If you haven’t heard the music of Chris Mathews, you’ll have your chance this Friday, June 17 when Sam Palmer’s Good Junk Bakery hosts ‘Ma & Jack Antelope’. The show starts at seven and if past performances by the two artists featured are any guide, you’re in for a treat.

‘Ma & Jack Antelope’ is the band name of Mathews and his pal Alicia Jones. Her slow, almost somnolent voice is a perfect counterpoint to his plaintive vocals, and his natural vibrato works exceptionally well with the material he’s written. Of special note is his original song, ‘Alexandria’s Burning’ which frankly feels like it was written by someone decades older than the twenty-one year old singer. It’s a moving, wistful and eloquently penned piece which had me dabbing at my eyes- and I’m not a crier.

Here I wake in this crumbling catacomb, with tattered papyrus of Kodachrome and an aching arc of thoughts…

And then there’s this:

Our phosphorescent songs are but glacial silt as Anubis wraps and entraps us tight…

Chris shared the lyrics of some fifteen other original songs he’s written when I saw him at a Vida e Caffe show earlier this month and the depth and precision of his writing is both surprising yet delightful. It’s rare to see this level of communication at all, let alone in someone of his age.

Jones has been performing for a couple of years and while her quirky behavior (guitar-knocking and a haunting, otherworldly presence) have been noted by past audiences, her pairing with Mathews is a fresh approach. She’s exotic and sultry, while he’s open and animated. These two distinct voices, melded with guitar, harmonica, keyboards and percussion are worth listening to.

Sam’s Good Junk Bakery offers coffees and other beverages, plus handcrafted pizza straight from a professional grade oven. His cinnamon rolls and cookies are quickly becoming the reason folks stop by his place on their way to work.

Check out the You Tube link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JQbNR293U8

So the question is- who knew? Who knew when we sat down for breakfast in the mid-Sixties and poured milk over our Cheerios that one day someone would actually covet the cereal box? To add insult to injury, some of those very boxes- the ones we threw in the trash because no one even thought of recycling in those days- may sell for up to $1400 on eBay. I suppose the larger question for most people would be how did any of these even survive?

I can tell you from personal experience that I have a stack of cereal boxes- sadly, they’re only a decade old- which I used as filler between picture frames as I packed for my big move to Arizona. These boxes- flattened and in perfect condition- are in a safe place and will one day pave the way for my happy and prosperous retirement. I hope.

Prices for pedestrian cereal boxes in good condition run from $1-$25. At the low end is a twenty year old orange ‘Kix’ box; mid-level, for eight bucks, a 1980’s ‘Mr. T’ box; higher end is a nice taxi-yellow Cheerios cereal box. If you’re looking for a 1978 ‘Frosted Rice’ piece, hawked by Tony the Tiger, expect to pay about $98. A ‘Sugar Smacks’ box from the same period will set you back only $43.

The Big Daddy of cereal boxes as of this writing is a 1972 ‘Alpha Bits’ box featuring Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five- it’s listed at $1399 and, as yet, has no takers.

I knew a guy, years ago in Chicago, who was obsessed with anything breakfast-related. He liked Aunt Jemima stuff, Quisp and Quake cereal boxes, and anything related to Tang Breakfast Drink (“It’s what the astronauts drink” was the tagline: they actually mixed the powder with water produced as a by-product from one of the life support devices to make it taste better). This man was obsessed- so much so that it got to the point I’d try to avoid him. One can talk about pancakes and powdered fruit drinks for only so long. The same can be said of cereal boxes.

Still, one never knows what future generations may prize. Therefore, I’ve decided to keep everything and throw away nothing. Perhaps one day soon you’ll see me on that ‘Hoarders’ television show. After all, I’ve got my retirement to think of.

The 2011 Miami Boomtown Spree was considerably different than those of years past.  The major difference was the moving of the event from Sullivan Street to the Bullion Plaza property.  This decision was one that was met with mixed feelings by most local people I talked to.

Boomtown Spree was held at Bullion Plaza Museum & Cultural Center this year.

Most, I would say, did not like this move, either because they liked it as in the past, or because of the issues that became apparent as the event went on such as parking, scheduling, and problems with the facility itself.

The Haul Pack Stage was kind of neat in one sense but there was no seating and a total lack of shade in the area where an audience would have sat for performances.

One good thing was that the weather was very cooperative other than some occasional wind.  Saturday morning the temperature for the start of the race was 61 degrees with a predicted high of 84.  This is the kind of weather we live in Arizona for! I personally feel that the Boom Town Spree should be utilized to showcase the historic downtown area, promote tourism and assist those who have invested in our town’s main street.

Copper Crawl Hill Run…

Of all of the events, The Annual Copper Crawl race was the most successful with a total of 204 participants essentially doubling the numbers from years past.  Kudos to Brandon Parker who, according to what I learned, was largely responsible for this increase.  The only issue was the delay of the awards ceremony because they had so many more participants to deal with.

Rene Lazos, from Superior, took 1st in the 13K in his age group (40-50yr) and 1st OVERALL with a time of 1:00:34. The 2nd fastest time of the day was put in by Aaron Bechdolt in 1:02:25. Third fastest time was,Mark Babieracki ,of Globe, in the (30-39 age group) with a time of 1:04:58

The 5K race was completed in a time of 24 min and 31 sec by Brandon Thompson, age 17!  A huge surprise was a time of 30 min 09 sec recorded By Aakala Hatch, age 9!  The fastest time set in the 13K race was 1 hr 34 sec by Mr. Rene Lazo, age 41.  Crossing the line second was Aaron Bechdolt at 1 hr 2 min 25 sec.and third was Andrew Salcido just two seconds behind Bechdolt.  The first woman to finish was Carley Breman, age 25 at 1hr 17 min 30 sec followed by Janet Gensler age 58 at 1 hr, 17 min 58 sec. Go Janet, can you imagine beating out the rest of the field at 58 years old!  Janet is from Queen Creek and was running the Copper Crawl for the first time.

The contestant who traveled the furthest I’m told was from Switzerland!  Check the GMT for complete race results and stats:  Copper Crawl Hill Run Results

Arizona Mining Championships…

Matt Decker, All Around Mining Champion 2011

The Arizona Mining Championships were entertaining and included eleven men with a crew of four miners from the Gold Road Mine in Kingman AZ.  The All Around title was secured by Matt Decker who placed 1^st in Hand Mucking, Hand Drilling, Spike Driving and Team Drilling and 2^nd in Machine Drilling.  Eight ladies competed in the women’s events with Billie Parish finishing first in Hand Mucking and Sheryl Cormack in Spike Driving.

No Bed Races…

On Sunday, the only event which came to fruition was the children’s mining events as the ever popular Bed Races were canceled.  I heard several different reasons for this canceling but I believe it was because there were issues regarding where the races would be run as cars were lining all of the streets surrounding the Bullion Plaza property.  In any case, there were quite a few kids who participated in the Children’s Mining Events of Mucking and Spike Driving and a good time was had by all.  I was told by the organizers that about 8 different vendors did not return for Sunday but all of the food booths were open.

Despite the issues which arose mainly from the moving of the event from its original location, the Miami Boomtown Spree for 2011 was still a success.  I’m sure discussion will continue for some time regarding the move and I would like for the organizers to at least consider returning the event to the original location next year.

I can’t believe I am sitting at High Desert Middle School’s auditorium waiting to see the Globe High School Band, and the Miami High School Band and Choir perform together in a concert. For all I know this is a first time event. I feel as if we are on the brink of a monumental moment. Our communities share families, students, visitors. We share jobs, businesses, parks. We share the community events that bring us all together. It feels inspiring that Globe and Miami bands have collaborated, embracing a new tradition, setting aside an ancient tradition of fierce rivalry.

This is progress! I grew up in Miami, my mother grew up in Miami, my grandmother grew up in Miami. My great-grandparents, moved from Juarez, Mexico to Miami, Arizona around 1900. I have roots there. I visit Miami and contribute to businesses. I have friends who live in Miami. I work and live in Globe. My children attend Globe schools, one having already graduated from Globe High School. I have friends who live in Globe. I have roots here. Our communities are combined in my mind. Separate, but whole. United. I have found I do not need any misplaced loyalty to either town. We are more connected than divided.   And, I have noticed, there seems to be a new understanding of the need of our communities aligning. One town’s success, is the other town’s success. We impact one another with our decisions, good or bad.

This concert of merging minds, and musicians, coupled with hard work, and passion is a joy. In my mind I begin to see this event as a catalyst for change. I see future events between towns and schools. Art shows, perhaps even class credit exchanges between high schools, especially if there is a lack of a qualified teacher at either school. For all I know this could already be happening, so if it is, leave a comment. I also start dreaming of one of those miles long antique/yard sales, that runs from the west of Miami to the east of Globe. I have a keen sense of visualization, and I can see the treasure I find at this collaborative sale. A rhinestone broach, a piece of American pottery, a book of botanical prints, and maybe even an old watering can. I smile at the image and bring myself back to the moment.

Seats are filling up. I feel so grateful I did not fall into the temptation to just collapse after work. I am glad I am here with my daughter. I want her to be inspired by these young musicians and this event. Looking around, I realize I hope everyone is inspired tonight. And in my usual visualizing mind I begin to see global change brought on by tonight’s concert. If Globe and Miami schools can come together in a celebration of music performed by their students, then who knows, maybe the animosity held by towns, cities, countries, and lands across the world will dissipate into oblivion. It could happen. You never know where critical mass may begin. It could begin here. Or should I say, it is beginning.

Nolan Frost, Miami High School Band and Choir director, and Richard Franco, Globe High School Band director, each told their own story of inspired and dedicated students, hardworking booster clubs, generous sponsors, and faithful families. Their outpouring of gratitude cheered my heart. And I certainly was not the only person who saw the significance of rivalry transcended. Nolan Frost called music a “thrilling language,” and it is. Music moves. It resonates through us, connecting us. It fuels our moods and desires. Music wraps us up in color and light. We have created, and continue to create original music, instruments, and musical thought. Music is a part of who we are as a species. Brain research indicates that humans may be “hard wired” for music appreciation, and not from just one part of our brain, but from many different areas of the brain. It is a language that doesn’t necessarily need a translation. I can be fully engrossed in the opera, La Traviata, by Giuseppe Verdi, yet I do not speak Italian. I can listen to a piece of music with no words, yet it speaks to me. Music is magic.

Richard Franco expressed much gratitude to the parents and families of his band students. He recognizes their everyday dedication to their children. He stressed the importance of parents in the lives of their children. He understands what it means to be a good parent because his parents are role models. He completely appreciates his parents for his successes. He praised his students for their diligence to playing music at Globe High School. Mr. Paul Allison, president of Globe High Booster Club, was introduced as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Mr. Allison further remarked on this portentous gathering. He also praised the students, and the community support. He also sent out a plea for further support of the schools’ endeavors to continue music education at our districts. He emphasized the value of music to education as a whole.
Ms. Cindy Parravano Globe High School principal spoke also. She likened being a band member to an athlete. She admired the band members’ drive and spoke how they worked as hard as an athlete. Ms. Parravano was funny and entertaining as she spoke, remembered how her siblings practiced band when she was a child. She commented on the importance of our Miami and Globe students working together for this concert.

Mr. Allison introduced the first performer LeeAnna Gourdin, who played a piano solo, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, from Walt Disney’s Lion King. What an appropriate song to begin the Concert. The Globe High School Groovers, played a fun mix of Bob Marley, Step N Wolf, Michael Jackson, Neil Diamond, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, arranged by Richard Franco, who also played the drums. These kids were high energy and seemed to be enjoying themselves which was communicated through their music to the audience. The Miami High School Choir performed next. They were not accompanied by music. They sang Lollipop, and a folk song, The Water is Wide. These young women did a great job singing and I honestly would like to have heard more. I could pick out some very strong voices from the choir. The Miami High School Band played next. They played five beautiful and moving selections. The second piece was called Dance Dirigble by Nolan Frost. The music had an nice exotic feel. Globe High School Band followed with four numbers. The music was well executed and well received. The Globe and Miami Bands combined played , An American Hymntune, by Robert Sheldon. The audience was enthusiastic of each school’s efforts. There were standing ovations, cheers, and ardent applause. The audience went crazy after the last song was played. Standing, clapping, and cheering, the audience was obviously inspired by these performers and their teachers.

The efforts of the band directors, Richard Franco and Nolan Frost need to be commended. Thank you for having inspired foresight for the potential of collaboration and future collaboration between our schools. Kudos to the students and all the people who help in the band enterprises. These undertakings make positive change.

The next day, I asked Mr. Franco and Mr. Nolan if they would give me a few words about the concert. Here are their insightful words. Mr. Franco wrote: “Last night was a culmination of months of work. Looking back on it I would have to say that it was an overwhelming success. The students for both schools prepared extremely well and put together an amazing show. I am grateful for all their hard work and dedication to music. I look forward to working with Miami in the future. It was an awesome and great event for the community.”
Mr Frost wrote: “It is always so exciting when you get a bunch of musicians together. Both music programs are in a rebuilding phase right now, and I think the energy and passion is palpable. Playing with your peers adds something special to what we already love doing. To bring both the communities of Miami and Globe together to celebrate the talent of this generation of young people is long overdue. Wherever you are from, the future of our young people is thrilling and something to be nurtured. As adults we need to be careful not to vicariously live out all of our own passions and prejudice in our young, but allow them to fulfill their own promise.” Mr. Frost went on to state: “I am so proud with what Miami’s Music Program has accomplished this year. We have grown together both as musicians and humans. The love of what we do is infectious and makes teaching for me, a joy! Everyday, we get together first period and wish we could stay in band and choir all day.”
Mr. Franco and the Globe school system has been extremely gracious and generous and I greatly look forward to our continued connection. As a music teacher, I know so very well that success depends strongly on parents, administration and the community. We are ambassadors for our art.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to perform in your great auditorium. We are looking forward to Globe’s visit to our auditorium next year.”

And I thank you both for giving our communities something to look forward to.

Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to get out there and share a bit of their soul. And kudos to all those that come out to support them.

Sam’s ‘Good Junk’ Bakery & Coffeehouse hosted its first Open Mic Night on Saturday,

March 26. The evening began at six and by 6:45 the room was in full tilt. Sam and crew

rushed to fill orders for hot wings, (really good) homemade pizza and hot dogs.

The evening began with a quiet and moody poetry reading, followed by a humorous

short-short story, then moved on to tender guitar solos, rousing guitar duos, some fine,

plaintive vocals and then the inimitable Rocky Miller’s rendition of ‘Oh, Susannah’ on

his harmonica. The ninety-five year old drew cheers and whistles, especially when he

belted out the chorus.

The coffee flowed (Costa Rican and Brazilian), Smoothies frothed in the blender, and

the lovely Emily, who worked the register, quickly served orders from the stacks of

banana-nut muffins, brownies, and Sam’s locally famous cinnamon rolls. The crowd

literally ate anything that wasn’t nailed down.

Sam’s is a huge place (it’s located next to the Copper Parrot on Broad Street) and it’s a

perfect venue. The raised stage (with a dramatic background of French windows) and

the professional lighting created a pleasant ambiance, and the crowd enthusiastically

supported the various acts. The sound system is still a work in progress, although

the young man overseeing it did a great job and plans are in the works for additional

speakers.

The crowd of 100+ people was young and old; some well-heeled, some in sandals.

Friends called out to each other, smiling and chatting, and overflow customers sat

outside on a pleasant evening, talking softly.

Plans for another Open Mic Night will be announced soon- Sam was very pleased

with the turnout and wants to continue to offer a fun, safe place for all folks to gather,

perform and enjoy.

A good time, indeed!

Lindy Gravelle got a standing ovation last night from an appreciative crowd

The Globe-Miami Community Concert Series wrapped up a stellar season last night with a great performance by Lindy Gravelle, a singer song writer who grew up in Oregon and began her singing career at age three. She had a band in the 80′s which opened concerts for Michael Martin Murphey, Commander Cody and Hank Williams, Jr.  And later in Nashville, as a songwriter, had her song “A Bottle of Wine and Patsy Cline” recorded by Marsha Thorton on MCA Records and reached the Billboard Magazine Country Top 40 chart. Another of her songs, “Exit 99,” was featured on Lorrie Morgan’s RCA Records’ gold-selling album Warpaint.

Performing at Miami Highschool Auditorium

Her performance last night included personal requests from her Globe-Miami hosts including “Funny Valentine” which she dedicated to her sister who was in the audience last night, and “The Music of the Night” from the Phantom of the Opera.  Gravelle is an accomplished pianist, as well as singer-songwriter, and this was evident in “Spanish Rain,” a piece written and produced by Gravelle.

Gravelle singing "Seat Up. Seat Down", a rendition of an on-going argument between Men and Women.

Yet, it was her performance of her own songs which really showcased her talent and rapport with the audience. In songs and lyrics, Gravelle took the audience from a nostalgic memory of childhood in “Smokin’ Candy Cigarettes,’ to the uproarisly funny rendition of “Seat Up. Seat Down” (You KNOW what that was about!), to my favorite, “The Right Side of the Grass,” which reminds us in these hard times to be grateful that we are not 6ft under.

Lindy Gravelle not only is a talented singer-song writer, but a warm and engaging entertainer who had last nights audience thoroughly wrapped around her finger.

Kip Culver, Jean Sipe and Lindy pull the winning tickets in a surprise raffle last night which netted 2 lucky ticket holders complimentary tickets for the Copper Spike Dinner Train.

Short Performance at the Train Depot: Gravel to be at Depot Saturday 26th

She will be coming BACK to the Globe community next Saturday to ride the Copper Spike Dinner Train and has agreed to a short performance in the Depot prior to boarding. So if you missed last nights performance, plan to get over to the Depot for a listen. It’s worth it!

As for the Globe-Miami Community Concert Series, they will be publishing next seasons line up and we will update the web page HERE with all the new information. Season Tickets are just $35 for an individual and includes ALL concerts.

There is a feeling I get when I have a moment of acute awareness. My breath catches, I tingle, and sometimes I even giggle. Well that is exactly how I felt as I got in my car to leave Vida E Cafe 157 W. Ceder Street, Globe, Az. I had just attended their First Friday Open Mic, and I was a bit jittery from my triple shot latte, which might account for the catchy breath, tingling, and even the giggling. Yet, I knew I was on to a dawning realization of why I so enjoy the open mic events in our community. It is not just those individuals who fearlessly go forward to perform, it not just the delicious coffee and food that I crave, no, it is the fellowship, the camaraderie, it is the love that keeps me coming back. The erasing of imaginary boundaries between young and old, genres, styles, words spoken or sang. On this First Friday, I watched as musicians exchanged ideas, equipment, stories, and a deep appreciation for each others musical endeavors. I watched as family and friends, and musicians and poets not performing came to support the evening’s performers in a delightful attitude of fun. A sense of joy swirled around the room, intermingling with music and the warm reassuring scent of coffee.

Sleep did not come to me easily that night, thanks to my lack of restraint concerning my penchant for lattes, dark and strong, and my usual racing mind. So with sleep eluding me, my thoughts went back to my lingering impressions of the evening. I thought of Mitchell Brown singing and playing harmonica and guitar to the great folk songs of the 1960s. He played Creedance Clearwater Revival’s Have You Ever Seen The Rain, then Jackson Browne’s After The Deluge, and finally People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield. I enjoyed Mitchell’s commentary between songs. He was from that time, singing songs from that time and that experience was evident. He had a wealth of information, and I watched, as young and older musicians came to him after he played to talk to him. There were some technical difficulties in the middle of Mitchell’s first song, a loud pop came from the speaker, and it seemed to be broken. But this did not seem to hinder his playing at all. Jared Spencer, the ever diligent and delightful MC raced home to get his equipment, as did the masterful Jim Vandine. Soon the equipment was switched over and the show went on.

This camaraderie, continued on beyond our local community, to people like, Linda Watson, a poet who resides in Fort Thomas, who came all the way to Globe with a friend to enjoy Vida E’s First Friday. Linda read two poems, A Single Rose, and Darkness. A Single Rose was a beautiful metaphor for the cycle of life. Darkness, was filled with vivid imagery. I so appreciate fellow poets. It is a perk for me to attend these events where poets read. I recalled being impressed by a young man offering his chair to a lady. The place was packed, truly, standing room only. I was struck with just how caring our community is, how eager to help, and appreciative of all the good our community has to offer.

I reflected, as my mind was still reeling, on the other musicians like Chris Mathews, a young musician playing the guitar and harmonica, with a nice wavering voice, reminiscent of the lead singer of the Desaparecidos, Conner Oberst. Chris played two original songs, which were nicely fleshed out. His words held intense imagery, poetry with music. He finished his set with the classic Resolution Road by Bob Dylan. His youthful exuberance made me think of how important it is that our local schools teach music and art. Our community needs to stand behind our schools in finding ways to have music and art education for all grade levels. We need more hot shot music educators like Mr. Franco at Globe High School. So, mindful folks in our community, jump on the bandwagon for music and art education, and let’s give our would be musicians and artists opportunities to develop their talent and skill. And speaking of educators, this leads right to Mr. Adam Creary, a Globe High science teacher, who is also a musician.

I had to chuckle as I thought of Adam. I thoroughly enjoy exchanging ideas with Adam. He makes me laugh, smile, and think. I always felt we held similar philosophies in education. Adam definitely wants to be approachable by his students, knowing that fostering community in the classroom, gives a beneficial boost to what students learn. And here he was at Vida playing with Josh Dobbs, a Globe High School student. I chuckled more as I thought of all the fun Adam and Josh seemed to be having. They power played Bob Dylan’s Knocking On Heaven’s Door, and Eric Clampton’s, I Feel Wonderful Tonight. I was thrilled to watch Josh and Adam and I hope to see them play again in the future.

As I continued to reflect of the events of the evening, I remembered how the place was filled with old friends, and potential new friends. I did take time from my note taking to talk to people. I had the pleasure to meet a very astute eleven year old, Sarah. She certainly had the vocabulary and soul of a poet. We conversed on a variety of subjects. She wanted to read a poem she had written, but it was getting late and she needed to leave. Perhaps she will read to a packed room in a future First Friday.

A young woman, Candice Hainey, accompanied by guitarist Ken Nandez, sang three moving hymns; Revelation Song, You’ll Come, and Hosanna. Her clear voice sang praises that received praise as well. And if my rewind is accurate, Amy Schugar played next. Amy has great stage presence. She involves the audience. Her strong bluesy voice and guitar, lifts everyone around her. She is a professional, and a pleasure to watch. I must of gotten lost in the moment, because my notes are a bit fuzzy as to who she was covering. I do know she sang the beautiful song by Susan Tadishy, Little by Little. I remembered feeling a sense of urgency building around this time. It was drawing near closing, but patrons and performers were holding tight after almost two hours of performances. There was still an eager expectation for more.

And more is what we got! Jim Vandine played next. Wow! Now there is someone who keeps the fellowship and camaraderie alive and well in our communities’ open mics and musical events. Jim attends most all the events. He speaks with everyone. He encourages musicians young and old. His lovely wife Gloria, photographs the performers then shares her pictures with them. They are a tireless dynamic duo for our community. I mused at how long I have listened and watched Jim with a great appreciation for his talent, and I really think it has been at least five years. Jim and Gloria, thank you! Jim sang the blues that night. A departure from his usual classic guitar. He played Albert King, and a great tune by ZZ Tops, Blue Jean Blues. Jim’s fingers worked hard with great effect. I like this new musical diversion.

Well I sucked it up and read next. I have to giggle when I think about reading my poetry. I have a greater empathy for all those that let their feelings of embarrassment go, and get up there and perform. I had fun, and I was glad Jared urged me to read. John Shultz was next. John doesn’t need any urging. It is obvious by listening to him sing his original songs that he is inspired to share his thoughts and talent. John sang, Great Creator, Grandma, and I Didn’t Know You. I was glad to see that John was still in town. He is looking for a home to rent, for himself and family. It is good to have new families moving here that support the fine life experiences that our community offers.

It must be winter, because Earl Knoob is back in town with our very own Copper Spike train. He dropped in to sing Anna on a Memory, All Time Woman, and Moon Glow Highway. Welcome back Earl. It is good to have you in town again. The evening had turned into night, and Jared took the mic as the dedicated Vida workers waited for the finale. Jared has been the perfect host, from rescuing the equipment to keeping the show going seamlessly. Jared has had a busy evening running First Friday, but as usual, he did it with a joke and a smile. Jared closed the evening recounting his 27th birthday experience. It is good to be alive. It was way past closing, so we only got a bit of Jared’s impromptu art of words and music. I was happy as I began to feel sleep encroaching upon me. I was honored to take part in an experience of town fellowship. Our town’s fellowship. A group of people who believe in and support the arts knowing that art is what elevates a town. Positive communal experiences that enrich, making life joyous and fun. Kudos to all those in our community who support the arts and our artists. We are a community that develops many varied artists. I know. I see it in all our schools, around our town, and events like this. The talent and future talent of our communities is something to be noticed. Our future is in our artists and thinkers. Somehow our area has been blessed with an abundance of talented individuals encompassing all means of art and thought. We should recognize this and promote these talents with opportunities for more cottage industries in our towns. Or, industry that need employees who are artists. It is time to think out of the box for our town. Time to recognize that our greatest financial reward for this town is in its people. Oh no! I almost started to get jazzed up again! I took a few meditative breaths reminding myself to never drink more than my share of espresso, ever. But I went to sleep with a smile on my face filled with the joyous togetherness of musicians, poets, and those that came to experience them. As I drifted off to sleep, my heart sang.

Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to get out there and share a bit of their soul. And kudos to all those that come out to support them. Great coffee, company, and fun.
Thanks to the Bakers and the friendly efficient staff of Vida E Cafe for creating a warm environment for these happenings.

Vida E Cafe First Friday Open Mic February Fourth
Jim Coates Picture Mine Cafe Second Friday Open Mic February Eleventh
Vida E Cafe Second Saturday February Twelfth
Does anyone know if the Second Saturday will have a love theme in honor of Valentine’s Day? Leave a comment. Help me promote community events by dishing on what is up and coming.

Hope to see you there!

by Darin Lowery

There’s something comforting about having a mannequin in the house. In the past I’ve had as many as eight, seated and standing in my dining room in Chicago. During a summer thunderstorm it could sometimes be a little creepy- they seemed to move ever so slightly when lightning goes off like a flashing strobe light. Here in Globe I’m down to one and she stays upstairs, silently stylish in a ‘boarding the train’ ensemble with vintage luggage at her feet. Her name is JoAnne, and she’s classic plaster from the early Sixties.

Yes it’s a little strange, but no weirder than folks who live in a 1986 Aerostar Minivan or people who keep five Chihuahuas in their studio apartment. Let’s remember glass houses and all that. I live alone and for the most part this is fine with me. My two dogs are good company as a rule, unless I’m trying to eat supper. Then they put on a ‘Hello-I’m-from-Bangladesh’ look and expect me to accidentally drop a meatloaf on the floor. And frankly, having an attractive, elegantly dressed woman standing in my bedroom- even if she’s inanimate- is more than many fifty-five year old guys have to come home to.

Mannequins, in whole or in part, are still very popular. While it can be difficult to find the older ones (although eBay has a decent selection as of this writing), new models are easily available for under $300. Fix a cup of coffee and Google ‘mannequins’ – you’ll be busy for awhile.

Most mannequins are purchased by retail establishments to promote fashion and accessories. Not surprisingly, many textile collectors pick them up to display vintage clothing. If it’s done right, retro clothes on a new form work fine. For purists, nothing but vintage will do.

Expect to pay about $150 for a perfect vintage mannequin head from the 1940s. These are rare, and it’s easy to see why. Most were trashed when styles changed, and because they’re somewhat fragile they are easily chipped. I have one on a bureau that I paid $200 for in the Nineties- the eyes are airbrushed, the neck is long and the upswept hairdo is classic Ann Sheridan. Due to the financial crash, prices are down across the board. Full-form mannequins from the 1930s-1950s will set you back a lot of greenbacks, but good luck finding them. We sold one in Chicago a decade ago for almost a thousand dollars, and that was a good price.

Here’s a quick story. My buddy Dave sold me a little girl mannequin that he kept in his cellar- he was into chain saws and opium pipes, totally alternative/out there- and he named her Brenda. While I was out junking one morning I flipped through a rack of kid’s clothes and grabbed a little white blouse and a plaid parochial skirt. The lady next to me said, ‘Oh, my- that’s cute! How old is your little one?’ I shrugged and mumbled, ‘Beats me’ and her eyebrows went up like maybe I was a kidnapper and needed a quick change for the small fry. ‘This,’ I said, pointing to the outfit, ‘is for a mannequin who lived in my friend’s basement.’ Maybe I could’ve explained it better, but it was fun watching her walk away from me, backwards.

By: LCGross

Several years ago I spent time in Alaska hiking the Resurrection Trail which stretches through 43 miles of wilderness and makes you forget all civilized notions of comfort and human-scale.

This is nature on a grand scale in all it’s glory. The trail head ends up just outside of Seward, Alaska, which is where my friends and I spent the last several days before flying back to sunny Arizona. The landscape everywhere you look in Alaska is breathtaking. That is, until you arrive in Seward, a town which was devastated in the ’60’s when a tsumi rolled in and sucked everything which man had built for the last hundred years back into the sea.

Seward re-built, but as you can imagine the re-building took on a more utilitarian approach.Concrete replaced wood and tilt-up buildings and tin sheds were erected quickly where once there had been ornate cornices, native stone buildings and wood porches.

Where once the town’s legacy involved character and content, lending a thread of continuity between the old and new, there is now function over form.

Historic Downtown Globe, Az still functions as the community's primary shopping and social hub

Coming this March, the Globe Miami Chamber of Commerce, will once again host a thousand visitors for Globe’s popular Historic Home and Building Tour.

Most locals consider it a ‘tourist event.’ Something for outsiders.  It certainly is well attended by visitors who flock to our little community to look at old homes and “try out” our small-town community for the weekend.

But consider for just a moment… what if Globe-Miami had a “Seward-Event” – something that wiped out all our old buildings and houses with their history, family ties and community character?

Just ask Seward  Alaska.  The old buildings represent a heritage that can never be replaced – once lost.

Whether you are a visitor or a local resident, be sure to put the Home Tour on your Calendar and help us celebrate the buildings – still standing.

27th Annual Globe Historic Home & Building Tour

March 5- 6th

9am – 3pm

Tour begins at Oak & Sycamore: Downtown Globe

For more information, please contact the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce   928-425-4495

The Historic District looking north. A majority of Globe's buildings were constructed between 1904-1916 during the boom days of Copper.

Featured story in the Globe Miami Times: Winter Edition 2011

By: Linda Gross

The voice in the morning of gila101.9FM belongs to Bill Taylor, the irascible, irreverent, station owner who has made the jingle “Keepin’ you in the Know” a household word in the Globe Miami region.

Taylor, who wears many hats as owner, disc jockey, salesman and chief bottle-washer of the station, is the familiar voice on the morning show between 6am -9am of Globe-Miami’s hugely popular radio station – gila101.9FM. Every morning Monday thru Friday  he entertains, educates and confounds his audience with local news and politics and his own unique take on both.

As a radio broadcaster, Taylor has had a long and colorful career in the industry which included stints in L.A., Miami Florida  New Orleans, Baltimore, Charlotte, Orlando., and was recognized by Hee Haw when the show began spotlighting radio personalities across the country in the 70’s. He was the innovator of a syndicated broadcasting casting system similar to 8-tracks which ensured the integrity of recording no matter how many times the song was played . When he came to Globe, he brought over 3000 cartridges which grew to 5000 before switching to CDs and computers. At a time when the other stations frequently played scratched records, Taylors’ station was a marked improvement. His biggest success was a bingo type promotion played with  music instead of numbers, went through 32 million cards in three  countries. This was the initial  funding for the station.

Taylor's extensive library of tapes

We caught up with Taylor during one of this morning shows…

GMT: What brought you to Globe?

Bill:   I was working in L.A. I knew the job had no future as I was getting too old to be a rock Jock and I didn’t want to look for another job in L.A. Radio.it wasn’t easy getting there.  Plus, I do things that get me canned. I’d worked for The General Manager at KIQQ, at 3 other stations and he’d fired me before. If I wanted to do things my way I knew  I’d better have my own station.  I was also doing syndicated promotions.

I looked for places with a vacant channel to build a station, as it costs less than buying one. I’d filed in other locations and lost out. That’s when my consultant said,  “I know a place that is so ugly, nobody will file on top of you, but you better go look to see if you can hack it.”

I flew to Phoenix, rented a car, came to Globe and heard the worst radio I’d heard in years.

The stations would  play scratchy records, sometimes at the wrong speed.

Bill Taylor on the set with a corn to his ear. The line was, "I have never heard so much corn in my life!" (referring to silly humor). The year was '73 and the program was recorded at Chnl 5 in Nashville and edited in LA.

I thought to myself, if I can’t be a winner in this market, I’m really bad.  Easier said…Willard was tough. Took years to beat him. He always made more money, ran more  commercials. It’s just that fewer people heard them.   I’d started on the air in radio in a small South Carolina mill town so I knew what it was like in a one economy town where there was only one major employer. No different than when the mines shut  down.  .
II remember how the kids felt there was nothing to listen to on Sunday mornings with all the preachers. . I made up my mind, if I ever had my own station. We’d play music on Sunday morning.   An exception, We recently picked up the Mormon Choir 5:30-6am  when KIKO AM dumped them

GMT: The Station changed its call letters from Kiss FM to Gila1019. What is the story behind the change?

Bill:  While at KIQQ in  Los Angeles, KIIS “Kiss FM”  constantly beat us, and I liked the moniker. It was catching. However, the name did not relate to the community and when I had a chance to change when we moved on the dial, I took it. There are now Kiss FM’s all over the place. There’s one in Phoenix. Now we are “The Gila County Station” Monster Hits…Gila1019. People can relate.  After 20 years. We will always be KISS FM to most of our listeners. And at times we still say it on the air.  The Rating services still give us credit if someone responds by saying Kiss  FM. .

GMT: You get in trouble sometimes for the things you say on the air. Tell us about that.

Bill: This is a good ole boy town and I ain’t one of them. So there are people who don’t like me. I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to make people think. In every major market, the most popular air personality is also the most disliked.  A good example is  Howard  Stern.  Sometimes I get a good  laugh. Like the time someone stole a car from Ellsworth Motors, and I said it had to be an inside job – as only an employee would know which one ran.

GMT: I heard Ellsworth wanted to sue you over that one?

Yes he called.  I followed that with the story when a truck rolled out of McDonald’s and hit a vehicle on his lot.  My comment was, “ lucky there was an eye witness so they could tell  which one was hit.“
I’ve said things that have made advertisers cancel, but freedom has it’s price.  I’ve watched things being swept under the rug and thought, “where the Hell is the Silver Belt!” So we’d blew a whistle. My favorite was Judge Carol Nichols in 1994. One of her employee’s alerted the state as to problems and the state shut the court down. In the process they found a mess that made Patty Nolan look pure as the driven show.  We were the only media that covered it.  The only time she was mentioned in  the  Silver Belt was when she ran for  re-election  and that was in a campaign ad paid for by members of the Gila County Sheriff’s office.   I’m very proud of our support of Gary Geotteman which contributed to his election to Southern Gila County J.P. Judge.  This will be an honest well run court.

I think one of my best bits was the Family Business’ contest where the idea was to name the most people who were related that worked for the county.

GMT: You’ve given quite a bit back to the Community…

Bill:  Even when times were tight I’ve always tried to financially support local projects. The Lord calls it seed money. I got some decent dollars for moving on the dial to 101.9 so that 98.3 could cover the Valley.  It gave me the opportunity to do more.

I brought in The Wall (a reproduction of The Wall in Washington DC) during the Gila County Fair.  And then things most people don’t even know about…like the giant TV, X-Box Guitar Hero at the Boys and Girls Club and the gas range at the Safe Home. Plus the station  helps pay for the light parade every year, paid to paint a Miami fire truck, paid for the security system at the Miami Library, help Audrey with her monthly power bill. Every year little league.  This year paid for Santa at the Miami Small Town Christmas.. It goes on. We don’t turn our community work into a station promotion as then we’re not giving  we’re advertising. .  So most folks have  no idea how much cash we pour back into the community.  A greater percentage of advertising dollars on KQSS stay in our community.

If I went on people would think I was bragging. It’s mostly behind the scenes and many I help don’t know where it came from.  It feels good to be an anonymous giver. There is constant fund raising and being quiet allows me to pick my projects.   This is my home. The Lord blessed me by plunking me down in Globe Miami, Thank you Jesus. . If I die and go broke on the same day, it will have timed out.

GMT: You have a style all your own. How would you describe it?

Donna Anderson, Bill Taylor and Leora Hunsaker at a 2007 fund raiser for the Center for the Arts, Globe

Bill: One on One.  This is me. If you don’t like it, turn the knob.  I’ve always been sarcastic, irreverent, and enjoy that kind of humor. How can you look at Washington, DC and not think that most are slimy bastards. Poor Miami is a Banana Republic. Globe fought progress but had money in the bank, Now the new crowd owes plenty. The county doesn’t know how many vehicles it owns or who has them. Just when you think they’ve reached a peak, they do something even dumber. I do wish we could do live programming all day long. Play requests. We have a huge library. But since Wal Mart killed Broad Street there’s not enough retail biz left to cover the cost. So we’re on the hard drive. However, if there’s a major news story we break in.   We’re the only station with Generators in case of an emergency.  That’s an investment that may save a life.

GMT:   What do you like most about your work?

What I like most is my freedom to try new things. I don’t have a New York Corporate office squeezing every dollar out of this town, telling me I can’t do something. We run fewer commercials  because they get better results. There’s .Finding lost dogs, Playing special requests, feeling good when I know I’ve touched someone. Our Leader said. When you do it for the least of them, you’ve done it for me. . ..A lesson that took most of  my life to learn.

Talking with Bill, I couldn’t help but remember what he had said earlier about a cardinal sin of broadcasting.  “It’s a sin to be boring,” he said.

Amen, to that.