West Valley Arts Council brings live comedy to Litchfield Park

By James Goldmeer
Mail

The West Valley Arts Council is pivoting from the gallery to the microphone this month, hosting its “Litchfield Laughs” adult comedy showcase.

The show features a lineup of professional comedians including Zac Allen, Darryl Graves, and Jason Pierce, all hosted by Jetuan Whedon.

Whedon, a self-described “part mom, part nerd, and part ‘bro,’” is a comic who performs in venues ranging from nursing homes to clubs. She is also an award-winning balloon artist.

“I love being a bit of sunshine in someone’s day,” said Whedon in an online artist’s statement. “Comedy, public speaking, or balloon art are my way of bringing more joy into the world.”

The move into stand-up comedy is a deliberate expansion of the West Valley Arts Council’s mission. Kathy Knecht, the council’s executive director, says the organization is leaning into the “S” in “Arts” to ensure the West Valley is recognized for more than just visual works.

“Our mission is very broad. We want to make the West Valley a place where arts and culture is happening and people have tons of opportunities to engage,” Knecht said. “Any time we can bring live entertainment, we know that we’re stimulating people’s appetite for more.”

Hosted from 7-8:30 on Friday, May 29, at the Litchfield Park Arts Center, 447 S Old Litchfield Rd., the event also serves as a spotlight for the council’s history and its future.

Founded in 1969 in a church in Litchfield Park, the council is returning to its roots while utilizing new technology like Culturalyst, a digital platform designed to connect local artists with consumers.

“We want to be the hub of arts and culture in the West Valley,” Knecht added. “We want people to type in ‘What is there to do in Goodyear or Litchfield Park?’ and find these festivals and shows, putting the West Valley on the map for high-quality entertainment so they don’t automatically assume they have to drive east.”

Tickets for Litchfield Laughs can be purchased at westvalleyarts.org.

James Goldmeer
Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park

jgoldmeer@iniusa.org

Meet James
James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.

Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.

Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English. 

Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.  

Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.