Heather Hardy is known for her captivating smooth ambient violin playing as well as her appealing soulful “wah-wah” blues solos.
She recently spoke with us about growing up, her musical background, and how she came to be one of the most sought-after violinists across several genres. “My musical education began at the Westport School of Music at age 6 on piano. I began violin at 9 and by the time I was 11 I was studying privately on both instruments. I knew then that I wanted to play music forever. In high school I continued on piano and violin.”
“I then went to Manhattan School of Music in New York and studied piano under Zenon Fishbein. After 3 semesters I decided that I was a little more driven as a violinist and studied the violin under the renowned Raphael Brostein. During these years I began to play in the subway for a way to earn some money. This led me to start playing many varieties of music (other than classical). Slowly but surely my direction changed from classical to improvisation and more contemporary music. I started getting gigs and sessions and joined a few bands. In 1986 I was hired by a well known punk band in New York City, the False Prophets, and toured the United States and Canada. The following year we toured and played in almost every country in Europe including east Berlin prior to the Wall coming down.”
“After that I went to Tucson and met the Legendary Blues Man Sam Taylor. He hired me, we began to record and tour extensively, and I became passionate about the blues. Sam was my mentor for 25 years ... till his passing. He got me to start singing and truly changed my life as a professional musician. My reputation and exposure through Sam is still felt in my career.”
During that time, she helped the Sam Taylor Band win the 1995 Arizona Blues Showdown. That was followed by taking second place in the International Blues Talent Competition in Memphis, and a European tour. By 1996, Heather had formed her Lil' Mama Band, taking it to New York in 1997. In 2000, she was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame.
Heather has been featured on over 200 albums and has released five albums of original songs including her new Heather Lil’ Mama Hardy LIVE in Tucson.
Based in Tucson, Heather has also continued working on projects in New York and California, and other cities.
Influences in her life include her father’s most impressionable advice: “He told me not to let the amount of money you could make be a factor. And that if you are driven and in love with what you do, you won’t need as much money because you are happy, and you will be more likely to be successful and the money will come. So I never really even thought of music as a career, I just wanted to forever become a better musician.”
PRESIDENT MARK started our meeting by leading us into a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine, and had CHARLOTTE HARRIS talk about the generous contributions our club has made to support the Ukraine and encouraged members to contribute through the foundation or ShelterBox.
We then had JON WANG come up and speak to us about Rotarian LEE SHULTZ who recently passed away. LEE was a member of our club for 50 years.
Returning “new member” ALAN SCHROPE led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and a stirring rendition of “You're a Grand Ole Flag”, of course Sgt. At Arms KHRIS DODGE joined in on the keyboard.
KYM ADAIR inspired us with words of wisdom from Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz: “Do right, Do everything to the best of your abilities in the time allotted and Show people you care.
PRESIDENT MARK thanked BRUCE JACOBS for the successful mixer and for all the Rotarians who organized the Hockey Game outing, the street fair beer and ticket sales, we had a busy, fun and eventful weekend.
SAA KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests, and there were a lot thanks to the March Madness Competition. We have hosted over 70 guests since the start of the campaign.
PRESIDENT MARK introduced and thanked our meeting sponsor; Rio Nuevo.
Matt Russell introduced us to Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber. He talked about the mission of the Tucson Metro Chamber. The Tucson Metro Chamber is a “Connector” of leaders and influencers, a “Catalyst for business growth, and a “Champion” for a stronger community. We are lucky to have the Chamber in our community helping elevate our business environment.
Michael signed the book “What Can I Be” that will be placed in our Make Way for Books library.
We were dazzled by the lyrical master DOT KRET for her birthday. She gifted us with a clever rhyme, I don’t know how she does it time after time.
RCOT’s very own JON WANG continued his historical quizzes, hopefully some of us passed with our History Moment.
CHUCK SAWYER touted the success of the March Madness campaign, but even if the madness is over, please bring in potential members. The more, the merrier, and impactful too.
KHRIS DODGE has started a new raffle, (un)fortunately the 10 of clubs was pulled but, one of our March Madness guests won the raffle.
On to announcements:
WAYNE WOOD is the most recent addition to “Irv’s Fly Fishing Fund. His adorable grandson was showing off his catch.
We are having our RCOT time capsule ceremony on 4/21 at Hotel Congress.
More info to come about a Boys and Girls Club Work Project, so keep your ears out.
We need people to carpool to help get member CONRAD PLIMPTON a ride to meetings, if you are able please reach out to CONRAD.
We have our annual Triangle Y Work project on 4/30 please sign up on Clubrunner.
Home Hospitality week is 4/24-4/30 we need hosts, reach out to Dorinna if you are interested.
We presented a Blue Badge to DENA KERN, Congratulations DENA!!
PRESIDENT MARK is posting the FINAL COUNTDOWN til PE BRUCE JACOBS takes over, BRUCE is ready to go!
Tune in next week when we have a musical program featuring Heather Hardy, Violinist and Blues Artist.
PRESIDENT MARK then ended the meeting with a toast!
At last week's awesome mixer, Past District Governor, Diane Ventura-Goodyear presented an award for our club's contribution to Polio Plus in 2020-2021. Our amazing club exceeded the prior year's donations (take that Past President BOB) to Polio Plus and donated $35,347.00!! Way to go Rotary Club of Tucson, your generosity is always inspiring!
As the days are getting longer and with projected mid 80's for high temps, this will be a great time to enjoy this challenging, but very worthwhile hike, before the really hot temperatures hit Southern AZ. I look forward to seeing you on the trails and please see below description and link for additional detail.
Wasson Peak Loop – 6:45AM Meeting for 7AM Departure from King Canyon Trailhead Located across the road from the Sonoran Desert Museum you will find a newly paved parking lot for King Canyon Trailhead. This hike takes you to the summit of the highest point in the Tucson Mountains offering spectacular views of Tucson metro with plenty of wildflowers in the spring and some people watching as well. The hike is categorized at Intermediate/Difficult with just over 1,900 vertical feet in elevation covering 8.4 miles from beginning to end. With earlier sunrise, warmer temperatures and an anticipated hike time of 5.5-6 hours, please be sure to bring all the essentials. Sunscreen, plenty of water and food.
The Rotary Club of Tucson will be burying its Centennial Time Capsule at a special ceremony at the historic Hotel Congress from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 21st. No reservations are needed, just show up. Also, feel free to invite others. We are making this a community event with a special focus on the downtown community. The event is free to all.
The actual ceremony will be in the Courtyard at 6:00 pm. It will be a short presentation to provide time for everyone to enjoy some great tunes with local troubadour Salvador Duran. Food and beverages are not included, but available for a cost. The Cup Cafe food truck will be open for those who want to grab a snack or appetizer. Libations will be available from any number of bars at the hotel. Everyone will have lots of time to spend socializing with fellow Rotarians and guests.
A special thanks to Hotel Congress for providing the venue and the burial plot. Also, a shout out to John McCaleb and John Duval for their help with the interment site preparation. Everyone is also invited to join Rotary and Hotel Congress when the Rotary Centennial Time Capsule is opened on Monday, April 1, 2121.
Rotary Service Project at Triangle Y YMCA Camp is back!!!!! April 30, 2022
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 30, 2022 for this year’s Rotary International Day of Service. After a hiatus the past two years this year’s service project is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th 8:30AM-2:00PM. The Ranch is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle on the Mt Lemmon Road. Most, if not all of the work projects will be outdoors at this beautiful Southern Arizona facility. The work performed is a general cleaning of the outdoor areas, painting, trimming, planting, and general cleanup around the cabins. This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family and introduce them to the spirit of Rotary. According to this year’s Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, “bring together volunteers from inside and outside Rotary to celebrate and showcase the spirit of Rotary in your community”.
We will have jobs for all ages old and young. Bring your friends and kids. Please bring sunscreen, gloves and snacks. A BBQ lunch will be served around at 1:30pm in the main dining hall at the Ranch.
Sign up on the club website www.tucsonrotary.org under Upcoming Events or email Dave Gallaher, Tucson Rotary Club, at dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com and/or call 520-907-4983. A guest count is necessary for planning work and the serving of lunch. Carpooling is recommended and many people meet at the Trader Joes parking lot at SEC of Magee and Oracle.
Our Home Hospitality events are scheduled for the week of April 24th through the 30th and we are looking for members to host during the week. These social events will replace our Wednesday, April 27th lunch meeting. If you are interested in hosting a small or large group at your home, place of business or even at a restaurant, please let Cindy Barbee or Dorinna know the date, time, location and the amount of guests you will host. The Club will provide each host $20 per member/guest that attend your event. So let's have some fun and fellowship during this Home Hospitality Week!
As we know, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th. This unprovoked war has killed many innocent civilians. It has also created a humanitarian crisis with many women, children and families attempting to flee to neighboring countries while the men stay and fight for their country.
Over a million people have fled and the United Nations estimates over five million people have been displaced and are in dire need of emergency aid and assistance.
Many of you have reached out to ask, what is Rotary doing and how can you help? Rotary International has been very engaged. Both Rotary International and Shelter Box (a Rotary Project Partner for disaster - temporary housing) have created opportunities for us to donate to help the people of Ukraine. Both have, or are, setting up operations in countries such as Poland where there are many Rotary Clubs.
Here are links with further information and where donations are being accepted:
Sadly, we have also found that we have more than a few of our fellow Rotary Club of Tucson members with ties to and families in Ukraine. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
For other questions and/or to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at our luncheon at the TCC.
The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking. You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish! Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you. Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities. Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details.
We will no longer be streaming our meetings live via Facebook but we will be streaming live via our YouTube Channel. We are encouraging you all to subscribe to our Channel in order to receive notices of when the meetings are streaming live. After the live meeting, this video will become a recording and immediately posted on our YouTube Channel. To view live CLICK HERE.
To view videos on the RCOT YouTube channel go to our Home Page of the Club website and click on the YouTube link on the right hand side of the page. Or, go to YouTube and type in Rotary Club Of Tucson. You will be able to click on the video you wish to watch once they are posted. Here is the link to do this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rotary+club+of+tucson
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Heather Hardy is known for her captivating smooth ambient violin playing as well as her appealing soulful “wah-wah” blues solos.
Matt Russell introduced us to Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber. He talked about the mission of the Tucson Metro Chamber. The Tucson Metro Chamber is a “Connector” of leaders and influencers, a “Catalyst for business growth, and a “Champion” for a stronger community. We are lucky to have the Chamber in our community helping elevate our business environment.
We presented a Blue Badge to DENA KERN, Congratulations DENA!!
The following New Corporate Active Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
At last week's awesome mixer, Past District Governor, Diane Ventura-Goodyear presented an award for our club's contribution to Polio Plus in 2020-2021. Our amazing club exceeded the prior year's donations (take that Past President BOB) to Polio Plus and donated $35,347.00!! Way to go Rotary Club of Tucson, your generosity is always inspiring!
The Rotary Club of Tucson will be burying its Centennial Time Capsule at a special ceremony at the historic Hotel Congress from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 21st. No reservations are needed, just show up. Also, feel free to invite others. We are making this a community event with a special focus on the downtown community. The event is free to all. .jpg)
Our Home Hospitality events are scheduled for the week of April 24th through the 30th and we are looking for members to host during the week. These social events will replace our Wednesday, April 27th lunch meeting. If you are interested in hosting a small or large group at your home, place of business or even at a restaurant, please let Cindy Barbee or Dorinna know the date, time, location and the amount of guests you will host. The Club will provide each host $20 per member/guest that attend your event. So let's have some fun and fellowship during this Home Hospitality Week!
The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking. You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish! Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you. Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities. Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details. 
