Laura Latzko

My name is Laura Latzko, and I am a freelance writer out of Phoenix. For my website, Curious Journalist, I interview artists living in and visiting Arizona.

Articles

A Return to Form: Lara Ruggles goes solo for first time in 9 years

1 day ago | vcreporter.com | Laura Latzko

Tucson singer-songwriter Lara Ruggles hasn’t released an album under her name in nine years. Ruggles, who also plays electro-pop music under the moniker Sharkk Heartt, is promoting her latest solo album, “Anchor Me,” flavored with acoustic folk/pop sounds. She will bring her music to the Ojai Underground Exchange on Thursday, May 22, joined by her band: bassist Jaxon Ovation, violinist/mandolinist Ryvyr Nyx and back-up vocalist Terry McCants. Jess Bush will open the show. Released on Nov.
Hearts and Letters: Anthology is a vehicle of expression for students impacted by incarceration

1 day ago | argonautnews.com | Laura Latzko

Many young people face being without their loved ones because of incarceration, detention and deportation. The anthology “Home and Away: Poetry, Stories & Art” provides a platform where they can share their stories. The collection features drawings, photographs, collages, stories and poems from over 80 individuals. The book is the creation of two clubs, Paving a Trail of Hope (PATHfinder) and Pain of the Prison System (POPS).
An Emotional Tribute: Cathy Rankin’s debut single remembers Rush’s Neil Peart

2 days ago | phoenix.org | Laura Latzko

Singer Cathy Rankin has co-hosted the Metal Hall of Fame with Eddie Trunk and the annual Bubba Bash with YYNOT, which honors Rush’s Neil Peart. Recently, the cover band performer started creating original material. The Scottsdale-based artist recently released her debut single “Now You’ve Gone,” which explores themes of grief, love and hope. The song pays tribute to Peart, who died in 2020, and her nephew Christian, who died unexpectedly at age 18.
A Joint Effor: UA student present senior thesis films

1 week ago | tucsonweekly.com | Laura Latzko

Throughout the school year, Bachelor of Fine Arts students in the AU’s film and television class have been working to create senior thesis films. They have been aided by other students from other disciplines within the program. These students will have a chance to showcase their short films as part of the 20th annual “I Dream in Widescreen” event on Saturday, May 10, at the Fox Tucson Theatre. It is presented by the School of Theatre, Film and Television.
Valley Youth Theatre brings spunk to musical ‘Annie’

1 week ago | glendalestar.com | Laura Latzko

Created by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan, the musical “Annie” tells the story of an orphan girl during the Great Depression, who hopes for a better life and a family. The inspirational tale continues to resonate with audiences because of its message of optimism, perseverance, tenacity and familial love. Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) will stage the show from Friday, May 9, to Sunday, June 1, at the Herberger Theater Center.
Creating Outdoors: Masters in the Park showcases plein air painting

1 week ago | pasadenaweekly.com | Laura Latzko

Plein air art encompasses a wide variety of styles and mediums. The main caveat is that artists are creating in an open-air environment. The 19th “Masters in the Park” highlights plein air masters at work on Saturday, May 17, at Maranatha High School. The event is hosted by the Mid-Valley Arts League (MVAL), which was founded in 1953. They also hold workshops, demos and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Art of the Written Word: Pen Paper Palooza is inking its first chapter

1 week ago | pasadenaweekly.com | Laura Latzko

There are many pen and stationery collectors in LA, but folks still have difficulty finding that perfect piece. In its first year, Pen Paper Palooza will bring together businesses and vendors who focus on stationery, fountain pens, stickers, journals, greeting cards and similar items. The event will be held at the Santa Monica Women’s Club on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.
The Business of Cosmetic Surgery: Dr. Richard Brown’s practice is thriving

1 week ago | phoenix.org | Laura Latzko

Plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Brown focuses on health in his own and his patients’ lives. The entrepreneur has been a prominent member of the Scottsdale cosmetic surgery community since he founded the practice in 2009. He owns and operates his own practice, which is at Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard. He is the only plastic surgeon at Brown Plastic Surgery. Brown noted that working alone can be challenging, but often, other plastic surgeons have inflated egos.
Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: ‘Survivor’s’ ‘Black Widow’ Parvati Shallow comes to town

2 weeks ago | phoenix.org | Laura Latzko

Parvati Shallow is known for being one of the most strategic players on the reality TV show “Survivor.” She has appeared on five seasons and won the 16th season, “Survivor Micronesia-Fans vs. Favorites.”She most recently appeared on “Survivor: Australia vs. The World,” which will air this summer. Nicknamed “Black Widow,” Shallow will be a special guest at Phoenix’s Stand Up Live during “‘Survivor’ Drag Dinner” on Thursday, May 22.
A Dark Fairytale: Grimms’ stories come to the stage with ‘Into the Woods’

2 weeks ago | phoenix.org | Laura Latzko

In Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s show “Into the Woods,” they weave different “Grimms’ Fairy Tales,” including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Rapunzel.” The story is told through the lens of a baker and his wife, who yearn for a child of their own and are cursed by a witch. Phoenix Theatre Company will stage the Tony award-winning musical from Wednesday, May 21, to Sunday, July 13.