths and Masks,” mixes together are timed so patrons don’t pass in mythopoetic storytelling, multicultural mask art and original world music. (Photo courtesy Invisible Theatre) front of each other, and they no longer have concessions. Those are just belief in paying artists couldn’t be done a few of their new procedures and what without donations. We’re about to kick they do for safety. off our 50th anniversary matching fund Reservations are required, and tickets drive. It’s the only way we can survive and continue to pay our artists and our will not be sold at the door.

“We really want to provide an oppor- staff. That’s something we are really comtunity for artists to work safely,” Claassen mitted to. We believe that the arts are essential as they touch our souls, they lift says.

“Of course, we had an underwriter who our spirits and they take us places we’ve helped us, Anne Cavanagh, because our never even imagined.”

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DECEMBER 2020

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13

Dining

Great Pastabilities New Italian restaurant slated to open December 4

Locale, Midtown Tucson’s new Italian restaurant, opens December 4. (Photo courtesy Guiseppe DeMasi)

BY VALERIE VINYARD Soon, Midtown Tucsonans are going to have an Italian option when it comes to dining.

Locale, which means “local” or “place” in Italian, will open December 4.

Located in the former Old Pueblo Grille on Alvernon Way, the building has been revamped and remodeled. The inviting interior is bright and airy and oh-sosprawling. The restaurant is divided into a few rooms, including a window-filled area that could welcome private diners.

“This is like a big old farmhouse,” says owner Deb Tenino. “We also have a lot of outdoor space, which we hope will make people feel comfortable.”

Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant will employ about 20 and will offer a combination of grab-and-go, restaurant and patio dining. The menu is a delectable blend of Italian classics made with a wide range of local products.

Locale’s appetizers and salads will cost $7 to $13; pastas will run about $14, with

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an option to upgrade some to family-size meals that feed three to four; pizzas will cost about $14; and entrees will range from a $16 eggplant parmesan to a bonein ribeye for $32.

Fish dishes include a $22 cioppino and a $20 salmon. Roman-style, or squareshaped, pizzas also will be offered. The $8 desserts will include semifreddo, tiramisu and tartuffo. Locale will feature a full bar, including $5 to $12 glasses of wine.

“There’s something really special about Italian cooking,” Tenino says. “It’s so nice.

We can use so many local ingredients. It will help bring the community together.”

Toward the end of December, Locale’s bakery will open with earlier hours. Tenino and fellow owner Nick Kreutz hired native Tucsonan and baker Lyndsey Garcia from a bakery in San Francisco. The bakery will offer teas, coffees and a variety of baked goods. Cappuccinos; baked goods; and heartier fare such as a caramelized onion, bacon and cheese tart, and savory polenta with sauteed greens

and soft-boiled egg will be offered.

Indoor capacity will be 175—or 87 now—and about 60 outside. Locale’s patio will be dog friendly.

Tenino and Kreutz’s quest for a location began about a year ago. When the two considered the property for their second concept, Tucson’s culinary scene was thriving. The pair had planned for an April opening, but alas, the pandemic held things up.

“More than anything we want Locale to be the heart of its neighborhood—a place where people can meet, have coffee, pick up dinner after a busy day, enjoy a great meal with friends,” Kreutz says.

“We’re opening a neighborhood Italian restaurant that’s really for the community. The property has so many spaces that lend itself to so many functions.”

“We’re offering something affordable but high quality,” adds Tenino, noting they’ll be creating many of their pastas by hand.

There will be daily specials, such as buy

one entrée, get a second one for $10 on Tuesdays; a burger and beer for $15 on Wednesdays; and any pizza for $10 on Thursdays.

The land on which the 8,000-squarefoot restaurant sits spans about an acre.

Two bocce ball courts, ample outdoor seating and lots of vegetation serve as an inviting backdrop. A metal bike rack made by Iron Horse Fabricators is available for residents to park their bicycles.

Tenino and Kreutz used to co-own Tavolino Ristorante when it was located North Oracle Road. They also helmed Latin American restaurant Contigo Latin Kitchen on River Road and Campbell Avenue in April 2010. Contigo moved to the former location of Janos and J Bar on the grounds of the Westin La Paloma in March 2016.

Kreutz, 38, has cooked at Keaton’s and for Hacienda del Sol in the past. He met Tenino years ago, and they’ve collaborated ever since.

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Locale’s menu of course includes lasagna. (Photo courtesy Guiseppe DeMasi)

he says.

The restaurant was built in 1939 and first served as a summer house for Chicago resident Frank Lamar. The land spanned several acres and had an olive grove, vineyards and a fruit orchard. The building was added on to in later decades and boasts a mix of styles.

Over the years, the building was known as the Bottle Tree restaurant when it was next to a Doubletree Hotel; the Lunt Avenue Marble Club; Old Pueblo Grille; and for 10 short weeks, Abuela’s Cocina Mex-

www.LovinLife.com

icana.

“There are a lot of restaurants that have stood the test of time,” Kreutz says.

“I hope that this place can become one of those restaurants that Tucson can be proud of.”

Locale 60 N. Alvernon Way 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays; closed Mondays 398-7549 or localetucson.com

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15

Music

Home for the Holidays Gilbert-raised Lindsey Stirling celebrates with fans

BY JACQUELINE ROBLEDO When Lindsey Stirling was a young girl, her parents said she could either dance or play the violin. She chose the violin and now has 12.6 million subscribers on YouTube.

Raised in Gilbert, Stirling has always had a passion for music. She started playing violin when she was 6 years old and played in a rock band called Stomp on Melvin in high school.

Stirling first made her mark on music through her appearance on “America’s Got Talent,” where she impressed the judges with her unique style of violin combining hip-hop, pop and classical music. She was knocked out of the competition in the quarter finals but stated in an interview that she felt she had been successful in the competition, as she stayed true to herself and her style, which she likes to call “a fusion.”

“I like involving bits of classical, EDM

influence and, you know, pop and rock— like it really is just kind of all over the place. Whatever I’m feeling, it’s a fusion,” she says.

She later played in open mic nights and college shows, trying to gain more recognition.

“There was a pretty long time where I was just trying to figure it out and that can be really discouraging, and you feel like maybe a lot of people, that’s when they give up,” Stirling says.

Finally, in 2012, after years of hard work, she discovered YouTube.

“That was what really kicked it off for me, what actually kind of made an impact and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. OK, this is my niche. This is what’s going to work for me,’” she says.

As her YouTube channel started taking off, Stirling noticed that not only were her subscribers and viewership increasing, but people were buying her music on

iTunes. From that point on she realized that the more YouTube videos she produced, the more tickets were sold to her live shows.

“Ever since then it’s just riding that wave, trying to keep up with it, trying to keep it going and trying to stay creative through it all,” she says.

Stirling’s annual winter tour has become a fan favorite across the country since the release of her chart-topping holiday album “Warmer in the Winter” three years ago. Though touring is not possible in 2020, Stirling was dedicated to keep her tradition going.

“I’m so excited about the holiday special. I’ve been working on it for months now pretty much all day, every day,” Stirling says.

This year, she presents “Lindsey Stirling: Home for The Holidays,” a livestream holiday special, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, December 12. After the second showing, the special will be available on demand for 72 hours.

“It’s a show that no one’s ever seen before,” Stirling says. “It has the seamless flow of a live performance, but we’re going to have the ability because it’s pretaped to have the type of filming that you would see in a music video and the type

of props that you know we could never tour with live and certain acts that could, again, never be done on a tour. And so, I really didn’t want this to be just a second-rate experience.”

Stirling explains she will bring something to the show that has never been done before.

“People’s minds are going to be blown.

It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. There’s a reason no one’s ever done it before, and I think it’s going be really cool,” she says.

More than anything, Stirling says she hopes that people watching will feel uplifted and are reminded of hope during this time.

“Christmas is full of so many different kinds of emotions, you know, be it spiritual, be it missing people, joy, you know.

There’s just so many different emotions tied to it, so I’m going to hit on all of those and I hope people feel it all,” she says.

MORE INFO

What: “Lindsey Stirling: Home for The Holidays” When: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, December 12 Cost: Tickets start at $20 Info: lindseystirling.com

answers Lindsey Stirling presents “Home for The Holidays,” a livestream holiday special, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. December 12. After the second showing, the special will be available on demand for 72 hours.

(Submitted photo)

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www.LovinLife.com

Holiday Records Roundup These artists ‘sleigh’ their Christmas songs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AND ROHIT LAKSHMAN The COVID-19 pandemic has had us all wishing for merrier times. Musicians are no different. A swarm of performers, ranging from Macklemore duet partner Mary Lambert to Canadian pop stars Glass Tiger, have released holiday albums. Here’s a roundup of some of the best Christmas albums new to 2020.

Mary Lambert

“Happy Holigays” Mary Lambert is feeling sad about the COVID-19 pandemic, but her quarantine-produced holiday EP, “Happy Holigays,” is cheering her up.

“I haven’t released something with levity in a hundred years,” she says with a boisterous laugh. “It was nice to not have to think about trauma for a few seconds.”

Lambert—who appears on Macklemore’s triple-platinum “Same Love”—offers classic favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and originals such as “Seasonal Depression” on the record.

The latter song is an anthem about taking meds, as Lambert suffers from bipolar disorder. She sings, “Take your meds / if you’re taking meds / get some rest / or eat a snack / it’ll all get better soon.”

On “Christmas Cookies,” she’s joined by her partner, a nonbinary professor or rhetorician named Wyatt.

“Wyatt and I play music all the time together, and I thought their voice would sound perfect in the song,” she says. “We were dying of laughter while recording, so I included some of that in the actual track.”

Lambert’s fondest Christmas memory is the annual scavenger hunt her mom hosted for Lambert and her siblings.

“It’s a rambunctious event,” she says.

“I think we’ll carry on this tradition when we have kids. We are both all about surprises and prizes. Wyatt did a week-long scavenger hunt. I was all about it.”

Info: marylambertsings.com

Glass Tiger

“Songs for a Winter’s Night” Canadian pop-rockers Glass Tiger tried to make the best of the lockdown and decided to do something constructive—record their first holiday album. www.LovinLife.com

“We had talked about the Christmas stuff, but we were never able to get our heads wrapped around it,” says keyboardist/producer Sam Reid.

“This is going to be a Christmas like no other, so if there’s ever an opportunity when we should do a Christmas record, this is it.”

The album, “Songs for a Winter’s Night,” is a collection of nine original songs written by Glass Tiger, along with a cover of “A Song for a Winter’s Night,” the latter of which sees the band joined by Natalie MacMaster, Isabel Bayrakdarian of Santa Barbara, and the Steve Sidwell Orchestra.

Legendary singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot makes an appearance to voice a poem written by lead singer Alan Frew, “Ode for a Winter’s Night.”

“It’s sad to see it wrap up, because it’s been keeping me mentally occupied for the whole time,” Reid says. “We had to create it over multiple time zones—we had string arrangements done in the U.K.; an opera singer from Santa Barbara, who sang in an empty concert hall in Fresno; and Alan in Italy. Then it was all stitched together.”

Frew was “marooned,” as Reid puts it, in Italy while visiting his daughter in a European school.

Christmas is “a big deal” for Reid, who always wanted to record Christmas music. He admits he has a hard time with covers.

“It’s just really difficult to do justice to some of the songs I love,” he says. “You cannot beat Bing Crosby or Dean Martin.

I’m a very traditional kind of music guy at Christmastime. It’s kind of like covering the Beatles. You’re not going to knock them off their perch.”

Info: glasstiger.ca

August Burns Red

“All I Want for Christmas” August Burns Red regularly records Christmas songs in time for the holidays.

Guitarist Brent Rambler says the cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” is special, as bassist Dustin Davidson penned the metal version of the pop tune.

“When he was going through the remaining songs that we haven’t covered, there were so few that translate to cool

Limahl

metal songs,” Rambler says.

“That was at the top of the list. What he wrote came out awesome. He’s a phenomenal guitar player.”

Rambler’s favorite Christmas tradition is the chicken pot pie his family makes in Lancaster, Pennsylvania—but this isn’t the usual frozen version of comfort food.

“Every year my family gets together in Lancaster County and we make the Lancaster County version of chicken pot pie, which is noodles, chicken stock and herbs. That’s it. We’ve been doing that for 36 years—before my time. It’s a great family gathering.”

August Burns Red is hosting a Saturday, December 12, livestream for $15 to $40.

Info: augustburnsred.com

Tommee Profitt

Tommee Profitt

“The Birth of a King” Producer Tommee Profitt’s 15-year dream was to record a holiday album.

Thanks to the pandemic, the former Michigander who frequently works with rapper NF did that with “The Birth of a King.”

The genre-bending, high-concept Christmas album stands out because of his signature cinematic sensibilities and his epic take on traditional holiday music.

Special guests include Avril Lavigne, Chris Tomlin and Stanaj.

“The funny thing is, I’ve actually

dreamed of making this album since 2005, when I was in college,” Profitt says, calling from Nashville.

“One of my class assignments in one of my music classes was to reimagine a Christmas carol. I did one of them and I had so much fun just imagining doing more than one. I said, ‘One day, I want to do one big Christmas album.’ I had no idea it would be 15 years later.”

Profitt put a lot of pressure on himself during the six-month project, knowing he wanted to do it for so long.

“I do lots of projects,” says Profitt, who has worked with Josh Groban.

“That’s the one that was on my mind for 15 years. That was the big thing I wanted to do. Now I have to figure out what’s next.”

“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” was one of the more challenging songs on the set.

He penned about nine ideas for the song, but none of them were right. He wanted a new and fresh take, but his mind went blank.

“Two weeks before I had to turn in the album, I made this completely new arrangement of the song,” Profitt says. “I used some of the lyrics for the verses. It just came to me. The other songs came quickly.”

Now that he’s a father—his children are 8, 6 and 3—he says it’s fun to remember the way he viewed Christmas.

“I’m trying to recreate fun memories for them and make traditions with them,” he says.

Info: tommeeprofitt.com

Limahl

“One Wish for Christmas” The lead singer of the ’80s English act Kajagoogoo (“Too Shy”), Limahl released a new take on 2012’s “London for Christmas” called “One Wish for Christmas,” which reflects the COVID-19 effects.

Records...continues on page 18 DECEMBER 2020

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Records...continued from page 17 “I was very happy with the song and as usual was planning to re-release it as is,” Limahl says. “However, this year during COVID, I was thinking about the lyrics and how they’ll have more value/poignancy because they talk about the many things we’re all unable to do, such as travel/tourism, romantic hotel/city break, cocktail bar, theater, etc. With all the extra time in lockdown to be creative and as it’s been eight years since we first wrote it, we decided to revisit the production.”

Limahl admits he enjoys the new version just as much as the first rendition.

“I was so focused on London when we wrote it seven years ago,” Limahl adds about the differences. “I was a bit obsessed. Right now, it feels like a good balance because you still got London as the backdrop as the story for the couple’s trip.

“We all need something a little cheery during this time.”

Limahl loves Christmas and recalls opening presents with his working-class family, who lived in government housing.

“My happiest moment is unwrapping those presents and playing games with my two brothers and sister,” he says. “My family was poor. We didn’t have a lot of money. So, everything had value—even like a game.”

Info: limahl.com

Ty Herndon

“Regifted” Country star Ty Herndon didn’t quite know how to promote a Christmas record when he was in between labels years ago. Now, he’s giving holiday music another chance.

“Regifted” features songs previously recorded by Herndon with some “modern EQs on it,” he says. “It was a pretty good record before, but nobody bought that record. I didn’t know anything about promoting a record. I did it and put it on a website. It’s brand new again, and I love that.”

The centerpiece of “Regifted” is the Kristin Chenoweth duet “Orphans of God,” previously recorded by Avalon.

“I’ve known her for a long time,” he says of Chenoweth. “She’s one of the best vocalists on the planet. We’ve been trying to do something for a long time. It’s a message we both believe in.

“I was a big Avalon fan. Michael Passons is one of my best friends, and Melissa Greene is my pastor. It turned out to be a miracle.”

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Meghan Trainor

He’s hoping fans will enjoy this album the way he loved music on the holidays.

“My family’s musical,” he says. “We had people on the back porch picking guitars and singing. It’s always magical. Now that my grandparents are off to heaven and we have new families, we have new traditions. It’s super fun, except when they all come to one show. If they’re teenagers, I make them buy their own tickets.”

Info: tyherndon.com

Other holiday releases • Gina Naomi Baez, “Christmas Candlelight” • The Barefoot Movement, “I Just Wish It Would Snow” • Gabby Barrett, “The First Noel” • The Bird and the Bee, “Put Up the Lights” • Black Violin, “Give Thanks” • Andrea Bocelli, “Believe” • Danielle Bradbery, “O Holy Night” • Lauren Calve, “Christmas is Where the Heart Is” • Charleene Closshey, “An Evergreen Christmas” • Command Sisters, “Steal Your Heart” • Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, “Good News” • Kat Cunning, “O’ Holy Night” • Earcandy, “An Earcandy Christmas” • Florida Georgia Line, “Lit This Year”

• For King & Country, “A Drummer Boy Christmas” • David Garfield, “Holidays Outside the Box” • Goo Goo Dolls, “It’s Christmas All Over” • Hootie and the Blowfish featuring Abigail Hodges, “Won’t Be Home for Christmas” • The Imaginaries, “Hometown Christmas” • Ryland James, “A Little Christmas” EP • Carly Rae Jepsen, “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries” • Jonas Brothers, “I Need You Christmas” • Jujubee, “Eight Days of You” • Beverley Knight, “A Christmas Wish, The Theme to the Loss Adjuster” • Kiana Lede, “The Christmas Song” • John Lindahl, “A John Lindahl Holiday Album” • Carrington MacDuffie, “Run Rudolph Run” • Michelle Malone and The Hot Toddies, “Toddie Time” • Isabela Merced, “Caliente Navidad” • Ronnie Milsap, “Merry, Merry Christmas Baby” • Miz Cracker, “Get Me the (expletive) Out of Here” • Anne Murray, “The Ultimate Christmas Collection” • The Myrrhderers, “The Myrrhderers Sleigh Some More” • Matt Nathanson, “Farewell December” • Tami Neilson, “Pretty Paper” • Sara Noelle, “Christmas at Sea” • Leslie Odom Jr., “The Christmas Album” • Office Romance, “Holidays of Love” • Dolly Parton, “A Holly Dolly Christmas” • Liam Payne featuring Dixie D’Amelio, “Naughty List” • Pentatonix, “We Need a Little Christmas” • RaeLynn, “Merry Christmas”

Pentatonix

Lil Nas X

• Van Scott, “Thank God It’s Christmas” • Aneesa Sheikh, “Happy Little Holiday” • Slowey and the Boats, “Merry Christmas from Slowey and the Boats” • Straight No Chaser, “Social Christmasing” • Sweet Lizzy Project, “And So This is Christmas” • Dani Taylor, “Does It Snow in Nashville?”

• Meghan Trainor, “A Very Trainor Christmas”

Danielle Bradbery

• Carrie Underwood, “My Gift” • Consuelo Vanderbilt and Malan Breton, “I’ll Be Home for Xmas” • Various artists, “Christmas Rocks” • Various artists, “Christmas Together (Wherever We Are)” • Various artists, “Happiest Season” • Various artists, “Now That’s What I Call Music! R&B Christmas” • Various artists, “Why? Because It’s Christmas” • Lil Nas X, “Holiday” • Ye Banished Privateers, “Drawn and Quartered” www.LovinLife.com

Columns

Ask the Expert

3 reasons women should practice strength training

BY TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER When it comes to exercise, many women opt for cardio over strength training.

Though cardio fitness is extremely important, it is equally important to build strength, especially for women.

The good news is you can add simple exercises into your routine from the comfort of your own home.

“Using Gatorade bottles or water bottles for weights would be a good way to implement strength training at home,” says Lauren Stokes, family nurse practitioner at TMCOne. “Use your own body weight as well with planks, squats and pushups.

While gyms are closed, this is the perfect time to get creative.”

Before starting any fitness routine, check with your doctor, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Stokes shared three reasons strength training is important.

It can help prevent osteoporosis Every day, your body breaks down old bones and replaces them with new bones. As you get older, more bone is lost than gained. If you lose too much, you can develop osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak, brittle and prone to breaking.

It is common for women to develop osteoporosis, especially after menopause, due to dropping estrogen levels. However, adding some strength training to your routine can help.

“Strength training initiates bone remodeling,” Stokes says.

“This leads to an increase in bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.”

It can slow muscle loss with aging Losing muscle mass is a natural part of aging. However, if you lose too much, you can have problems with your gait, balance and ability to perform daily tasks.

When you perform resistance exercises such as weightlifting or using resistance bands, the tension on your muscle fibers results in growth signals that increase strength. It also increases the actions of growth-promoting hormones. This causes muscle cells to grow and repair themselves.

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It can improve your mental health With so much going on in everyday life, women tend to carry more stress than their male counterparts.

A good resistance training session can help improve your mood by releasing endorphins into your body and taking your mind off your troubles, as well as help you gain confidence and sleep well.

A 2018 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found resistance training also significantly reduces symptoms of depression.

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