News
Artist-in-Residence Michael Mwenso returns for the second year of his creative community work in the 2022-2023 Season. Michael is coming to Chandler for a week in February, connecting with local artists, students and community leaders, leading workshops for City of Chandler staff and engaging with the public in an Ancestral Listening Experience. The week culminates in an intimate performance with Mwenso & The Shakes in the Hal Bogle Theatre. Below are a few of the private and public events that will be taking place during his week-long residency.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - Jazz Jam with special guest Michael Mwenso
Pita Jungle Chandler, 1949 W. Ray Road, 6 - 8 p.m.
Musicians and music lovers are invited to this special jam session with Chandler Center for the Arts Artist-in-Residence Michael Mwenso. Vocalist, dancer and leader of Mwenso and The Shakes, Michael brings his magnetic style and charisma to join in the jam with local jazz musicians. Space is limited at this invitation-only event.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - Community Leader Luncheon
Ocean Blue Caribbean Restaurant, 6140 W. Chandler Blvd., 11:30 – 1 pm
Join Artist-in-Residence Michael Mwenso for an afternoon of conversation and connections. Hosted by Chandler Center for the Arts, attendees will learn more about Michael’s work as a musician and activist as he engages in year two of community-building in Chandler. Space is limited at this invitation-only luncheon.
Friday, February 24, 2023 - Ancestral Listening Experience (part of an evening of ancestral storytelling)
Chandler Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, 250 N. Arizona Ave, 8 - 9 p.m.
Open to the public; Free, RSVP required
Artist-in-Residence Michael Mwenso leads his highly acclaimed Ancestral Communal Listening Experience. In this joyful and immersive gathering, Michael will create a sense of community and connection by guiding guests through incredible recordings of hope by some of the greatest artists of all time. Through this communal experience, Mwenso invites you to come together and recenter through the collective healing, love and nutritional uplift that is embedded in Black roots music.
Friday, February 24, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m. Opening Celebration Reception
Add to your experience with Michael. Spend an evening of storytelling through music and art, while you consider how artists intepret history and reflect on the heritage of their ancestors, as well as those who have told their story on their behalf. Join Vision Gallery for a opening celebration of two exhibits created by indigenous artists Jacob Meders (Mechoopda-Maidu) and Daniel Nez (Diné). A free flowing reception taking place at both the Vision Gallery and The Gallery at the CCA, attendees will have the chance to meet the artists and enjoy music from two local indigenous bands. For more on the exhibits and to RSVP to the reception, click here.
Saturday, February 25, 2023 - Mwenso & the Shakes
Chandler Center for the Arts, Hal Bogle Theatre, 250 N. Arizona Ave, 7:30 p.m.
Open to the public. Tickets on sale; $29 \ $30 \ Youth $15
Taking from the stylings of Fats Waller, Muddy Waters, James Brown and other American musical legends, this band of global artists entertains with their command of jazz and blues expressed through African and Afro-American music. Don’t miss this electrifying performance from the CCA’s Artist-in-Residence Michael Mwenso during the second year of his residency.
For more information or questions about any of these events, please email cynde.cerf@chandleraz.gov.