Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]N[/dropcap]ew River resident Arouna Diarra was destined to bring traditional music into the modern-day — further developing it while maintaining its cultural roots. Originally from West Africa, Arouna performs folk songs that reflect topics from war to love for one another, aspiring to instill joy, harmony and connection…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike so many musicians, North Scottsdale resident Gary Spaniola’s start was a result of seeing the Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” “It solidified my dream,” says Spaniola, who was born and grew up in Detroit. “I was just mesmerized by them.” Little did he know back…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Anthem Community Council [dropcap]E[/dropcap]ach May, the sounds of rockin’ guitars, soulful saxophones, jazzy pianos and of course sweet vocals can be heard emanating from the amphitheater at Anthem Community Park. That is, except for last year when the community — and pretty much the entire world — went…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photo by Kaelyn Loes [dropcap]J[/dropcap]anelle Loes believes that social media has created a community in which we all share only the most perfectly curated images from our lives — highlights that do not tell the full story. Comparisons to these apex moments are not only inevitable but also detrimental to the…
Writer Fadi Sitto Photography Courtesy of Musicians On Call, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Cindy Weir [dropcap]M[/dropcap]usic has a way of opening our hearts and helping us feel more connected to others, to ourselves and to the world around us. It’s a direct line to our emotions and state of being, and it’s no secret that…
For the past 16 years, Anthem residents have marked their calendars and readied their lawn chairs for Music in May. Each Friday night during the month of May brings a new headlining band, tasty treats and a neighborly good time to the Anthem Community Park Amphitheater.
There’s something mystically wonderful about the euphonious sound of chamber music resounding from the walls of Sedona’s majestic red rocks. It’s indescribable, and a magic that is bringing casual music lovers and serious students alike to Red Rock Country for the Fifth Annual Sedona Winter Music Festival.
Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest [dropcap]A[/dropcap]sk anyone from Idaho to Ireland what they know about Arizona, and you’ll likely hear something about cacti, cowboys and the Grand Canyon. Soon, however, you may be just as likely to hear Arizona, particularly the North Valley, referred to as an incubator of phenomenal young musical…