Features

Musical Theatre of Anthem’s (MTA) Outreach Touring Group has been selected to sing the National Anthem for the Phoenix Suns.  Twelve members of the group, ages 12 – 16, will perform the Anthem at the February 22 game at US Airways Center in Phoenix. “We are thrilled and honored to have been selected,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “It’s such a great opportunity for our group, and they are thrilled to have the chance to perform in front of 20,000 people!”    MTA’s Outreach Touring Group, formed in 2009, is a group of elite, award-winning performers (teens and adults) who tour around the Valley to serve their community.  They have performed at countless holiday events, festivals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and the annual Daisy Mountain Veterans' Day Parade.  They recently had the honor of leading the National Anthem at the dedication of the Anthem Veteran’s Memorial.  On Jan. 30, the group is performing a live show at... More

Brubeck Brothers Quartet with the Festival Orchestra conducted by Robert Moody Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The second generation of America’s “first family of music,” the Brubeck Brothers Quartet – Chris Brubeck, bass and trombone; Dan Brubeck, drums; Mike DeMicco, guitar; Chuck Lamb, piano – joins the Arizona Musicfest Festival Orchestra conducted by Robert Moody. Dave Brubeck’s memorable “In Your Own Sweet Way,” transcribed for orchestra by brother Howard, begins the evening’s synergy between quartet, orchestra and audience. Then the Quartet swings into classic jazz with the sixty orchestra members as sidemen on “Black & Blue,” “Unsquare Dance,” “Take Five,” and “We’re Still in Love After All These Years.” Among the many highlights in this jazz and classical blend is Chris’ “Concerto for Bass Trombone,” with Chris and the Quartet soloing.   Venue: Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale... More

Bob Moody’s Cabaret with Chris Brubeck Saturday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. And 8 p.m. Multi-talented Arizona Musicfest Festival Orchestra conductor Bob Moody teams up with the irrepressible blues-pop-classical-jazzman Chris Brubeck (son of the legendary Dave Brubeck) and musician friends in an unscripted evening of music, laughter and fun. This is the night when Bob puts down his baton and sings or plays his favorite tunes, interspersed with backstage stories. Said Chris Brubeck, “I’m looking forward to having a blast making music with the amazingly talented Bob Moody!” Expect memorable music and spontaneous insiders’ stories … it’s improv practiced at its multi-genre best!   Venue: Fairway House at Grayhawk, 8620 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale... More

Writer Donna Kublin     The journey that led to Carefree Desert Gardens being listed on the national registry of the American Public Gardens Association, all started with two women who thought downtown Carefree needed “a little sprucing up.” The four-acre Gardens located in the town center are now a spectacular showpiece with hundreds of cacti and plants, many unique including several rare species.   It all began in October 2010. Carefree resident Marilyn Maloney contacted Mayor David Schwan to discuss her concern that the garden was looking a little tired after its 2001 debut, and that she wanted to help improve it. June Reilly, also a resident, had talked with the Mayor and several members of the Town Council expressing the same sentiment. Mayor Schwam put the two women in touch with each other and they soon met for coffee.   Maloney and Reilly really hit it off and found they had a similar passion for plants, enhancing the town center, and getting things done. Maloney, a... More