Pat Bozek is a Studio Host of Studio

Ravaged Face Cats Eye

Well known animal artist Linda Budge who will be a Studio Host at Studio #9.

DAZZLING DONATIONS: JEWELS 4 CHARITY MIXES GLAMOUR WITH GIVING

 When jewelry veteran Pat Scheckner launched her own online jewelry business this year, she could have simply created a stylish catalog of reasonably priced gems from around the world. But after a 30-year successful career, Scheckner wanted to find a way to combine her knowledge of the jewelry industry and support the good, hard work of charitable organizations.

 

How does Jewels 4 Charity work? Shoppers simply visit www.jewels4charity.com, choose from an extensive selection of gold, diamond, silver or gemstone jewelry, and then designate the charity that they want to receive 20 percent of the purchase price. Not only do online customers receive fine jewelry priced 10 to 40 percent below the “On Sale” prices nationally advertised by jewelry and department stores, they feel good knowing that a significant portion of their money is going to a good cause. (They will also receive a money back guarantee, a warranty and a certificate of authenticity.) “I feel exceptionally fortunate to have done so well in my career,” says Jewels 4 Charity Director Pat Scheckner. “I wanted to give back some of the generosity and sharing that has helped me become successful.”

 Scheckner planned to expand and her list of designated regional and national non-profit organizations is rapidly growing. In addition to proving an added source of revenue for its specified charities, Jewels 4 Charity assists their fundraising efforts by absorbing the costs of creating a custom-designed web page, email campaign, flyers, postcards and catalogues for each charity. Charities can be supplied with customized print catalogs and there is a 24-hour-a-day, toll-free number to place orders, make donations and have questions answered.How do they receive their share of the revenues? Charities receive monthly checks for funds received on their behalf and are given secured online access to track all activity generated, including sales, donation amounts and payments distributed and due. For further information you can visit, www.jewels4charity.com. 

 

The Lighting Of Arizona's Largest
Holiday Tree At Outlets At Anthem

 Outlets at Anthem, 10 minutes north of the Loop 101 off I-17 at the Anthem Way exit

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006    6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Free admission and open to the public

Arizona's largest holiday tree, a real white fir topping out at more than 80 feet and decorated with more than 15,000 colorful lights and ornaments, will be lit to officially signal the start of the holiday season. As snow gently falls on the crowd, Santa Claus will lead the countdown and flip the switch to light the tree,  along with KNIX's Tim & Willy and special guest, new country music talent, Taylor Swift. ENTERTAINMENT by  KNIX's Tim & Willy will host and perform during the pre-show with 16-year-old singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performing her hit single, Tim McGraw She recently released a new CD, A Place in This World. The main show, Holiday Toys and Treasures, will feature costumed characters performing songs of the season. Following the tree lighting, the entertainment will continue with a performance by a popular local band.

Sonoran Desert Chorale
Celebrates the Holiday Season with “Home for the Holidays”

 One of the Valley’s most celebrated choruses, the Sonoran Desert Chorale will kick off the season with two performances of “Home for the Holidays” featuring Southwest Brass.  Performances will be held on Saturday December 9th at 7:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave, Mesa, and Sunday December 10th at 3:00 pm at the Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. MacDonald Drive, and Scottsdale. Featuring traditional as well as unusual hymns and carols, this vibrant and inspirational concert combines the Sonoran Desert Chorale’s acclaimed voices with the jubilant and festive sounds of musicians from Southwest Brass.

“Gathering together to celebrate the Christmas Season is one of the greatest joys of the year.  We are thrilled with this uplifting and varied program, which highlights sacred music from the 16th and 17th centuries as well as many of the traditional European carols we all know and love.  There is nothing like hearing the glorious sound of nearly 60 voices joined together and we are looking forward to performing these inspirational pieces for the community as we celebrate this wonderful time of the year.”  - Jeff Harris, Music Director of the Sonoran Desert Chorale.

 The program includes a variety of rare and traditional pieces such as Giovanni Gabrielli’s Jubilate Deo, first published in Venice 1597 for his Sacrae Symphoniae, the Wexford Carol, a traditional English and Irish Christmas carol, and Exultate Justi in Domino from Andreas Hakenberger’s Harmonia Sacra, published in 1617.  In addition, a rare medieval song, Gaudete! traditionally sung at Finnish and Swedish cathedral schools will be performed.  Gaudete! is arranged by Valley composer/arranger, Dr. J. Edmund Hughes.  The concert concludes with a rousing audience sing-along of traditional carols for the holiday season. Tickets for Sonoran Desert Chorale’s Home for the Holidays are $15 for adults and $12 for Students/Seniors and may be purchased by calling the Chorale’s office at 480-820-2764.  Tickets will also be available 30 minutes prior to the concert at the door.

 Sonoran Desert Chorale was founded in 1994 and is lead by Music Director Jeff Harris. Since its inception, the group has become a highly regarded and sophisticated choral organization, presenting musical compositions from cultures around the globe as well as important pieces from the European and American music traditions. Concerts frequently include guest performances and collaborations with distinguished artists and organizations in the community such as the Phoenix Children’s Chorus, Southwest Brass, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band and the Four Seasons Symphony. The Chorale frequently is engaged for a European concert tour, with performances throughout Europe, including Venice, Salzburg, and Prague. In 2005, the Chorale was invited to perform with Broadway superstar Michael Crawford for the inaugural concert of the $150 million Mesa Arts Center. 

LIZ HICKOK TRANSFORMS SCOTTSDALE WITH JELL-O

Scottsdale Public Art Program Commissions Artist to Create Gelatin Cityscape

 The Scottsdale Public Art Program further enhances the “Experience Scottsdale” program with the temporary artwork of Liz Hickok as she presents Scottsdale in JELL-O in January 2007. Hickok will construct areas of the city made entirely out of JELL-O� including the Scottsdale Civic Center, the Scottsdale Waterfront framed by a photographic backdrop of Camelback Mountain. Hickok’s installation will be on display in the atrium of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for a limited time from January 26 until January 30. Scottsdale in JELL-O will allow viewers to see and interpret the city in a new way,” said Project Manager Judith Patrylak. “The medium, scale, colors and shapes skew the normal impression of urban landscape. With JELL-O, a sense of playfulness and innocence is communicated; the transformation is very powerful.”

 Hickok’s inspiration for Scottsdale in JELL-O stems from themes of ambiguity, materiality and tactile and visual stimulation. The playful and unexpected qualities of JELL-O that seem to reflect the fragile and impermanent time associated with childhood are what interested Hickok in using the medium for the installation. The multi-faceted Civic Center Mall has been a gathering place for community events, festivals and performances for years, but in JELL-O the viewer will have a birds-eye view of the area as the shapes move and glow. The Scottsdale Waterfront installation will display both existing structures and future building projects, allowing the viewer to see the city as it is evolving.

 Hickok’s original JELL-O works represented areas of San Francisco, receiving national attention in early 2006, both as installations and in her photographs. With the San Francisco cityscape, Hickok successfully created a poetic and innocent expression of a large urban environment. By continuing to stretch the medium of JELL-O on new projects, Hickok hopes to invoke the same reaction from viewers, allowing them to enjoy these points of interest in Scottsdale while considering the boundless ideas artists can offer.  Scottsdale in JELL-O is part of “Experience Scottsdale,” a program dedicated to temporary artworks in the city connecting different exhibits to the local community and its activities. The installation will be on display for five days, free to the public.

 For more information on Scottsdale Public Art, Liz Hickok and Scottsdale in JELL-O please visit www.scottsdalepublicart.org and www.lizhickok.com. For media inquiries, please contact Brosseau PR at (480) 247-8090.

Applicants Sought for
“Dance-Team, So You Think You Can Dance?”
Competition at the Festival of Fine Art at Anthem

 Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 22 – Competition is Jan. 12 The Arts Council of the North Valley (ACNV) is seeking applicants for the “Dance-Team, So You Think You Can Dance?” competition which will take place on Friday, January 12, 2007 at the “Festival of Fine Art at Anthem.” Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, November 22.

 The competition is open to Arizona student dance teams (elementary through high school) with a minimum number of 10 and maximum number of 20 dancers per team. Dance studio teams are also encouraged to apply. The non-refundable application fee is $35 made payable to ACNV. Teams which are selected to compete for prizes in the competition will be responsible for an additional $50 competition fee once notified of approval. Awards will be given to the top teams in various categories.  The “Dance-Team, So You Think You Can Dance?” competition is also open to dance teams who just want additional performing experience. These teams are not judged and do not receive awards. Teams accepted to participate for experience only must submit an additional $15 fee. All dance team applicants must submit a video or DVD of the piece they will perform with the competition application and fee. In addition, each team member, director, coach, and choreographer must submit a signed release agreement form. Teams competing for prizes must also submit a resume and biography of the team director or coach.

 The 3rd Annual Festival of Fine Art at Anthem takes place Friday through Sunday, January 12, 13, & 14 at the Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way, in Anthem.   This juried, top quality visual and performing arts festival will feature original paintings, breathtaking sculptures, dazzling jewelry and vivid photography by more than 70 top Arizona artists. Throughout the event, outstanding professional and community-based performing artists will entertain the senses. The exciting line-up includes: Jazz, Cabaret, Barbershop, Opera, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Musical Theater, and other theater productions. Gourmet food and wine will be available. Festival hours are: Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General Festival admission is $3, with free admission for children 12 and younger.  The “Dance-Team, So You Think You Can Dance?” competition will take place on Friday, January 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the performing art tent adjacent to the Anthem Community Center. A separate admission charge applies: $5 per person; Children 12 and under – free. The competition will be judged by fine art enthusiasts and dance professionals, including a judge from Universal Dance Association (UDA).  Application forms and entry rules can be downloaded at www.AnthemFineArt.com. For more information, call (480) 215-1916.

The mission of the Arts Council of the North Valley is to provide leadership in support of artistic excellence, understanding and education of the arts, and to nurture the cultural life and vitality of our community.

AZ Dance Group gives back to community
performs for Charities and Benefits, provides classes for those with disabilities and gears up for The Christmas Dance Concert with “Mixed Nuts” and “Christmas Time”.

 AZDance Group, directed by Kenda Newbury, is a professional contemporary ballet, jazz and modern dance company that gives back to the community.  Recently the annual classes for Movement E-Motion began for young adults. Also known as MEM, this dance program provides artistic physical activity, movement, expression and dance for individuals with different abilities.  It is made possible through a grant from the Molly Lawson Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation.

 The company, which has professionals, a Junior/Trainee Company and a Children’s Company, recently performed at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Anthem, which raises awareness and money for further cancer research.  Amongst other dance works, AZDance performed two excerpts from Run for Life, an emotional 27-minute piece created for Cancer Survivors and their families which, in its entirety, premiered May 2006.  Run For Life will be performed in full in the Spring of 2007 both in Arizona and New York City.  Other charities and benefits on their schedule include:nursing home performances (October to April)

• Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix (Roosevelt and Central), 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. (December 10) with live music including Musica Nova and others

• Anthem Festival of Fine Art, various times (January 12-14, 2007)

• Movement E-Motion Semester II classes for young adults and children (February to May 2007)

• Christian Dance Concert New York City / Project Dance featuring AZDance Group and Movement E-Motion (looking for sponsors, April 19-25, 2007)

 The company’s next large concert, Christmas Dance Concert, is November 30 to December 2 at Boulder Creek High School Performing Arts Center in Anthem, which features participants of Movement E-Motion and guest artist Jeffrey Polston from back east. “Mixed Nuts”, choreographed by Kenda Newbury and Katherine McDonnell, is a refreshing new approach to Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” – familiar music with some “nutty” enjoyable dances. “Christmas Time” is a collection of traditional Christmas Carols and other inspirational songs that will entertain and delight the entire family with thought-provoking works to tickle-bone amusing! 

 Deena Eccles, resident of Cavecreek states that AZDance Group is “innovative…highly motivating and dedicated to excellence...Kenda’s work with the challenged children was an emotion beyond belief.”  Donna Kublin, President of the Arts Council of the North Valley responded to the last concert with "It is astounding to see exciting ballet, contemporary dance, adult and children performances, as well as the physically challenged - all in the same program.  It is amazing!"

 Christmas Dance Concert tickets are available at the Anthem Deer Valley Credit Union, by calling (480) 215-1916 or by faxing your requests to (623) 551-6494. Thursday, November 30 –special discounted rate of $10 / Children under 12 FREE. Friday and Saturday’s concerts - $10.00 for Seniors/Students and $18.00 for Adults.

 Taking advantage of Mr. Jeffrey Polston coming to Phoenix, AZDance Group will be hosting several master classes with the Boston and New York City.  Classes are geared for the intermediate and advanced dancers with a portion of the class fee going towards the Movement E-Motion dance program.  Jeffrey Polston is a principal dancer with Complexions, directed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, two former principal dancers with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.  It is recommended you call to reserve your space – various locations, dates and times are available throughout Arizona. More information is available by contacting Kenda Newbury at azdancegroup@yahoo.com  or (480) 215-1916.  Web site: www.azdance.org .   

Support of AZDance Group is from the Arizona Commission on the Arts through funding from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Further support include these exceptional individuals and businesses: Anthem Community Center/Steve Boyle and Cheri Fischer, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona State University Graduate Dance Program, Arts Council of the North Valley, Ballet Arizona/Ib Anderson, Carol Costa, Boulder Creek High School, Complexions/D. Rhoden/D. Richardson, Daisy Mountain Veterans, Dee Wright, Deer Valley Credit Union, Desert Foothills Dance Studio, Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, Emily Wright/ASU Grad Student, GFWC, Golden Go-Getters, Gutowski Cabinet Works, Inc., ImagesAZ Magazine, Impulse Dance Company/Adrienne Hawkins, In and Out Magazine, Juereta Smith/HomeSmart Real Estate, Katherine McDonnell and Wally Guse, Larry and Willine Evans, Michael and Doris Lawson, Molly Lawson Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, One Step Beyond, Inc., Paula and Chris Theotacatos, Paul Luckenbill, Phoenix Tent and Awning, PTV Productions, Rental Masters/Steve and Cindy Adams, Rotary Club of Anthem, Sonoran Arts League, Southwest Audio/Visual, Stacy Shane, Stanley and Donna Kublin, Sunrays Dance Center, The UPS Store/Steve Fuller, University of Arizona Dance Department and Friends, Family Members and Volunteers of AZDance Group. 

The mission of the AZDance Group is to service the community by creating and producing professional dance performances of the highest quality, to nurture its artists and audiences and to contribute to the arts education of that community.  Christian principals are put into practice, building healthy minds, bodies and spirits through productions, choreography, programs and classes.

“Green” Vehicles, Luxury Rides and More
on Display at Arizona International Auto Show

 The 2007-Model Arizona International Auto Show cruises into Arizona November 23 through November 26 and will feature hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, minivans and sport/utility vehicles. More than 400 of the latest cars, trucks, minivans and sport/utility vehicles will roll into the Phoenix Convention Center for the 2007-Model Arizona International Auto Show. This special automotive event will allow attendees to check out all the newest vehicles in a non-selling environment and learn more about the increasingly popular “green” auto movement, including hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. The show will also offer the public an up-close look at concept cars, crossover vehicles, sports cars and much more. Visitors will also get a first look inside the newly rebuilt Phoenix Convention Center.  Representatives from more than 30 leading manufacturers will be on site to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. The Arizona International Auto Show is produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, Inc. and presented by the Valley Auto Dealers Association.  

Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $5 for military and seniors with ID and $4 for children 7-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free. On Family Day, Sunday, November 26, children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. On College Two-Fer Day, Friday, November 24, college students with valid ID who purchase one adult ticket will get a second adult admission free with a second student ID. E-tickets can be purchased and discount coupons can be downloaded at www.motortrendautoshows.com/phoenix .  The Arizona International Auto Show will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center 100 North 3rd St. in Phoenix. The show will start on Thursday, November 23rd 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day), Friday, November, 24th 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, November 25th 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, November 26th 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES DONOR INDUCTED INTO THE BAXTER DONATION HALL OF FAME

 Lee Holloway Recognized for an Extraordinary Commitment to Blood Donation 

 United Blood Services/Arizona platelet donor Lee Holloway is scheduled to be inducted into the Baxter Healthcare Corporation Donation Hall of Fame on Wednesday.  Now entering its ninth year, the Donation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals nationwide who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to blood donation.  Holloway will be honored by Baxter and United Blood Services/Arizona for his many contributions to people in need of blood transfusions on November 8.  Immediately following the 4:30 p.m. ceremony at the Paradise Valley Donor Center in Phoenix, Holloway is scheduled to give his 197th platelet donation.

 Holloway has been a donor with United Blood Services/Arizona since 1995. He is one of 13 inspiring donation stories across the country selected for the Baxter 2006 Donation Hall of Fame. “It's a fitting tribute to one of our most dedicated donors,” said Audrey Gietzen, Executive Director for United Blood Services/Arizona. “He has selflessly given the gift of life to patients in need and is a hero to our community.”  Platelet donors provide the clotting factor in whole blood that controls bleeding for trauma, cancer and aplastic anemia patients. In the past, one complete platelet transfusion for a patient often required numerous donors. But through the process known as apheresis, more than six times the amount of platelets can be donated, allowing each donor to give a complete transfusion for a patient. 

 Holloway started giving blood in the Navy more than 40 years ago.  When his wife was diagnosed with cancer in 1986 and required platelet transfusions, he saw the value blood donations first-hand. “If everyone could see the faces of the people who need these lifesaving substances, I doubt they would ever say they are too busy to donate,” reflected Holloway. Platelets helped his wife hold onto life for 11 years. “Even though my wife and primary inspiration is now gone, I realize the need is still great.  My small sacrifice as a donor is making such a huge impact in people’s lives,” Holloway added.

 “Each and every donor inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame is an amazing individual, and we are honored to be able to thank them with this award,” said Kevin McCulloch, General Manager for Baxter’s Transfusion Therapies division in North America. “The gift of blood is a gift of life and we hope these donors’ stories will inspire others to support their communities through blood donation.” 

 Blood centers across the country submitted nominations for this year’s Donation Hall of Fame. Winners were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation.  Each winner will receive a personalized award from Baxter and will be featured in the company’s newsmagazine, Continuous Flow, as well as their 2007 product-dating calendar they provide to U.S. blood centers.

Brulé and AIRO present “Red Nativity”

 A groundbreaking holiday concert showcasing a unique blend of contemporary Native American music will be held on December 18th at the Mesa Arts Center at 7:30 in the evening. This special event will be highlighted by traditional rhythms and dance! Featuring new holiday music for the 2006 season from the recently released album Silent Star Night.

 Group discounts are also available in each city. It is easy, just get together a group of 10 or more friends, family, or co-workers and qualify for a 10% discount! To get more information on this, call the Box Office number listed for the concert you want to attend!

 Christina Aguilera Coming to Glendale

 Blues and jazz inspired music will take over the West Valley when Christina Aguilera’s “Back to Basics” Tour comes to Glendale Arena on Wednesday, February 28th. The “Back to Basics” stop in Glendale will feature special guests Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane.

 Aguilera released her third album “Back to Basics” (RCA Records) on August 15, 2006. Kicking-off on February 20, 2007, in Houston her 41-date North American tour is based on her latest album. A modern take on vintage jazz, soul and blues from the 1920s, '30s, '40s and beyond, her third studio album is wildly inventive. The throwback style creates a sound that's gritty and raw. The upbeat first single, "Ain't No Other Man," world-premiered on the MTV Movie Awards on June 8th.

 “This is a concept album that follows a bold vision," explains Aguilera. "The touchstones are Billie Holiday, Otis Redding, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald - what I used to call my 'fun music' when I was a little girl."

 Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10:00AM. Tickets will be available at the Glendale Arena Box Office, www.GlendaleArenaAz.com all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 480-784-4444. Tickets are subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date are subject to change. For more information visit http://christina.aeglive.com or www.GlendaleArenaAz.com. The tour is presented by AEG Live.

“The Snowflake Ball - Gala 2006”  

As one of the only Holiday Galas of its kind in the Desert Foothills area the Snowflake Ball will be held on December 2nd from 6-11pm. at the Carefree Resort & Villas, 37220 N. Mule Train Rd., in Carefree. This wonderful Gala features dinner, dancing to the Sentimental Swing Orchestra, a silent auction, and numerous raffle prizes. Tickets cost $75 per person. Net proceeds benefit Cave Creek Museum. Credit cards are accepted. Cocktail attire is appropriate for the evening. For reservations, contact Nancy Swearingen at (480) 488-1772.

REGGAETON ICON DON OMAR COMING TO GLENDALE 

Grammy-nominated Latin superstar DON OMAR will bring his spectacular, multi-million dollar stage production, the KING OF KINGS TOUR, to Glendale Arena on Saturday, November 25, 2006.

 A three-act debut of live music and theatrics, Don Omar’s King of Kings Tour is set to shatter the boundaries of reggaeton music, with a post-apocalyptic urban narrative conveyed through theatrical set-design and spectacularly choreographed scenes of dancing and swordfights by a cast of over a dozen performers.  At the center of it all will be Don Omar performing his hits from King of Kings, including “Angelito,” “Salió El Sol,” and “Conteo,” as well as classics like “Pobre Diabla,” Reggaeton Latino,” and “Dale Don Dale.”  

Don Omar’s phenomenally successful second solo album, King of Kings, was nominated for a 2006 Latin Grammy for “Best Urban Music Album” and recently celebrated its 15th consecutive week at #1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.  King of Kings was released to widespread critical acclaim on May 23, 2006 and debuted at #7 on The Billboard 200, expanding the boundaries of reggaeton music and cementing Don Omar’s status as one of today’s most compelling artists.

 Tickets go on sale this Saturday at noon. Tickets will be available at the Glendale Arena Box Office, www.GlendaleArenaAz.com all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 480-784-4444. Tickets are subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date are subject to change. For more information visit www.GlendaleArenaAz.com