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March 1 – 14, 2014

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McCain content with family life, variety of projects BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Edwin McCain, the singer-songwriter behind perennial wedding favorites “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” is busy these days. He’s working on a variety of projects ranging from an ESPN program to new music. But, he says, he’s embarrassed to admit what he was doing just before an interview. “You’d laugh if I told you,” McCain says. “I’m running a forestry mulcher today, clearing some property.” That’s McCain these days, a family man who is inspired more by his 8-, 7 1/2- and 4-year-old children than current singers. “A lot of my songs have been inspired by their point of view or something that I did,” he says. “The 20-year-old songwriter that I once was, I had these larger themes. There are much bigger ideals there. Now the things I seem to focus on are, say, my daughter leaving a little sticky handprint on the wall at our house and that becomes a song. I used to have huge philosophical themes. I don’t have that anymore. The beauty in the tiny moment is just about deciding to be happy.” McCain is happy, too, to be coming to Arizona; he’s playing the Ostrich Festival in Chandler at 6 p.m. Friday, March 7. Other performers include A Flock of Seagulls, Three Dog Night and Rancho Viejo. McCain, whose last album was 2011’s “Mercy Bound,” feels connected to the Grand Canyon State.

“I love Arizona,” he says. “I spend a lot of time out there. I learned how to fly gliders in Maricopa from Arizona Soaring that’s run by a guy named Jason Stephens. He taught me how to fly. “I’m also friends with a helicopter pilot in town named Bruce Haffner. He used to fly for one of the news channels; he still might. I love Arizona, though. It’s absolutely spectacular.” At the Ostrich Festival, McCain’s setlist will feature songs from 10 of his albums. Some of the songs are acoustic, others are with his full band. “It’s a little bit of everything,” he says. “I like to tell the stories about how the songs were written, and give everyone the perspective of how it all comes about.” Despite the daunting number of songs from which he can choose, McCain explains that it’s not that hard to pick which tunes to sing. “There are some songs that, over the years, we’ve figured out these are the tunes people really like. How they go over with crowds, it becomes pretty clear which ones I should play. After many years of playing, we sorted them out.” Two of those songs are “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” both of which have become favorites of “American Idol” contestants. “I love it,” he says about watching fledgling singers performing his tunes.

COMING TO TOWN: Edwin McCain performs during the Ostrich Festival on Friday, March 7. Photo by Brian Nelson

“Not only because I get paid for it. I think it’s just cool. I’m just a kid with my guitar writing songs. Now I have a song (‘I’ll Be’) that gets played all over the world. That’s amazing to me. Sometimes it doesn’t seem real. It’s an incredibly lucky thing to have happen. It’s not lost on me at all. Every day I get to play music for a living because of that song. It’s pretty lucky. You just have a nice little engraved invitation for people to come out and hear you play.” Still, it’s a mystery why those two songs really resonated with fans. “If I knew that, I would be the president of the record label,” McCain says with a laugh. “I think a lot of it has to do with they’re perennially associated with weddings. Sometimes, though, awkwardly, people come up and go ‘That was me and

my ex-husband’s song.’ What do I say? ‘Congratulations?’ ‘I’m sorry?’ I don’t know. “I know that there are two things that inspire me about music—it has to be honest and it has to be emotional for me. Even like hardcore punk music is honest and emotional. It’s just honestly angry and emotional. I think for whatever reason there seems to be an X factor in music. There is that unspoken thing that happens when somebody writes about something that means something to them. Songwriters can sometimes tap into that. I wish I could tell you I understood the alchemy of it. I’m just blessed to be a part of it.” Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Arts

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Linda Ingraham: 25 years of mixed media photography Mixed-media photographer Linda Ingraham will display her work at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., in downtown Chandler Friday, March 14, through Saturday, May 3; with an artist’s reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 14. The reception is free and open to the public. Ingraham will discuss and answer questions about her work. Ingraham, whose artwork was inﬂuenced by a year she spent in Italy as a child, was raised by a scientist and an artist, who took her to art classes. Ingraham considered her painting a hobby and not a serious profession. While attending New Mexico State University, however, she switched

majors from drama to ﬁne art and art history and participated in an exchange program with the University of Massachusetts at Boston and an international program at the Sorbonne in Paris. After graduating, Ingraham moved to Albuquerque and began taking photography classes, ﬁnding the focus of her mixed-media photography work which incorporates painting into the background. Once she moved to Arizona, Ingraham won a sum of money in the Arizona Lottery and was able to afford a studio space in downtown Phoenix. Since then, she has shown in galleries and museums around the country as well as in Japan and Brussels. In 1993 Ingraham received two grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts: a Visual Arts Fellowship and an Artists Project Grant. She has also frequently been a guest speaker and has been chosen to participate in numerous projects with the Phoenix Art Museum and Ballet Arizona. The sense of reverence that Ingraham felt when viewing the altars and icons of the Gothic and Renaissance periods is apparent in her poetic photoconstructions today. She embodies an idea or emotion very simply with a single haunting image or a juxtaposition of images and objects. She creates

March 1 – 14, 2014

visual metaphors in an aim to touch upon our collective fears, hopes and desires. “I am drawn to beauty but I like to push beyond the boundary of the merely beautiful and imbue it with an emotional quality. A large part of my work deals with metaphors, trying to embody an idea or an emotion by using a ﬁgure, object or juxtaposition of photographs in a simple iconic way,” Ingraham says in her artist’s statement. Ingraham has exhibited her emotionally evocative artwork in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad, including shows at the Scottsdale Museum of

Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Art in Santa Fe, the Tucson Museum of Art and the Laguna Gloria Art Museum. Internationally, she has had solo shows at the Galerie Corti in Brussels, Espace Tag Heuer and Genkan Gallery in Tokyo. Ingraham’s work is included in the collections of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Tucson Museum of Art, the Chandler Center for the Arts, Founders Bank, the Snell and Wilmer Collection and more. She is represented by The Larsen Gallery in Scottsdale and the Ogilvie/Pertyl Gallery in Chicago. For more information call (480) 7822695 or visit www.visiongallery.org.

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Arts

March 1 – 14, 2014

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Chandler author releases self-help book BY ALISON STANTON

Fiction, Inspirational, Self-help

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Ruth Lucas

INSPIRED TO HELP OTHERS: Ruth Lucas hopes her newly released book “Don’t _____ or You’ll Look Puerto Rican!” will help biracial people who are dealing with prejudice from one of their own parents. Submitted photo

‘OVERDUE’ BOOK: Ruth Lucas says she thought about writing her novel for some time. The time was deﬁnitely right to ﬁnally write and publish the book, she says. Submitted photo

In some cases, these feelings are so strong that the parent raises his or her own biracial child to believe that half of him or her is intrinsically bad. Although Lucas drew upon some of her own experiences in the book and was inspired by things that have transpired in her own life, she says it is not autobiographical. Instead, she means it to be a motivational and inspirational ﬁctional novel that she hopes will help biracial people who are dealing with this situation to feel better about themselves. “This book has been in me for a long

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“Don’t _______, or You’ll look Puerto Rican!”

Ruth Lucas

It was always a problem for Elle … not that she was biracial … or that she was raised by her single mother whom she didn’t resemble very much. Lots of kids don’t look just like their parents. Elle’s problem was as far back as she could remember there were vehement warnings from her mom like: “Don’t put that shirt with that skirt or you’ll look Puerto Rican!” “Don’t wear your hair like that or you’ll look Puerto Rican!” “Don’t wear red nail polish or you’ll look Puerto Rican!” “Don’t wear red lipstick or you’ll look Puerto Rican!” Elle grew up conditioned to make sure she neither appeared nor was mistaken to be Puerto Rican because that would be BAD…. An effort in futility really … Elle’s biological father? Puerto Rican! Elle’s mother despised Puerto Ricans and was prejudiced in general … readily expressing her distrust and contempt via scathing remarks, racial slurs, and derogatory generalizations. In this ﬁctional story, Elle shares her struggle to overcome a mistaken belief that half of her was essentially BAD … something to be condemned, avoided, or lied about … something that deserved the abuse it endured … mistaken beliefs she learned at home.

“Don’t ______, or You’ll look Puerto Rican!”

Ruth Lucas is a Professional Consultant & Life Coach Specializing in ZĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌĞŶƟŶŐ ;ǁǁǁ͘ůƵĐĂƐƐĞŵŝŶĂƌƐ͘ĐŽŵͿ͘ Ɛ Ă ďŝƌĂĐŝĂů ƉĞƌƐŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚǇŶĂŵŝĐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌƌĂĐŝĂů ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ ŚĂǀĞ ĂůǁĂǇƐ ĨĂƐĐŝŶĂƚĞĚ ŚĞƌ͘ tŝƚŚ ŚĞƌ ĂĐŚĞůŽƌ͛Ɛ ĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ :ŽƵƌŶĂůŝƐŵͬ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ Ă DĂƐƚĞƌ͛Ɛ ĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ WƐǇĐŚŽůŽŐǇ ƐŚĞ ĞŶĚĞĂǀŽƌƐ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƌŝƐĞ ĂďŽǀĞ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ĂŶĚ ƉĂƌĞŶƟŶŐ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ŝŶ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ůŝĨĞ͘ ,Ğƌ ůŝĨĞ ĐŽĂĐŚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞŵŝŶĂƌƐ ;ĚďĂ >ƵĐĂƐ ^ĞŵŝŶĂƌƐͿ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ ƌĞĐůĂŝŵŝŶŐ ƐĞůĨͲǁŽƌƚŚ͕ ƐĞůĨͲĞŵƉŽǁĞƌŵĞŶƚ͕ ƐƉŝƌŝƚƵĂů ǁĞůůŶĞƐƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ŐƌŽǁƚŚ͘ ZƵƚŚ ŝƐ ĂůƐŽ Ă ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ EĂƟŽŶĂů ^ƉĞĂŬĞƌƐ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ WƐǇĐŚŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ͘

Ruth Lucas, a Chandler-based professional consultant and life coach specializing in relationships and parenting, says she has always been fascinated with the dynamics and challenges that face biracial people like herself. To help biracial people who are dealing with prejudice about their race and ethnicity from one of their own parents, Lucas recently wrote and published a ﬁctional novel titled “Don’t ____ or You’ll Look Puerto Rican!” The book, which tells the story of a biracial young woman named Elle who is part “puertorriqueña” and part African American, is available as an eBook on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites, and in print through the publisher’s Inkwell Productions’ website. “I wanted to work with Ruth because of her passion for her message and her commitment to help others,” says Nick Ligidakis, owner of Inkwell Productions. The story takes place in New York in the 1960s, when the civil rights movement was prominent. During the course of the book, the reader is guided through events that skewed Elle’s identity and self-determination. “Many people are biracial, but not many people are biracial and raised by one parent who is actually prejudiced against the race and ethnicity of the other parent with whom they willingly chose to have a sexual relationship,” Lucas says.

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time, and it was deﬁnitely overdue to get it out,” Lucas says. “My primary motivation to write ‘Don’t ____ or You’ll Look Puerto Rican!’ was that I had never seen a book like this before. Other people may have a problem with biracial children, but it is not usually experienced within the child’s own nuclear family.” In fact, Lucas notes that studies have shown that racially mixed children who are born and raised to deal with the challenges that might come from society are usually more resilient, embrace their heritage and adapt well. This is because the parents usually do not project onto the children a negative view of who they are, she says. “Even in families where children of a different race are adopted into a family, whatever enmity they encounter doesn’t begin in the home because the parents chose them. What is not

discussed is the parent who resents these children and projects that resentment onto them, with very negative results.” For example, in one pivotal section of the book, Lucas says Elle tries on red lipstick but then quickly wipes it off, because—as she tells her baffled husband, Ethan—wearing it will make her look Puerto Rican. By the end of the book, Lucas says that Elle emerges “almost whole—not quite completely fine, but realizing there was a major flaw with how she had been taught to think and feel about herself and who she is, on multiple levels.” Lucas says a second and possibly even a third book about Elle and her challenges may be in the works in the future. For now, Lucas is looking forward to conducting some talks about her book, and appearing at book signings. For more information about Lucas and her upcoming appearances, visit www.lucasseminars.com, www. facebook.com/lucas.seminars or www.twitter.com/lucas.seminars. For more information about the book, visit www.inkwellproductions.com/ dont-or-youll-look-puerto-rican. html or www.amazon.com/Dont______-Youll-Puerto-Rican-ebook/dp/ B00HHMCHGY Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com

Arts

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March 1 – 14, 2014

Nelson twins celebrate dad’s legacy with Gilbert performance BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Recovering from the flu, Gunnar Nelson is surprisingly upbeat. He embraces his career, which includes the band Nelson with his brother, Matthew, and the stage show “Ricky Nelson Remembered” to celebrate their dad’s legacy. He’s looking forward to bringing “Ricky Nelson Remembered” to the Higley Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

ROCKIN’: Gunnar Nelson, in the foreground, and his brother, Matthew, are bringing “Ricky Nelson Remembered” to the Higley Center for the Performing Arts on March 15. Photo by Joelle Doye

“I’ve been able to spend a little bit of time there this year,” he said of the Gilbert area. “It’s official now: I fell in love with a girl who’s from the area. I’ve gone back there a couple of times. “I love it there in Gilbert. I really do. Come on, San Tan Flats (in Queen Creek)? What’s not to love? That is the coolest thing ever—fire pits, s’mores and steak. You can’t go wrong. It’s really rock ‘n’ roll. But I honestly think the show, ‘Ricky Nelson Remembered,’ is going to resonate with the folks I met out there. It feels like a homecoming show.” “Ricky Nelson Remembered” is more than a typical rock show, he said. He described it as a high-energy rock concert meets A&E’s “Biography.” It intersperses big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by the blue-eyed singer who died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1985. Ricky Nelson—known for his songs including “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Garden Party”—was clearly Gunnar and Matthew’s best friend. “The show is emotional, yes, but selfishly we get to stay connected to our dad who was our best friend and really feel his presence around,” Gunnar said. Fans who grew up listening to Ricky Nelson’s music get to “feel young again,” he said, while a newer generation of kids is just learning his tunes.

NELSON TRIBUTE: Gunnar and Matthew Nelson—the sons of Ricky Nelson and the grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson—are bringing “Ricky Nelson Remembered” to the Higley Center for the Performing Arts on March 15. Photo by Joelle Doye

“Rock ‘n’ roll has not been around for too long,” he said. “We’re only talking about 60-some-odd years. In a two-hour period of time, we get to go through the entire history of rock ‘n’ roll in a fun way.” The Nelson brothers still have their hands in rock music. Matthew sings background on Steel Panther songs.

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Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Area artists in First Friday Two SanTan Sun-area artists will show artwork in the Phoenix First Friday and Art Detour Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9, at First Studio, 631 N. First Ave., Phoenix. Tad Smith of Gilbert and Laurie Fagen of Chandler will be joined by Michele Bledsoe, Richard Bledsoe, Trina Jackson, Gina Ribaudo and FX Tobin to display artwork on the walls of the two-story film and production studio facility. An opening reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fri., March 7, when Matt Vandal of Gilbert will also provide guitar music. For details, visit www.artlinkphoenix.com/first-Fridays.

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Matthew and Gunnar recently inked a new management agreement and will be doing more Matthew and Gunnar Nelson shows. Then there’s the side project Scrap Metal, where the Nelsons are joined by a revolving lineup of lead singers from the biggest ‘80s hair bands. All his projects keep him on his feet. “I love my job. I do,” he said. “It’s something I get to do. I don’t have to do this. I have a pretty healthy attitude about it after all this time. “As long as you stay connected to that, I think it really comes across in your show. We’re never going to be phoning it in. If I feel like playing music turns into a job, I’m going to have to reassess. I’m 46. I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years of age. I don’t see any signs of slowing down.”

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Arts

March 1 – 14, 2014

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Camps for aspiring performers this spring at Copperstar

‘Straight from the Horse’s Mouth’ opens at Cottonwood

Copperstar Repertory Co. is registering new students who are interested in singing, dancing and acting for its weeklong spring break camps March 10 through March 14 and March 17 through March 21 at Copperstar’s studio at 3002 N. Arizona Ave., Suites 3 and 4, Chandler. The Rising Stars camp for children ages 8 to 15 runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, finishing with a performance at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21. An Imagination Station camp for children ages 4 to 7 is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday

The Sun Lakes Community Theatre is presenting the play “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth,” opening Wednesday, March 5, for five performances, including a matinee on Sunday, March 9. The comedy by Pat Cook follows mysterious occurrences and battles over property foreclosures, a handsome racehorse and his even more handsome trainer, gangster threats and even the Better Business Bureau. This hysterical, rapid-paced farce proves truth really is stranger than fiction.

and Thursday, with a sharing time with parents at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Register at http://springcamps14.eventbrite. com. Copperstar Repertory Co. offers regularly scheduled classes ranging from acting to Zumba. The studio is also busy preparing for “Oliver!,” its third show of the season, running April 4 through April 12 at Mesa Arts Center. Copperstar also offers themed parties for all ages. To learn more, visit www.copperstarrep.org or call (480) 699-1655, ext. 500.

The play will be in the San Tan Ballroom of the Cottonwood Country Club, 25630 Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes. Tickets are available 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Saguaro Room Lobby (across from the Cottonwood Grill). Visit http://slctinfo.com for more information.

‘The Dixie Swim Club’ makes a splash at the Palms Theatre The Palms Theatre at 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, is continuing to present the comedy “The Dixie Swim Club” through Saturday, April 12, in its Marquee Theatre. The light-hearted play by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten follows five friends in a story of strength, love and the enduring power of friendship. From the authors of “Mama Won’t Fly” and “Dearly Departed,” “The Dixie Swim Club” introduces audiences to

five Southern women who began their friendship many years ago while on their college swim team. Since then, they come together for a long weekend every August to reconnect. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the friends meet at a beach cottage on North Carolina’s outer banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and

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(Vernadette) and Laura Vave (Jeri Neal). Tickets can be purchased online at www.ThePalmsTheatre.com, by phone (480) 924-6260, or at the box office located at 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. Tickets, including buffet and show: matinees $42; Sunday through Friday evenings $42; Saturday evenings $48. Show-only seating is $28. Group pricing for 20 or more is available; call group sales director Cliff Richeson (480) 9246260 ext. 106 for more information.

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raucous repartee, to get through life’s challenges. And when fate throws a wrench into one of their lives in the second act, these friends, proving the enduring power of teamwork, rally around their own with the strength and love that takes this comedy in a poignant and surprising direction. The Palms’ production is directed by Paul Bernier and features Megan Orlowski (Sheree), Kira Galindo (Lexie), Sharon Yormick (Dinah), Heather Fallon

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Arts

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March 1 – 14, 2014

Chandler, African choirs join for Public art space offered for beneﬁt concert student artists The internationally acclaimed African Children’s Choir is coming to Chandler. The choir will join the Chandler Children’s Choir at Tri-City Baptist Church, 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler, at 7 p.m., Friday, March 21, in a concert to benefit the African Children’s Choir. The two groups will collaborate to sing pieces ranging from folk songs to classical tunes, from well-loved children’s songs to traditional spirituals and gospel favorites, in a night filled with soaring youthful sounds and a love for music. The CCC is the premiere youth community choir in the East Valley, with three different choirs and more than 100 children who are thrilled to collaborate with the African Children’s Choir. Music for Life, the parent organization for the African Children’s Choir, works in countries including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. MFL has educated more than 52,000 children and has impacted the lives of more than 100,000 people through its relief and development programs during its history. MFL’s purpose is to help create new leadership for tomorrow’s Africa by focusing on education.

INSPIRATIONAL SINGERS: The African Children’s Choir will perform with the Chandler Children’s Choir. Submitted photo

The African Children’s Choir has performed for presidents, heads of state and most recently the Queen of England for her diamond jubilee. The choir has also sung alongside artists including Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Michael W. Smith and others. Tickets are $15. Call (480) 699-9846 or visit www.chandlerchildrenschoir.org for more information.

Student artists and artist teams can apply to place existing sculptures or propose new sculptures for placement in public places through platFORM, a collaborative art initiative in its second year that has released a request for proposals. A joint effort of public art programs from Chandler, Tempe and Scottsdale, platFORM is open to students enrolled in an arts program at any university, community or private college within the state of Arizona. Sculpture pads are available for placement adjacent to the Tempe Hayden Flour Mill in downtown Tempe, along the southern stretch of Scottsdale Road and in Chandler’s historic downtown square. All submissions must be fabricated of materials suitable for exhibition in the Arizona climate. All submissions must fall within a height range of 36 to 120 inches. All artworks must be primed, painted, coated, sealed or patinaed with appropriate materials for prolonged exposure to the elements. Artists will be selected through a public process conducted by all three partnering agencies. The selection panel will recommend one artist and one alternate per available opportunity. All artists will be notified

of selection results via email. Artists have until Saturday, April 25, to respond to the RFP. Art students seeking degrees are encouraged to apply. Team applications are permitted but must identify one member as a point of contact for the submission and selection process and all future related communication if selected. All submissions must include a letter of reference from a current professor or instructor. The entire submission should be sent as one PDF to include the letter of reference; a current professional resume; up to five digital images of previously completed artwork and up to three digital images of proposed preexisting original sculpture or sculpture renderings; digital schematics or sketches; a descriptive image listing and a proposal narrative that discusses how the artist’s previous experience, current artistic direction and nature of the proposed sculptural project will make it a success. For a full description of the items required and other proposal details, click on the “platFORM: Student Sculpture Lease Opportunities” at www.visiongallery. org/press.html. For more information call (480) 782-2695 or visit www. visiongallery.org.

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Arts

March 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14, 2014

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improvMANIA brings comedy show to Chandler

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Great Comediansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to perform for Sunbird Lions Club

The comedy troupe improvMANIA is bringing a free 90-minute show in the style of the television program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whose Line is it Anyway?â&#x20AC;? to Sozo Coffee in Chandler from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, June 21. Because the fast-paced, family friendly show is free, guests are advised to come early, drink some coffee and prepare to laugh the night away. Founded and based in downtown Chandler, improvMANIA has performed all over Arizona, including Payson, Prescott, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City,

An evening with â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Comediansâ&#x20AC;? will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Sunbird Ballroom, 6250 S. Sunbird Blvd., Chandler. The bar opens at 6 p.m. . The Sunbird Lions Club is presenting the evening. Brad Zinn, the opening act, is a comedian, impressionist, magician and emcee. Zinn reveals the warm wit, wisdom and life affirming philosophies to elevate these performers to prominence. The show is more than 90 minutes long. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12

Sun Lakes, Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler. Sozo Coffee is located at 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;at the southwest corner of Alma School and Warner roads, directly under the clock tower. For more information go to http://improvMANIA.net.

at the door. The event is being held to raise funds for local community projects. For more information, email billreidpacific@gmail.com.

Recognizing vets and appreciating our country American veterans will be recognized and honored and American music celebrated Sunday, March 2, at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts, as the Carolyn Eynon Singers perform â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Spirit: Red, White and You!â&#x20AC;? The group will perform songs ranging from Broadway musicals such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chess,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;1776,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Civil Warâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;West Side Storyâ&#x20AC;? to music from well-known artists, classic and modern. The performance will include music from composers George M. Cohan, Stephen Foster,

Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Neil Diamond. The evening will also feature a patriotic singalong with an armed services honor guard, with songs like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tenting on the Old Camp Ground,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Flanders Fields,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tell My Father,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anthem,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,â&#x20AC;? other swing music, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Battle Hymn of the Republicâ&#x20AC;? and other patriotic favorites. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 to 18 years, children 11 and younger and veterans are free. The Higley Center is located at 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert. Visit www.carolyneynonsingers. com for more information.

PROUD AND PATRIOTIC: The Carolyn Eynon Singers will host veterans as honored guests to its â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Spiritâ&#x20AC;? concert. Submitted photo

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Arts

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Exhibits continue at MAC Contemporary art continues to take center stage as the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum curated and juried exhibitions of the work by both emerging and internationally recognized artists. Exhibits on display range from hammered metal to prints featured in the museum’s annual calendar to a showcase of contemporary crafts. The museum is located at the Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa.

First Impressions First Impressions, exhibited through March 23, exhibits prints featured in the Mesa Contemporary Arts annual print calendar in the last ﬁve years. Pieces include prints from relief, screen, etchings and lithographs. The jurors who made the selection choices each

year, Joe Segura, Kathrine Maxwell, John Armstrong, Brent Bond and David Manje, are also featured in the exhibition. The calendar for 2014 is available for purchase at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in limited quantities. The prints are hand produced on acid-free paper and adhered to the calendar with photo corners for easy removal for framing. Each of the 12 months has a different print and no two calendars are alike. The juror for the 2014 Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum calendar was master printer Manje, who oversees the 2-D classes at Mesa Arts Center.

35th annual Contemporary Crafts Mesa Contemporary Arts’ annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition runs through April 13 and shows off the best

March 1 – 14, 2014

in contemporary crafts from across the country. The exhibit showcases traditional craft mediums including ceramics, ﬁbers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts. Forty-six works of art will be featured by 35 artists, representing 14 states. The guest juror for the 35th annual Contemporary Craft was independent curator Julie Muñiz.

Hammered Steve Shelby, who received the 34th annual Contemporary Crafts Juror’s Choice Award last spring, was awarded a solo exhibition in the Dr. Ruth Tan Lim Project Room. The exhibit, Hammered, will be on display through April 13. Shelby is known for his handcrafted metal objects, and uses hammers and stakes to create three-dimensional shapes from ﬂat sheets of metal. His elegant, simple forms, which often convey a playful or humorous tone, are inspired by visual

Shake it up at ﬁrst Chandler Craft Spirits Festival The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and local distributors and spirit companies are joining forces to present the ﬁrst Chandler Craft Spirits Festival. Fans can mix, mingle and taste a variety of handcrafted spirits from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler. While the bulk of walk-around tasting events in and around the Valley involve food, wine and beer, event organizers

wanted to create a special celebration of the state’s explosive cocktail culture and all the camaraderie, companionship and community-building that comes with it. “We’re shaking things up—pun intended—with this event in an effort to let folks know that there are a bevy of beverage options beyond beer and wine out there,” says Jennifer Lindley, of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. “This event is a great opportunity for consumers and purveyors

alike to interact, educate and celebrate the unique spirit culture of our state.” General admission tickets are $35, and include 15 tasting tickets. VIP passes are available for $75, and include 15 tastings of higher-end liquors and foods, plus access to a special lounge area. Samples include a 1-ounce pour of a variety of different spirits, plus samples of beer and specialty craft cocktails. Food and treats will be available for purchase from a variety of local vendors.

memories and his observations of nature. The exhibition showcases a retrospective of Shelby’s work from the last 11 years.

M8K Marks M8K Marks, through April 27, showcases artwork by current and former faculty and resident artists who have contributed to the exceptional drawing, painting and printmaking traditions at the Mesa Arts Center during the last 30 years. Featured artists are Lisa Albinger, Michael Healy, Susan Manje, David Manje, Helen Norsigian, Rowles, Augie Tantalo, Janet Towbin, Agustin Vargas and Jeremy Yocum. Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is located on the Mesa Arts Center campus at One E. Main Street in downtown Mesa. Admission is free and visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday “There aren’t too many occasions where industry insiders and avid fans of Arizona’s beer, wine and booze culture can sample such a vast selection of spirits in one place,” Lindley says. “Whether you’re a spirit lover on the hunt for new mixers or a supplier seeking a new way to showcase a particular product, this festival offers a variety of fun sampling and networking options until the last drop runs dry.” The event will take place at Three S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For more information, visit www. chandlercraftspiritsfestival.com.

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Arts

March 1 – 14, 2014

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Act One relaunches Culture Pass Free theater festival for families Phoenix-based Act One, which has provided educational field trips for Arizona’s underserved schools since 2011, has adopted the popular Culture Pass Program. The Act One Culture Pass, available at 43 local libraries, offers a free admission for two at participating arts and cultural institutions. All that is needed is a library card. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the front of each library. They are not renewable and “holds” cannot be placed on them, nor will library staff be able to pull them. Library card holders may choose a destination, take the appropriate card to the checkout desk and receive a slip from a staff member admitting two people for a visit to the museum of their choice in the next seven days. Passes may be limited to general admission only. Special exhibitions may not be covered and other restrictions may apply. One pass per family, two passes per month. “The founding mission of Act One is to bring the arts to the school age students in the Valley,” says Linda “Mac” Perlich, a member of the Act One board of directors. “To date, Act One has provided educational field trip experiences for more than 40,000 Valley and Tucson students, with a comprehensive educational plan that compliments the experience on stage. We know that arts education is vital, and this expansion into the visual arts and

expanding to include the family makes perfect sense. The Act One Culture Pass will bring families to the wonder-ﬁlled museums and attractions in the Valley.” “We are so excited that the programming is returning, patrons state how they’ve enjoyed checking out new places that they would not otherwise have thought of visiting,” says Teresa Becker from Mesa Public Library. “Because the Culture Pass Program requires users to own a library card, we’ve seen an increase in new card applications since the program’s inception.” Participating Libraries include the Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Cave Creek, Tempe, Buckeye and Apache Junction public libraries as well as ASU libraries. Act One has also expanded the Culture Pass to include live performing arts. Participating Arts Organizations include Arcosanti-Cordes Junction, Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park, ASU Gammage, Ballet Arizona, Cave Creek Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Childsplay, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Desert Botanical Garden, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Symphony, Phoenix Zoo, Pueblo Grande Museum, Rossen House Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Superstition Mountain Museum.

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Childsplay and local artist Zarco Guerrero will host El Puente, Childsplay’s first theater festival and mask procession, at Tempe Center for the Arts from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9. The free event will feature an afternoon of family friendly activities with food, music, mask making, face painting and more. The festival will feature dynamic performances and appearances from Primavera Folklorico Dance Co., The Phoenix Fridas, Axé Capoeira and other Valley performing artists and community groups. The first 200 attendees will also enjoy a free performance of Childsplay’s “The Cat in the Hat” at 4 p.m. To conclude the festival, The Cat in the Hat (played by Childsplay Associate Artist Katie McFadzen) will lead a masked procession of kids, families and performers on the pedestrian bridge crossing Tempe Town Lake. The festival is the first in a series of El Puente events aimed at reaching new audiences and broadening Childsplay’s reach in the community. The events will be held in conjunction with Childsplay productions and are meant to deepen the audience’s connection with the performance. “The word ‘Puente’ literally means ‘bridge,’” explains Guerrero. “In every language the word ‘bridge’ conjures up universal metaphors of transformation,

enlightenment, freedom and even our passing into the afterlife. Here in the Southwest, the metaphor has special significance, as it represents the crossing of the Arizona-Mexican border, migration and the hope of a better life. In our Valley, we are blessed with the perfect locale to create a unique sitespecific festival utilizing the bridge to bring this metaphor to life.” To start this year’s festival, Guerrero has held mask making workshops in schools and community centers throughout the Valley, including Keller Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Desert Sounds, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli and Puente Arizona. Tempe Center for the Arts is located 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. For more information go to www. childsplayaz.org/puente.

Arts

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March 1 – 14, 2014

Side Street Strutters to perform in Gold Canyon The Gold Canyon Arts Council will present the Side Street Strutters and Meloney Collins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon The Dixieland and jazz group has been entertaining U.S. and international audiences for 30 years. Their vast repertoire includes traditional New Orleans jazz and the big-band-era sounds of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and the magical Cole Porter. Their challenging arrangements always showcase the individual artistry of each performer. This show will be a special musical experience featuring the vocal stylings of southern California recording artist Meloney Collins. Her soulful voice breathes new life into melodies popularized by the singers of the golden age of jazz. Collins’ musical talent has led to performances with Burt Bacharach, John Tesh, Julie Andrews and a theater production of “Ray Charles Live.” Locals might note that the Side Street Strutters were formed in 1983 at Arizona State University, and in addition to their international popularity, they have performed regularly at California’s Disneyland. This will be the ﬁnal performance of our 2013-14 Canyon Sounds Artist Series. Tickets are available at the door, $25 for adults, and $5 for students through

Rock ‘n’ roll variety show at Sunbird Yesterday Once More brings its rock ‘n’ roll variety show featuring the hits of the 1950s and ‘60s back to Sunbird Country Club at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Tickets are $10 on sale in the lobby of Sunbird HOA. The band will also perform from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in the Oasis Lounge of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Sunbird Country Club is at 6240 S. Sunbird Blvd. in Chandler. To learn more, call (480) 802-4901 or visit www. yesterdayoncemoreaz.com.

Sun Lakes Chorale holds spring concert MELONEY AND MELODIES: Meloney Collins joins the locally formed Side Street Strutters for a performance in Gold Canyon Friday, March 28. Submitted photo

high school. Purchase advance adult tickets for $20 at Canyon Rose Storage, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, and at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce ofﬁce on the Apache Trail. Tickets are also available on the Canyon Sounds website, www.gcac1.com/ cynsnds.html. The Gold Canyon Arts Council

promotes and sponsors the performing and visual arts through its Canyon Sounds Artist Series. The council is supported in part by grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Western States Arts Federation, the National Endowment for the Arts, local corporations and businesses. Go to www.gcac1.com for more information.

Local music educator Cristine TempleEvans will lead the 80 male and female members of the Sun Lakes Chorale at its annual spring concert, “Let There Be Peace,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9249 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware’s “Ticket Tuesdays” through March 25. Call (480) 883-6997 to purchase tickets or for more information.

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ON STAGE Student Showcase, Sat., March 1, and Sun., March 2, BA. This showcase will feature two works choreographed by Carlos ValcĂĄrcel especially for the school; Glinka Variations for levels ďŹ ve and six along with a solo piece with music of the famous â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summertimeâ&#x20AC;? by Gershwin. We Are One presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Salute to the Silver Screen,â&#x20AC;? Sun., March 2, OT. This special concert features a special showtunes sing-along accompanied by Lew Williams on the Orpheum Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mighty Wurlitzer. Proceeds from this concert will go to support the continued efforts of LGBT performing arts organizations. Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Fri., March 7, MAC. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is co-led by John Clayton, his brother, saxophonist, Jeff Clayton and drummer, Jeff Hamilton. CHJO has recorded with Queen Latifah, John Pizzarelli, Diana Krall and Gladys Knight and has been named best big band in past readers polls in both Jazz Times and Downbeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Submission,â&#x20AC;? Fri., March 7, through Sat., March 22, HTC. A playwright uses a pseudonym when submitting a play and has to keep up the ruse, dragging others along for the ride. A ďŹ ercely funny and intelligent new comic drama about the

Arts words we use to describe each other and the things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do to get what we want. Mark Russell, Sat., March 8, MAC. Long before Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Mark Russell dared to joke and sing about our often absurd political process. Performing new and old favorites with impeccable timing, twinkling eyes and piercing political insights, Russell draws merriment from the pomposity of public life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voices of Freedom,â&#x20AC;? Sat., March 8, and Sun., March 9, VPC. The freedoms we enjoy every day have been secured through the vision and sacriďŹ ce of many. In this third concert of its 20th anniversary season, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voices of Freedom,â&#x20AC;? the Sonoran Desert Chorale salutes the pursuit of freedom in America and the lofty tenets of democracy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Traviata,â&#x20AC;? Sat., March 8, and Sun., March 9, SH. In this heart-wrenching love story, operaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original pretty woman throws a gala party at her Paris apartment and meets the young man who will forever change her life. Soar through memorable melodies, raise a glass and toast young love, as this lush, opulent production comes to Arizona. Cherish the Ladies, Tue., March 11, MAC. The world-renowned, all-female Celtic ensemble performs its special blend of masterful instrumentals, beautiful

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vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disorderly Conduct,â&#x20AC;? Fri., March 14, UAC. Jeff Dunham, popular comic and star of Comedy Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest-rated specials, drops by with his lively cast of characters. Dunham is best known for the famed â&#x20AC;&#x153;sidekicksâ&#x20AC;? he creates for the stage: Walter the Grumpy Retiree, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the beer-fueled redneck Bubba J, the manic purple creature Peanut, the spicy pepper from south of the border JosĂŠ JalapeĂąo and Peanutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own ventriloquist dummy Little Jeff, a mini-version of the ringmaster himself.

Earth Harp Collective return to Mesa Arts Center as a featured artist. This performance features aerial dance, percussive sounds and the largest string instrument on the planet, the Earth Harp, turning the Ikeda Theater into a musical instrument. John Legend, Fri., April 4, MAC. Singersongwriter John Legend won his ďŹ rst Grammy Award with 2004â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Lifted.â&#x20AC;? The album went platinum, thanks in part to the hit single â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ordinary People.â&#x20AC;? Now Legend, one of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most innovative artists, returns after ďŹ ve years with his much-anticipated fourth solo album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love in the Future.â&#x20AC;?

spark! Mesaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival of Creativity, Wed., March 19, through Sun., March 23, MAC. An immersive environment to celebrate the work of amazing, creative people and to discover the creative thinker inside every visitor. Held during spring break, spark! features participatory activities, music, original performances, art and more.

Diana Krall, Tues., April 8, MAC. Diana Krall performs from her new album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glad Rag Doll,â&#x20AC;? an exhilarating and adventurous exploration of new sounds, new instrumentation and new musicians. It stars a singer and piano player, ďŹ lled with mischief, humor and a renewed sense of tenderness and intimacy.

The Portland Cello Project, Sat., Mar. 22, MAC. This string group has built a reputation mixing genres and blurring musical lines and perceptions wherever it goes.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Emerald Tour,â&#x20AC;? Tues., April 8, ASUG. An elaborate new stage presentation will celebrate the Emerald Islesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spellbinding musical and cultural heritage and combines longtime fan favorites with new musical gems written speciďŹ cally for Celtic Woman, under the direction of Emmy-nominated music producer David Downes.

William Close and The Earth Harp Collective, Fri., March 28, MAC. After a successful run on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;? in 2012, William Close and the

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Arts

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California Guitar Trio, Sat., April 19, MAC. With a whirlwind of instrumental styles fusing classical, rock, blues, jazz, world music, progressive and surf music, the California Guitar Trio’s stunning virtuosity has earned them an enthusiastic and wide following.

COMING TO MAC: Dream Theater will bring its prog-rock sounds to the Mesa Arts Center on Sunday, April 20. Submitted photo

“South Paciﬁc,” through April 14, PL. The classic Tony Award-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical takes the stage to spin a romantic tale of love and loss on a tropical naval base during World War II. Two couples fall in love and their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices Cameron Carpenter, Wed., April 16, MAC. The 2012 recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award and a superstar of the organ, Cameron Carpenter is smashing stereotypes for organists and organ music, generating a level of acclaim, exposure and controversy unprecedented for an organist. He is the ﬁrst organist nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album.

Dream Theater, Sun., April 20, MAC. Dream Theater’s performance serves as both entry-point for curious newcomers and shining beacon to longtime devotees. Evocative, transcendent, genre-deﬁning and as hungry as ever, Dream Theater’s music is as timeless as the dozen-album strong discography and more than 25 years of performing would suggest. Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s “Spoken World,” Fri., April 25, MAC. “Spoken World” is a three-part performance that includes an excerpt of the award-winning Word Becomes Flesh. Recalling voyages to Senegal, Haiti, Bosnia and Japan, Joseph examines the way hip-hop culture has transformed the perception of American citizenship across the world. 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.” Igudesman and Joo, Wed., April 30, MAC. The artists perform an

March 1 – 14, 2014

improvisational show, with enchanting and zany music and outrageous humor. Ideal for audiences older than 8, this show is sure to captivate you and crack

you up whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or the type who runs for cover at the mere mention of Mozart.

ON STAGE VENUE INDEX ASUG – ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: www.asugammage.com/shows BA – Ballet Arizona 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 381-1096, http://balletaz. org HTC – Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 252-8497, www. herbergertheater.ticketforce.com MAC – Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com OT– Orpheum Theater 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix Tickets: www.orpheum-theater.com PT – Palms Theatre 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa Tickets: (480) 924-6260, www. thepalmstheater.com SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 499-8587, www. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

SH – Symphony Hall 75 N. Second St., Phoenix Tickets: www.phoenixsymphony.org ST–Sagebrush Theatre 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 949-7529, www. greasepaint.org SUL – Stand Up Live 50 W. Jefferson St., Suite 200, Phoenix Tickets: (480) 719-6100, www. standuplive.com TAS – Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Suite 406, Scottsdale Tickets: (602) 765-0120, www. thestudiophx.org/tickets.html TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: (480) 350-2822, www.tca. ticketforce.com VPC--Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley Tickets: (480) 305-4538, www. sonorandesertchorale.org VYT--Valley Youth Theatre 525 N. First St., Phoenix Tickets: (602) 253-8188, www.vyt.com

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Arts

March 1 – 14, 2014

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Blues Traveler to headline Chandler Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival Professionally produced by HDE Agency, the Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival has conﬁrmed that the Grammy Award-winning band Blues Traveler is set to headline this year’s festival on Saturday, March 22, in downtown Chandler. Best known for their mid-‘90s Billboard top 10 breakthrough hit, “RunAround,” Blues Traveler has captivated more than 30 million fans around the world. With more than 13 million albums sold worldwide, Blues Traveler has long been known for their extensive use of segues, multiple song mash-ups and extensive instrumental jams during their live performances. Blues Traveler is sure to bring that same level of high energy performance to downtown Chandler at the Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival. Blues Traveler will headline the event, taking the stage at 8 p.m. for a two-hour set. Opening up for Blues Traveler, are the country acts Craig Campbell, Laura Walsh, and Georgia Chrome. Campbell, a country music singer from Lyons, Ga., is best known for his single “Family Man” which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Top 20 in April 2011 selling more than a quarter of a million downloads.

Winner of Outstanding Event of the Year in 2012 and 2013 at the APS AzTEC Awards, the 2014 Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival will be the biggest and best yet with expanded event zones, more than 100 exhibitors, and over 60 pit masters from across the nation serving up over 20,000 pounds of mouthwatering pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken, all paired with the state’s ﬁnest craft beer. Other event highlights include the SanTan Brewing Tailgater’s Lawn, Ultra Star March Madness Lounge, Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion, Porkopolis VIP Quarters, Dickel Hoedown Rodeo Zone, Bulleit Bourbon BBQ Pit Row, DC Farmers Market, and an expanded kids’ play zone. Barbecue pit masters will compete in the Bashas’ Backyard Throwdown Competition while hungry patrons can sign up for up to four different eating contests including the Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ rib eating contest, Tastebuds pie eating contest, Hungry Monk’s wing eating contest and Von Hanson’s Meats and Spirits brat eating contest. General admission is $10 and includes entry into the event, which starts at 12 p.m. Food and beverages are sold separately. Children 12 years of age and

HEADLINER: Blues Traveler is the featured act at the Chandler Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival. Submitted photo

younger are admitted for free. Presale tickets can be purchased online at www. chandlerbbq.com. For more event information be sure to “like” this event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bbq.beer.music and follow on Twitter and Instagram @ BBQBEERFESTIVAL for entertainment announcements, a chance to win free tickets and more event details. The Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival ofﬁcial sponsors include; Bashas’, Ak-Chin Indian Communities, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, SanTan Brewing Co., 102.5 KNIX, BBQ Island, Chester’s Harley

Davidson, Arizona Pork Council, AZ BBQ Club, Phoenix New Times, Local First AZ, Porkopolis, Bulleit Bourbon, Dickel Bourbon, Woodcraft, Von Hanson’s Meats and Spirits, One Community, Frontdoors News and Local Lily. A portion of the event proceeds will beneﬁt the Boot Campaign, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing assistance to wounded military and their families with job placement and securing mortgage free homes, post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, adaptive clothing and much more. For more information about the Boot Campaign, visit www. bootcampaign.com.

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March 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14, 2014