Page 40 - the NOISE August 2014

AT LEFT: Signe Lindquist - collage work &
CENTER: Peter Heckel - pottery; Raven Cafe August 7th both at ‘Tis Gallery this ArtWalk
AT RIGHT: Dirty Bourbon River Show at the
Summer is winding down in Prescott, but it’s not stopping anyone from wringing out the very last bit of summer fun before
the kids go back to school and fall weather creeps in. There is going on to keep summer sentimentalists happy until the events move back indoors.
The pace this month is a little less frenet- ic as the focus shifts to getting in that last camping trip or hike. For those who limited or postponed outdoor activities due to fire season and monsoon season, this is a great month to catch up. Prescott has a ton of hik- ing, biking and yes, even horse trails, so there are plenty of options. Besides the more pop- ular hikes like Thumb Butte, the Peavine Trail, or Granite Mountain, check out some of the stunning views on the network of Forest Ser- vice trails up around Senator Highway.
Now that fire restrictions have been eased, there is still time to get in a campfire or two, although Prescott residents would generally prefer if you kept them to fire rings in devel- oped campsites. There are even a few water holes that are accessible and running during early August, so this is an excellent opportu- nity to spend a day or two with Mama Nature.
For the less adventurous, it’s also a lovely time of year to grab a cold drink and head to the Courthouse Square. Whether taking in a last minute white tent craft fair event, checking out a car show, open air concert, or just plain enjoying the rare expanse of green grass under giant shade trees while doing some people-watching, the Square is pretty much perfect. And if you show up on Sunday afternoon, chances are extremely good that you can join in the impromptu Hoop Jam on the south side of the lawn. The Hoop Jam folks bring lots of extra hoops, so Hula-hoop fans can grab a spare and just play for an hour or two.
While at the Square, there’s no excuse not to hit gallery row and check out the latest fine art offerings. In addition to rotating shows
that showcase fea-
tured artists, sev-
eral galleries like
Van Gogh’s Ear and Arts Prescott offer works in glass, textiles, wood and metal in addition to the visual arts. If you hit up Van Gogh’s Ear, be sure to check out the super fun, handmade and hand-painted art shoes made by Mark & Cody Carter. The shoes alone are worth the trip, but there are so many other lovelies on site, you’re guaranteed not to be disappointed.
To get the full experience of the down- town arts scene, then plan on visiting during the 4th Friday ArtWalk, scheduled this month for August 22. After you’ve made the rounds on the Square to the various galler- ies and music venues, don’t forget to walk one block down to Wild Iris at 124 S. Granite Street. Weather and fire restrictions permit- ting, Primal Fire will be spinning/dancing with fire staffs, hoops and other assorted fire toys. Totally worth the walk, but know that they don’t start until the sun has fully set, usually around 7PM.
Many of the galleries have receptions and artists on site during the 4th Friday Art- Walk, including not one, but two receptions at the ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery. First up is the artists’ reception for the “Synergy: The Elements” show in the mezzanine gallery. Simultaneously, a reception for the kick off of the “2014 Summer Photography” show in the main gallery will be held. Here’s a chance for the public to grab some snacks and chat with artists working in a variety of mediums. Well worth making time to visit the‘Tis at 105 S. Cortez Street.
Locals have noticed a few new arts ‘n cul- ture places popping up, with one of the new- est being Gray Dog Guitars. The brainchild of arts entrepreneur Ty Fitzmorris and local musicians and guitar enthusiasts Dylan Lud- wig and Addison Matthew, the shop fea- tures not only an extensive collection of new and vintage guitars, but vinyl records as well. Yes, vinyl! It’s been ages since there has been
a decent, for really, reals record store in town, and Gray
Dog Guitars is a most welcome addition. Lo- cated right across from Raven Café, the shop has a prime location for guitar heads and music lovers alike. Check them out, pick up a guitar or some sweet vinyl, or even sign up for lessons at 141 N. Cortez Street.
Speaking of the Raven Café, they’ve booked in the truly stellar Dirty Bourbon River Show. Imagine if Gogol Bordello’s gypsy sound and early Tom Waits had a love child raised in New Orleans’ French Quarter, add a pinch more jazz and a smidge less punk and that will at least get you in the mu- sical ballpark of Dirty Bourbon. Sliding effort- lessly from slinky to staccato, it is impossible not to love the unorthodox and thoroughly compelling mix of horns, accordion, drums, guitar, sousaphone (sousaphone!) and vo- cals. Don’t bother debating whether to go or not, just get on down to 142 N. Cortez Street on Thursday, August 7.
The top spot for this month is a bit of a split decision and depends on whether jazz or poetry is your love. Fortunately, the Arizo- na Cowboy Poets and Prescott Jazz Summit are happening on different weekends, so if you dig both, you are totally in luck.
For the 27th year, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering is bringing their unique and utterly regional poetic style to Prescott. From August 7 through August 9, cowboy & cowgirl poets, storytellers and singers will take over the stage at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. They are bringing a full roster of folks to share their unique view of the American West, from both a historical and contemporary stance. Fans of poetry, western culture, storytelling and cowboy music will not want to miss this. Running low on spare cash? No worries, there are sever- al events during the day that are free to the public. To order your tickets and to view a full
listing of the schedule, hit up their website at
azcowboypoets.org.
The annual Prescott Jazz Summit will be in full swing from August 22 through August 24, with a whole mess of performances sched- uled at a variety of venues. Before the summit officially kicks off, there will be two free con- certs at the Courthouse Square. The first one is on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30PM and the second one is scheduled for Friday, August 22 from noon until 1PM. These concerts offer a taste of what’s to come on the weekend.
Once of the best things about the Prescott Jazz Summit is the chance to choose your listening experience. If jazz in a big, historic theater is your idea of musical nirvana, then the evening performance on August 22 at the Elks Theater is just the ticket. Can’t make it Fri- day night? There’s another performance on the 23rd at the Ruth Street Theater. If you pre- fer your jazz in an up-close and personal set- ting, then the Jazz Brunch at the Hassayampa Inn on Sunday, August 24th may be exactly what you’re looking for. Tickets to all of the concerts sell out quickly, but that goes dou- ble for the Jazz Brunch, so don’t wait around.
Besides bringing in world-class musicians to play for the public, Prescott Jazz Summit also hosts workshops for young musicians. There is a truly unique opportunity to hear student musicians perform with the profes- sionals on August 23, also at the Ruth Street Theater. This is where the real magic of the Prescott Jazz Summit happens. After the pros go back to their regular gigs and tours, they leave behind new knowledge and enthusi- asm to feed Prescott’s young jazz commu- nity for another year. For a full listing of the Prescott Jazz Summit’s events, a roster of mu- sicians or to order tickets, visit their website at prescottjazz.com.
| Angie Johnson Schmit has an end of summer ritual all her own. slackerwriter@gmail.com
40 • AUGUST 2014 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us