Arts

‘Stoked’ And Ready: Violinist Lucia Micarelli Brings Her “Homegrown Show” To Chandler

Sherry Jackson Guest Writer Violinist Lucia Micarelli is bringing her “little homegrown show” as part of her first solo tour coming to Chandler Center for the Arts on Oct. 20. “It’s not a big production. It’s acoustic...

Johnjay Van Es devoted to dogs, foster children

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Staff Johnjay Van Es paces nervously inside Grimaldi’s. He and his 104.7 KISS FM morning show partner, Rich Berra, have interviewed some of the world’s top celebrities. But this time, Van Es is...

Renowned Musicians To Shine At Mariachi Festival

By Colleen Sparks, Managing Editor The trademark sounds of trumpets, violins and guitars delivering dramatic melodies while dancers twirl in colorful skirts as they celebrate Mexican culture will return in a popular festival in...

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,”...