Diversity fuels psychedelic jazz band Harrison Fjord
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Products of the Chandler Unified School District, the musicians in Harrison Fjord play tunes that are just about as diverse as the actor behind their name.
“Harrison Fjord was formed with the intent to never have a genre,” said lead singer/guitarist Mario Yniguez of the jazzinfluenced psychedelic rock band. “I called everyone and said, ‘Can we be in a band where we don’t have to write music like everybody else?’
“It sounds a little pretentious. I don’t mean it to be like that. I just wanted to be able to do whatever we want. We can play jazz, sing whatever we want to do— everybody play bongos—whatever is fun or entertaining. Nobody’s ever going to leave the band or anything because they’re out of things to do.”
With all the hype surrounding the opening of “Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens,” it’s easy to assume that the band named itself after the charismatic actor.
That’s not so, Yniguez said.
“It was by complete happenstance,” Yniguez said. “Someone mentioned an assembly line, then someone brought up Harrison Ford. After that, it was Fjord.”
That’s not to say the collective isn’t fans of the legendary films.
“Every single person in the band is a diehard ‘Star Wars’ fan,” he said. “We’re whole—simply put—nerds. Everyone is dying to see ‘Star Wars.’ We have tickets already.”
When they’re not being nerds, the musicians are rehearsing for upcoming shows, which includes a Wednesday,
Dec. 23, gig at the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix. The band also includes Dallin Gonzales (vocals/tambourine), Taylor Morriss (guitars/vocals), Jonathon Sheldon (bass/vocals), Kevin Paul Mandzuk (keys), 17-year-old Jacob Lipp (woodwinds) and Matt Storto (drums). Mandzuk is a material science major through Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. The rest of the musicians attend Mesa Community College to study music.
“We’ve had the opportunity to play Crescent Ballroom five or six times, which is pretty cool,” Yniguez said. “About a year ago, when we were getting back into gigging, we would have just loved to have played the Crescent Ballroom. It was a little bit of a dream.
“Now it’s pretty regular for us. We play there more than other places.”
The Wednesday, Dec. 23, gig will include a nod to Christmas.
“We’re going to be doing a couple new songs and a Christmas song,” he said. “We’re going to have a special Christmas deal where we’ll do some antics and some weirdness.”
The show will end its 2015 run, and prepare it for next year, which is going to keep Harrison Fjord busy. In the forefront is working on a new album.
“There’s not a whole lot known yet,” he said. “It’s going to be a sampling of a lot of the stuff we do, but a little jazzier and weirder with vocal harmony. It’ll be electronic in some way. It’ll be more of an EP kind of thing. It’ll be very colorful and big. I’m excited.”
The band is thrilled about its forthcoming video for the song “Approximately 906
Miles.” It was filmed in Payson. “That video will be what I’m most proud of,” Yniguez said. “I can say that. That’ll be the release that I and everybody in the band is most excited about. Freddie [Paull] who does all of our video stuff did it. He’s just incredible. So artistically genuine, just ahead of his time in many ways. He’s done a lot of very cool stuff with it. I’m happy with
the audio and stuff like that.”
Harrison Fjord performs with Jared and the Mill and Bear Ghost at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. Tickets are $15 to $17. Call (602) 716-2222 or visit www.crescentphx.com for more information.
The Chandler musicians in Harrison Fjord are geared up for the release of their new video for “Approximately 906 Miles.” Submitted photo
Looking at Granzow’s photos evokes a story in one’s mind
An exhibition called “The New Old World—The Photography of Robert Granzow” will be on display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, from Jan. 15 through March 5 at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. An opening reception will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15.
Granzow’s goal with the photographs in the exhibit is to evoke a story in one’s mind. When looking at the artwork, patrons will start to ask the type of questions that bring their imagination into the scene and develop their own narrative. Scenes in black and white of the streets throughout Europe open a very different and exciting experience for the viewer.
“As an artist, when I convert a digital color photograph to black and white, I call it the new old way of photography. These photographs are my new old way of looking at the new old world,” he said.
Granzow’s photographs are of a world that “used to be,” or is called the Old World. Throughout the compositions there are hints of the New World scattered throughout. Some of the faces are changing and the sometimes annoying necessities of the modern world seem to creep into even the oldest parts of Europe, embellishing the stories that have always been there.
“I’ve given the location but no title, because I don’t want you to be influenced by what I think the story in
the photographs should be,” he said. “I’ve chosen black and white for this exhibition, because I feel the subtlety of monochromatic tones suit these images, and in some cases color can detract from the story or the direction a viewer’s eye follows through the scene.”
Info: (480) 782-2695, vision.gallery@ chandleraz.gov or www.visiongallery.org.
“The New Old World—The Photography of Robert Granzow” will be on display from Jan. 15 to March 5 at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St. Submitted photo
Zoppé family returns to the Chandler big top
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
A sixth-generation circus performer, Giovanni Zoppé is proud of his family’s history—and equally as excited to come to the Chandler Center for the Arts with Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus Since 1842.
“It’s the most amazing place in all of the land this time of year,” said Zoppé about Arizona. “I’m leaving Chicago right now. Every time I get up in the morning and clear my windows off, I think, ‘What the heck am I doing here?’”
Zoppé plays Nino the clown in the circus that visits Tuesday, Dec. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 3. The family will raise the tent in Old World Italian tradition and welcome guests into its 500-seat one-ring circus on the center’s west lawn.
He has been a part of his family business since he was 10, a little young, he admitted, but old enough to make his own decision. It was a natural fit.
“It just happened,” Zoppé said. “I’d been in the ring since I was 2 years old. I grew up in the circus. I was part of the circus. I was 10 when I professionally started and I started every show since— no matter what: fever, sick, broken leg, broken arm.”
It’s only natural to feel pain, so there are no excuses in the circus.
“I heard something recently: If you wake up in the morning and nothing hurts, you’re probably dead,” he said. “It’s so true. Every time I wake up there are different parts of my body in pain. Each
one of those pains tells a story to me. They’re all great stories.”
Zoppé said this circus strays from the standard. There’s more to it than clown cars.
“We try to touch every emotion during the show,” he said. “They’ll laugh, they’ll cry, and they’ll feel for the characters.”
While the family’s act stays the same, the rest of the show changes annually.
Highlights of this year’s show include several performances by guest artists which features two new acts: the worldfamous Black Bear Group interprets one of China’s oldest art forms with dazzling acrobatic displays and Jose and Elizabeth Ayala from Mexico bring Rolla bolla performances and gravity defying hair hanging.
If there’s one thing that’s important to Zoppé, it’s to make people happy.
“I like to give joy to other people,” he said. “A lot of people don’t understand that feeling. You can’t repay that feeling. There’s no way. It’s an amazing feeling that’s so pure. When you look out into the audience with multiple generations all smiling, it’s incredible.”
Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus Since 1842 comes to the Chandler Center for the Arts’ west lawn, 250 N. Arizona Ave., from Tuesday, Dec. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 3. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $15 to $40. For more information, visit www. chandlercenter.org/family/13-zoppe.
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Acrobats are featured in the circus. Submitted photo
Circus performers will visit the Chandler Center for the Arts when Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus Since 1842 presents shows Tuesday, Dec. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 3. Submitted photo
Giovanni Zoppé, a sixth-generation circus performer, plays Nino the clown. Submitted photo
Create something beautiful at As You Wish
As You Wish, the pottery painting place, has announced the schedule for classes starting in January at its Chandler Studio, located at 2970 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Paints, brushes and expert assistance are provided.
• Jan. 1 – Free studio fees 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Jan. 9 – Read and Paint class featuring “Put Me in the Zoo” by Robert Lopshire for toddlers to 6 year olds. $15 all inclusive.
• Jan. 13 – Free studio fees 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Jan. 15 – Beginning Technique class to paint with lace for 12 year olds to
adults. – Painting with Lace. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 plus potter of your choice.
• Jan. 21 – Homeschool Social for home-schooled children who would like a little art in their day. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. $12 all inclusive.
• Jan. 22 –Free studio fees when you paint with your girlfriends. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Jan. 29 – Beginning Technique class teaches basic pottery painting techniques as well as using Spolvero graphite stencils. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For 12 year olds to adults. Info: (480) 899-1231 or asyouwishpottery.com/classes.
Amazing pottery can be created at As You Wish. Submitted photo
Thursdays, Feb. 4 through Feb. 25, in
Free ‘Out to Lunch’ concerts offered in Mesa
Free afternoon concerts are being offered 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 4 through Feb. 25, in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk at the Mesa Arts Center. Life of the Party Catering will be onsite for each concert offering hot and cold lunch selections, as well as beverages and desserts.
The Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is home to four theaters, five art galleries in the MCA Museum and 14 art studios. Info: mesaartscenter.com.
Aaron Harris Sr. 2016 Prospective Candidate
Chandler City Council
“For ALL the Right Reasons”
Season’s Greetings!
The holiday season is a special time of the year to reflect and give thanks! I am honored to have your support as a 2016 prospective Chandler City Council candidate. My motivation to run for City Council stems from my willingness to serve others. Thank you to my family and friends who have expressed various levels of support and encouragement throughout this journey. I love our city and genuinely appreciate Chandler’s past, current state, and our prosperous future. I look forward to potentially serving as your new voice on the Chandler City Council.
On behalf of my wife and family, please accept our very best wishes during this holiday season!
Happy holidays,
Aaron Harris Sr.
www.electaaronharrissr.org
Free afternoon concerts are being offered on
the Wells Fargo Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk at the Mesa Arts Center. Submitted photo
ON STAGE
Gin Blossoms, Saturday, Dec. 19, HAC. The Gin Blossoms will play such songs as “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” “Found Out About You” and many more.
Donny Osmond , Friday, Jan. 8, WHP. Donny Osmond, who is celebrating 50 years as a performer, embarks on his first solo concert performances in four years with “The Soundtrack of My Life Tour.”
Riverdance , Tuesday, Jan. 12 through Sunday, Jan. 17, MAC. The international Irish dance phenomenon is on its 20th anniversary world tour with an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.
Gorongosa Reborn: A Cameraman’s Journal , Wednesday, Jan. 20, MAC. Travel to Africa with Emmy Awardwinning wildlife cinematographer Bob Poole.
Nelson Illusionists , Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, HCPA. Nelson Illusions is a one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle combining rare and original illusions with award-winning, jaw-dropping magic.
Lee Ann Womack, Sunday, Feb. 21, CCA. Country Album of the Year nominee Lee Ann Womack sings hits from her most acclaimed albums.
2CELLOS , Saturday, April 9, MAC. Their
version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” went viral in 2011, and the Croatian cellists continue to with dynamic music videos and covers.
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 16000 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000 or www.harrahsaskchin.com
Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science , Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music.
HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.org
MAC—Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
WHP—Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler Tickets: (800) 946-4452 or www.wingilariver.com
At HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals, we help patients reconnect with hope every day, reclaiming the joy of independence following an illness, injury or surgery. In return, families experience the peace of knowing a loved
has been given a second chance, living life to the fullest once again. May you and yours have the happiest of moments together this holiday season.
Gin Blossoms. Submitted photo
Alton Brown. Submitted photo
Lee Ann Womack. Submitted photo
Pace’s ceramic art to be featured at gallery
“A Plethora of Platters—Ceramic Art by Alvin Pace” will be on display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 12 through March 6, at the Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. A reception to meet the artist will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.
Pace, an Arizona native, has a master of fine arts degree from ASU and was the head of the art department at Chandler High School for more than 30 years. He has been a long-term advocate and supporter of the arts in Chandler, and is a ceramics instructor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
His work can be found in the City of Scottsdale Arts Collection, the ASU Ceramic Collection and the Eddie Basha Art Collection.
Pace’s work has been described as, “a complete transformation of clay into disks that seem to float, ethereally on the wall. His work is inspirational.”
The Chandler Center for the Arts welcomes Alvin Pace back to present a look at his current art project, A Thousand Platters, as it nears completion.
Info: (480) 782-2695, vision.gallery@ chandleraz.gov or www.chandlercenter.org.
Like father, like daughter Revisiting the Great American Songbook
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
Like many people, Deana Martin took up the profession of her extended family, following in the footsteps of her dad, her Uncle Frank, and her Uncle Sammy.
“To tell the truth, it was in me,” Martin said in a recent interview. “I was a naturalborn entertainer. Performing was in my DNA.”
And how could it not have been, when Uncle Frank’s last name was Sinatra, Uncle Sammy’s last name was Davis, and dad’s name was, as you may have guessed, Dean Martin?
“It’s DEEN-ah,” Martin said, corrected my pronunciation of her first name as “dee-ANN-uh.”
“Do you think Dean Martin would have named his daughter anything else?”
Deana Martin will sing some of the songs made famous by her father, as well as other selections from the Great American Songbook, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 S. Arizona Ave. Tickets are $38, $48 and $58; go to www.chandlercenter. org for more information.
Dean Martin was the fabled crooner of such hits as “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime” and “Volare,” and a member of the “Rat Pack,” the group of entertainers in the ’50s and ’60s headed by Sinatra and also including Davis, actor Peter Lawford and comedian Joey Bishop.
But to Deana, he was “dad,” the guy who surrounded her with music, and not just his own, but music from every major
artist of the time. In addition to her “uncles,” Deana’s “aunts” also visited: Aunt Peggy (Lee), Aunt Rosemary (Clooney) and even Aunt Ella (Fitzgerald).
“I was blessed as a child to have all that around me, and to have piano lessons, acting lessons, dance lessons. I just took to all of it,” Martin said.
The kind of music she heard is now called the “Great American Songbook,” the pre-rock songs that dominated the radio.
“That music was the soundtrack of my childhood. I remember going to Capitol Records at Hollywood and Vine and walking down a hall into Studio A and seeing 42 musicians and hearing my dad sing ‘Memories Are Made of This’ with three backup singers.” Martin incorporates that experience into her show, singing her dad’s part and asking three volunteers from the audience to sing back-up.
But as much as the music surrounded her, the Great American Songbook was not the stuff of young Martin’s generation. She sang rock ‘n’ roll with a club that played Los Angeles’ Whisky a Go-Go, and later turned to country music, singing with Lee Hazelwood. On her dad’s death on Christmas day 1995, a change came over her.
“I started listening to his recordings with different ears. I got chills. The songs touched me and spoke to me as if my dad was coming through to me,” she recalled.
The songs spoke to her in a different
GRAND
way, just as “Uncle Frank” had told her they would.
“Frank Sinatra taught me about growing into a song. He said, ‘The songs will have different meanings throughout your life.’”
Martin’s show contains most of her
dad’s big hits, and songs associated with his time. At one point, she sings “True Love” in virtual duet with her dad’s recording.
“Sometimes,” she confessed, “it’s hard for me to get through that one.”
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Deana Martin sings at Chandler Center for the Arts Jan. 23. Submitted photo
