Images Arizona October 2022

At L’Entrata, we’re here to make sure everyone has a great experience and doesn’t feel intimidated by the wine selections. Let us find where your tastes lie, and we’ll steer you in the right direction. We are of the motto drink what you like. There is no wrong answer. We also have wines for the discerning palate and we’re happy to

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From the Publisher

Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

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Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Amanda Christmann

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Shannon Severson

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TThis time of the year, we often talk about the many sights that signal the arrival of the autumn season — leaves flaunting various shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and brown; squirrels and other wildlife hurriedly gathering their food supplies; flocks of birds collectively traveling overhead to destinations unknown; and colorful gourds sitting on stoops, anxiously waiting to be carved into jack-o’-lanterns.

While those sights are certainly spectacular, especially here in Arizona, it has always been the sounds of the season through which I have found the most joy and inspiration.

Whether it is a local band performing live music on the outdoor patio of one of our community’s many fabulous restaurants, an orchestra playing some of the greatest symphonies ever composed on stage or an award-winning musician delivering their nationally renowned rhythms to Arizona audiences, these sounds confirm something at which the aroma of pumpkin spice latte has already hinted: Fall is officially here.

October truly is a terrific time to get outside, explore this incredible community we so proudly call home and discover the many amazing performing arts options available to us. I strongly encourage you to do just that and support our state’s tremendously talented performers and the various venues that generously provide them with the stage they rightly deserve.

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From musicians and singers to actors and dancers, we are very fortunate to be able to call these gifted individuals our neighbors. And from the looks of this season’s slate of upcoming performances — many of which are detailed in the pages of this month’s issue — their best is yet to come!

Cheers!

Shelly Spence

Arizona

AAs much as Kurt Elling’s name has become synonymous with jazz music, the two-time Grammy winner acknowledges that the genre is ingrained in his soul; grooving through his veins and giving him purpose, meaning and insight.

“I love the history of it,” Elling says. “I love the ghosts of the musicians who have come before me and have made what I do possible.”

With a songbook covering decades of America’s greatest music, Elling will take the stage Monday, Nov. 21 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale as part of Arizona Musicfest’s 32nd anniversary season. Known for his instantly-recognizable rich baritone voice, the musician has won countless awards around the globe, has been nominated for a Grammy award 15 times and has won 12 Jazz Journalists Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year.

With a songbook covering decades of America’s greatest music, Kurt Elling will take the stage Monday, Nov. 21 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale as part of Arizona Musicfest’s 32nd season.

Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director Allan Naplan calls Elling an acclaimed and accomplished communicator and performer.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

Photo by Cory Dewald

Photo by Anna Webber

Two-time Grammy winner Kurt Elling’s name has become synonymous with jazz music.

Kurt Elling

“Kurt Elling is the reigning top male jazz vocalist of America,” Naplan says. “It is so exciting to bring one of the current jazz legends of America to Arizona Musicfest. He will be joined by the Arizona Musicfest Big Band — which is a 17-piece band that has performed with Michael Feinstein twice before. They are just an outstanding ensemble.”

ADVANCING ARTISTIC INTEGRITY

Naplan notes that Elling is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Arizona Musicfest’s fall 2022 season, which opens with a Nov. 7 concert featuring Brass Transit — a group that recreates the unforgettable sound of the band Chicago, transporting audiences back to the freewheeling days of the 70s and 80s.

We cannot live without music just like we cannot live without food. As human beings, we have got to be able to communicate with one another in often nonverbal ways; ways that involve rhythm and the beat of the heart.

“

“Brass Transit is a group that we had about eight or nine years ago,” Naplan says. “This is a group from Canada that has a major North American presence, and they just do a tremendous job playing the great hits of the band Chicago.”

The season’s sophomore performance is set for Nov. 12, when Marie Osmond takes the stage, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. A child of the 70s and 80s, Naplan grew up watching Osmond with her brother Donnie on television.

“They were tremendous entertainers and have both been able to sustain long, successful careers,” he adds. “So we are delighted to have America’s sweetheart perform as part of this season.”

On Nov. 20, Arizona Musicfest will present a concert showcasing Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians — each of whom possesses astounding technique and prodigious musicianship.

“We are so proud of what we do for these outstanding young musicians,” Naplan says. “They always give tremendous concerts and it is always surprising for our audiences to hear their virtuosity.”

Following Elling’s Nov. 21 performance, Arizona Musicfest will close out the year with two holiday concerts — the first of which will feature Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, who will bring its unique and spirited Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party show to the Valley on Dec. 2.

“Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is the leading swing revival band in America,” Naplan says. “It is a very retro swing sound that is just so cool. They are characters on stage and do tremendous treatments of everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes.”

Then, on Dec. 6, Mark O’Connor will take the stage, joined by his wife, Maggie, and son, Forrest.

“The great Mark O'Connor is an extraordinary virtuosic fiddle player, guitarist and composer,” Naplan says. “His repertoire spans from classical and fiddle concertos to bluegrass and folk. This concert is his embrace of an Appalachian Christmas. It is just a lovely, beautiful concert featuring very sweet performances of holiday classics, done in his very unique, folksy-bluegrass-classical-crossover way.”

Brass Transit // Nov.

Bad Voodoo Daddy

After the holidays, Arizona Musicfest will open 2023 with a number of other concerts throughout winter and into spring. Jason Alexander, Michael Feinstein, Rosanne Cash David Foster and Katharine McPhee are just five of the many notable musical artists who are scheduled to perform in the new year.

“I will not program anything that I do not like,” Naplan says. “I am in Heaven 35 nights of the year, enjoying — alongside the audience — great music of all different genres. We have expanded and stretched some of our genres as well. There is a balance of things that can really advance our artistic integrity.

“Not everything needs to be just for entertainment’s sake. That is a great thing and we all are here to be entertained and enjoy, but, at times, we can push the art as well within the general framework of Arizona Musicfest. It is very fulfilling to have full audiences singing along, clapping and leaving a concert saying, ‘This was one of the greatest nights that I have ever had.’”

10 YEARS LATER

Arizona Musicfest’s 32nd season marks a significant milestone for Naplan as it is his 10th anniversary leading the nonprofit organization and its concerts.

I had spent 20 years in the opera business — seven as a performer and 13 as an administrator,” Naplan says. “Having an interest in broader musical genres, I saw so much potential in Arizona Musicfest. At the time, it was a special secret of North Scottsdale and Carefree/Cave Creek. It was very well-known by those who lived in the area, but I saw an opportunity to really grow it

and to bring in a higher level of quality artists and celebrities.

“Sure enough, 10 years later, we have enjoyed an evolution of the organization, where it is now not only wellknown Valley-wide, but it has also become a major destination for both artists and audience members.”

Fifteen concerts per season has grown to 35 and 7,000 attendees has grown to 35,000, all helping Arizona Musicfest to continue its mission to not only engage and delight audiences with exceptional concerts but also promote and inspire young musicians through valuable performance and scholarship opportunities and educate children and stimulate adults through dynamic music enrichment programs.

Ticket sales from Arizona Musicfest’s concerts benefit a variety of music education programs throughout the Valley. These programs, which are provided at no charge to area schools, include Musicfest Strings, Musicfest Mariachi, Musicfest Winds, Musicfest Strummers, Music and Sound/Found and Around, Musicfest Jazz and The Music of Arizona — the organization’s signature multicultural program.

“It has been a wonderful journey for me — both personally and professionally,” Naplan says. “I am sort of a creator and builder by nature. I have a side career as a composer. It is just in my DNA to be creative.”

Naplan credits the community’s receptive audience as well as Arizona Musicfest’s supportive board and dedicated staff and volunteers with the nonprofit organization’s remarkable success over the past decade.

“We have an audience here that has really embraced and devoured all that we have either tried or tried and sustained,” Naplan explains. “It has been incredibly gratifying for me to have enjoyed these last 10 years of growth.”

Mark O'Connor // Dec. 6

Marie Osmond // Nov. 12

THE RHYTHM OF THE COSMOS

Elling values Arizona Musicfest’s mission, noting that we simply cannot survive without music.

“We cannot live without music just like we cannot live without food,” he says. “As human beings, we have got to be able to communicate with one another in often nonverbal ways; ways that involve rhythm and the beat of the heart.

“We also need to be able to listen strongly and with intent to the heartbeat of the world and of the universe and communicate with non-human entities. We need to be able to communicate with the rhythm of the cosmos, the rhythm of the trees, the rhythm of the birds and the animals. It is not just human lives that are on the line at this point.”

Elling adds that he also personally owes a great deal of gratitude to music.

“It has given me my way of being in the world,” he explains. “It has given me my income and, therefore, my home and security for my family. It has given me friends all over the world. I get to tour 200 nights a year to Asia, Europe and South America.

“I do not know how I would or could have been able to enjoy my life in the way that I have without music being first and foremost as my vocation and my dedication. So it has really given me just about everything that I have got.”

azmusicfest.org

Experience

Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago

Monday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale

$34+

Marie Osmond

Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale

$64+

Fall Young Musicians Concert

Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum

4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix

$20

Kurt Elling

Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale

$51+

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party!

Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale

$51+

Mark O’Connor:

An Appalachian Christmas

Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church

6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale

$34+

Oct. 1

‘BE MORE CHILL’ AUDITIONS

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

COMMUNITY October 2022

Oct. 20–23

COSANTI ORIGINALS BRONZE SALE

Cosanti Originals will host its annual bronze sale, featuring savings on all bronze wind bells, planters and more. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Cosanti Originals, 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley. 480-948-6145; cosanti.com

Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Be More Chill,” a sci-fi musical that explores parts of high school that everyone goes through — such as trying to fit in, wanting to impress someone you like, feeling like an outcast and even losing a good friend along the way. Auditionees aged 14–18 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Oct. 1

BEARDED BARBER GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

The Bearded Barber will host a grand opening event during which the new barbershop and speakeasy’s members may dress in period-specific and black-tie wear for a celebration filled with live music of days gone by, dancing, drinks, food and more. RSVP. The Bearded Barber, 3434 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. 623-313-5266; mybeardedbarber.com

Oct. 3–30

HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE WORKSHOP

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host a month-long workshop in which youth aged 11–18 will collaborate to create creepy characters, design macabre makeup and costumes and decorate a hair-raising haunted attraction that community members of all ages will be invited to enjoy Oct. 27–29. $95. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Oct. 8 and 9 EXPERIENCE MEXICO

Musical Instrument Museum will celebrate the colorful sights and diverse sounds of Mexico’s rich musical traditions with live performances and workshops. 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

Oct. 14–23

‘BLITHE SPIRIT’

Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Blithe Spirit,” the comedic story of a writer who is haunted by his deceased wife. $25. See website for times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

PROMUSICA ARIZONA:

FAVORITES — PAST AND PRESENT

ProMusica Arizona will kick off its season with a concert featuring a number of patriotic songs as well as music by John Williams, Stephen Sondheim and Richard Rodgers. $27.50; youth, student, senior and military discounts available. Saturday 7 p.m. All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. Sunday 3:30 p.m. American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City. pmaz.org

Oct. 20–23

‘CINDERELLA’

As if stepping between the pages of a beloved storybook, Ballet Arizona choreographer Ib Andersen will bring “Cinderella’s” classic story of romance and magic to life, vividly delighting audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after” and generously sprinkled with humor. $35+. See website for times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602381-1096; balletaz.org

Oct. 21 and 22

CHRIS BOTTI

Musical Instrument Museum will welcome contemporary musician Chris Botti to its stage. $95.50+. 7 and 9 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Oct. 22

CHAMPAGNE, ART & CHOCOLATE

Carolyn Eynon Singers will host its annual fundraiser, featuring live music performances, a silent auction a golden ticket raffle and more. $70+. 3–5 p.m. See website for location. carolyneynonsingers.com

Oct. 22

THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert that features music from Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime — including pieces by renowned composers such as Willian Walton and Edward Elgar, as well as medleys of songs by the Beatles and from Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous musicals. $5. 7 p.m. North Canyon High School, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. northvalleysymphony.org

Oct. 27–29

HAUNTED HOUSE

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host a hair-raising haunted attraction. $10 + a canned food donation for Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. 6–10 p.m. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Oct. 29 and 30

KIERLAND FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Vermillion Promotions will host its inaugural Kierland Fine Art and Wine Festival, featuring more than 100 world-class artists, wineries, trendy food concessions and main stage entertainment. The unique outdoor gallery will boast a collection of original art that represents a wide variety of cultures and artwork in a range of subject matter and media. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kierland Commons, 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale. vermillionpromotions.com

Nov. 3–6

‘A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD KIDS’

Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “A Year with Frog and Toad Kids,” which — based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books — tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. $25. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

COMMUNITY October 2022

Oct. 22 and 23

SUNNYSLOPE STUDIO TOUR

The Sunnyslope Studio Tour will bring together 23 professional artists who will demonstrate and sell their art at 14 studios throughout the historic, quirky and diverse Sunnyslope area of Phoenix. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. sunnyslopestudiotour.com

Nov. 4–6

MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS

The Phoenix Symphony will present a concert that celebrates the rich and varied orchestral traditions of North and South America. $34+. See website for times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org

Nov. 6

AN EVENING WITH ESTEBAN

The Hermosa Inn will host a concert featuring guitarist Esteban and his violinist daughter, Teresa Joy. The evening will include a sumptuous four-course dinner. $225. See website for time. The Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. hermosainn.com

Nov. 7

BRASS TRANSIT

Arizona Musicfest brings Brass Transit to the stage for a concert that recreates the unforgettable sound of the band Chicago, transporting audiences back to the freewheeling days of the 70s and 80s. $34+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Nov. 12

MARIE OSMOND

Arizona Musicfest brings Marie Osmond to the stage, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. $64+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Nov. 12 and 13

PHOENIX PIZZA FESTIVAL

PHX Fest will host its seventh annual Phoenix Pizza Festival, featuring live music, a kids zone, lawn games, dessert trucks and 15–20 pizza makers — creating a cheesy paradise for the whole family in the heart of downtown Phoenix. $16 entry (online purchase only). Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. phoenix.pizza

Nov. 16–19

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Anthem Cares Through Service will host its second annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, which will begin with a live and silent auction dinner followed by a three-day display of Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations. All funds will go toward the nonprofit organization’s mission of helping Anthem residents in need. Dinner $50+. Display admission $5. Dinner 5:30–8:30 p.m. Display 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Outlets at Anthem, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. 602-228-2579; anthemacts.org

FALL YOUNG MUSICIANS CONCERT

Arizona Musicfest will present

concert showcasing Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians — each of whom possesses astounding technique and prodigious musicianship. $20. 2 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. azmusicfest.org

Nov. 21 KURT ELLING

Arizona Musicfest will bring jazz vocalist Kurt Elling to the stage, accompanied by the Arizona Musicfest Big Band. $51+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

COUNCIL SEEKS VETERANS SERVICE AWARD NOMINATIONS

Anthem Community Council is accepting nominations for the 2022 Anthem Veterans Service Award, which will be presented during this year’s Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony. One outstanding individual or group will be recognized for their extraordinary service and selfless dedication in support of our nation’s veterans. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 7. onlineatanthem.com

LOCAL STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Jim Martin Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Scholarship Committee — named for the chief engineer of the Anthem Veterans Memorial — recently awarded Ari Van Dijk and Jared Erisman $1,000. Additional scholarship applicants recognized by the Anthem Community Council include Abigail Chazan, Brooke Hoeder, Kamryn Turner, Marc Angelo Maquiling, Zachary Kellock, Alix Craft and Carter Slaton. onlineatanthem.com

PARK RECEIVES ROTARY DONATION

Anthem Rotary Club recently donated funds to the Black Canyon Heritage Park for the improvement of the park’s picnic area. With this donation, the park was able to purchase new picnic tables and signage. Black Canyon Heritage Park provides visitors an opportunity to experience nature and culture in a friendly, nurturing environment. Located in the heart of Black Canyon City, the 30-acre park is designed for conservation and education. blackcanyonheritagepark.org

BIG BRONCO CHANGES HANDS

After more than 20 years as its owner, Faith Weinberg recently sold Big Bronco to Julie and Jeff Anderson. She will continue to consult for the Andersons for a minimum of six months, ensuring that the rustic furniture, home accessories and gifts store continues to flourish for years to come. bigbroncocavecreek.com

CHURCH FOUNDS MUSIC SCHOOL

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church recently founded its new Desert Hills Community School of Music, which offers world-class instruction in piano, strings and woodwinds from some of the most sought-after teachers in the Phoenix area. To meet the full breadth of students’ musical goals, the school has two collaborative divisions — one of which operates as a performanceoriented conservatory and the other of which emphasizes recreational musicmaking and community outreach. deserthillsmusic.org

Spooky Spectacles

GGhost stories are among the oldest forms of storytelling, with tales of hauntings stretching way back to ancient times.

Figuring prominently in the folklore of cultures around the world, the earliest recorded ghost story is believed to have been written by the great Roman author and statesman Pliny the Younger who, in the first century A.D., recounted witnessing the specter of an old man with a long beard and rattling chains who was haunting his home in Athens.

Since then, ghost stories have evolved and expanded to include everything from bestselling novels to bank-breaking horror films. Of course, the best way to experience these terrifying tales remains live and in-person, where the frightening feelings that they stimulate can truly envelop and transport you to other times and places most frequently described with the following seven spine-chilling words: “It was a dark and stormy night.”

With Halloween right around the corner, performing arts organizations around the Valley are pulling out all of the stops to serve up spooky spectacles to Arizona audiences, proving that this ancient form of storytelling is still very much alive — or, shall I say, undead.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

The cast of Fountain Hills Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd makes the cut.

Photo by Patty Torrilhon

‘BLITHE SPIRIT’

Skipping the scares and going straight for the funny bone, Starlight Community Theater’s production of “Blithe Spirit” — set for Oct. 14–23 — tells the story of a writer named Charles who invites a local eccentric medium named Madame Arcati to hold a seance in his home.

Despite initially believing that the seance has been a failure, it soon becomes clear that Madame Arcati has unwittingly brought back Charles’ first wife, Elvira, to haunt him. Once in his house, Elvira is unable to leave and, as she cannot be seen or heard by his current wife, Ruth, she causes all kinds of mischievous trouble between the married couple.

“I think that there is a lot of room for what I call low-tech theater magic,” says director Eric Schoen, describing scenes in which a table moves and stuff falls off the fireplace mantel. “I think that it will be fun if audiences know that all of it is very low tech. Then, maybe by the end, we can have something that genuinely feels like a little piece of magic within the budget and size of this theater.”

Although the story involves several supernatural characters and elements, Schoen says that it is all played for laughs rather than for scares. Moreover, he believes that the heart of the play is love.

“You could argue that it is the love that Charles has for his current wife or the mess of the love from the ghost of his previous wife,” the director explains. “But I think that is what ultimately drives it.”

First brought to life by Noël Coward in 1941, “Blithe Spirit” has since been adapted into two major motion pictures — the most recent of which, released last year, starred Dan Stevens, Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Judi Dench.

“The play is 80-plus years old,” Schoen says. “There may be some dated references but I think that it holds up pretty well in terms of the repartee. I will be looking to find ways to embrace the theatricality of it, not have everything be literal and try to, if not modernize, make some things more timeless.”

‘GASLIGHT’

Over the past few years, the term “gaslight” has grown exponentially in popularity, with it being used to describe everything from the duplicitous actions of

reality show contestants to American politics. However, it is not just another word that millennials have wished into existence. In fact, its origins date back to more than 80 years ago, when Patrick Hamilton used it to title a 1938 thriller set in the Victorian era.

“Gaslight” tells the story of a woman who, in the evenings, hears strange sounds and witnesses the gaslights dimming for no apparent reason. Little does she know that her overbearing husband is responsible for the mysterious occurrences, determined to send his wife over the edge of insanity.

Ben Tyler will resurrect the thriller Oct. 14–30 when he directs Fountain Hills Theater’s production of it, showing audiences where the nowpopular term came from.

“Because it is set in the Victorian era, none of the houses had electricity and everybody had gaslights in their homes,” Tyler says. “So the term ‘gaslight’ comes from the way in which this guy is [manipulating] the level of light coming from the gaslights in the house in an effort to drive his wife crazy.”

Tyler adds that he believes the woman’s husband is one of the greatest villains who has ever been written.

“He convinces his poor wife that she is physically and mentally ill when there is actually nothing wrong with her at all,” the director explains. “You see him preying on this completely innocent woman and it is really easy to hate him. He presents himself as being the nicest guy in the world but the audience knows that he is evil personified.”

As a result, the play elicits feelings of anxiety and fear that are only accentuated by the story’s Victorian setting.

“It really is this story of good versus evil,” Tyler says. “It builds really good tension. Plus, it takes place in London and everything is kind of dark and shadowy. The [classification of] Victorian thriller is pretty accurate because a lot of the dialogue and characters are a little heightened. But it is a story that could absolutely take place today — especially when you think about things like the Me Too movement and the victimization of women.”

The Phoenix Symphony // Photos by Tavits

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM’S HAUNTED HOUSE

After the remarkable success of its first haunted house last year, Musical Theatre of Anthem is doubling down on its sensationally spooky sophomore effort — expanding the number of days that it is open from two to three.

The fright-fest begins with a monthlong workshop in which youth aged 11–18 will collaborate to create creepy characters, design macabre makeup and costumes and decorate a hair-raising haunted attraction that community members of all ages will be invited to enjoy Oct. 27–29.

Musical Theatre of Anthem instructor Sierra Litman says the production extends far beyond the standard haunted house.

“The participants do a lot of training for it,” Litman explains. “So they build up an entire character, including its backstory. They put together their own costumes, makeup and hair. Then we work on weaving those characters together into one story. It is a full page-tostage production.”

Last year, participants were given the setting of a witch’s lair and asked to create their characters to exist within that. This year, they will be given more creative freedom to truly construct the haunted house from the ground up.

“I want to have the actors develop the concept,” Litman says. “That way, they can create different characters and weave them into their own story.”

“We had a huge turnout,” she says. “I do not think that we stopped bringing people in the entire time that we were open. We had some people coming through five or six times just because they wanted to explore different ways of going through the house, as there were several different paths that you could take.”

Conceived by Musical Theatre of Anthem’s staff and instructors as a new way to engage the community in the arts, organizers knew that the haunted house would be a hit — especially since there is really nothing else like it in the North Valley. But being its inaugural year, they could not have anticipated just how much the community would embrace the attraction. Nor did they know just how much time and effort it would require.

“Last year was kind of like a mad dash,” Litman says. “It came together, but there were a lot of full days to try to get everything done in time. We are giving ourselves a lot more time and space in our regular performing schedule this year so that we are not working around rehearsals and things like that. We have fully committed this time in October to this project.”

‘HOCUS POCUS’ IN

CONCERT LIVE TO FILM

Originally from Pittsburgh, The Phoenix Symphony’s vice president of orchestral operations and artistic administration Christopher Powell misses many of the sights, sounds and feelings of fall that are simply not part of the typical Arizona experience.

“There are a lot of people in Arizona who are not originally from here and have had fall in their lives,” says Powell, noting that Arizona does not get the autumn chill in the air that many other parts of the country do.

Therefore, when the 1993 film “Hocus Pocus” became available to license for an orchestra to play live to film, The Phoenix Symphony leaped at the opportunity as Powell and other organizers knew that they could effectively bring all of those

Litman adds that last year’s haunted house was a runaway success.

Actors get creepy and kooky in Starlight Community Theater’s 2019 production of “The Addams Family.” // Photo by Renee Ashlock

wonderful sights, sounds and feelings of fall to Arizona audiences through the magic and film and music.

“Hocus Pocus” stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as a trio of witches known as the Sanderson sisters who, accidentally brought back to life in Salem on Halloween night, attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life. On Oct. 28–30, The Phoenix Symphony will play the score as the film is shown on the screen above the stage.

“This was the movie of my youth,” Powell says. “I love it, personally, because I have always been a big fan of Bette Midler. She is hysterical in the movie. And there is so much chemistry among the three actresses who play the Sanderson sisters. It is such a fun film.”

Adding the element of the symphony orchestra performing the score live — perfectly synchronized with the film — takes the experience to an entirely different level.

“It is almost like a like a sonic 3D effect,” Powell explains. “It is a completely immersive experience when you have the musicians right in front of you. It feels like you are in the film studio, putting the music together for the first time.”

The score for “Hocus Pocus” was composed by John Debney — who returned to create the music for the film's long-awaited sequel, which is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

“The music is whirling and exciting during the action sequences yet very tender when it needs to be,” Powell says. “There is an iconic Hollywood sound to Halloween and it ended up in this score. It is just masterfully done.”

Prior to each performance, The Phoenix Symphony will host a prelude in Symphony Hall’s lobby that will include trick-or-treating, storytelling and even a costume contest.

Experience

Blithe Spirit

Oct. 14–23 | See website for times | Starlight Community Theater | 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive Suite 9, Phoenix $25 | starlightcommunitytheater.com

‘Gaslight’

Oct. 14–30 | See website for times | Fountain Hills Theater | 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills $32; youth, student and senior discounts available | 480-837-9661 | fhtaz.org

Musical Theatre of Anthem’s Haunted House

Oct. 27–29 | 6–10 p.m. | Musical Theatre of Anthem | 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem $10 + a canned food donation for Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center | 623-336-6001 | musicaltheatreofanthem.org

‘Hocus Pocus’ in Concert Live to Film

Oct. 28–30 | See website for times | Symphony Hall | 75 N. Second St., Phoenix | $34+ | 602-495-1999 | phoenixsymphony.org

Musical Theatre of Anthem’s Haunted House Photo by Sierra Litman

HHaving competed in more than 20 full and half marathons, several triathlons and numerous obstacle course races, Anthem resident Dawnylle Kohl sincerely believes that her high-intensity training and fitness are directly responsible for her tenacious grit.

“I tackle life the same way I train,” Kohl says.

To say that she trains hard would be a tremendous understatement. In March 2018, Kohl completed the Bataan Memorial Death March, a 26-mile marathon through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The memorial march is conducted, annually, to honor the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and — in many cases — lives.

“My friend and I carried 50 pounds on our backs,” Kohl says. “We ran the first three uphill miles in the sand, then ran-walked the rest of it. That is probably the hardest [course] that I have ever completed. It was pretty intense.”

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Mars Media and Dawnylle Kohl

Opening Genesis Fitness, Anthem resident Dawnylle Kohl is using her affection for fitness to inspire others to develop grit so that they can conquer anything and everything that life throws at them and live their very best lives.

Dawnylle Kohl

Opening a new fitness center at the Outlets at Anthem, Kohl is now using her affection for fitness to inspire others to develop a similar grit so that they, too, can conquer anything and everything that life throws at them and live their very best lives.

HER HAPPY PLACE

Born and raised in Phoenix, Kohl — who spent about a decade working in pharmaceutical sales — briefly left the Valley for Las Vegas before being transferred back to Arizona in 1999, at which time she became one of Anthem’s first residents. In fact, she even lent a hand in Del Webb’s design studio during the community’s official grand opening.

My fitness journey has helped me conquer life on life's terms. It has made me the person I am today — a fighter who is not afraid to get in, dig deep and never quit.

“

She continued that role on weekends and, three months later, a prospective new homebuyer caught her eye and, eventually, her heart.

“He was adorable,” says Kohl of the dental school graduate from Texas. “Three months later, we started dating. Two years later, we got married. We were the third couple to get married at Anthem Country Club.”

Kohl stopped working for Del Webb to help out at the new dental office that her husband opened in the community. Over the next 10 years, she also worked in real estate as well as in a local legal office. During that time, her husband was deployed several times by the National Guard. The couple also started a family.

“That is when I started to get very passionate about physical fitness,” Kohl says. “I started training for different nonprofit organizations — such as Racing for Recovery — to bring awareness to mental health and addiction issues.”

Finding meaning and purpose in witnessing and helping others build confidence through exercising and challenging their bodies, Kohl became closely involved with a local fitness center.

“That truly became my happy place,” she says.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fitness center was forced to temporarily close its doors. But that did not stop Kohl from striving to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

In March 2018, Anthem resident Dawnylle Kohl (right) completed the Bataan Memorial Death March — a 26-mile marathon through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

“I began to see people succumb to addiction, mental health issues, confinement and social isolation,” she says. “So, during that timeframe, I hosted donation-only boot camps in Anthem Community Park. I would bring a bunch of equipment out there because I did not want people just isolating themselves. I even called and texted them: ‘You cannot be hibernating in your bedroom! Can I come pick you up? Let's do this!’ I just became more and more passionate about helping people live the life that they are meant to.”

Kohl became inspired and motivated to take that passion one step further and, this past summer, opened her own fitness center inside the Outlets at Anthem.

GENESIS FITNESS

Centered around small group training, personal training, high-intensity cardio, spinning classes, yoga, lifestyle nutrition and athlete performance programs, the heart and soul of Genesis Fitness can be found in its name.

“Genesis is a new beginning,” Kohl explains. “I want our clients to feel like they are a new creation. They do not ever have to look in the rearview mirror. It does not matter if they screwed up yesterday. Today is a new beginning.”

Kohl and her Genesis Fitness staff motivate clients to push themselves so that each day they become stronger people — mentally, physically and spiritually. After all, studies have repeatedly shown that physical activity and being part of an active community improve one’s overall well-being and prepare them to deal with all aspects of life.

Kohl says that she has experienced this phenomenon first-hand.

“My fitness journey has helped me conquer life on life's terms,” Kohl explains “It has made me the person I am today — a fighter who is not afraid to get in, dig deep and never quit. It has also given me an outlet to not get stuck in my head with anxiety or depression or any of that stuff. When you start doing this, the chemicals in your brain begin to change. That is a proven scientific fact. When you are taking care of your body, you are learning to adapt to healthier habits.”

Having harnessed the transformational power of fitness herself, she has become extremely passionate about encouraging and making it possible for her family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

“I have lived here for more than two decades,” Kohl says. “I am rooted in this community and I want to be rooted in people's lives. I want to give them a place to go where they can leave it all at the door and have one hour during which time they can do something for themselves and not be distracted by all those things that get in our heads.”

Moreover, Kohl teaches her clients that every fitness journey begins with being healthy on the inside, hence Genesis Fitness’ emphasis on not only physical health but also mental health and spiritual health.

“We can look beautiful and great on the outside, but who are we inside?” she asks. “We have to be healthy both

inside and outside. Otherwise, we are just out of alignment.”

MIND, BODY & SOUL

Kohl acknowledges that, for many, simply starting a fitness journey can be the most intimidating factor. Therefore, she and her staff make it a point to meet each client where they are at, often taking small steps initially to counteract any hesitancy, reluctance or fear.

“It is not an all-or-nothing concept,” Kohl says. “Because that can be very intimidating. So it is about taking small steps that, eventually, are going to equal consistency and habit.”

Kohl adds that, once that first step has been taken, it is important to remain patient and consistent for at least six weeks — the same amount of time required for the body to become adjusted to most medications.

To help with that aspect, Genesis Fitness has been hosting five-week challenges, during which clients receive access to a food coach and weekly support meetings as well as exclusive sessions so that participants may train together. After all, a sense of community and holding one another accountable is a key piece to achieving any goal.

“Many people try to do it on their own, but when you do not have someone else calling and texting you, you slide a little bit,” Kohl says. “I have two clients who have listened and followed the consistency piece with their diet and workouts really dialed in. There has been such a notable change in them within just weeks. These two clients have both lost about eight pounds. They are rocking it!”

Through Genesis Fitness, Kohl — who strives to be an example for her two children — believes that she can help many other people “rock it” as well, achieving their fitness goals and becoming healthier individuals in mind, body and soul.

“I firmly believe that we are all here for a purpose — to be in purpose, for a purpose,” Kohl says. “All of my clients who I train hear me say that over and over. Because it really is true.”

The Sundry Sounds of the Southwest

SSometimes soothing, other times energetic and always entertaining, there truly is nothing like listening to live music — especially when it is performed by local bands and musicians who creatively capture the essence of Arizona through song.

The Anthem area has a wealth of venues — restaurants, tasting rooms and coffee shops — at which you can enjoy the sundry sounds of the Southwest every weekend, ensuring that you do not need to travel very far from home to experience all the feels and get your dance on.

Best of all, you can do so while simultaneously taking in the sensational sunsets that can only be seen from our picturesque part of the state, grazing on great grub and knocking back roborant beverages.

Band: Wild Giants

Venue: Amped Coffee Company // 3434 W. Anthem Way, Suite 102, Anthem // 480-462-6733 // ampedcoffeeco.com

Next Performance: Friday, Oct. 21 // 8–10 p.m.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

Energetic rhythm-driven rock with a lyrical emphasis. Basically, storytelling — but make it loud.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS LIFE IN ARIZONA INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?

In many ways, the pain I express in my lyrics are very similar to being burned alive.

HOW DOES YOUR SOUND AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THIS VENUE COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER?

Between the overpowered PA and the massive doors that open up during performances, it’s perfect for comfortably pushing the decibel limits.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Wild Giants // Photo Courtesy of the Band

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE?

Amped is the only acceptable coffee shop for a rock band to play. We like to get loud and the venue lends itself to that purpose.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL, SNACK OR BEVERAGE FROM THIS VENUE?

My favorite beverage at Amped is the Wild Giant — made of lemonade, blueberries and too much whiskey.

Musician: Devo Carrillo Devo and Wally devoandwally.com

Venue: Glossy Heifer Grill // 46202 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River // 623-465-4854 // glossyheiferaz.com

Next Performance: Sundays // 4–7 p.m.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

We are a guitar and piano duo playing music that makes you smile. We play hits from the 60s, 70s and some 80s, with an emphasis on yacht rock. We also play country classics, classic rock, blues, R&B and soft jazz.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS LIFE IN ARIZONA INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?

A lot of country classics have become a staple for us.

HOW DOES YOUR SOUND AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THIS VENUE COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER?

We cater to an audience who is typically dining, so we keep the volume low and play material that is energetic enough to keep the interest up but not so overbearing that it detracts from the dining experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE?

The food, vibe and owners make you want to stay and come back often.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL, SNACK OR BEVERAGE FROM THIS VENUE?

I love their wings but their food is good enough that, no matter what I say, if you go there and eat, you will say it is even better than you expected.

Musician: Steve Adelson

steveadelson.com

Venue: L'Entrata Tasting Room

41111 N. Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem // 623-248-1727 // lentratawine.com

Next Performance: Saturdays // 6–9 p.m. // Also performing Sunday, Nov. 13 at Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

I love the music I grew up with — 60s pop-rock. I also love jazz. So the result is swinging versions of Zeppelin and The Beatles. My music also honors my guitar heroes like Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS LIFE IN ARIZONA INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?

Not a whole lot. When I lived in New York, I traveled here to perform at the Musical Instrument Museum and Sedona quite a bit. Right after we moved here permanently, COVID-19 hit, so there were no performances. I am now starting to network and play more shows.

HOW DOES YOUR SOUND AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THIS VENUE COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER?

L'Entrata is a welcome addition to Anthem. A relaxed environment with great wine selections and delicious food. We play music suited for the room — jazzy versions of pop and Latin favorites.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE?

The owners and staff are really friendly. They are like family. The patrons love the hang and I have met so many nice people. Since I am a local, I see many neighbors and friends. And I get to play the music I love on my unique instrument — the Chapman stick.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL, SNACK OR BEVERAGE

THIS VENUE?

They have an ever-changing menu. One week, crabcakes and shrimp. The next week, Dover sole. The flatbreads are a staple as are the charcuterie boards. Wine selections are plentiful, but they also carry

good selection of

MARK

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

Classic rock without the cliche. You will hear your favorite hits from more than six decades from the 1950s through the 2000s, but you will not hear the tired songs that other solo musicians feel they need to play. The 1970s and 1980s are my sweet spot — Led Zeppelin, Journey, Billy Joel and Bon Jovi. And the occasional original, of course, because ultimately, that is what all songwriters want to be known for.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS LIFE IN ARIZONA INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?

Greatly, in fact. I am currently working on my second full-length solo album of all-original music — which is going to be titled “Arizona.”

HOW DOES YOUR SOUND AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THIS VENUE COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER?

The high ceilings make for great acoustics — especially with the vocals.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE?

The audience, the owners and the staff. Everyone there is very nice and very supportive of the music.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL, SNACK OR BEVERAGE FROM THIS VENUE?

French dip and some of the most amazing fries in the Valley.

Band: The Damn Kids // thedamnkids.com

Venue: Rosati’s Pizza // 3668 W. Anthem Way, Suite A128, Anthem // 623-551-8545 // myrosatis.com

Next Performance: See website for schedule // Also performing Oct. 24 and 25 at CB Live at Desert Ridge as part of Proof is in the Pudding music competition

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

We think of it as an upbeat modern classic rock sound with some blues and soul mixed in. Our influences include Led Zeppelin, CCR, The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS LIFE IN ARIZONA INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?

Arizona has a good amount of live acts playing classic rock and country music year round. Our drummer's dad, Brian Hauser, is a professional musician who performs in a band called Moonshine Voodoo and three tribute bands. His music has definitely influenced our sound with bluesy guitar licks in all of our originals.

HOW DOES YOUR SOUND AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THIS VENUE COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER?

Well, for one, we love playing on an outdoor stage. We are able to turn up the sound and energy quite a bit. The Thursday and Friday night crowds are all rock music fans and so many of them tell us that they love to hear us kids playing music from their era — and hearing new music with a similar classic rock sound. Rosati's will sometimes have karaoke nights after we perform and we will often hear some of the covers we perform being sung again!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE?

Rosati's is one of the first places to give us an opportunity to play on a regular basis after we competed in last year's Proof is in the Pudding contest. We get a lot of support from the staff and just love the great vibe when we play there. Also, Rosati's is close to home, so we get a very good amount of hometown support from the Anthem and New River area. A good amount of our friends from Boulder Creek High School and their families like to get a pizza, dance and enjoy live music. We think that it is the best place to watch live music in Anthem.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL, SNACK OR BEVERAGE FROM THIS VENUE?

We love the double dough pizza. Jack is a big fan of the hot wings and Phil likes the dough nuggets. Of course, our parents and their friends like the fact that they have a good amount of good beer on tap.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Robert Elenbaas

CContrary to popular belief and what many horror movies suggest, photographer Robert Elenbaas says that there are not too many true ghost towns in Arizona — at least not many with structures still standing.

He lists Wickenburg’s Vulture Mine; Apache Junction’s Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine; and Jerome’s Gold King Mine as the three exceptions. However, even those have a more touristy vibe than one might expect. Nonetheless, with a bit of selective focus made possible by photography, one can make them look like true ghost towns.

Another area that could be considered a ghost town is the little, antiquated community called Lowell, located near Bisbee.

“The interesting part of it is basically one old street,” Elenbaas says. “All of the businesses along that street have been abandoned — except for one restaurant called the Bisbee Breakfast Club. There are several old gas stations and someone has brought in a lot of 1930s- and 1940s-era automobiles that are just parked along the street. So it is very interesting from a photography standpoint.”

Utilizing several photos that Elenbaas has masterfully taken in such settings, Images Arizona this month transports its readers to an alternate dimension, where — in the small, abandoned (and fictional) town of Eerie, Arizona — your worst nightmares become a reality.

Elenbaas notes that it was never his intention for these photos to convey a frightful feeling. He simply set out to capture Arizona history — a sincere sense of the past, what once was but is not anymore, and the relics of what has been left behind. And they can certainly be seen and appreciated in that context.

However, in the spirit of Halloween, we invite you to explore these images through the alternative lens in which ghastly ghosts lurk around every decrepit corner, patiently waiting to make themselves known and finally — after centuries of solitude — re-enter the land of the living.

Dead trees and cacti can convey a sense of a ghost or soul that is still keeping watch over a country road. Robert Elenbaas“

Another Arizona ghost town is the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine in Apache Junction. That is real touristy but, with selective focus, you can make it look like a true ghost town. Robert Elenbaas

Some of the ghost towns in Arizona that have been semimaintained include the Vulture Mine in Wickenburg. There is a ghost town there, of sorts, in the sense that there are some old buildings that date back to the days when the mine was truly active. That is a fun place to go.

Robert Elenbaas

Up in Jerome, just outside of Sedona, there is a mine called Gold King Mine. There is an area of it that is kind of ‘ghost towny.’ They have some old buildings and a lot of old cars and equipment and things like that.

Elenbaas

About the Photographer

Robert Elenbaas initially developed an interest in landscape and nature photography as an extension of his wilderness backpacking experiences. Nowadays, the dynamic has shifted, with photography leading the way and dictating where and when he embarks on backpacking adventures.

“Many of my travels revolve around trying to get into settings where I can create some unique images for my portfolio,” Elenbaas says. “Fortunately, my wife is very patient and enjoys these kinds of travels as well.”

This summer, Elenbaas centered his attention on bulking up his collection of images related to Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. He also continues to have a particular fondness for nightscape photography. The Anthem resident is frequently amazed and awed by the things that he finds in nature.

“My goal is that at least some of my photographs succeed in telling a story about their subject,” he adds. “I strive to create expressive images that communicate the emotion, amazement, awe, harmony and peace that I felt when the shutter clicked.”

Elenbaas’ photography may be seen and purchased at The Finer Artists Gallery, 6137 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek — an artistowned gallery exhibiting the work of local fine artists in mediums that include jewelry, glass, fiber sculpture, ceramics, bronze, gourds, textile, photography, metal sculpture, wood live edge, graphite, acrylic, pastel and oil.

Visit anchor.fm/imagesaz or scan this QR code with your phone to heighten your hair-raising exploration of Eerie, Arizona by listening to Images Immersive: Ghost Town as you delve into this month’s photo essay.

ProMusica Arizona

Celebrating 20 Years of Building Community Through Music

MMore than two decades ago, Connie Campbell Henry and her husband became two of the first 100 residents of Anthem when they moved into their home in the Anthem Country Club.

“I come from a very musical family and music has always been a huge part of my life,” Henry says. “I have been singing since I was 4 years old and have sung in choirs all over the country since my husband and I have moved 17 times during our 47 years of marriage.”

Therefore, one of the questions that Henry often found herself asking her new neighbors back in the early 2000s was: “Does anyone like to sing?”

“Anthem was a new community with people coming here from all over the world,” she explains. “I knew that I was not the only person here who loved to sing.”

And she most certainly was not, as 17 singers formed a group that would eventually become known as ProMusica Arizona. In need of a director and accompanist, Henry met piano teacher Linda Schwartz through The Wednesday Club — a social organization for residents of Anthem Country Club, who later introduced her to a new resident who was interested in starting a local choir.

Then conductor Kevin Kozacek began holding weekly rehearsals in his home in the fall of 2003 and, on Dec. 12 of that year, the group performed its inaugural concert of Christmas music on the back patio steps of Persimmon Club House.

“By the following spring, we had more than 50 singers and performed on stage at Anthem Community Park as an opening act for the Phoenix Symphony concert,” says Henry, noting that Del Webb funded the first community

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Azy Scotten Photography

park concerts as a sales promotion event to entice new residents. “Those concerts were a big draw and a way to bond with new residents.”

They were also the impetus for local instrumentalists asking for ProMusica Arizona to also include an orchestra. One of the group’s founding singers — the late Juereta Smith — encouraged her son, cellist Malcolm Smith, to join the inaugural orchestra group. He gladly accepted and ProMusica Arizona became one of only a handful of community organizations in the country to have both a chorale and an orchestra.

Now proudly celebrating its 20th season, ProMusica Arizona — comprised of nearly 100 singers and instrumentalists ranging in age from mid-teens to early80s — has performed more than 275 times for more than 134,000 people in venues across Arizona.

Moreover, Chorus America — a national advocacy, research and leadership development organization representing more than 6,000 choirs — has featured ProMusica Arizona several times as one of the most groundbreaking and impressive community choirs in the country.

DEMOSTRATED DEDICATION

“Many nonprofit organizations have not survived the financial ups and downs of the past two decades or the COVID-19 challenges of the last few years,” Henry says. “The fact that ProMusica Arizona is still here as a fiscally sound, dynamic group is due to the exceptional artistic and administrative leadership that we have had to shepherd our outstanding and committed volunteers who help in every aspect of operations.”

Among the members of that leadership that Henry commends is ProMusica Arizona’s executive director Yvonne Dolby, who joined the nonprofit organization in 2011.

“There are so many moving parts to an organization like ProMusica Arizona,” Henry explains. “[Yvonne] does an amazing job keeping our operation focused on the right issues and ferreting out grants and community partners.”

Dolby says those grants and community partners have been pivotal to ProMusica Arizona’s success — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the nonprofit organization streamed its concert performances over the internet free of charge thereby eliminating the regular ticket revenue upon which it relies.

“We were able to get a number of grants that helped sustain us and gave us that opportunity to do those free online performances,” she explains. “We are also supported by the Arizona Commission on the Arts as well as the cities of Peoria and Glendale, both of which have given us grant funds in the past to come into their communities and perform concerts for their citizens.”

Some of those concerts are performed at libraries and adult centers, while others — such as those featuring ProMusica Arizona’s Women in Song vocal ensemble — are performed at senior living communities and dementia care facilities.

“These are places where residents may otherwise be unable to attend a concert,” Dolby says. “So so we bring the music to them.”

She adds that ProMusica Arizona’s musicians have also been instrumental in the nonprofit performing arts organization’s success. From contributing their help with logistics and concert setup to attracting new audience members through the evervaluable word-of-mouth, they have demonstrated their dedication over the past two decades.

“Initially, it was largely an Anthem group,” Dolby says. “But we now have singers and players from all over the Valley. It is a population that appreciates good music and the arts. They are just really strong music lovers and they believe in the importance of what we are doing for the community.”

Over the years, ProMusica Arizona experimented with expanding its audience reach by performing at venues such as Paradise Valley’s Camelback Bible Church and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. More recently, it has returned its focus to the North Valley, with performances regularly held at Phoenix’s All Saints Lutheran Church — though audiences in Sun City have also widely embraced its concerts.

SAGUARO SONG

Henry adds that another one of ProMusica Arizona’s leadership members that deserves adulation is the nonprofit performing arts organization’s current artistic director, Patti Graetz, who she calls an outstanding teacher and a dynamic conductor.

“Each year, she takes our artistic level to new heights,” Henry explains. “Patti has a fabulous season planned this year.”

“

That season kicks off this month with a concert titled Favorites — Past and Present. The first half will feature a number of patriotic songs, including “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” John Philip Sousa marches and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The second half will expand to include music by John Williams, a medley of songs by Stephen Sondheim, including “Send in the Clowns,” and a Richard Rodgers medley with songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific” and “Oklahoma.”

In December, ProMusica Arizona will present its annual holiday concert, which this year will be titled Christmas Through the Ages. It will feature new arrangements of traditional carols “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “The Huron Carol,” as well as favorites such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.”

The December concert will also feature the worldpremiere of ProMusica Arizona Chorale member and professional composer Ryan Gunderson’s “Jesus, Refulsit Omnium“ — one of the first hymns in honor of the Nativity stemming from 368 A.D.

In March, ProMusica Arizona will host its annual musical champagne salon. Held in a private home in the Anthem Country Club, the elegant fundraising event will include musical performances by soloists and small ensembles as well as a variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, champagne, wine and other beverages.

Playing with ProMusica Arizona has allowed me to play with incredible musicians, which has enhanced my understanding of music and impacted my own level of play.

Malcolm Smith

The season will conclude in April with a concert that will officially commemorate ProMusica Arizona’s 20th anniversary. It will feature the world premiere of “Saguaro Song” — a suite of five songs composed by Arizona’s Craig Bohmler with texts by award-winning Canadian author Marion Adler, who uses the iconic saguaro cactus as a metaphor for the seasons of life.

The April concert will also feature “A World Without Boundaries” — a piece by Timothy Powell that ProMusica Arizona commissioned for its 15th anniversary season — as well as Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure on This Shining Night” and Ola Gjielo’s “Sunrise (Gloria)” from “Sunrise Mass.”

“I am so looking forward to performing in the upcoming concerts — [especially] the commissioned musical composition in the spring,” Henry says. “The icing on the cake will be our tour to Salzburg, Austria next summer to sing Mozart's ‘Mass in C’ in the very cathedral where it was debuted in the 18th century.”

HARMONIC HIGHLIGHTS

Smith, a North Phoenix resident who currently holds the position of ProMusica Arizona’s board chair, says that the nonprofit performing arts organization has provided him with a space to release work stress.

“Playing the cello and making music with others is something that is relaxing and brings me great joy,” he explains. “Playing for audiences is also an absolute treat. Playing with ProMusica Arizona has allowed me to play with incredible musicians, which has enhanced my understanding of music and impacted my own level of play.”

Anthem resident Jan Sandoz, who has been singing with ProMusica Arizona since 2011 and served on its board of directors for the past seven years, agrees with Smith’s sentiments.

“Shortly after my husband and I moved here from Omaha, we attended a ProMusica Arizona patriotic concert,” Sandoz says. “At the end of the concert, they announced upcoming auditions for the Rolling Requiem to be performed the following November to commemorate 9/11. I felt that would be an excellent opportunity for me to meet new people and to support an important event. ProMusica Arizona has provided an outlet for my love of music and an opportunity for me to travel and perform with a great group of people.”

Henry agrees, noting that singing at Carnegie Hall in April 2017 and embarking on a concert tour to Ireland in 2019 are among her many favorite highlights. Besides singing in ProMusica Arizona’s alto section, Henry has also held many other roles with the organization over the past two decades — including founding board vice president, board president, fundraiser, grant writer and executive director.

Jan Sandoz

She adds that one does not necessarily need to be a performing musician to get involved with ProMusica Arizona as the nonprofit organization is always seeking community members to volunteer with logistics, concert setup, ticket sales and ushering.

“It has been a pleasure to watch the talented professional staff members and new volunteer board members take ProMusica Arizona to new heights,” Henry says. “I am so very proud of this organization and how it has expanded and built community through music. It will be exciting to see where it goes in the future.”

Experience

ProMusica Arizona:

Favorites — Past and Present

Saturday, Oct. 15 | 7 p.m.

All Saints Lutheran Church

15649 N. Seventh St., Phoenix

Sunday, Oct. 16 | 3:30 p.m.

American Lutheran Church 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City $27.50; youth, student, senior and military discounts available

ProMusica Arizona has provided an outlet for my love of music and an opportunity for me to travel and perform with a great group of people.

Chocolate Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Do you think that these cookies are bright enough? They just scream, “Eat me!” So we did!

Before I photographed them, I ate three or four. My guy ate two or three. He was very disciplined. Then my brother-in-law, Gene, ate two or three, my sister, Robyn, ate two or three and, before we knew it, they were all gone.

They are so delicious that they disappear very quickly!

Directions:

Makes: 25–30 cookies

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup dutch process cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1-1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Sprinkles, for rolling

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking trays with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3–4 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, then beat until combined. Add flour and cocoa mixture, then beat on low until just incorporated.

Using a cookie scoop, scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time. Roll each scoop into a ball using your hands, then roll generously in sprinkles. Place on baking trays, leaving plenty of room to spread — about eight cookies per tray.

Bake one tray at a time for 11–12 minutes, until the cookies have puffed up and are beginning to crack on the tops and the edges are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.