ARTS + CULTURE
PHOENIX SUNS PLAYER

BISMACK BIYOMBO TALKS

BASKETBALL, DESIGNING CLOTHES, AND GIVING BACK
ARTS + CULTURE
PHOENIX SUNS PLAYER
BISMACK BIYOMBO TALKS
BASKETBALL, DESIGNING CLOTHES, AND GIVING BACK
JUNE 2023
The conversations with my dad when I was calling home from college always went the same ...
“Hi, Dad!”
“Hi, Sweetie. How’s the weather?”
I’d answer (usually it was cold and gray since I went to school in Upstate New York!), and then he’d ask if I needed anything. From there it was, “Great! Here’s your mother.”
… and he’d pass the phone off.
It was a brief conversation, to be sure, but one that, over the years, has come to be filled with meaning—and a shorthand of sorts.
It was his code for making sure I was okay.
It’s not that we never had long conversations, but they always started with him asking about the weather.
Recently, we were with a group of family members and having a lively conversation about a personal situation. My dad chimed in, “Well, how’s the weather?”
And he smiled at me.
The other person was confused, but my dad gave me a look and said, “Ask Michelle—she knows what it means!”
And I explained … it means my amazing dad is dependable, someone who asks about details, and someone who always checks in to make sure you are okay.
It was his way of saying he cared.
In so many ways, my dad and I are similar. In others, not so much. As you can probably tell, I’m a journalist and tend to be wordy. My dad tends to be less so. But whether verbose or brief, the impact is the same—words matter.
So go ahead and read the words on the following pages to learn about some other incredible men. This is our Men’s Issue, and we showcase a few men who live in and care about our city. From making their marks in business to giving back to entertaining us, they make our communities better.
And, read about Phoenix Suns player Bismack Biyombo. He sat down with us to talk basketball, fashion, giving back, and more.
Like whiskey? We showcase a few we think you’ll like.
And for those of you wondering what to get the dad in your life for Father’s Day, we’ve got some gift ideas for you.
I hope you enjoy the issue!
And Dad (also known as Stu Ackerman), the weather is great. Thank you for being so wonderful. I love you!
June 2023
PUBLISHER
Tammy Fellows | tammy.fellows@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman | michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Michelle Talsma Everson, Susan Lanier-Graham
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sophia DuBois, Carl Schultz
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Proverbs 3:5-6
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Child Crisis Arizona Blue Hawaii
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @ParadiseValleyCityLifestyle
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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised.
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Photography: Joanie Simon
Last month, POMO Pizzeria’s Biltmore location installed a new Neapolitan pizza oven. The oven was imported from Italy and pressed with volcanic ash, allowing the pizza to have a more authentic wood flavor and crispiness that cannot be replicated in a typical oven. The locale is also working on getting its certification from the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, an international organization that designates pizzerias that meet strict requirements regarding the art of Neapolitan pizza making. POMOPizzeria.com
The Sicilian Butcher, the Sicilian and Italian restaurant concept created by The Maggiore Group, earned the prestigious “Breakout Brand” title from Nation's Restaurant News, and it is the only Arizona-based and Italian restaurant concept to be a part of the esteemed list. Nation’s Restaurant News is the only independent publication covering and serving the entire food service industry. The editorial team searched for the nation’s fastest-rising new restaurant brands with huge growth potential to choose the class of 2023. TheSicilianButcher.com
Scan to read more.
Hang out at Scottsdale’s summer hot spot to get in on the season’s top staycations. Kick back with weekend pool parties, enjoy refreshing cocktails and sample inventive dishes. Discover unique treasures + delicious flavors from the Valley’s best vendors when you join us for our Sip + Shop Summer Market Series on select Saturdays at the Sands Venue.
As I sat down to write this, I took a moment to think about all the amazing men I have around me in my life. First, I am lucky enough to have two fathers, both of whom have played very different roles in my life in wonderful ways. I have two amazing brothers who are some of my best friends, both growing up and still today. I am married to my very best friend and life partner, who is always supporting, loving, and challenging me to be the best version of myself. Together, we have built a brood of four boys of which are my biggest teachers in life! Don’t forget my late grandfathers, whose unconditional love and affection were magical for me!
I am so very grateful for the male energy I get to experience in those closest to me.
It is so important to recognize those men, young and old, who we get to experience throughout life, every day, as they are the yin to our yang. After all, men are from Mars … which really is a beautiful thing!
I dedicate this letter to all the guys out there who bring beauty to this world in the best of ways. The dads, grandfathers, sons, brothers, and friends— here’s to you!
Be grateful, be kind, and live well,
Tammy Fellows Owner/PublisherThe Phoenix Suns’ Bismack Biyombo Talks Playing Basketball, Designing Clothes, Career Highs—and the One Thing You’ll Never See Him Doing
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARL SCHULTZ
Bismack Biyombo is not your typical NBA player. He was raised by his parents in a very small town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the family—which also includes three brothers and three sisters—had limited access to resources most aspiring professional athletes had access to growing up. In fact, they even had limited access to clothes, and Biyombo only had a pair or two of shoes until he began playing basketball professionally in Europe at age 15.
Today, he’s a valued Phoenix Suns player, enjoys fashion (previous teammates have voted him best dressed multiple seasons in a row!), and when he’s not spending time on either of those, he’s giving back to his hometown and others through his Bismack Biyombo Foundation.
GROWING UP IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D LIVE IN THE U.S. AND PLAY FOR THE NBA ONE DAY?
I had dreams to play in the NBA. I used to play soccer. At the age of 12, it started shifting from soccer into basketball. I was too tall as a soccer player. I was getting too tall; my friends were shorter and faster. And that’s kind of how I started making a shift into basketball, and then over time, it became a dream to play in the NBA. Then over time, you could see it coming to light. Then in 2016, I left home and went to Yemen, then Spain, then Fuenlabrada, and then the NBA.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT?
The [Nike] Hoops Summit, which was the game that changed my life in a way because it was a game basically that introduced me to the NBA world and then being able to be recognized by the NBA scouts. That’s probably my favorite moment because I was not expected to play in the NBA, and I was not expected to be in that environment. Then when they finally chose to invite me to the game … I kind of became the surprise of the whole game. … I was supposed to get drafted two years later, and this was in 2011, and I ended up getting
drafted that same year after the Hoops Summit. I think that’s probably one of my favorite moments, going from nobody to somebody, I guess.
I love to dress, and I love the process. I don’t have a stylist. I do my own style because, to me, I think the reflection of who I am, I use it sometimes through clothes. I enjoy getting dressed, to be honest. I think the process of picking out different colors and outfits—you might have an idea of wearing one thing to tomorrow’s game, then you go and you take a nap, and you wake up from your nap and your whole mood is different, your attitude changed, and you want to [wear] something that goes hand in hand with that.
For me, it’s always been … I’ve got to represent myself in a way that feels good to me, so I try really hard. I love fashion.
A lot of my clothes I actually design myself and then someone makes them for me. I find pictures, and then I make some adjustments and some changes to make them look exactly the way I want it.
I do have some designer clothes, but a lot of my clothes I like to design myself and make them my own fashion.
Early on for me, it was hard to find clothes. I’d go shopping, and I’d be mad because I wouldn’t find my size. Then I met someone when I was living in LA, and they said you could send them anything and they would make it for you. So, they started making my stuff. At the beginning, whatever I could find, I would make my own by making some adjustments—so they designed it the way I wanted. But then once I started playing with [the designs], for me, it got fun.
That’s how I started and then it evolved over time.
SO … ARE WE GOING TO SEE YOU HAVE A FASHION LINE IN THE FUTURE?
Absolutely not! (Laughs.)
IN 2021-22, YOU PLEDGED YOUR SALARY TOWARD CONSTRUCTING A HOSPITAL IN CONGO. WHY DID YOU FEEL THAT WAS IMPORTANT?
When my dad got sick, thank God I could take care of him, and thank God I had the resources to put groups of doctors together and then get him out of the country. But when I was going there and observing the environments that he was in, the question was always, How about those other people that could not afford what I could afford for my dad? Like, what were the chances for them surviving? For me, we were always doing enough. We were refurbishing hospitals and donating medical equipment, but when my dad got into that situation, I got to educate myself a little more on the health of people back home. There is one doctor for every 10,000 people in the Congo.
For me, once my dad passed, one, I wanted to take some time away to heal properly in order for me to continue to enjoy the game, and two, is by doing that, then you find that motivation to do something. When I decided to play the game again, for me, the best way to remember him and what he has done for me—he spent his whole life servicing people—so I wanted to give them something that would continue to service people, and knowing that even if we couldn’t save his life, through our own human power, we can save a lot of lives perhaps in his name. So that’s where the idea came for donating my salary and then just building a hospital that will be able to save some lives, and then focus on the newborn, as well, because he was really big on that.
“That’s probably my favorite moment because I was not expected to play in the NBA, and I was not expected to be in that environment. Then when they finally chose to invite me to the game … I kind of became the surprise of the whole game.”
YOU’VE LIVED IN MANY CITIES OVER YOUR CAREER. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES PHOENIX SPECIAL?
One, the weather! I love the weather. I’ve played in a lot of cities, but I think I just love the weather in Phoenix … and I enjoy a lot of sunsets. And the people are amazing here. You have really good people—great fans that are passionate about the team.
YOU CHOSE TO PLAY WITH THE PHOENIX SUNS. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO THE TEAM?
Winning! The passion of winning. I won a lot with my dad when he was still alive, whether it was career decisions, contracts, and so on and on. But I wanted to win something when I decided to play basketball again. It was just being able to say it’s a new journey I started, you know, won a new championship without my dad, and the passion that grows behind it, the level of focus and dedication. Because to me, it’s not just that I want a chance at a championship; it’s more than that. It’s that I take on a new role in my family, becoming the father figure for my brothers and my sisters, and I think that the desire, and obviously last year coming to Phoenix, was that Phoenix was the best team, and I still believe that we are the best team, despite the fact that we’re having a lot of injuries. But last year the team was the best in the league, and for me, it was just giving myself the chance to just win something, which will be the first victory without my dad. To me, it will always mean something.
YOU RECENTLY HIT 1,000 BLOCKS IN YOUR CAREER, WHICH SPEAKS TO YOUR LONGEVITY. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DO TO KEEP YOU GOING?
I think it’s just the passion of winning, to be honest. I think, to me, winning has just been one of the most important things because, I think, if you don’t win, all
of those numbers really mean nothing. So for me, it’s finding ways to impact the game in whichever way I can, because I know that at the end of the day, if there’s one thing I enjoy, it’s winning a basketball game.
Reaching a thousand blocks is great, but if I win a championship, that will be everything. Not if—when I win a championship!
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
That’s a good and tough question because I think I’ve done so many interviews over my life that I think my life is all over Google! I don’t have anything specific besides just my brothers and my sisters are my best friends, and we have a unique relationship.
There’s no one specific thing that people would be surprised about. From a kid, you get asked questions year after year, different questions, but by the time you become a man, you’ve basically given your whole life to Google.
But at the same time, this is the life I’ve chosen, and I’m grateful for it. I’m always thankful that God has put me in a position to do what I do, and things that I love to do, whether it’s playing basketball or doing the work that we do with my foundation. … We started with 25, and now we have thousands and thousands of kids across the country, and we are building schools and hospitals and all these things.
These are the things that, in my wildest dreams as a kid, I could never think of. And then being able to [bring] over 70 kids to the U.S. on scholarships.
It just gives you so much joy how much impact one person’s success can have on other people. But at the end of the day, I just have a big passion about where I came from, and I have a big passion about the younger generation because I believe they are going have a tremendous impact on our society, and that’s where I like to shift and put my energy outside of basketball and businesses.
When Frank DeBlasi was diagnosed with cancer at 29, he promised himself that if he made it through his battle, he would pay forward the support he received by lifting the spirits of kids and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis. Luckily, he survived to do just that— and the Baller Dream Foundation (BDF), based out of Scottsdale, was born.
BDF supports pediatric and young adult cancer warriors, ages 0 to 29, through treatment, remission, and beyond. Operating in six states, the nonprofit is home to four main programs—major gifting, in-hospital programming, community/peer-to-peer events, and financial support—that create custom support that benefits each individual when and where it is most needed.
“I’m a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch during the day and a philanthropist by night,” DeBlasi shares about his work. “I have a never-ending passion for making a difference.
“We refer to our cancer-fighting warriors as ‘ballers’ instead of ‘patients.’ Our ballers are strong, resilient, and courageous individuals. They are at the heart of everything we do.”
To raise funds for BDF, the nonprofit is hosting its annual Dinner of Dreams fundraiser gala on Nov. 3. BallerDream.org
As a child, Michael Paul was fascinated by magician David Copperfield—he recorded his show and watched it every day after school.
“David Copperfield said to go to the local library to learn more about magic, which I did, and I got really hooked,” he says. “You know how kids often get a magic set as a gift, then the fascination passes? Mine stuck with me.”
Fast-forward to today, and his career has now spanned more than two decades. His act has been featured off-Broadway in New York City and at the world-famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles. More than just a magic show, Paul describes what he does as a blend of high-quality, interactive magic, fire eating, event hosting, mind reading, and more.
“I love what I do because it’s the most genuine person-to-person interaction you can have in live entertainment,” he shares. “I got my nickname Mike the Trickster while on tour in Jamaica, and it fits perfectly because my show is so much more than what people think of as magic.”
A Scottsdale resident, he’s available for everything from private events to public performances, and can be found on Sundays at The Hot Chick in Scottsdale from 3-5 p.m.
Instagram: @mikethetrickster
Michael Paul Magical entertainment providerA natural-born entrepreneur, Allen Goldman founded Skindinavia in 2005 after being inspired to assist women with a common but vulnerable dilemma—helping them to keep their makeup from fading and cracking in extreme temperatures.
“We [Skindinavia] are best known for our makeup finishing sprays,” Goldman explains. “These are lightweight mists that hold makeup in place for up to 16 hours. It’s helpful in the Arizona heat. We are the global leader in the category, with a bottle selling once every 10 seconds.”
What makes Skindinavia stand out? Goldman says it’s their patented cooling technology that dramatically slows down makeup from degrading.
“That’s the secret sauce,” he adds.
An industry leader, Goldman shares that major brands like L’Oréal and Urban Decay license the company’s technology for their products.
“We have partnered with Urban Decay since 2010, and the relationship has been amazing,” he says. “You can still see the products in Sephora and Ulta today.”
And while his company’s reach is global, Goldman says he loves having Arizona be his home base.
“I relocated here from Boston in 2014, and I love it.”
“These are lightweight mists that hold makeup in place for up to 16 hours. It’s helpful in the Arizona heat. We are the global leader in the category, with a bottle selling once every 10 seconds.”
E
R I E N C E D C O M P A
E v e r y c l i e n t i s t r e a t e d a s
a n i n d i v i d u a l a n d p r o v i d
t h e r e s p e c t a n d a t t e n t i o n
t h e y d e s e r v e .
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s p e c i f i c a l l y a c c o r d i n g t o
t h e i n d i v i d u a l c l i e n t . I t i
N O T a o n e s i z e f i t s a l l
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Called liquid sunshine by playwright George Bernard Shaw, whiskey is a Gaelic word that means “water of life.” This water of life can be made using barley, rye, wheat, or even corn, and is referred to in different ways depending on the location and the primary ingredient being distilled. In the United States and Ireland, whiskey is spelled with the “e,” while other parts of the world spell it “whisky” without the “e.” Further, whisky made in Scotland is primarily made using barley and is called Scotch whisky, while whiskey made in the Southeastern United States using corn is called bourbon whiskey. No matter the name, here are some must-try bottles for any whiskey lover.
Made in Scotland’s Isle of Skye—which is Norse for misty isle and fitting given its Game of Thrones-like ambiance—this elegant, non-chill-filtered expression is named after the stream that flows down the side of the distillery and is the second of four expressions to be released under the Torabhaig Legacy Series (the first is sold out). Using traditional wooden washbacks for fermentation and classic twin copper stills, Torabhaig Distillery has developed a distinctive signature style described as well-tempered peat, bringing a complexity of flavor and delivering a truly balanced character in each sip.
$60.99; Torabhaig.com
Part of a highly sought-after and collectible Ardbeg series, Batch 4 is the award-winning Scotch icon’s latest expression. It is matured in a slightly higher proportion of Oloroso sherry casks and was inspired by Traigh Bhan beach in Islay, Scotland’s fifth-largest island. It was bottled under a full moon and offers aromas of herbal pine, lime sorbet, and eucalyptus on the nose. On the palate, expect a rush of smokey wood followed by dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans, and a finish with medicinal and spicy notes ranging from menthol and fresh lemongrass to clove and white pepper.
$299.99; Ardbeg.com
Since its debut stateside, Shibui has become the most-awarded Japanese whisky in the United States. This varietal is non-chill-filtered and made from Japanese premium indica long-grain rice. It is aged in virgin European white oak casks for 10 years in Okinawa before being bottled. On the nose, there is a buttery, creamy richness with just a hint of fruit. Upon tasting, enjoy layers of tropical fruit salad, sea salt caramel, and whipped cream, as well as warm cornbread straight from the oven. The finish is long but not exaggerated, making the taste buds eager for another sip.
$179.99; ShibuiWhisky.com
Named for the (in)famous Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles and inspired by diverse and boldly unapologetic creativity in Hollywood and beyond, this brand was founded by longtime friends Walton Goggins, an Emmy-nominated actor bestknown for his roles in The Righteous Gemstones, Justified , and Vice Principals, and lauded photographer Matthew Alper. An American whiskey born in Indiana, aged in Kentucky, and finished in California, it features corn, rye, and malted barley and opens with notes of vanilla bean, sweet corn, and baking spices. On the palate, expect dried fruit, rye, and then a beautiful symphony of caramel and toffee.
$36.99; MulhollandDistilling.com
Voted Best of The Valley
B a k e d S m a l l B a t c h .
M a d e F r e s h A n d M a i l e d S t r a i g h t
T o Y o u r D o o r S a m e D a y .
4 8 0 . 7 7 9 . 9 1 1 0
GOOD FOR THE EARTH WHILE EXPLORING THE EARTH
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAMThe 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe envelopes you in luxury yet gives you the power to explore more.
The new Grand Cherokee has three driving modes to fit your lifestyle. Choose the All-Electric Mode with a 25-mile range for zero emissions. The Hybrid Mode combines the 2-liter turbocharged engine and the electric motor for maximum efficiency. The eSave Mode uses the 2-liter engine to preserve the battery power.
RELIABLE JEEP HANDLING
You can feel confident taking your Jeep off-road. The Quadra-Trac II 4x system features a two-speed low transfer case and uses sensors to monitor tire traction. The optional Quadra-Drive II with Electronic Limited Slip Differential is a full-time 4x4 for all-weather handling. The water-sealed battery pack means you can confidently handle up to two feet of water. And don’t worry about damaging your Jeep. The underbody of the 4xe has a reinforced housing to protect it over the roughest obstacles.
The interior of your 4xe lets you comfortably explore the city or the desert. Your cabin is your kingdom with luxurious seats. Opt for the 16-way adjustable seats with memory pre-sets and massage mode.
The interior ambient LED lighting is customizable, letting you create the mood for your journey.
There are three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. The cargo space ranges from 17.2 cubic feet with seating for seven to an impressive 84.6 cubic feet with seating for two.
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers impressive technology. A 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen features navigation, a rear-seat camera monitor, and infotainment options.
Other driver features include an optional 10-inch full-color Head-Up Display, 10.25inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display, and a wireless charging pad.
The front-seat passenger can enjoy a dedicated screen with navigation options, entertainment, and more. Backseat passengers can play movies or stream online content with the optional Amazon Fire TV monitors.
2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
MSRP: Starting at $60,360
Engine: 2.0L 14 DOHC DI Turbo PHEV
Horsepower: 375 hp
Mileage: 56 MPG equivalent
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These 11-ounce old-fashioned glasses from Taliesin West feature the Whirling Arrow, which was adapted from a 1940s design by architect Frank Lloyd Wright that he used as a symbol for his school, inspired by the ancient Hohokam petroglyph that was found on a rock in the over 600 acres of Wright’s winter home and school, Taliesin West, when the home and campus was being constructed. $17.98 at Shop.FrankLloydWright.com
Grill masters are sometimes only as good as their tools—so give them this 18-Piece BBQ Grill Set by Tommy Bahama that has everything they’ll need to prep, flip, skewer, and serve at the next barbecue. And when the party’s over, the trusty cleaning tools will help them prep the grill for the next cookout. $84.50 at TommyBahama.com
Perfect for the outdoorsy type, onX Backcountry is an exploration app that provides industry-leading GPS technology to equip backcountry goers and day hikers alike with the tools they need. There are guidebook-quality route descriptions, detailed maps, route-building capabilities, and real-time weather. Plus, save maps offline for real-time location tracking.
Premium subscription $29.99/year; Elite subscription $99.99/year at OnXMaps.com
The Archive Sawyer Indigo Camp Shirt, made of 100% indigo-dyed cotton, is eco-friendly and extremely soft, and is perfect for a casual outfit or a date night. It takes its inspiration from the Guayabera tradition. $128 at CaveAndPost.com
H.I.M.-istry Naturals was founded on the notion that for many men, daily shaving and skin care regimens are one and the same. Give the gift of skin care that goes beyond basic shaving cream with a variety of products for skin and facial hair. Prices vary. HIMIsrty.com
The first-ever rugged inflatable AirSkirts Cooler is lightweight and easy to handle, packs up small, and inflates in minutes to keep food and beverages cold for up to two days. Pump included. $299 at AirSkirts.com