Weekend In Review: Last Free Concerts of Season
This weekend was filled with fun and excitement. We could not have asked for a better way to finish up our On The House free summer concerts.
In case you missed it, here is a quick review of the weekend:
On Friday, we welcomed ¡FlaMÉXico! to our stage. Before the doors opened to the stage, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ, one of the featured 14th Annual Chandler C3HR Mariachi Festival performers, filled the lobby with incredible dances.
¡FlaMÉXico! then took the audience by surprise with their foot-tapping music and fantastic footwork. To say the least the evening was impresionante!
Saturday evening was yet another free summer concert. We had the wonderful opportunity to hear the musical beats of six up and coming bands/vocalists. It was a great youth showcase!
No Longer Together
Carly Paige
Eclipses for Eyes
Run 2 Cover
West Hills Brothers
[Not pictured: Molly Kigin]
A big thank you to all those who came out this season for our On The House free summer concert series. We hope you will join us for another concert or event this upcoming season! Chandler Center for the Arts upcoming 2013-2014 shows found here.
Put The FlaMEXico Band Back Together
Our On The House concert series takes a Mexican/Spanish turn this Friday, August 23, with a foot tapping performance by ¡FlaMÉXico! at 7:30pm.
Before the show begins, don’t miss your chance to win 2 FREE tickets to one of our upcoming 2013-2014 season shows. Yes, we’ve done it again…all you have to do is Put The ¡FlaMÉXico! Band “back together” before 7:30pm. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: On Friday, August 23, 2013, collect all 5 band member cards from the following Downtown Chandler locations (one block south of the Center on Boston Street):
– Di Sciacca Glassware
– Sibley’s West
– Bourbon Jacks Bar & Grill
– Paletas Betty
– Shoe Thrill
Liza, Patron of the Arts
Step 2: Find Liza, our Patron of the Arts mascot, somewhere at Chandler Center for the Arts and take a picture with her. Post to Instagram (if you have an acct).
*Hint: She will be “adopting” a seat.*
Step 3: Show all 5 band member cards and your picture with Liza to the person at the promo table to be entered into our drawing*
Participants will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to one of the following shows:
– The Australian Bee Gees Show
– Michael A. Pollack presents Blood Sweat & Tears
– Zoppe, An Italian Family Circus
– Moscow Festival Ballet presents Swan Lake
– One Night of Queen
– SIRO-A
We’ll see you tomorrow!
Plugged In: Run 2 Cover
What do you get when you blend together Rock, Metal, Punk & Pop? A group called Run 2 Cover. Run 2 Cover is one of our six acts being featured during Saturday’s Plugged-In performance. The band members of Run 2 Cover sat down with us for an interview and here’s what we discovered.
In late 2010, Christian and Brandon Iverson (brothers) and their neighborhood friend, Colin Shaw, formed Run 2 Cover. Christian is lead vocalist and bassist (and older brother). Brandon, the younger brother, can be found on the drums. And Colin is the sole guitarist for the band. The three band members may look “punk”, but don’t let that fool you. Each band members is kind, genuine, and excited to be on this musical journey.
All three of the boys have grown up with music as their main focus. Starting at the age of 12, Colin began playing the electric guitar and Christian started playing the bass guitar. Brandon began piano lessons when he was 5 years old and later took an interest in drums at age 11. The boys have worked hard creating their sound, songs, and vibe. None of the boys attend public school so they have more time to devote to the band and music.
When we asked them where they practiced we were not surprised when they told us they practice at home. Although, not the garage, the band fills the Iverson’s home with their loud Rock music. We naturally had to ask if the neighbor’s ever complained of noise. The three chuckled and responded with a resounding “Yes!”
The band has encountered minor challenges along the way. There are times when the band will bump heads, but the next day they have moved on and are ready to get back to work. When asked if they have had their “big break” yet, all three said no. They continue to work hard to gain more exposure for the band and have even toyed with the idea of changing the band name. Although they haven’t had their “big break,” the quality of the band is well on its’ way to making it big.
Run 2 Cover recently launched their EP (Extened Play) “Turn the Page” on iTunes this month. Preview the songs here. The band is definitely one to watch live in concert and one to watch as they journey to making it “big.”
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We are looking forward to welcoming Run 2 Cover to our stage this Saturday, August 24 at 7:30pm for our On The House free summer concert “Plugged In.” No tickets required, the show is FREE. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family. Your financial support is appreciated.
“Plugged In” And Ready To Rock
We hope by now you have heard the buzz about our On The House free summer concert, Plugged In. The concert hits the stage this Saturday, August 24, at 7:30pm. The evening is going to be filled with young talent from the Phoenix Valley. All of the artists have been prepping for this evening and we know it is an event you won’t want to miss.
Who is performing, you might ask? We have a break down just for you:
West Hills Brothers
Mix of Classic Rock, Pop & Alternative Rock
The West Hills Brothers are a unique duo of acoustic/electric guitars, vocals and percussion. Their music is a great mix of classic rock, pop, alternative and original tunes with their own unique style.
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Carly Paige
Pop solo-vocalist
Carly is a 15-year-old singer songwriter singer/songwriter/guitar player. She LOVES and is INSPIRED by The Beatles, ELO, LEO, & The Jellyfish!
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Run 2 Cover
Blending Rock, Metal, Punk & Pop
Run 2 Cover is comprised of three young, gifted, and relevant musicians. Run 2 Cover performs their original music as well as a wide spectrum of cover songs ranging from Bob Marley, Prince, Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Guns and Roses, Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo Green, Jimmy Eat World, Ozzy Osbourne, etc.
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No Longer Together
Alternative Rock
No Longer Together is an Alternative Rock/Pop band from Scottsdale, Arizona. The group plays modern music – electric and acoustic, originals and covers.
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Molly Kigin
Pop/Rock solo-vocalist
Molly is a 16-year-old singer/songwriter/ guitarist from Chandler, Arizona working on her first album.She has independently produced four singles in digital distribution: “Box,” “When Rain Falls,” “American Nightmare,” and “Breathing.”
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Eclipses for Eyes
Alternative Rock
Alternative rock band based out of Tempe, Arizona! Here to create music with heart and passion.
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This incredible event was inspired by our Youth Advisory Council. Council members engage in experiential 3-hour sessions from September – March that provide hands-on, real world leadership situations of a Performing Arts Center. We are currently accepting applications for our 2013-2014 council (candidates are 13-18 years of age). Application deadline is September 4, 2013 at 5pm. If you or someone you know would be a great fit please have them apply today!
Plugged In: Dynamic Duo
Inspired by the Center’s Youth Advisory Council, “Plugged In” will feature six up and coming young musical acts in the Phoenix Metro area who will showcase their talent in Chandler on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 7:30pm.
The West Hills Brothers are a unique duo of acoustic/electric guitars, vocals and percussion. Carson Smith is the lead vocals, guitar, and percussion. His twin brother Cole, plays acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin. The brothers are originally from West Hills, California but now live in Arizona and perform on a regular basis. Their music is a great mix of classic rock, pop, alternative and original tunes with their own unique style. We had to get the inside scoop on who these brothers are, check it out!
Chandler Center for the Arts [CCA]: We have to ask, who is the oldest?
West Hill Brothers: We are actually twin brothers. Carson (the drummer) is 2 minutes older.
CCA: Does it make it easier or harder to work together since you are brothers?
West Hill Brothers: It makes it easier for us to work together because we know each other so well and we don’t have to go through the hassle of calling each other up to meet and rehearse and clear dates for shows etc.
CCA: How old were you when you discovered your musical talent?
West Hill Brothers: We were about 6 years old when we first started to learn how to play and we formed our band about 3 years ago. We have grown up with music all of our lives. Our dad is a musician and first introduced us to playing music.
CCA: What instruments do you play?
West Hill Brothers: Carson plays drums, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and lead vocals. Cole plays the acoustic/electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, and back-up vocals.
CCA: Has it always been your goal to be performing artists?
West Hill Brothers: We didn’t think about it too much when we were younger because we knew we just liked to play music together. We started out playing local open mic nights and coffee shops and began to love it. Now it’s great to have our calendar pretty booked playing some great gigs at some cool events.
CCA: Do you feel like you have gotten your “big break” yet?
West Hill Brothers: We understand its can be a slow process. We love the fact that we have been on local TV and in the newspaper etc. but national recognition would be great. In the meantime we look at is as becoming better musicians in the process.
CCA: Are there any musicians or bands who have inspired you?
West Hill Brothers: We share the same interests in bands and love listening to NeverShoutNever, Foster the People, Mergence, Band of Horses, the Avett Brothers, Jack Johnson, the Beatles, Local Natives, Dr. Dog, the Killers, Mumford & Sons, No doubt, Neil Young, Vampire Weekend, Weezer, and much more!
CCA: How do you balance school and the band?
West Hill Brothers: Our grades are really important and the fact that we are brothers really helps with rehearsal times etc. We like to hang out with our friends on nights that we aren’t performing and we really appreciate how are friends have supported us and come out to our shows.
CCA: What is your favorite genre of music?
West Hill Brothers: We like to listen to alternative-rock and we like classic rock too.
CCA: Do you hope to make music your life-long careers? Or do you have a different vision for your future careers?
West Hill Brothers: We definitely want to play and write as much music as possible throughout our lives. We both have other interests in the arts too, but music will always be apart of our lives.
CCA: If you could perform anywhere, where would it be?
West Hill Brothers: We would love to play at a cool festival like Coachella, or Bonnaroo or someday sell-out at a stadium or concert hall somewhere!
CCA: Do you have any interesting stories since you started to perform publicly?
West Hill Brothers: We don’t really have any crazy stories, but we have had some pretty interesting notes left in our tip jar.
CCA: What is one thing you want the Chandler Center for the Arts’ audience to know about you?
West Hill Brothers: First, we really appreciate the opportunity that Chandler Center for the Arts has given us and second we just want everyone to hopefully love our music and style and see the big sound we get from just 2 people performing.
CCA: Any additional comments or information you might want to share with our audience?
West Hill Brothers: We hope to see you at the event and we will be releasing our new single “Walk in the Park” that we just recorded last week. We want to thank our friends and family for all their support.
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Come see this pair perform during our Plugged In concert on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 7:30pm. No tickets required, the show is FREE. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family. Your financial support is appreciated.
Plugged In: Carly Paige
Inspired by the Center’s Youth Advisory Council, “Plugged In” will feature six up and coming young musical acts in the Phoenix Metro area who will showcase their talent in Chandler on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 7:30pm.
One of the featured artists is Carly Paige, an incredible up and coming vocal soloist. Carly Paige is your fun loving teen who you can immediately call a friend. We instantly fell in love with her song “Too Good” (watch out Taylor Swift) and knew we want to learn more about her. Check out our interview with Carly Paige below:
Chandler Center for the Arts [CCA]: How old were you when you discovered your vocal talent?
Carly Paige: My parents have told me that I’ve been singing since I was 3 or 4 years old. I really started to get into it at about age 10 when I got my first guitar.
CCA: Has it always been your goal to be a performing vocal artist?
Carly Paige: I have always wanted to be a singer/songwriter/guitar player. My Dad use to be in a band, and there were always guitars in the house. It just felt so natural to pick one up and start writing.
CCA: Who are your musical inspirations?
Carly Paige: I grew up listening to The Beatles, ELO, and the Jellyfish. When I listen to their music, it makes me want to grab my guitar and start writing.
CCA: What musical artist are you most often compared to?
Carly Paige: Many people compare me to Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Sheryl Crow.
CCA: What kind of music do you listen to today?
Carly Paige: I listen to a whole lot of everything. I’m a big fan of The Script, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and of course The Beatles.
CCA: What embarrassing songs might we find on your MP3 player?
Carly Paige: I have a few songs from Disney movies on my iPod. I have “Part of Your World,” and “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid, and “One Jump Ahead” from Aladdin. *laughs*
CCA: Where would you most like to perform?
Carly Paige: I’d just like to play in front of a crazy large crowd. I’d love to play in a large, packed stadium or theatre.
CCA: Who would you most like to open for?
Carly Paige: I would love to open up for Paul McCartney. I just love him. I saw him in concert a few years ago, and he was so amazing!
CCA: If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
Carly Paige: I honestly don’t have anything else that I’m interested in doing. Music is everything to me.
CCA: Do you have any hidden talents?
Carly Paige: I’m double jointed. I can bend my thumb all the way back. Does that count? *laughs*
CCA: Have you hit any roadblocks since you started singing?
Carly Paige: Occasionally I experience writer’s block, and few times, I’ve been sick for shows.
CCA: Since you are so young, do you have any advice for other aspiring youth musicians?
Carly Paige: I think I would just say to keep trying, and do what you love because I believe that if you put your heart and hard work into what you love, you’ll be happy.
CCA: Anything else you might want to share with our audience?
Carly Paige: I appreciate being given the opportunity to play at Chandler Center for the Arts, and I can’t wait to play for everyone!
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Don’t miss Carly Paige and our five other acts perform during “Plugged In” on Saturday, August 24 at 7:30pm. No tickets required, the show is FREE. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. Your financial support is appreciated.
Put The Band Back Together
Do you like free? Be sure to join in on the free fun happening at Chandler Center for the Arts during the entire month of August.
Our FREE summer concert series, On The House, officially kicks of with a beat hopping performance by Bad Cactus Brass Band inside the Center this Friday, August 2 at 7:30pm.
Before the show begins, don’t miss your chance to win 2 FREE tickets to one of our upcoming 2013-2014 season shows. How, you might ask? All you have to do is Put The Bad Cactus Brass Band “back together” before 7:30pm. It might sound like a difficult task, but we have broken it down into two easy steps:
Step 1: On Friday, August 2, 2013, collect 5 of the 6 band member cards from the following Downtown Chandler locations (one block south of the Center on Boston Street):
– Di Sciacca Glassware
– Sibley’s West
– Bourbon Jacks Bar & Grill
– Paletas Betty
– Shoe Thrill
Step 2: Go to the CCA lobby promo table to collect the 6th band member card. Show all 6 band member cards to the person at the promo table to be entered into our drawing*
Participants will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to one of the following shows:
– The Australian Bee Gees Show
– Michael A. Pollack presents Blood Sweat & Tears
– Zoppe, An Italian Family Circus
– Moscow Festival Ballet presents Swan Lake
– One Night of Queen
– SIRO-A
We’ll see you on Friday!
Ole! FlaMEXico!
The journey to find a genuine fusion of two distinct and profound musical styles is a daunting task for anyone. Can it be done? Do two separate arts have a common-ground musically that adequately represent the cultural integrity of each?
Enter Chris Burton Jácome, Flamenco guitarist and composer. Jácome felt a driving force to answer these questions. He charged his project, ¡FlaMÉXico!, with finding, creating and celebrating the musical confluences of Spain’s Flamenco and México’s Mariachi.
Fast forward to today, ¡FlaMÉXico! has created an enthralling show featuring the melding of two beautiful arts and cultures. During our FREE summer concert series on Friday, August 23 at 7:30pm, ¡FlaMÉXico! will present their findings in a way that will move you to your feet.
Out of pure curiosity as to why anyone would challenge themselves with such a large musical task, we interview Jácome more about his musical journey. Here’s what we found out:
Chandler Center for the Arts [CCA]: How old were you when you started your musical journey?
Chris Burton Jácome: I received my first guitar when I was 13. I started taking lessons right away and, according to my friends, I reached a pretty good skill level more quickly than they might have anticipated. I don’t really consider myself consciously deciding to pursue music though until I was in my late teens. I got more and more into music throughout my teenage years…started giving other high school kids guitar lessons when I was 16. I consider my “official” journey beginning when I decided to get a degree in music in college.
CCA: Do you play any other instruments other than the guitar?
Jácome: I am not musically fluent on any other instrument. I sing. I have composed some very basic piano music but the only instrument I play and can “speak my mind” on is guitar.
CCA: Your website mentioned the “fusion of two distinct and profound musical styles began as more of a whim.” Did you ever imagine this “whim” would bring you to where you are at today?
Jácome: Great question! Sometimes the ideas that just “come to you” are the best ideas! This “whim” that I had a few years ago has already transformed into a very solid, real group. I’m somewhat perplexed as to how this is all working myself…but it is! I still consider this idea in its beginning stages but I am finding more and more artists who are willing to put in the time and energy to cross-train in two different artistic styles and the more artists I get on board the more I can develop the concept. I’m really excited to bring this project to Chandler Center for the Arts and the greater Chandler community. I’ve always believed that Flamenco is an art form that everyone can appreciate but now with the fusion of mariachi music this concert will be a real delight for anyone who has grown up here in the Southwest or has an affinity for Mexican and Spanish cultures.
CCA: Are there any musicians or bands who have inspired you?
Jácome: Generally, I find inspiration in all bands and all music. Specifically, Flamenco artists that inspire me include: Paco de Lucía, Tomatito, Inés Bacán, Moraíto, Manuela Carrasco, Ramón Montoya, Pedro Sierra, Juan Manuel Cañizares, Antonio Mairena, Fernanda de Utrera. In Mariachi…although not traditional, I’m biased because our cousins are married…Linda Ronstadt. As well as artists such as Vicente Fernández, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Nati Cano’s Mariachi Los Camperos and all of the mariachi artists that I’ve seen and heard in my life.
CCA: What can our patrons expect from the upcoming show?
Jácome: Rhythms that make you want to dance! Heart-wrenching songs that make you want to hear them again and again! Flamenco footwork that will blow your mind! And, of course, a group of highly skilled artists that love being the tour-guides into the music and dance of the cultures of Mexico and Spain.
CCA: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Jácome: Keep practicing, playing, studying, learning and developing. Find as many teachers as you can. Above all, define your goals with music because your destination will determine what route you take and how dedicated you must be to reach your destination. If your goal is to have fun, then by all means, have fun! Learning a musical instrument enriches your life and provides so many opportunities to create great relationships and communities. If your goal is to become a professional musician and earn your living from your music, well then, you might not have the luxury of music always being fun. Prepare yourself to sometimes call music, “work.”
CCA: Any additional comments?
Jácome: This is going to be a great evening! Flamenco and Mariachi are both art forms of the people and they are wonderful performance art forms because the more audience participation, the BETTER! Please come early to get a good seat and bring your gritos (mariachi yells) and your ¡Olé!’s (flamenco words of encouragement) because we’re going to have a night to remember!
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Come and enjoy the best of both worlds of ¡FlaMÉXico!, the musical reflection of two cultures forming a new vision on Friday, August 23 at 7:30pm. No tickets required, the show is FREE. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. Your financial support is appreciated.
Jazzed Up for Dmitri Matheny Group
Celebrated for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American musician, Dmitri Matheny will perform at the Center during our FREE summer concert series on August 16th at 7:30pm. Completely fascinated by Dmitri’s history and his love of the unique flugelhorn instrument, we couldn’t help but interview him to learn more.
CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS (CCA): When did you start playing the flugelhorn?
DMITRI MATHENY: I started on piano at age 5, switched to trumpet at age 9, and began playing flugelhorn in my teens.
Dmitri Matheny, age 17, playing trumpet at Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan
I credit my father and his hip record collection for kindling my childhood interest in music. There was great music on our turntable all the time, from Rachmaninoff to Ray Charles.
After awhile I started to notice that many of my favorite musicians — people like Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Art Farmer (who later became my teacher) — were trumpet and flugelhorn players.
I especially loved the flugel for its warm, lyrical sound.
CCA: How many instruments do you play?
MATHENY: As a composer, I’ve learned to play several instruments just a little, but the only instrument I play professionally is the flugelhorn. That’s my voice.
CCA: For our audience, who may not be familiar with this type of Jazz, what can they expect to experience at the concert?
San Francisco vocalist, Clairdee
MATHENY: This is going to be a very special concert.
We’re featuring Clairdee, a wonderful vocalist from San Francisco who sings the Great American Songbook in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.
Our concert will showcase the golden era of the American movie musical and the leading songwriters of Broadway.
The program will be a hit parade of American popular songs as seen and heard in some of the most beloved films and shows ever made. The very best of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and more.
The audience will witness some exciting improvised solos, of course. They’ll tap their feet and feel the rhythm. But it’s the familiar melodies that will seduce and delight them.
CCA: We noted you have traveled to 19 countries. Do you have any fun “on the road” stories?
MATHENY: So many memories! In Azerbaijan, on the Caspian Sea, people spread caviar on their toast at breakfast like it’s no big deal. I brought home a peanut butter-sized jar of Beluga! Barbados is home to flying fish, spectacular sunsets and some of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. The Netherlands is a tiny country (less than twice the size of New Jersey), but there are dozens upon dozens of music venues. Nearly every village has a beautiful theater or jazz club in which to perform.
CCA: As an advocate for jazz, what is the best way to keep jazz alive for our future generations?
MATHENY: For musicians, mentorship is key. Although formal jazz education is thriving at colleges and conservatories, there are many things about this art form that can only be learned one-on-one from a master musician.
For music lovers, nothing compares to the thrill of attending a live performance. Why stay home and watch amateurs audition on TV shows like American Idol, when you can go out and be entertained by seasoned professionals in your own community?
Keep supporting live music!
CCA: Anything else you may want our Chandler audience to know?
Photo by Tom Kwas
MATHENY: As performing musicians, we make our living on the road, playing all kinds of venues, from intimate nightclubs to elegant recital halls to big, outdoor festivals.
The Chandler Center for the Arts rivals the best of these in terms of sound, sight-lines and ambience. The acoustics are stellar — every bit as good as they are at Carnegie Hall.
As a Chandler resident, I’m proud to have a theater of this caliber where I live, and I’m delighted to be performing there with such a terrific band.
This show offers residents and visitors to the area the opportunity to experience the Great American Songbook — live — in a world class concert hall, right here in the Valley of the Sun.
And you sure can’t beat the ticket price!
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See Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Clairdee live at Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 7:30pm. No tickets required, the show is FREE. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. Your financial support is appreciated.
Bad Cactus Brass Band – Nothing But Great!
Have you been to Chandler Center for the Arts? If not, now is your chance! All during the month of August, the Center will host four different FREE concerts under the On The House program. Each concert showcases a family-friendly performance that is sure to leave you wanting more. Gather your friends and family and experience a Chandler Center for the Arts performance “On The House.”
The free concert series kicks off on August 2, 2013 at 7:30pm with The Bad Cactus Brass Band. Coming out on the scene in 2009, this amazing group brings to life traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras inspired music in a fun and exciting fashion.
Although their name is Bad Cactus Brass Band, there is nothing bad about this group. *Their repertoire includes original dance music, funky street beats, traditional dixieland, gospel and swing, and pop songs reinterpreted with a brass band sound. Powered by tuba, drums, trumpets, saxophones, and trombones, the Bad Cactus Brass Band brings a Mardi Gras energy to street corners, festivals, parties, nightclubs, etc.
“They play loud, they play great… If you were to imagine how it might have sounded if Bix Biederbeck had been in a garage band in his Davenport days, it might have sounded like the Bad Cactus Brass Band.” Jim Phillips, Arizona Classic Jazz Society*
Sample their music below:
Come enjoy the different flavors of jazz and funky beats as this group triggers a joyful energy into the audience that will have everyone dancing till they cannot dance anymore!
No tickets required for this show. All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. Your financial support is appreciated. Learn more about our On The House FREE concert series here.
* http://badcactusbrassband.com/
Quick Sneak Peek
The weekend is almost upon us. What are your weekend plans? We hope you will join us here at the Arts Center.
Here is a quick glimpse at what to expect if you come to the CCA. Tonight at 7:30pm there is a Chandler Symphony Orchestra concert. The greatest news…the concert is free. We think it is a wonderful way to spend your Friday evening. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of our Eat Your Art Out Chandler restaurants.
Then on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 7pm the Golden Dragons will take the stage. With breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty the acrobats will leave you speechless. Sample a taste of the show here:
Whatever your weekend might hold, we hope it is amazing. See you soon!
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?
Weekend Preview: Two Days, Two Shows
High five, you made it to the weekend! Since it’s Friday, that means that I have a run down of Center events for you this weekend. Because we’re friends.
Tonight we have Phoenix’s very own Brian Chartrand & The Voce Project. It’s a new form of rock/jazz/blues/fun mix that I’ve really liked the more I listen to him. Brian has played all around the world and I’m pretty excited for him to show up here tonight and give us an amazing show.
Since it’s a free concert, we would of course love any donations that you could throw our way. The foyer doors open at 6:30, but you can’t get into the theatre to sit until 7:00, and the concert starts at 7:30.
If you want more of the Center this weekend, come back on Saturday night for our second concert of 3 Evenings For The Arts fundraiser, “Hollywood Sings Classic Cinema Songs”. There will be a ton of goodies up for grabs, as well as wine and munchables. You can grab tickets here, and if you’re coming, feel free to dress up in your most glitzy-glamorus, because the rest of us are going to be!
Monday Mashup: No More Lazy Summer Days
Because we have things to do around here!
On Friday we had the Sun Lakes Big Band, even though they admitted on stage that not many of their members live in Sun Lakes. They played some amazing Frank Sinatra and old school Glenn Miller (Can you have anything other than old school Glenn Miller? I’m talking about the really early stuff).
I didn’t get any video, but that was because everyone was being amazing and wanted to take part in our drawing with the Downtown Chandler Art Walk! You ladies and gents make me blush. Any time I get it into my head that I want to do some kind of contest or drawing or raffle, even with only a few days notice, you come out and participate and make me feel all warm and glowy. I have this fear that I sit out with something fun to do, and no one will show up. But thankfully, it’s a completely unfounded fear, because you are awesome.
And back to our regular Monday Mashup format.
This weekend we have two shows: Brian Chartrand & The Voce Project, as part of our Free Summer Concert Series and Hollywood Sings: Classic Cinema Songs (with the lovely as ever Krsiten Drathman, who is our camp director).
Brian is taking the stage at the Center on Friday night at 7:30 with his twist on jazz. I gave him a listen the other day and his music sounds like a mix of jazz, rock and something that resembled bluegrass. He makes it all work. Like I said, he’ll be here Friday (August 24) and the show starts at 7:3opm, seating starts at 7:00pm and the doors open at 6:30. Seating is first come, first served and we will gladly accept any donations that you throw our way.
On Saturday night we’re back with our second installment of our 3 Evenings For The Arts fundraiser, and we’re really looking forward to building off the successes of our last show with Joe Bourne. As with our last show, there will be a live auction, silent auction and raffle, with wine tasting starting at 6:30. Make sure you keep an eye on your bids too, last time there were a few bidding wars…..
You can still get tickets to Hollywood Sings here. If you want tickets to the last two shows, call our box office at 480-782-2680.
Weekend Preview: Pleanty To Do
I know it’s all that I have been talking about recently, but if I didn’t do a Weekend Preview before a show, I’d feel like I was short-changing everyone. Can’t have that now, can we?
Tonight’s Free Summer Concert is Sun Lakes Big Bad, which has been together since 1998. Tonight they’re also having Joe Carroccio perform with them tonight, so we’re in for a treat! I love big band music (if I haven’t said so before…) and I’m really excited for what is to come.
Not interested in big band music? You may be interested in our contest with the Art Walk tonight, which has some show tickets and a picture frame made by Marnie Brookins up for grabs as prizes. Here’s how to play!
1. Visit the Art Walk or the Chandler Center for the Arts and pick up an entry form at the designated table.
2. Have a CCA or Art walk representative provide proof of visit.
4. Visit the other location and pick up your proof of visit there.
5. Submit your entry form.
RULES (every thing has ‘em, just roll with it)
1. Must visit both locations in the same night. The Center’s doors open at 6:30, and we will be shutting down at 8:30. Please, please PLEASE enter the contest during that time slot. We won’t be able to count your entry if you submit it after 8:30
2. Must have verification from both locations to be entered to win.
3. Drop entry form at either CCA or the Art Walk.
It’s simple, it’s fun, and you get to do something different on a Friday night, which is what we in Downtown specialize in!
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!)
Weekend Preview: Give it another go
Tonight we’re incredibly happy that Firefly is making their return to the Center. I mentioned that we had them here last spring, but we also had them here during our grand re-opening in October 2010. Since they’re based in Gilbert, I like to think that the Center is like a second home to them.
Give them a listen to here, and then come see them in person tonight at 7:30. Phoenix as a whole has so much great local music and we’re proud that we can show some of that off at the Center. These three ladies have shown that the have the talent to play with the big names in the Valley and those that come through it.
The show starts at 7:30, but you won’t be able to go into the theatre and sit down until 7:00pm. (We had some confusion last week) Suggested donations are: $5/child, $10/Adult and $15/family.
Monday Mashup: Back from the past and looking forward
Last weekend was one of the best openers I think we’ve had in a while.
First, we had Comeback Buddy
And they brought dancers!
Saturday was our first 3 Evenings For The Arts, and Joe Bourne was phenomenal. During intermission, he and his trio came out and said “Hi” to everyone. All around a class act.
Since I was occupied with other things, I was happy to pass off the role of photographer to another willing person, and here are a few of the shots he got from Saturday night.
As always, Monday Mashup doesn’t just re-cap the weekend, it preps you for the upcoming one! This Friday as part of our Free Summer Concerts, we’re bringing Firefly back! If you were an early reader, you may remember them from an interview I did last year when they opened for Steve Warnier, which you can re-read here.
They are three sisters from Gilbert with an amazing sound, and I’m so excited that we can give them their own show this year! They take the stage Friday night at 7:30. Reminder, doors open at 6:30, but you won’t be able to get a seat until 7:00. Suggested donations are $5/child, $10/adult and $15/family.
Weekend Preview: Here we go!
Today’s the day! We are back in the swing of performances since March! Yay!!
Sometimes I get way to excited about things. Sometimes it’s justified. This is one of those times.
If you haven’t heard, tonight marks the start of the Free Summer Concert Series 2012! We’re kicking it off with Comeback Buddy, which you have all previously met and heard much about in my interview.
The show tonight starts at 7:30. Doors open at 6:30, seating starts at 7 and its first come, first served. I’ve mentioned it before, but we do love when you show us some love (in the form of a few bucks) so suggested donations are $5 for kids, $10 for couples or $15 for families. Want to drop more our way? I won’t stop you.
But come and say hi! I’ll be wearing the blue dress at the raffle table. I love meeting Internet friends in real life, cause y’all are awesome.
Can’t make it tonight but still want something to do this weekend? Come see “Remembering Mr. Cole, A Tribute to Nat King Cole,” on Saturday (July 28) night! It’s starring the wonderful Joe Bourne & Trio, who you’ve also heard me talk about. With all of our 3 Evenings For The Arts shows, you get more than just a show. Prizes, wine tasting, yummy treats, the works. I’ve listed all the prizes up for grabs tomorrow night, and we still have seats available.
The show starts at 8:00pm on the 28, but the fun really starts at 6:30 in the foyer. You can snag tickets to just Joe’s show here, or call our box office for tickets to all three shows (480-782-2689).
Hope to see you this weekend!
Monday Mashup: Free Summer Concerts and 3 Evenings With The Arts
Less than 5 days until the Center is ready to rock another successful Free Summer Concert Series and our brand new never before seen 3 Evenings With The Arts fundraiser.
Friday (July 27) is our first Free Summer Concert show of 2012. The doors open at 6:30pm, but seating doesn’t start until 7:00pm, and its first come, first served. Comeback Buddy doesn’t take the stage until 7:30, so you’ll have plenty of time to get home, relax for a minute (maybe cool down) before you head out to see one of the best shows that CCA has to offer.
Yes, the concert is free, so you could just show up and watch the show, but we’d appreciate a little love in the form of a couple of bucks. The suggested donations are $5 per person, $10 per couple and $15 per family. Like I said, these are just suggestions, so do what feels right. The important thing is to come out, support local music and have a good time.
On Saturday (July 28) we start our first 3 Evenings With The Arts Fundraiser with Joe Bourne & Trio performing “Remembering Mr. Cole, a Tribute to Nat King Cole.” Joe is a great guy with an amazing sound, and he’s just what we need to get this fundraiser off to a running start.
But 3 Evenings With The Arts isn’t just about the show, it’s about raising money for our Connecting Kidz so that we can continue to offer an arts program to kids who may not have access to art. To do that, we’ve come up with a silent auction prizes that include:
Two Tour Tickets to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
A Cigar Package
Phoenix Rock Gym day pass for two plus all the gear you’ll need
A Jeweled Pen Set
Two passes to Augusta Ranch Golf Club, including a cart & lunch
A Wine Package
A pack of 10 passes Stratum Laser Tag
A Cigar Box Guitar made right here in Chandler (If you’ve been to the Art Walk, you’ll have seen or heard these guitars.)
Two tickets to the Invisible Theatre
Black & White Photo Art from Heather Wilson Creates
Four passes to the Musical Instrument Museum
A limited edition Brighton Bracelet & Towel
Four tickets to an Arizona Diamondbacks game
One family pass to Desert Botanical Gardens
And a Raffle!
$5 each or 5 for $20
The Fishermans Retreat, a signed lithograph by artist Graham Foster
A Waterford Crystal Clock
Crown Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort one-night stay for 2 including breakfast
We’re also going to have wine tasting from Chateau Ste. Michelle, hors d’oeuvres and The Crawford Brothers performing in the lobby starting at 6:30. If those aren’t reasons to be here and help kids, then I don’t know what is.
See you this weekend!
Weekend Preview: Starting again
Oh Weekend Preview, how I have missed you.
This weekend we don’t have any shows at the Center, but we do have something you should check out. Tonight I’ll be at the Plaza San Marcos hanging out with some of the most talented people in Chandler as part of the monthly Chandler Art Walk. This month it’s INSIDE. I know shouting isn’t polite, but we all know the weather, and we all know how awesome it is when a normally outside event is inside. I can’t wait! I’ll have more information on our shows and be ready, able and willing to give out any updates (and maybe swag) if you come say hi.
Besides, I’m awesome, you’re awesome, so lets just hangout and be awesome together. And snack on Paletas Betty. Nomnomnomnom.
A week from today (July 27)is the start of our Free Summer Concert Series! Yay! It’s a yearly free concert series to introduce people to the Center, to music they like but aren’t sure if they want to pay for it just yet and as a good way to gear up for a packed season. Comeback Buddy is in charge of getting the series started like it should be, and they are up for the challenge. Mike Randall was kind enough to sit down with me (over the phone) and answer all my pesky questions about Comeback Buddy, and that was a blast. Plus the whole band is super nice and talented, so we’re going to be in for a real treat. The doors open at 6:30 pm, seating starts at 7:00 and the concert starts at 7:30. Seating is done on a first come, first served basis, so get here as soon as you can if you want up close and personal seats. The concerts are free, but we will have several donation boxes out and we’d appreciate it beyond measure if you could throw a couple of bucks our way. That way we can keep on keepin’ on.
That whole weekend is a blast from the past, and on Saturday, July 28, is the start of our never before had 3 Evenings With The Arts fundraising series with “Remembering Mr. Cole, A Tribute to Nat King Cole,” starring Joe Bourne & Trio. Joe told me a little bit about the show and his history with Nat King Cole in an interview that I posted yesterday. Give it a read, if you missed it.
3 Evenings With The Arts is a series of three shows over three months that aim to bring together the Chandler community and help us help our kids. The proceeds from the series (the show, the live and silent auctions and the raffle) will go into the Jerry Brooks’ Legacy Fund, which keeps our Connecting Kidz programs available to everyone. You can buy tickets to each show individually, but I recommend buying tickets to the entire series. You’ll save money, get some great entertainment, have a chance to win fabulous prizes and help out some of the best kids you’ll ever meet. The only way we could make it any better is if we added fire-breathing dragons playing guitar in the parking lot. I did all that I could, but we just couldn’t get that last part to jive, so it was scrapped. Something about “Mythical creatures can’t play guitar, Caitie.”
Psh. So you think.
Come Back Buddy comes to the Center
I didn’t grow up listening to Buddy Holly’s music when it was first released, but I did grow up with his music (and his glasses). There is something about his music that is timeless and fun, that everyone can relate to. And it’s a quality that isn’t found in Buddy alone, but in much of the music of the 1950s, like Elvis, Marty Robbins, Ricky Nelsen and Bobby Darrin (I have a really funny story about him). It’s something that Mike Randall of Come Back Buddy knows all about.
“1950s music is the most fun music to play. It’s a lot of rock & roll that is really up beat, and has turned a lot of people into big fans.”
Mike started Come Back Buddy with his wife, Janine, about 12 years ago and decided to start a group showcasing Buddy Holly because they already had some experience playing Buddy’s songs. It didn’t take long for them to branch out into other areas of classic 50’s rock and roll.
“We started with Buddy Holly, but now we play more 1950’s review, like Elvis, Ricky Nelsen, we like to mix it up a lot,” said Mike. “It was the first time young people had their own music.”
Mike told me that their shows aren’t just for people who heard Buddy play before his death, but for everyone.
” For some people, this is music they haven’t heard in a while and it brings back all these wonderful memories. It’s for people who had parents who listened to Buddy Holly and now they want to share it, and for people who haven’t heard anything like this music,” he said.
When Come Back Buddy plays, it’s not just a show that you come, watch and leave. It’s what happens when a meet up meets a dance party.
“People really get into our shows, they dress up in 50’s clothes with poodle skirts and white sport coats, and they meet up with other people who have that same connection to the music,” said Mike. That includes the 59ers, a group from Mason City High School who saw Buddy Holly’s last concert before his death and a group from Lubbock, Texas, where Buddy’s plane crashed.
But you don’t need to have a special connection to the music to enjoy it. 1950s music is something that everyone can get into because it has been a base for so much of the music that is played today, from Goyte to Pitbull to Black Keys. If you’re not sure about Come Back Buddy, or 50’s music in general, I suggest you take a look at their documentary, Come Back Buddy for free online.
What ever your music tastes are, Mike is sure that you’ll have a good time at Come Back Buddy.
“We just hope they (the audience) have a lot of fun. Our goal is to get people up and out of their seats and dancing. We play music that works for all ages, and nothing offensive.”*
Want to see Come Back Buddy? They’re playing here at CCA on July 27 at 7:30 to kick off our Free Summer Concert Series. And yes, it is free, but if you want to throw a couple of bucks our way, we’d be very appreciative. And I’ll give you a high-five.
*Please, the only thing offensive about Buddy was the crush I had on him as a kid. Talk about scary.
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.
Weekend Preview: I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it.
Horrible song to have stuck in your head this early in the morning. But it really does sum up my mood, so in the long run, it’s all good.
Tonight is the amazing, once a year, over the top Downtown extravaganza: Sugar Thieves and #ChandlerHunt.
It’s officially fall, but really it’s still the tail end of summer, and we want to do it right. The show starts at 7:30 and the doors open at 6:30. If you’re participating in #ChandlerHunt, you’ll have enough time to hit all the stops and still get a good seat, no worries. As always seating is first come, first served. If you haven’t heard Sugar thieves before, you’ve been missing out. They are so much fun to listen to and an outright blast to see live. Give them a listen to here, and I’ll see you tonight!
Annnnnnd #ChandlerHunt. You can still register here, or just show up! It’s not like your name has to be on a list, we just wanted to get a rough headcount of people so we know how much stuff to put out. Also, the prizes are awesome, and not just from CCA. On a stop and see something you like? That might be one of the prizes that we’re offering to those who complete the hunt. And I’ll have something for everyone, so come out and watch for a Tweet and Facebook post around 5:45.
And for being such a great blog audience, here’s my final #ChandlerHunt clue.
If you’ll notice, the color of the chiles matches the color of the awnings outside this location.
(#ChandlerHunt)
See you tonight!
Chandler Center For The Arts 