Monday Mashup: What do you get…
…When you mix a folk singer and a blues/jazz band?
Brian Chartrand & The Voce Project.
The video is a tad long, but I like it because it shows the different talents of the project, and I think it was one of the audience’s favorite songs. It’s a bit slow and mellow, but it’s perfect to keep me nice and mellow so I can make the most out of my Monday.
We also had the second performance of our 3 Evenings With The Arts, but I wasn’t able to get any video or photos of that, sadly. We had a great turnout, and now we’re focused on next month’s Bible Bingo, An Act of Charity in Two Acts (also a part of the 3 Evenings With The Arts) and our last Free Summer Concert, the Territorial Brass Band. Before I know it, the 2012-2013 season will be here and temperatures will be nice and I’ll be so busy that I won’t know what to do with myself.
…Well, I only half believe the part about cooler temperatures. Just because I don’t remember what 75 degrees feels like.
How is the start of the week treating you?
Monday Mashup: Firefly & Fall Reminders
Firefly was amazing. They are a group that keeps evolving and getting better with each performance, and being able to watch that growth, even in just a year, has been awesome.
Of course, I took video! Here was their opener which was so much fun. The girls can play a wide variety of instruments, and if you missed Friday’s show, you really missed out on a unique musical experience.
Also, I’d just like to remind everyone that our Fall Performing Arts Program starts in a little more than a month! It’s the weekly class that runs from September 10-December 3, and is tailored to fit kids who want to improve their musical theatre skills, and that includes beginners too. (because if you’re a beginner, you can only get better from here!)
If you’re not ready for a long commitment like our Performing Arts Program, you (or your kids, because I know some former campers read this…) can still live out their dreams of fame and fortune in our Glee Camp, which runs from 9am-12pm October 1-5.
Both programs are going to feature brand new material, so if you did our Performing Arts Program or Glee before, you won’t be wasting your time doing the same thing.
You can register for the Performing Arts Program here, and register for Glee here. Have questions? I’m your lady, give me a shout and I’ll help you out.
(Unintentional rhyme win!)
Joe Bourne Takes Us Back
I’ve mentioned it several times, but I grew up with music that was made by people before my parents were born. Frank Sinatra was my lullaby. My girlhood crush was Buddy Holly. My glasses even look like his did. I remember listening to Nat King Cole when I did my homework, just loud enough so I could hear it, but not too loud so my Mom wouldn’t come in and bust me.
Next weekend starts out with an old-school-but-totally-cool vibe on Saturday, and we’re keeping it going with “Remembering Mr. Cole: A Tribute to Nat King Cole”, starring Joe Bourne & Trio as our first show in our 3 Evenings With The Arts fundraiser.
Joe has been playing professionally since 1968, and got his start in Cambridge, Mass. He made his way down to Atlanta in 1975 and then made the Netherlands his base for the next 25 years before coming out to Tucson. During his career, he’s recorded and performed with The Supremes, Dionne Warwick, and Ms. Natalie Cole herself.
It’s safe to say, the man knows his music.
Joe keeps his music simple, like the crooners of the 40s, with a piano, bass and guitar. That’s actually what helped him come up with the idea of “Remembering Mr. Cole, A Tribute to Nat King Cole.”
“I met a piano player who had studied the instrumental side of Nat King Cole, and we decided to put together a tribute to him about 6 years ago,” said Joe. It’s been going strong ever since. All the members of his trio have degrees in music and a deep understanding and appreciation of the musicianship that is required to pull off a 40’s soul song.
So what is it about Nat King Cole that first drew Joe to him and his music?
“I’ve always loved him, and his music,” Joe said. “I really like it all, Nat King Cole, Motown, even Disco.” From the sound to the stories that the songs tell, Joe says it’s like telling a history of a person.
It’s that combination of history and music that audiences find so appealing. Joe said that where ever he goes, he always finds an appreciative audience, even some repeat concert goers.
“In Arizona, people are from everywhere, so sometimes I’ll do a show in Arizona and then a show in the Midwest, and I’ll see some familiar faces. No matter where I go, people like the same kind of music, even if they don’t realize it yet,” he said.
When you come see Joe next weekend, you’ll be in for a treat.
“I hope people leave with a big smile on their faces, from music they remember from their younger days, or music that they remember from listening to their families,” Joe said. “It’s music they can remember, and lyrics they can understand.”
I wholeheartedly agree, Joe. If this is your first experience with 1940’s and 50’s crooners, it’ll make for an Unforgettable experience that will make you fall in love with his music.
You can get tickets to the entire 3 Evenings With The Arts fundraiser series, or just to Joe’s show here. He takes the stage on Saturday, July 28 at 8pm, but only after a live auction, a silent auction, a raffle, wine tasting and so much more.
High School Musical 2
Last Friday was our very last day of Summer Camp for 2012. The campers put on an amazing sendoff and showed us just how good things can happen when you work really hard for four days and love what you do.
Check out one, or both, of the camp videos below!
*Also, we have a ton of water bottle, lunch boxes and even some fancy electronic stuff left from all of our camps this summer. If you’re missing something, or even thing you’re missing something, give me a shout and help me find homes for all of our stuff.
Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now
How many times did well tell our parents that we’re big girls (or boys) growing? I think it was one of my first phrases, so I can related to these young ladies.
What’s Up With That?
Our campers get a bit ticked when they’re accused of something they didn’t do.
Monday Mashup: Shows, shows and more shows.
I love showing rather than telling, and two of our shows this weekend can express themselves better than I could.
One of our patrons summed up Alpin Hong perfectly.
We’re happy that you’re happy.
And then, there was Ballroom with A Twist. I was expecting the dancers, but I didn’t know about the appearances of David Hernandez and Gina Glocksen, so I was surprised.
I took a bunch of video, but that would just take up space on the blog, so I’ve created a playlist here.
I wasn’t able to grab any video from Wyatt Earp, but I loved the show. Getting to hear about the early days of Arizona (especially as an Arizona native) made my day. If anyone has any pictures they’d like to share, throw them my way.
Phew, three shows, and that was just a weekend recap, so I’ll make this next one short. On Saturday night we’re hosting Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis as a part of their Grits and Glamour tour. I had not heard of Lorrie or Pam until last spring, and I’m ashamed of that. I like country as much as the next person, but there is just something about these two ladies that I can really connect to, and I enjoy listening to their music.
You can find out how to get tickets, as well as watch a video of them, here.
Zoppé Circus Camp
This week, the Zoppé family took some time to show a few Chandler kids how to be proper circus performers.
Monday Mashup: Long weekend, regular weekend, really long weekend
I was expecting Classic Albums to perform Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and bring the house down, but they far exceeded my expectations. Seriously, when they first started up I had to squint from my perch to make sure that we didn’t actually hire Fleetwood Mac or that they snuck on stage. The group sounded just like Fleetwood Mac, down to the note. I was blown away.
Don’t believe me? Take a look at some video that I got from this weekend.
(….testing. Testing. Please WordPress don’t fail me now)
Okay there’s a hitch in something and my videos aren’t imbedding properly. So click on over to here and here, and you’ll be able to listen.
Anywhoo.
This weekend we don’t have any performances, but the weekend after, in my favorite long weekend of the year, we’re kicking off The Nutcracker by Ballet Etudes. They were the same people that put on the ballet in the spring, and it’s Nutcracker! It’s a tradition, and you can’t mess with traditions. They’ll be here for two weekends, so if you’re out of town next weekend, you can watch them in the beginning of December.
Monday Mashup: Whirlwind Ruckus.
That best describes our weekend and Friday night show at the Center. If you missed it, you didn’t just miss an amazing show, but you missed out on a whole experience. Lucky for you, I understand that emergencies come up, and there are maybe one or two good excuses for missing the show. So, here’s a taste.
First, we had three amazing gentlemen (who didn’t mind me stalking them) playing the bagpipes to welcome people to the Center.
Then you walked in and saw these lovely young ladies from AZ Colleen. Break it down, now.
And finally, you got to watch the show! Here’s a clip of Gaelic Storm playing “What’s the Rumpus?” Let me just say that most performers can get the audience going along with them for a song, maybe two. Gaelic Storm had everyone participating the entire show. Well done, guys.
Amazing time. We need them back next year.
This weekend we’re continuing the Irish trend, but taking it in a different direction. On Sunday you can catch Orla Fallon performing here, and it’s going to be a great time. She’s a little more traditional than Gaelic Storm, and her songs can really pull on your heart-strings one minute, and then make you laugh and clap along the next. She’s a great performer and you really can’t miss it.
Glee Camp Progress Report: A+
It’s the second to last day of Camp, and I’m going to miss these guys.
It’s Born This Way, now with 100% more dance moves!
Glee Camp shows us what they’re made of
It’s only the second day of our October Glee Camp and these kids already know the lyrics to two songs, as well as two dance routines. They might play hard, but they certainly work harder and I think it’s going to really pay off when the perform for everyone on Friday.
I managed to sneak in and get some video of “Empire State of Mind” and “Born This Way”.
Monday Mashup: Gratitude
I want to send out a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the #ChandlerHunt on Friday. It was a huge learning experience and twice the amount of fun I thought it would be. Ya’ll rock, and I wish I could give you a hug (in a totally, not creepy kind of way).
I also want to thank the businesses that put up with me and were more than willing from day one to participate. Gangplank, Serranos, Inspirador, Di Sciacca, Sibley’s West, San Tan Brewing Company and Dashawn from Costco. Please make sure to visit them and tell them how amazing they are. (You can find Dashawn at the Chandler Mall Costco. Look for this charming fellow)
Also, thank you to Jennifer at the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, for introducing me to all the right people. Give them a shout and ask how you can help make Downtown Chandler even more awesome than it is.
Thankyouthankyouthankyou.
Oh, and we did have a show. The Sugar Thieves get better every time I see them, but here’s the video, if you need proof.
Monday Mashup: Songs that make you feel all warm and fuzzy
On Friday, love was definitely in the air.
Rusty and Kristen were amazing. They sung duets and solos about all aspects of love, from meeting someone for the first time, to looking back on memories of a person and being able to smile. It was a wonderful concert, and one thing I noticed was that the music really hit home with our audience. Our already nice and wonderful audience was nicer (if that’s possible) and couples who came in together left holding hands and smiling at each other. Really, a great thing to see.
But don’t take my word for it, here are a few clips from the show to make your Monday morning a little better.
Kristen’s solo from Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Rusty’s solo Starting Here, Starting Now (Which I think is also a name of a musical, in addition to being a Barbra Streisand song)
And another Streisand song on the cello. I could listen to this performance all morning, and I just might.
Happy Monday, ya’ll!
Monday Mashup: We Like To Party
I hope your weekend was wonderful and that you’re happy to get back to work this Monday morning. If either one (or both) isn’t the case, then a little Monday Mashup should be the cure for what ails you.
Bad Cactus Brass Band rocked on Friday night, and even brought a little surprise with them. In addition to their marching brass band, they had a gentleman by the name of Chris Pena on piano who was drop dead amazing.
Hot dang. Makes me wish that I stuck with my dream of playing piano, but moving on. If you didn’t catch Bad Cactus then here’s a clip of what you missed. (Also, I want to see a doctor’s note)
This weekend we don’t have a free summer show, but next weekend we’re really going to party. We have Rachel Eckroth coming on August 19th and then on August 20th with The Christopher Robin Band at Chester’s Harley-Davidson where yours truly will try not to catch on fire and help grill up all sorts of tasty goodness. Keep your eyes out for some more details as we get closer to August 20th.
What lies below?
For this episode of Caitie’s Chandler Crawl, I wandered around under CCA to see what I could find.
Monday Mashup: Steve Wariner and Firefly and Street Beat, Oh My!
If you missed Steve Wariner and Firefly, then you missed a really awesome show. But, I got you covered with a sweet clip of Steve jamming out. Unfortunatly, we couldn’t get one with Firefly, but you can catch those ladies opening for Carolina Liars on April 16 in Scottsdale.
Sorry for the shaky video, we’re currently tripod-less, but I’m working on that!
This weekend we’re switching gears a bit with Street Beat. If you’ve ever seen Stop, Street Beat is similar, only better because they’re playing here this weekend. They combine drumming on everyday items with martial arts and parkour. Just watching their YouTube videos makes me want to get up and move, so can you image what they’re going to be like live? I dare anyone at the show not to get up and dance, because I know I’ll be around shakin’ what my mama gave me.
My Fox Phoenix vists Glee Camp!
This morning Kristin from Fox 10 came down to CCA and showed everyone how awesome our Glee Campers are! Here are some photos I took before, during and after the shoot.
(Psssst. Didn’t get a chance to catch the live spot? Look for Kristen and the kids dancing on Friday!)
Tech Tuesday: Soundboard
If a performance looks great, but no one in the audience can hear anything, it can very quickly lead to a riot. Which is why we need Dean (who you’ll meet later) and a soundboard.
Call it what you will, audio mixer, mixing console or mixing desk. This vital and giant piece of equpiment makes sure that any sound coming out of the speakers in CCA sounds like it supposed to. It also helps our sound techs know which microphones will pick up what sounds, and when they should come on or go silent. When you have multiple microphones, you have to make sure that no one will dominate the others, so you can hear the singer just as easily as the rest of the band. When a mic is not doing it’s job properly, the who performance is off. Sometime during April Dean may let me sit in on a sound check so you can see him and the board in action.
Seriously though, this thing is a beast. I would have gotten in the photo to show how big it is compared to a person, but being in a giant empty and semi-dark theatre is down right creepy. I snapped my two pictures and booked it out of there.
Yes I’m a giant scaredy cat. No shame.
Sit down at San Tan
San Tan Brewing Company is about a block south of Chandler Center for the Arts, which makes it a great lunch or happy hour destination, and also the perfect place for theater goers to have a bit to eat. It opened in mid-2007 in what had been a bank in a previous life.
“We had the goal of bringing fresh, handcrafted beer to Chandler and the surrounding areas,” said Chip Mulala, Minister of Craft Beer. “San Tan started out as a restaurant, but then the popularity of craft beers exploded, and we expanded our beer distribution. Now our beers are available in over 300 stores in Arizona, from big chain stores to the independent ones.”
San Tan is also Chandler Center for the Art’s official beer sponsor, which means that at select shows, patrons will be able to purchase San Tan’s craft beers, as long as they’re over 21.*
“It means a lot to us (to be CCA’s official beer sponsor). It’s so important because Chandler Center for the Arts is an anchor for Chandler, and we can put ourselves on the map, which helps the city grow in terms of population and culture,” said Chip, adding that the partnership between San Tan and Chandler Center for the Arts enhances the guest’s experience by having local, quality handcrafted beer available.
If anyone who wants to make San Tan Brewing Company their destination before coming to Chandler Center for the Arts, Chip said patrons should show their ticket or ticket stub, and they can receive 10% off their bill.
“Reservations are suggested, however only accepted until 5:30 p.m., so we really suggest coming in early so you can relax and enjoy your meal.”
For dinner ideas, Chip suggested either the Cochinita Pork Pibil paired with the HefeWeizen Wheat beer or the Green Chili Enchiladas with the Devil’s Ale.
Here’s a slide show to give you a glimpse of San Tan. The handsome fellow holding the HefeWeizen is Owner and Brew master Anthony Canecchia, and if you can pronounce his name right on the first try I will give you a dollar (just kidding!).
(*And don’t try and sneak a fake I.D. past us. We’re too good at this.)
Welcome Chandler Center for the Arts’ blog!
Welcome to the new blog for Chandler Center for the Arts! My name is Caitie, and I’ll be posting content as often as possible such as facts about CCA, news, and exclusive behind the scenes photos, videos and interviews!
Check back often, explore the site and let me know what you think! If you happen to be in the area of Chandler Blvd and Arizona Ave, and you see a short girl in heels chasing people with a camera, stop by and say hi.
Trust me, this is going to be fun.
Chandler Center For The Arts 