Rocky Zharp and the Blues Crackers on 2/22, and Marhsall Hawkins on 2/28

DVAC, The Diamond Valley Arts Center, located at 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet 92543 has two great eclectic shows coming up in the next two weeks.

Local Legend Rocky Zharp and the Blues Crackers Rocky Zharp and The Blues Crackers will perform Saturday, February 22,  The doors open at 6:30 PM with the show starting at 7:00 PM. Admission is $20 for general admission and $15 for DVAC members. Student tickets are $5 for online pre-sale and $10 at the door. Tickets may be ordered online at the DVAC website (www.thedvac.org) or purchased at the Arts Center.

Rocky Zharp, born in Indiana, was given his first musical instrument, a harmonica, by his great grandmother when he was but 5 years old. By age 17 he was working with the elderly Rev. Ervin Davis playing blues on the harmonica at picnics and on street corners for tips.

Glenn Frazier (Glenn “MannRaw” Frazier) has been playing the drums since the age of two. He has made appearances on several television networks accompanying different artists. Appearances include CBS, FOX, KUSI, PBS, BET, and TBN to name a few.                                                                                                                  
Jerry Cox has played the Electric Bass professionally for almost 50 years “holding down the low end” with many great musicians all across America.             

Marshall Hawkins and Seahawk MoJO

Marshall Hawkins and Seahawk MoJO return for a very special Black History Month celebration on Friday February 28, 2020, at the Diamond Valley Arts Center (DVAC) located at 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet Ca 92543.

Admission for DVAC members is $20 general admission $25 for this very special event. Student tickets are $5 for online pre-sale and $10 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.thedvac.org or by stopping by the Arts Center. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7:00 PM. As always, DVAC members receive their discount online at checkout by entering this month’s coupon code.

Marshall Hawkins and Seahawk MoJO will take listeners on a journey from Africa through the new world and into modern music. Hawkins’ delivery of his message of the unifying power of music makes this Black History Month celebration one for everyone.

In the late 1960s and ’70s, Hawkins played bass with legends such as The Miles Davis Quintet, Shirley Horn and Roberta Flack before forming his own quintet.

Being well aware of the numbers of talented young people who cannot afford to attend a private high school for the arts, Marshall saw the need to raise scholarship funds for deserving young musicians. In 1994, Marshall co-founded the enormously successful “Jazz in the Pines” Festival and served as its Music Director for over 20 years.

Marshall is deeply committed to teaching and exposing school children to the uniquely American art form of Jazz. In 2002, he organized the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra (MoJO) and brings unforgettable Jazz and educational programs to elementary and secondary schools. This orchestra also gives Marshall’s former students an opportunity to play with an amazing group of musicians and guest artists.

“That’s what makes it so unique,” Hawkins said. “The students are able to come back and play with the teachers. Any other group can come join the orchestra, too.” He added there can be as few as seven people and as many as 35, but each performance exposes the kids to connections between music and society.

Hawkins said the program is not meant to turn all kids into professional musicians but to make them cognizant of how important art is in their lives. This message is not only for “his Kids” but for the rest of us as well.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the concert beginning at 7:00 PM. Contact dvacinfo@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

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Tom Catanzaro band will feature Nick Mancini

Tom Catanzaro brings the legendary vibraphonist, Nick Mancini to the DVAC Stage On Saturday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm with tickets on sale now on-line or at the Center for $20 General Admission, $15 for members and $10 for students ($5 pre sale). The Diamond Valley Arts Center is located at 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet. Log onto our website at www.thedvac.org.

Vibraphonist/Marimbaist and Composer Nick Mancini began his professional career as a drummer, at the age of 15. His undergrad studies earned him an A.S. from Schenectady County Community College and a B.M. (with honors) from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. By the age of 23, he was a heavily called-upon drummer in upstate NY but was feeling the tug of avidly pursuing jazz more. That was when he moved to NYC to attend Manhattan School of Music. His audition won him the prestigious President’s Award scholarship and he graduated with a masters degree in jazz performance.

Nick has performed and recorded with such diverse luminaries as Arturo Sandoval, Peter Erskine, Poncho Sanchez, Solange, Kenny Werner, Amos Lee, and Jennifer Holliday; and with the greatest young and emerging stars such as Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood-Fergusson, and Ben Wendel. As both a band leader and side man, Nick has appeared at some of New York’s most notable venues such as The World Famous Apollo Theater; Showtime at the Apollo, Birdland, and Joe’s Pub. In LA he performs at The Blue Whale, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Friday Night Jazz series, ACE Theater, Catalina Jazz Club, Vibrato, Zipper Hall, Vitello’s, Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center and virtually every jazz venue in Los Angeles. His festival appearances include Santa Barbara Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Nortelje Jazz Festival (Sweden), Alandia Jazz Festival (Scandinavia), Angel City Jazz Festival (LA), and Catalina Jazz Festival, to name a few. Abroad, he’s graced the stage in Tahiti, Australia, Scandinavia, and Canada.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the concert beginning at 7:00pm. Contact dvacinfo@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

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The Tom Catanzaro Band featuring Marshall Hawkins returns for a tribute to Miles Davis, Saturday January 11, 2020, at The Diamond Valley Arts Center. Doors open at 7:00pm with the show starting at 7:30pm. Admission is $15 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. Student tickets are $5 for Pre-Sale and $10 at the door. Don’t forget your coupon code. As always, members enter the coupon code at checkout for your discount.

Tom Catanzaro grew up here in Hemet and began playing the saxophone at the age of 9, gaining a strong musical foundation from the many committed public school music teachers in the San Jacinto Valley. Playing professionally since age 13, Tom was mentored early on by such musicians as bassist Marshall Hawkins, pianist/singer Yve Evans, saxophonist Jeff Clayton, and legendary soprano saxophonist George Probert of the original Disneyland Band.

At age 15, Tom won the 2000 LA Music Center Spotlight Award in the “jazz instrumental” category, performing at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in LA.

After graduating from Hemet High School in 2002, Tom attended the Manhattan School of Music in NYC on a full scholarship, where he studied with saxophonist and composer Bob Mintzer. While living in NYC, Tom honed his craft by regularly playing with and learning from local musicians such as the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove, pianist Eric Louis of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, drummer Kim Thompson, and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire.

Since then, Tom has performed with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, George Benson, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Peter Martin, and Liza Minelli just to name a few. He has performed at popular SoCal venues such as Catalinas Jazz Bar and Grill, The Mint, Steamers Jazz Cafe, Vitellos, The Blue Whale, The Onyx Room, and Dizzys, as well as playing on some of the most prestigious stages in the country such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Tom has recorded and produced albums for local LA artists such as Andy Waddell, Josh Nelson, and Gilbert Castellanos, including one album with vocalist Karin Carson which featured bassist Christian McBride and drummer Greg Hutchinson. He has conducted music business seminars and taught college students from USC, UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, and Fullerton Community College.

Tom currently resides in Hemet, California with his wife, Jennifer, and their four daughters, where he also enjoys working with local schools and youth centers to promote arts education in the San Jacinto Valley.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs. Beverages will be available for purchase. Guests have access to the current gallery exhibition as well as the concert. Doors open at 7:00 pm with the concert beginning at 7:30 pm.

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Christmas Story

Yes.  Just about.  “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)” a comedy by Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez, is directed by Hemet’s own Kami Martin.

How just three actors can keep the energy, laughs and action going for almost 2 hours is beyond me.  Shenn Sellers, Johnny Thunder and J. Kay Weldon are upbeat, hilarious and on-point in a Christmas play that is the epitome of the word “zany.”

Hemet’s own Kami Martin, director of this only slightly-organized mayhem, never lets the action lag.  The lines are delivered quickly, wryly and with as much humor as possible.

Shenn Sellers starts out as, well..Shenn Sellers.  J. Kay Weldon and Johnny Thunder do the same, but very quickly, a dizzying succession of Christmas icons from, well every Christmas story ever told, materializes onstage as if by magic.

Sellers hilariously attempts to stage his favorite Christmas play, “A Christmas Carol,” while Thunder and Weldon have other ideas.

In short order, Scrooge, Mr. Potter from “Its a wonderful life,” Yukon Cornelius from “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,” Mr. and Mrs. Claus and at least a dozen more characters come to life, interspersed with the actors themselves…and all seem to instantly materialize, on-stage.  

Forget the fourth wall: forget any time-worn convention from any play you’ve ever seen: just sit back and get ready to laugh loudly and often.  You also might get pulled up to the stage as there’s audience participation a-plenty, just in case your attention might be allowed to lag for a second.

Speaking about “not lagging for a second,” technical director Jared Kramarsky is on-point with sights, sounds and gags that accentuate every nuance of this ballet of sight-and-sound extravaganza.  Stage manager Billy Stinnet has his hands full and handles it all with ease, as the perfect support for the on-stage talent.

Johnny Thunder’s “Mr. Potter,” Shellers’ vain-glorious attempts to finish his “Marley” speech and Weldon’s amazing energy, split-second character and costume changes are all worth the price of admission.  

You’ll see and hear every cliche and every Christmas cartoon and convention ever created, lampooned to total perfection.  

As someone who has worked with both Sellers (“The miss firecracker contest”) and with J. Kay Weldon (indirectly, in Martin’s November Cabaret, also at DVAC) I thought I knew their respective strengths, but I was wrong: both actors sing, act, joke and wise-crack like no one has ever seen them before, and both handle the action as though they’re seasoned stand-up comedians who have what it takes to drift in-and-out of characters with ease.  

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s this guy named, “Johnny Thunder.”

Johnny Thunder came as a complete surprise: his timing, his little vocal asides and his spot-on mugging add hilarity, pace and humor to an already-outized presentation that is directed with staccato pace by director Martin.

Be ready to revisit every treasured Christmas trope, presented as you have never seen them before in, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some).”  It promises to be the perfect note to kick off the Christmas season.

The show runs at The Diamond Valley Arts Center (DVAC), Friday, December 20 at 7p, and Saturday December 21 at 2p and 7p.  Find tickets online at www.thedvac.org

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More from the DVAC “Culture series”

The Diamond Valley Arts Council is proud to announce a very special Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 14.  Doors open at 6:30, and the program begins at 7pm.  “The Bone Zone” opens the evening followed by The Inland Valley Youth Orchestra.  Next on the bill is Dan Boulton and his Saxophone Choir.

Admission is $10 for General Admission with reserved seating available online at  www.thedvac.org or by stopping by the art center. We are proud to announce a package deal, order an entire table On Line ONLY and receive 25% off your order (Bistro or Large Table).

The Bone Zone (TBZ) is a community trombone choir, which meets once a week offering area trombonists an opportunity to rehearse and “keep their chops up”. The group performs a variety of musical styles from classical to patriotic to jazz and novelty tunes. TBZ has played at churches, schools and private venues offering thirty to forty-five minute programs that are both educational and entertaining.

Dan Boulton is a saxophonist and Hemet High Band Director. His passion for music and commitment to bettering the community led him back to Hemet after college. He is a husband and father and is dedicated to inspiring Hemet’s youth through music just as he was. Several years ago, Mr. Boulton brought together a group of local saxophonists to form a Christmas Caroling group of saxes. They travel to local homes and business spreading Christmas cheer and served as ambassadors of the rich legacy of music in the Valley. This year marks a milestone as Mr. Boulton expects upwards of thirty saxophonists made up of students, amateurs and professionals.

Anna Ancheta, Violinist and Educator is the Conductor of the Inland Valley Youth (IVY) Orchestra. She coaches and conducts in the Summer Strings Academy, performs with the MSJC community orchestra, and conducts, composes and arranges pieces for the women’s chorus, “Local Color.”  She has taught music at Westridge School, and in Hemet Unified School District. She created the string program at the San Jacinto School District, where she taught band and strings at Monte Vista Middle School. She holds a Masters degree in Conducting from University of Southern California, and a teaching credential from Claremont graduate school. She studied violin with Alice Schoenfeld. She has received teacher of the year awards from both Hemet and San Jacinto Unified School District.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs. Contact dvacinfo@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

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Art of the guitar DVAC

Diamond Valley Arts Council (DVAC), Saturday, hosted, “The Art of Guitar in Mexico,” featuring Guitarists Pamela Arellano and Jesus Serrano. The free concert was part of DVAC’s, “Culture Series,” and yet another example of fulfilling their motto, “Advancing the Arts–Creating Community.”

DVAC has been forming harmonious relationships with local and non-local artists, musicians and performers for more than a decade. DVAC president, Jason Strain said, “We’ve been around for over 14 years . . . we’re heavily involved in the community, and the most rewarding part of being involved with this program is in bettering the community through promoting the arts.” Through fulfilling their mission statement, the council continues to introduce the community to a world of culture and to enrich people’s lives. Note for note, Saturday’s concert series was no exception to the rule.

The two virtuosos of guitar serenaded and mystified the audience with a repertoire of musical magic tricks, techniques, and seemingly effortless talent rooted in Mexican culture. The concert was made possible by DVAC and by the efforts of David Pelham, who’s passion for crafting guitars, and the beautiful classical music of Mexico–led him to Paracho, Michoacan, Mexico and its annual Festival de Guitarra. DVAC Secretary, Anna Ancheta says, “These guitarists are brought from Mexico through the generosity of Mr. Pelham . . . David has been going to the international guitar festival in Paracho, Mexico for 17 years.”

Arellano, of Zacatecas, Mexico, played a diverse set, originating from places like Brazil, Spain, and Argentina. Arellano is a serious student of classical music; she has been a part of the guitar quartet, Tierra Mestiza, and participated in the International Congress of Chamber Music. Her technique and style deployed intricate finger-picking, sweeping arpeggios, tempo changes and crescendos-executed with the sophistication and discipline that classical music demands.

Each song had its own transportive qualities that took listeners on a journey. As one local patron said, “The music is creating the atmosphere . . .and the way the venue here is set up-it adds to that effect.” Arellano’s on-stage elegance paired perfectly well with her style, ending each number with a bow and expressing her gratitude.

Serrano then took the stage and was equally impressive in his abilities; his speed and precision were flawless. He executed such an array of techniques: trill picking, hammer-ons, natural harmonics, etc., that at times it sounded as if two guitars were being played simultaneously. He even used the guitar as a percussive instrument, palming drum beats with his picking hand and performing six-string wizardry with his fretting hand. Serrano has won countless awards in competitions throughout the world, and this year took first place at the Guitarenfestival Nordhorn competition in Germany.

By the end of the night, Arellano and Serrano took to the stage togetherand closed with a guitar duet, ending on another successful note for a community that appreciates and thrives on the arts.

For more information on the Diamond Valley Arts Council, happenings and events, please visit https://www.thedvac.org/

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TRALAIN returns by popular demand on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 7 pm for MUSIC AT THE CENTER at the Diamond Valley Arts Center (DVAC), located at 123 N. Harvard St., in historic downtown Hemet. Tickets are only $15 for general admission, $10 for DVAC members, and $5 pre-sale online for students since this concert is generously sponsored by DVAC members Brad and Ellen Hyman.

Tralain is a singer/songwriter who has performed all over the IE. From big seven-piece corporate bands to solo acts with her guitar and vocals, she has been rocking the SoCal circuit for over 10 years. Soulful, Intense and Imaginative are only a few ways to describe Tralain’s undeniable talent and presence. Her ability to engage an audience and take them on an emotional journey is unrivaled.

Also an experienced studio singer, Tralain has worked with various well known acts and producers such as Carl Stevenson from Forest for The Trees and James Valentine. Check out Myspace “Tralain” with recordings of her latest album with duo group “Dose”. Also keep up with the latest shows and new releases on Facebook “Tralain Roslyn”.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.thedvac.org, at DVAC Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm or at the door. DVAC members receive the online discount by using coupon code. Beverages and refreshment will be available for purchase. As always DVAC guests have free access to the current gallery exhibition. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the performance starting 7:00 pm.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for the DVAC and its programs. Please email dvacinfo@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

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This time, famous villains will abound

According to the DVAC (Diamond Valley Arts Council) web page, since its founding in 2004, “Advancing the Arts – Creating Community” has been its motto. With DVAC’s move to a new facility at 123 N. Harvard St. in downtown Hemet, that ideal has taken on even greater significance for both the arts and for the community.

As an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of, and greater participation in the arts, locating in downtown Hemet opened the door for greater visibility for DVAC’s mission. It also gives Hemetonians greater choices in what we do and what is available to our community in terms of arts and cultural activities, events and venues. Stop by The Arts Center during the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm any Wednesday through Saturday.

In keeping with our mission, on Saturday, October 26, 2019, “Cabaret at the Center” returns, with doors opening at 7:30 pm, and show-time starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Student tickets are $5 for pre-sale and $10 at the door. As always, members can enter the coupon code online at checkout for your discount. There will be one performance only and advance purchase is highly recommended.

After their sold out show last July, DVAC’s own Harvard Street Theatre Company is thrilled to usher in the holiday season with another fabulous variety show with a villainous theme. Yes famous villains will abound as we feature many talented actors and singers from the Inland Empire. This top notch group will entertain with live musical theatre selections and classic scenes, each with a dark side and humor to spare. Performances from such shows as Mean Girls, Hamilton, The Little Mermaid, Heathers, Bonnie and Clyde, Lucky Stiff, The Wiz, Chicago and many more, will be presented. Performance is one night only on October 26th at 8 pm. Come to the Cabaret!

Music at the Center is a fundraiser for the DVAC and its programs. Guests will also have access to the current gallery exhibition as well as to the concert.

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HSJ Chamber of Commerce event draws more and more businesses

This past Friday, October 4, the Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce kicked off the month with their “First Friday celebration.  Attendees were pleasantly surprised by the robust crowd.

“What a great time and event to kick off the month of October and do so with a full house at DVAC (Diamond Valley Arts Center),” said Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Lemke.

“This is a great event for us to announce our annual “NAMI Walk” for NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness,” said Brenda Scott, Executive Director of NAMI-San Jacinto, adding, “The walk begins at the Diamond Valley Lake Marina at 8am on October 26. We are also announcing the tentative date for the Soroptimist’s “Jingle Mingle” fundraiser which is set for December 5th at the Diamond Valley Lake Visitor Center.”

Award-winning realtor Kevin Saunders (Brubaker-Culton Realty) was on hand to help with

festivities.  “What a great event for business people and entrepreneurs to network with some of the most inflectional citizens within the valley.  I recommend that everyone attend the First Friday event every mont,” said Saunders.

Onlookers cheered as Soroptimist inductee Sandy Dee was given her pin. “I love working with our veterans and I’m very proud of the work I’ve done with the Cloverlane Foundation,” said Dee.

Readers are urged to mark their calendars for the Chamber’s next “First Friday” event scheduled for Friday, November 1 at 8am.

For more information contact the Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce at 951 658-3211

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Joanne is thrilled to perform at the DVAC Theatre. This charming chanteuse has been nick-named “Bubbles” by the press for her sparkling personality and her effervescent three-octave voice.   The Grunion Gazette refers to her as “Beverly Sills meets Bette Midler.” Her one-woman show “Red Hot Bubbles,” a tribute to Carol Burnett, Madeline Kahn and Bette Midler has delighted audiences throughout the southland.   Opera credits include two seasons with the San Diego Opera and the Long Beach Opera. Be prepared for a fun evening of Jazz, Broadway, Opera, and Comedy with Joanne Juliet Lapointe joined by Rob Woyshner on piano, Lou Usevic on bass and Quentin Dennard on drums.

Joanne Juliet Lapointe will perform Saturday, October 12, 2019, at The Diamond Valley Arts Center, located at 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet, Ca 92543. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show starting at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. Student tickets are $5 for Pre-Sale and $10 at the door. As always, members can enter the coupon code online at checkout for your discount.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs.  Beverages will be available for purchase. Guests have access to the current gallery exhibition as well as the concert.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show beginning at 7:00 pm.

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