Ahwatukee, AZ February 2024

HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS TH E LO C A L LO V E ISSU E

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

Your new home is waiting.

MUST READ Q&A:

Your Real Estate Questions Expertly Answered AMY RICHARDSON | AMY@SAVVYREALTYAZ.COM

So many of you shared how much you loved last month’s Q&A with renowned lending expert Jill Sheldon. Given that this is the month of love, I'm thrilled to bring you more from my enlightening sit-down with Jill, who addresses more of your most pressing questions with her unique insights and forwardlooking forecasts. Her expertise and ability to simplify complex topics make Jill's words of wisdom not just informative, but a must-read.

Amy: What strategies would you recommend for buyers competing in a market with limited inventory?

Jill: In a market where inventory is limited, having their financing in order and ready to make quick decisions is crucial for buyers.

The real estate team they select is just as important in not only giving them an edge in finding off-market listings but actually plays a huge role in helping to get an offer accepted based on their level of expertise.

Amy: In a market with rising home prices, what advice can parents give their adult children who are eager to buy their first home but feel they missed their chance?

Jill: Things have changed so rapidly in this new market that these feelings make perfect sense. I would tell them not to fret and that they still have plenty of time.

I would encourage them to find a lender they can trust and research first-time buyer programs that can be really helpful.

I would also recommend finding homes in up-and-coming neighborhoods or homes that need a bit of work. These homes often offer the best chance for equity growth over the long term. Also, renting out part of their property can be a wonderful way to manage costs. Finally, suggest that they get pre-approved to help them understand their buying power so they are ready and able to move quickly when they find the perfect home.

Amy: For those that are considering downsizing, is this a good market for them?

Jill: This is such a great question and my answer is a resounding yes! This market is ideal for downsizing especially if you’ve built up significant equity. Selling now can provide a substantial financial return, reduce your overall living expenses and free up funds for other priorities like retirement savings or even travel.

*Jill Sheldon is a award winning loan officer with over 22 years of experience. jillsheldonmortgage.com

SAVVYREALTYAZ.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

No Such Thing As Too Much Love Dear friendsWelcome to February! This shortest of the months brings Valentine's Day. It gets a bad rap for being so commercialized. And I always feel I've just recovered from the holidays and our family's birthday season.

But it's a holiday about love that can be celebrated in a myriad of ways; as simply or as elaborately as you'd like. Once I got married and had my two boys, I especially wanted to acknowledge the people that I'm most crazy about. Sometimes I bake a favorite dessert, and other times we make a special dinner together and play games. When they were younger, we had fun taking the boys out to dinner as a family. Whatever we did, it was just fun to honor what we meant to each other.

It can be the smallest gesture, but it's especially heartwarming to acknowledge someone simply to tell them they are special to you or that you love them. We all want to receive that.

This issue is a favorite of ours aptly dedicated to Local Love. It's the issue where we get to highlight some extraordinary things that make Ahwatukee so special.

Grab some friends or your special someone and make a night of experiencing a progressive dinner through the fabulous locales highlighted. You'll get to sip and savor a variety of tastes while experiencing a sampling of the excellent restaurants we're lucky to have right here.

We feature two people from our community who are making it big in very different ways. You’ll meet local celebrity, Izzy, and be able to relate to her love of living in Lakewood. She captures so many of the things that make Ahwatukee so special. You'll also get a chance to know an impressive young business owner who strives to create a hair salon that is both welcoming for all clients and incredibly fulfilling for the talented stylists.

Cheers to finding something new to love about the place we call home.

S H E R RY YO R K , P U B L I S H E R @ A H WAT U K E E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Crist, Alison Stanton, Beth Del Ville C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Stephanie Slezak, Amy Crist

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Laura Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ahwatukee area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A H W AT U K E E

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

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Featured

10

Love Through Inclusivity

23-year old Mateo Wood owns Verbena, The Salon, a thriving local business that gives back to the community

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Exploring Local Flavors

22

Loving Ahwatukee Life

6

On the Cover

Departments

Izzy, the morning show host on ALT AZ 93.3 and an Ahwatukee resident, shares her love for the community we all call home.

4

Lifestyle Letter

10

Hometown Hero BEAUTY

16

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

22

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

28

How To HOME + DESIGN

30

Road Trip TRAVEL

32

Events

Construct the perfect meal with friends by sampling multiple restaurants’ cuisines – all in one night!

Izzy, a morning host on ALT AZ 93.3, finds Ahwatukee to be a peaceful sanctuary

Photography: Stephanie Slezak

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23-YEAR OLD MATEO WOOD OWNS VERBENA, THE SALON, A THRIVING LOCAL BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Love Through Mateo Wood, owner of Verbena, The Salon

Inclusivity ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | BEAU T Y

Mateo Wood first dreamed of becoming a hairstylist and owning a salon when he was a student at Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee.

“Looking back, I always knew I wanted to own my own business in some aspect, and I knew it was the perfect fit for me when I entered the beauty industry,” Wood says.

While Wood figured it would take him a number of years before he could open his salon, he ended up achieving his goal much sooner.

Wood opened Verbena, The Salon in October, 2021 in the East Valley when he was just 21.

As Creative Director and Owner of the salon, Wood’s job titles are “Hair Extensions Guru,” “Color Wizard” and “Weiner Dog Dad” – the latter a reference to his beloved Dachshund, Dulce.

His business partner, salon manager and fiancé, Zachary Novak, is “Healthy Hair Advocate,” “Image Consultant” and “DayMaker.”

“As a salon we cater to a very very wide range of client demographics. I mainly work on women from their mid-20s to mid-70s, as I greatly focus on coloring and extensions services as a passion of mine,” Wood says.

CONTINUED >

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Stylist Jayden Graham.

Photo by Mateo Wood

Verbena, The Salon team members (left to right): Thalia Arvayo, Ainsley Heady, Mateo Wood, Zachary Novak, Mataya Mortensen

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | BEAU T Y

As Wood, now 23, notes, he decided to launch his salon earlier than planned because he wanted to create an environment that is enjoyable, encouraging and supportive for him, and his team of stylists.

“I wanted to nourish stylists at all experience levels to be successful with what they are passionate about and to experience a work life balance that encourages true wellness,” he says, adding that it is important to him that his stylists not only make a fair wage, but also work in a place that figuratively “fills their cups.”

This devotion to his co-workers’ happiness and fulfillment led to Wood forming the Co-stylist Program, a 90-workday long mentoring and training period where brand new stylists grow into full-time skilled stylists that already have a growing clientele.

“After a verbal and technical interview, and two weeks of training, our Co-stylists start taking clients one day a week, and they assist me behind the chair two to three days per week,” he says.

By the time new stylists finish the program, they are ready to work a full four-day workweek.

“For my other stylists who are already experienced and confident in their behind-the-chair skills, I do find other ways to implement newness and excitement to a career they’ve already been doing for many years,” Wood says.

“We host regular in-salon education, we do team building activities, we volunteer as a team for charity events or other outreach, and I also match their investment in their own education 50/50.”

Wood says he is equally as passionate about being involved with the local community as he is mentoring his new stylists.

“As a salon we do a couple things to give back and create community. We regularly donate and partner with a local organization called One N Ten, and we are in the works for creating educational opportunities, and we’ve even been involved in backstage hairstyling work for fundraising events they’ve done,” Wood says.

“We have also partnered with Hope Women’s Center, and in the upcoming year we are going to be launching a program with them to educate women in safe and effective hair styling. Our hope is that this valuable skill will lead to new job opportunities or inspire them to go further into Cosmetology.”

Wood is also immensely proud of owning a salon that offers a very inclusive and compassionate environment – something that many clients have looked for and are glad to have found at Verbena, The Salon.

While Wood admits that owning a growing salon can be a lot to juggle at times, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“If I had to pick one thing it would be all the people I get to see every day. I love my staff so much; they are all unique individuals that share the same heart for others that I do. And I love all my clients, catching up with them about life and things really fills my cup each day,” he says.

“Knowing that you are a small but important part of someone's life is such a cool thing to cherish.”

VerbenaTheSalon.com | 480.744.5371

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

EXPL

ORING

Local Flavors Construct the perfect meal with friends by sampling multiple restaurants’ cuisines – all in one night!

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Enjoy some of the best dining Ahwatukee has to offer by planning a restaurant crawl with friends, where you can experience selections from a few different restaurants in the community in just one night.

We’re sharing quick tips and a curated itinerary to get you started, but make it a regular occurrence and try all the restaurants that call Ahwatukee home.

Opposite: The Chianti braised beef pasta at Caffe Boa Ahwatukee Above: Appetizers at The Living Room Ahwatukee Right: A wall of wines at The Cellar CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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SELECT YOUR GROUP

Stay small. Less than five people makes it easier to pop in without reservations.

WORK OUT PAYMENT BEFOREHAND

Make it easy on your group and your server by determining one person who will pay the bill; have the others pay back via Zelle or Venmo.

DESIGNATE A DRIVER

Whether it’s choosing a friend who abstains from drinking or calling a trusty rideshare, make sure your group travels safely.

WHERE TO EAT

Start off with pre-dinner drinks at The Cellar (TheCellarPhx.com).

Select a refreshing white or robust red from an impressive list of wines.

Next, head to The Living Room Ahwatukee (LivingRoomWineBar. com) for a delicious appetizer – or two!

Prepare for an indulgent entrée at Ahwatukee staple, Caffe Boa (CaffeBoa.com), for their Italian classics and legendary bread with sun-dried tomato aioli.

Follow your meal with a decadent handcrafted dessert at another Ahwatukee institution – Nello’s Ahwatukee (NellosPizza.com).

End your evening with one of the traditional European beers available at the newly opened Wren Südhalle (WrenHouseBrewing. com/Sudhalle).

Above: Prosecco at The Cellar Opposite: The bruschetta board, crispy Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, and meat and cheese board appetizers at The Living Room Ahwatukee

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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“Enjoy some of the best dining Ahwatukee has to offer by planning a restaurant crawl with friends...”

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Top: European brews at Wren Südhalle Left: Tiramisu at Nello’s Ahwatukee Right: Cheesecake at Nello’s Ahwatukee

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

L OV I N G A H WAT U K E E L I F E Izzy, a morning host on ALT A Z 93.3, f inds Ahwatukee to be a peaceful sanctuar y

As a host on ALT AZ 93.3 in Phoenix, Izzy spends Monday through Friday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. playing a variety of alternative rock, and speaking with listeners who call into the show.

But when she’s played the final Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fall Out Boy, No Doubt or other song for the morning and her workday is done, Izzy loves nothing more than retreating to her peaceful home in Lakewood.

“I may be in the entertainment industry, but I love my quiet neighborhood,” Izzy says, adding that she moved to Ahwatukee about two years ago from Las Vegas.

“I heard from close family friends who also live in Ahwatukee that it’s an up-and-coming area that’s quiet and suburban. I’ve got a nice backyard, and everything I need is less than 10 minutes away.”

One of the many things Izzy enjoys about living in Lakewood is the greenbelt walking path, where she frequently walks her three dogs.

A devoted animal lover, Izzy hosts an Animal Of The Week segment on her show, where she posts a video of an adoptable dog or cat from Lost Our Home Pet Rescue in Tempe.

“Lakewood also has a beautiful lake that my boyfriend and I like to relax by and fish at. I love

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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“Af t e r l iv i ng i n A hwat u k ee , I wo u l d n’t wa nt t o m ove t o a ny oth e r pl a ce i n th e Va l l e y.” the spacious backyards that Ahwatukee allows, since my dogs love to run around,” she says.

“I also love how safe the neighborhood feels.

I totally feel comfortable going to grab my mail late at night by myself.”

Izzy, who has worked in radio for 12 years, got her start while she was in college at the University of Illinois.

“I was going to school for my psychology degree, but fell into radio as something fun to do on the side,” she says.

“I realized radio would be a lot more fun as a job than anything in psychology, so after I graduated, I moved on to my first real position doing nights at KISS FM in Springfield, Illinois.”

Prior to working in Las Vegas, Izzy also worked at a station in Fresno, California.

“I feel lucky to have found my passion so young, and to have already gotten 12 years in one of the most fun industries you could ever work in,” Izzy says.

“It’s definitely been a wild ride to get where I am, but moving all over has taught me a lot about myself, and having my very own show has shown me what I’m capable of.”

When she’s not on the air, or walking her dogs, Izzy can be found doing yoga every day, both in a studio and in her home.

"My boyfriend and I also enjoy going on trips up north to see some nature for the day, or going on weekend road trips to camp somewhere not too far,” she says.

“Since I have such a social job, I also really enjoy hanging out at home – in the backyard or on the couch watching a true crime documentary. We also like to experiment with cooking a lot to keep things interesting!”

Looking back, Izzy is definitely pleased with her decision to move here.

“After living in Ahwatukee, I wouldn’t want to move to any other place in the Valley.”

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

I Z Z Y ’ S FAV E

Ahwat u k ee Ha u nt s One of Izzy’s favorite things about Ahwatukee is the diversity in food found in local restaurants. Here are three of her fave spots to enjoy a tasty meal:

V E RO

133 4 E . Ch a n d l e r Blvd .

“I love Vero. It is nice and convenient, and it gives me a little slice of home because I’m originally from the Chicago area.”

C A SA DE J UA NA

3941 E . Ch a n d l e r Blvd .

“Their food is incredible, and their staff is always so kind.”

SA K U R A SUSH I

4747 E . El l i ot Roa d

“Their sushi is so fresh, and it’s always fast and friendly service.”

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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Bottles in Bloom ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CRIST

A DIY GUIDE TO CREATING A STYLISH AND HEARTFELT GIFT

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H OW TO | HO ME + DES I GN

“

The gesture of champagne and f lowers evokes an emotion of love felt entirely.”

This beautiful arrangement is one of the easiest DIY projects you’ll create this year – all you need is a drawer storage tray, floral foam, champagne and fresh flowers. Choose a mini or pre-made bouquet that matches the champagne bottle or your recipient’s personality. To start building your gift, place the bottle in the tray (either straight or on an angle) and cut the floral foam pieces to fit around the bottle. One by one, wet the floral foam pieces with water. Next, trim each flower stem to about 2 inches in length.

Start with your biggest flowers and place each stem around the bottle. Continue to add more flowers and greenery, filling in any open spots around the box.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with.

Pace, patience and priorities all matter when organizing itineraries, straddling time zones and navigating new places. Do you like languid mornings with room service, wide sandy beaches and white-glove service? Or, do you prefer watching the sunrise in hiking boots, launching into eye-opening excursions and digging to find that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves local food to locals?

When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Enjoying travel with your mate is the icing on the (wedding) cake.

Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Traveling can be as stressful as it is sublime. Exhausting as it is inspiring.

Traveling as a couple requires additional planning and communication with a healthy dose of patience. Much like marriage!

But, waking up in a faraway place, exploring unknown terrain together and leaving your routine and all its trappings behind can be therapeutic. You both can take on new roles and release tired habits.

1

Write new vows over lunch or take a random nap because you can.

2

Share planning and talk about your goals for the trip. Do you want to completely unplug or will one of you need excellent wifi to call into a few meetings?

3

If you’re parents, consider setting boundaries for texting and phone calls so you can put the phone away and immerse in one another. Let the kids know you will be checking your phone at a certain time each day (and stick to that). Let the grandparents or caregivers handle the day to day drama.

4

Take turns charting a course for the day. On day one, you check museum opening times, get the timed tickets and find a nearby spot for a healthy lunch. On day two, you sit back and let your partner call the Uber and source out the perfect shopping district, walking distance to a park. Enjoy the ride, either way.

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R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The Willows

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. Meander down the paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with local juices and fruit, a foot massage, and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients. Dinners at the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer the ultimate date night experience.

The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

The Pendry

Palm Springs, California

Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side. The seclusion, though just blocks from the Palm Springs village, is intoxicating. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs mid-century architecture of Hollywood titans or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.

The Pendry Pendry.com

Park City, Utah Create a perfect romantic getaway at Pendry Park City, a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The ski-in/ski-out resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, state-of-the-art fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

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FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBR UARY 3 R D

Transportation Day Horizon Presbyterian Church and God’s Garden Preschool | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Celebrating 23 years, Transportation Day returns, offering more than 40 unique vehicles of all sizes, shapes and types to see and explore for free.

This all-ages event also features a Fun Zone with bouncy houses, pony rides, train rides and more for a nominal fee.

TransportationDay.com FEBR UARY 4 TH

Tie Dye Run for Fun Tempe Beach Park | 8:30 AM

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The Tie Dye Run for Fun is an event that supports the Arizona Burn Foundation. Participants can choose the 10k Run/Walk, 5k Run/Walk or 1k Fun Run. Finishers get a medal and event shirt, along with a pre- and post-race Runner’s Brunch with granola bars, fruit and water. To register or learn more, visit DowntownTempe.com/do/ tie-dye-run-for-fun.

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FEBR UARY 5TH - 11TH

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The “Greatest Show on Grass” returns in 2024, after being named the PGA TOUR “Tournament of the Year.” In addition to the award-winning golf tournament, there is the Concert in the Coliseum featuring Post Malone, along with the Coors Light Birds Nest with performances by Hardy, Dierks Bentley, Duran Duran and Kygo. For tickets and more information, visit WMPhoenixOpen.com.

FEBR UARY 10 TH

Sip and Script Modern Calligraphy and Valentine Lettering for Beginners Jasmine Jo Coffee and Rowan Tree Flowers Ahwatukee | 12:30 PM Grab your gals for a fun and festive workshop where you will learn the basics of hand lettering. Class includes 1.5 hours of demonstration and instruction, along with a beginner’s calligraphy kit and writing material. For more information or to register, visit SipandScript.com.

FEBR UARY 23 R D - 24 TH

Innings Festival Tempe Beach Park This two-day festival celebrates Spring Training with music and food.

Red Hot Chili Peppers is the headlining act for Friday, where the lineup also features hometown heroes, Jimmy Eat World; while Hozier headlines Saturday. For tickets and more information, visit InningsFestival.com.

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