Desert Mountain
ECRWSS Local Postal Customer
Carefree
Cave Creek PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 3418
June 2019
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VOTED #1 SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE TEAM FOR 2018 THE ONE YOU CALL WHEN YOU NEED YOUR HOME SOLD
Troon North
Estancia
10001 E Balancing Rock Road Scottsdale AZ 85262.
27555 N 103rd Way Scottsdale AZ 85262
4 Bedroom | 7 Bath | 8,070 Sqft | Offered at $3,349,999 Contact Michael Gorman at (480) 508-8312
4 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 6,580 Sqft | Offered at $2,694,900 Contact Stephanie Thomas at (480) 372-8554
Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands
10040 E Happy Valley Road 601 Scottsdale AZ 85255
10040 E Happy Valley Rd 1019 Scottsdale AZ 85255
4 Bedroom | 6 Bath | 6,564 Sqft | Offered at $2,599,999 Contact BVO at (480) 400-1984
3 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath | 5,137 Sqft | Offered at $1,749,000 Contact Jason Hamann at (480) 470-8481
Desert Highlands
Troon North
10040 E Happy Valley Road Unit 457 Scottsdale AZ 85255
10200 E Cinder Cone Trail Scottsdale AZ 85262
3 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 3,734 Sqft | Offered at $1,475,000 Contact Tanya Hoffman at (480) 447-5633
4 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 5,217 Sqft | SOLD for $1,438,000 Contact BVO at (480) 400-1984
Encellia
Cave Creek
10618 E Rising Sun Drive Scottsdale AZ 85262
6507 E Ocupado Drive Cave Creek AZ 85331
5 Bedroom | 5.5 Bath | 4,656 Sqft | Offered at $1,150,000 Contact Colby McMahon at (480) 409-7306
5 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 3,844 Sqft | Offered at $899,900 Contact Jeffrey Serpa at (480) 526-5116
ANDREW BLOOM
Senior Partner REALTOR® Andrew@BVOLuxury.com
BABS BLOOM
Director of Marketing Director of Client Care Barbara@BVOLuxury.com
AUSTIN BLOOM
Chief Technology Officer REALTOR® Austin@BVOLuxury.com
(480) 400-1984 | www.BVOLuxuryGroup.com June 2019
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JOHN PAUL WHITE
Opening Act: The Prescriptions Monday, June 10 | 7 p.m. $38.50–$48.50
Far from the grind and glamour of Nashville, the grittiness of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has proven a wellspring of inspiration for his brand of Southern rock and soul. Upcoming Concerts JD Souther June 7 & 8 Sona Jobarteh June 11 Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble June 16 Steve Tyrell June 17 & 18 Crystal Bowersox June 19 Orquesta Akokán June 24 Skerryvore June 27 Paris Chansons July 13 & 14 And many more!
2019 Concert Series sponsored by
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MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
Locally owned and operated, Carefree Outdoor Living is a convenient resource for all your outdoor needs. The age of the outdoor room has arrived and Carefree Outdoor Living has firmly established itself as the go-to resource for innovative outdoor room components, designs and patio furniture. Located in the Carefree Marketplace 36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Suite C-5 Carefree, Arizona 85377
CarefreeOutdoor.com info@carefreeoutdoor.com
“Your Resource for Luxury Outdoor Living�
facebook.com/ carefreeoutdoor.com
480-575-3091
Patio Furniture Brown Jordan, Tommy Bahama, Gloster, Lane Venture, Ratana, Telescope, Tropitone & more...
Barbecues Lynx, DCS, FireMagic, AOG, Primo Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, CalFlame
Custom Cushions
New, Replacements, Bunko Benches June 2019
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FUN SUMMER FESTIVALS IN FLAGSTAFF Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Andrew Maguire and
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Associates and Discover Flagstaff
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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Amanda Christmann
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THE BALLAD OF LEGEND CITY Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of JPB Publishing
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I HAVE A NAME
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Jon Linton and Jon's portraits by Claudia Johnstone
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A TASTE OF ARIZONA WINES IN OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Grace Stufkosky, Aridus Wine Company and LDV Winery
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COCONUT LIME CHICKEN SKILLET
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Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
June 2019
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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto
PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Baxter Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2019 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.
Local First A R I Z O NA
E
Every month, there is a sliver of time that seems to stand still. After stories are written and laid out and the magazine is off to print, there is always a day or two when we all wait with anxious anticipation for our friends and neighbors to open their mailboxes and see what we’ve been up to. Each month for the past 18 years, I’m proud of what our dedicated writers, photographers and staff members have put together. This month is no exception. I’m excited to share stories of some of the people and events that make our community unique, and that make me proud to call our beautiful Valley home. You will notice something a little different within our pages this month. Photographer Jon Linton and writer Amanda Christmann have collaborated to put together a poignant photo essay featuring images from Linton’s “I Have a Name” project. When the idea first presented itself, it gave me pause. After all, our mission is to promote our community and present positive stories. But after learning more about Linton and his passion for making us recognize the shared humanity within us all, I couldn’t think of a more positive or worthy message to share. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Images Arizona magazine, and I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the beautiful messages of hope and unity. From taiko drummer Ken Koshio’s passion for bringing people together through rhythm and art, to the food, history and music that celebrate our diversity and our commonalities, we have much to be thankful for. I am also filled with gratitude for you for allowing our Images Arizona family to be part of your lives. Thank you, once again. It is an honor. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
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Troon Masterpiece | Represented by Mike Domer | Mike@MikeDomer.com
Walt Danley sold his first home more than forty years ago, and has since cultivated one of the most successful luxury real estate brands in the nation. In 2011, Walt Danley Realty partnered with Christie’s International Real Estate, bringing the storied 250 year-old brand to Arizona. Now, Walt Danley has put together a curated team
of agents to focus on the North Scottsdale market. Hard work and integrity have allowed Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate to consistently rank in the top 1% of luxury brokerages in the country. We are bringing that same level of dedication to our North Scottsdale office, and look forward to introducing a new level of service to the market.
WALT DANLEY CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE HAS A NEW HOME IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE 8955 E Pinnacle Peak Road #104 | Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 | Office: 480-909-4577 | www.WaltDanley.com
June 2019
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Grace Renee Gallery | 480-575-8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com
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# 7 imagesar | Carefree, Grace Renee Gallery | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho HumJune Rd.2019 iz ona .c om AZ 11
Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Andrew Maguire and Associates and Discover Flagstaff
P
Phoenicians are always looking to escape the summer’s unrelenting heat. While some people head to the beach, Flagstaff is a closer option that offers a variety of summer festivals perfect for a cool getaway. Because of its breathtaking scenery and beautiful weather with summer temperatures averaging in the low 80s, Flagstaff is an ideal destination for summer events and festivals. One of the best times to visit Flagstaff is to celebrate the Fourth of July. Flagstaff has been named a top destination for Independence Day activities by Travel and Leisure magazine and other national media. “Between the parade, festivals, Independence Day pops concert and fireworks, this mountain town is a must-visit,” said Lori Pappas, marketing and media relations manager for Discover Flagstaff.
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Independence Day kicks off with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce parade, which attracts 20,000 people annually, followed by a Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra Independence Day concert at the Pepsi Amphitheater and the Lights on the Lawn fire-safe fireworks display featuring live music, food trucks and children’s activities at the Continental Country Club. An addition to Flagstaff’s Independence Day events calendar, Festival in the Pines is returning after a 10year hiatus. Taking place at the Fort Tuthill Coconino County Fairgrounds July 4 through 6, Festival in the Pines features art, music, food and family activities. Formerly known as SummerFest, Festival in the Pines was created by Andrew Maguire, president of Andrew Maguire and Associates. The company produces artfocused events including ArtFest of Scottsdale, now in its 26th year. “We really felt a need for the return of a family-oriented festival that presents art enthusiasts with some of the country’s finest artists along with great entertainment, food and fun for all,” said Maguire. “We had been doing the festival for 23 years prior to its hiatus and we’ve received such demand for its return that we’re thrilled to make it happen.” Festival in the Pines is expected to include more than 150 artists and vendors from around the country showcasing pottery, paintings, jewelry, glass, sculptures and more, as well as two stages of live musical performances, international food, a beer and wine garden, and creative activities for children. “After speaking with the president of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce who puts on the Fourth of July parade, we realized there was an opportunity to provide the people of Flagstaff and all of the holiday weekend visitors with an exciting event that offers something for everyone,” said Maguire. “Also, the county invested heavily in the restoration of the fairgrounds and this solidified our dream of returning to Flagstaff with the best possible venue and infrastructure.”
Kindergarten Registration Visit our five A+ elementary schools – each one with its own Signature Curriculum and Point of Pride.
Black Mountain Elementary School PERFORMING ARTS • SPANISH K-6
Desert Sun Academy
FRENCH IMMERSION • SPANISH PRE-K-6 • STEAM
Desert Willow Elementary School
SPANISH IMMERSION • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL • SPANISH PRE-K-6
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
CHINESE IMMERSION • HORSEMANSHIP • CHINESE PRE-K-6
Lone Mountain Elementary School STEM PROGRAM • CHINESE PRE-K-6
In addition to Fourth of July festivities, Flagstaff has a busy summer festival season, celebrating arts, food and drink, culture and the local community. On June 1 and 2,
480.575.2000
www.CCUSD93.org June 2019
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locals and visitors can enjoy the Wool and Fiber Festival and the fiber arts competition at the Pioneer Museum. Also June 1 and 2, the Hullabaloo at Wheeler Park is a celebration of all things Flagstaff, bringing together families, artists, local businesses and non-profits for a bike parade, costume contest, live music, food and brews, circus acts, children’s activities and more. Flagstaff Blues and Brews, Arizona’s largest blues festival, takes place June 7 and 8 and features 10 musical acts, family activities, artists and food vendors. Other June festivals in Flagstaff include the Made in the Shade beer tasting festival June 8 at the Pepsi Amphitheater; Pride in the Pines June 22; and the Flagstaff Folk Festival June 29 through July 3. Following Flagstaff’s Fourth festivities, there are several other festivals and events perfect for a weekend visit, including Art in the Park, which takes place at Wheeler Park July 5 through 7 and again on Labor Day weekend. More Flagstaff summer events include the Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture July 6 and 7; the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival July 20 and 21; the Arizona Mead and Cider Festival Aug. 3; and the Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture Aug. 3 and 4. “To say there’s something for everyone during Flagstaff’s festival lineup really isn’t doing it justice,” said Pappas. “If you or your family are looking to shop, dance, unwind, drink, dine, learn or simply celebrate, you can count on finding a festival in Flagstaff that fits the bill.” discoverflagstaff.com
June 2019
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COMMUNITY
2019 JUNE
Writer Amanda Christmann
June 1
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY Give back to the places we love and set the world record for the most people improving trails in a single day. The National Trail System features hikes, biking and horseback rides, paddling trips, bird watching, geocaching, gear demonstrations and stewardship projects. Times and locations vary. americanhiking.org/national-trails-day
May 22–June 16 ONCE
tale through songs and madcap characters. $22–$28. Desert Stages
June 1, 2
Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Rd.,
HULLABALOO
Guy spends his days fixing vacuums
Scottsdale. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This two-day community festival
and his nights playing his music in
Saturdays and Sundays. 480-483-
celebrates all things Flagstaff. Enjoy
local pubs. He is on the verge of
1664; desertstages.org
a bike parade, costume contests,
giving up music altogether when he meets a woman who convinces him to believe in the power of his music. See
circus performers, giant puppets, a
June 1, 2
kids' area, local vendors, micro-brews and two stages of live music. $8; free
website for pricing and show times.
FOLK ARTS FAIR
for kids 8 and under. Wheeler Park,
The Phoenix Theatre Company’s
It’s crafts and activities from the past,
212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. Sat. 10
Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central
plus frontier family amusements at
a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Ave., Phoenix. phoenixtheatre.com
the 46th Annual Folk Arts Fair in
877-435-9849; flaghullaballoo.com
Prescott. Saturday and Sunday, June 1
May 25–June 9
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
$9 adults 18 and over; free for youth
June 6
and children. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.;
PATTY GRIFFIN
Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sharlot Hall
Oh, Heavenly Day! If you haven’t
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole
Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott.
heard Patty Griffin, you don’t know
and through the zany world of
928-445-3122; sharlot.org
what you’ve been missing! See this
Wonderland in Lewis Carroll’s classic
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and 2, 2019, at Sharlot Hall Museum.
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m June 2 019
B E T T E R C L U B S . B E T T E R R E S U LT S .
P X G 0 3 1 1 G E N 2 I R O N S. Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter live at Musical Instrument Museum. $48.50–$73.50. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 7:30 p.m. 480-478-6000;
B I L LY H O R S C H E L 5x PGA TOUR Winner 2014 FedEx Cup Champion
mim.org
June 7–23
RICHARD BRULAND: LAYERS OF ABSTRACT Uniquely compelling abstract paintings take center stage in this newest exhibition at Bryant Nagel Gallery. Artist reception June 7, 5 to
S C H E D U L E YO U R F I T T I N G N O W.
8 p.m. Bryant Nagel Gallery, 431 SR 179, A1-2, at Hozho, Sedona. 928282-6865; lanninggallery.com Nobody makes golf clubs the way we do. Period.
June 10
MONDAY NIGHT CHEF'S TABLE It’s California chardonnay vs. white burgundy at this monthly series that pairs four courses with wine. $75. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 6:30 p.m. 480376-2600. hotelvalleyho.com
P X G . C O M / 1.844.PLAY.PXG
N/E Corner Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale 23587 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-502-0555 Monday–Saturday 9am – 6pm | Sunday 11am – 5pm
OUTDOOR LIVING AT ITS FINEST
HIGH END, LOW-VOLTAGE, OUTDOOR LIGHTING
June 10
HOMELESS TO HEROES This Fetch Foundation’s annual fundraiser and silent auction will raise funds to provide first responders with Fido bags, which help pets during fires and other emergencies and to train shelter dogs to become rescue dogs. $5. Fleming’s Steakhouse, 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 5:30–8:30 p.m. thefetchfoundation.com
FREE BBQ LIGHT WITH ANY INSTALL OVER $2000!
LIGHTING, IRRIGATION, LANDSCAPE
www.lettherebelightllc.com (480)575-3204 info@lettherebelightllc.com Licensed | Bonded | Insured June 2019
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June 14
MIX IT UP Mixed: A Cocktail Culinary Series supporting the Scottsdale League for the Arts explores Scotch-based cocktails and Scottish fare. $100. Nellie Cashman’s at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale. 6 p.m. 480-624-1357
June 12
TRAIN & GOO GOO DOLLS Join these awesome rockers at AkChin Pavilion for their 2019
The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Hormel Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phoenixtheatre.com
June 13
LASERS & LIQUOR Experience Arizona Science Center’s
June 13
state-of-the-art laser system with 14 mind-blowing special effects at
summer tour. $29.99 and up. 2121 N.
THE COOKERS
Lasers & Liquor: Queen and Beyoncé
83rd Ave., Phoenix. 7 p.m. 602-254-
Members of this ensemble have
night. Sit back, look up and rock out!
7200; akchinpavilion.com
performed and/or recorded with
Cocktails and refreshments will be
pretty much every jazz great of the
available for purchase. $10. 600 E.
past 40 years, including Miles Davis,
Washington St., Phoenix. Karaoke
Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Art
begins at 6:30 p.m. Beyonce begins
Blakey, Horace Silver, Jackie McLean,
at 7:30 p.m.; Queen begins at 9 p.m.
Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard,
602-716-2000; azscience.org
June 12–Aug. 11
SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY Spamilton is the hilarious NY Times
Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Lee
Critics’ Pick that Ben Brantley calls
Morgan, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy
“convulsively funny!” This side-
Gillespie, and Roy Haynes. $38.50–
splitting new musical roasts, eviscerates
$48.50. Musical Instrument Museum,
DUELING PIANOS
and celebrates Lin-Manuel Miranda’s
4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 7:30
Two pianos and two voices will energize
hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.”
p.m. mim.org
Dorrance Hall with an unforgettable
See website for schedule and pricing.
June 14
clap along, sing along experience. $29.95. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. 7:30–9:30 p.m. 480-941-1225; dbg.org
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the art of organization
June 15
BITE NITE ALS Association Arizona Chapter’s Tenth Annual Bite Nite will be its biggest to date, showcasing signature dishes from top chefs across the Valley. Experience signature tastes while enjoying cocktails and live entertainment. $150; Table of 10 $1,500. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 6–10 p.m. bitenite.org
June 15
BEER VS. WINE ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho presents a showdown between Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Frog’s Leap Winery. Five-course pairings. $75. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 4 p.m. 480-421-7997; hotelvalleyho.com
June 20
WINEMAKER DINNER SERIES
Home Offices
Garages
Entertainment Centers
Wall Units
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s monthly winemaker dinner series features Joseph Wagner Wines, and begins with a reception followed by a four-course dinner paired with wine. $95. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale. 6:30 p.m. RSVP. 480-4441234 ext. 8650
480-998-2070 www.closetfactory.com
www.facebook.com/closetfactory
follow us: www.twitter.com/closetfactory
closets | garages | home offices | entertainment centers | pantries | wall units wall beds | craft rooms | laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms ©2016 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. ROC#175443 June 2019
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KIWANIS CLUB OF CAREFREE GIVES AWAY $280K IN SCHOLARSHIPS The Kiwanis Club of Carefree hosted their 2019 Scholarship Awards Program May 15 at the Fine Arts Center. A total of $280,000 was awarded to 34 local high school students. These graduating students will be attending a wide variety of colleges and universities across the United States. The scholarship committee sorted through 135 applications from four high schools and conducted hundreds of intensive reviews. To-date, over 250 scholarships totaling over $1.8 million has been granted by Kiwanis to local students since 1986. Images Arizona congratulates Kiwanis scholarship winners and thanks Kiwanis Club of Carefree for their dedication to the community.
June 20
5CS DINNER: COPPER
website for pricing and schedule. Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix.
BUON APETITO!
elevatemusicfestival.com
Learn how to cook pasta alla checca
Kitchen West at Scottsdale Resort at
with Chef Marcellino of Marcellino
McCormick Ranch holds a monthly
Ristorante. After class, guests
dinner series celebrating the five Cs of
June 21–Aug. 4
will enjoy this chef’s dish, a fresh
THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB
organic salad, and Chef Marcellino’s
three courses paired with Arizona wines. $85. 7700 E. McCormick
Desert Stages Theatre presents the
gratuity. RSVP. 7114 E. Stetson Dr.,
Pkwy., Scottsdale. 6 p.m. 480-
story of five Southern women who set
Scottsdale. 1–3 p.m. 480-990-9500;
596-7525; destinationhotels.com.
aside a long weekend every August
marcellinoristorante.com
scottsdale-resort
to recharge relationships started on
Arizona. This month it’s copper, with
their college swim team. Fridays and
June 21–23
ELEVATE MUSIC FESTIVAL Three nights of the best in Christian
20
June 22
Saturdays. See website for schedule.
delicious biscotti. $40 plus tax and
June 22, 29
Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback
CHEFS + FARMERS MARKET SERIES
Rd., Ste. 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-
This indoor market includes bites
1664; desertstages.org
from Valley Ho’s Chef Russell
$22 and up. Desert Stages Theatre at
rock! Elevate 2019 features Danny
LaCasce and guest chefs. Shop fresh
Gokey, Lincoln Brewster, Jeremy
produce and local vendors, enjoy
Camp, Unspoken and more. See
spirit and wine tastings and live
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m June 2 019
music, and receive a 25% off voucher to use at the hotel’s ZuZu restaurant. Free. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 480376-2600; hotelvalleyho.com
June 23
ROB THOMAS This former Matchbox 20 frontman is making great tunes on his own. Check him out at Comerica Theatre. $43 and up. 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 7:30 p.m. comericatheatre.com
June 23
BE OUR GUEST Guest chef Doug Robson of Gallo Blanco joins Chef Charles Wiley to present a four-course dinner paired with beverages. $74. Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows, 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale. 6 p.m. mountainshadows.com
June 23
AN EVENING OF JAZZ It’s an intimate evening with the sounds and styles of professional jazz vocalist and Cave Creek resident, Shannon Wallace. You won't want to miss this talented vocalist! $29.50. FCF Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 6:30 p.m. 480-488-1981; dftheater.org
June 2019
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JUNIOR LEAGUE RAISES OVER $20K The Junior League of Phoenix’s sixth annual White Party 'A Night at the Races' raised more than $20,000 to help support community programs and leadership training programs, including Raising Our Children’s Knowledge by Educating Through Science (ROCKETS), Kids in the Kitchen and Kids Cook with Heart. Images Arizona congratulates Junior League and thanks its volunteers for their dedication to our community. jlp.org
SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS
origins. Runs through Sept. 2. $7.95–
company is proud to announce that
$11.95 plus general admission. 600 E.
it has acquired Scottsdale’s Rustic
There’s something for all ages in Cave
Washington St., Phoenix. 10 a.m.–5
Décor. Rustic Décor has been an
Creek! Education and Community
p.m. 602-716-2000; azscience.org
innovative supplier of unique steel
Service is offering eight weeks of everything kids love through their themed ECS Kids’ Club Summer
Thirteen wonder-ful art installations
grills, wood doors and furniture, as
Adventure Camps, Child’s Play
explore how different artists see the
well as architectural stone products,
preschool, elementary, middle and high
world. RSVP required. Runs through
and it has a superlative network of
school programs. From STEAM to
mid-July. $15–$24; free for ages 3
artisans, craftsmen, and staff that will
theater and everything in between, check
and younger. See website for available
all remain intact with the acquisition.
them out! There are even programs for
times. Wonderspaces Arizona at
Visionmakers will continue to operate
the young at heart. RSVP. Programs fill
Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E.
its flagship 10,0000-square-foot
quickly. escforall.org
Camelback Rd., Scottsdale. arizona.
showroom at 1850 N. Higley Rd.,
wonderspaces.com
Mesa, as well as retaining the Rustic
MUMMIES DEAREST
rare artifacts. Multimedia stations take visitors on a 4,500-year journey
Visionmakers International LLC
to explore the mummies’ history and
architectural stone and steel door
Mummies of the World, featuring 40 human and animal mummies and 85
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m June 2 019
custom lighting, metal air vents and
Décor store at 15125 N. Hayden Rd.,
VISIONMAKERS INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES RUSTIC DÉCOR
Arizona Science Center presents
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doors, window walls, iron décor,
POINT OF VIEW
Suite 125, Scottsdale. 480-218-1500; visionmakersintl.com
KIWANIS TAPS NEW OFFICERS Kiwanis Club of Carefree has elected eight officers to serve during the 2018–19 fiscal year. They are: Cannon Dart, immediate past president; Mike Poppenwimer, president; Andrew Donohue, president-elect; Scott Brown, vice president; Toby Payne, secretary; Howard Dicke, treasurer; Joyce Jordan, director; and Bob Moore, director. Kiwanis Club of Carefree’s 200 members are focused on providing postsecondary scholarships, summer art programs, community science fairs and mentoring, special needs support, youth service organizations and more. Interested? Contact Steve Morse. 480488-2800; kiwaniscarefree.org
COWBOY WILL JAMES Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will showcase the work of iconic cowboy artist Will James—back by popular demand! The collection, on loan from SMoW trustee Abe Hays, features more than 80 works, all 26 of his books, as well as letters, photographs, his Winchester M1894 carbine rifle and more. Free with museum admission and hours. 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. 480-686-9539; scottsdalemuseumwest.org
June 2019
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of JPB Publishing
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Imagine walking underneath a working railroad bridge to find an 1890s world in which all of the wonders of the Old West surround you. To your left, people are panning for gold. To your right, they are exploring an abandoned mine. Straight ahead, there are shootouts between cowboys and Native Americans. In the blink of an eye, that 1890s world is gone. In its place are Salt River Project corporate offices. What was once an Old West theme park that invited visitors of all ages to play around in Arizona’s colorful history is now just another reminder of modern life. Legend City was conceptualized and built by artist and advertising agency owner Louis E. Crandall in 1963. Like many entrepreneurs of the time, the then-33-yearold Crandall was fascinated by Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. and aspired to replicate its success in Phoenix. Of course, amusement parks had been around long before that. In 1895, Sea Lion Park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York paved the way for the popular trend of enclosed entertainment areas. Arizona State University emeritus history professor Dr. Philip VanderMeer says that the success of Sea Lion Park prompted the development of other amusement parks all across the country during the first half of the 20th century. “Amusement parks were often built in association with streetcar developers who would run their streetcars out there as a way of getting double the money,” explains Dr. VanderMeer, who wrote about Legend City in his book “Phoenix Rising.” Walt Disney then had the idea to expand upon the amusement park concept by focusing on a specific theme. In 1955, he opened Disneyland, incorporating elements of fantasy into his rides and attractions. Others hopped onboard the idea, including Six Flags founder Angus G. Wynne, hoping to introduce equally successful theme parks in other cities around the U.S. Crandall mined Arizona’s roots for his version, incorporating an Old West theme into his 87-acre Legend City theme park near Papago Park off Van Buren Street on the border of Phoenix and Tempe. The Phoenix Zoo was under construction on an adjacent plot of land at the time and opened just a few months after Legend City.
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The theme park opened to rave reviews June 29, 1963. Tickets, which included admission and access to all rides, cost $3 for adults and $2.25 for children. Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Sandy Gibbons, Dolan Ellis, Mike Condello, Hub Kapp and Wallace and Ladmo performed at the park’s Coca-Cola Golden Palace Saloon on a regular basis, while Kap’s Penny Arcade kept kids occupied for hours at a time.
DISNEYLAND IN THE DESERT John Bueker moved to Phoenix with his family when he was 5 years old in July 1963, roughly one week after Legend City opened its gates. He was fortunate enough to visit the theme park for the first time later that summer and saw all of his wildest Western dreams become a reality right before his very eyes. “Going to Legend City was a big deal,” Bueker says. “It was our Disneyland. We lived on the west side of Phoenix so traveling to Legend City was a long journey. We did not have freeways back then, so it was a very significant event. It was a big part of being a kid in Phoenix in the 60s and 70s.” Bueker estimates that he only visited Legend City about five times, much to his dismay both then and now. However, the experiences he had there with his family left quite an impression on him—so much so that he created Legend-City.com, a website that keeps the memory of the theme park alive through pictures, memorabilia and even audio and video recordings. “The Lost Dutchman Mine ride was my favorite [attraction],” says Bueker, noting that Crandall was inspired to create the ride by a similar one at Frontier Village—another now-defunct theme park in San Jose, Calif. “The one at Legend City was much nicer, though, and a lot more imaginative. It was one of the only original attractions that survived the full 20-year life of Legend City.” In the Lost Dutchman Mine ride, park visitors boarded a mine car and traveled through a series of spooky and humorous scenes inside the supposedly haunted mineshafts of the Superstition Mountains before emerging into a small enclosed graveyard. Another distinctive attraction at Legend City was the Iron Horse—a train that, powered by a replica 1860s steam engine locomotive, traversed the Legend City Railroad along the southern edge of the theme park.
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To fully embrace the park’s Western concept and to set the ride apart from a similar one at Disneyland, Crandall incorporated a clumsy robbery attempt by desperados into the attraction. However, Legend City’s most ambitious attraction was River of Legends—a river ride, later renamed Cochise’s Stronghold, on which park visitors encountered Native American attacks, an earthquake and even dinosaurs. Many of the ride’s scenes were loosely based on actual places in southeastern Arizona such as the San Simon River, Fort Bowie and Apache Pass. “They spent a lot of money building the river ride,” says Bueker, who also wrote a book about the theme park in 2014— one year after the 50th anniversary of Legend City’s grand opening. “Louis Crandall wanted to bring Disneyland to Phoenix. His idea was to make it a genuine theme park in order to resemble Disneyland but he wanted it to be an Arizona-themed theme park. And that is exactly what he created.” Crandall tried to keep Legend City open year-round but hit a few hiccups during the cold and rainy months of January and February. The theme park eventually reduced its operating hours to weekend evenings and abandoned its one-price policy in favor of individual ride tickets, signaling that trouble was afoot. That trouble manifested when Legend City closed in November 1964— less than 18 months after opening. Former investors took the theme park to bankruptcy court, where it was revealed that it was behind in salary, fire insurance and property tax payments. In May 1965, Legend City reopened under a new business plan that made it much more of an amusement park—or permanent carnival—than a theme park. It changed hands four times, with each new owner driving
it further away from Crandall’s original concept until its gates closed indefinitely Sept. 4, 1983.
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HAPPY TRAILS Bueker, who became a close friend of Crandall until his passing in 2016, says that Legend City never really drew the numbers of visitors that officials had hoped it would. Crandall had estimated one million annual attendees, but the theme park only saw about 500,000 visitors during its first year in operation. “In my opinion, one of the problems was that the City of Phoenix was not really big enough yet in 1960 to host a world-class theme park—which is what Legend City aspired to be,” Bueker says. “We certainly did not have the tourism base either.” Dr. VanderMeer agrees, noting that Legend City attempted to put Phoenix on the map as a tourist destination at a time at which the city was not yet ready for such a high-profile status. “One of the tensions here is the extent at which you can make money off of tourists coming to your theme park and the extent at which you need to have locals coming and buying your tickets,” Dr. VanderMeer explains. “That balance never seemed to work out satisfactorily for Legend City.” Dr. VanderMeer adds that there are a number of other explanations as to why Legend City was unable to hold its own alongside the likes of Disneyland, Six Flags and the country’s various other highly successful theme parks whose revenue this year is forecast to total more than $22 billion. He explains that the value of the land in Phoenix is and always has been greater than the value of entertainment, and our high temperatures tend to be a deal-breaker.
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“Disneyland and many of the other theme parks get summer vacationers,” Dr. VanderMeer says. “You have got kids who have the days free during the summer. Well, summer and outdoor activity in Phoenix just do not go together terribly well. It is far too hot. I think that is the fundamental problem for an outdoor entertainment center in Phoenix.” However, the historian notes that Phoenix should not be frowned upon for its failure to keep Legend City around long enough for future generations to enjoy. “How many places actually have a Six Flags or some other theme park?” Dr. VanderMeer asks. “Not all that many. In that sense, Phoenix is not unique. When you look at the longer history of amusement parks, Phoenix fits right into that pattern.” Bueker agrees, adding that although people lament Legend City’s demise, it is actually quite surprising that the theme park lasted a full 20 years when the bigger picture is taken into account. Of course, there have been plenty of projects that have been announced over the years—including Dreamport Villages in Casa Grande—but nothing has materialized yet. Castles and Coasters near Metrocenter is the Valley’s closest thing to an actual amusement park, and is nowhere near the Disneyland in the desert that Crandall envisioned almost 60 years ago. “In a sense, the legacy of Legend City is that its perceived failure has discouraged anyone from investing in a theme park in Phoenix,” Bueker says. “Now we have a huge population here that could easily support a park. But the shadow of Legend City seems to still be hanging over Phoenix and no one has come forward to replace it in all these years.”
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Photo by Jordan Reece
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Sedona PhotoFest
Photo by Romy Reiner
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Kelli Klymenko still has his first camera—an Olympus 35mm that he got when he was only 12 years old. The Sedona-based artist, who has also served as the marketing director for Sedona Arts Center for the past nine years, has been fascinated with photography ever since he took his very first snapshot. “Photography is a passion of mine because it is a very quick and easy way to share your own personal vision,” Klymenko says. “I went to Parsons School of Design in New York and I love art in all of its forms. I draw, I paint and I sculpt. But at this time in my life, it is hard to have the time to do those things as much as I would like. Photography is an easy outlet for me to quickly share something beautiful.” Klymenko’s passion has not only led him to photograph the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau’s national campaign a few years ago and teach an iPhoneography course at the Sedona Arts Center, but also to spearhead an effort to share the art of photography with the community at large. Klymenko will present Sedona PhotoFest June 14 through 16 in Sedona. The event aims to educate and inspire photographers and enthusiasts of every level with seminars, presentations and workshops
Sedona PhotoFest initially made its debut in 2010 at the Sedona Arts Center. The venue hosted the event for a few years in a row, drumming up a lot of interest in photography as an art form. In 2016, Sedona PhotoFest went on an extended hiatus when Sedona Arts Center officials decided to decrease the overall number of events held at the facility. “We have had a lot of people calling us and requesting the event to take place again,” says Klymenko, noting that the Sedona Arts Center does not have many photography classes or workshops aside from his iPhoneography course. The public demand encouraged Klymenko to revive the event using his own resources and connections as well as the support of local and national sponsors. He partnered with Jordan Reece, a photojournalist and professional wedding and landscape photographer, to begin planning Sedona PhotoFest’s grand reintroduction. “When most people think about Sedona, they think of nature photography,” says Klymenko, noting that the iconic shot of Cathedral Rock tends to be the most common image that comes to mind. “But we want to go beyond that. Sedona PhotoFest shares more creative photography than just landscape
photography. We have night sky photography, we have aerial photography, we have photojournalism and portraiture. We try to cover a little bit of everything.” This year’s seminars, presentations and workshops will be hosted at Mary D. Fisher Theatre during the morning hours of Saturday and Sunday, and at Courtyard by Marriott Sedona during the afternoon and evening hours of Friday and Saturday. Romy Reiner, daughter of filmmaker Rob Reiner, is among the many speakers who will be in attendance. “Romy Reiner takes amazing photos,” Klymenko says. “She is a complete amateur photographer. She has no classical training except for a little bit of high school photography. She is just sharing her story. We take somebody like that and juxtapose her with speakers who have the professional photographer name badge.” One such professional photographer is Sedona resident Bob Coates, who says that photography is all about being and staying creative. He does not specialize in any one type of photography because he believes each genre of photography informs the next and helps images jump off of the page. “After 20-plus years as a professional photographer, I still find excitement in
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Photo by Ted Grussing Photo by Romy Reiner
Photo by Bob Coates
learning new ways to push those pixels around,” Coates says. “I am constantly pushing the envelope to get more depth and dimension into my imagery. Sometimes that means testing the limits of new camera technology or pushing software beyond the uses for which it was designed.” Another professional photographer scheduled to speak during Sedona PhotoFest is Pam Taylor, a photojournalist who is also known for her performing arts and fine art photography. Taylor, who is also a Sedona resident, aspires to push the envelope with her art by approaching photography with the question, “What if ...?” “That playful question ‘What If ...?’ is my constant companion,” Taylor says. “What if I took a very slow exposure and blurred a dancer’s spin? What if I switched from technicolor to soft black and white infrared? What if I submerged myself underwater and captured the fluid motions of a dancer as breath bubbles rise to the surface?” Photographers Charles Ruscher and Ted Grussing will also be in attendance of Sedona PhotoFest as will Michael Seeley, who has photographed NASA and SpaceX launches. “Sedona PhotoFest is about sharing not only the techniques but also the personal stories of photographers and how they got to where they are with their vision,” Klymenko says. “We want to show that there are creative people, not only in Sedona but also in the surrounding areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale. Whether it be nature photography, urban photography or something else, we want to share all of those stories and all of those visions that people have.”
EXPERIENCE Sedona PhotoFest June 14–16 | Mary D. Fisher Theatre | 2030 W. AZ-89A, Sedona | Courtyard by Marriott Sedona m aAZ-89A, g e s a r i z o n aSedona . c o m June 2 019 | Sedona Arts Center | 15 Art Barn Rd., Sedona | Free | sedonaphotofest.org 324105 iW.
On Sunday evening, the festivities will move to the Sedona Arts Center, where representatives from Lowell Observatory will be on hand with a pair of 12-inch telescopes and attachments that will allow guests to photograph the night sky’s celestial events—a fitting culmination for this year’s Sedona PhotoFest. Klymenko believes that Sedona is the perfect place to hold the event, which will once again be an annual affair with plans for the 2020 and 2021 Sedona PhotoFests already percolating. “Sedona is a beautiful place,” he says, noting that the area is a powerful source of inspiration for artists of all mediums. “People come to Sedona to paint, to draw and definitely to photograph the brilliant landscape that we have.” Klymenko suggests aspiring photographers focus less on the technical settings of their cameras and more on light. He adds that although knowing how to use those settings is important, understanding the roles that light and composition play in photography is key to capturing that perfect shot. “If you want to be a photographer, you have to understand light more than anything,” Klymenko explains. “All photographers are explorers of light. I suggest that people try to express themselves through their own eye. It is not all about editing. It is all about what you passionately feel. It is all about sharing what you see—your own personal vision.” He hopes that the stories that will be shared by photographers like Romy Reiner, Bob Coates, Pam Taylor, Charles Ruscher, Ted Grussing and Michael Seeley during Sedona PhotoFest will galvanize people to explore the light that they see and share their own personal vision with the world, creating a community in which everyone is an artist. sedonaphotofest.org June 2019
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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Delight in the Desert and Hotel Valley Ho
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The Phoenix area is bustling with great farmers markets and culinary events during most of the year. As summer temperatures rise, most markets close for the season and the event calendars slow down. Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale is offering culinary activities that both visitors and locals can enjoy—even on the hottest of summer days.
CHEFS + FARMERS MARKET Last year, Hotel Valley Ho introduced the Chefs + Farmers Market series, an indoor market showcasing local chefs, suppliers, live music, sips and bites. “We love collaborating with our local farmers, vendors and chef friends. I wanted to do something totally different from other restaurants and give locals something fun to do in the summertime,” said Hotel Valley Ho’s Executive Chef Russell LaCasce. “After toying around with ideas of how we could bring all of these elements together, I thought that an indoor farmers market was perfect.” This year, Hotel Valley Ho is hosting four indoor markets in June and July, each with a different theme, featuring fresh produce from local suppliers, spirit and wine tastings, live music and bites from Chef
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LaCasce and guest chefs, including Rene Andrade of Ghost Ranch in Tempe, Samantha Sanz of Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale and Matt Taylor of Mora Italian in Phoenix. “I created this series to support our outstanding local community of culinarians, small business owners and artisans, and to give them a platform to showcase their talents and products,” said Chef LaCasce. “Spearheaded by our team at ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, the market series celebrates the best of the season with a one-of-a-kind indoor shopping experience. It’s a great occasion to bring out your friends and family, support local businesses, leave with some fresh produce, and enjoy live music and drinks. Each event will be unique, from the chefs and bites to the live music.” The Hotel Valley Ho summer market also offers a refrigerated bag check, cash bar and a 25% off voucher to use at the hotel’s ZuZu restaurant. “People love connecting with local farmers and purveyors, and unfortunately that opportunity largely goes away in the Valley during the summer. We want to keep the farmers market spirit alive regardless of the temperature and allow the community to stick with their Saturday morning tradition and have something fun to look forward to over the weekend,” said Chef LaCasce.
SHAKE IT UP Nothing is better in the summertime than an ice-cold milkshake. Hotel Valley Ho’s decadent Show Stopper Shake features an array of sweet delights and a fun theme each month. Earlier this year, Hotel Valley Ho launched a Battle Freak Shake contest where people could enter their own Show Stopper Shake ideas. Attendees at the Chefs + Farmers Market will have the opportunity to taste some of the finalists’ shakes with samples featured at each market. The top shake at each market will be chosen by a combination of votes and guest chef judges. The winner will be selected during the final summer market July 13, and will be featured at ZuZu throughout the month of August.
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June’s monthly shake creation is the tropical Dreamsicle Show Stopper Shake. Inspired by iconic Hawaiian entertainer Don Ho, the shake features vanilla ice cream, orange and guava, topped with an orange creamsicle, pineapple upside down cake, toasted macadamia nuts and a passion fruit tart.
SUMMER DINING DELIGHTS In addition to the Chefs + Farmers Market series, Hotel Valley Ho offers culinary events throughout the summer. Every Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m., diners at ZuZu and the hotel lounge can enjoy Bottles + Bites, which includes a bottle of wine and two small plates for $35. “We are using the best ingredients of the season to serve up five off-menu small plates, changing weekly,” said Chef LaCasce. The monthly Monday Night Chef’s Table dinner series, featuring four courses paired with beverages, continues through June and July. The June 10 dinner explores California chardonnay and white burgundy. The July 15 dinner features pairings from Oregon’s Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. June 15, diners decide a beer versus wine battle, with five courses paired with selections from Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Frog’s Leap Winery. Although Arizona summers may be hot, there are plenty of options for refreshing indoor culinary fun at Hotel Valley Ho. For those who want to extend the culinary activities to a staycation, Hotel Valley Ho also offers great summer rates and specials. hotelvalleyho.com
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KIDS NEED KIWANIS
Summer Fun at Hotel Valley Ho June 10 6:30 p.m. Monday Night Chef's Table: California Chardonnay vs. White Burgundy $75 June 15 4 p.m. Beer vs. Wine: Firestone Walker Brewing Company vs. Frog’s Leap Winery $75 June 22 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chefs + Farmers Market Series: South of the Border June 29 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chefs + Farmers Market Series: Bada Boom July 6 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chefs + Farmers Market Series: Backyard Grillin’ and Chillin’ July 13 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chefs + Farmers Market Series: Sweet Treats July 15 6:30 p.m. Monday Night Chef's Table: Penner-Ash Wine Cellars $75 Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale 480-376-2600 hotelvalleyho.com
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Steve Morse 480-488-2800
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Writer Amanda Christmann
i mby a g Jon e s a rLinton i z o n aand .com June 2 019 Photography Jon's portraits by Claudia Johnstone (www.dasfotohaus.com) 38
“At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” Mother Teresa
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What’s in a name? It’s a question we seldom ask ourselves, but for those whose struggles have led them to a life on the streets, hearing the sound of one’s own name is the only thread that keeps them connected to humanity. Without a name, people who live with homelessness and addictions become invisible, anonymous faces in a world where people often choose to look the other way than to see their suffering. The statistics are difficult to hear: There are 18,000 people living on the streets in Arizona. Nationwide, there are an estimated 500,000 people with no address to call home. Beyond statistics though, it can be tough for those of us who do have a bed to sleep in each night to acknowledge the individual lives of people who do not. Whether we feel guilt, anger, or a sense of helplessness to change complex yet tragic situations, most of us avoid eye contact with homeless people as we pass them on the sidewalk or drive by in our cars. Photographer Jon Linton’s work has opened the eyes of hundreds of thousands of people through his “I Have a Name” project, “Let’s Be Better Humans” campaign and non-profit, and “Pillow” project. He has shared hundreds of stories through poignant photographs and urged us to see a very human reality all-too-often ignored. This month, Images Arizona is humbled to feature some of Linton’s work. Though it may be difficult to see, Linton’s work encourages us to begin both personal and cultural dialogues about homelessness. It also compels us to look at people in the eyes, and to ask the question, “What is your name?” Because without a name, who are we? facebook.com/theihaveanameproject ihaveaname.org
FACEBOOK.COM/THEIHAVEANAMEPROJECT The I Have a Name Project Facebook page now has just shy of 58,000 likes. It is the largest single social media platform giving a voice to those who are suffering through homelessness.
“I Have a Name” is currently on display at the Arizona Historical Society’s Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe, through Oct. 5. June 2019 imagesar iz ona .c om
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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES Though Linton has expressed himself through art for most of his life, his passion for advocacy is a well-tended flame that’s only grown with time.
You have no idea how long it has been since someone asked me who I am.
As publisher and owner of ArtBook, a high-end magazine that showcased area artists, Linton became close to a man who shared office space. That man fell prey to an addiction to painkillers, and Linton watched helplessly as his friend’s addiction took over his life. “Addiction is an ugly, ugly creature,” said Linton. “His descent to the bottom wasn’t a slow elevator ride; it was a freefall. In a short period of time, he lost his marriage, his business and his home, and he ended up homeless on the streets of Phoenix.” That friend later died. Though Linton was powerless over his friend’s addiction, he felt compelled to turn his life and death into a powerful message. “I thought I would use art as an instrument to honor his memory at the same time give voice to people like him who were suffering on the streets,” Linton said. “I thought, ‘I can take photographs and I could create a book.’ I was publishing a magazine and knew my way around the landscape of publishing. I had built a lot of relationships with galleries and was fairly certain I could convince a gallery in Phoenix to showcase my work and print.”
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Like many great ideas, that first step often proves elusive. Linton struggled with how to approach the project—in particular, with how to respectfully take photographs and avoid exploiting his subjects. “I wanted to approach them with a measure of dignity,” he explained. “I talked about it for many years and found myself in a studio in New Mexico having a conversation with another artist. He said, ‘Jon, I’m tired of hearing you talk about this. Why don’t you take action?’” It was more of a directive than a question, and it was the push Linton needed. A short time later, he spotted a man who was panhandling at a stoplight at 32nd Street and Thomas. “I thought, ‘I’m going to park the car and talk to this man.’” That’s exactly what he did. As they talked, Linton realized he hadn’t properly introduced himself. “I said, ‘Forgive me, my name is Jon. I didn’t ask your name—what is your name?’ The man began to weep. He said, ‘You have no idea how long it has been since someone asked me who I am.’ “We were both in tears.” That man’s name, Chuck Ridgeway, is one Linton will never forget, and in that moment, Linton’s mission became “I Have a Name” project.
LET’S BE BETTER HUMANS Linton’s efforts have organically grown to include a non-profit called “Let’s Be Better Humans.” “I wanted people to get involved and engaged,” he explained. “Liking and sharing content on social media was one thing, but motivating people to a call to action is another.” He raised enough money to purchase a bus that is used today to serve people who are homeless in Phoenix. He’s also used it to initiate conversations throughout the Southwest, including Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE After hundreds of hours of taking to the streets to advocate for people facing homelessness, Linton needed a respite. He began photographing landscapes in quiet, beautiful places where his soul found peace. Those photographs were quite good. The more he snapped, the more he sold. Today, Linton’s landscape photography has provided him with a full-time career that still enables him to engage in social activism.
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I HAVE A NAME The “I Have a Name” project almost didn’t happen. Conceived in 2007, a local bank was originally planning to underwrite Linton’s book and photography. However, in 2009, with the Great Recession in full swing, they were forced to withdraw support. Linton shelved the idea for a little while, but by 2011, he couldn’t help but notice that there was a whole new face to homelessness in metro Phoenix. Once-stable people who’d lost everything they’d had in the disastrous economy were living on the streets. “I decided to start working on the project again, and I committed myself to finding ways to raise money,” he said. A friend encouraged Linton to try social media. He put together a short video that went viral on social media, and in short order, he had enough money to print the now-sold-out book. His first opportunity for a gallery showing happened weeks later.
Art has a long history in creating social discourse. If I can use a camera and I can do something that makes a difference, it’s worth doing.
THE GARDEN Those who have ventured into downtown Phoenix and seen the MonOrchid building’s inspirational mural have experienced Linton’s passion firsthand. The Garden, now one of the most Instagrammed spots in Phoenix, is a collaboration between Linton and Brian Boner, who worked together on Pillow, and the building’s owner, Wayne Rainey. It was paid for by donations through a GoFundMe campaign, and was completed in January 2016. On the building’s west wall is a young boy standing upon a famous quote attributed to Mother Teresa. Hundreds of birds appear to flow from his watering can. To Linton, the birds represent freedom from the oppression of poverty; to Boner, they are a metaphor for community.
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In a corner of the mural is a plaque inscribed with the message: “In honor and remembrance of those who have on our streets.” i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c operished m June homeless 2 019
PILLOW Where do you lay your head to rest? Is it safe? Do you sleep? In 2016, Jon Linton and Brian Boner collaborated to develop an installation called “Pillow.” Sponsored by Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art and displayed from a container on Roosevelt Row, Pillow was a relatable way to humanize the improvised sleeping situations, environments and bedfellows of far too many people within our own community. Its premise was simple. Linton respectfully approached people living on the streets and obtained permission to snap their photos using a Polaroid camera, then posed the question, “Where did you sleep last night?” They wrote their answers on the photo. The results shook Linton. “You’d hear, ‘I slept in a shelter,’ ‘I slept under a tree,’ ‘I slept in an alley,’” he said. “I expected to hear those things. The thing I didn’t expect to hear was, ‘I didn’t sleep,’ and that’s what I heard over and over again.” The photos were hung from a wire—a thoughtful and apropos metaphor for the delicate balance between life and death that so many people are facing each day. “Pillow began with the crazy notion that there isn’t anything soft about living on the streets,” Linton said. “It was jarring to me in some ways, because I spent so many years having dialogue with people on the street, yet I wasn’t prepared for what I found.”
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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Grace Stufkosky and Aridus Wine Company
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In addition to great restaurants, shops and nightlife, Old Town Scottsdale has several tasting rooms where guests can enjoy wines from the state’s three wine regions—the Verde Valley near Sedona, Willcox in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, and Sonoita, located about an hour south of Tucson. Tasting rooms in Old Town Scottsdale include Carlson Creek, Salvatore Vineyards, LDV Winery and Aridus Wine Company. The newest tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale is Merkin Vineyards, which opened in March 2019. Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars are owned by Maynard Keenan, Grammy-winning vocalist for the metal band Tool, and his wife Lei Li. The grapes are grown on 110 acres of land located in Willcox and the Verde Valley, and they produce 7,000 cases of wine per year. Caduceus has a tasting room in Jerome, and Merkin has a tasting room and restaurant in Cottonwood.
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“In order to truly understand Arizona wines, we feel it is essential to visit these magical regions and experience them firsthand. However, not every visitor to the greater Phoenix area has the time to visit these areas. The Merkin Vineyards location in Old Town Scottsdale is meant to be an introduction to that magic,” said Keenan. Merkin offers three wine programs-Chupacabra wines are French, Shinola wines are Italian and Tarzan/ Jane wines are Spanish. Popular wines in the Scottsdale tasting room include Merkin Jane Pink, Merkin Shinola Rosado, Chupacabra Blanca and Chupacabra red. Keenan’s Puscifer canned wines and Arizona beer are also available in the Scottsdale tasting room. Merkin’s Scottsdale tasting room’s food menu includes cheese and charcuterie plates, house-made gelati and sorbetti created with Arizona ingredients, and several vegetable dishes featuring fresh produce grown in the vineyards’ garden and orchard and grown by Arizona farmers. “Guests will find a unique focus on vegetables and a telling of the story of Arizona, as far as what is growing and going on in the state. The menu will continue to evolve and rotate as new produce is harvested and the seasons change,” said Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan. One of the most popular menu items on Merkin’s menu is the beet tartare, a vegetable-centric twist on traditional beef tartare. “The food menu is purposefully designed around our wines, just like our wines are made for meals. I
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intentionally held back on some of the acid components of most dishes to allow the wine to take its place. This creates a harmony and balance,” said Chef Flanigan. Merkin’s new Scottsdale tasting room attracts a variety of patrons. “We have had many different types of guests, from tourists discovering Arizona wine for the first time, as well as the die-hard fans of what we are doing and what the state is producing,” said Chef Flanigan. In addition to the Merkin tasting room, LDV Winery has a new Scottsdale tasting room. LDV first opened a tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale in 2014, and moved to its new location in October 2018. LDV has a vineyard in Southeastern Arizona and specializes in wines produced from Rhone varietal grapes, including viognier, grenache, syrah and LDV’s popular petite sirah. “The new location is truly in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The space is open with a wraparound patio and great views of the bustling Stetson shopping and food district,” said Peggy Fiandaca, one of the owners of LDV Winery. “We have a lot more visibility and a lot more traffic, and we are truly blessed by the positive feedback we have received.” Aridus Wine Company opened its Scottsdale tasting room in 2015. Aridus, the Latin word for dry, has an estate vineyard in Southeastern Arizona, and also uses grapes from California and New Mexico. Aridus wines include sauvignon blanc, viognier, malvasia and cabernet sauvignon. “Our plan was to bring Southeastern Arizona wine country to Old Town Scottsdale,” said Scott Dahmer, owner of Aridus Wine Company. “It is a perfect place to have a local wine tasting room, and less of a drive. Our Scottsdale tasting room has a similar design and feel to all of our buildings with reclaimed lumber, dark steel, glass and leather in a rustic, modern, chic setting.” Visiting Arizona’s wine regions around the state is a unique, enjoyable and special experience. When you don’t have time to make a trip, you have the option to enjoy some of Arizona’s best wines right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of GRCA NPS, Grand Canyon National Park Service and Lear Miller
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There really is no way to definitively determine the exact age of the Grand Canyon. Geologists continue to debate the issue, with some saying the canyon was formed just 6 million years ago and others arguing that dinosaurs roamed its 277-mile length 70 million years ago. However, we do know that 11 Native American tribes have called the canyon home for at least the past 4,000 years. We also know that America naturalist John Wesley Powell led the first scientific expedition on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869, and that President Teddy Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon a national monument in 1908. The most notable moment in the canyon’s existence, though, occurred in 1919—100 years ago—when Grand Canyon National Park was established. The park received 44,000 visitors during its first year in operation. Since then, that number has skyrocketed to more than 6.25 million visitors. Grand Canyon National Park will celebrate its centennial June 22–29 with a summer festival and star party at its visitor center. The free events are just the latest in a yearlong series of celebrations that started with Founders’ Day in February. “It is really just a way for visitors and park partners to come and be able to commemorate the centennial in an interactive way,” says marketing manager Alysa Ojeda, noting that officials have invited a number of different organizations to the park during the summer festival. The event aims to showcase everything that Arizona has to offer. In addition to food and alcohol vendors, there will be several activities that will give visitors an even grander understanding of the Grand Canyon. The daytime activities include cultural demonstrations by tribes native to the canyon. “We will have some cultural demonstrators at the park to really tie in that cultural element,” says Ojeda, noting that representatives from tribes such as Hopi, Zuni and Navajo will be on hand 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day during the event. “They will be sharing their artisanal crafts that are specialized to their individual tribes. Park visitors will really be able to see the canyon’s past and commemorate that cultural heritage.”
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Visitors with children will find June 22 the best day to attend the summer festival as it has been dubbed Junior Ranger Day. The visitor center plaza will be occupied by plenty of booths offering children fun and interactive ways to learn about the Grand Canyon. Attendees will receive free gifts— including a replica of a ranger hat— while learning why national parks matter and how they can help keep parks healthy for future generations. “People will be able to walk around and interact with these different organizations,” says Ojeda, noting that endangered species and trail restoration are among the topics that will be addressed. “A lot of the booths will all have an educational component, so it will be easy for kids to learn some fun facts. We are even working on getting a mobile planetarium up that will be available that day for kids and families.” The event, which will be duplicated on June 29 to close out the summer festival, is an extension of the National Parks Service’s Junior Ranger Program, encouraging young visitors to explore, learn and protect our country’s national parks. “We want to create future park stewards through these educational programs,” Ojeda explains. “We want to bring kids to our parks and get them to care about our public lands. They are the ones who are going to help protect them so that people can continue to have access into the canyon in a safe and well-maintained manner.” At 4 p.m. each evening, the park will host a screening of a Grand Canyonthemed movie in its visitor center theater.
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“We have a little Grand Canyon Film Festival planned,” Ojeda says “We want to give people something to do between our daytime events and the star party. When they are done hiking for the day, they can come relax and learn a little bit about the Grand Canyon through film.” Scheduled movies include the Robert Redford-narrated documentary “National Parks Adventure” and the new PBS documentary “Beyond the Rim: The Next 100 Years of Grand Canyon National Park.” The celebration continues when the sun descends into the gorgeous Grand Canyon landscape. The park will host a star party, which will begin at 8 p.m. each night with an educational lecture by an astronomy expert in the visitor center theater. Scheduled guests include Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler, Dr. Lisa Prato and Dr. Danielle Adams from the Lowell Observatory, and Dean Regas from the Cincinnati Observatory. After each lecture, visitors can migrate to the parking lot for an opportunity to peek into telescopes provided by volunteers from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix. Several evenings will be capped off by a night sky photography workshop in the visitor center theater. “The star party is really just a chance for anyone who may live in a big city and not have access to a clear night sky view to come and see some constellations,” Ojeda says. “The Grand Canyon offers one of the best night sky viewing areas and it is still one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see the Milky Way.”
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The Milky Way is perfectly framed in the night sky above the Grand Canyon during the summer months. There will also be excellent views of Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Mars from the park. The highlight of the star party is International Dark-Sky Association program manager Dr. John Barentine’s visit on June 22, at which time Grand Canyon National Park will be officially certified an IDA Dark-Sky Park. The International Dark-Sky Association is a non-profit organization that works to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. According to the association’s website, a land must “possess an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment” in order to be certified an IDA Dark-Sky Park.
EXPERIENCE Grand Canyon Centennial Summerfest and Star Party i m a g e s |a Grand r i z o n a . cCanyon o m June 2 019Center | S. Entrance Rd., Grand Canyon Village | Free | nps.gov/grca Visitor 54June 22–29
RESIDENTIAL “This is something that has been in the works for several years,” Ojeda notes. “We have had teams going out to retrofit and fix out light fixtures throughout the park to be dark-sky friendly. As our cities get bigger and light pollution becomes an issue, especially for surrounding areas like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, we want to keep [Grand Canyon National Park] a place where people can come and see the night sky.” Ultimately, Grand Canyon National Park’s Centennial Summerfest and Star Party is more than just an event celebrating the birthday of our country’s most awe-inspiring national park. It is a way to commemorate Arizona’s storied history and instill within a new generation the desire to preserve its rich culture through the next 100 years. Moreover, it is an invitation for people to visit our state’s most defining natural wonder—especially those who may have experienced the Grand Canyon when their parents brought them as children years ago, but have yet to return to share it with their own families. “We have a lot of different amenities at the park now that were not there 25 years ago. The village area has really grown,” says Odeja, noting Grand Canyon National Park’s new shuttle service helps visitors move about the area more quickly and more conveniently.
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Eriko Saxon
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True to his rock and roll roots, Koshio headed east on Route 66. His mission was much bigger than simply meeting people; he wanted to create dialogue and encourage people to unite. He used what he knew: origami.
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No matter our origins, our ancestral lines began with rhythms and beats that remain part of us today. If we allow them, those timeless percussive booms can transcend time, space, race, religion and our personal identities, returning us to the most basic elements of our humanity. For Ken Koshio, returning to his rhythmic roots has been an exercise in personal growth and a mission in uniting an international community hungry for common threads. Though music has always been his passion, it took coming to the United States from his native Japan to realize his inherent connection to taiko, which translates roughly into “drumming beats” and “ancient times.” Koshio grew up in Nagoya, Japan, a generation after the war that caused a deep rift between Japan and the United States. He hadn’t heard about internment camps where Japanese Americans were held prisoner, and though there was anti-American sentiment, especially among older generations, he only thought fondly of the United States for its vibrant culture and opportunities. In 1998, Koshio moved to the United States as a musician. He’d grown up on everything from American rock and roll to reggae, and loved Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and other Euro-American bands. He emulated his favorites as a street singer in Los Angeles, playing on corners and in coffeehouses throughout the city. People also began asking him to make origami, one of his favorite childhood art forms.
Koshio saw that the messages Americans were hearing were aimed toward encouraging war against Iraq. “I wanted to reach to people in my way,” he says. “Fifty to 60 years ago, we were enemies. Now we are friends, but how much can I understand if don’t see those people? “In big cities, people have more opportunities to meet people from different types of cultures. I wanted to see those places.” True to his rock and roll roots, Koshio headed east on Route 66. His mission was much bigger than simply meeting people; he wanted to create dialogue and encourage people to unite. He used what he knew: origami. The crane is the Japanese symbol for peace. Simple to create and easy to carry, he decided to ask people to create origami cranes so he could release them at Ground Zero in New York. He called it his Thousand Cranes Tour. By the time he reached the site where the World Trade Center towers had fallen, he’d collected 3,000 cranes from across the country. Japanese supporters, many of them strangers, also heard about what Koshio was doing and sent 7,000 more. He brought them all to the site and put on a peace concert that was heartfelt and that carried a message of peace that many people were longing to hear. “In our culture, we make 1000 cranes which is our standard number and 10,000 is exactly 10 times—10 times of energy I felt,” he said.
Then came 9/11. “People said 9/11 was like a second Pearl Harbor,” he said. “When we were fighting, a lot of Japanese hated Americans. We were controlled by a lot of images in Japan from Japanese media. It was the same thing here.”
The project unlocked something in Koshio’s soul that he didn’t know existed. On his way back to Los Angeles, he made stops along the way. One was in Sedona, where he performed at Oak Creek Brewery. When his son was born June 2019
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in Sedona in July 2003, he decided to make Arizona a more permanent home. “One day, I was banging a drum by myself early in the morning, and the feeling I got made me really cry. I realized that the rock and roll, blues and reggae—any type of favorite music I had been playing—was not in my blood since it was not Japanese music. “When I banged the drum, I felt that the music I needed to learn was the vibe and beat of the drum already in me, even at a DNA level. I began looking at how can I express my feeling with the music. Then I started to practice taiko seriously.” Ironically, it was an American woman who expanded Koshio’s knowledge of taiko. Esther Vandecar, who had taught English in Hiroshima, was passionate about taiko. She was playing in Phoenix and invited Koshio to join her. She introduced Koshio to the art behind taiko, and they began to play together. Vandecar taught Koshio the history of taiko, but in the process, he connected with part of himself he hadn’t known. “We started to do basic things here. I realized that it was already in me. She was passing songs along to me, but at the same time she didn’t realize the importance,” Koshio says. “Many of these tunes have been passed along for thousands of years. Somehow this American lady brought them back to Phoenix, Arizona.” Since then, Koshio has dedicated his time to learning and sharing his message through taiko. “Taiko creates something to remind today’s world how can we make something to be today’s way instead of fighting each other. It’s a fusion, and a means toward a peaceful world.” In recent years, he has joined indigenous drummers and other musicians from all over the world, including Native Americans and Africans, to use ancient rhythms to return to the basics of human connection. “Drumming is our heartbeat,” he says. “Every single indigenous people have some type of drumming.
EXPERIENCE Migrations Taiko Extravaganza 2019 g e s a r i z o n aCenter . c o m June for the2 019 Performing Arts | 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale | $25–$55 | scottsdaleperformingarts.org 58June 1i m| aScottsdale
Drumming is our first language to communicate. Native Americans and Africans from all over Africa are playing similar types of drums. “We’re coming from different places, but the meanings and the root of the beat is coming from our ancestors.” That universal language surpasses cultural and linguistic boundaries, even among the musicians. “If we can communicate well as musicians, it’s not just how many bars or how many beats or patterns we can play together. Drumming is the most basic communication style. Even though we have different indigenous languages, drumming belongs to Mother Earth. Its frequency gives us a lot of great vibrations to heal.” Today, Koshio is an award-winning drummer and activist who holds a certified teaching license of Hiroshima Jidaiko indigenous taiko drumming under his master, Mr. Munakata. He shares his beliefs, knowledge and experience in his dojo and shares Japanese culture to school children through origami, calligraphy, folk tales, folk music, taiko, and other Japanese instruments. He tours both the United States and Japan, often collaborating with Native musicians and hoop dancers, including six-time world champion Derrick Suwaima Davis, and collaborates with artists and musicians to create stage shows that share music and art with multicultural audiences. In 2013, he went to India as a special guest to participate in a world music orchestra, which set a Guinness World Record. June 1, Koshio will be part of his latest collaboration, Migrations, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Joined by Suwaima Davis and a host of other artists and musicians, this not-to-be-missed concert is intended to celebrate the colorful diversity of cultures and generations. “As I continue to learn from new experiences, I am humbled as more and more,” he says. “I realize just how small I am in this world. I realize we need to connect with one another to be able to build something strong and solid. Through trust and standing together, and walking toward the future to save this Mother Earth we love for future generations. “My goal is to teach people that we are one. One love. We can connect our heritage, ancestries and roots to allow us all to become one on this planet.” kenkoshio.com June 2019
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum
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In the song “Man in Black,” Johnny Cash explains that his trademark, all-black stage wardrobe is a symbol for many oppressed people. The legendary musician wore black for the poor and beaten down, for prisoners who had long paid for their crimes, and for those who had never heard or read of the blessings in the Bible. In other words, Johnny Cash stood for something. And he used his talent and the influence he acquired through becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time—with more than 90 million records sold worldwide—to make a difference in the lives of the American people. Johnny Cash is responsible for more than just the countless hits he produced over the course of his storied career, which included “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line,” as well as “It Ain’t Me Babe” and “Jackson”—duets that he sang with his eventual wife June Carter, who was a distinguished musician in her own right. The Musical Instrument Museum will celebrate the music and the legacies of Johnny Cash and June Carter 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22 and 23. The event coincides with what would have been June Carter’s 90th birthday.
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The weekend celebration is part of a series in which the museum commemorates influential and inspiring artists who are known as icons of the musical world. The programs aim to spotlight artists from the museum’s galleries and showcase them through engaging activities such as film screenings, musical performances and curator talks. “MIM is honored to present this special signature event commemorating one of America’s most beloved musical couples,” says public programs manager Randi Ringes. “Throughout the weekend, we will offer activities for the whole family highlighting the music, stories and instruments associated with these two iconic musicians.” Rich Walter, who serves as the Musical Instrument Museum’s curator for the United States, Canada and Europe, appreciates the opportunity to share with visitors an expanded and deeper view of the instruments that Johnny Cash and June Carter used to create their legendary careers. “These are not only very fine instruments and have a lot of details for people to look at and appreciate from their craftsmanship and so on, but they represent something quite significant,” Walter adds. “The stories of Johnny Cash, June Carter and the Carter Family are really powerful in the larger narrative of American music.”
CAN THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN The items that the Musical Instrument Museum will be highlighting during the event include one of June Carter’s personal autoharps, which was hand-built by George Orthey. Autoharps are zither instruments that feature a series of chord bars attached to dampers that, when pressed, mute all of the strings other than those that form the desired chord. “This particular instrument is really fun to see close-up because it redefines how high-quality and well-built an autoharp can be,” Walter says. “There are some really nice visual construction details to it that distinguish it as a very high-quality autoharp. It has what we would call a herringbone border on the top of it that is more typically seen on older Martin guitars.”
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Walter says that the autoharp’s significance is amplified by the fact that the instrument was also played by June Carter’s mother, Maybelle Carter, who was an original member of the Carter Family, an American folk music group who participated in a 1927 recording session that is considered to be the flashpoint of commercial American country music. “There is a real sense of lineage and continuity from the Carter family tree keeping that type of instrument and those sounds in the audience's ears,” Walter explains. “To have something that June Carter played that is an extension of what her mom's generation played and really cemented the legacy of the autoharp in American music is a pretty cool thing.” Arizona Autoharp Club historians, including the organization’s founder, Barbara Giamolvo, will lead a participatory sing-a-long activity during the event, as well as offer a music workshop for families. Visitors of all ages will be able to learn the basics of playing the instrument on full-sized and special child-sized autoharps.
LONG-LEGGED GUITAR PICKIN’ MAN Two of Johnny Cash’s guitars will receive the star treatment during the event, the first of which is a Martin Dreadnought guitar that is No. 1 in a limited edition signature model series. The D-42JC prototype features several visual cues that immediately signify the musician after whom it was designed. “In addition to having a very distinctive black finish, there is a lot of pearl ornamentation around the surface of the guitar as well as inlaid stars and a copy of Johnny Cash’s autograph on the fingerboard,” Walter says. Johnny Cash’s Martin 5-18, a smaller-sized guitar from 1935, will also be highlighted. Randy Wood, a wellknown luthier who worked on instruments for a number of Nashville stars, customized the guitar with an acorn motif on the fingerboard in pearl inlay. This matches visually with embroidered details on one of Johnny Cash’s iconic black suits, which will also be on display during the event.
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“Acorns and oak trees represent strength, stability and other personal traits that you would associate with a long-lasting career,” Walter says. “These symbols appealed to Johnny Cash and were a subtle part of what he integrated into his wardrobe and instruments.”
ONE PIECE AT A TIME The instruments themselves are just the beginning, as the museum will also host a concert by Ahwatukee singer/songwriter Blaine Long, a contestant from Season 11 of NBC’s talent competition “The Voice.” Long will bring the classic music to life by performing some of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s songs, as well as some of his own. This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the premiere of “The Johnny Cash Show,” a variety television series that ran June 7, 1969, through March 31, 1971, on ABC. In honor of that special occasion, the Musical Instrument Museum will screen several episodes of the show in its theater during the event. Thomas Grant Richardson, former curator of education at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Tenn., will also be on hand during the event to share insight into the music of Johnny Cash and June Carter, as well as the legacy of the Carter Family. Walter believes that June Carter and the Carter Family represent an ongoing and indelible stamp on American music. “The Carter Family could not be more important to the story of American music, and especially country music,” Walter says. “They continue to be the source material for people today. From the 1920s, they recorded a canon of songs that have been inspirational to virtually every country artist since then— generation after generation—so it is impossible to overstate the influence that the Carter Family has had in songwriting and performance.”
EXPERIENCE Musical Icons: Johnny Cash and June Carter i m aand g e s a23 rizo n aa.m.–5 . c o m June 019 |9 p.m. |2Musical Instrument Museum | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix | $20 | 480-478-6000 | mim.org 64June 22
Moreover, Walter believes that Johnny Cash’s cultural significance extends far beyond his music. The curator says that the musician was a spokesperson for people across the U.S., representing the voice of the common American and standing behind that throughout his entire career. “He fought through his personal challenges and was a true individual who was fairly uncompromising in how he represented his own beliefs, his own voice and his own sense of identity in the world,” Walter says. “He did that unapologetically and was such a compelling performer—to say nothing of his television shows, which introduced a lot of other fantastic performers to huge audiences.” From rockabilly through outlaw country and beyond, most American music has at least a little thread of Johnny Cash in it. The Musical Instrument Museum’s celebration will enlighten fans of the musician with a different dimension of his career and expose a new generation to an artist who has shaped American culture in a variety of ways. “On his own merits, Johnny Cash has been a hugely important and influential figure in American music,” Walter says. “His songs are legendary and have been inspirational to subsequent generations of people looking to a musician who can also be an extraordinarily strong character in the music industry.” mim.org
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Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet This Thai-inspired dish is the perfect light, summer dish that is a breeze to throw to gather for a get-together. It reminds me of tom kha gai soup, which is why I like to add a little spice with the curry paste. If you want a milder flavor, just forego the paste.
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts 1 shallot, chopped 4 cloves garlic, smashed, or 2 teaspoons jarred garlic 1/4 cup chicken or bone broth 1 can coconut milk (shake well before opening) 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (2–3 limes) 1 tablespoon chopped ginger 1 tablespoon red curry paste (optional for some heat) 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Directions: In a large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil (I use avocado oil) over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to hot skillet. Brown both sides of the chicken very well, then remove to a plate. Add shallots to the pan, adding a splash of the broth is needed to scrape up the brown bits. SautÊ for a minute or two then add the garlic, ginger, and curry paste (if using). Add the remaining broth, coconut milk and lime juice. Bring to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts back in the skillet. Cover the pan and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is done. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve over rice. Enjoy! Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
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