Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook admits he’s no Katy Perry. Millions of mainstream music fans can’t hum along with his songs, but among his fanbase he’s a certified star.
“To be honest, when you play weird, esoteric instrumental music like I do, it’s not like I’m Katy Perry and everybody knows all my songs” he says ending midthought. “Within my fanbase, they are hits.”
When Cook makes his Chandler Center for the Arts debut on Friday, May 9, fans can expect to hear a career-spanning set including songs like “Mario Takes a Walk” and “Café Mocha.”
“When you do a show, it is incumbent on you to perform songs from all CDs,” Cook says during a recent phone interview. Fans may only have one or two CDs and would be disappointed if they didn’t hear songs from those particular collections.
“I do try to play music from all of the CDs,” he says. “I don’t sit down and make a list. I do try and play material from old and new. The other thing, too, is having toured most of these places many times, I try not to play too many of the same songs. It’s a fun difficult balance.”
The setlists vary each night so as not to bore fans who see multiple shows. They’re also different in each country.
“There’s an album that wasn’t a big hit, ‘Montreal,’ a live concert CD,” says the
Paris-born Toronto resident. “But it topped the charts in Poland and people want to hear all the songs from that concert. I was doing a press conference and someone called it ‘Your greatest CD to date.’ Does anybody listen to that record?”
In Saudi Arabia, one of his albums charted at No. 3 on the pop charts— between Madonna and Linkin Park.
“It was weird to have a hit in Saudi Arabia,” he says.
At the time of the interview, Cook was “theoretically” working on a new record, due out in spring 2015.
“But I’m a notoriously slow record producer,” says Cook, who’s completely hands on during the recording process.
“I don’t know what the issue is. I write the material myself. I do the arrangements myself. Unfortunately, I love producing. I love being in the studio and recording.
“I’ve always made the records myself. It’s fun. It’s a labor of love but it takes a long time. I’m hoping it’ll come out on time next year. The other thing is we’re touring a lot. We’ll be heading off next week on the first leg of this American tour. I don’t know when we get a long stop after that so I can roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Cook admits he’s a perfectionist.
“What did Picasso say? ‘A painting is never finished. It’s abandoned.’ I feel that way about music. They have to pull
it out of my hands, my clutching hands, and take it off to the mastering (plant) to finally press it on the CD. I would sit there polishing the songs for way too long.”
His formula works though. He won one Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys, but was nominated 11 times. Numerous ice skaters have performed to his music in the Winter Olympics.
“I tend to see them after the fact because I’m doing whatever on tour and suddenly my phone is ringing off the hook,” he says. “I don’t know what it is about skaters that make them want to use my music. I think my music has been used every Olympic games since I started.”
One time, his music earned a skater a bronze medal.
“They didn’t send me the award,” he says in jest. “I didn’t get the medal. For me,
I consider it the greatest form of flattery, when other people take your music and do something artistic with it, another artist covers it, or somebody skates to it. Artists will write on Facebook that they paint to my music. The music is going off and having a life of its own and becoming a part of someone else’s creative process. It’s amazing.”
Jesse Cook performs 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $36 to $48. For more information, call (480) 782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun. com.
COMING TO TOWN: Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook makes his debut at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, May 9. Submitted photo
BY MAX KRAUST
improvMANIA offers family friendly entertainment Season’s last symphony orchestra show
The family friendly comedy troupe improvMANIA brings entertainment throughout the East Valley, but it is looking toward downtown Chandler for its permanent home.
Chandler native Colleen Specht and her husband, David, started improvMANIA five years ago after meeting and eventually becoming engaged on stage during a comedy performance. Veterans of the Scottsdale-based Jester’Z Imp rov Comedy troupe, the Spechts say they are filling a void in Chandler.
With venues established in neighboring Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale, and Chandler being Colleen’s hometown, it seemed like a natural fit.
“We started our own troupe and wanted to perform exclusively in the East Valley,” David says. “We held auditions and had some friends so went from there.”
David fell in love with improv and sketch comedy after watching the TV series “Whose Line is it Anyway?” He trained at The Second City in Chicago, famous for producing talents such as Dan Ayk royd and Bill Murray.
Colleen took classes at a young age and performed at Tempe Improv, opening for the likes of Bill Maher,
while attending Arizona State University.
“I watched a lot of ‘Saturday Night Live’ growing up,” Colleen says. “I hung out at Tempe Improv all the time.”
improvMANIA now boasts eight members who are committed to providing a family friendly experience.
“We have always been a family friendly troupe,” David says. “We make it easy and just say bring the whole family, bring your date and don’t be nervous.”
A majority of the troupe’s members take part in other comedy groups and have a wide range of experience, including time spent in Hollywood.
“They are all my friends so it is really fun,” Colleen adds. “We do a lot in the community and are friendly with all the other troupes.”
David adds, “Most of them are in multiple troupes and do multiple shows, so they are really professional grade comedians.”
improvMANIA has done performances for many events ranging from venues as large as the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and The Phoenician Resort. improvMANIA also provides entertainment for wedding receptions, corporate events and kids’ birthday parties.
“If there is a venue or a group
looking for entertainment, we are all about it,” David says.
Colleen, like some of her fellow comics, have teaching backgrounds which lends itself to the classes it holds for kids and adults.
improvMANIA is set to perform at “Community Nights in the Courtyard” at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., on Wednesday, May 28, and SoZo Coffee, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, on Saturday, June 21.
“The goal really is to get a steady venue in downtown Chandler,” David says.
For more information or inquiries about improvMANIA, call (480) 6994598 or visit www.improvmania.net.
Max Kraust is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at max@santansun.com.
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra will wrap up the 2013-2014 concert season at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler; with a performance featuring the Arizona Masterworks Chorale and a guest solo performance by pianist and ASU professor Walter Cosand.
The performance will open with a rousing, patriotic march by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, “Alla Marcia.” The Arizona Masterworks Chorale will perform British composer John Rutter’s “Gloria,” a cantata which premiered in Omaha, Neb., in 1974. Rachmaninoff’s celebrated Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by guest solo pianist Cosand, will conclude the concert. Cosand, a nationally recognized pianist, has performed around the world.
Admission to the performance is free, however donations are encouraged to help with operating expenses for the all-volunteer organization.
For more information visit www. chandlersymphony.net or call (480) 899-3447.
Palms introduces May Concert Series
Palms Theatre will start its May Concert Series Sunday, May 4, to continue throughout the month with tributes to various artists.
“I’ve Got Rhythm: The Music of George Gershwin,” begins the series showcasing songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “They Can’t Take That Away” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Catch a tribute to Johnny Cash at “Man in Black” Tuesday, May 13. The performance stars Robert Shaw and a live band playing Cash hits spanning the decades of his nearly 50-year career.
“December ’63—The Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute” continues the series Sunday, May 18, featuring “Big
Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and more from the Four Seasons, recreating the experience of a Frankie Valli concert.
“Strait Country—A Tribute to Country Music Legend George Strait,” the final concert, will feature “Ocean Front Property,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and many more hits from George Strait’s 30year career, along with stories about the singer’s life and career.
Matinees: lunch at 11:45 a.m.; concert at 1:15 p.m. Evenings: dinner at 6 p.m.; concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Sunday evenings: dinner 5:30 p.m.; concert 7:30 p.m.
Palms Concert Series tickets may be purchased online at www. thepalmstheatre.com, by phone (480)
Fiddlers welcome new talent
The Gilbert Town Fiddlers, a group of high school students from around the Valley who travel around the state and country to perform for audiences of all ages, will hold auditions for their 2014-2015 season from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 7.
The location of the audition, which will be announced to applicants, is in Gilbert.
Every season high school violinists, violists, cellists and bass students have opportunities to try out.
Gilbert Town Fiddlers hold weekly rehearsals and summer and winter retreats, and performs throughout the school year at local, state and national events.
The lively group performs a variety of music, but focuses on folk music like bluegrass and Irish and Scottish fiddling.
924-6260 or at the box office located at 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. Ticket price is $39 for dinner and show; $28 for showonly seating.
Flat Stanley arrives at The Palms
“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley,” an adaptation of the 1964 book by Jeff Brown, is the last production in the Palms Theatre Children’s Theatre 2014 season.
The play tells the story of Stanley Lambchop, an ordinary boy longing for adventure—when a bulletin board makes him flat. Able to fit in an envelope, Stanley mails himself around the world. The cast plays many interesting characters Stanley meets on his travels,
including a Hollywood film director, a Parisian art thief, paintings at the Louvre and more.
Early matinees: May 6, 9, 16 and 23–lunch at 10:30 a.m.; show at 11:30 a.m. Family matinees: May 10, 17 and 24—lunch at 12 p.m.; show at 1 p.m. The cast will be in the lobby following performances for questions from young audience members, as well as autographs and photos.
Tickets are available at www. thepalmstheatre.com, by phone, (480) 924-6260, or at the box office. Ticket price is $18 for all ages and includes a kid friendly buffet; $12 for show-only seating.
They play some more modern pop songs as well. The group collaborates to create unique arrangements for each performance.
Musicians from Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert are all part of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, and the group performs frequently all around the Valley. To find out more or for an application, visit www.gilberttownfiddlers.com.
Bracken Irish Dance raises funds for About Care
Bracken Irish Dance in Chandler raised $1,000 for About Care, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled in Chandler and Gilbert.
In January each year, the school holds its annual “Feis” (Gaelic for dance competition). The competition attracts dancers from around North America from California to Ontario, Canada. Most Feis competitions run what they refer to as “a special” at the end of the traditional dance competition for the sole purpose of raising money for a local charity. The school chose About Care.
Bracken Irish Dance is located in
Jeanne’s School of Dance at 610 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 2, Waterfall Plaza, Chandler. It offers beginners’ classes from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays. Adult beginners are welcome from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Adult Ceili is 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
The 25th annual Feis in the Desert is scheduled for Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, 2015. Keep checking www.brackenirishdance. com/fitd for more information.
About Care’s mission is to deliver caring, compassionate support services using trained volunteers with special concern for the elderly and disabled homebound residents of Chandler and
Gilbert.
The goal is to encourage and enable independent living by assisting the elderly and disabled to continue living in their homes with self-respect and dignity and, hopefully, postpone the expense of long-term care.
About Care serves more than 400 people in Chandler and Gilbert. The majority of its clients are economically disadvantaged elderly women who have no one
to help them.
About Care also offers transportation for shopping and errands, respite, reassurance phone calls, friendly visits, computer assistance, information and referrals and minor home repairs. The services are provided without charge by trained and insured volunteers. For more information or to obtain a volunteer application, visit www.aboutcare.org or call (480) 802-2331.
FINE FIDDLERS: The Gilbert Town Fiddlers, with fresh talent from many local high schools, perform around the Valley, state and country. Submitted photo
History, cars, culture in Cuba
Chandler photographer and artist Brenda Priddy, with Earthbound Expeditions, is inviting automotive enthusiasts and history buffs on a trip to explore classic cars, culture, architecture, history, art and dance in Cuba on a “people-to-people” tour license issued by the U.S. government.
People-to-people tours are educational trips run by travel companies with a license from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Car enthusiasts on the trip will see what Priddy calls “the world’s largest classic car show.” American cars have not been imported to Cuba since 1959, and many of the vehicles are still driven there daily.
The tour starts in Miami, Fla., with a direct flight to Havana. There, the group will visit Ernest Hemingway’s home and various museums and will focus on history, vintage automobiles and the car culture of Cuba.
The tour makes stops in Havana, Cienfuegos and colonial Trinidad, where Priddy, a Cuban national guide and a tour director from the Earthbound agency, will guide visitors through the educational experience.
The tour begins Saturday, Oct. 11, in Miami and returns Sunday, Oct. 19. For more information, call (800) 723-8454 or visit www. earthboundexpeditions.com/october-2014-cuba-with-brenda-priddy.
Valley Youth Theatre summer camps
For younger and older kids, fun will take the stage with summer camps offered by Valley Youth Theatre.
All-Star Summer Playhouse
Campers aged 5 to 6 learn theater basics through lively activities. Acting, music and dance lessons are all covered as students work together to produce a musical theater showcase to perform in
front of friends and family.
No before or aftercare available. Campers must bring a snack or sack lunch daily.
Session 1: June 2 through June 26
Session 2: July 7 through June 31
Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuition: $325
Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition: $600
Musical Theatre Workshop
Campers aged 7 through 16 learn about acting, dance and music through daily classes. Participants produce a show to be performed at the end of this camp, which focuses on providing a well-rounded education in everything from auditions and rehearsals to building an ensemble and performing. Before and aftercare are available at an additional charge for this
workshop only. Campers must bring a sack lunch and snack daily.
Session 1: June 2 through June 27
Session 2: July 7 through Aug. 1
Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition: $660
The theater is located at 525 N. First St., Phoenix.
Call (602) 253-8188 Ext. 302 for details or visit www.vyt.com/education/camps for more information.
CLASSIC CARS IN CUBA: With an estimated 60,000 vintage cars, a visit to Cuba is like a visit to a rolling car museum. Submitted photo
‘Addams Family’ premieres at Tuscany Theatre in Gilbert
The Actor’s Youth Theatre will hold one of Arizona’s first premiers of the family friendly Broadway musical sensation “The Addams Family” at the new Tuscany Theatre in Gilbert.
The show will run Wednesday, June 25 through Thursday, July 3, at 7 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee Saturday, June 28. There is no show Sunday, June 29.
The musical, featuring many young actors from the Chandler area, brings audience members back into the frightfully delightful world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch. The story follows Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. The family is put to the test when the family hosts a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Gilbert-based Actor’s Youth Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts organization that educates, entertains and enriches the lives of young people and their families through theater with a safe, inclusive theater atmosphere and learning environment.
CREEPY AND KOOKY, MYSTERIOUS AND MUSICAL: “The Addams Family” will premier in Gilbert’s Tuscany Theatre with a musical performance of an original story. Submitted photo
Tickets are $12 and may be purchased online at www.ayt.ticketleap.com or by visiting the Tuscany box office, 861 N. Higley Rd., Suite 105, Gilbert from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www. actorsyouththeatre.com, email aytinfo@ actorsyouththeatre.org or call (480) 9077050.
Five new curated exhibitions are coming to Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum at One E. Main St., Mesa, beginning with a free reception from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the museum courtyard.
The displays showcase works from both new artists and those known worldwide.
Guests will have opportunities to meet the artists at the reception, which will feature musical entertainment by
Three free eBooks are available to download for a limited time as part OneBookAZ, the annual all-ages reading program that brings people together through a shared literature experience. OneBookAZ encourages communities across the State of Arizona to read the same book at the same time and participate in discussions and programs centered on that book. This year, the writings of three Arizona “content creators” were chosen through an eBook writing competition that was held in November.
This year’s adult selection is “Lauren Greasewater’s War,” by Stephen Hirst, “Corr Syl the Warrior,” by Garry Rogers is the teen selection and the children’s book winner is “The Space Adventures
Bluesman Mike and The Blues Review Band. Light refreshments will be available.
Exhibitions featured will include: “Boundless: The Book Transformed in Contemporary Art;” “Fold, Paper Scissors;” “In/Visible;” “Turning the Page: Sculpture by Marilyn da Silva” and “Metal and Beyond.”
For more details about the exhibition dates, reception and more, visit www. mesaartscenter.com or call (480) 6446500.
Mesa welcomes new exhibitions Library supports reading program
of Jack Smacker Little Leaguer,” by Mike Giglio.
All three books are available until June 1 for free digital download to a Kindle or any other e-reader at www.onebookaz.org and with a valid Chandler Public Library card. Users can visit any of the four Chandler Public Library locations if they need assistance in downloading any of the books.
The annual One Book AZ program was brought to Arizona in 2002, and coordinated by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State. For more information, visit the Chandler Public Library’s website at www.chandlerlibrary.org or call (480) 782-2800.
National Geographic speakers announced
The 2014-15 National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series will bring captivating stories from the field and visually spectacular presentations in its eighth season at Mesa Arts Center. The Arizona series, which is presented exclusively in Mesa, will expose rarely seen perspectives on exploration through the often-daring experiences of National Geographic scientists, explorers, photographers and filmmakers.
In the 2014-15 season, audience members will be invited to track snow leopards and tigers with award-winning photographer Steve Winter; see “behind-the-camera” adventures with underwater photographer and aquatic biologist team David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes; experience the climb of a 2,000-foot peak in frigid Antarctica with Mike Libecki and Cory Richards; and journey down two of the world’s great rivers with photographer and filmmaker Pete McBride. Tickets for the four-part series go on sale Thursday, May 15, to the general public. Single tickets go on sale Sunday, June 1, to Mesa Arts Center members and Sunday, June 15, to the general public. The National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Series tickets for Mesa Arts Center members went on sale May 1. Student matinees for school-age children and educators will also be presented. Teacher resources aligned with Arizona Academic Standards will be provided to teachers in preparation for the events.
Schools may register on a first-come, firstserved basis for these matinees at www. nglive.org/arizona.
The featured speakers are as follows:
Steve Winter, photographer “On the Trail of Big Cats: Tiger, Cougars and Snow Leopards”
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 15
Ikeda Theater
Go around the world in search of big cats with award-winning photographer Steve
EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE!
Now open until 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Winter. Co-author of the new National Geographic book “Tigers Forever,” Winter yearns to share the beauty of big cats while working to save them. Winter will lead audience members from Asian jungles that are home to a threatened, albeit resilient tiger population to the Himalaya, which is home of the rare snow leopard. Follow him into the rainforests of Latin America to view the elusive jaguar—and to Hollywood in pursuit of the American cougar. His talk will highlight the dangerous and lighter
moments of his journey to save big cats, from getting stuck in quicksand to mishaps with remote-controlled cameras.
David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes, photographer and aquatic biologist/ photojournalist
“Coral, Fire and Ice”
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
Ikeda Theater
Explore rarely seen undersea worlds with two photographers who are creating a visual voice for the world’s oceans. David Doubilet is a legend in underwater photography. Together with photojournalist and aquatic biologist Jennifer Hayes, his wife and underwater partner, he has explored three unique marine environments for National Geographic. Audiences will join them to explore the rich and diverse waters of Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, part of the “coral triangle.” Follow them into the world beneath the Antarctic ice, then north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence to see whales, wolfish and harp seals. Their talk will go beyond the published stories to share the reality of “behind-the-camera” adventures.
Mike Libecki and Cory Richards, climber/explorer and climber/ photographer
“Untamed Antarctica”
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Ikeda Theater
Few had seen it, and no one had ever set foot on it. Those factors made Bertha’s Tower, a 2,000-foot spire in Antarctica’s remote Wohlthat Range, irresistible to a small team of accomplished climbers led by veteran Mike Libecki. As reported in
WELL-TRAVELED: Pete McBride, photographer and filmmaker, will discuss “Chasing Rivers” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater. Submitted photo
the September 2013 National Geographic magazine, Libecki, climber-photographer Cory Richards, and two colleagues battled extreme cold, furious katabatic winds, and fickle weather in an epic, ten-day climb to the summit. Audiences will join Libecki and Richards for a humorous but gripping firsthand account of this first ascent at the bottom of the world.
Pete McBride, photographer and filmmaker
“Chasing Rivers”
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
Ikeda Theater
Pete McBride is proof that passion, hard work, and guts matter more than the cost of your gear or where you went to school. McBride has worked in more than 70 countries, taking pictures from the cockpit of a WWI-vintage biplane and the underside of an iceberg. Named a “freshwater hero” by National Geographic for his work photographing and filming great rivers, his talk offers unforgettable journeys down two of them. The Colorado, featured in his award-winning film “Chasing Water,” flows through majestic landscapes but no longer reaches the sea. And the Ganges, India’s sacred waterway, is revered as a god, but polluted by the people who worship it.
Discounted pricing for series tickets is available for National Geographic magazine subscribers and Mesa Arts Center members. To become a member of Mesa Arts Center, call (480) 644-6615. Visit ngm.com/eventsavings to subscribe to National Geographic magazine.
Center for the Arts launches art mobile program
Phoenix Center for the Arts is partnering with Valley Leadership Class 35 to present an innovative new art mobile program that will bring free arts education directly to communities where little or no art opportunities currently exist.
The joint venture, Art4All, will launch its official Art4All Mobile program on May 14 at the Jerry Colangelo Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix, located at 1755 N. 34th Ave.
The program begins at 3 p.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. Hip-hop classes and visual art programs will be provided to students at the club. Year-round programming will be offered to Boys and Girls Clubs around the Phoenix Metro area.
“We are thrilled that Art4All will provide opportunities for young people at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix to express themselves and broaden their cultural horizons,” says Amy Gibbons, president and executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.
“Low-income students who have artsrich experiences are three times more likely to graduate college than students without art education. Thanks to Art4All, club members can share their amazing stories and unique perspectives with their community.”
Art4All is a joint venture between Phoenix Center for the Arts and eight members of Valley Leadership Class 35, including Michael Ponzio, Adrian Ruiz, Mark Strickling, Elise Piatt, Tyler Butler, Leah Fregulia Roberts, Sean Sweat and Ed Maldonado. The group recognizes that art
is a vital component to the development of creativity and strategic thinking skills that lead to success.
In response to recent cuts in arts education and programming, the group has developed a mobile art program with a goal to ensure that all children in underserved communities have exposure to compelling art programs for free.
“Art is an integral part in the development of critical thinking for our youth,” states group member and Arizona Community Foundation Marketing and Events Manager Michael Ponzio. Fellow group member and Phoenix Police Lt. Adrian Ruiz, adds, “As a public servant, it has been my honor and duty to serve the community of Phoenix. I want nothing more than to offer hope, a creative outlet, and inspiration to many of our soon-to-be leaders in the form of both visual and creative arts. We forget we may have undiscovered talent and untapped potential in some of the underserved communities. This project will afford them that opportunity.”
Programs will seamlessly integrate visual and creative arts with STEM subjects; science, technology, engineering, and math. Adding Arts to STEM education develops young minds to think creatively about STEM subjects. Following the bookmobile model, Art4All classes will deliver programming which features mural painting, creative writing, ceramics, percussion, and dance to underserved and at-risk communities. The program will use the power of art to help
young people become innovative thinkers and apply creative solutions to complex problems.
Tyler Butler, GoDaddy director of community outreach, states, “Including the Arts in STEM-focused education is critical to encouraging creative thinking. Imagination is at the center of technological advances. Cultivating our children’s imagination allows them to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that are at the core of STEM/STEAM. The Phoenix Center for the Arts and a host of local companies like GoDaddy, the world’s largest technology provider dedicated to small businesses, are addressing the lack of programming in this genre by bringing the Art4All Mobile where it is needed most.”
Phoenix Center for the Arts Director Joseph Benesh says he was raised by a single mom who had to work two jobs to feed and shelter him and his brother.
“The arts were not an ‘extra’ we could afford,” Benesh says. “That’s not the society I want to live in. The arts provide intellectual and physical outlets for children. There’s no reason that some families should have to choose between food or creativity for the future leaders of our country.”
The Art4All Mobile Program is funded by contributions from GoDaddy, Arizona Community Foundation, Valley Metro, Wilhelm Automotive, Blue Media, Fisher and other community supporters. To learn more about this program, visit Art4AllAZ.org.
ON STAGE
“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” through Sun., May 25, TCA. Rock out to favorites like “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill,” as Childsplay presents an updated twist on many popular hits.
“All Balanchine,” through Sun., May 4, BA. Three different explorations of the choreographer’s talents. “Episodes” is edgy, bold and modern, feminine charm fills the stage with “Walpurgisnacht” and frisky fillies and lonesome cowpokes dance in “Western Symphony.”
Sonoran Desert Chorale, Sat., May 3 (UMC) and Sun., May 4 (VPC).
The Sonoran Desert Chorale’s 20th anniversary season concludes by honoring heroes who have given “the last full measure of devotion” in service to their country.
Johnny Clegg, Tues., May 6, MAC. An icon of South Africa, Clegg pioneered a new, unique sound combining Western rock with Zulu rhythms to become one of the country’s most prolific musicians. An international superstar with sold-out shows across the globe, Clegg is known for his lively, energetic stage performances that bring audiences to their feet, long before the show’s end.
Renée Fleming, Wed., May 7, MAC. One of the most celebrated musical ambassadors makes her first appearance in the acoustically superb Ikeda Theater, where Valley audiences will be treated to a rare solo-recital performance. Soprano Fleming, a three-time Grammy-winning vocal legend known as “the people’s diva,” captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry and compelling stage presence.
Keb’ Mo’, Thurs., May 15, MAC. Threetime Grammy winner and visionary roots-music storyteller Mo’ performs with his trio.
“HA HA’S Improv Troupe Show,” Sat., May 17, VYT. Valley Youth Theatre’s comedy troupe for teens tickles funny bones with off-the-wall improvisations.
“Peter Pan,” Fri., June 13, to Sun., June 29, HTC. To close out its 25th anniversary season, Valley Youth Theatre presents a musical adaptation of the classic story about a mischievous boy who flies with a fairy named Tinkerbell and leads a gang of Lost Boys on Neverland—and his archnemesis, Captain Hook.
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
ASUG – ASU Gammage
1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: www.asugammage. com/shows
BA – Ballet Arizona
2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 381-1096, http://balletaz.org
HTC – Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 252-8497, www.herbergertheater. ticketforce.com
MAC – Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
OT– Orpheum Theater
203 W. Adams St., Phoenix Tickets: www.orpheumtheater.com
PT – Palms Theatre
5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa Tickets: (480) 924-6260, www.thepalmstheater.com
PCA – Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N. Third St., Phoenix Tickets: (602)
254-3100, www. phoenixcenterforthearts.org
SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 499-8587, www. scottsdaleperformingarts. org
SH – Symphony Hall
75 N. Second St., Phoenix Tickets: www. phoenixsymphony.org
ST–Stagebrush Theatre
7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 949-7529, www.greasepaint.org
SUL – Stand Up Live
50 W. Jefferson St., Suite 200, Phoenix Tickets: (480) 719-6100, www.standuplive.com
TAS – Theatre Artists Studio
4848 E. Cactus Rd., Suite 406, Scottsdale Tickets: (602) 765-0120, www.thestudiophx.org/ tickets.html
TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: (480) 350-2822, www.tca.ticketforce.com
TI–Tempe Improv 930 E. University Dr., Tempe Tickets: (480) 921-9877, www.tempeimprov.com
15 E. First Ave., Mesa Tickets: (480) 305-4538, www.sonorandesertchorale. org
VPC--Valley Presbyterian Church
6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley Tickets: (480) 305-4538, www.sonorandesertchorale. org
VYT--Valley Youth Theatre 525 N. First St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 253-8188, www. vyt.com
WHAT’S IT WORTH?
We all have some change sitting in jars! We also have wondered if they have more value than the face value of the coin?
Some actually do. To find out, there are experts that evaluate coins and can tell you “What’s It Worth.” Some examples of great success stories are these.
The rarest and most expensive coin to date in the US is the Flowing Hair Dollar, the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. In 2013, the coin sold for $10,016,875 in a private treaty sale. The second most expensive coin to sell was in 2002 at Sotheby’s. This particular Twenty Dollar 1933 Double Eagle Coin sold for $7.5 million. These coins are valued by the date of issue and their rarity.
THE SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE COIN TO SELL WAS IN 2002 AT SOTHEBY’S. THIS PARTICULAR TWENTY DOLLAR 1933 DOUBLE EAGLE COIN SOLD FOR $7.5 MILLION.
Silver coins are determined by several factors including their silver content, overall physical condition or “grade” as well as the rarity of the specific coin. Market prices for circulated silver coins can vary widely depending on the rarity of a particular coin design or date of issue. From 1916 to 1945, the Mercury Dime was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver, these coins weigh 2.5 grams and contains 90 precent silver. A couple examples of valuable coins from that period is the 1944 Mercury Dime, it retails at $1.50 while the 1921-D (“D” standingfor Denver Mint) sells for over $500. It pays to look at your change and then begin to research if you feel you have something special and remember there are experts that can assist.
— David Goldstein Owner, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry
