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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022
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Mesa Arts Center slates big performance season GETOUT STAFF WRITER
The Mesa Arts Center has unveiled its 2022-2023 Performing Live season that its program director calls “our biggest season ever.” “I’ve been booking shows at Mesa Arts Center since it opened in 2005,” said Randy Vogel. “I believe that Mesa Arts Center’s 2022-23 Performing Live season is our biggest season ever. I am especially thrilled that we’re bringing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to Mesa Arts Center. Arizona’s last Chicago Symphony Orchestra appearance was more than 30 years ago.” Tickets are on sale at MesaArtsCenter.com and at 480-644-6500. Here’s the lineup: Matt Fraser, July 9. Matt Fraser is America’s top psychic medium and star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment. Kurtis Connor, Aug. 7. Performer, podcaster, and global YouTube sensation, Kurtis Conner is bringing his freshest, funniest material yet to the stage. America, Aug. 21. On the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America had an impressive string of hits. Whose Live Anyway?, Sept. 8. The critically-acclaimed improv comedy show aired on ABC from 1998 to 2004 and returned in 2013 on The CW, where it’s entering its 8th season. Clannad: The Farewell Tour, Sept. 13.
Riverdance, the famous Irish dancing show, will be at the Mesa Arts Center next year. (Special to GetOut)
Clannad fuses elements of traditional Irish music and more contemporary folk, new age and rock that combines haunting melodies and mesmerizing vocals. Mariachi Herencia de Mexico with special guest Lupita Infante: Cuando Mexico Canta, Sept. 17. The Latin GRAMMY-nominated group of young Mexican-American musicians are rec-
ognized as the new ambassadors of the mariachi tradition. The Music of Cream, Sept. 24. Cream was the blueprint for every supergroup to follow and the heavy blues precursor to Hendrix, Zeppelin and more. Adam Golka, Oct. 6. Polish-American pianist Adam Golka is a concerto soloist. Tower of Power, Oct. 7. The most
dynamic and distinctive band of survivors in soul music is roaring into its unprecedented 50th anniversary. Nella, Oct. 14. Nella released her debut album in 2019, written and produced by Javier Limón for which she won Best New Artist at the 2019 Latin GRAMMY Awards. National Geographic Live, Oct. 19. Discover how the iconic Olmec heads of Mexico were created, explore the true meaning behind the imposing Teotihuacan pyramids, and get a peek into the culture and daily life in the Mayan city of Chichen Itza. The Fab Four, Oct. 22. The Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to
detail. Wardruna, Nov. 5. Wardruna have had vast worldwide success, transcending music genres, cultures and languages while being renowned for their innovative and genre-creating renditions of ancient Nordic traditions. See
MAC on page 48
Phoenix Fan Fusion is a ‘Disneyland for geeks’
(co-creator of “Mayday”) along with various cosplayers and costume groups. “We’re bringing three full days of the exhibitor hall, panels of events, a full lineup of celebrities, comic creators, authors, costume groups, after dark parties, theatrical events,” Solberg said. “For our attendees, it should be no different than when they’ve attended our shows in the past. We’re bringing back everything they have come to love and expect.”
GETOUT STAFF WRITER
Phoenix Fan Fusion convention director Matt Solberg likens his upcoming event to a legendary tourist destination. “It’s really like Disneyland for geeks to come to our show,” he said. After a multiple-year pandemic-dictated break, Phoenix Fan Fusion will make its return to the Phoenix Convention Center Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29. Solberg assures that only minor changes were made to the 20-year event. It’s still a one-stop shop for actors, comic book creators, authors, cosplayers, costume groups, vendors, artists, creators, dealers and publishers. “We are bringing badges back, which has been a long-standing attendee request, given their collectible nature,” Solberg adds. “We are expanding gaming that we do into its own hall within the convention center. We are also really focusing our efforts within the exhibitor hall. I’m creating great energy within the hall by having the actors, the costuming groups, the exhibitors, authors, artists, creators all in one space on the lower level of our exhibitor hall.” Anticipated guests include actors Doug Jones (“Hellboy,” “Star Trek: Discovery”) and Felicia Day (“Supernatural,”
RETURN VISIT Above: Tempe author Lisa McMann and her husband Matt will moderate panels at Phoenix Fan Fusion. (Special to GetOut) Right: X-Men meets Spy Kids in the instant New York Times bestseller “Forgotten Five,” the first book in a new middle-grade fantasy/ adventure series from the author of “The Unwanteds.” (Special to GetOut)
“The Magicians”), along with authors Erin Jade Lange (“Mere Mortals”) and
Lisa McMann (“The Unwanteds”), comic book creators Fabian Nicieza (co-creator of “Deadpool”) and Tony Parker
Author Lisa McMann and her husband, Matt, will moderate panels at the event. The Tempe-based couple debuted at Fan Fusion in 2011 with their daughter, actress Kennedy McMann, with Lisa presenting her book “Cryers Cross.” The story was inspired by Kennedy’s OCD and her acting. See
FUSION on page 47
