Images Arizona (March 2024)

Trailblazing Women of Country 4/1

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 3/25

Judy Collins 3/22

Rita Moreno In Conversation 3/16

Gunhild Carling 3/12

Festival Orchestra Week 3/5-3/10

What's Inside?

From the Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com

AAs the promise of spring whispers in the air, many of us feel a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours create the perfect opportunity and often even serve as inspiration for us to immerse ourselves in activities that nourish our souls.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates the diverse passions and hobbies that enrich the lives of those in our community. From the tranquil strokes of a paintbrush to the adrenaline-fueled adventures of outdoor enthusiasts, there exists a kaleidoscope of interests that make Arizona one of the most unique and enjoyable places to live in the entire world.

From sports to photography, every hobby has a story to tell. Sometimes these stories are heard in the roar of an engine or the melody of a song. Other times, they are held within the intricate craftsmanship of artisans, whose creations infuse our homes with warmth and our ears, necks, wrists and fingers with character.

Our hobbies are not merely pastimes but pathways to self-discovery, connection and fulfillment. They bring real joy into our lives and, in the case of collecting Barbie dolls or antique automobiles, can even transport us back in time so that we can repeatedly relive precious moments from our childhood.

It is my sincere hope that by exploring the stories and photographs found throughout the pages of this month’s issue, you will be encouraged to embrace your interests, pursue your passions and find new avenues for self-expression or reconnect with those you previously put on pause.

Cheers!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com

623-341-8221

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

S ANDERSON LINCOLN S ANDERSON LINCOLN

GRACE

JENNYFER STRATMAN

BRONZE ARTIST

Meet Jennyfer and experience her bronze sculpture that is rich with emotion, content and form. Jennyfer explores the interconnectedness between self, the earth and the cosmos with her thought-provoking sculpture.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Thursday, March 21

Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

Grace Renee Gallery

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

By appointment Sun. and Mon.

480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

ABOVE

This past winter, Tom Forbes and his girlfriend Katy visited Grand Canyon Deer Farm in Williams. Having previously visited the farm one year prior and loved the experience, the couple decided to make it an annual tradition.

“We love going in the winter as there is just something special about running around with the deer in the snow,” Forbes says. “They sell cups of food in the gift shop. Once you are out with the deer, they will all swarm you at once when they realize you have food on you.”

Located on a section of old Route 66, the 10-acre farm — which has been providing up close and personal experiences with nature since 1969 — is also home to wallabies, llamas, coatimundi, bison, peacocks and an umbrella cockatoo named Mozart.

“Feeding the deer is definitely the most exciting part of the visit, but one of my favorite animals to see is the zonkey — which is a cross between a donkey and zebra and is not something you often get to see,” Forbes adds.

tomforbesphotography.com

instagram.com/markeandersonphotography

Photo by Tom Forbes

2023 was the year of Barbie. The 11.5-inch plastic doll has enchanted little girls and collectors for more than six decades. But last year, the blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty went from iconic plaything to cultural zeitgeist, thanks to the release of Greta Gerwig’s award-winning blockbuster of the same name. Amassing more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, “Barbie” was the highestgrossing movie of the year and Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing movie of all time. Everywhere you looked, from outfits to interiors, Barbiecore dominated.

Now, a new museum exhibition explores the story of Barbie’s evolution through the lens of fashion and design.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades // Photography by Jason Harper Photography and Courtesy of Illusion Projects and Mattel

“

Barbie’s offerings change with time based on who the popular designers of the moment are. Her evolution and fashion really are a little microcosm of the evolution in Western fashion over the similar time period.

Karan Feder

Developed in collaboration with creative design and production company Illusion Projects and toy company Mattel, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” at Phoenix Art Museum “examines the Barbie brand’s 60-plus-year history and the doll’s global impact on pop culture through a wide-ranging showcase of more than 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, exclusive interviews and narrative sections that consider the style trends, careers and identities that Barbie has embodied and popularized over the decades.”

Author and costume historian Karan Feder curated the traveling exhibit, which debuted in Las Vegas in October 2021. Many of the dolls and artifacts on display come from the private collection of Las Vegas resident David Porcello.

“David is a collector of vintage fashion, and part of that is miniature Barbie fashions,” Feder says. “His collection is unique because it fits into a silo. He is interested in collecting only the fashions, not really the dolls, from 1959, when Barbie was first introduced, to 1999. His goal is to collect every single piece of fashion made for Barbie during that period of time.”

Unlike today, when new outfits, especially limited-edition designer outfits, come packaged on dolls, early Barbie fashions were sold separately. The first doll was marketed in the now instantly recognizable blackand-white striped jersey swimsuit.

Feder notes in her recently released coffee table book, “Barbie Takes the Catwalk,” that Barbie’s first wardrobe consisted of “22 marvelously designed ensembles priced between $1 and $5.” These and the rest of Barbie’s sartorial canon are on display, juxtaposed with full-size human fashions from the same eras.

65 YEARS OF STYLE

Barbie burst onto the shelves in 1959. Her creator, Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, named the doll after her daughter, Barbara. Often known as the first fashion doll, Barbie instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle and ever-changing persona captured the imagination of generations — including some of the world’s top fashion designers.

The first designer to receive credit on Barbie’s box was Oscar de la Renta in the mid-1980s, but the mini fashion icon’s closet was already filled with outfits that were influenced by celebrities and catwalks around the world. From minimalist, elegant frocks inspired by Oleg Cassini’s designs for first lady Jacqueline Kennedy to the exaggerated sleeve and shoulder treatments favored by Nolan Miller and Emanuel Ungaro in the 1980s, Barbie’s fashions have always followed current trends.

“Barbie’s offerings change with time based on who the popular designers of the moment are,” Feder explains. “Her evolution and fashion really

The Power of Pink

Just like 2023 was the year of Barbie, it was also the year of pink. In Greta Gerwig’s film, everything from the fantastical world of Barbie Land to the costumes of its lead characters were awash in the bright, feminine hue. Star Margot Robbie even stole the spotlight at every premiere thanks to her wardrobe influenced by classic Barbie-pink fashions.

As a result, the color — Pantone 219 C — was suddenly popping up everywhere, especially on clothing. The Phoenix Art Museum is celebrating the complex history of this color with “The Power of Pink,” a new exhibition that complements “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” through July 7.

According to the museum, the exhibition “traces the history of the hue and the evolution of its role in fashion, from its origins in 17th-century France, where it was worn by both men and women of status, luxury and power, to 1940s North America, when mass-marketing efforts began to gender the color, assigning pink to girls and blue to boys.”

For fashion historian Karan Feder, curator of the Barbie exhibition, the ancillary exhibit will further explore Barbie and fashion, tying the two together through the evolution of the color.

“Because so much of this exhibit shows life-size, human-size vintage fashion next to Barbie fashion, it allows museums with costume and textile collections to bring out pieces from their own archives and showcase them next to Barbie pieces from the era to make their own connections,” Feder says. “The Phoenix Art Museum is able to do this because they have such a world-

class costume collection, and it’s a super-exciting extension of this touring exhibition.”

Garments by renowned designers such as Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and more will be on display.

“Our presentation of ‘Barbie: A Cultural Icon’ offers a timely opportunity for us to draw upon our incredible fashion-design collection to explore Barbie’s favorite color,” said curator Helen Jean in a press release. “Just like Barbie, the color pink sparks conversations, and just like Barbie, pink is having its day in the spotlight. We look forward to considering the history, politics and science behind this popular yet polarizing color.”

Feder notes that early dolls had more red and black clothes than they did pink ones. She says that it wasn’t until the late 1980s–early ’90s that the bubblegum hue became forever associated with Barbie. In 2023, Pantone, which provides color standards for everything from graphic design to fashion, named its Barbie Pink the Color of the Year.

“Barbie Pink is uplifting and inspires confidence, courage, vigor and vibrancy — everything we need in a post-pandemic world,” the company says. “People want to escape, and they are latching onto something colorful and nostalgic and playful. When you think about color being a language that expresses what is taking place, this dynamic, energizing pink and its association with Barbie is about being daring and unafraid and taking chances.”

Christian Dior, Suit jacket, 1952. Wool and velvet. Collection of

Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Donald D. Harrington.

Valentino, Dress, c. 1982. Silk crepe with sequins and dyed feathers.

Collection of Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Georgette Mosbacher.

Norman Norell, "Mermaid" evening dress, 1960-1972. Silk jersey

embroidered with sequins. Collection of Phoenix Art Museum,

Gift of Mrs. Kelly Ellman.

are a little microcosm of the evolution in Western fashion over the similar time period.”

The museum exhibition traces this evolution, spotlighting diverse characters within the Barbie universe and connecting them to contemporary fashion trends, perspectives and identities.

“The really fascinating thing about this exhibit that no other Barbie exhibition has done is this concept of showing vintage fashion as it relates to Barbie fashion side by side,” Feder says. “So you can say, ‘Oh yeah, I totally get why that Barbie fashion happened.’”

In a press release announcing the exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum, Helen Jean, the museum’s Jacquie Dorrance curator of Fashion Design, said, “Barbie has always been associated with innovative fashion, wearing pantsuits and dresses, rollerblades and workout clothes, right in line with the trends of the time. Over the past decade, however, we’ve seen Barbie shift from a mirror of trends to a trendsetter, no longer simply wearing the silhouettes and styles most prominently promoted to girls and women but instead dictating what those fashions are or can be. She’s inspired runway fashion collections over the last 10 years.”

“Barbie: A Cultural Icon” is divided into six distinct sections: the doll’s origin story and all 22 original ensemble outfits; the influence of the Space Age; the creation of Christie, the first Black doll; the arrival of Ken; and the creation of the Barbie Dreamhouse.

Visitors will see the iconic fashions of the 1970s, including Groovy Style, beachwear and disco-themed

designs. The 1980s and ’90s present a selection of diverse dolls that represent a range of ethnicities, body types and careers. The exhibition culminates in the 2000s, spotlighting the continued diversification of characters within the Barbie universe and connecting them to contemporary fashion trends.

Also on display will be more than 50 historical objects and life-size fashion designs, video interviews with Barbie designers on five custom-made Barbie Dreamhouse TVs, and even a life-size Barbie Mirror-Pink Corvette in which guests can take photos.

Many of the pieces in the exhibition are being displayed for the very first time.

“There are some pieces that Mattel didn’t even recognize,” Feder says. “They were so obscure that Mattel was like, ‘We’ve never even seen that piece before!’ That’s cool.”

“There are so many items to look at. But one of my favorite things is when a person stops in front of one piece and says, 'Oh my God, I remember that one!’ All of a sudden, they’re brought back to exactly when they were 9 years old, and they remember that one outfit that they just adored. So there are those nostalgic moments that you will come across as you traverse through the exhibition. When you’re least expecting it, you’ll be brought back to your childhood.”

phxart.org

Experience

“Barbie: A Cultural Icon”

Through July 7 | See website for hours Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

See website for price | phxart.org

COMMUNITY March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 2

SALUTING STORIES OF SERVICE GALA

Veterans Heritage Project will host its annual gala, which will honor an outstanding veteran for inspiring our next generation and making a positive impact in the community and recognize a former student for applying the lessons learned from their veterans and demonstrating character in their daily lives. This year’s Storyteller honoree is Rose Mattie — whose military career spans 17 years and first shared her service story through the Veterans Heritage Project’s after-school program in 2016. This year’s Alumni Service honoree is Mark McCullough — who, as one of the original students in the program from 2005 to 2008, interviewed six veterans and was instrumental in the design and publication of three volumes of “Since You Asked,” a collection of veterans’ legacies. Guests will hear from both honorees, as well as enjoy mystery boxes, a live auction and the opportunity to win $10,000 through the At-TEN-tion Pays Raffle. $250. 5 p.m. Chateau Luxe Event Venue, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix. gala. veteransheritage.org

Through March 3

GREATER PHOENIX JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will host its 28th annual event, which aims to provide entertaining and compelling international films with Jewish themes to audiences across the metropolitan Phoenix area. $15+. See website for schedule and venues. gpjff.org

Through March 3

SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Sedona International Film Festival will host its 30th anniversary event, featuring more than 140 films as well as filmmaker discussions, workshops and seminars. See website for prices, schedule and venues. sedonafilmfestival.com

Through Feb. 2

‘HEART OF THE COMMUNITY’

The Heard Museum will host an exhibition that honors a recent gift from the Basha family, showcasing baskets from the Southwest. The exhibition contains the artistry of Western Apache, Yavapai, Navajo and Akimel O’odham weavers, connecting past and present. $22.50; youth, student, senior, military, American Indian and group discounts available. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8840; heard.org

March 1 and 2

M3F FEST

M3F will host its annual festival, featuring the dreamy sounds of Dominic Fike, award-winning London vocalist Arlo Parks, Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus and the mesmerizing music of Bakar. All proceeds will benefit local charities, with $2 million donated since 2022 and $5.2 million raised in total since the festival’s inception in 2004. See website for price and schedule. Steele Indian School Park, 3401 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. m3ffest.org

March 1–10

‘CAMELOT AND CAMELITTLE’

Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Camelot and Camelittle.” See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

March 2

‘AMERICAN SONGBOOK’

ProMusica Arizona’s Women in Song, an auditioned ensemble of female vocalists, will perform a concert of American Songbook classics. Free. 2 p.m. Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria. pmaz.org

March 2

MTA FUNDRAISER

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host its annual fundraiser, featuring performances by professional singers and the theater’s own outreach group, the announcement of its 17th season, dinner, soft drinks, desserts and auctions. $75+. 4 p.m. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

March 2

‘THE MUSIC OF QUEEN’

Conductor, arranger and producer Brent Havens will lead a cast of powerhouse rockers and the Phoenix Symphony in such classic songs as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Arizona Financial Theatre, 750 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

March 2 and 3

LITCHFIELD PARK ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Vermillion Promotions will host its 26th annual art and wine festival in Litchfield Park, featuring the work of more than 150 jury-selected fine artists and craftsmen, as well as a beer and wine garden offering an assortment of Arizona’s best wineries and local microbreweries and distilleries. Free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Litchfield Park. vermillionpromotions.com

March 2 and 3

‘ROMEO AND JULIETTE’

Arizona Opera will present its production of “Romeo and Juliette.” See website for price and times. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-266-7464;azopera.org

March 2 and 30

ANTHEM CARS AND COFFEE

Anthem Cars and Coffee will host its monthly car show. A coffee truck, vendors and food court will be open for purchase of food and beverages during the event. Free. 8 a.m.–11 a.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. anthemcarsandcoffee.com

March 3–10

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA WEEK

Arizona Musicfest will present a series of concerts featuring the Festival Orchestra. $51+. See website for schedule. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

COMMUNITY March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 8 and 9

SARAH GRAHAM JEWELRY

Acclaimed jewelry artist Sarah Graham takes you on a journey of timeless elegance and organic wonder at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree. Meet the artist, explore her captivating collections and discover exquisite pieces crafted from nature’s whispers — cast Jacaranda pods, microscopic marine forms and more. These textural tales, defined by muted palettes and striking contrasts, empower women with subtle femininity and effortless style. Find your perfect statement piece at this captivating event. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

March 6–April 28

‘BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL’

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

March 7

FAMILY STEM NIGHT

Canyon Springs STEM Academy will host an event during which its students will exhibit projects that demonstrate their understanding of the engineering design process. The event will also include a variety of programs and activities that promote STEM from the academy’s community partners, such as Daisy Mountain Fire Department, Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, Maricopa County Environmental Services, Phoenix Herpetological Society and Phoenix Police Department. Free. 5–7 p.m. Canyon Springs STEM Academy, 42901 N. 45th Ave., Phoenix. dvusd.org/canyonsprings

March 12

GUNHILD CARLING

Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 15–17

‘STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE’ IN CONCERT

Phoenix Symphony’s musicians will perform the score to “Star Wars: A New Hope” as the film is projected behind them on-stage. See website for price and times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

March 16

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS PARADE

A precursor to its annual four-day event, Cave Creek Rodeo Days will host a parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Cave Creek, followed by mutton bustin’ at 2 p.m. at Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. A cornhole tournament and a kick-off dance will then take place at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. See website for additional details. cavecreekrodeo.com

March 16

‘POSTCARDS FROM BOHEMIA’

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert of music from Bohemian composers. See website for price. 7 p.m. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. 623-980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org

March 16

‘RITA MORENO: IN CONVERSATION’

Rita Moreno will grace the stage for an intimate event as part of Arizona Musicfest. Far from your typical Q-and-A, the evening will unfold as a vibrant tapestry woven from the entertainment icon’s 92 years of life, laughter and lessons learned under the bright lights of Hollywood and beyond. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 16 and 17

ANTHEM DAYS

Anthem will host its annual familyfriendly event, which includes a local business expo, live musical entertainment, a carnival, a food court and beer garden and a kids’ zone with inflatables. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. onlineatanthem.com

March 16 and 17

‘EXPERIENCE IRELAND’

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an event that celebrates Irish music and culture. Activities will include a musical craft, an opportunity to play a concertina, engaging lectures, an Irish stepdance workshop and lively performances from Irish-related artists. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-4786000; mim.org

March 17

‘SONGS FROM ACROSS THE POND’

Carolyn Eynon Singers will perform a concert of music from English, Scottish and Irish composers. $25+;

COMMUNITY March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 16

CHAMPAGNE MUSIC SALON

ProMusica Arizona will host its annual Champagne Music Salon, featuring performances from the organization’s talented soloists and small ensembles as well as hors d’oeuvres, desserts, champagne, wine and other beverages. 6 p.m. See website for price and location. pmaz.org

youth, student and group discounts available. 4 p.m. St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. cesingers.org

March 17

‘A TRIBUTE TO MOZART’

Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a concert of classical music. $20+; student, military and veteran discounts available. 4 p.m. North Canyon Performing Arts Center, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. scottsdalephilharmonic.com

March 21

JENNYFER STRATMAN

Tour a collection of artwork rich with emotion, content and form during a special reception for artist Jennyfer Stratman. Expressed primarily through figuration and natural elements, Stratman’s work explores interconnections between everything from the subatomic to the galactic. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

March 21–24

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS

Cave Creek Rodeo Days will present its 47th annual event, featuring three thrilling Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association performances as well as a night that will showcase the bull riders and bullfighters that bring fans to their feet. See website for price and schedule. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. cavecreekrodeo.com

March 22

JUDY COLLINS

Legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 22 and 23

AARON HENRY DESIGNS

Meet American luxury jewelry designer Aaron Henry during a special event showcasing an exquisite selection of his brilliant pieces, each of which has been meticulously handcrafted to bring classical Old World quality to modern design with the finest craftsmanship and utmost attention to detail. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

March 22–24

FLAIR ARISTS’ SHOWCASE

Finest Local Artists in Residence members will host a special exhibition featuring several subjects in a variety of mediums — including abstract mixed-media works, grand Southwestern landscapes and largescale expressionist paintings. Free. Friday Noon–7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Anthem Golf and Country Club’s Persimmon Clubhouse, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive, Anthem

March 22–April 7

‘THE ALL NIGHT STRUT

Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “The All Night Strut,” a musical extravaganza celebrating a golden age in music and the great American songbook. $50. See website for times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-258-8128; blacktheatretroupe.org

March 23

‘CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION’ AUDITIONS

Musical Theatre of Anthem will hold auditions for its upcoming productions of “Chicago: Teen Edition” (ages 14–18), for which all youth will be cast. $325; sibling discount available. 10:30 a.m. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-3366001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

March 24

‘DEAD ELVIS AND OTHER GEMS’

MusicaNova Orchestra will perform a classical tour de force inspired by the King of Rock and Roll. The concert will also feature a rare concerto for two clarinets. $33.50+. 6 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. musicanovaaz.org

March 25

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Designated “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world” by the late former South African President Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-4228449; azmusicfest.org

March 28–31

‘CONTEMPORARY MOVES’

Ballet Arizona will present three diverse works from masterful choreographers — including Ib Andersen’s “Rio,” Paul Taylor’s “Piazzolla Caldera” and Nayon Iovino’s “Inner Layer.” $35+. See website for times. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. balletaz.org

March 28–31

FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival will host its annual event, highlighting inspiring and thought-provoking cultural, environmental, outdoor and adventure-related documentary films from around the world. $12+. See website for schedule. The Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. flagstaffmountainfilms.org

April 1

‘TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY’

As part of Arizona Musicfest, CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country” Miko Marks, Nashville singer Kristina Train and a five-member all-female band will take the stage in a show that features the music of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

April 5

DANCE WITH ME GALA

Ballet Arizona will celebrate artistic director Ib Andersen for his 24-year legacy during its annual fundraising gala, which will include dinner, dancing and a special performance. $600. See website for time. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. balletaz.org

April 5

WORLD DOCTORS ORCHESTRA

As part of Arizona Musicfest, 85 physician musicians from around the world will perform a concert that will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic. $25+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

HOMEBUILDER OPENS NEW NEIGHBORHOODS

Tri Pointe Homes recently celebrated the grand opening of three new neighborhoods in Whispering Hills, a new 122-acre planned community located at 3824 W. Whispering Hills Drive in southwest Phoenix. The homebuilder is expected to bring a total of 165 new homesites to Whispering Hills with sales, pre-scheduled appointments and four model homes for touring now underway. tripointehomes.com

IIn 2019, after spending 35 years in St. Louis, Deb Manne moved back to Phoenix to be closer to her family. It was not long after arriving at Anthem Country Club that she joined Finest Local Artists in Residence — a group of highly talented, distinct artists who enjoy getting together to paint, create, talk, express ideas and simply hang out with one another.

“I began painting two years ago and I cannot stop,” says the acrylic artist, a former real estate broker who now serves as FLAIR’s director. “I just love the outlet and solitude that it gives me. Hours pass and it feels like minutes. I have always enjoyed working with my hands, [playing the] piano, gardening, [working with] stained glass and now, my newest adventure, painting.”

Each spring, FLAIR members organize a special exhibition at Anthem Golf and Country Club’s Persimmon Clubhouse to showcase their work. This year’s exhibition, scheduled for March 22–24, will feature several subjects in a variety of mediums — including abstract mixedmedia works, grand Southwestern landscapes and large-scale expressionist paintings.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

“

Painting has allowed me to see the world in a very different light.

Jay R. Yett

“We find that each year is as unique as our artists’ paintings,” Manne says. “We will have a little over half of our membership showing this year. Even though we are in a gated community, all are welcome to come, meet us and talk with our artists about their work.”

Over the past two decades, FLAIR’s membership has grown to include about 30 artists as new residents continue to gravitate toward Arizona and, specifically, Anthem Country Club. Members, who include both novice and seasoned artists from all mediums, are also part of the Wednesday Club — a social organization that offers a full calendar of monthly events and guest speakers as a way to welcome new residents and their talents.

Manne — who also enjoys playing golf, pickleball and bocce — says that meeting and painting with her neighbors and fellow artists as a member of FLAIR has greatly enhanced her life.

“The so-called retired life is enriching and exciting in all aspects,” she notes.

HARRISON’S HUES

Suzie Higgs Harrison is one of the three artists who first established FLAIR more than two decades ago.

“I was raised in an art-filled home steeped in artistic expression,” Harrison says. “My father — a

renowned painter from Missouri — and my mother — a talented musician — encouraged me to explore various mediums, enabling me to express myself freely through my artistic endeavors.”

After earning a commercial arts degree, getting married and starting a family, Harrison aspired to expand her art education and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri — where, after graduating, she worked as a local coordinator for five years.

Her diverse professional background also includes stints as a freelance banner designer, an applique designer for children’s clothing and a screen print designer.

“I have also had the opportunity to work with Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, where I engaged in freelance artwork for various divisions — including Shoebox Cards, Specialty Designs, Creative Stitchery, Rice Center Ceramics and Ambassador Cards,” adds Harrison, who relocated to Arizona in 2000.

With work that presently revolves around whimsical and abstract paintings characterized by a vibrant and colorful style, the mixed-media artist says that FLAIR fosters a collaborative environment for painting and artistic growth for its members.

With work that presently revolves around whimsical and abstract paintings characterized by a vibrant and colorful style, mixed-media artist Suzie Higgs Harrison is one of the three artists who first established FLAIR more than two decades ago.

“The camaraderie that we share is not only enjoyable but also immensely encouraging,” Harrison explains. “Throughout our time together, we have been mutually instructive, exchanging valuable insights and techniques while indulging in our shared passion for painting. This artistic journey has become an integral part of our lives, reflecting the joy and fulfillment we find in the creative process.”

ROCKIN’ THE CANVAS

Jay R. Yett moved to Anthem with his wife in 2006 after spending 10 years working in the energy field and 27 years teaching geology courses.

Having spent a summer in Europe during his college years, Yett’s exposure to the works of Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer in some of the world’s most renowned museums left a permanent mark, prompting an attempt to paint that, while short-lived, inspired him to take several workshops in drawing, watercolors and oils over the years.

“After moving to Anthem, I visited several FLAIR shows and decided to start painting full time,” Yett says. “The natural choice for a geologist is to paint landscapes, so I spend most of my time painting scenes of the Southwest. Initially, I concentrated solely on rocks, plants and rivers, but now I am including people and animals in larger landscapes.”

Generally working from photographs in his home studio, Yett starts by sketching an image to see if he needs to modify the composition and determine the proper values and colors for the various elements of the picture.

“After transferring the drawing to the canvas, I begin to paint the major blocks, making any needed changes in value or color,” says Yett, who then adds details where needed

before putting a painting away for a while and revisiting it at a later date for final fine-tuning.

Therefore, FLAIR has become a crucial component of Yett’s process, providing him with exposure to different ideas, styles and perspectives from fellow artists who are always positive and willing to help.

“Painting is, at its core, a solitary activity,” he explains. “It is often difficult to turn your inspiration into the painting you envisioned when you take out the blank canvas. To be able to share your frustrations and successes with other artists and ask for their advice in solving problems is crucial. Often, it is just good to hear that you are not the only one beset with these types of problems.”

Having recently started exploring an avian theme with his work, Yett says that the strong colors of birds — such as cardinals and blue jays — are a welcome change from the earthy tones of most Southwest landscapes.

“Painting has allowed me to see the world in a very different light,” Yett says. “As a geologist, I was trained to look at a landscape and use every detail to help decipher the geologic history of the area. In other words, my approach was mainly academic. Today, I can look at the same scene with a much more aesthetic view.”

LARGER THAN LIFE

When Julie Tarsha moved to Anthem in 2020, the community — much like the rest of the world — was amid an unprecedented pandemic, defined by mask-wearing guidelines, stay-at-home orders and other isolative qualities. As a result, she was unable to meet her neighbors for quite some time.

Once the pandemic started to subside, FLAIR became a way for the lifelong artist to become plugged

Generally working from photographs in his home studio, Jay R. Yett starts by sketching an image to see if he needs to modify the composition and determine the proper values and colors for the various elements of the picture.

into her community and gain support from fellow creatives.

“Although I was raised in Southern California, I spent many happy summers visiting my grandparents at their Tucson desert home,” Tarsha says. “My grandfather was a rock collector and a naturalist who had a great love of the desert. Many evenings, he would bring visiting tarantulas to the kitchen table and allow them to walk along his arms as my siblings and I looked on in horror.”

In addition to tarantulas, Tarsha’s grandparents’ property also hosted shards of pottery from previous Native American populations, ground squirrels, horny toads and lots of fallen ocotillo sticks for fortbuilding endeavors.

“This desert paradise was a place of wonder, ripe for childish exploration,” explains Tarsha, noting that those memories served as inspiring precursors to her paintings, in which she aspires to capture the bold, rich beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s flora and fauna. “I feel that the process of painting helps me capture the mystery that I experienced as a child in a world so much larger than myself.

“When I step into the studio, I am arm in arm with that childish enchantment that brings a joy of risktaking, exploration and a deep belief in magic. I create to open my heart and enter into a state of intuitive flow where I feel engagement with something larger than myself. I pull expression from my connection to the Sonoran Desert as one lucky artist privileged to be a creative participant in this life.”

Before her retirement in 2014, Tarsha worked as a registered nurse at the Mayo Clinic and at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece.

“As a nurse, I had a specialty in palliative care, which gave me an understanding of how important it is to live our purpose while we have the opportunity in order to avoid regrets,” says Tarsha, adding that, like many artists, she had to shoehorn time for creation into her all-too-brief spare moments in life.

“The creative journey, pursuing my artistic voice, has been a key part of living my purpose, gaining selfacceptance, learning, challenging and nurturing myself.”

Now painting full-time, the Anthem Country Club resident creates largescale abstract expressionist art in her home studio and is eager to share her work with the public as part of this year’s FLAIR showcase.

“My art always begins in the desert, where I take long walks and gather information,” Tarsha says. “I collect bits of nature, such as seed pods, leaves and feathers. I then create blind contour drawings, mix color palettes to match and allow the information to sift through me and come out in my art.

“I use layers of acrylic paint, graphite, ink and artist crayon on large sheets of unstretched canvas, tacked to my studio walls. I add and subtract, layer after layer, always looking for that rhythm and balance that solves the visual puzzle that is posed on the canvas.

The advice that Tarsha has for aspiring artists is the same suggestion she would share with her younger self if given the opportunity: “Don’t quit your daydream!”

“I think that painting larger than myself with vivid colors fills a strong personal need for self-expression,” the artist adds. “It is a way that I make sense of my life and remind myself of what is important.”

Anthem Country Club resident Julie Tarsha creates large-scale abstract expressionist art in her home studio and is eager to share her work with the public as part of this year’s FLAIR showcase.

AAs the sun rises over the Sonoran Desert on the last Saturday of each month, an eclectic mix of cars, trucks and motorcycles converge in the parking lot of Outlets North Phoenix in Anthem. From classic American muscle cars and vintage beauties to meticulously modified imports and modern marvels, each automobile carries the imprint of its owner’s personality and passion.

Having recently expanded from the cozy parking lot of a small shopping center to the spacious grounds of the outlet mall to accommodate the growing number of participants and their beloved vehicles, Anthem Cars and Coffee has become one of the community’s most vibrant and cherished traditions over the past five years.

“I believe that Anthem Cars and Coffee has become a big draw for car enthusiasts from all over the Valley for a variety of reasons,” says Brian Sheehan, a former semi-professional race car driver who has served as the monthly event’s organizer since its inception in 2019.

“Saturday morning road trips to a nottoo-distant destination allow their clean and polished automobile to stretch its legs and strut a bit. The enthusiast can then

Seeking a platform to express his individuality, Michael Romani found solace in modifying his BMW M3, blending elements of street style and early 2000s inspiration, as well as German and Japanese cultures, into a unique creation that truly represents himself.

“

People come together to share stories, enjoy the variety and create inspiration for the next generation of petrolheads. Brian Sheehan

enjoy coffee, breakfast and a chance to mingle with people from all walks of life. A sense of community and a family atmosphere contribute to the show’s success.”

Beyond the gleaming paint and roaring engines, Anthem Cars and Coffee is about much more than just cars; it is about community, friendship and a shared passion for the automotive world. It is also about the individual stories behind each vehicle’s acquisition, restorations, upgrades and road trips.

“People come together to share stories, enjoy the variety and create inspiration for the next generation of petrolheads,” Sheehan adds. “The guys and gals with the garage-built projects and the tuner cars feel just as welcome as the folks who own the rare and the exotic. Anthem Cars and Coffee is not defined by income or social status; it has become an equalizer.”

THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE

Growing up surrounded by muscle cars, thanks to his father’s influence, Michael Romani developed a deep appreciation for automotive aesthetics and mechanics at a very young age.

“One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to go out and wash the cars with my parents,” Romani fondly recalls. “My dad only let me do the wheels, though, because he did not want me to scratch the paint.”

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

Tom Sichrovsky’s green 1971 Chevrolet Nova SS — which he lovingly refers to as “The Grinch” — boasts a “Maxapproved” 454 big block engine and a Turbo 400 short shaft transmission.

Romani’s own automotive journey officially began with a BMW — a make that he initially dismissed.

“I did not really like European cars,” Romani admits. “But this BMW was in my budget as a 16-year-old, and it really laid the foundation for how much I learned about the car brand and the history behind it.”

After getting his American muscle car fix with his second vehicle, a Mustang, Romani returned to BMW with a 2003 M3 because of the brand’s high customizability.

“Cars are really a representation of their owner,” he explains. “I am really big on style. With American cars, there is only so much style you can incorporate before it starts getting very repetitive. You start to see a lot of cars doing the same modifications and upgrades, so you then have just a copy-and-paste build. Your car ends up looking just like everyone else’s.”

Despite initial challenges, such as the inconvenience of disassembling and reassembling it for daily use, Romani grew to appreciate the car’s unique red color, which he discovered is a rare motorsport heritage color for BMW.

“I now believe that the red color gives the car a lot of personality,” he says.

Seeking a platform to express his individuality, Romani found solace in modifying his BMW M3, blending elements of street style and early 2000s inspiration, as well as German and Japanese cultures, into a unique creation that truly represents himself. These modifications include Air Lift Performance air suspension and custom Work Meister S1 3P wheels that were built by Work Wheels in Japan specifically for Romani’s car.

“Doing most of the work myself in my own garage has also been really

humbling,” Romani says. “There are not too many people who can say that they built their own car. So that is a really sentimental aspect of being able to share the car with other people at events like Anthem Cars and Coffee.”

Having previously needed to travel to other areas around the Valley in order to attend or participate in automobile events, such as the Pavilions at Talking Stick Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic Car Show in Scottsdale, he appreciates having one in his own community.

“What I love about the Anthem event is that it is an all-town show,” explains Romani, noting that the event fosters a sense of community and connection among neighbors. “It is just one big hangout and there is such a hometown feel to it.”

For Romani, who also owns a Jeep as his daily driver, the event provides an opportunity to showcase his pride and joy while forming lasting friendships and relationships with fellow car enthusiasts.

“Cars are such a universal language,” says Romani, adding that his BMW M3 has played a pivotal role in his journey to self-discovery. “Long nights working in my garage help me get back in touch with my roots, and why this makes me so happy. So being able to share something that I built — not only something that means so much to me but has also changed my life in a very positive way — has been a very rewarding experience.”

‘THE GRINCH’

While growing up, Thomas Sichrovsky was surrounded by the luxury and elegance of Cadillacs. His father’s collection included a ‘68 Cadillac DeVille and a ‘72 model, instilling in him a deep love for the iconic luxury vehicles.

However, as he entered his teens, Sichrovsky discovered a fascination for

Volkswagens and muscle cars, expanding his automotive horizons. He recalls sitting with friends on the curb near his home at 46th and Peoria avenues and pointing out what he liked and disliked about passing cars.

Sichrovsky also recalls absorbing knowledge from his neighbors — five older boys who were always tinkering with their Chevrolet Nova. It was during this time that he developed a soft spot for the model, which, despite not being considered a true muscle car, captured his heart.

“I have always seen the Nova as an underdog,” explains Sichrovsky, noting the overwhelming popularity of the Chevrolet Chevelle and Camaro. “So, as I got older, I continually looked for them and finally came across a great deal on one in Spokane, Washington.”

The green 1971 Chevrolet Nova SS — which Sichrovsky lovingly refers to as “The Grinch” — boasts a “Maxapproved” 454 big block engine and a Turbo 400 short shaft transmission. Although he also owns a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, “The Grinch” is by far his favorite and therefore the car he most frequently brings to car shows.

“The Nova is just a good piece of machinery,” says Sichrovsky, noting that there is an art and a beauty to automobiles. “There is also a rich history within each one, from who owned it to the restorations they have done. Discovering that history is actually my favorite thing about going to Anthem Cars and Coffee.”

For Sichrovsky, the gatherings are more than just displays of automotive marvels; they are testaments to the passion and dedication of car enthusiasts. From street bikes to Ferraris, the diversity is awe-inspiring, and the stories shared by fellow enthusiasts create a sense of camaraderie and connection.

Manufactured in 1962, Jim Vranich’s car was the 565th Triumph Spitfire made — and the 17th oldest still intact in the entire world.

RACEBRED AND RELIABLE

First registering an interest in cars when he was just 7 years old, Jim Vranich has very fond memories of building model cars that he bought from a Milwaukee hobby shop.

“I bought a lot of car magazines when I was younger,” says Vranich, noting that he recalls having as many as five subscriptions at a time. “I found it very difficult to do my schoolwork instead of reading those. I also enjoyed going to NASCAR, Formula One and IndyCar races.”

When his family moved to Michigan, Vranich befriended a neighbor who owned a 1953 Chevrolet pickup truck, dune buggies and a wooden Chris Craft boat that was fully equipped with a 283 Corvette fuel-injected engine. As his parents forbade him from buying his own car in high school, Vranich spent as much time as possible helping his neighbor work on and test-drive his beloved vehicles.

It was not until his sophomore year at Michigan State University in 1971 that Vranich finally had a car of his own.

“I worked in a warehouse all summer to save up enough money to buy my own car,” explains Vranich, noting that his parents were vehemently opposed to the idea of him owning a vehicle.

“I bought a one-way ticket on a Greyhound bus to Allentown, Pennsylvania, with $800 in my pocket, a duffel bag and my Kennedy toolbox. My friend and I looked at cars for a week and really did not find anything. Then, the day before I had planned

to go back to Michigan, my friend’s neighbor said that he had heard I was looking for a car and showed me his Triumph Spitfire.”

Vranich bought the racebred car for $250, fixed it up and drove it back home, eager to show it off to his fraternity brothers.

“On my way to college, I was cruising along at 70 or 75 mph and suddenly heard this big thunk,” Vranich says. “The engine had just let go. So rather than driving to the fraternity house with a big smile on my face, I had to contact a wrecker and have my car taken to a local shop to be rebuilt.”

After $370 in repairs, Vranich’s Triumph Spitfire became known as one of the most reliable cars on campus when it was the only vehicle in his fraternity’s parking lot to start during three days of minus-20-degree weather.

“I paid for everything on that car with no help from my parents,” says Vranich, listing license, insurance, fuel, oil, tires, repair parts, professional service and the engine rebuild among the many expenditures.

It was all entirely worth it, though, as the car is still every bit as reliable today as it was more than 50 years ago. Manufactured in 1962, Vranich’s car was the 565th Triumph Spitfire made — and the 17th oldest still intact in the entire world.

In addition to his Triumph Spitfire, Vranich also owns a Jaguar XJS and a 1978 Corvette that he brings with him to shows such as Anthem Cars and Coffee. He also has a 1967 Corvette

that he has owned since he was 21 years old in storage, as well as a 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport that he is restoring in his garage next to his daily driver, a Buick Enclave.

Vranich attributes the prevalence of automobile-related hobbies and activities in Arizona to the state’s suitable weather for storing and driving cars, as well as its large population of retirees.

“There are a lot of baby boomers here — guys like me who retire and finally have the money to buy the cars that we wanted when we were kids,” he says. “I believe that everybody — especially those my age (70) — needs a hobby,” Vranich says. “I know some guys who do not have any hobbies and are not as happy in retirement as I am.

“Some people paint. Some people golf. I enjoy being around car people and looking at cars. Anthem Cars and Coffee gives people like me a chance to drive our cars and be around other car enthusiasts.”

anthemcarsandcoffee.com

OOne of photographer Mark E. Anderson’s favorite pastimes while growing up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, was sitting trackside and watching the trains as they sped through town.

“I always wondered where they were going and imagined myself as a railroad hobo jumping into a boxcar and racing off to adventures unknown,” Anderson says.

However, he was not always as thrilled to see large locomotives so up close and personal.

“I have no memory of this, but my older brother tells a story about our dad taking us to watch the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad,” Anderson explains. “He says that when our dad took me up close to the engine, I freaked out and began kicking and screaming.”

Anderson believes that feeling the wind from the cars and having the engineer whistle or honk at him later during his childhood provided him with an adrenaline rush through which he was simultaneously facing and ultimately conquering his fears. He eventually even asked his father — a builder — to help him construct a model train platform in their home’s basement.

“I laid out track and did my best with little money and skill to construct buildings and scenery, creating my own little railroad,” says Anderson, noting that he would often request model train accessories as gifts for Christmases and birthdays. “I had some pretty cool scale engines that would go around our Christmas tree, where I would run them for hours until my mom told me to go to bed.”

Although one could say that Anderson’s railroad has since been decommissioned, he still has all of its pieces. He has also retained his interest in trains into adulthood.

“My interest in trains is their magnificent power — 3,000 horsepower per locomotive, to be exact, and several locomotives per train,” Anderson says. “The earth shakes, your chest shakes and they are loud. You could die under those wheels. Then, after a mile or more of cars go by, it is suddenly quiet again. Being so close to something so big and powerful really gives you some perspective in life. I am not all that — and my fears are not all that either.”

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Mark E. Anderson

As a kid, I asked my dad to build a train layout in our basement. I laid out track and did my best with little money and skill to construct buildings and scenery, creating my own little railroad. I had some pretty cool scale engines that would go around our Christmas tree, where I would run them for hours until my mom told me to go to bed. Mark E. Anderson

“

My interest in trains is their magnificent power — 3,000 horsepower per locomotive, to be exact, and several locomotives per train. The earth shakes, your chest shakes and they are loud. You could die under those wheels. Then, after a mile or more of cars go by, it is suddenly quiet again. Mark E. Anderson

“As a young boy, I would get on my bicycle and go watch the trains speed through town. I always wondered where they were going and imagined myself as a railroad hobo jumping into a boxcar and racing off to adventures unknown. Mark E. Anderson

About the Photographer

While growing up, Mark E. Anderson always looked up to his brother, who was 12 years older than him. Therefore, when his brother took up photography upon returning home from the Navy, it was only a matter of time before Anderson pursued the hobby himself.

“I bought my first camera, a Pentax K1000, and my brother taught me to use it,” says Anderson, who went on to pursue a career as an Entertainment Technician Certification Program rigger but never lost his passion for photography — especially the aerial and landscape varieties. “Once my children were all grown, I decided to retire from rigging to focus on aerial and landscape photography full time.”

Anderson is particularly drawn to the fact that photography is an emotional medium capable of making someone laugh, cry, remember or be transported somewhere else.

“When people are emotionally connected to something, out come the cameras,” says Anderson, citing birthdays, concerts, events, marriages and births as examples of emotional events that people desire to capture. “Emotional reactions are often reproduced poorly, but a high-quality reproduction can bring back those emotions in a powerful way. That is where the magic is.”

The Gilbert resident’s favorite subject is the beauty that surrounds us, which he says is sometimes natural and other times produced — such as art, music and dance. He also likes taking a closer or different look at things that are commonplace — such as trains, cranes, boats and shipping — and especially rare or even one-time events — such as fires, storms, snow and accidents.

“I am a man of faith and being in nature is a spiritual experience for me,” Anderson explains. “It is humbling to contemplate the complexities of creation — the beauty of a sunset, the power of a storm. I strive to capture those images as I experience them through my lens. For this reason, I prefer raw images; my editing is limited to removing the occasional speck of dust or cropping an image to fit a layout.”

Of the many lessons that photography has taught him, the brevity of time is the one that Anderson feels has been most significant.

“A scene can change quickly as the sun sets, the clouds move, the weather changes,” he says. “While one might think a landscape doesn’t move, it is actually quite fluid, and a photographer must be ready to capture an image when the conditions are right. All of this is true in life as well. A play, a dance, a meeting with a friend, time with a loved one: all are but a breath. Make the most of every moment that comes to you.”

instagram.com/markeandersonphotography

NNestled within the diverse tapestry of Arizona’s cultural landscape lies a vibrant thread woven with the rich history and enduring influence of Irish heritage.

“Our state was founded by a lot of Irish folks,” says Ciara Archer, operations director of Arizona’s Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library.

According to authors Janice Ryan Bryson and Kathleen Shappee Wood in their book, “Irish Arizona,” the first documented Irishman in Arizona was Hugo O'Conor, who established the Presidio of Tucson for the Spanish government in 1775.

Other notable Irishmen who left their mark on our state include former Yavapai County Sheriff Buckey O'Neill, the Brophy and Riordan families and the Sisters of Mercy, who in 1895 established the Phoenix area’s first hospital, St. Joseph’s.

Therefore, owing so much of its history and landscape to Irish influence, it is only natural that our state’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the best in the entire country. From parades to green fountains, the traditions, tastes, sounds and spirit of Ireland can be experienced this month in communities across Arizona.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade

// Photo by Donna Shoemaker

Owing so much of its history and landscape to Irish influence, it is only natural that our state’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the best in the entire country.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FAIRE

Set for Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m., the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will stroll down Third Street from Oak Street to Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix, where until 5 p.m. attendees can enjoy a traditional Irish faire.

Highlights of the faire include local and international Irish bands, Irish dancers, Irish sports and traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods and beverages such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish beer and Busker Irish Whiskey.

“We are going into our 41st year, and it all started with a passionate mixture of Irish-born and Irish Americans with a love of Irish culture and heritage,” says Jeff Aspland, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire. “It takes passion from a dedicated group who are willing to work through hurdles of time and change to persevere over four decades.”

A particularly notable new addition to the event is the Arizona Irish History Walkway, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Irish individuals who helped build our state.

“As the community has grown, so should our parade and faire,” Aspland says. “We are here to share and celebrate the Arizona Irish community and reference ‘Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day’ when considering the diverse community in Arizona.

“The biggest thing that makes the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire unique in Arizona is the weather. Our patrons wear shorts and a bit of sunscreen. It is rare to get that weather in Chicago, Boston or New York on St. Patrick’s Day. We also bring a Southwestern flair with our theme of ‘The Greenest Day in the Desert;’ our [parade] floats have clovers and cacti.”

The following day, the nearby Irish Cultural Center will host its official St. Patrick’s Day events, including a ceili — a family-oriented Irish social dance.

SEDONA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Those who want to complement their green with a splash of red can travel north to Sedona — where, on Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m., the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host its 52nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“The Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade stands out with its breathtaking backdrop of stunning red rock formations, creating a uniquely picturesque setting for this event,” says Josh Frewin, the department’s manager. “This celebration

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire

in Sedona offers a distinctive blend of Irish spirit and Southwestern charm, making it an experience that sets it apart from any other St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Arizona.”

Once staged on the main thoroughfare of Highway 89A, the parade now marches down Jordan Road from Jordan Historical Park south to Mesquite Avenue.

“The Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade enriches Arizona’s cultural tapestry by fostering a sense of community unity through a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries,” Frewin says. “It serves as a vibrant example of how diverse traditions can come together, showcasing the commitment to embracing and celebrating various cultures and their influences, ultimately enhancing the richness and diversity of Arizona’s cultural landscape.

GREENING OF THE FOUNTAIN

One of America’s most well-known St. Patrick’s Day traditions takes place in Illinois, where the Chicago River has been dyed green each March 17 for the past 60 years. However, did you know that one of Arizona’s communities also celebrates the holiday in a similar fashion?

“It all started on St. Patrick’s Day in 1978 when a young homebuilder rode his horse into a local tavern to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and his heritage,” says Bowen “Bo” Larsen, community relations director and public information officer for the town of Fountain Hills.

This then led to a $250 bet to turn the town’s fountain green and water-ski around it the following year.

“So, on St. Patrick’s Day 1979, with a large crowd watching from shore, the world-famous fountain was dyed green, and all of the bettors skied around [it] as planned, except for one [who] could not get up on the skis,” Larsen adds.

Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade // Photos by Donna Shoemaker

Greening of the Fountain // Photo Courtesy of the Town of Fountain Hills

“Now, 45 years later, what started as a bet in a bar has become the annual Greening of the Fountain in Fountain Hills on St. Patrick’s Day.”

The tradition will continue this year on Sunday, March 17, at noon, when 55 gallons of environmentally friendly dye will be injected into the fountain’s jet spray, thereby turning the water emerald green. Built in 1970 in Zurich, Switzerland, by Fountain Hills developer Robert P. McCulloch, the fountain reaches a full height of 560 feet, making it the fourth tallest in the world.

“The dye causes no harm to the water,” says Larsen, noting that the fountain irrigates the surrounding park, which is home to a variety of wildlife.

At sunset, the fountain will also be bathed in green light to extend the town’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration well into the night.

EXPERIENCE IRELAND AT MIM

At the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, guests have the opportunity to travel to countries around the globe —

including Ireland — all yearlong through the fascinating cultural lens of the many musical instruments on display in its galleries. Among them is a 200-year-old Irish harp.

“Irish harps are commonly known from their use as the symbol of Guinness Beer,” says Naomi Primeau, MIM’s public programs specialist. “There is also a violin from 1762, which is a tangible example of fiddle music in Ireland. Another instrument is uillean pipes from 1950. These provide another interpretation of bagpipes. Rather than blowing into the bag like a typical bagpipe, the player uses a bellows operated by pumping the arm.”

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, MIM will on March 16 and 17 shine an even brighter spotlight on the Emerald Isle with its Experience Ireland event, which is part of the museum’s popular Signature Event series that focuses on a different region of the world, genre of music or musical icon each month.

“MIM always aims to showcase an appreciation of the world’s diverse culture through music, which we

refer to as ‘the language of the soul,’” Primeau says. “Through the historical storytelling of instruments and performances, our museum is able to capture how music connects the world — which will be seen through our Experience Ireland program.”

Activities will include a musical craft, an opportunity to play a concertina, engaging lectures, an Irish stepdance workshop and lively performances from Irish-related artists — including Altan, whose repertoire features touching old Irish songs and hard-hitting reels and jigs.

“This program specifically celebrates the beauty of the Irish culture by focusing on how music has impacted society throughout history and that alone sets us apart from other celebrations around the Valley,” Primeau adds. “The Irish have been in Arizona since the early 18th century. Although the population size of the community has not been the largest in the Valley, they have contributed immensely to Arizona as a whole through shared histories, culture and music.”

Altan // Photo Courtesy of MIM

RECIPE

Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Mushrooms

1 pound mushrooms (about 25 large mushrooms)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup parsley, minced

4 ounces goat cheese

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten free bread crumbs)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Honeyed Pecans

25 pecan halves

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon olive oil

Pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully break off the stems from the mushrooms. Chop the stems extremely finely, discarding the tough ends.

These little beauties are stuffed with an irresistible filling of mushrooms, pecans and goat cheese, then topped with honeyed pecans. They make for an absolutely delicious appetizer for any occasion!

Heat the butter over medium heat in a small skillet. Add the shallots, pecans, mushroom stems and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until everything has softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the warm ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir in the goat cheese, parsley, bread crumbs, salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Spread out the mushroom caps on a large baking sheet. Working with one mushroom at a time, brush both the inside and outside with olive oil (or melted butter) and stuff with 1 teaspoon of filling. Place on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

While the mushrooms are baking, heat the honey and olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over low heat. Add the pecan halves to the skillet and stir until they are completely coated. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the pecans have taken on a slightly darker color, about 3–4 minutes. Spread the pecans on a piece of parchment to cool.

Once the mushrooms have finished baking, top with candied pecans and serve immediately.

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