College Times

Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: Calendar

Media Credit: Courtesy Rocketline

Henri Benard is no stranger to experimentation. As the drummer for Valley progressive jam band Rocketline, Benard is used to playing improvisational music onstage, but his latest experiment goes beyond music. Benard in the mastermind behind the Theonix Arts Showcase, a monthly gathering at Hollywood Alley in Mesa featuring local art, cuisine and, of course, music.

"It was an idea of putting together different types of art and (getting) exposure for different artists," Benard says. "I think it's a nice mix and combination of styles. The biggest thing is to expose people to what's going on in their local area."

The event is held on the third Friday of every month and features Benard's band, Rocketline, as well as other local bands. Local artists are invited to display their works and local chef Hip Cat the Personal Chef provides free hors d'oeuvres.

"Hollywood Alley is kind of an interesting venue," Benard says. "I think it's kind of neat. We put all the (art and food) in the back, we have music in the front, so it allows us to have two different little rooms."

This Friday marks the fourth Theonix event, although the future of the showcase is undecided.

"We've had good draws," Benard says. "We've had a nice crowd every time. It's done well. It definitely has met my expectations so far. Is it something I really want to get serious with is what I'm questioning? It'll take some time (to get to where) in a year's time, everybody knows that third Friday of the month is Theonix and we go to this. From the crowd response so far, I think it can be done, but it's definitely a lot of work."

When asked about the state of the local music scene, Benard is diplomatic.

"There's something about Phoenix and Tempe," he says. "It's a very cool community, but it's such an amazingly tight core. Everybody knows everybody in some little small way. I look at that as a positive and a negative. It's a positive because it creates an amazing community. Everybody gets tight. Everybody's on a first name basis, and that's good. But the downside is, it's the same people doing the same stuff. Not that they're not doing it well. They're doing it fantastic … But there's really not a whole lot of people trying new things or meeting the newer people. It stays very, very tight. It's awesome, but I feel like it could expand farther."

The name "Theonix" is a result of Benard trying to combine the names of two neighboring cities.

"I was just thinking 'Tempe' and 'Phoenix,' and I had 'Thenix,' but I was like 'I don't like that.' Then I was like 'What about "Theonix"? Oh, that sounds a lot better.'"



Theonix Arts Showcase Vol. IV feat. Rocketline, Princess Ladyfriend, Hollywood Alley, 2610 W. Baseline Road, Mesa, 480.820.7117, May 16, 8 p.m., $5

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