Escuela Grind Spring North American Tour

Escuela Grind Kicks Off Spring North American Tour Dates

Extreme Metal Unit’s New LP, ‘Memory Theater’, Out Now!Escuela Grind

New England extreme metal unit Escuela Grind has launched a spring North American tour in support of its celebrated new LP ‘Memory Theater’. The seven-week trek, which kicked off on April 29 in Montreal, Québec and will run through June 18 in Rochester, NY will see the fast-rising group criss-cross the continent, mixing headlining live performances with special guest appearances as support for former Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist Greg Puciato, and also The Acacia Strain.

“Who’s ready to be ripped apart by endless hooks?! Touring Europe with Napalm Death was killer but we are also very stoked to be back in the States doing what we love,” says the band. “It’s going to be rad. See you out there. SKREEEEEE!”

Escuela Grind’s ‘Memory Theater’ LP was released last September via MNRK Heavy(High on Fire, Crowbar) and features nine tracks of sharp, scorching underground music that rages and rips in equal measure. ‘Memory Theater’ is seven minutes shorter than Slayer’s ‘Reign in Blood’, but with a few songs running past the three-minute mark, it’s downright epic by grindcore norms. The album met to scads of fan and critical acclaim, and landed on oodles of year-end ‘best of’ lists, while being extolled as “invigorating” by Revolver, “incredible” by Bandcamp Daily, and “a giddy rush of nonstop thrills” by Treble, while SPIN opined, “For sheer galvanizing rage, no other heavy album this year matched ‘Memory Theater.” ‘Memory Theater’ is available for purchase at this location.

“On the new LP, we wanted a fantastical architectural theme, as the Memory Theater is meant to symbolize this internal building, composed of infinitely-expanding, constructed rooms,” said vocalist Katerina Economou. “We wanted the artwork to show that each song is a ‘room’ within the mind. And each room contains symbolic objects of all ideas. Sound-wise, we realized how important the physical aspect of our live performances is, and how we wanted our riffs and grooves to make people move. We demoed and composed these songs multiple times to get them exactly the way we wanted them.”

Escuela Grind U.S. tour dates

* = direct support for Greg Puciato
# = direct support for The Acacia Strain

May 31 Austin, TX Come and Take It Live * / All Ages, $35 ADV – $40 DOS
June 2 El Paso, TX No Push Mosh / All Ages, $15
June 3 Tucson, AZ Old Sheepdog Brewery / All Ages, $15
June 6 San Diego, CA Voodoo Room @ House of Blues * / All Ages, $30
June 7 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theater * / All Ages, $39.50
June 8 Santa Ana, CA La Santa / All Ages, $15
June 9 Sacramento, CA Cafe Colonial / All Ages, $15
June 11 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad / All Ages, $12
June 12 Oklahoma City, OK 89th Street OKC / All Ages, $15 ADV – $17 DOS
June 13 Tulsa, OK The Whittier Bar / 21+, $12
June 14 Memphis, TN Hi-Tone Cafe / $18+, $15
June 15 Murfreesboro, TN Graveyard Gallery / All Ages, $15
June 16 Columbus, OH Big Room Bar / All Ages, $15
June 17 Cleveland, OH No Class / All Ages, $15
June 18 Rochester, NY Photo City Music Hall / All Ages, $15

Escuela Grind is available to speak with interested media. To chat with the band and/or attend a live performance, simply contact Carl Schultz at Action! Public Relations.Escuela Grind “Forced Collective Introspection” (Official Music Video) While its music might be intimidating on first listen, the overwhelming spirit behindEscuela Grind is a message of empowerment. As it destroys musical boundaries, the quartet attacks the idea of “gatekeeping” with equal ferocity. Anytime Katerina Economou, Jesse Fuentes (drums), Kris Morash (guitar), and Tom Sifuentes (bass) convene, an aural apocalypse will ensue. Escuela Grind stitches together a new metallic hardcore monster from the rotten corpses of grindcore and power violence with gleefully unhinged blasts of percussive bombast and chaos. An architect by trade, Economouexplores philosophy, politics, and experiential experimentation, building a kind of structure amidst the band’s musical cacophony.

Escuela Grind released a video for the song, “Forced Collective Introspection”. Directed by Michael Jari Davidson (Alice in Chains), the barn-burning clip is an ode to the 1971 science fiction film, THX 1138, a work of sociological commentary set in a dystopian world where individuality and love are forbidden. The clip debuted via Knotfest which surmised, “Escuela Grind manage to incorporate social commentary in their brand without soapboxing, weaponizing their powerviolence in a way that is compelling in meaning and commanding in execution.” Stream Escuela Grind’s “Forced Collective Introspection” video at this location.Escuela Grind “Cliffhanger” (official video) Escuela Grind has also released a video for its rampaging track, “Cliffhanger”, which adroitly showcases the kinetic energy of the group’s much talked about live performances. “Cliffhanger” debuted via Decibel who proclaimed, “The track showcases both sides of Escuela Grind’s sound: the firing-on-all-cylinders brand of grindcore that you would expect from a band called “Grind School” and a few two-step hardcore breakdowns that convert the energy into a more moshable state. Produced by Converge guitarist/GodCity producer Kurt Ballou, Memory Theater is the heaviest Escuela Grind have ever sounded.” Stream Escuela Grind’s “Cliffhanger” video at this location. ‘Memory Theater’ track listing:

1.) Endowed With Windows
2.) My Heart, My Hands
3.) Cliffhanger (stream VIDEO)
4.) Strange Creature
5.) Faulty Blueprints
6.) All Is Forgiven (stream VIDEO)
7.) Forced Collective Introspection (stream VIDEO)
8.) The Feed
9.) Memory Theater Escuela Grind also released a video for the song, “All is Forgiven”, which the group calls “a skull cracker”. The high-intensity clip blends reality with virtual reality. “All is Forgiven” premieres via Brooklyn Vegan who succinctly surmises, “This shit bangs”. Experience Escuela Grind’s “All is Forgiven” video at this location.Escuela Grind “All Is Forgiven” (Official Music Video) Find Escuela Grind online at Escuela-Grind.com and follow the band on Bandcamp,Facebook, Instagram, and twitter.

“Whether you call what Escuela Grind does “power violence” or grindcore,” there’s no doubt the music the quartet creates together is pure fucking mayhem.” – No Echo

“bursts of unthinkable sonic rage that still manage to keep the listeners rapt with their density and dynamics…Escuela Grind’s misanthropy as enjoyable and intelligent as it is unending.” – Kerrang!

About MNRK Music Group

MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.To learn more visit mnrk.com.

Marana in June

Cool Summertime Traditions in the Midst of the June Heat!
June is once again upon us, and although Mother Nature may be turning up the temps, we have found some great ways to beat the heat and enjoy the summer! One of our favorite ways to do that is with a juicy burger and an ice cold drink, and Marana’s got you covered with a wide array of great burger restaurants. Speaking of people who  might like to grill, we can’t forget Father’s Day! Treat and honor Dad with all kinds of experiences, whatever his tastes may be! June is also the beginning of one of Southern Arizona’s most unique and mystical summertime traditions, keeping watch for the Queen of the Night! 

By the way, we want to make sure you’re getting the stories you want to see in this newsletter! Click here to take our quick survey. Thanks in advance and have a wonderful month of June!
Marana offers a wide variety of things to do for every type of dad!
The mysterious and majestic Queen of the Night only makes an appearance one night a year!
Marana’s ranching heritage means we know a thing or two about beef – and how to cook it right. Check out some of our favorite places to enjoy America’s most popular food!
Our favorite ways to beat the summer heat, right in our own backyard!
NEW !

Check out Drink Marana, a video series showcasing the signature and specially-themed sips of Marana’s restaurants and bars! Own a business & have a drink you’d like featured? Click here to learn more and sign up. Cheers!
JUNE EVENTS
Through June and July – Queen of the Night Bloom Watch at Tohono Chul
Friday & Saturday Nights, May 26-September 2 – Chillin’ at the Chul
Saturday, June 3 – Cars and Coffee at TopGolf by Crown Concepts
Saturday, June 3 – Surf Soccer Home Opener – Marana Community Night
Saturday, June 3 – 50’s Casino Night at Catalina Brewing Company
Tuesday, June 6 – Guided Birding Tours at El Rio Preserve 
Friday, June 9 – Adult Paint Night in the Park
Saturdays June 10-August 26 – Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum
Saturday, June 17 – World Margarita Championship
Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day Pig Roast at the Omni Tucson National
Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day
Saturday, June 17 – Movies in Marana
Friday,  June 23 – Teen Paint Night in the Park
ONGOING EVENTS
(Please check for current information, as events and schedules may change)
Tuesdays  – Catalina Brewing Company Taco Tuesdays and other small events
Wednesdays – Hump Day Hangout at Button Brew House
Wednesdays – Catalina Brewing Company Wine Wednesday
Thursdays – Dove Mountain Brewing Company All-Day Happy Hour
Fridays and Saturdays, 9 AM-9:45 AM – Tucson Mission Garden Tours
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 11 AM- Beer + Bikes at Button Brew House
Sundays – Button Brew House Michelada Sundays
Sundays – Catalina Brewing Company Sonoran Dog Sundays
Sundays 11:30 AM – 3 PM – Bottomless Mimosas at Casa Marana
The Marana Visitor Center at 13251 N. Lon Adams Road, Marana, AZ, is a designated Arizona Visitor Information Center by the Arizona Office of Tourism. Stop by for maps and information on the way to your favorite attraction!

Esteban Performs Summer Concerts at Sound Bites Grill

Smooth Summer Sounds: Esteban to Perform Summer Concerts at Sound Bites Grill

Tickets now available for monthly shows in Sedona.

Sedona, Ariz. (Summer 2023) – Renowned for his emotive performances and exemplary classical and flamenco guitar, the critically acclaimed Esteban will be performing multiple must-attend intimate concerts at Sound Bites Grill in Sedona this summer.

Performances take place on Saturdays, June 10, July 8, August 19 and September 2 at 7 p.m. All concerts are at Sound Bites Grill, located at 101 N. State Route 89A, F29 in Sedona. Tickets range from $59-$179 depending on the package and are available at estebanmusic.com/concert-events or by calling Sound Bites at 928-282-2713.

Additional shows will take place this fall om October 14, November 25 and December 16.

At each show, guests will experience classical Spanish fusion with a contemporary rock influence as Esteban plays with renowned violinist and daughter Teresa Joy, son Ben Paul on bass, and Grammy Award-winning drummer Joe Morris. Join them as they breathe loving melodies and beats into beautiful Spanish classical music and newly composed songs fused with old favorites.

“I invite you to join us for an up-close concert experience this summer like no other where you’ll feel every note and strum of my guitar,” says Esteban. Esteban has toured the country and topped Billboard charts with numerous albums, videos and DVDs. Launching his career in Arizona, Esteban and Teresa Joy played at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, where they won “Best of Phoenix” for eight years.

For more information on Esteban, his music and show schedule, visit estebanmusic.com/concert-events. Follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/RockOnEsteban.

Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire in Show Low

The Arizona Renaissance Festival (AZRF) has joined the many philanthropic-minded organizations nationwide by donating an excellent talent to a small northern Arizona nonprofit! Jerome: The King of Fools has been gifted to the Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire in Show Low, AZ as a representative and ambassador for AZRF!

Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire is a fundraising event for the Mountain of Hope Foundation’s scholarship program, which provides gap & trades scholarships to students in Navajo & Apache counties. “These are two of the poorest counties in the state, and Apache County was recently declared the poorest county in the country!” notes Daris Gibbons, executive director & founder of
the 501c3 organization. The event is celebrating its 16th year this year.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival has been a traditional historical recreation event for over three decades. “The festival has been an immersive educational experience before that term existed and has inspired our fundraising event.” Ms. Gibbons states. For many years talents such as Three Guys and A Bunch Drums and the belly dance troupe Ghazaal Beledi have been showcased at both events.

When the Arizona Renaissance Festival discovered that Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire was a fundraising event, they were motivated to help by providing Medieval Mayhem with assistance in the form of Arizona’s sole Professional Beartrap Juggler, Jerome: The King of Fools!

“The White Mountain area is beautiful, and we love that patrons who travel each year to attend our festival have just as much passion up here for Medieval Mayhem, I can’t wait to see what the event has in store,” says Jerome Hill, the man behind the “King of Fools” persona, “We’re very excited to support such a great cause, mingle with our fans in our off-season, and bring patrons and festival enthusiasts alike together for the benefit of this cause”

This annual Faire receives no external funding from any major state universities or through grants and has struggled to find any sponsorship support. “This type of funding would help us pay for our entertainment at the event, which is why this donation of Jerome’s time, skillset, and star power on behalf of AZRF has so much value to us,” explains Ms. Gibbons.

The Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire takes place July 7-9, 2023, at Show Low’s Frontier Field Park. Jerome: The King of Fools will be performing 2 shows a day on the all-new Seafarers Cove stage and one VIP exclusive up-close show in the Pub Club VIP area of the event. For details on the Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire, check out azmayhem.com.

For all the details of the Arizona Renaissance Festival details, check out their website Arizona.RenFestInfo.com. The festival will run every Saturday and Sunday from February 3 & 4 through March 30 & 31, 2024!

Father’s Day Weekend Show Featuring Reggae Superstar Mighty Mystic

Father’s Day Weekend Show Featuring Reggae Superstar Mighty Mystic

Exclusive Two Set Acoustic Show at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove

This Father’s Day weekend, on Saturday June 17th, beginning at 7pm, bring Dad over to Buddha Jams, located at 192 Glen Street in Glen Cove for a special performance by reggae legend Mighty Mystic. Visit the sprawling facility and let the reggae music fill you with positive vibes in a comfortable environment, inspiring you to unabashedly dance your way to enlightenment. This is an exclusive one time intimate acoustic performance on Long Island by a world renowned music superstar that is not to be missed!

Act fast as an extremely limited number of tickets are available for only $35 NOW at www.BuddhaJams.com

Mighty Mystic, is a Jamaican-born, Somerville, Massachusetts-based reggae artist. He is the younger brother to current Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, he moved to Boston at the age of nine with his family. He began performing as ‘Mystic’ and broke through with his 2006 single “Riding on the Clouds”, which received radio airplay across the East coast of the US.His debut album Wake up the World (2010) included “Revolution”, “Riding on the Clouds”, “Original Love”, and “Slipped Away”, with appearances from Shaggy and roots rocker Lutan Fyah.The Groundbreaking Buddha Jams Yoga and Event Center is blossoming in Glen Cove. Offering visitors an immersive experience designed to enlighten and fill your body, mind, and spirit with lasting positive energy and vibes.

In contrast to a traditional Yoga studio, the brand new expansive 5,000 square foot indoor/outdoor instantly enlightening Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove is far from your average studio. At night Buddha Jams duals as an event space complete with two stages, professional sound, and has an owner who is not only a yoga teacher but an entrepreneur who has also produced massive events, concerts, and music festivals. Buddha Jams prides itself on teaching students to live in a state of consistent communal connection, culture, and spiritual freedom through connection to the self, guided by breath, and explored through music and movement.

34th Annual MARIACHI USA

MARIACHI USA, the longest-running paid Latino event in the US, and longest running annual show in Hollywood Bowl history, promises to deliver 5 hours of puro mariachi featuring the best of mariachi music from Mexico and the US.

In addition to a spectacular mariachi show, as a special treat, MARIACHI USA will open with 3 high school mariachi state champions from McAllen, Texas and recipients of the MARIACHI USA Foundation grants: Rio Grande City High School Mariachi Cascabel, Edcouch-Elsa Mariachi Juvenil Azteca, and McAllen High School Mariachi Oro. And not to be missed is the half-time jam when the winner of the JARRITOS MARIACHI USA Talent Search will perform live in front of 17,000 mariachi fans. To end the evening, the grand finale will light up the sky with MARIACHI USA’s traditional fireworks show designed by one of the world’s leading pyro firms, PyroSpectaculars by Souza.

This year’s MARIACHI USA line-up includes some of the best mariachi groups from Mexico and the US including Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Los Arrieros del Valle from McAllen, Texas; Mariachi Los Reyes, Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas and Mariachi Las Catrinas from Los Angeles and also featuring Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles.

WHEN
Saturday, June 3, 2023
4 PM ~ Doors open
5 PM ~ Press Check-in
6 PM ~ Show begins

WHERE
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Hangar Talk and the Flying Demo of the Grumman F8F “Bearcat”

Hangar Talk and the Flying Demo of the Grumman F8F “Bearcat” This Saturday!

Great topics and a chance to see this powerful little fighter take to the skies

We’ve got a great line-up for the June 3, 2023 “Hangar Talk” and a spectacular Flying Demo with the powerful Grumman F8F “Bearcat”for everyone to enjoy. Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am and regular admission prices are in effect (Members always get in FREE).

“Hangar Talk” will kick off at 10:30am and last until noon. The Flying Demo will begin at 12:15pm with a brief presentation followed by engine start of the 2,250 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine of the Bearcat directly in front of the crowd.

We’ll be holding our “Member’s Only” raffle for a flight in the Vultee BT-13 “Valiant” training aircraft from World War II. All members in attendance will be eligible for this drawing.

There will be food trucks on-site and everyone is welcome to enjoy the 14 acre Museum and our collection of over 100 aircraft.”Hangar Talk” begins at 10:30am in the Maloney HangarThe Story of the Ejection Seat

The Museum’s Richard Malvino will take us through the evolution of escaping from a damaged aircraft. From early parachutes to the development of the modern ejection seat, this presentation will give us insight into every military pilots final option – cross their fingers, pull the handle, and blast their way out of their aircraft and to safety.Special Guest: Dan Petkunas and “Combat Flying: Vietnam”

We’re thrilled to have USAF Col. (ret) Dan Petkunas join us for this Hangar Talk. Dan will take us through his experiences during the Vietnam War where he flew 222 combat missions in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 “Phantom.”

From near misses to mission accomplishments, Dan chalked up an impressive record of achievements. For his service, he was recognized with three Distinguished Flying Crosses and eighteen Air Medals. Dan will take us on this exciting trip into his military history.TED Talk: “A Father’s Legacy”
Join the Museum’s Ted Mount as he brings us a unique Father’s Day story about Edward Joseph O’Hare and his son, Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare.

We’ll visit the mean streets of Chicago during the Prohibition days. We’ll learn of gangsters and the reign of Al Capone. We’ll meet “Easy Eddie” O’Hare – Capone’s trusted lawyer and his young son, Edward – better known to everyone as Butch. This is a story of love and sacrifice that will ultimately take us to incredible heroics in the Pacific War. Ted will shape this into a story of true inspiration, devotion, and redemption.

Flying Demo of the Bearcat begins at 12:15pm

The Museum’s Scott Cassells will present our Flying Demo presentation beginning at 12:15pm on our “Hot Ramp.”

Then we’ll start-up the Bearcat’s powerful engine and watch as she taxis away. She’ll then take to the skies over the Museum for twenty minutes. Upon her return, guests can meet and talk with the

Bearcat’s pilot in a fun “Q&A” session.

Early morning fog is slated to give way to sunny skies – perfect flying weather! Make a trip out to the Museum this Saturday (June 3, 2023) to enjoy all this event has to offer!

Planes of Fame Air Museum 909-597-3722 ~ www.planesoffame.org
Open Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am until 4:00pm
Doors Open at 9:00am on Saturday, June 3, 2023 for Event Saturday
Note: Alternate Routes to Museum Necessary Due to Road Construction – Check website

WHITE MOUNTAINS FREEDOM CONCERT SERIES

WHITE MOUNTAINS FREEDOM CONCERT SERIES held on JULY 1-7, 2023 IN PINETOP, ARIZONA.

FREEdom Concert Series in the Arizona White Mountains will be a Patriotic week from July 1-7, 2023 as the Arizona National Guard Army Band performs 13 shows across the Arizona White Mountains.

These shows will present the Army Marching Band, The Army Concert Band, Army Rock & Country Band, Army Jazz Band and the Army Sax Quartet.

All of the shows are free to the public and all ages are welcomed to a variety of venues from Pinetop, AZ to Snowflake, AZ.

“These are some of the finest musicians the Army has to present,” says Commander Steve Brining, “We are pleased to showcase these talented folks during the patriotic week.”

The events and venues are hosted by The Rotary Club of the White Mountains. “It’s an honor to present to our Community our Army Bands,” shared Jay Zucker, White Mountains Rotary Past President (and Event Promoter). “This is an opportunity to bring our Community and thousands of Mountain Visitors together for a FREEdom Concert Series”, Zucker says.

For more information please visit WMFCS.com or contact Jay Zucker, Rotary, at (520) 471-2080.

SATURDAY JULY 1
JACK BARKER PARK, PINETOP, ARIZONA
3 PM SAX QUARTET
3.30 PM JAZZ GROUP
• PINETOP LAKES COUNTRY CLUB
3 PM ROCK & COUNTRY GROUP

SUNDAY JULY 2
BLUE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, PINETOP, ARIZONA
3 PM SAX QUARTET
3:30 PM PATRIOTIC CONCERT BAND
LION’S DEN
7 PM ROCK & COUNTRY GROUP

MONDAY JULY 3
PLAC&S, PINETOP, ARIZONA
4 PM SAX QUARTET
4:30 PM JAZZ GROUP
THE ORCHARD
5 PM ROCK & COUNTRY GROUP

TUESDAY JULY 4
SHOWARCHINGRARTS, PINETOP, ARIZONA
SHOW LOW HIGH SCHOOL
4:30 PM FREEDOM FEST
ROCK & COUNTRY GROUP

WEDNESDAY JULY 5
LION’S DEN, PINETOP, ARIZONA
5 PM ROCK & COUNTRY GROUP
THE HOUSE
6 PM JAZZ BAND

THURSDAY JULY 6
WINE MOUNTAINS, PINETOP, ARIZONA
6 PM SAX QUARTET
6.30 PM JAZZ GROUP

FRIDAY JULY 7
THE LODGE, PINETOP, ARIZONA
7 PM ROCK & COUNTRY BAND

FOR INFO, VISIT WMFCS.COM

Hosted by The Rotary Club of the White Mountains

Event times and locations are subject to change.

2023 TAOS S RAFFLE BY ARIZONA BLOOD DONORS

VOLKSWAGEN DONATES 2023 TAOS S TO BE RAFFLED AMONG MAY 26 – SEPT. 7 ARIZONA BLOOD DONORS

June Locations Announced: Casa Grande, Eloy, Florence, Oro Valley & Tucson

Transform lives by donating blood May 26 – Sept. 7 with Vitalant and be automatically entered to win a 2023 VW Taos S! Vitalant is Arizona’s largest non-profit community blood provider that fulfills transfusion needs for 100% of the hospitals in Maricopa County and 90% statewide. The seven Valley Volkswagen dealers have donated the car and partnered with Vitalant in the 15th annual campaign to help inspire more people to give blood this summer. Ten finalists will be drawn to participate in the Volkswagen grand prize ceremony. They will be unveiled throughout the summer on AZ-TV, proud media partner for the “Summer Drive to Save Lives” campaign. For location information and donation appointments, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) – Southern Arizona locations detailed below.

During the three-month summer campaign with Valley Volkswagen Dealers, Vitalant hopes to attract more than 50,000 blood donors to save lives in Arizona hospitals. Those donors will help people like Hayley, who will celebrate her 23rd birthday during the Memorial Day holiday week thanks to 95 blood donors. She was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare disease that prevented her body from producing red blood cells. She relied on the kindness of strangers to provide lifesaving blood transfusions every month at Phoenix Children’s Hospital until she was able to receive a bone marrow transplant. “Blood donors allowed our daughter to play, jump and laugh like other children – and gave her the chance to grow up,” said her mom, Melana. “They are true heroes.”

All blood types and platelets are critically needed. While matching a patient with their blood type is preferred, type O blood is what doctors turn to when serious injuries and other emergencies require immediate treatment. Platelets help with bleeding and clotting disorders and must be used within a week of donation. Vitalant hopes to motivate people to donate more often this summer – to help more patients like Hayley and earn additional chances to win the 2023 VW Taos S. “While donors are generally eligible to give blood every eight weeks, the majority (65%) donate just once a year,” said Andy Fry, Sr. Director of Donor Recruitment for the Vitalant Southwest Division.

PUBLIC BLOOD DRIVES BY CITY

Vitalant Blood Donation Appointments: www.vitalant.org or 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825)
Casa Grande

Sat, Jun 10, 10am-2pm, Grace Lutheran Church, 1805 E Sierra Pkwy, Bloodmobile

Mon, Jun 12, 10am-6pm, City of Casa Grande @ Downtown Public Library, 449 N Drylake St, Classroom

Thu, Jun 22, 8am-1pm, Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort, 1110 N Henness Rd, SanTan Rm
Eloy

Mon, Jun 19, 9am-1pm, Robson Ranch, 5750 N Robson Blvd, Hermosa III

Tue, Jun 27, 8am-12pm, Empire Southwest Eloy, 3501 W Houser Rd, Bloodmobile
Florence

Thu, May 25, 10am-2pm, Florence Town Hall, 775 N Main St, Bloodmobile
Oro Valley

Mon, Jun 19, 10am-2pm, Fry’s on LaCanada, 10450 N La Canada Dr, Bloodmobile
Tucson

Mon, Jun 26, 10am-2pm, DOD Tucson National Guard, 1750 E Silverlake Rd, Main Multipurpose Rm

About Vitalant Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent)) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the, Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf R, Golf GTI, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Taos and Tiguan. There are seven Volkswagen dealers located in Maricopa County.

For more information, visit http://www.vw.com/dealers/vw-phoenix/.

• Avondale – Larry H. Miller Volkswagen, 10205 W. Papago Fwy.
• Gilbert – Berge Volkswagen, 385 W. Baseline Rd.
• Gilbert – Ken Garff Volkswagen, 1489 E. Motorplex Loop
• Peoria – Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, 8801 W. Bell Rd.
• Phoenix – Camelback Volkswagen, 1499 E. Camelback Rd.
• Phoenix – Volkswagen North Scottsdale, 7001 E. Chauncey Ln.
• Scottsdale – Chapman Volkswagen, 3700 N 89th St.

Country Artist Kaitlin Walker Tour with AFE

Country and rock and roll artist Kaitlin Walker will be touring with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) as part of their Heat Wave tour. Walker will be performing in four shows on bases across Southwest Asia, from July 2-7. Heat Wave is an annual summer music and performance series that features artists, athletes, and other performers throughout parts of June and July.

Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Kaitlin Walker, has wanted to perform since she was just 3 years old. With small beginnings in the town of Bloomington, IN – including learning to read on her karaoke machine – Kaitlin and her family moved to Florida during her elementary years, where her love for music continued to grow. When she was seventeen, her dream of moving to Nashville and starting her career as a country music artist became a reality.

Kaitlin’s lyrics connect her with listeners from all walks of life. From the new, feel-good lakeside tune, “So Am I,” to deep cuts like “Tornado” and “Letter from Heaven,” Kaitlin’s bluesy, soulful voice conveys the kind of emotion that only comes from experience. Kaitlin’s genre is modern outlaw-country. She is authentically soulful in her sound but tenderly country through and through, a combination that makes her approachable and intriguing.
‘
Today, you can find Kaitlin collaborating with other songwriters and musicians, recording, and releasing new songs. You can find her newest release, “So Am I” at www.kaitlinwalkermusic.com. When she is not working in the studio, you might catch her performing on some of Broadway’s main stages. Check out her upcoming performances on www.kaitlinwalkermusic.com.

This tour is presented by AFE. Since 1951, AFE has been providing the best performances for U.S. troops and their families stationed overseas, and they are committed to boosting the morale and well-being of service members through world-class live events and performances.