In This Issue

KJZZ 91.5

Hi everyone, Jon Town here, your 2-7 pm afternoon Classical Companion on K-BACH and host of the 'Homeward Bound Hour at 5', which I'll get into a bit later.

As a parent, over the years, I've often heard complaints that children know more about video games than Vivaldi.

It's easy to point fingers, and I heartily encourage people to support funding the arts.  But, it's also our job, as parents, grandparents, or anyone who loves the arts, to enrich the next generation with the opportunities of greater Phoenix.

The Phoenix Symphony offers many ways to attend with your children.  The most "kid-friendly" are the Family Series concerts, on Sunday afternoons.  The programs have a theme and are usually about an hour or so.  Be sure to arrive early for fun pre-concert events related to the theme of the concert.  Read more.

Heart of the Arts

Last week audiences at the Mesa Arts Center were thrilled with a herculean feat: Cellist Zuill Bailey performed all six Bach Cellos Suites in their entirety. The renowned artist chatted with K-BACH's Sterling Beeaff about his chart topping recording of the suites and his very special 1693 Matteo Gofriller Cello. 

Photo: Zuill Bailey, Photo courtesy of artist.

  

Launched in 1931, the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday matinee broadcasts are the longest-running continuous classical music program in radio history. The 83rd season begins on December 7, 2013, with Verdi's Rigoletto, starring Aleksandra Kurzak, Matthew Polenzani, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, continuing the celebration of Verdi's 200th birthday. Twenty-three broadcasts will be presented on the Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network through May 10, 2014. Margaret Juntwait returns as the series's host, joined by commentator Ira Siff.  See the schedule.

Leadership Society                          Leadership Society Members of the Month

Mr. & Mrs. James Slavin with Jeremy Hobson, Here & Now host

Back To Radio Night a Success   

Back to Radio Night welcomed 31 KJZZ and K-BACH members to a special thank you event for donors on October 10, 2013 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.  Members enjoyed connecting with their favorite public radio hosts and reporters including Jeremy Hobson from Here & Now of NPR, KJZZ staff and fellow listeners.  KJZZ staff provided an informative update on activities and projects.

K-BACH is pleased to introduce the Sustainer Loyalty Card as a special thank you to sustaining members.   Sustaining members will receive a 10% discount at participating restaurants from December 2013 through November 2014.  In addition, each month two restaurants will offer a special complimentary dish exclusively to Sustainer Loyalty Card holders. 
For more information please visit loyalty.kbach.org

 

We look forward to seeing our volunteers again when the renovations are complete.  Watch for more information via email.  Learn more about volunteering.

I have to thank my dog, Tulip, for my involvement in KJZZ / K-BACH.  I walk herin a park where Ibecame friends with another dog-walker, Karen Greenberg.  We had a lot in common including reading, food and wine, current events, and travel.  Karen was a member of the FPRAZ Board and thought I would make a good member.  She organized lunch with Lou Stanley and Linda Saunders, the FPRAZ Board Chair, in an informal interview.  I wasn't sure what I had to offer the Board since a) I am not a powerful patron of the arts and, b) I like wine but didn't know anything about wine auctions which the Board was supporting.  I did, however, offer a background in educational media and was a big fan, which they thought worked.

The Board shared camaraderie, wine, and passion for getting stories straight. After an enlightening Board retreat on the role of non-profit boards led by Allison C. Black, I got it: we all had our roles and contribution to make.  I helped with Wavelength, the station magazine and, of course, participated in the galas and events that were organized.  

While the cast of characters on the Board has evolved its enthusiasm and dedication are thriving.  We applaud SPOT127, as well the amazing reporting and programming changes that the staff is making.  Thanks to Lou for divesting me of any hard work as Board Secretary, except for lifting pens to sign checks!

February 13, 2014:  "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", Phoenix, AZ, VIP tickets available call 480-774-8444

March 1, 2014:  Great Arizona Beer Festival, Tempe AZ