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January 4 – 17, 2014
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‘Flora’ show continues at Vision
ON DISPLAY: Nevada fiber artist Paula Chung with her “Aging Iris IV” textile at the Vision Gallery through Sat., Jan. 18. STSN photo by Laurie Fagen
The fiber art exhibition of Paula Chung continues through Sat., Jan. 18, at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., in downtown Chandler. “Flora: The Fiber Paintings of Paula Chung” is inspired by Chung’s gardens, which, she says, provide “a never-ending source of inspiration and solace.” She uses hand-dyed silks, often over-dyed to capture a rich depth of color, with nature serving as her pattern. A fusible interfacing is applied and a cotton/polyester batting attached. The florals are heavily machine quilted and embroidered. “My pieces try to capture a blossom’s essence and the energy and the awe I feel when experiencing their beauty,” says the Nevada artist.
The Vision Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For details, visit visiongallery.org or call 480782-2695. For more on Chung’s work, go to www.paulachung.com.
TEXTILE EXHIBIT: Additional fiber wallhangings by Paula Chung continue on display at the Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler. STSN photo by Laurie Fagen
Country Thunder rolling into Florence this spring with top headliners BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
With headliners Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and The Band Perry, Country Thunder organizers feel they have the right mix to stir up the dirt in Florence Thu., April 10, through Sun., April 13. “We think we’ve gotten it right yet again,” says Troy Vollhoffer, executive producer. “Our headliners are incredibly strong and we’ve backed them up with a good mix of hot, young talent and
classic artists who appeal to our entire demographic. We know that our fans are going to have a blast this spring.” Besides the trio of award-winning artists, the bill also features Sawyer Brown, Craig Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Thompson Square, Cassadee Pope, Tyler Farr, Easton Corbin, LoCash Cowboys and Colt Ford. “That’s one festival I’ve wanted to play for awhile,” Ford says. “I’m excited
to be able to do that. I’ve heard from my other buddies what a great festival it is and how much fun it is. So I’m really looking forward to it.” A former professional golfer, Ford is promoting “Ride Through the Country Revisited,” a reimagining of his 2008 debut album. “It’s old, but it’s new, if that makes any sense,” says Ford, who recently wrapped up a tour with longtime friends Florida Georgia Line. “When I first made ‘Ride
Through the Country,’ I didn’t know anything about Nashville. I didn’t know anything about what was going on in that world. I just wanted to make a country record. So I made one. “At the time, I didn’t think I’d make one (album) let alone four. I just never thought that would happen.” He decided to revisit “Ride Through the Country” to show where he has traveled to, musically, in his career. SEE COUNTRY THUNDER PAGE 57
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Chandler Center for the Arts boasts eclectic lineup of shows There’s plenty going on at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call 480-782-2680 or visit chandlercenter.org to learn more.
‘Incognito’ Actor, teacher and writer Michael Fosberg brings his moving autobiographical play “Incognito” to the Chandler Center for the Arts at 7 p.m., Fri. Jan. 17. After 30 years of thinking he was “white,” Michael Fosberg uncovers his biological father and discovers he is “black.” This is the story told by Fosberg as he inhabits more than a dozen characters during his compelling one-man play. “Since 2001, I have performed ‘Incognito’ throughout the country, inviting audiences to question and discuss their thoughts on race and identity as I have come to question and embrace my own,” Fosberg says. Fosberg challenges audiences to carefully examine their assumptions about others while taking audience members on a passionate journey covering issues of race, identity, diversity and stereotypes. “Imagine discovering you are not the person you thought you were. That you have a family, a history, an ethnicity you never knew. How would this discovery impact your life, the lives of those around you, your vision of yourself and society?”
Fosberg says. The presentation is among several events occurring in January as part of the city’s 2014 Celebration of Unity chandleraz. gov/diversity. Tickets are $10. Call 480-7822680 or visit chandlercenter.org.
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix Dick Van Dyke—star of movies including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Fitzwilly,” television series “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Diagnosis: Murder” and the 2013 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award winner— walks the audience through his exceptional 60 years in show business as he sings songs from his stage and screen work with his a capella quartet The Vantastix. Van Dyke and the Vantastix will perform 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 25. Tickets are $48-$68.
Mr. & Mrs. Wyatt Earp ‘The Sunset Years’ This show explores the love, adventure secrets and lives of the Earps, as told by the elderly Wyatt and Josephine Sarah Marcus Earp. The play takes place nine years after Wyatt dies, in Josie’s memory. Meanwhile, an elderly Wyatt speaks reluctantly of his time in Tombstone the life that followed. The play is 3 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26. Tickets are $20 and $24.
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improvMANIA brings classes to Chandler starting Jan. 8 If you have a New Year’s resolution to try something new, you may be in luck—improv classes are coming to Chandler starting Jan. 8, with improvMANIA, the Valley’s own family friendly improv comedy troupe. The classes are professional-level and will be offered to Chandler and Gilbert residents in partnership with the Chandler Recreation Department at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.
improvMANIA has been producing family friendly improv comedy shows in Downtown Chandler since 2009 at venues such as Chandler Center for the Arts, Art On Boston, Gangplank and Kokopelli Winery. Call 480-782-2727 or visit classregistration.chandleraz.gov/ registrationmain.sdi to register for classes. Follow improvMANIA on Facebook at facebook.com/improvMANIA.
Outliars Comedy Club Chandler celebrates first anniversary Jan. 19 The Outliars Comedy Club Chandler is offering $1 off the price of admission for its show at 7:30 p.m. Sun., Jan. 19, inside Iguana Mack’s, 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. “We are excited about the year going into 2014 after a great 2013 with tremendous acts from ‘The Office,’ ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘Workaholics,’ ‘MadTV,’ ‘According to Jim,’ ‘Parks and Recreation,’ ‘Key and Peele,’ ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,’” says founder Dave Thurston. “We were also fortunate enough to put on the first Arizona Improv Festival and first Arizona Sketch Comedy Festival. We are going to do to it again this year and we are going to add the first Arizona Stand-Up Comedy Festival from Feb. 20 to Feb. 23. In other Outliars news, the troupe will be hosting auditions beginning at 5 p.m. Sun., Jan. 12, inside Iguana Mack’s. For reservations for any shows or auditions, call 480-784-7258 or visit outliarscc. com.
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January 4 – 17, 2014
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COUNTRY THUNDER FROM PAGE 55
COMING TO TOWN: Miranda Lambert is one of this year’s Country Thunder headliners. Submitted photo
COUNTRY THUNDER DEBUT: Colt Ford is playing Country Thunder for the first time. Submitted photo
“There are so many songs on that record that are the foundation of my career, that I have to play every night,” he says. “If I don’t play them, then somebody will be mad at me. We just decided to try to do it—and do it with some legends.” The album features new versions of the favorites with fellow Country Thunder act Diffie, along with Ronnie Dunn, Wynonna Judd, John Anderson, among others. “The integrity of the songs hadn’t changed, but I’ve certainly grown as an artist in the last few years,” he explains. “I was able to get my band, my guys who play with me every night, to go in there with me and do it. It just turned out really cool. I think people who love the first record will love them both. They’re
the same but they’re different.” Four-day passes to Country Thunder are available for $160 by visiting countrythunder.com or calling 1-866802-6418. To receive festival news and updates via text message, text ARIZONA to 44622. “Like” the festival on Facebook at facebook.com/countrythunderusa and follow it on Twitter at: twitter.com/ countrythunder. More than just a music festival, Country Thunder offers a full fan experience with camping, thrill rides, amazing food and specialty item vendors. DJs will spin country, red dirt and rock with an electronic dance music/club twist in Electric Thunder. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.
Chandler celebrates Chinese New Year Chandler rings in the New Year—the Chinese New Year—4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 19, as the Eastern Art Academy (EAA) and ASU Confucius Institute present the 2014 Chinese New Year Show. Chinese dance, instrumental and vocal performances and martial arts demonstrations will be highlighted at this year’s festivities. Traditional Chinese dances will be especially featured, with special performances from about 100 dancers
from EAA. Dancers from 5-year-old beginners to professional performers will demonstrate the dance styles, and the academy will showcase its dancers putting on solo, duet, trio and group performances. They will also use classic props on stage like silk fans, lanterns and floating ribbons. Classes in traditional Chinese arts are available at the EAA. The academy also offers cultural programs for children and adults; including Tai Chi and other
martial arts, Chinese dance, traditional Chinese painting, fine arts and a bilingual language program. The festival will be at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $15. To buy tickets or to learn more call Chandler Center for the Arts at 480-782-2680 or Eastern Art Academy at 602-490-8613.
DANCING IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR: Young performers are on the program for the Chinese New Year festivities that the Eastern Art Academy is bringing to the Chandler Center for the Arts. Submitted photo
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Smith displays Chandler portraits The Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, will display The Chandler Portraits: The Fine Art of Tad Smith Fri., Jan. 24, through Sat., March 8. Several prominent Chandler citizens were nominated to be represented in Smith’s signature stylized portraits, to honor their hard work and setting an example in Chandler. The gallery will hold a public reception for the artist Fri., Jan. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Smith, who owns The Design Idea graphic design, strives to listen to clients and create an artistic work out of their ideas. Smith has developed his own graphic style in addition to his fine art, and has used it in creating this exhibition featuring likenesses of some of Chandler’s most respected citizens. Each person was nominated from a wide variety of sources for giving selflessly to
their community. Though the art depicts a diverse group of people, each subject has had an impact in the community, including serving on boards and commissions and working to nurture and develop Chandler as it the city grows. “These images all represent the positive and inspirational ways people take pride in their community,” Smith says. “People who impact their community in such a positive way is heartwarming. When we asked for nominations from people, we found so many subjects who have been positive role models. We have enough names to continue the exhibition for several more years. We are starting with 20 nominations of people who seem to represent the ideals of the exhibit theme in prominent and consistent ways.” Visit visiongallery.org or call 480-7822695 to learn more.
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‘Automotive Artifacts’ puts cars in new light at CCA through March 8 Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler will showcase “Automotive Artifacts: The Fine Art Photography of Brenda Priddy” from Fri., Jan. 31, through Sat., March 8. The display will feature fine-art photos of iconic automotive details An open public reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 will be held for the artist. Many viewers might know Priddy’s photographs of test cars, taken as the cars are moved from the proving grounds in the desert. Her images have appeared in many magazines and other publications. While photographing the test cars, Priddy has spent much of her time waiting near auto proving for the vehicles to be moved into place. While
waiting in areas from junkyards to classic car exhibits, she’s been able to look around and capture many other subjects. She’s often aimed her lens at auto details, such as nameplates, hood ornaments, architectural lines of car designs and more. Those details became the focus for this art exhibition. “These images recall a day long past when the automobile stood as an iconic figurehead in the American life,” Priddy explains. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 480-782-2695 or visit chandlercenter.org.
Darien Evans elected to Valley Youth Theatre board of directors Darien Evans, general counsel at imortgage, has been voted to a threeyear term on the Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) Board of Directors. “VYT is an amazing organization with a stellar reputation,” says Evans.
“Its work directly benefits the Phoenix community, and I am thrilled for this opportunity to contribute.” A member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Evans left Caliber Funding after more than three years to join
imortgage in April 2013. Her role as general counsel includes advising management on complex legal issues, supervising the company’s regulatory compliance, as well as negotiating financing, agreements and leases.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and her J.D. at ASU College of Law, both cum laude. For more information about Valley Youth Theatre, visit vyt.com.
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Irish dancing competition and festival with Chandler’s Sister City
Childsplay earns NEA Art Works $20K grant Childsplay was recently named one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The theater was recommended for a $20,000 grant to support its production of nationally acclaimed playwright José Cruz Gonzales’ “Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle.” In the play, a stray dog appears on the doorstep and it is love at first sight for 6-year-old Cory, and the last straw for Grandma Autumn. Life hasn’t been easy lately for these two, facing absent parents and lost homes. But in a delightfully surprising story filled with humor and heart, “Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle” reminds us love makes almost anything possible, even in hard times. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts,” says Joan Shigekawa, NEA acting chairwoman Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 895 are recommended for grants for a total of $23.4 million. “I am pleased that Childsplay has received this $20,000 NEA grant for the upcoming production of ‘Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle,’” says Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. “I am certain this new José Cruz Gonzalez’s production will inspire and entertain audiences throughout the Valley. Childsplay is a true leader in the Arizona arts community and I am proud that they are based right in the heart of Congressional District 9.” “Childsplay is thrilled to be working with the NEA on this wonderful piece,” says Childsplay Artistic Director David Saar. “José Cruz Gonzalez has written a heartwarming story that is relevant to many young people and families today.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK: “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” Childsplay explodes on the stage with this much loved classic. Submitted photo, Tim Trumble Photography
We are excited to bring it to life on stage.” Performances of “Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle” will be held at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., at 1 and 4 p.m. March 22 through March 30, Saturdays and at 1 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale at childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office 490-3502822. The play is recommended for ages 5 and older. For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.
Final shows of Childsplay’s 20132014 season on sale Tickets are on sale for the rest of Childsplay’s 2013-2014 season. The adventures at Tempe Center for the Arts continue with everyone’s favorite cat in The Cat in the Hat and a rockin’ new look at “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” From the moment his tall, red-andwhite-striped hat appears at their door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat they will ever meet. Suddenly a rainy afternoon is transformed by the Cat and his antics. Will their house ever be
the same? Can the kids clean up before mom comes home? With some tricks (and a fish) and Thing Two and Thing One, with the Cat in The Hat, the fun’s never done. Catch “The Cat in the Hat” Jan. 26 through March 16; recommended for ages 3 and older. A pop culture phenomenon “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” returns to the musical stage. Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through megahits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the Childsplay stage with favorite songs updated for a whole new generation. See “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” April 20 through May 25; recommended for ages 5 and older. Performances are held weekends at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale at childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts box office at 480-350-2822. Each show features a $12 Storybook Preview performance, sponsored by The Steele Foundation. Each family that attends this general admission preview performance will receive a free book. For more information, visit childsplayaz.org.
The Feis in the Desert, an annual Irish dancing competition sponsored by Chandler’s Bracken School of Irish Dance, takes place this month Fri., Jan. 17, beginning at 5 p.m. and Sat., Jan. 18, and Sun., Jan. 19, beginning at 8 a.m. The competition takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1800 S. San Tan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, just across the street from the San Tan Village. Dancers from all over the country will come to compete against each other in this highly technical and athletic style of dance. Dancers will be judged on their style, choreography and technique; but the event is also a cultural festival celebrating Irish customs and music. Some activities begin on Friday, but the competition begins at 8 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 18, and the Irish festivities continue on Sunday. All levels of dancing will be on display, from beginners to world championship qualifiers. The schedule includes solo dances and ceile (team) dances. Attendees will also have a chance to honor Irish traditions through art competitions. Admission and parking are free. For more information, including a schedule, visit brackenirishdance.com/fitd. The competition is apropos. After all, Tullamore, Ireland, is Chandler’s Sister City.
WINNING DANCERS: The Bracken School’s award-winning ceile team at the 2013 Western Regional Oireachtas. Submitted photo
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ON STAGE Pablo Francisco, through Sun., Jan. 5, SUL. The Arizona native and soundeffects master presents his arsenal of spot-on impressions and observational spoofing. “Bravo Broadway,” through Sun., Jan. 5, SH. Accompanied by three world-class soloists, the Phoenix Symphony will play selections from “Cabaret,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” “Hairspray,” “Chicago,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Show Boat,” “My Fair Lady” and more. ERTH’S Dinosaur Zoo Live, Fri., Jan 10, through Sun., Jan. 12, MAC. A visual experience of giant puppetry, inflatable environments, flying and crawling creatures and more. Get up close and personal with creatures that inhabited Earth millions of years ago. Genesis Dance Project, Fri., Jan. 10, and Sat., Jan. 11, TCA. This dance showcase will feature different dance artists including emerging artists as well as professional companies from all genres and styles of dance from Arizona and other states. A post-performance Q&A by the Arizona Dance Coalition follows the show. “Late Nite Catechism,” Fri., Jan. 10 through Fri., March 28, SCPA. Awardwinning actress Patti Hannon is quicktempered Sister. Ruling her classroom with an iron fist, she teaches her
students—who happen to be the audience—everything she knows about sins and saints while doling out rewards and reprimands.
Garden performance area on the Shadow Walk. Jan 23 features Bad Cactus Brass Band; Jan. 30 features The Burchfield Brothers.
“Late Nite Catechism III: ‘Til Death Do Us Part,” Sat., Jan. 11 through Sat., March 29, SCPA. Patti Hannon stars in this popular sequel to “Late Nite Catechism,” offering up the latest dogma fresh off the Web, lessons on love and marriage and her own outrageous version of “The Newlywed Game.” Each performance is unique.
Breaking Ground Festival, Fri., Jan. 24 through Sat., Jan. 25, TCA. Contemporary dance and film festival showcases acclaimed choreographers, dancers and filmmakers.
“An Evening of Flutes,” Mon., Feb. 3, SCPA. ASU Concerts at the Center features performances by faculty and students of the ASU’s Herberger Institute School of Music. Elizabeth Buck and Swiss flutist Magda Schwerzmann present works from Marais and Bach to jazz-inspired pieces of today, showcasing the history of the flute from early Baroque to modern times.
Matthew Morrison with the Phoenix Symphony, Sat., Jan. 25, MAC. The star, known for his role as Will Schuester on Fox TV’s “Glee,” but a Broadway star before that, joins the Phoenix Symphony.
Tommy Emmanuel featuring Martin Taylor, Tue., Feb. 4, MAC. Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel comes to Mesa with his unique style of guitar playing.
Mark Morris Dance, Tue., Jan. 28, MAC. The dance group’s performance combines wit, grace of movement and performance with live music.
“New Light on Ancient Maya,” Wed., Feb. 5, MAC. Archeologist William Saturno searches for clues to the mysteries of the Classic Maya.
Betty Buckley in Concert, Sat., Feb. 1, SCPA. Betty Buckley performs. Known as the “Voice of Broadway,” Buckley won the Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella the Glamour Cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats,” and has earned acclaim for her work on stage and screen.
“Lonestar: The Acoustic Tour,” Thu., Feb. 6, SCPA. Lonestar, known for merging its country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, presents a rare, intimate acoustic concert.
Itzhak Perlman, Thu., Jan. 16, MAC. The world-renowned violinist launches Mesa Arts Center’s 2014 series of classical music engagements with a performance. The Fab Four, Fri., Jan. 17, MAC. Meticulous tribute band The Fab Four recreates Abbey Road in Mesa as they celebrate each era of The Beatles’ incredible musical journey. Cirque Éloize (El-Waz): “Cirkopolis,” Sat., Jan. 18, and Sun., Jan. 19, MAC. Journey through an industrial yet fanciful world inspired by the rich visual legacy of classic films “Metropolis” and “Brazil.” Twelve performers tell the story in an uninterrupted stream of dazzling acrobatics, music and video projections. “Out to Lunch” concert series, Thu., Jan 23, and Thu., Jan. 30, MAC. Free afternoon concerts in the Wells Fargo
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“La Bohème,” Sat., Feb. 1, and Sun., Feb. 2, SH. The love story of a poet and a seamstress who find true love on the streets of Paris only to discover it was not meant to last. Featuring an all-star cast including Danielle Pastin, Corinne Winters, Jason Slayden and Zach Borichevsky.
“Celtic Nights: The Emigrants Bridge,” Fri., Feb. 7, SCPA. The creators of Gaelforce Dance present prominent Irish vocal talents and accomplished step dancers in a hypnotic performance. Bahia Orchestra Project, Sat., Feb. 8, SCPA. The Virginia G. Piper Concert Series presents. Founded in 2007 by pianist and conductor Ricardo Castro,
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the acclaimed orchestra plays traditional and contemporary music. “Chris Mann: A Man for All Seasons,” Fri., Feb. 14, MAC. The acclaimed vocalist and finalist from “The Voice” sings a collection of classical-crossover favorites. “TRIO,” Sat., Feb. 22, SH. Ballet Arizona, Arizona Opera, and The Phoenix Symphony feature excerpts from beloved classics as well as new work at this joint gala and performance, including highlights from “West Side Story,” “Carmen” and “La Bayadère.”
“The Emerald Tour,” Tue., April 8, ASUG. An elaborate new stage presentation will celebrate the Emerald Isles’ spellbinding musical and cultural heritage and combines longtime fan favorites with new musical gems written specifically for Celtic Woman, under the direction of Emmy-nominated music producer David Downes. AZ Opera’s “Don Pasquale,” Fri., April 25, through Sun., April 27, OT. Arizona Opera’s final production of the season, Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale.”
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX ASUG – ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: asugammage.com/shows
SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
MAC – Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: 480-644-6500, MesaArtsCenter.com
SUL – Stand Up Live 50 W. Jefferson St., Suite 200, Phoenix Tickets: 480-719-6100, standuplive.com
OT - Orpheum Theatre 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix Tickets: Orpheum-theater.com
TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: 480-350-2822, tca.ticketforce.com
SH - Symphony Hall 75 N. Second St., Phoenix Tickets: phoenixsymphony.org
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January 4 – 17, 2014
Cook cherishes role as advocate BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Winning “American Idol” in the Fox Television show’s seventh season has given pop singer David Cook a plethora of opportunities, including playing for the troops, touring with Gavin DeGraw and The Script on separate occasions, and selling millions of records. But, Cook says, the best reward has nothing to do with the stage. It’s helping to support cancer research after losing his brother, Adam, to a brain tumor. Through his efforts, he has raised more than $3 million for brain tumor research and funding. “I think losing Adam, it affected me such a great deal,” Cook says after a heavy sigh. “I couldn’t fathom anybody else going through something like that. So what platform I continue to be afforded by ‘Idol’—I don’t know how long I’ll have it—I see it as imperative that I use it as best I can. Continuing to be involved with the National Brain Tumor Society and ABC2 (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure) is paramount for me. I get as much joy out of doing that as I do being on stage, which says a lot.” Cook will hit the stage locally on Sun., Jan. 12, when he performs at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. He’s using this jaunt to road test material for an album he’s going to record later this year. “We’re in the midst of starting pre-
production to record,” says Cook, who has lived in Nashville for the last year and a half. “We’re going to get on the road and play the songs, which on top of us trying to entertain, is pretty great pre-production for us. We’re getting to tighten the songs up. We’ll get in the studio pretty quickly after that.” Cook plans on producing the album— his third post-“Idol” release—on his own. It reflects his ethic on his latest single, “Laying Me Low.” “I got a bit of a bug for it on the last single we put out, ‘Laying Me Low,’” he says. “I co-produced it with one of the other writers. I just loved wearing that hat. I think feeling a little more invested in the end result was something I really enjoyed. I’m going to take on this monumental task of trying to do it with the whole record.” He sees it as a big challenge, considering he did his last two records with such high-caliber knob-turners as Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls) and Matt Serletic (Collective Soul, Matchbox Twenty). “My hope is that that rubbed off on me a little bit and I bring some of that experience into it,” Cook says. “I have a vision of what I want these songs to sound like. Being able to have that say so, will helpfully move these things along.” SEE COOK PAGE 62
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COOK FROM PAGE 61
“Laying Me Low” is a bouncy, pianoladen song that varies from his recent efforts, which, admitted, have been more low key. “The second record, ‘This Loud Morning,’ was a record I needed to make,” he says. “Being on the other side of that, I can see it a little more clearly now. The subject matter of the record and where that record came from, I just had to do that record. With this new stuff, I’ve tried to enjoy the creative process more—trying to experiment with new instrumentation and new lyrical concepts. That’s where
a song like ‘Laying Me Low’ comes from. I thought, ‘Let’s just write a song and see what happens.’ That’s the creative environment that I’ve tried to adhere to with this new stuff.” Cook explains that feeling is rooted in his enjoyment with music. “Without question I’m having more fun now,” Cook says. “I’m not sure what triggered it. Just having the whole creative confidence and creative freedom really has been huge. I don’t know that these songs would have come out in any other scenario.” While touring and recording his new
‘IDOL’ WORSHIP: David Cook performs at the Musical Instrument Museum at 7 p.m. Sun., Jan. 12. Submitted photo
album, Cook will continue to advocate. “I think having a bit of empathy toward a situation is what continues to drive me,” Cook says. “Adam left behind a wife and two kids. I wish Adam could see his kids now. I think it drives me to make sure that nobody else has to deal with this.”
David Cook performs at 7 p.m. Sun., Jan. 12, at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Tickets are $32.50 to $37.50. For more information, call 480-478-6000 or visit, http://mimmusictheater.themim.org/ david-cook.
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