Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role. 36 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MARCH 2019 CHEERS TO THE CHAIRS { Society of Chairs } Kate Specter and Craig Bohmler Chairs of ¡La Feria! A Spanish Carnaval benefiting Arizona Opera azopera.org How long have you been involved with Arizona Opera? Kate: Since my family and I moved here from Austin, Texas in 2016. It has been a homecoming for me personally, as I was born in Phoenix and lived here until I was 10. As a young woman, I studied classical voice and made a commitment to a life in opera. I told myself that when I was finished with everything I needed to learn from my experience as an artist in New York City, I would come back to my hometown and do what needs to be done to propel opera in my community. I’m very proud that I’m now able to fulfill that mission in my birthplace. Craig: My relationship with Arizona Opera has been mutually beneficial. The opera did the world premiere of my opera “Riders of the Purple Sage” to record ticket sales, and I had the distinct privilege of the most astounding production I have ever had of one of my works. This relationship started in 2012, though I had been chorus master of the Arizona Opera Chorus in 1989-1990. Why do you support the organization? Kate: Too many opera companies have closed in this country in recent years. I believe our cities depend on a thriving arts community, including opera, which is so vital for education, tourism and our economy, not to mention our quality of life. Craig: Arizona Opera is a forward-looking company, and in a very short period of time has modified their programming and venues to include operas from the last 25 years. They are fearless in their quest for originality and quality while still producing the established masterpieces. I would say that it is one of the most exciting opera companies in the country, and with Joe Specter at the helm, it is garnering national attention. Describe this year’s event. Kate: It’s modeled after the wondrous Spanish carnival in Seville, la feria . I wanted our guests to have a fun, interactive experience. We will have photo opportunities with flamenco dancers, musicians and even beautiful horses. We have some extraordinary auction items, both live and silent, including a painting from our own Arizona artist, Ed Mell. With composer Craig Bohmler as my co-chair, it also means the entire event is filled with amazing music. He’s put together a program using Arizona Opera’s young artists that will hit every note. Favorite movie: Kate: I am a Funny Girl , Breakfast at Tiffany’s type, but I also love Night at the Opera , Monty Python and the Holy Grail , the Jason Bourne movies, and Oceans 11 . It’s an eclectic mix! Craig: T oo many to name, but they include Being There , Mary Poppins and The Man Who Would Be King . Favorite restaurant: Kate: Café Monarch, Mora Italian, Mastro’s Ocean Club Craig: FEZ. It’s a lovely, casual place to go after the theater and the hummus is amazing! I also like Sumomaya in Scottsdale because it is cuisine outside the box. Favorite place to travel: Kate: I like to go where the people I love are. It could be Oregon, New York City or Gloucester, Massachusetts — cities where my family lives. But wherever we are, time spent with my husband and our girls is always the most fun for me. Craig: France

Thank you to all of our February Cheers to the Chairs! nominees: Latasha Causey & Jennifer Holsman Tetreault: Florence Crittenton (Teaming Up for Girls Luncheon) Becca Clayton & Alexa Schneider: Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Beach Ball) Meghan Cox & Tyler Butler: Pujols Family Foundation (Ultimate Drive at TopGolf Scottsdale) Tiffanie Leyvas, Patty Sapp, Kathi Neal, Roseann Dunteman, Suzanne Dickey: Friends of Homeward Bound (RoofTop Inaugural Event) Ruby Farias & Lance Schley; Darlene Keller Price & John Price: Arizona Foundation for Women (2019 Awards Luncheon) Angie Ramage: Valley Leadership (Man and Woman of the Year Luncheon) Carol Seidberg: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (Brighter Tomorrow Luncheon) Ann Siner & Tess Loo: Arizona Humane Society (Compassion with Fashion) To Nominate Your Event Chair, Co-Chairs, Honorary Chair or Board Chair, Contact Jill@FrontdoorsMedia.com. Society of Chairs 2019 The Celebration of Philanthropy in Our Community Wednesday, May 8, 2019 | 6:00 pm | Honoring Nancy Hanley Awards Sponsorships Now Available Contact Andrea@FrontdoorsMedia.com for details Produced by Secret talent: Kate: I love to write, which very few people know! Craig: I am successful at growing desert plants and citrus; I enjoy cooking and make a mean huevos rancheros. Talent I wish I had: Kate: As a singer, I wish I could play the piano and read music better. Craig: I wish I spoke 10 languages fluently. Fun fact about you: Kate: I’ve had an incredible life despite, or perhaps because of, being a survivor of two open-heart surgeries at a young age, and being very close to losing my life during my first surgery. That experience has allowed me to appreciate all I have in this world — my experiences in dance, opera, theater and, most especially, my amazing family. Craig: I love to hike and when time permits I try to get away to Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, where the scenery is awesome and terrifying at the same time. It takes me out of myself and connects me with something quite spiritual. This summer, I rafted down the Grand Canyon for nine days.