FEATURES
24
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 13, 2021
Features |
TheFoothillsFocus.com
@TheFoothills.Focus
For more features visit thefoothillsfocus.com
/TheFoothillsFocus
Ivan Harshman continues to deliver as solo artist BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer
M
usic was always an escape for Scottsdale resident Ivan Harshman. The full-time musician describes it as a therapeutic outlet throughout his childhood — and still stands by that statement. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Harshman said he was “one of those kids forced to mature quickly.” Harshman recalls the first time he was given a handful of records, including tunes by Paul McCartney and The Animals, from his aunt at around 5 years old. “Music for me at an early age was im-
portant,” explains Harshman, a former member of The Elliots. “No. 1, I liked it and it was really special to me in a certain way. “I would hide in my room and listen to records and play army men. It was a big deal because there was always a lot going on in the house. It was an escape for me.” Now, the vocalist, writer and instrumentalist is making a name for himself throughout the North Valley as a mustsee — or hear — talent. Harshman has shared the stage with a multitude of renowned musicians and acts, including Derek Trucks, Keb Mo, Ian Moore, Gin Blossoms, David Crosby, Charlie Musselwhite, Carl Palmer, Cake, Sugar Ray, The
Cool Cats
Keep it
Comfortable HEATING • COOLING • INDOOR AIR QUALITY
602-789-3000
Feel the
Comfort You’ve Been
Missing!
25 OFF on ANY REPAIR
Not valid with other offers or promotions, one coupon per person.
any favors.” Harshman, whose sound ranges from a blend of bluegrass to “pop-Beatles-esque songs,” said he prefers not to limit himself to any particular category. He considers his songs as “all over the map.” “I’m an Anglophile. I love The Beatles and that whole scene,” he shares. “But, I’m a blues rock dude and that’s the type of rock ‘n’ roll that is still popular. People call it different things — blues rock That’s, like, heavy metal like Black Sabbath. I’m a soulful, powerful singer.” Harshman attributes his inspiration to first dabble in the music industry to his
see HARSHMAN page 25
Maestro Hector Olivera
Internationally Acclaimed Organist You can be assured that DHPC’s state-ofthe-art Rodgers Infinity 361 digital and pipe combination organ will NEVER be played like Maestro Olivera will. Maestro Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world.
Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Workshop – Prior day - Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM Both are FREE but you must hold a ticket for admission. Reserve yours at: www.signupgenius.com/go/organconcertPUBLIC Concert sponsored by the DHPC Organ Committee, managed by Music & Arts
Traditional Sunday Services 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM (live streamed)
info@azperfectcomfort.com www.azperfectcomfort.com
$
Samples, Lisa Loeb, The Verve Pipe, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Mark Mikel, Mudjaw’s Cantankerous Jubilee and The Zombies. A self-described “blues rock dude,” Harshman can be found performing solo in Queen Creek, Cave Creek and Peoria. With his schedule listed on his website, he can satisfy a variety of requests, including classics like his Beatles medley, David Bowie, “Thirteen” and “Into the Mystic,” as well as perform his own original pieces, like “Avalon” and “The Dailies.” “It doesn’t really matter what songs you play, as long as you play well,” Harshman said. “If you destroy someone’s favorite song, you’re not doing them or yourself
ROBIN & JOHN MCCOMBS VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED ROC#300933 • BONDED & INSURED
34605 N Tom Darlington Rd, Scottsdale 85266 For information: Call (480) 488-3384 or email music.arts@deserthills.org
www.deserthills.org
