LOUD! (Living Opera, Understanding Diversity)

LOUD! (Living Opera, Understanding Diversity) is the brain child of Teniqua Broughton (founder and CEO of VerveSimone Consulting) and Luis “Weezy” Egurrola (Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Epik Dance Company and coach of the Hip Hop Squads of both the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns).

It is designed to connect communities near and far through discussions and performances via a focus on diverse cross-sections – with a particular focus on the BIPOC community, showcasing arts and culture in the Southwest, and highlighting stories that are focused on music and grounded in their sometimes-surprising connections to the world of opera.

Meet the Creators:

Episode Information:

Episode 1: Focus on Phoenix

Release Date: January 28, 2021 at 6 PM

In the premiere episode of LOUD!, host Luis “Weezy” Egurrola will dive into several unique aspects of the eclectic music scene in Phoenix, featuring a profile and performance by the all-female group, Mariachi Pasion, and a conversation and musical moment with singer/songwriter, Steven Powell, who has shared the stage with numerous nationally-recognized artists including Lee Greenwood and jazz great Dennis Rowland.

Episode 2: Focus on Tucson - Showcasing Untapped Talent

Release Date: February 11, 2021 at 3 PM

Includes a performance by vocalist Mattea, an interview with Choreographer and Director of the Safos Dance Theatre, Yvonne Montoya, and a closing performance by EPIK Dance Company, a Phoenix-based hip-hop fusion dance company, featuring Lady Caress.

Episode 3:Focus on New Mexico - Discoveries of New Mexico

Release Date: February 18, 2021 at 3 PM

Includes a performance by Hoop Dancer, Tony Duncan, accompanied by guitarist, Darrin Yazzie, and drummer, Jeremy Meyers, plus an interview and performance of a piece entitled “You I Am – My Town” by Hakim Bellamy, Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque from 2012-2014.

Episode 4: Focus on Las Vegas - Uncovering Black History in Vegas
Release Date: February 25, 2021 at 3 PM

Includes a performance by Kelley Boesel aka Haboobs and violinist, Jonathan Levingston, who collaborate to instantaneously celebrate a famous music icon, a performance by spoken word poet, Lady Caress, some fascinating history about the Moulin Rouge (the first integrated gaming establishment in Las Vegas) including the restoration of its historic neon sign, and interviews with three multi-talented Black performers: vocalist Michelle Johnson (“Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz”), songstress Amanda King, and Jassen Allen, vocalist and Entertainment Director for The Vegas Room, a Las Vegas Supper Club.

Arizona Opera is deeply grateful to our 2020/21 Reimagined Season Lead Digital Sponsors, Ron and Kay McDougall.

LOUD! was made possible, in part, by Manley Films.

Lead Digital Sponsorship of the Connection Lab was provided by Ron and Kay McDougall. Additional sponsorship was made possible, in part, by the Arizona Community Foundation and Manley Films.