“Lasso a Dream” with the Sonoran Symphony
By Kevin Downey
There are dozens of reasons people fall in love with the North Valley, but for many residents and visitors, it’s the pristine stretches of the Sonoran Desert now in full bloom that top the list.
Like other areas around town, many beautiful parts of the Valley, such as the Jewel of the Creek Preserve in Cave Creek, would have been swept away long ago by developers if not for determined residents working hard to preserve the very thing that draws many people here. On a similar note, so to speak, everyone gets a chance to help save these areas during one night when great music and gourmet food come together under the stars.
The Thirteenth Annual Sonoran Symphony takes place on Saturday, April 26. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit charitable organization Desert Foothills Land Trust, which since 1991 has preserved some 530 acres of open land. One of the newest spots for visitors, thanks to the trust, is the Richard E. Rudolph Memorial Garden at the Caroline Bartol Preserve at Saguaro Hill.
Each year, the Sonoran Symphony generates the vast majority of DFLT’s annual fund-raising. This year’s event is called “Lasso a Dream.”
“‘(I’m Gonna) Lasso a Dream’ is a classical Roy Rogers tune,” explains Melanie Williams, event chairperson. “That’s what we’re all about—dreaming about preserving these places.”
The Symphony of the Southwest will perform music from classic western movies with Cody Bryant and the Riders of the Purple Sage, an upbeat Western group that mixes a slew of styles, including Cajun, folk, bluegrass and western swing. Food will be provided by Tonto Bar & Grill, with an open bar available. Dress is casual or Western wear.
“The music over the past few years has become an interesting mix of a western group playing classical western music with a formal orchestra,” says Williams, who expects about 750 people to attend this year’s event. “So it’s kind of a mix between classical music and classical western music.”
In the hero spirit of cowboys (and girls), come help lasso a dream for the Valley. Keep the spirit up.
The 13th Annual Sonoran Symphony takes place on Saturday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rancho Manana Golf Resort in Cave Creek. Tickets are $250 per person. Tables for 10 people and sponsorships are available for $3,000 to $15,000.