Desert Foothills Theater’s 2nd Annual “Foothills Follies”

April 15, 2009

Saturday, April 18 at Carefree Town Center Amphitheatre

CAVE CREEK – Back by popular demand, Desert Foothills Theater, (DFT), a division of the Foothills Community Foundation, will present the 2nd Annual “Foothills Follies” talent show from 5 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the Carefree Town Gardens Amphitheatre on Easy Street.

The fun-filled variety show is directed by long-time DFT supporter and co-owner of Darknight Productions, Diedre Kaye. Her partner, Alexx Stuart will emcee the event.

“Those who attended last year’s show may remember Scott MacIntyre, who went on to become one of the top eight American Idol contestants this season,” Kaye said. “This year’s show features more great talent, including some past DFT artists and new performers as well.”

Performers range in age from 5 to 75 and come from all corners of the Valley. Artists selling their CDs at the event will donate $5 of each sale to DFT. Highlights of the 20 acts include:
Jacob Spinney, a mental illusionist from Phoenix who can read audience members’ thoughts, influence the way they think, and even erase their memories causing them to remember events that never happened.

Kevin Glenn, of Carefree, is a talented singer, composer, teacher and music director.
The Desert Cactus Kickers, also know as the Cave Creek Dancing Grannies. This tap dance group is comprised of 10 ladies who are either Grannies or 50+ years old.

Alaina Crabtree, a talented 16-year-old country singer from Phoenix who held the titles of Miss Arizona American Coed (preteen) and Miss Arizona Junior National Teenager. She looks forward to auditioning for American Idol.

Sonia Alejandra Rivera, 17, of Avondale, started singing at the age of seven, and it soon became her passion. She now writes songs and loves to sing in Spanish.

"This is a fun, family event that everyone will enjoy. The talent includes dancing, singing and mental magic! Bring your picnic dinner or purchase something from any of the nearby restaurants. Chairs will be set up, but you can bring a blanket for the kids to sit on up front and just plan on enjoying local talent that will make you smile," Kaye said.

Tickets cost $10 per adult and $5 per child. To order tickets for the April 18 “Foothills Follies” fund-raising event, visit www.desertfoothillstheater.com or call 480-488-1981.

Courtesy Photo/MERIBETH REEVES
(l-r) Ben Medina and Mason Reeves perform together in the 2008 Foothills Follies. Mason will be returning to perform in this year's Desert Foothills Theater Foothills Follies on Saturday, April 18, 5 p.m. at the Carefree Garden Amphitheater in downtown Carefree.

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14th Annual “Sonoran Symphony” Saturday, April 25

April 15, 2009

Back by popular demand with a new show: Symphony of the Southwest and Cody Bryant’s Riders of the Purple Sage

CAVE CREEK – As the sun sets on the evening of Saturday, April 25, guests of the Desert Foothills Land Trust’s (DFLT) 14th Annual “Sonoran Symphony” will be presented with an evening of Symphonic Western music amid the beautiful landscape they hope to preserve. Some 700 guests are expected to attend the popular "Dinner and Concert Under the Stars," which will feature entertainment by DFLT’s event partner, Symphony of the Southwest, and Cody Bryant and the Riders of the Purple Sage.
The benefit begins at 5:30 p.m. at Rancho Mañana Golf Club in Cave Creek with a reception followed by a gourmet dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress in casual or Western wear, and to anticipate cool evening temperatures.
“Last year’s concert was so well received, we decided to bring back both the Symphony of the Southwest and Cody Bryant and the Riders of the Purple Sage for a new show featuring new music,” said Diane Low, event chair. “This is a rare opportunity to see these talented musicians performing together. It is an evening you won’t want to miss!”

A Musical Tribute to the Open Land
Cody Bryant, leader of the five-man Riders of the Purple Sage, said the group fully supports the efforts and commitment of the Desert Foothills Land Trust and is proud to be associated with them.

“We are committed to reinventing Western music for a new generation. We love playing in the home state of Marty Robbins, love the open land and we respect the people who call it home,” Bryant said.
He also said guests can expect an energetic, new show.

“While our foundation is obviously Western, we mix in elements of Irish, Country, Western Swing, Greek, Italian and Cajun music. We have a wealth of material and never do the same show twice as a matter of principal and pride,” he said. “We also encourage everyone to get up and dance on the new dance floor!”

Greg Gamble, DFLT executive director, said it is clear the “Sonoran Symphony” helps to raise awareness of DFLT’s mission.

“Back in 1995, DFLT had protected 38 acres of pristine, fragile desert which was encompassed in just a few preserves,” Gamble said. “The continued success of the “Sonoran Symphony” has made it possible for the DFLT to achieve a milestone by surpassing the 600-acre mark in lands protected within 15 nature preserves.”

Gamble emphasized that there is still more work to be done.

“Our 10-year goal is to protect 11,500 acres, including 10,000 acres of State land and 1,500 acres of private and federal land,” he said. “If successful, this would represent a more than 20-fold increase in acreage protected in the next 10 years as compared to the organization’s first 18 years.”

The event will also include a silent auction with items such as collector quality original works of art, a “Paint the Desert” workshop for ten, a hot air balloon ride, dining certificates, golf lessons, Cubs tickets in Chicago, exclusive property stays, and more. These items will be available to view and purchase prior to the event at www.dflt.org and on the night of the event.

Tickets to the “Sonoran Symphony” cost $250 per person. Shuttle service begins at 5:20 p.m. from 38400 N. Schoolhouse Road, in Cave Creek. To reserve seats, call (480) 659-5133.

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