Arts

Gin Blossoms giving fans a ‘reality’ check

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Managing Editor Gin Blossoms singer Robin Wilson is late for his phone interview. He immediately apologizes and offers an explanation. Who can blame him? “I’m at the wonderful Kimpton Amara in...

East Valley’s Lydia ties one on with ‘Liquor’

By Mckayla Hull, Contributor The East Valley-based musicians in the indie rock band Lydia say if they were making music for their old fans, they wouldn’t have any listeners left. “It’s so incredible how fans have stuck with...

Culture Club singer says he’s ‘authentic’ on stage

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Staff Boy George wants Culture Club fans to know he’s kinder and gentler than he was in the ’80s. “I’ve become a much warmer human being,” Boy George says. “In 1984, we went from tiny...

Chandler teen eager for role in ‘Seussical Jr.’

By Colleen Sparks, Managing Editor A Chandler girl is fired up to play a “sassy” kangaroo in a Dr. Seuss musical in Mesa. Ellie Takeuchi, 14, a freshman at Arizona College Preparatory – Erie, is playing the role of “Sour...

Chandler organizations get boost to expand arts

By Colleen Sparks, Managing Editor Several Chandler organizations are getting a boost to help sustain and expand their arts programs. The Arizona Commission on the Arts recently awarded 38 grants to Arizona schools and nonprofit...

Mexican culture celebrated at Chandler gallery

By Colleen Sparks, Managing Editor The work of two artists who were born in Mexico is being celebrated at the Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. “Ida y Vuelta: There and...

Nervous Macy Gray calls her new album her best work

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Staff Macy Gray is nervous. She’s set to release her 10th studio album, Ruby, on September 21 and the wait always kills her. “I think people are going to love it once they get ahold of it,”...

Rockin’ dads jam for charity as they cope with loss

By Colleen Sparks, Managing Editor While some fathers like to bond with other men over rounds of golf or by coaching their children’s sports teams, one group of dads prefers rocking out in a Chandler man cave and playing gigs...

Rick Springfield and Loverboy ready to stir memories at Celebrity

By christina fuoco-karasinski, Contributor   Rick Springfield is known for his energetic, collaborative shows. He acknowledges fans close to the stage. He strums his guitar with roses given to him by fans and encourages...

Steven Souza Jr. shares his journey with God

By christina fuoco-karasinski, Contributor Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. has been around the world and back, sharing Jesus’ message. It’s been tough to see sexually abused girls in the Philippines, or...