At age 74, singer-songwriter Paul Williams is in better shape than he was at 37. He runs 2 miles each morning, whether he’s in the bitter cold of New York or the warmth of his Naples, California, home.
“It’s just nice to be as active as I am and hopefully in the thick of it at this age,” says Williams, who is 25 years sober, too.
“You look at somebody like Tony Bennett, who’s 86 or something. He’s out on 180 dates a year. He’s so impressive. I love the fact that my days are such an interesting mix. I’m working on a musical. I’m writing songs. I have a session with Chris Isaak later today. It’s always fun.”
Williams will showcase the songs he’s written when he steps on stage at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 28. One of the most respected music creators in the world, Williams has written the soundtrack for generations— “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “You and Me Against the World,” “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” “Let Me Be the One” and “The Rainbow Connection,” among other songs.
The winner an Oscar Award, two Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, Williams is president and chairman of the board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
“I spent my life writing, as I say, ‘codependent anthems,’” he explains with a laugh. “I’ve always said, ‘I show up with the songs and the people show up with their memories.’
“I play the hits, the songs that people know, and I’ll always put in a fair sampling of my work with the Muppets. For the last decade, I’ve been closing my show with ‘Rainbow Connection.’ It’s that silly little song that I wrote for a frog with Kenny Ascher probably had better legs than anything I’ve ever written.”
He adores Sarah McLachlan’s version of the iconic song, and has dueted with Jason Mraz and Willie Nelson on the track as well.
“It’s all a gift at this point,” Williams says. “That whole thing about gratitude is a huge part of my life right now. In September, I released my first book, ‘Gratitude Trusts,’ about the concept that
recovery is not just for addicts.”
Williams was introduced to a whole new audience in 2013 when he teamed up with French electronic music duo of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter—otherwise known as Daft Punk—on its album “Random Access Memories.” Williams took the stage with Daft Punk when it won a Grammy in 2014.
“They were huge fans of a ‘70s movie I did, which was a flop in this country, ‘Phantom of the Paradise,’” he recalls. “
“I played the villain and wrote all the songs. The two guys in Daft Punk met at the theater where it was screening in Paris. It’s their favorite movie. They’ve seen it 20 times.”
The duo shot Williams an email asking to help them write their fourth album, which was based on a book about past death experiences.
“They gave me the first melody and I wrote ‘Touch,’ with an unidentified first person,” Williams explains. “It could have been somebody coming out of a coma, an alien that’s been cryogenically put to sleep, a robot so human that it remembers things from the humans who programmed him. We didn’t identify that.”
Homem-Christo and Bangalter were so impressed that they gave Williams a second song to write lyrics to, and asked him to sing “Touch” on the album. Up until the Grammys last month, the three hadn’t seen each other.
“I was walking around the outside of the Staples Center (in Los Angeles) in the middle of the night, nobody around,” Williams says about the location of the Grammys.
“I’m looking for my car driver and walking the other way is Daft Punk. Here we are, yesterday’s news, looking for our cars.”
Paul Williams performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $48 to $68. Call (480) 782-2680 or visit www. chandlercenter.org for more information.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News.
Paul Williams will sing and tell the stories behind hits he has written in the last several decades. Submitted photo
Jazz Festival returns to Downtown Chandler with music for all ages
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
A Phoenix band, whose members like to say, “two tambourines, no waiting,” will be the headline act for the Chandler Jazz Festival’s Friday performance.
“We are very excited to have been invited to this event. We are just really hoping for as many dancers that can come up around the stage and have some fun with the band,” Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns Guitarist Rich Brydle says.
The Chandler Jazz Festival will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, and from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. Attendees can bring a blanket or lawn chair with them to enjoy the music.
Food and drinks will be for sale, as well as a beer and wine garden for those 21 years old and older. Admission to the festival is free.
In addition to Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns, Bad News Blues Band will also be performing Friday night.
“It’s the development of a blues night for that particular festival,” Brydle says that brought them back to the festival for the second time. “It is what has opened the door for our band to perform.”
Although the band has some original tunes, they are primarily a cover band that plays rhythm and blues, soul, funk and elements of jazz and rock.
Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
“I think from 21 years ago, I am the only remaining original member in the band, but all this time we held true to the mission statement, or concept of the band,” Brydle says. “We wanted a band
that emulated a road house blues sound similar to that of Delbert McClinton, a ton of B.B. King and a touch of Tower of Power.”
The band consists of a five-piece rhythm section and a three-piece horn section.
Brydle says Tony Flores, who is the musical heart of the organization, is the music director, base player and the key lead singer.
Other members include lead singer and lead guitarist Tim Finn; saxophone player and lead background vocalist Tim Matteson; trumpet player Frank Blanco; saxophone player and singer Jack Gabow; drummer Keith (Buddy) Webb and keyboard player Adam Strand.
“There are a lot of great musicians in our state, so we feel fortunate that we have always been able to maintain a good level of musicianship within the band members over the years,” he says. “We try to hold true to the original intent of the music that we cover . . . a lot of it is from the 60s to contemporary, blues, R&B and soul music.”
Brydle says a lot of the music they cover is recognizable to the audience, which spreads across the age groups.
“We try to present a big sound with as much energy as we can put into it,” he says. “We intend to encourage a crowd of any size in any setting to dance. That really makes us feel great on stage when our music encourages the festival attendees to get up and strut their stuff along with the band.”
Although the band members are all based out of the Phoenix area, they have played all over Arizona, California and New Mexico. The band also traveled to
‘Mezcla’ shown at Vision Gallery
The diverse heritage and artistic eye of one artist is on display this spring at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, as it shows
“Mezcla: The Mixed Media Artworks of Emily Costello,” Friday, May 8, to Friday, July 3, with a meet-the-artist reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8.
The exhibit’s title comes from “mezcla,” a Spanish word for mixing components together for a combination of different but still individual qualities, things or emotions. Aspects of identity, humor, life, love, death, spirituality, dreams and memories are woven throughout the works.
A work by Emily Costello, who takes inspiration from her cultural background and everyday things she sees. Submitted photo
The artist, Emily Costello, was born and raised in a small Arizona copper mining town, and “Mezcla” is a personal reflection of her diversity: half Mexican and half Czech. The work represents a mélange of cultural references, images and events that have shaped her life, including stories that were passed onto her by her grandparents. Inspired by Mexican folk artists who make art from the heart and with whatever materials they have at hand, Costello works with found objects in her
Memphis, Tenn. in 2000 to represent Arizona during the International Blues Contest.
The lineup for Saturday’s festival includes The New Deal Quintet, Neamen Lyles Experience, Stan Sorenson Trio, Jazz Con Alma and the headliner act Sean Jones Quartet. Other Saturday performances include Willis Jr. High Jazz Band and Chandler Gilbert Community College Big Band.
How Cool is Jazz, an interactive music session for children, will be on the main stage at 3 p.m. Saturday. The New Orleans Square, showcasing jazz performances by Adam Clark Band, Bad Cactus Brass Band and the 52nd Street Jazz Band, will be held from12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the park on the east side of Arizona Avenue.
El Zocalo, Vintage 95 and Bourbon
Jacks, restaurants surrounding the downtown square, will also have bands playing as late as 2 a.m.
For more information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/jazz, or call (480) 782-2669.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors, Spirituality, Arts and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
reassembled and reimagined artwork.
Costello left a corporate job five years ago to paint full-time. Since then, she has exhibited in local and out-ofstate group shows in Arizona, California and New Mexico. Her art has been featured in Arizona Foothills Magazine, Visual Source, The New Times and Latino Perspectives Magazine. She was featured on New Times’ culture blog, Jackalope Ranch, as one of the 100 Creatives of 2014. In 2012, Bic released specialedition lighters featuring her images.
Costello’s commission work includes Chicanos Por La Causa, XICO Inc. and the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix. Her paintings are included in the corporate collections of W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU and Wells Fargo. Costello is a member of the Phoenix Fridas art collective, serves on the board of Cultural Coalition, is a volunteer at Arizona School for the Arts and teaches art classes at Vision Kidz at Vision Gallery. For more information about this and other exhibits, visit www.visiongallery.org or call (480) 782-2695.
Chandler Symphony Orchestra Presents a Youth Celebration
The fifth classical concert of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s 22nd season will be a celebration of youth as seventh grader Caroline Wu takes the stage to perform the first movement of Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto in G-minor.
The celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Admission is free but donations, $5 suggested donation per person, are encouraged.
Wu is the first place winner in the orchestra’s semi-annual Youth Piano Competition. An honors student at J.O. Combs Middle School in San Tan Valley, Wu plays oboe in the school’s highest level band. She is a second-generation musician who began studying music at the East Valley Yamaha Music School. She has performed for the last five years with Metropolitan Youth Symphony and is currently their principal oboist. In addition to piano and oboe, Wu plays the cello.
In addition to the Mendelssohn Concerto, the orchestra will perform the Dance Overture by Paul Creston, and Antonín DvoÐák’s Symphony No. 7 under the leadership of Conductor Jack Herriman and associate conductor Alex Zheng. The Dvorak piece was specially
composed and first performed at a concert in London on April 22, 1885. The London Philharmonic Society commissioned the piece. Twentieth Century composer and teacher Paul Creston’s Dance Overture was written during the peak of his popularity. He is noted as one of the most performed American composers of the mid-century and this piece is a lively, youthful example of his work.
In addition to performing as a featured soloist with the orchestra, Wu will receive an honorarium. The second place winner Alan Wu, and the third place winner, Barrett Yueh, will receive cash awards. Musician and/or concert sponsorships are available. Doors will open 30-minutes beforehand for open, first-come seating. For additional information, visit www. chandlersymphony.com or call (480) 899-3447.
Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns will perform during the Chandler Jazz Festival Friday night at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Submitted photo
Two days of programming for everyone from kids to old pros is planned for the Jazz Festival. Submitted photo
Photo by 360˚ True North Photography
ASU Gammage announces 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign
ASU Gammage, celebrating its 50th anniversary, announces the Golden Gammage Imitative (GGI), a $16.2 million capital campaign to sustain the landmark performing arts center for future generations.
GGI includes a capital improvement fund to ensure ASU Gammage meets the needs of today’s patrons, including plans for restroom expansion, accessibility improvements and a revamped sound system.
GGI also includes a programming endowment to support the mission of Connecting Communities™ to ensure ASU Gammage continues its programs in perpetuity. ASU Gammage encourages community members, businesses and patrons to support its plans and make a donation to the Golden Gammage Initiative by calling (480) 965-5062 or www. asugammage.com.
During the silent phase of the campaign, ASU Gammage raised the $1.2 million for the sound project to be realized in summer 2015.
“The acoustics in ASU Gammage are remarkable for unamplified sound as the theatre was designed when performers did not use microphones. Today, however, amplified performances are the standard for all spectra of performing arts. Making sure every patron has an excellent sound experience at an event
is of paramount importance and our plan is to update current components and devices to achieve that,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director. “A complete overhaul of the sound system will occur this summer to help ASU Gammage improve audience experience and reclaim its ‘crown as the
MONTH OF MARCH 2015
queen of halls.’” “GGI also calls for much needed improvements that would add additional restroom facilities and increase the accessibility of the venue by adding elevators allowing access to all levels. The project will cost $9 million and ASU Gammage is making progress toward that goal with a $3 million lead gift from the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, as well as Arizona State University announcing a dollar for dollar matching investment of up to $2.5 million for the public phase of the campaign,” she adds. “The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation has a long history of supporting great charitable organizations for the people of Arizona and their funding was a tremendous catalyst into moving us a step closer to preserving ASU Gammage for future generations. With completed funding, construction could begin as early as 2016.
ASU will make a significant investment to ASU Gammage that continues to be
The Golden Gammage Initiative includes a capital improvement fund to ensure ASU Gammage meets the needs of patrons.
a major access point into the university. In addition to the $2.5 million matching investment, ASU will provide funding to complete expenses on the sound project and replacement of the stage floor. ASU is also committed to the multimillion dollar project of resurfacing ASU Gammage’s unique rose-quartz crete exterior to make the 50-year old building look as it did on its opening in 1964.
GGI will create a programming endowment to bring the world’s best artists to the ASU Gammage stage and enable those artists to reach out to the community, create new work, engage audiences and create economic impact.
“Through the mission of Connecting Communities™, ASU Gammage doesn’t just present the world’s best, but we make sure that people of all ages around the valley and stage get to experience working with and learning from these amazing artists through workshops, master classes and residencies. This programming endowment will allow these programs to continue and reach even more people in the coming years,” says Mary Way, 50th Anniversary Leadership Board co-chair.
ASU Gammage is also pleased to announce in celebration of their long standing partnerships, Ticketmaster and Broadway Across America are also making major investments into ASU Gammage’s infrastructure to support the GGI. What started as an idea to create a
Arts
distinct university auditorium by ASU President Grady Gammage in 1957, is now a world class presenting organization and a vital cultural and economic engine for the state.
Since 2006, ASU Gammage has created more than $500 million of economic impact for Arizona with its Broadway series and granted access to nearly 5 million people to world class arts experiences. ASU Gammage operates under a self-sustaining business model driven by private support and ticket sales, while still maintaining the heart of a nonprofit.
The silent phase of the campaign was led by major gifts from the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, Broadway Across America, Susan and Bill Ahearn, Laurie and Chuck Goldstein, Clyde Parker, George Brazil Home Services, Pat LanglinBrazil, Margaret T. Morris Foundation, the late Jerry Appell and Ticketmaster.
The 50th Anniversary Leadership Board includes co-chairs Leslie and Jeff Rich, co-chair Mary Way, William Ahearn, Jo Finks, Grady Gammage, Jr., Laurie and Chuck Goldstein, Albert Leffler, Michael Manning, Sarah Nolan and Bill Way. The late Jerry Appell also was a member.
To help ASU Gammage achieve its goal for the Golden Gammage Initiative, or for more information, contact (480) 965-5062 or visit www.asugammage.com.
Spears learning to balance family, career
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Jamie Lynn Spears may only be 23 years old, but she knows what she wants in her career.
Known to millennials as the title character in Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101,” Spears has her mind set on success in country music. Last year was a case study in exactly how Britney Spears’ little sister can do that.
Her debut country EP, “The Journey,” peaked at No. 24 on the country charts and No. 5 on the Heatseekers list. The first single, “How Could I Want More,” reached as high as No. 29 on the country chart.
“It was definitely an exciting year,” says Spears in her charming Southern drawl. “It was a year of firsts for me. It was a learning experience for me as well.” She learned work-life balance, and how to be the best mom to her 6-yearold daughter, Maddie Briann Aldridge.
“I think finding a balance between my personal and professional lives was an important thing I learned last year,” she says. “I’m a mother, so I have to make sure when I’m traveling that I give 110 percent to my performance. I think I really got a good grasp on what that means this year.”
Spears is pleased to be a part of this year’s Country Thunder in Florence. She performs first on Saturday, April 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.—the same day as Blake Shelton.
“I’ve seen him at an award show live, but I’ve never actually seen him at a show,” she says. “I think that would be
exciting to see. He’s at the top of his game.”
Upon hearing the rest of the headliners—Brett Eldredge, Big and Rich and Luke Bryan—she gushes at the prospect of sharing a stage with them.
“I think it would be really fun to see them at the festival in action,” Spears says.
She was booked for some sweet gigs last year as well. Spears opened for the likes of Alan Jackson and Alabama. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in mid2014. She’s speechless when asked about it.
“There are no words to describe it,” she says. “It’s one of those things everybody knows of. It’s such an iconic thing. Just to stand in that circle, you don’t feel worthy. It’s such a humbling moment and such a moment you’re just so grateful for—to even be on that stage.”
Jamie Lynn Spears performs 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, during Country Thunder, 20585 E. Price (Station) Rd., Florence. Tickets are $50 to $160. Call (877) 569-7767 or visit www. arizona.countrythunder.com for more information.
TenBarge Studio Quartet to perform at the Downtown Public Library
The Downtown Chandler Public Library is hosting the TenBarge Studio Quartet, which is presented by Acoustic Blend, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.
This flute quartet is comprised of four young ladies in 11th grade at different high schools in the East Valley. They all study privately with Andrea TenBarge and that is how the group was formed. The four young ladies participate in summer and winter flute choirs learning to play several of the different flute family, Piccolo, Alto and Bass flute, and are also heavily involved in their high school music programs and the Arizona Flute Society. This quartet is made up of mostly C flutes, but if audience members listen carefully they may hear the sounds of something a little lighter.
The free event will be held at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler.
For more information, call (480) 782-2800, infodesk@ chandlerlibrary.org or www. chandlerlibrary.org.
TenBarge will perform at the Downtown Chandler from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. Submitted photo
Nashville Gold–Country Tribute, Saturday, March 21, HAC. Come out and hear all of your country favorites from past and present with this interactive group.
Mainstream Jazz: Russ Schmidt Quintet, Saturday, March 21, TN. Schmidt; also known for his talent at composing and arranging, performs piano and vocals; with Brice Winston on saxophone, Mike Ozuna on guitar, Ted Sistrunk on bass and Rob Moore on drums.
Chandler Symphony Classical Concerts, Sunday, March 22, CCA. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra, which is led by conductor Jack Herriman, is performed by a wide range of volunteer musicians.
Jazz In AZ Party: Jim Nistico and Jazz Express, Sunday, March 22, TN. Jazz festival favorite Nistico plays the saxophone; together with Dave Henning on piano and Jack Radavich on bass and with special guests Joe Magnarelli on trumpet and Dick Weller on drums.
Jam Session: Chris Finet, Sunday, March 22, TN. Enjoy three hours of jazz at this
all-ages jam session, this week featuring Chris Finet on bass and as bandleader, Raul Yañez on piano and Dom Moio on drums.
“Strait Country,” Sunday, March 22, TPT. The Strait Country Band featuring Kevin Sterner brings audiences the virtual experience of attending one of George Strait’s concerts.
Yesterday Once More, Wednesday, March 25, HAC. Once named the “the best doo-wop group in Arizona,” the band plays doo-wop, music from the 1950s and 1960s, Motown sounds and rock and roll.
Carmela y Más, Thursday, March 26, TN. Join Carmela for the sounds of merengue, salsa, cha cha and rumba as well as Latin Jazz.
38 Special, Friday, March 27, WHP. 38 Special, a southern rock band that has been together for more than three decades, has had such hits as “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl” and “Chain Lightnin’.”
Last Friday Late Night Jam Session, Friday, March 27, TN. The Nash’s Last Friday Late Night Jam Sessions showcase the wide array of talent in the Valley as musicians drop in. This session features Matt Williams on the piano, Ben Hedquist on bass and Ryan Anthony on drums.
Smooth Groove, Friday, March 27, HAC. Smooth Groove delivers a nice blend of funk, Latin rock, rap and rock and roll.
“The Troubadour Experience,” Saturday, March 28, HAC. This George Strait tribute show covers hits like “Ocean Front Property,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “One Night at a Time” and “I Just Want to Dance With You.”
“An evening of songs and stories with Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe and Hall of Fame Songwriter Paul Williams,” Saturday, March 28, CCA. Williams has written a number of pop hits that include such songs as “Old Fashion Love Song,” “Family of Man,” “You and Me Against the World” and “The Love Boat” television theme song.
Marie Osmond, Saturday, March 28, WHP. Marie Osmond, who has performed on Broadway and in Vegas, will sing such hits as “Paper Roses” and “In My Little Corner of the World.”
“Love, Sex and the IRS,” through Saturday, March 28, TPT. Laughs, mistaken identities and multiple plots take the stage when two out-of-work musicians
pose as a married couple, only to be investigated by the IRS.
“Menopause the Musical,” through Saturday, March 28, TPT. This hilarious PG-13 musical parody staged to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s has had audiences cheering, dancing and laughing for over 10 years.
Spring Fundraiser Concert: “The Jazz Message: Celebrating the Legacy of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers,” Sunday, March 29, TN. Featuring an all-star line-up of Messenger alums.
The Magic of Motown - “A Salute to 50 Years of Tamla Motown Magic,” Sunday, March 29, WHP. The band features timeless hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Tami Terrell, The Marvelettes and Gladys Knight.
“Nashville Gold: The Story of Country Music,” Sunday, March 29, TPT. This salute
to the greatest country artists covers everything from the honky-tonk heroes to the musical outlaws to the urban cowboys.
“A Salute to our Heroes,” Tuesday, March 31, TPT. The patriotic concert will wrap individuals in the colors of the flag, while leaving the heart proud to be an American.
“Good Rockin’ Live,” Wednesday, April 1 to Saturday, April 4, TPT. Come and listen to the hits of Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley in this tribute to the birth of rock and roll.
through the window.
“Pump Boys and Dinettes,” Wednesday, April 15, through Sunday, May 24, TPT. Fresh off a hit Broadway revival, this fun and energetic musical about life on the roadside tells the story of four gas-station attendants (the “Pump Boys”) and two waitresses (the “Dinettes”) and the country, rock and pop music that gets them through the day.
Eric Burdon & The Animals, Friday, May 1, LW. Eric Burdon, who is known for his intense stage presence as the vocalist for the 1960’s rock band, the Animals, is an English singer-songwriter. After most of the original band mates quit in late 1966, Burdon and drummer Barry Jenkins recreated the iconic English band.
Vertical Horizon, Sunday, May 31, LW. Vertical Horizon is a popular alternative rock, post-grunge group who had a string of hits in 1999 and the early 2000s. Some of their hits include “Everything You Want,” “You’re a God” and “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning.)
“The Velocity of Autumn,” Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 26, TAS. Alexandra, an aging, but still feisty artist, is set on spending her remaining years in her Brooklyn brownstone and she’s mixed up some Molotov cocktails just in case her family gets any other ideas. Barricaded in her apartment and provisioned only with her fleeting memories and homemade bombs, Alexandra’s defenses begin to crack when her long absent son crawls in
“Greater Tuna,” Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 26, TPT. Take a trip down south to Texas’ third smallest town, Tuna, and meet its quirky and everexpanding cast of characters hosted by Thurston and Arles on their talk radio show, all played by two actors.
“The Firebird and Paquita,” Sunday, April 19, CCA. The Youth American Ballet Company is taking on two classic ballets: Igor Stravinksy’s “The Firebird” And Marius Petipa’s “Paquita.”
Ballet Etudes’ “Cinderella,” Saturday, April 25, CCA. The classic tale of beautiful Cinderella, her clumsy stepsisters, a magical fairy godmother, and a handsome prince comes to life in Ballet Etudes’ fanfavorite production.
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org
HAC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s The Lounge 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www.harrahsakchin.com
TN—The Nash 110 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 110, Phoenix Tickets: (602) 795-0464
TPT—The Palms Theatre 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa Tickets: (480) 924-6260, www.thepalmstheatre.com
Bramhall readying first new album in 14 years
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Life has been rough these days for American blues musician/guitarist Doyle Bramhall II.
Having just returned from a visit to India, Bramhall was forced to postpone interviews because he wasn’t feeling well. Add to that a planned move from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and recording sessions for a new album. It’s no wonder he’s ill.
“I didn’t know it, but I’ve been walking around with (pneumonia) for a month and it kept getting worse and worse,” he said. “Two days ago, they diagnosed me with that.”
in the studio with Eric Clapton or Roger Waters or producing other acts’ music.
He never really set out to record a new album. But parts of new songs would emerge during other projects, gigs, soundchecks or latenight hotel stays.
He looks back fondly, however, on the India trip, which he dubbed “inspirational.” It is playing a heavy role in the new material he is writing—his first collection of new material in 14 years.
“I can’t believe it’s been that long,” the lefty said between coughs. “The way it works now is you don’t get hired to play shows, festivals or certain countries unless you have new music out. “The time seems right to put my music out now.”
It’s not as if Bramhall was sitting around the house dreaming of his next gig or album. He’s been on the road and
WHP — Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass
TAS — Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Suite 406, Scottsdale Tickets: (602) 765-0120, www.thestudiophx.org
LW — Livewire 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 970-1112 or www.Livewireaz.com
“We were constantly writing melodies, music and rhythms,” he said. “It wasn’t until recently that I had a band. A lot of my band had dispersed years ago. I have been doing a lot of one-off tours and festival shows.”
His Friday, April 3, show at Talking Stick Resort is part of a tour with his band.
“I’ll show up wherever we have shows,” Bramhall said matter of factly. “I’ve even been to Kid Rock’s place. I did his Fourth of July party for him. He was shooting off fireworks, driving his gokarts. I had a really fun time out there.
“He really knows how to throw a good party. I think he’s a good person. He’s really talented. There’s no denying him. He will do whatever he sets his mind to. It’s pretty admirable the way he goes about doing this.”
Doyle Bramhall II performs at 8 p.m.
Friday, April 3, at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale. For more information, call (866) 877-9897.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is
the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.
Doyle Bramhall II will return to Arizona to play Talking Stick on Friday, April 3. Submitted photo
Kids show off their talents to help nonprofit
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Youngsters will showcase their talent at the Chandler Center for the Arts to help raise funds for a Gilbert nonprofit that provides resources for children and teens who fall victim to child abuse and sex trafficking.
“It’s a way that you can have a family night out and your family can make a difference in the life of the kids who are hurting,” said Starbright Foundation Vice President Lori Regnier. “To know you can have an amazing time and make a difference; I think that is really cool.”
The fourth annual Arizona’s Got Talent will be held Saturday, March 21, at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for preshow festivities and the talent show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show, which can be purchased at www.chandlercenter.org, range from $17 to $22.
The show is a way of bringing light to the tough topic of child abuse and sex trafficking.
“We are trying to educate as many people in the community,” she said as they can.
True Talent
“She is just unbelievably talented,” Regnier said. Brianna is among the 150 youth who will dance, sing and do gymnastics during the show.
“It is heartwarming. A lot of kids who are super talented are making a difference for the world,” Regnier said.
Regnier said the star of the show is 9-year-old Starbright Ambassador Brianna Collichio, who has cystic fibrosis. Regnier said the little girl wants to use what little breath she has to serve children who are hurting. She sang during last year’s show as well.
In addition to the talented youth, the Sun City Poms and the former Miss Arizona will make appearances. The Chandler Police Department will provide free fingerprinting. Preshow festivities include silent and live auctions.
Arizona’s Got Talent began four years ago after a group of East Valley kids raise awareness and funds for kids being abused and trafficked. The foundation then rented a small theater at Chandler Center for the Arts and raised $7,000, according to Regnier.
The following year, it rented a larger theater and the show raised $24,000.
“They know they have a talent,” Regnier said of the kids. “They are really using their talent to change the world.”
Community businesses are also supporting the cause, as well as the foundation’s campaign, “No Excuse for Child Abuse.”
“Community businesses and vendors come out and show their support,” Regnier said.
All the proceeds from the event will go toward the Starbright Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is entering its fifth year of helping children younger than age 17.
The Starbright Ambassador 9-year-old Brianna Collichio, who has cystic fibrosis, sang during last year’s Arizona’s Got Talent. Photo credit Palmeri Creative
Approximately 150 youngsters will participate in the Arizona’s Got Talent show, a benefit for the Starbright Foundation on Saturday, March 21. Photo credit Palmeri Creative
