During her initial year with TJDuprey Unlimited, Ms Countryman worked as an intern, learning the ins and outs of working with a team of freelance professionals and we were very impressed with the thoroughness she brought to her projects.  She showed a true knack for leadership and led several teams simultaneously under very tight deadlines to meet diverse goals.

Ms Countryman brings with her a fresh enthusiasm for the local arts and business community as well as an over 30 year knowledge of Tucson issues.

When Ms Countryman is not busy working she can be found riding horseback with friends and family, or relaxing with her dogs.

Ms Countryman can be reached at CountrymanTami@gmail(dot)com.

“TEEN STREET – a Film Acting Company” is a new actor training and film production company for teens who wish to take their artistry to the highest level.  Teen participants meet twice a month for actor training and the development of a short-film script, which will shoot in the spring.  First meeting is December 12.  Any teenager is welcome regardless of experience.  Company dues: $80/month.  Sessions take place at the Red Monkey Studio at Campbell & Skyline. Actor demo reels will also be available to company members.

Under the direction of Steve Anderson, MFA, Teen Street offers a safe, empowering, and creative atmosphere for teen performers.  Steve also offers teen and adult stage acting workshops and private coaching in Southern Arizona.  Steve believes that the arts are a vehicle to build leadership skills and confidence, and to prepare youth for the next step in their lives.

TUCSON, AZ (Tuesday, November 4, 2010) – Kyle Eastwood, son of actor-director Clint Eastwood, will perform at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites located at 5151 E. Grant Road on Thursday, November 18. The performance is part of the Arizona Small Business Association’s (asba) holiday business mixer open to the general public and designed to encourage collaboration between the business and arts communities.

“asba is pleased to create a forum where business professionals and arts patrons can come together to further the dialogue on how they can support one another,” states asba CEO, Donna Davis.

“How often do you attend a film, concert, or theater event, and after surveying the audience, wish for the chance to get to personally connect with them?” asks asba Director of Marketing and Events, Patricia Possert. Attendees are invited to mix business with pleasure at the pre-concert mixer and bring plenty of business cards, appetites, smiles and conversation.

Eastwood has established himself as an influential and contemporary jazz musician who has carved his own path in the music industry. His style is contemporary and hard-bop. The eldest son of actor Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood has released three critically-acclaimed albums, toured worldwide, and composed music and soundtracks for several Clint Eastwood films including Flags of Our Fathers, Gran Torino, and Invictus, as well as Academy Award®-winning films Letters from Iwo Jima, Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. Eastwood received a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for Gran Torino.

“The Kyle Eastwood band is an experience like no other,” states Possert. “Mr. Eastwood’s 2007 show here in Tucson ended with over 400 people giving the band a standing ovation. For a couple of hours, the audience was transported from Tucson to Paris, France, and it was magical.” Band members include trumpeter Alex Norris, piano/keyboardist Rick Germanson, saxophonist Jason Rigby, drummer Joe Strasser and critically acclaimed bassist/composer Kyle Eastwood.

The pre-concert mixer will go from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres with concert from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastwood will personally autograph CDs after the concert. Seating is limited; advanced reservations are recommended. Tickets for the event are all inclusive: $40 General Public includes networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres and concert; $35 for asba Members only. Don’t miss this live Tucson performance! Reserved tables of 8 may be purchased by phone at 520-327-0222. Ticket purchases and info available at www.asba.com.

About asba – For nearly 40 years, the arizona small business association (asba) has been a trusted source in creating opportunities for businesses to make money, save money and achieve amAZing results. With a membership of almost 5,000 businesses, representing over 300,000 employees, asba is the second largest trade association in the state and the only statewide association dedicated to serving small businesses. From outstanding value to an extensive range of support and services, asba is committed to making Arizona the best place for launching and growing your business. For more information, please call 520-327-0222 or visit www.asba.com. Join asba. Be amAZed®.

For more information about Tripoli check out www.tripolihorses.com

That is, until the client starts falling apart or cracking at the seams.

Before you start your next campaign or invest dollars in advertising, here is something to think about:

Does your organization or business have the infrastructure to handle anticipated response? How about response above anticipation?

Will customers be contacting you via phone?  Make sure:

… you have developed an answering system that is informative and helpful.  This means both human and automated systems must be ready.  Train your receptionist to answer questions or be ready to transfer the call to the appropriate department. Don’t make a caller wait through multiple messages on an automated system before they can leave a message or purchase a ticket.  If you are promoting an event, it should be the first thing mentioned in your messages and your staff should be ready to take ticket information as soon as the call is taken.

Will customers be directed to your website?  Make sure:

… you have updated your site and that it is user friendly for people accessing it from a different browsers.  Remember not everyone has a brand new PC.  Is your site work safe?  Nothing discourages worktime purchases like loud music which plays automatically as soon as the potential customer lands on your page.  If you want music on your site, display the option prominently and allow visitors to turn it on themselves.  Be sure to test your order buttons if you have a product on your site.  Always include a back up email option on each product page in case a customer can’t use your payment method.  This allows for instant feedback on any issues which might prevent sales.

Will customers be directed to your store?  Make sure:

… your ad has your hours of operation and that you are actually open during those hours.  Right after the launch of an ad campaign if NOT the time to experiment with new hours.  If you advertised enrollments for classes or are selling tickets, make sure you have your paperwork in order and that all materials are easy to find.  Make sure whoever is in your shop or office knows the procedure for filling out forms and can answer event information.

While this may sound like common sense, these are common areas of opportunity for improvement for all clients.  I once had a client fire the only employee who knew how to retrieve phone messages and change the voice message the day before the launch of their yearly enrollment.  I found out that the phones were down during a check of the phone message – routine for me – the day after the launch.  NO ONE at the organization knew the phones were down.  The phone service provider did not send someone to retrain their staff (and would not instruct anyone via phone or internet) for a full week.  How many people did not enroll when they couldn’t get through on the phone for additional information or directions?  We’ll never know.

So don’t forget this internal checklist before you launch your next advertising campaign.

Date, Time, Venue Change for Lullabies of Broadway

Redondo Music Theatre (RMT) is pleased to present their 2009 season premiere event and fundraiser. “Lullabies of Broadway” opens September 13, 2009 at the Berger Auditorium, 1200 W. Speeday. The show starts at 3:00 pm, tickets are $20 at the door or by calling 1-888-349-4914.

Celebrating over 20 years of performances, with over 20 headline performers singing over 20 songs, original cast members from RMT’s past seasons and the Southern Arizona Light Opera Company will reprise their roles in one night of Broadway songs.

Featured singers and musicals include:

• Armen Dirtadian – Fiddler on the Roof: “If I Were a Rich Man”, 1979 for SALOC
• Mary Paul – My Fair Lady: “I Could Have Danced All Night”, 1980 for SALOC
• John Colorado – Man of La Moncha: “Little Bird, Little Bird”, 1984 for SALOC
• Robin Roberts, William Druke – Guys and Dolls: “Guys and Dolls”, 2007 for RMT
• David Hatunen – Cabaret: “Married”, 2008 for RMT

Other musicals represented will be SeeSaw, Mack and Mabel, Annie Get Your Gun, and South Pacific, and many others.

A preview of the upcoming RMT season will include songs from 110 in the Shade, and Blues in the Night.

Redondo Music Theatre (RMT) was founded in 2006 by Hal Hundley. RMT performs from November to May every year with minimal sets and props, focusing on the music and plot. On occasion, regional actors are brought in to headline certain performances, although local talent is supported and encouraged by Mr. Hundley.

Mr. Hundley also founded the Southern Arizona Light Opera Company in 1976. Over the next 8 years, Mr. Hundley produced and directed numerous Broadway musicals, including Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, King and I, Oklahoma, Mame, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Fiddler OnThe Roof, and West Side Story. Mr. Hundley left SALOC in 1984 to produce and direct at the Pike’s Peak Center in Colorado.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 1-888-349-4914. Cash and major credit cards accepted. Handicap accessible available.

Marvelous Melodies

Enjoy an intimate evening of “Marvelous Melodies”, love songs and show tunes in a special engagement in the heart of downtown.  Tickets are $20 each and are available at the door.  If you would like to purchase advance tickets please send an email with your name and a phone number to tjdupreyunlimited@gmail.com for a return call.  Show starts at 6:30 pm. 47 N. 6th Avenue, Tucson AZ.

Burger City will open the evening of Sunday, July 26, 2009 for a special performance of Broadway/Gershwin/Porter standards presented by the aptly named trio “Marvelous Melodies”, with singers Amber Lee Harrington, Elizabeth (Beth) Clayton, and Chris Brewer, accompanied by pianist Harriet Siskin.

Also performing this Sunday evening will be Cici Salcido a blues and jazz singer, and Burney Starks rocking the house with music from the 50s.

Adding to the evening’s entertainment will be live karaoke.  Our pianist will accompany you as you go solo or join the pros for a fun duet.

The Burger City kitchen will be open to ticket holders, with a special performance menu. They’re adding shrimp, pizza, and quesadillas for the event.

Parking is available in front of the restaurant or you can take advantage of security patroled, lighted parking at Pennington Garage on the Northwest corner of the block ($2 parking on Sundays). The Garage is approximately 60 feet from the entrance of Burger City and is open 24 hours a day.

“Marvelous Melodies” operates under a 501 c 3 and will be donating their proceeds to support musical theater in Tucson.

Ages 6-17 encouraged to attend a well rounded arts adventure.  Day campers will be exposed to theater craft, dance and movement theory, music performance, visual arts and crafts.

Half day sessions run Monday thru Friday with free snacks provided daily.  Attend one session or all twelve.

For more information visit www.artfare.org or call 520-903-0918

ArtFare is conveniently located across from the Ronstadt Bus Center.

Lucky Linda’s Casino Party Events – An Authentic Casino Experience

We consistently exceed our client’s expectations by providing the highest quality Casino experience available. Much more than just a few stand up casino tables, we provide an entire Casino environment for your guests entertainment and enjoyment. We pride ourselves in playing the games just as you would in Las Vegas. Many of our dealers have worked in real casinos. Exceptional quality and service is our passion.

Your Casino Party Event: Here’s how a usual Casino party will work. When everyone check in they will get a couple hundred dollars in “Lucky Bucks”. These are about the same size as real money, they look and feel like the new money with the “big heads” on them. We like to provide the true casino experience, players will have to reach into their pocket to buy chips at the tables or tokens for the slot machines. It’s so much fun to see how people hold onto the Lucky Bucks like they are real. We use real life denominations at our parties. Lucky bucks are available in $5, $20, $50 & $100 bills.

Your guests will be alive with excitement as they play blackjack, slot machines and other games in your casino. The slot machines give the authentic Casino feel with all the excitement of Las Vegas. Games like Texas Hold ‘Em poker brings back memories of when Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp where playing cards in Tombstone. Everyone has a fantastic time. Dealers are dressed for a classy Casino look or special theme attire. Our dealers are friendly and fun and will explain the games to anyone who wants to learn. Your banquet chairs are used with all our low blackjack tables. It’s more fun for everyone to be able to sit, relax, and play instead of standing all night. Chairs are available free for events that are not at hotels or ballrooms.

At the end of the event we’ll help you tally up the top winners and assist with the awards. You can have awards for the top winners or have a drawing for the guests with the most points or both.

Themes: A theme like Mardi Gras, Roaring 20’s, or Carribean Pirates, is always a hit to increase attendance. Guests love dressing in costume for an exciting night out.

Fundraisers: During a fundraiser, remember donations are just that: a donation, and not required to play. Most attendees at fund-raiser understand that the point is to raise money for the organization and want to see you succeed. Pre-selling tickets to your Casino party is the most successful way to gauge attendance. We will work with you to provide a base Casino party package that will fit your budget and can be increased in size if needed.

Prizes: During a Casino night the prizes are usually not the main focus, people enjoy playing their favorite Casino games without spending their mortgage payment to have fun. We’ve done huge parties with very minimal prizes such as gift certificates for coffee or books. Prizes should be donated. Some yearly corporate events give out an “Annual High Roller” certificates with multiple award levels. Some have small trophies engraved. Usually limited to one prize per person.

Basics: Each player gets at least one raffle ticket when they arrive, so everyone has a chance to win. At the end of the evening each player’s lucky bucks are tallied. This is entirely up to you and should be determined in advance.

Additional tickets: What works very well: 1 ticket per $100 in lucky bucks rounded up to $1,000 then 1 per $1000 with a maximum of 20 tickets. We’ve seen players win over $100,000.00 in lucky bucks, you don’t want to give one player an entire roll of tickets.

Hourly Drawing: Players can buy tickets throughout the night for additional entries.

Multiple Prizes: Setup multiple boxes with prize descriptions on them and let the players choose which raffles they put their tickets in.

Auctions: Auctions where players bid on prizes are also fun, but take additional time to complete. We can help you with auctions if you would like to do this.

Amusement Only: You cannot charge people to gamble. State laws and notification forms are available upon request.

Currently a K-8 charter 501 (c) 3 school, the Arizona Department of Education is considering a request to expand to a K-12 school for the coming year.  In anticipation of the addition of the upper grades, TALA and ArtFare are talking with departments at the University of Arizona to enhance programs for bridging to post high school classes.  Already on board are instructors with the UA Jazz program.  Current talks are being held with graduate students from the College of Fine Arts to provide supplimental support and expanded programming.

January 15, 2009 by artfare

The two businesses, a restaurant and a convenience store, donate their proceeds, after overhead, to supporting the arts. ArtFare collaborates with Tucson’ Cafe 54 Coyote Workforce program, whose primary mission is as an award-winning training program serving individuals recovering from mental illness, and Arbor Education and Training, a back to work program which provides on site job coaches. MECA, Music Entertainment and Culinary Arts development program, is an ArtFare program offering participants unique entrepreneurial opportunities (since Jan 2006) wherein ArtFare staff and 25 volunteers offer assistance developing a business model for artists. ArtFare developed the businesses in 2008 under MECA to provide stable funding for the arts in the Cultural Arts Corridor of Downtown Tucson.

Burger City offers gourmet burgers and unexpected side dishes as well as a pickle bar.  There is a large screen TV set up for viewing both the kitchen (food performance art?) as well as for viewing other specially scheduled programs.  The full menu is available for takeout.  A hip and exciting hangout which attracts downtown city employees as well as the college after-sports, after-theater crowd, Burger City features hand pressed burgers and locally baked buns with fresh, hand cut fries or a side of street roasted corn. Everything on the menu is ala carte, and, a new and exciting dessert is featured weekly. Several tables are designated “creativity tables” and art supplies are offered for up and coming DiVinci’s to create on the wooden surfaces.

Kelly’s Market is conveniently located next door and in the finest tradition of bodegas and delis will offer deli foods (prepared in the Burger City kitchen )as well as stocking some of life’s necessities.  Downtown and running late from work but have to pick up some milk and puppy chow on the way home?  Call it in, pay with credit or debit, and drive up to the front of the market.  They’ll have it bagged ready for you to pay and dash home.

As an “artist enabler” Kelly’s is host to free form music and spontaneous open mic nights set up on the raised stage at the back of the Market.  Some instruments are supplied by the management (at any given time you may find drum set, a keyboard or even a stray saxophone).  To accommodate the downtown work population as well as area residents Kelly’s is open from 9 am until 9 pm daily. Michelle Hill supervises Kelly’s day to day operations while workers learn valuable work skills and distribute information about classes and other events in the Cultural Arts Corridor.

ArtFare, headquartered in the historic Sears Executive Tower on 6^th Avenue and stretching down most of the block, has renovated adjacent buildings, creating a steady source of revenue with a new café and a market.  State and Federal funding of arts programming decreased dramatically in the 1990′s and local funding has not recovered since the deep cuts after 9/11. Most recently, Tucson suffered drastic cuts from Tucson Pima Arts Council, which supplies the majority of funding outside of the Arizona Commission of the Arts funding. (sources: NEA, National Assembly of state Arts Agencies, Americans for the Arts, Arizona Governor’s Report, Tucson Pima Arts Council)

The cost of providing reduced-cost space, utilities, support staff and, in some cases, funding for struggling artists and musicians has skyrocketed.  Rather than turn away deserving artists and organizations or fold up and close, ArtFare has found a way to be even more of an asset to the downtown community.

Profits from both Burger City and Kelly’s will support the non-profit endeavors of ArtFare, after costs and wages for its cheerful employees. For more information, contact Executive Director Tig Collins at space@artfare.org .

— Gerald M. Gay

To read the original article and more by Gerald M. Gay click here

Also found in this edition of the Arizona Daily Star

Mr. Ford, a playwright and acting coach, is presenting the workshop in cooperation with accomplished actor and instructor Orlando Montes of Zingari Theater Groups and the workshop group will be meeting Monday thru Friday at 5 pm at 39 N. 6^th Avenue, conveniently located across from Ronstadt Bus Terminal for those who’d like to save a little gas.

This workshop is great for the beginner who is curious about stage acting, the new actor who would like to increase his or her acting chops as well as the seasoned actor who would like to add this unique style of character development to the resume. Additional aspects of putting on a play will be discussed including set design and the duties of a stage manager.

Participants will have the opportunity to examine and explore the characters from “Streetcar” while learning new acting techniques. All ages are encouraged and you need not attend all classes. You are not required to register in advance and there are no fees for participation. There is no minimum number of participants for the workshop and no maximum. For more information, contact Gabriele Andres at 520-982-0520 or email elojitosprings@aol.com

ArtFare’s Executive Director, Tig Collins, is providing the space as a grant to El Ojito Springs Gallery and Theater in an ongoing effort to support the arts and arts organizations in Tucson. If you would like information about how to become an ArtFare tenant or how to donate to ArtFare in support the arts in Tucson, send an email to space@artfare.org