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Peoria Times
FEATURES
September 30, 2021
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Todd LeDuc returns home for Monster Jam BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
Monster Energy truck driver Todd LeDuc is probably the world’s coolest dad. The Peoria resident is a hit at his son’s career days at school. “They love it,” LeDuc said. “I bring my truck and they all get a kick out of it.” LeDuc is returning home for Monster Jam at State Farm Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 2. Driving is in LeDuc’s blood as well, as he is the son of legendary off-road driver Curt LeDuc and the brother of fellow driver Kyle LeDuc. “When I was a child, I was
Peoria resident Todd LeDuc returns to the Valley for Monster Jam on Saturday, Oct. 2 in State Farm Stadium riding for Monster Energy. Driving is in his blood as the son of legendary off-road driver Curt LeDuc and brother of fellow driver Kyle LeDuc. (Photos courtesy of Todd LeDuc)
always competing with my brother,” he said. “I was riding bikes faster than everybody else in the neighborhood or jumping higher. It’s always been in me deep down.” Driving the Monster Energy truck, LeDuc said even though fans’ adrenaline gets him charged, he especially enjoys the traveling. “I’ve got a gypsy soul or something,” he said. “I like traveling or seeing the world, meeting new people and sharing what Monster Jam is with the world. “Here in the United States, we’re so accustomed to big trucks and racing. In Brazil or Australia, they don’t have those kinds of things. To showcase what Monster Jam is with other countries and blowing people’s minds is cool. SEE MONSTER JAM PAGE 20
Ivan Harshman continues to deliver as solo artist BY JORDAN HOUSTON Peoria Times Staff Writer
Music 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 important,” explained Harshman, a former member of the Elliots. “No. 1, I liked it and it was really special to me in a certain way.
As a self-described “blues rock dude,” Ivan Harshman enjoys performing solo shows in cities including Queen Creek, Cave Creek and Peoria, with future shows listed at his website, ivanharshman.com. (Photo courtesy of Ivan Harshman)
“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 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,” SEE ARTIST PAGE 22
