"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.

This week: Get the behind the scenes scoop of a political piano party and more...

Although many of the “key” moments of a political fundraiser in Paradise Valley these days are wrapped up in strong discussions over Arizona’s immigration bill SB 1070, one political gathering had other “key” elements. Literally. That’s because the reception was a piano recital with and for Jim Ward, a Republican candidate for Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District.

The candidate, who is currently a partner in the Venture Capital firm of Alsop Louie Partners, is classically trained and performed pieces such as the 3rd Movement of Haydn's Piano Concerto in D Major and selections from Aram Katchaturian's Adventures of Ivan.

The cocktail reception and recital was “orchestrated” by the Women for Ward. District 5 covers all of Tempe, Scottsdale and portions of Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee and Phoenix.

The musical experience of Jim’s performance was enriched by the elegantly intimate setting of Deborah and Bill Cheatham’s home. I snapped the picture above of Deborah and Bill with Jim at the keyboard.

The Cheatham’s Paradise Valley abode is outside the boundaries of District 5. However, it’s not unusual for candidates to rally support outside their districts.       

Another case in point was the event for Jim Ward at Vicki and Vernon Vaughn’s home in Paradise Valley. They co-hosted a reception with Pamela Wright and William Keiper. Pictured below is a picture I took after the reception of Will, Vicki and Vernon celebrating the success of the event.

And pictured below are Pamela and Jim Ward as they gave the thumbs up to the turnout at the Vaughn’s home.

Jim Ward is also a pilot so the reception at Hanger One in Scottsdale was the perfect setting. It’s the exclusive aviation club at Scottsdale Airpark owned by Bennett Dorrance.

Guests turned out to meet Jim and mingle amidst the décor of classic Ferraris and other exotic collectibles. Pictured above are Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance with Georgia Wolfe.

Georgia Wolfe helped organize the reception at Hanger One which was hosted by the Military and Medical Coalitions for Ward. Georgia is pictured above with Darrell Sawyer. 

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based writer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .